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Stars and Shadows #3
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
I entered into a bargain—choosing my mate over my freedom.
But I underestimated the crowned prince who took me. His touch like venom. His vengeance lethal.
He craves a power I no longer hold, and he’ll sacrifice every part of me until he gets it.
But I don’t belong to him. I belong to his brother. His brother who will come for me, consequences be damned.
My fate is entangled between two princes—one who craves my power, the other who covets me—and I have more to lose than I ever imagined.
War rages in a game between queens, and I have become their pawn. But I will fight for my life, for my mate, and he will raze kingdoms to get me back.
But I underestimated the crowned prince who took me. His touch like venom. His vengeance lethal.
He craves a power I no longer hold, and he’ll sacrifice every part of me until he gets it.
But I don’t belong to him. I belong to his brother. His brother who will come for me, consequences be damned.
My fate is entangled between two princes—one who craves my power, the other who covets me—and I have more to lose than I ever imagined.
War rages in a game between queens, and I have become their pawn. But I will fight for my life, for my mate, and he will raze kingdoms to get me back.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 23, 2023
2896 people are currently reading
25493 people want to read
About the author
Holly Renee
28 books7,260 followers✨USA Today Bestselling Author
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
🤠 Cowboy Casual out October 7th
Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorhollyrenee/
Join my Reader Group, Hollywood: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HollyRenee
🩷🤠COWBOY ROMANCE🤠🩷
Cowboy Casual | Coming October 7th
✨🌙⚔️FANTASY ROMANCE⚔️🌙✨
The Veiled Kingdom Series
The Veiled Kingdom
The Hunted Heir
The Rivaled Crown
The Stars and Shadows Series
A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows
A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows
A Kingdom of Fire and Fate
🖤🫦CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE🫦🖤
The Boys of Clermont Bay Series
The Touch of a Villain
The Fall of a God
The Taste of an Enemy
The Deceit of a Devil
The Seduction of Pretty Lies
The Temptation of Dirty Secrets
The Good Girls Series
Where Good Girls Go to Die
Where Bad Girls Go to Fall
Where Bad Boys are Ruined
The Rock Bottom Series
Trouble with the Guy Next Door
Trouble with the Hotshot Boss}
[book: Trouble with the Fake Boyfriend
The Wrong Prince Charming
The Wrong Prince Charming
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,498 reviews
March 24, 2023
*cracks knuckles*
Where do I even start? This book was a hot mess from the very beginning.
Books 1 and 2 were fun for what they are but A Kingdom of Venom and Vows is 279 pages of telling instead of showing and an insane amount of repetition.
The word mate is used 88 times. Adara, I understand that Evren is your fucking mate but give it a rest. I don’t need 27853 variations of “I’m going to get back to my mate if it’s the last thing I do.”
The plot? Never heard of her. Adara spends a few chapters as Gavril’s captive and then the rescue is 1 chapter. There’s probably six chapters of back to back to back smut that don’t advance the plot whatsoever. I never thought I would say this but too much smut is a thing. The relationship between Adara and her father is hardly touched upon even though she hasn’t seen him in YEARS?
There is approximately one chapter, maybe two, for this “Great War” between kingdoms but Evren and his comrades spend less than that actually preparing for this war. They specifically spent five minutes reading about “death magic” that is never expanded upon. This book desperately needs more world building. Once the war is over? More smut *yawn* and a death where we never find out how it happened or who killed that person.
There’s a lot more I hated but I had to skim this entire book and I still understood what was going on.
I truly don’t understand why more novels are being written for side characters when there is no reason to care about them in the first 3 books.
Where do I even start? This book was a hot mess from the very beginning.
Books 1 and 2 were fun for what they are but A Kingdom of Venom and Vows is 279 pages of telling instead of showing and an insane amount of repetition.
The word mate is used 88 times. Adara, I understand that Evren is your fucking mate but give it a rest. I don’t need 27853 variations of “I’m going to get back to my mate if it’s the last thing I do.”
The plot? Never heard of her. Adara spends a few chapters as Gavril’s captive and then the rescue is 1 chapter. There’s probably six chapters of back to back to back smut that don’t advance the plot whatsoever. I never thought I would say this but too much smut is a thing. The relationship between Adara and her father is hardly touched upon even though she hasn’t seen him in YEARS?
There is approximately one chapter, maybe two, for this “Great War” between kingdoms but Evren and his comrades spend less than that actually preparing for this war. They specifically spent five minutes reading about “death magic” that is never expanded upon. This book desperately needs more world building. Once the war is over? More smut *yawn* and a death where we never find out how it happened or who killed that person.
There’s a lot more I hated but I had to skim this entire book and I still understood what was going on.
I truly don’t understand why more novels are being written for side characters when there is no reason to care about them in the first 3 books.
July 17, 2023
veryyyy underwhelmed with this one. but maybe im just outgrowing this kind of book?
this kind of fantasy romance, one where i can turn my brain off and just enjoy the story, is usually really good when im not in the mood to read anything else. but i felt like i actually lost a few brain cells reading this. its a little too mindless, if that makes sense.
i wanted more from the characters, the plot, and the writing. nothing really felt like it had a purpose in terms of storytelling. which is sooo odd because the series started off so strongly, so im not sure what happened with this final installment.
oh well.
↠ 2 stars
this kind of fantasy romance, one where i can turn my brain off and just enjoy the story, is usually really good when im not in the mood to read anything else. but i felt like i actually lost a few brain cells reading this. its a little too mindless, if that makes sense.
i wanted more from the characters, the plot, and the writing. nothing really felt like it had a purpose in terms of storytelling. which is sooo odd because the series started off so strongly, so im not sure what happened with this final installment.
oh well.
↠ 2 stars
July 6, 2023
2⭐️
TW: negative review
Here’s the deal. Book 1? A fun time. Book 2? A fun time. Book 3? Unfortunately a dumpster fire train wreck. Let me break it down for you. I’m gonna be honest I did skim a lot of this and I can tell you that I didn’t miss much.
Things I liked:
-That the book was only 297 pages
Things I didn’t like:
-Character development? We don’t know her. Adara is a completely different person in this book. Like ????? Where did you come from????
-THE REPETITION
The word mate is used 88 times. On 30% of the pages, the word mate exists. That’s so crazy.
88 times BRO. I wanted to pull my hair out with the amount of repetition.
Him: “I’m going to watch over you.”
Her: “No you need to rest too!”
Him: “not tonight. I’m going to watch over you.” HEY BRO WE HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME
-Dialogue that made me want to run my car over a bridge:
“His c*** fell out” is one of the craziest lines of literature I’ve ever read in my entire life 💀
-the lack of plot. I mean this is really just smut with some boring backstory. Not really my cup of tea.
-Evren’s only personality trait is Adara
Tropes:
-“enemies” to lovers
-one horse
-touch her and die
-3.25 🌶️
TW: SA
Overall, I think this trilogy starts out entertaining but I really couldn’t recommend this to anyone. The plot is all over the place, the characters are underdeveloped. I was not having a good time.
TW: negative review
Here’s the deal. Book 1? A fun time. Book 2? A fun time. Book 3? Unfortunately a dumpster fire train wreck. Let me break it down for you. I’m gonna be honest I did skim a lot of this and I can tell you that I didn’t miss much.
Things I liked:
-That the book was only 297 pages
Things I didn’t like:
-Character development? We don’t know her. Adara is a completely different person in this book. Like ????? Where did you come from????
-THE REPETITION
The word mate is used 88 times. On 30% of the pages, the word mate exists. That’s so crazy.
88 times BRO. I wanted to pull my hair out with the amount of repetition.
Him: “I’m going to watch over you.”
Her: “No you need to rest too!”
Him: “not tonight. I’m going to watch over you.” HEY BRO WE HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME
-Dialogue that made me want to run my car over a bridge:
“His c*** fell out” is one of the craziest lines of literature I’ve ever read in my entire life 💀
-the lack of plot. I mean this is really just smut with some boring backstory. Not really my cup of tea.
-Evren’s only personality trait is Adara
Tropes:
-“enemies” to lovers
-one horse
-touch her and die
-3.25 🌶️
TW: SA
Overall, I think this trilogy starts out entertaining but I really couldn’t recommend this to anyone. The plot is all over the place, the characters are underdeveloped. I was not having a good time.
March 29, 2023
WE GET IT YOU’RE MATES
March 25, 2023
3.75
I've been in love with Adara and Evren since A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows, and they've only gotten more amazing since!
Adara has grown so much from the girl she was when we first met her. She's a force to be reckoned with that doesn't need a prince to save her and has proven herself worthy of the crown and adoration of the kingdom.
Evren has continued to be the strong, swoony, sexy af hero I lost my mind over from the moment he appeared on the page. He's a born ruler that puts his people and his lady above himself and is prepared to fight and die for them if need be. He'll forever be my favorite part of this series.
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows is a solid conclusion to the Stars and Shadows series. That being said, the last part of the story unfolded in a way that was unexpected for me, and I didn't quite understand some of the choices the author made. Spoilers prevent me from explaining that statement further, but don't worry, Adara and Thalia get their moments to shine. If you're a fan of their friendship, you're in for a real treat!
It seems evident from some of the events in this book and the Sorin POV chapter that Thalia will be getting her own story next. If she's a favorite character of yours, you'll enjoy this finale all the more! Holly Renee delivered a fast paced, satisfying ending to the Stars and Shadows series, and I can't wait to see what else she gives us from this incredible world.
Fantasy romance fans, this one's for you!
I've been in love with Adara and Evren since A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows, and they've only gotten more amazing since!
Adara has grown so much from the girl she was when we first met her. She's a force to be reckoned with that doesn't need a prince to save her and has proven herself worthy of the crown and adoration of the kingdom.
Evren has continued to be the strong, swoony, sexy af hero I lost my mind over from the moment he appeared on the page. He's a born ruler that puts his people and his lady above himself and is prepared to fight and die for them if need be. He'll forever be my favorite part of this series.
A Kingdom of Venom and Vows is a solid conclusion to the Stars and Shadows series. That being said, the last part of the story unfolded in a way that was unexpected for me, and I didn't quite understand some of the choices the author made. Spoilers prevent me from explaining that statement further, but don't worry, Adara and Thalia get their moments to shine. If you're a fan of their friendship, you're in for a real treat!
It seems evident from some of the events in this book and the Sorin POV chapter that Thalia will be getting her own story next. If she's a favorite character of yours, you'll enjoy this finale all the more! Holly Renee delivered a fast paced, satisfying ending to the Stars and Shadows series, and I can't wait to see what else she gives us from this incredible world.
Fantasy romance fans, this one's for you!
March 11, 2023
I can’t believe it is over.
✨✨✨
Okay now that it’s been a few days. This was the perfect conclusion to Adara’s story. I loved seeing her come into her own and really fight back.
The spice was spicing per usual with any of Holly’s books. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was a little sad that it ended without more but I could read 1000 books about Adara & Evren (especially Evren). I’m also really hopeful we get a book about Thalia and Sorin. 🙏🏼
Holly - you’re the queen of fast paced writing and AKOVAV was the perfect ending to your first fantasy romance series and I’m so so so so excited for what’s to come.
Also the dedication 😭😭😭 I mean come on. I’m crying all over again.
✨✨✨
Okay now that it’s been a few days. This was the perfect conclusion to Adara’s story. I loved seeing her come into her own and really fight back.
The spice was spicing per usual with any of Holly’s books. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was a little sad that it ended without more but I could read 1000 books about Adara & Evren (especially Evren). I’m also really hopeful we get a book about Thalia and Sorin. 🙏🏼
Holly - you’re the queen of fast paced writing and AKOVAV was the perfect ending to your first fantasy romance series and I’m so so so so excited for what’s to come.
Also the dedication 😭😭😭 I mean come on. I’m crying all over again.
April 4, 2023
Bummer. I really enjoyed book 1 of this series, but I felt like this series went steeply downhill. This book was just boring. I was just waiting for it to be over. Luckily, it's a pretty short book. There was nothing surprising in this.
In a 314 page fantasy book, there are EIGHT (or nine?) sex scenes, and they are extremely repetitive. From chapters 13 - 18, there was a separate sex scene in every single consecutive chapter. I was so bored out of my mind during all of the sex scenes. After the first one, I was just skimming them all because they were all exactly the same. They weren't hot--they felt like a chore. I also have learned from this series that I HATE the term "nub" in spicy scenes.
There were also a ton of small plot holes in this. I still have 0 idea why Gavril and Evren were both just waiting to get married to Adara for so long if it was such a race for one of them to marry her first. Like...just do it then? They spent 3 books being like ONE OF US MUST MARRY ADARA TO FULFILL THE PROPHECY...like ok then marry her? Also, when Gavril dropped Adara's mom's dead body in the blood kingdom--couldn't he have just kidnapped Adara again considering he's supposedly more powerful than anyone with his new death magic? It's not like she was secure if he could just transport into the kingdom suddenly (unclear why Death Magic allows him to teleport all the sudden but ok). And, we never got an explanation for why Evren's mother attacked them at the end of book 1--I'm still salty about that.
The random Sorin POV chapter was really strange, especially since it was the only chapter not from Evren and Adara's POVs, and the entire chapter was a sex scene between Sorin and Thalia. It also happened to fall after I had just read 6 sex scenes between Evren and Adara IN A ROW. I was like, goddamn not another sex scene. I understand that the author was trying to set up for the next book in the series which will focus on Thalia and Sorin, but it should have been included as an epilogue and not randomly in the middle of this book with no other purpose or relevance. Also, if you're trying to get me to read the next book in the series about Thalia and Sorin's romance, why would I bother reading that when I've already read a sex scene between them/banter? What else is there to say in this story?
None of the side characters besides Sorin and Thalia were fleshed out at all. Notably, Evren's mother, aka the Queen of the Blood Court (who you would think is pretty significant to this story), still has 0 role in this entire series. I don't even know why the author included her as a living character because she served 0 purpose and had no lines in this book. I can't even remember her name--that's how irrelevant she was and I don't think they said it more than once in this book. It was also weird that they introduced a new King 75% into this book. I was like who the hell is King Drystan? King Drystan came out of nowhere and I have no idea what happened to him in the final battle or what his deal is. He was in 1 scene and that was that. And finally, there was a lot of grieving for a character named Jorah dying in the final battle, but I literally don't think Jorah had one line in this entire book. I think Thalia had a thing with him, but she also fucked Sorin, so I have no idea who Jorah is or why we care about him.
Finally, I recognize that this book has been a pretty blatant copycat of ACOTAR and FBAA since book 1, but that ending was literally the same as ACOWAR???
Overall, this was pretty boring and disappointing in the end. I think this trilogy could have been a duet if the author wasn't going to bother trying to further develop any characters, fix the plot holes, or improve the shaky world-building. They never really explained the magic system at all or what Evren/Adara's powers are. It was always just "my power rushed at him" or "his magic killed all the soldiers"...like is it just a force? What is this magic?? Anyways, I won't be re-reading and I'm disappointed.
In a 314 page fantasy book, there are EIGHT (or nine?) sex scenes, and they are extremely repetitive. From chapters 13 - 18, there was a separate sex scene in every single consecutive chapter. I was so bored out of my mind during all of the sex scenes. After the first one, I was just skimming them all because they were all exactly the same. They weren't hot--they felt like a chore. I also have learned from this series that I HATE the term "nub" in spicy scenes.
There were also a ton of small plot holes in this. I still have 0 idea why Gavril and Evren were both just waiting to get married to Adara for so long if it was such a race for one of them to marry her first. Like...just do it then? They spent 3 books being like ONE OF US MUST MARRY ADARA TO FULFILL THE PROPHECY...like ok then marry her? Also, when Gavril dropped Adara's mom's dead body in the blood kingdom--couldn't he have just kidnapped Adara again considering he's supposedly more powerful than anyone with his new death magic? It's not like she was secure if he could just transport into the kingdom suddenly (unclear why Death Magic allows him to teleport all the sudden but ok). And, we never got an explanation for why Evren's mother attacked them at the end of book 1--I'm still salty about that.
The random Sorin POV chapter was really strange, especially since it was the only chapter not from Evren and Adara's POVs, and the entire chapter was a sex scene between Sorin and Thalia. It also happened to fall after I had just read 6 sex scenes between Evren and Adara IN A ROW. I was like, goddamn not another sex scene. I understand that the author was trying to set up for the next book in the series which will focus on Thalia and Sorin, but it should have been included as an epilogue and not randomly in the middle of this book with no other purpose or relevance. Also, if you're trying to get me to read the next book in the series about Thalia and Sorin's romance, why would I bother reading that when I've already read a sex scene between them/banter? What else is there to say in this story?
None of the side characters besides Sorin and Thalia were fleshed out at all. Notably, Evren's mother, aka the Queen of the Blood Court (who you would think is pretty significant to this story), still has 0 role in this entire series. I don't even know why the author included her as a living character because she served 0 purpose and had no lines in this book. I can't even remember her name--that's how irrelevant she was and I don't think they said it more than once in this book. It was also weird that they introduced a new King 75% into this book. I was like who the hell is King Drystan? King Drystan came out of nowhere and I have no idea what happened to him in the final battle or what his deal is. He was in 1 scene and that was that. And finally, there was a lot of grieving for a character named Jorah dying in the final battle, but I literally don't think Jorah had one line in this entire book. I think Thalia had a thing with him, but she also fucked Sorin, so I have no idea who Jorah is or why we care about him.
Finally, I recognize that this book has been a pretty blatant copycat of ACOTAR and FBAA since book 1, but that ending was literally the same as ACOWAR???
Overall, this was pretty boring and disappointing in the end. I think this trilogy could have been a duet if the author wasn't going to bother trying to further develop any characters, fix the plot holes, or improve the shaky world-building. They never really explained the magic system at all or what Evren/Adara's powers are. It was always just "my power rushed at him" or "his magic killed all the soldiers"...like is it just a force? What is this magic?? Anyways, I won't be re-reading and I'm disappointed.
April 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️.5
''I would be their destruction''
Safety warnings:
-No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- S*xual assault
- Physical assault
- Violence/d*ath
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
The conclusion to this story was underwhelming. To be honest it could have been a duet. The third book started off in a good place but once she is rescued and they are reunited it spends too much time focusing on smut then wrapping up the story in a less quick paced way? I generally never complain about smut but there are things that needed to happen outside of it in this book that just didn't. They never spend time TALKING, just settled everything with sex.
We never really got to understand what Gavril truly felt for his mate throughout the years. We got some sort of information that he might have loved her? but not really? It felt like something was missing.
Also, where the fuck is the dad (aka THE KING)?? He dipped out so early into this series and we got NO closure from him in this trilogy? Are we getting it in the other books? I kind of wanted something from his character, even a small appearance but he just is never around however he survived everything and I wonder if he will cause more issues in the future? It was just weird to have him be the CENTER of the sons (you know how he sired both of them) and not have any time in this trilogy. He was just there to donate sperm tbh.
OH, and the unnecessary death of Jorah just so the love triangle can die and we don't have to worry about hurting his feelings when the two other characters officially get together. His death was just poorly handled. We didn't get his death scene or even his funeral (unless I blocked it out because I checked out midway through this book).
Will I continue reading about the other characters? yes because it seems like they will be ONE book for each future couples which I think will work best.
This series started out strong to me, but it just fizzled out by the end and that saddens me.
''I would be their destruction''
Safety warnings:
-No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- S*xual assault
- Physical assault
- Violence/d*ath
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
The conclusion to this story was underwhelming. To be honest it could have been a duet. The third book started off in a good place but once she is rescued and they are reunited it spends too much time focusing on smut then wrapping up the story in a less quick paced way? I generally never complain about smut but there are things that needed to happen outside of it in this book that just didn't. They never spend time TALKING, just settled everything with sex.
We never really got to understand what Gavril truly felt for his mate throughout the years. We got some sort of information that he might have loved her? but not really? It felt like something was missing.
Also, where the fuck is the dad (aka THE KING)?? He dipped out so early into this series and we got NO closure from him in this trilogy? Are we getting it in the other books? I kind of wanted something from his character, even a small appearance but he just is never around however he survived everything and I wonder if he will cause more issues in the future? It was just weird to have him be the CENTER of the sons (you know how he sired both of them) and not have any time in this trilogy. He was just there to donate sperm tbh.
OH, and the unnecessary death of Jorah just so the love triangle can die and we don't have to worry about hurting his feelings when the two other characters officially get together. His death was just poorly handled. We didn't get his death scene or even his funeral (unless I blocked it out because I checked out midway through this book).
Will I continue reading about the other characters? yes because it seems like they will be ONE book for each future couples which I think will work best.
This series started out strong to me, but it just fizzled out by the end and that saddens me.
March 24, 2023
"They thought I was their savior, but I would be no such thing. I would be their destruction.”
"The Blood kingdom is my home. And the Blood prince is my mate. If you are to fear anything, it should be me. You should fear what I am willing to do to get it all back.”
TW: sexual assault, sexual harassment
From page one, I already feared the amount of unnecessary repetition I would see in this book. I knew I’d have to be very tolerant and turn a blind eye to it if I wanted this book not to be a DNF. It was a big issue with the book (with the whole series actually). These were all within a few pages:
”…and that venom in her eyes was for Adara, who was also taken from her.”
”They had taken my mate, and I wanted nothing more than to destroy them all.”
”These men were responsible for taking Adara, and Sorin took that as seriously as I did.”
”He had attacked my people after the man he served stole Adara.”
Evren and Adara's love was sickening, and not in a good way. I was almost rooting for Gavril to be end game just because Evren irritated me. He was far from the heart-throb Prince I know he was meant to be. I said this in my review of book 2, but the possessiveness Adara and especially Evren had over each other made me want to tear my hair out.
The whole plot was simply "get Adara back" which amounted to a very uninteresting story. It was rushed and read more like a shell of a story than a complete story. I don't think I've ever read about more bland characters. There was next to no character or plot development. From 49% until 77%, it was pure smut, the ‘plot’ (however weak and unsatisfying it is) completely forgotten. There was a chapter where I thought the story was getting back on track, and then a wedding happened in the midst of war and we were back to cringe-worthy lovemaking.
A good spicy story will have you begging for more spice because it’s that good. A bad spicy book will have you praying the next scene isn’t spicy. This book was a bad spicy book. Not only was there too much sex, it was happening at times that it really shouldn’t be. Example: the day before all hell was going to break lose (a bloody battle).
As much as I hate to be the mean critic, there was not a single thing I liked about this book and I don't think it's worth the read. Despite that, thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review. I know there are a lot of people who loved this series.
"The Blood kingdom is my home. And the Blood prince is my mate. If you are to fear anything, it should be me. You should fear what I am willing to do to get it all back.”
TW: sexual assault, sexual harassment
From page one, I already feared the amount of unnecessary repetition I would see in this book. I knew I’d have to be very tolerant and turn a blind eye to it if I wanted this book not to be a DNF. It was a big issue with the book (with the whole series actually). These were all within a few pages:
”…and that venom in her eyes was for Adara, who was also taken from her.”
”They had taken my mate, and I wanted nothing more than to destroy them all.”
”These men were responsible for taking Adara, and Sorin took that as seriously as I did.”
”He had attacked my people after the man he served stole Adara.”
Evren and Adara's love was sickening, and not in a good way. I was almost rooting for Gavril to be end game just because Evren irritated me. He was far from the heart-throb Prince I know he was meant to be. I said this in my review of book 2, but the possessiveness Adara and especially Evren had over each other made me want to tear my hair out.
The whole plot was simply "get Adara back" which amounted to a very uninteresting story. It was rushed and read more like a shell of a story than a complete story. I don't think I've ever read about more bland characters. There was next to no character or plot development. From 49% until 77%, it was pure smut, the ‘plot’ (however weak and unsatisfying it is) completely forgotten. There was a chapter where I thought the story was getting back on track, and then a wedding happened in the midst of war and we were back to cringe-worthy lovemaking.
A good spicy story will have you begging for more spice because it’s that good. A bad spicy book will have you praying the next scene isn’t spicy. This book was a bad spicy book. Not only was there too much sex, it was happening at times that it really shouldn’t be. Example: the day before all hell was going to break lose (a bloody battle).
As much as I hate to be the mean critic, there was not a single thing I liked about this book and I don't think it's worth the read. Despite that, thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review. I know there are a lot of people who loved this series.
May 3, 2023
if i hear the words: nub or mate ever again in my life, it will be the end.
holy wow i honestly don’t even really know what to say besides how can u fit THAT many sex scenes into such a small amount of pages. now i never thought i’d be the one to say that, but seriously by the end i just started skipping over them.
now i was never a super big fan of this series but i had already read the first two books and they weren’t bad. not by any means anything super original or groundbreaking but they kept me intrigued enough to continue on and finish out the series. that is until this book.
the struggle to finish this was insane. i was honestly bored. don’t get me wrong the characters are fine and the plot is cool, but it’s nothing i haven’t read before. basic fantasy romance plot:
1) girl that is stubborn about everything even when it makes no sense and turns out to be super powerful
2) a prince who is betrothed to stubborn girl thats kind of a dick
3) morally grey step brother prince stubborn girl likes more than her betrothed
4) cruel king/queen threatening fantasy world
alright u get the gist, but basically it’s nothing special! but still ima eat up a plot like that every time i mean cmon… fantasy romance lover over here. but here’s where this story started to get on my nerves. i get that evren and adara are finally safe together and in love but holyyyyy hell if i have to hear them say “my mate” “my husband” “my wife” ONE MORE TIME. i seriously would estimate those words to account for 60% of the plot.
another thing was the almost randomness to some of it?? like there’s such a sense of urgency for adara to get married so the other prince can’t fulfill the prophecy or whatever, and yet they wait like 200 pages to do it for no reason? and then when they do decide they’re getting married it’s like randomly thrown in there. also the random chapter from sorins pov?? like who asked for that? oh right not me i don’t care about the side characters enough to have a random chapter thrown into the middle. and the shadow magic? i don’t ever remember them talking about shadow magic in any of the previous books (unless i just wasn’t paying attention) and it’s just randomly a thing in this book without any prior reference to it existing in their world.
and honestly i know i already said the grossly over numbered amount of sex scenes but i’m gunna say it again because there’s only so many times i can read the same routine and dialogue of sex so many times before a girl starts to skip to the end.
overall, nah. sorry i’m glad i finished the series out but that’s probably something i wouldn’t find the urge to pick up again and reread.
holy wow i honestly don’t even really know what to say besides how can u fit THAT many sex scenes into such a small amount of pages. now i never thought i’d be the one to say that, but seriously by the end i just started skipping over them.
now i was never a super big fan of this series but i had already read the first two books and they weren’t bad. not by any means anything super original or groundbreaking but they kept me intrigued enough to continue on and finish out the series. that is until this book.
the struggle to finish this was insane. i was honestly bored. don’t get me wrong the characters are fine and the plot is cool, but it’s nothing i haven’t read before. basic fantasy romance plot:
1) girl that is stubborn about everything even when it makes no sense and turns out to be super powerful
2) a prince who is betrothed to stubborn girl thats kind of a dick
3) morally grey step brother prince stubborn girl likes more than her betrothed
4) cruel king/queen threatening fantasy world
alright u get the gist, but basically it’s nothing special! but still ima eat up a plot like that every time i mean cmon… fantasy romance lover over here. but here’s where this story started to get on my nerves. i get that evren and adara are finally safe together and in love but holyyyyy hell if i have to hear them say “my mate” “my husband” “my wife” ONE MORE TIME. i seriously would estimate those words to account for 60% of the plot.
another thing was the almost randomness to some of it?? like there’s such a sense of urgency for adara to get married so the other prince can’t fulfill the prophecy or whatever, and yet they wait like 200 pages to do it for no reason? and then when they do decide they’re getting married it’s like randomly thrown in there. also the random chapter from sorins pov?? like who asked for that? oh right not me i don’t care about the side characters enough to have a random chapter thrown into the middle. and the shadow magic? i don’t ever remember them talking about shadow magic in any of the previous books (unless i just wasn’t paying attention) and it’s just randomly a thing in this book without any prior reference to it existing in their world.
and honestly i know i already said the grossly over numbered amount of sex scenes but i’m gunna say it again because there’s only so many times i can read the same routine and dialogue of sex so many times before a girl starts to skip to the end.
overall, nah. sorry i’m glad i finished the series out but that’s probably something i wouldn’t find the urge to pick up again and reread.
May 26, 2023
When Gavril appears in the Blood Kingdom with an offer he knows Adara will be unable to refuse, she returns to Achlys Palace without a fight.
Meanwhile, Evren’s fear escalates as it becomes apparent that the crowned prince will stop at nothing to harness the power he feels entitled to.
The final installment is every bit as exciting as the prior two with nonstop action and fast pacing. For me, the best part was watching Adara finally take control her own destiny and accept her power. Okay, that and more of Evren’s filthy mouth. 🥵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩🤬🥵🫣😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Fantasy Romance
✨ Tropes: Fae, Fated Mate, MINE!, Royalty, Touch-Her-and-💀, Vampire
💋 Kinks: Biting/Marking
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: A Kingdom of Venom & Vows is the conclusion to the Stars & Shadows trilogy. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Meanwhile, Evren’s fear escalates as it becomes apparent that the crowned prince will stop at nothing to harness the power he feels entitled to.
The final installment is every bit as exciting as the prior two with nonstop action and fast pacing. For me, the best part was watching Adara finally take control her own destiny and accept her power. Okay, that and more of Evren’s filthy mouth. 🥵
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🖤
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 😩🤬🥵🫣😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}
🗂 Genre: Fantasy Romance
✨ Tropes: Fae, Fated Mate, MINE!, Royalty, Touch-Her-and-💀, Vampire
💋 Kinks: Biting/Marking
⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.
🚩 Safety Squad: There are triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!
📣 Type: A Kingdom of Venom & Vows is the conclusion to the Stars & Shadows trilogy. This series must be read in order.
🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
September 17, 2023
What the frig?!
Why couldn't the entire series be read like this book? I was deeply in love with the way that Evren's voice came through. Finally, I had something to sink my teeth into—a well-rounded and developed story with characters and emotions and plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Did I find some parts repetitive? Yes. I think I understood the sentiment that Evren and Adara belonged to each other after it was mentioned the first five times. I was excited to see these two as a couple, with Adara finally being real. That's right, she was no longer denying how she truly felt and I couldn't have been happier. Gone was the immature and unreliable girl I'd come to know. In her place was a beautiful, confident, fierce warrior of a woman that should have been the star of this story from its beginning.
And because I'm interested in whatever is brewing between Thalia and Sorin, I'll probably be reading their book too.
Why couldn't the entire series be read like this book? I was deeply in love with the way that Evren's voice came through. Finally, I had something to sink my teeth into—a well-rounded and developed story with characters and emotions and plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Did I find some parts repetitive? Yes. I think I understood the sentiment that Evren and Adara belonged to each other after it was mentioned the first five times. I was excited to see these two as a couple, with Adara finally being real. That's right, she was no longer denying how she truly felt and I couldn't have been happier. Gone was the immature and unreliable girl I'd come to know. In her place was a beautiful, confident, fierce warrior of a woman that should have been the star of this story from its beginning.
And because I'm interested in whatever is brewing between Thalia and Sorin, I'll probably be reading their book too.
March 15, 2023
I find it so hard to leave a non-spoilery review for later books in series, but I’m gonna try my best.
This book starts off right after book 2 ended. Because of the circumstances, Adara is going through it. I loved watching her strength grow in this one. There’s some separation, but when they get back together omfg 🥵 Evren is a top book boyf and I love him so much.
This one has action, so much spice, and was a really enjoyable read. This series is now complete, so it’s the best time to pick it up if you like
✨ fantasy romance
✨ true enemies-to-lovers
✨ secret identities
✨ prophecies
✨ fae and vampires
✨ court politics
Thank you so much to Holly for an arc! This book comes out on 3/23. I can’t wait for her spin-off series!
This book starts off right after book 2 ended. Because of the circumstances, Adara is going through it. I loved watching her strength grow in this one. There’s some separation, but when they get back together omfg 🥵 Evren is a top book boyf and I love him so much.
This one has action, so much spice, and was a really enjoyable read. This series is now complete, so it’s the best time to pick it up if you like
✨ fantasy romance
✨ true enemies-to-lovers
✨ secret identities
✨ prophecies
✨ fae and vampires
✨ court politics
Thank you so much to Holly for an arc! This book comes out on 3/23. I can’t wait for her spin-off series!
March 25, 2023
1 star for the excessive use of the word nub.
May 13, 2024
This ending felt very anticlimactic. And made me not love the series as a whole. It just felt too easy. Not enough time was given to the plot in this one it all went to the romance. I think if your a smut lover pick this series up. I mean Holly Renee can write smut like no other. It's good. But I just wish we had more plot, witty banter and so on within it.
March 25, 2023
I’m so sorry but this was nooooot for me. Plot? What plot? I really liked book one but this wasn’t even in the same ballpark 🫠
September 22, 2023
This book is trash but I am also trash.
March 28, 2023
This is just really really bad writing. I don’t Know how this series has such a fan base. It’s exhausting.
April 5, 2023
You know what, fuck this book.
I did not like book 2 and I picked this one up with the hope that it would be better….WRONG!
The word “mate” is used 84 times, EIGHTY FOUR. Which would be fine if this wasn’t a short book with virtually no plot. I’m tired of the words “starblessed” and “nub” and “tell me you’re mine” and “I’m yours” please make it stop.
I’m sorry but the “war” was so anticlimactic and that’s all I’m going to say about this. I’m so mad at this book. No I will not be reading the next one.
I did not like book 2 and I picked this one up with the hope that it would be better….WRONG!
The word “mate” is used 84 times, EIGHTY FOUR. Which would be fine if this wasn’t a short book with virtually no plot. I’m tired of the words “starblessed” and “nub” and “tell me you’re mine” and “I’m yours” please make it stop.
I’m sorry but the “war” was so anticlimactic and that’s all I’m going to say about this. I’m so mad at this book. No I will not be reading the next one.
December 11, 2024
i don’t really know what this was...
but i was kinda disappointed, ngl 😪 the story was good, but this just wasn't it for me.
i didn't really mind that it was so predictable from the very start, but the amount of unnecessary scenes andsmut in almost every single chapter was just so cringy and boring, omg what the fuck, i just can't 💀
sorry, but this is where i stop, i just can't be bothered to read the last book hahahah 💀🤣
but i was kinda disappointed, ngl 😪 the story was good, but this just wasn't it for me.
i didn't really mind that it was so predictable from the very start, but the amount of unnecessary scenes and
sorry, but this is where i stop, i just can't be bothered to read the last book hahahah 💀🤣
March 23, 2023
Arguably my least favorite of the series. Now, this series was NEVER a 5 star read for me, but it was entertaining and an easy read. My gripe with this book is how predictable it was. I still enjoyed it's satisfying finale.
dnf
August 22, 2023dnf @ 30%
book 1 was fun, book 2 was meh, this one was disappointing.
i have too many books on my tbr to force myself to finish this rn.
book 1 was fun, book 2 was meh, this one was disappointing.
i have too many books on my tbr to force myself to finish this rn.
March 13, 2023
Rating: 4.5✨
Spice: 3.5🌶
First off, I would like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
I can't believe this series is over! These characters found a way into my heart & found myself rooting for them throughout the whole ride. This book was a quick read & fast paced, however, it didn't feel rushed at all which is something Holly always does amazingly. I was happy with how the story progressed & ended. As always, it is bittersweet when you finish the last book in a series, or just certain characters' ending of their story, but it still brought my heart warmth & happiness. I do wish we could have had seen a little more of everyone after the last scene though, but who knows what Holly has in the works!
Adara, wow. The Adara we see in this book is not the one we saw in the first. She has grown so much & has evolved into her role as a leader & a Queen so incredibly. We also see her grow fully into her power & potential & become a fierce & protective mate who will hurt those who threaten those she loves, including her the people of her kingdom. She shows that she does not need someone to save her in times of need, she is fully capable of holding her own & saving herself. She is not afraid of going to war & doing what it takes to win it.
Evren, his way with words had me swooning 90% of this book. His love & devotion for Adara was everything in this book. The way he cared for his mate & would do anything for her & his people. He shows what a fierce & caring Prince he is & a worthy future King. His feral side had me fanning myself. His possessiveness left me speechless. His desire for a better future for his people had me loving him even more.
Seriously, what a conclusion to the series! Definitely recommend it.
**Updated Review**
Holly sent out an updated version of the ARC with an epilogue included in Evren’s POV and it gave me the exact closure I was needing!! It set up potential storylines in the future perfectly and leaves us with enough questions that makes us want to read future books in this series! Loved this epilogue ♥️
Spice: 3.5🌶
First off, I would like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review will be voluntary & honest.
I can't believe this series is over! These characters found a way into my heart & found myself rooting for them throughout the whole ride. This book was a quick read & fast paced, however, it didn't feel rushed at all which is something Holly always does amazingly. I was happy with how the story progressed & ended. As always, it is bittersweet when you finish the last book in a series, or just certain characters' ending of their story, but it still brought my heart warmth & happiness. I do wish we could have had seen a little more of everyone after the last scene though, but who knows what Holly has in the works!
Adara, wow. The Adara we see in this book is not the one we saw in the first. She has grown so much & has evolved into her role as a leader & a Queen so incredibly. We also see her grow fully into her power & potential & become a fierce & protective mate who will hurt those who threaten those she loves, including her the people of her kingdom. She shows that she does not need someone to save her in times of need, she is fully capable of holding her own & saving herself. She is not afraid of going to war & doing what it takes to win it.
Evren, his way with words had me swooning 90% of this book. His love & devotion for Adara was everything in this book. The way he cared for his mate & would do anything for her & his people. He shows what a fierce & caring Prince he is & a worthy future King. His feral side had me fanning myself. His possessiveness left me speechless. His desire for a better future for his people had me loving him even more.
Seriously, what a conclusion to the series! Definitely recommend it.
**Updated Review**
Holly sent out an updated version of the ARC with an epilogue included in Evren’s POV and it gave me the exact closure I was needing!! It set up potential storylines in the future perfectly and leaves us with enough questions that makes us want to read future books in this series! Loved this epilogue ♥️
October 20, 2024
every time i have to read the word ‘nub’ i come a day closer to death
April 7, 2023
5/5⭐️ | 3/5🌶️ {ARC review}
I can’t even put into words how sad I am that this series is over for Adara & Evren but DAMN!!! It was so amazing 😍 thank you Holly for an ARC + PR box! I have loved this series so much and honestly might do a reread soon cause I miss Evren’s dirty mouth already 😆 also I’m so excited for Thalia + Sorin’s story🥹 they deserve the absolute world 💕💕💕
I can’t even put into words how sad I am that this series is over for Adara & Evren but DAMN!!! It was so amazing 😍 thank you Holly for an ARC + PR box! I have loved this series so much and honestly might do a reread soon cause I miss Evren’s dirty mouth already 😆 also I’m so excited for Thalia + Sorin’s story🥹 they deserve the absolute world 💕💕💕
March 19, 2024
#1) A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows ★★★★☆
#2) A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal ★★★☆☆
#4) A Kingdom of Fire and Fate ★★☆☆☆
3.00 ★
my least favourite of the series so far. the plot to smut ratio is laughable
➸ Trigger warnings for .
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
August 10, 2024
1⭐️ The first two books were at least a little entertaining but this book was unbearable 😅 This series is pretty much the exact same sex scene just in various locations every other chapter. At this point I am so bored by the redundancy. The plot is almost non existent…. so many things are generalized throughout this book. Things would just happen with zero explanation. Idk overall this did not meet my expectations
March 16, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5 stars ⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Adara has been separated from Evren. Dragged back to the Fae Kingdom by her ex betrothed, Gavril. Evren’s brother.
Gavril wants Adara for her starblessed power. By consuming her blood, his own power will strengthen and he will conquer the Blood Kingdom. But Adara is not weak and she will fight tooth and nail to get back to her mate. And Evren? Well he’ll raze kingdoms to have her back in his arms.
A fantastic conclusion to this trilogy. I’ve enjoyed this series so much. It’s spicy, has a decent amount of world building, fantastic side characters (I want more Thalia and Sorin please, Holly!!) an engaging story and the romance is just *chef kiss*. What a page turner!
🖤 Mates
🏡 Found Family
💀 Touch her and you die
🩸 Fae and Vampyres
I have reviews for the first two books on my Instagram (leighslibrary_) and GoodReads. If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, spicy fantasy romance, the Stars and Shadows series is for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Adara has been separated from Evren. Dragged back to the Fae Kingdom by her ex betrothed, Gavril. Evren’s brother.
Gavril wants Adara for her starblessed power. By consuming her blood, his own power will strengthen and he will conquer the Blood Kingdom. But Adara is not weak and she will fight tooth and nail to get back to her mate. And Evren? Well he’ll raze kingdoms to have her back in his arms.
A fantastic conclusion to this trilogy. I’ve enjoyed this series so much. It’s spicy, has a decent amount of world building, fantastic side characters (I want more Thalia and Sorin please, Holly!!) an engaging story and the romance is just *chef kiss*. What a page turner!
🖤 Mates
🏡 Found Family
💀 Touch her and you die
🩸 Fae and Vampyres
I have reviews for the first two books on my Instagram (leighslibrary_) and GoodReads. If you’re in the mood for a fast paced, spicy fantasy romance, the Stars and Shadows series is for you!
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2023
I am so sad that I didn’t love this book as much as the first and second books 😭 At first I thought it was because i had a few months break between reading (waiting for book 3 to come out) -like maybe I just forgot and lost my connection to the characters?? But I re-read book 1 and nope, it’s really just that once the tension was gone there wasn’t that emotional connection or depth of either the characters or the plot to keep me invested.
July 31, 2023
4⭐️ in blood & betrayal he said he needed her to breathe. In venom & vows we see how true that is. And we see that she needs him right back.
I loved this end to the series. It brought me so much joy to see the development of relationships. Not just Evren and Adara, I mean they’re endgame, we know this. But to see her forming a relationship and a bond so strong with his friends but also his kingdom. That was amazing.
Evren is murderous that his mate was taken from him, but on top of that, his best friends are also so angry that Adara was taken from them as well. And I fucking love that. The found family is strong and it speaks to my soul.
I felt like there something going on in Gavril’s mind that I couldn’t pin point.
Weak and empty and nearly broken but she still has fire in her. She still won’t back down. And I love her for that. Because fuck Gavril and fuck the fae and their bullshit power hungry selves.
Fuck I love a good battle. Nothing beats it and a fantasy book without a battle just isn’t right. But… things happen :(
Why is it the most beautiful thing when she lays her palm against his cheek and he leans into it before turning his head to kiss her palm? I die. Every time.
And now for my peeves… For 500 pages of previous books it was her nub and now it’s her clit? And then back to nub? Again, the vernacular is too all over the place. Also the editing team of several people? Where is the editing…? Some things just really caused me pain to read. The writing got worse as the books went on and I don’t understand it. Usually it’s the opposite. Nevertheless, I loved the series and am glad I read it. If I really wanted to be picky I would rate this lower, but again, the vibes and feelings were there and I honestly really loved this story. I can’t wait for more Sorin and Thalia.
“They would do everything in their power to break me. But I would not yield.”
“They thought I was their savior, but I would be no such thing. I would be their destruction.”
“I have searched for you through a thousand lifetimes, princess, and I will search for you through a thousand more.”
• multiple pov
• self sacrifice
• warring kingdoms
• vampyres vs. fae
• found family
I loved this end to the series. It brought me so much joy to see the development of relationships. Not just Evren and Adara, I mean they’re endgame, we know this. But to see her forming a relationship and a bond so strong with his friends but also his kingdom. That was amazing.
Evren is murderous that his mate was taken from him, but on top of that, his best friends are also so angry that Adara was taken from them as well. And I fucking love that. The found family is strong and it speaks to my soul.
I felt like there something going on in Gavril’s mind that I couldn’t pin point.
Weak and empty and nearly broken but she still has fire in her. She still won’t back down. And I love her for that. Because fuck Gavril and fuck the fae and their bullshit power hungry selves.
Fuck I love a good battle. Nothing beats it and a fantasy book without a battle just isn’t right. But… things happen :(
Why is it the most beautiful thing when she lays her palm against his cheek and he leans into it before turning his head to kiss her palm? I die. Every time.
And now for my peeves… For 500 pages of previous books it was her nub and now it’s her clit? And then back to nub? Again, the vernacular is too all over the place. Also the editing team of several people? Where is the editing…? Some things just really caused me pain to read. The writing got worse as the books went on and I don’t understand it. Usually it’s the opposite. Nevertheless, I loved the series and am glad I read it. If I really wanted to be picky I would rate this lower, but again, the vibes and feelings were there and I honestly really loved this story. I can’t wait for more Sorin and Thalia.
“They would do everything in their power to break me. But I would not yield.”
“They thought I was their savior, but I would be no such thing. I would be their destruction.”
“I have searched for you through a thousand lifetimes, princess, and I will search for you through a thousand more.”
• multiple pov
• self sacrifice
• warring kingdoms
• vampyres vs. fae
• found family
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