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Bride of the Shadow King #3
Heart of the Shadow King
For fans of The Bridge Kingdom and A Deal with the Elf King. Get ready for heartbreak and hard-won happily-ever-afters in this heated conclusion to the fantasy romance epic!
Book three of this fantasy romance epic, Heart of the Shadow King will keep you turning pages and swooning in the small hours of the night. Get ready for heartbreak, heat, and hard-won happily-ever-afters!
Book three of this fantasy romance epic, Heart of the Shadow King will keep you turning pages and swooning in the small hours of the night. Get ready for heartbreak, heat, and hard-won happily-ever-afters!
594 pages, Paperback
First published September 30, 2023
1182 people are currently reading
14713 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,256 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 457 reviews
March 26, 2024
This series drags so fucking bad. Like, it was an absolute struggle to get through this one. And while I've only just finished it I have a hard time remembering what it was even about.
Like I care about neither of the main characters. Vor is a shit king, a whiney teenage boy, and so unable to see past his own nose it's no wonder people want Sul to take the throne. Faraine just completely changes her personality in this one, only to shift back into her book one personality at the very end.
The only characters in this series I cared about were Lyria (who fucked off in book 1 and never reappeared), Sul (who is grossly underutilized) and Maylin.
The plot in this one is also kind of irrelevant mostly? Like, Vor goes to the human realm to fight the fae because he fucked Faraine and now needs to pay the price. But this doesn't matter in the end? Its only to get him out of the city so Faraine can do her thing. There is no coup, no horrible this happens in the human world? Except he randomly finds Ilsevel, and then it is never explained how she ended up with the fae or where the other sister is. It only makes it so Vor can say fuck it imma leave to Laronagar.
The smut is there I guess. It does nothing for the story. The romance drags. It's like fated love only these characters have no chemistry at all.
Save yourself the time and don't read this.
Like I care about neither of the main characters. Vor is a shit king, a whiney teenage boy, and so unable to see past his own nose it's no wonder people want Sul to take the throne. Faraine just completely changes her personality in this one, only to shift back into her book one personality at the very end.
The only characters in this series I cared about were Lyria (who fucked off in book 1 and never reappeared), Sul (who is grossly underutilized) and Maylin.
The plot in this one is also kind of irrelevant mostly? Like, Vor goes to the human realm to fight the fae because he fucked Faraine and now needs to pay the price. But this doesn't matter in the end? Its only to get him out of the city so Faraine can do her thing. There is no coup, no horrible this happens in the human world? Except he randomly finds Ilsevel, and then it is never explained how she ended up with the fae or where the other sister is. It only makes it so Vor can say fuck it imma leave to Laronagar.
The smut is there I guess. It does nothing for the story. The romance drags. It's like fated love only these characters have no chemistry at all.
Save yourself the time and don't read this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
This book was a huge letdown. Not only did storylines make little sense, but there was never a sense of Vor and Faraine growing in their relationship. I’m very sad with how this trilogy ended up. Book 1 had promise but 2 and 3 were lacking for me.
October 9, 2023
A boring addition to this series. I wish it was a whole different book we got instead of this.
October 14, 2023
A real slog
I really wanted to like this series. I have loved other Sylvia Mercedes books. The premise of the first book felt over contrived to me - it was clear the author wanted a particular moment that was wildly improbable and worked backwards to try and make a situation that would lead to it and it didn’t work. I figured once we got past that and got into the juicy action of saving kingdoms and romance it would get better and it just didn’t. Our main characters make a stunningly stupid decision early on in this third book that doesn’t feel genuine - and it immediately leads to consequences that are just too convenient to create a desired convoluted plot. Again. The fact that multiple characters were completely misguided in this book was stunningly obvious and you wanted to scream at the characters, but not in a fun way.
I really wanted to like this series. I have loved other Sylvia Mercedes books. The premise of the first book felt over contrived to me - it was clear the author wanted a particular moment that was wildly improbable and worked backwards to try and make a situation that would lead to it and it didn’t work. I figured once we got past that and got into the juicy action of saving kingdoms and romance it would get better and it just didn’t. Our main characters make a stunningly stupid decision early on in this third book that doesn’t feel genuine - and it immediately leads to consequences that are just too convenient to create a desired convoluted plot. Again. The fact that multiple characters were completely misguided in this book was stunningly obvious and you wanted to scream at the characters, but not in a fun way.
September 1, 2023
My heart feels fragile like an urzul crystal after reading this book and I really could need some jor right now but I will calm down in the end. It's beautiful beyond despair 🖤
So much love, pain, desperation and hopelessness... And in the end there is nonetheless hope and compassion.
Thank you for trusting me with an ARC. I loved your book and can't wait for the spin-off 🖤
"Kharsug-mor Aruka!
Kharsug-mor Aruk!"
So much love, pain, desperation and hopelessness... And in the end there is nonetheless hope and compassion.
Thank you for trusting me with an ARC. I loved your book and can't wait for the spin-off 🖤
"Kharsug-mor Aruka!
Kharsug-mor Aruk!"
January 20, 2024
If this wasn’t the final book it would have been a dnf. I was underwhelmed. All the build up felt like it was for nothing.
October 9, 2023
"Loving you has been life. Everything else was mere shadow. A cold phantom of existence without color, without depth. Without warmth."
This final instalment in the Bride of the Shadow King series could not have been better. It was one of my most anticipated books this year and I'm so glad with how it turned out.
"I will move heaven and earth, fight the very demons of hell until I am once more by your side."
We follow Vor and Faraine as one battles between his duty as king and husband while the other is plagued by feelings of weakness and belonging. While Vor is willing to do everything in his power to save his wife and his kingdom, Faraine is ready to do everything in her power to save her husband's kingdom.
Honestly, I think my favourite part of this was getting to know the side characters more, and learning more about the lore in Mythanar. PS: I need MORE of Theodre PLEASE
I was on the edge of my seat as betrayal was being thrown around left, right and centre.
The last 20% of the book gave me LIFE , and the romantic in me absolutely melted.
This final instalment in the Bride of the Shadow King series could not have been better. It was one of my most anticipated books this year and I'm so glad with how it turned out.
"I will move heaven and earth, fight the very demons of hell until I am once more by your side."
We follow Vor and Faraine as one battles between his duty as king and husband while the other is plagued by feelings of weakness and belonging. While Vor is willing to do everything in his power to save his wife and his kingdom, Faraine is ready to do everything in her power to save her husband's kingdom.
Honestly, I think my favourite part of this was getting to know the side characters more, and learning more about the lore in Mythanar. PS: I need MORE of Theodre PLEASE
I was on the edge of my seat as betrayal was being thrown around left, right and centre.
The last 20% of the book gave me LIFE , and the romantic in me absolutely melted.
Read
November 15, 2023Dnf at 26%. If I continued to read this, then I would've suffered severe reader burnout. This is book 3, and literally, almost nothing has happened plot wise. The Shadow King and Faraine are really annoying with their pining and need to be with one another all the time but can't because "reasons."
Also, not really a spoiler, but just in case
I understood in book 1 that Faraine's family put it on her shoulders to fuck Vor to secure the alliance. After she got found out and he became pissed with her she still tried to lure him into sex despite the fact that her and her family did him wrong and his kingdom is fucked up and the second they had sex he'd have to go save her kingdom. She knew his reasons and still pestered and pressured him any chance she got. Tbh all their pining lowkey made me hate them together and finally here in book 3 we got their first time together sealing them to each other and I verbally said, " you are both so fucking stupid." And after giving it some thought and realizing that picking up my kindle to read the rest of the book would require me to force myself I DNF'D
Also, not really a spoiler, but just in case
I understood in book 1 that Faraine's family put it on her shoulders to fuck Vor to secure the alliance. After she got found out and he became pissed with her she still tried to lure him into sex despite the fact that her and her family did him wrong and his kingdom is fucked up and the second they had sex he'd have to go save her kingdom. She knew his reasons and still pestered and pressured him any chance she got. Tbh all their pining lowkey made me hate them together and finally here in book 3 we got their first time together sealing them to each other and I verbally said, " you are both so fucking stupid." And after giving it some thought and realizing that picking up my kindle to read the rest of the book would require me to force myself I DNF'D
November 7, 2024
Z całej trylogii wypadła dla mnie najgorzej.
March 10, 2025
My main goal this year is for every series I start this year, I have to be caught up/ finish in 2025 too. The Bride of the Shadow King trilogy ended up being a three-star series for me. The rereleased covers have always caught my eye, but the synopses were lackluster. However, when I was shelving books and needed some room, I purchased the first two since the third was only recently rereleased at the end of February 2025. All of these books start off pretty bad, but end on kinda good notes that make me bump them up to three stars. With that being said, if you want to decide if these books are for you, look up the original covers of the trilogy and then read the synopses.
These new covers make them look a lot more fantasy romance balanced than they actually are. This book was the most fantasy out of them all: politics, magic system, world building, etc. However, all of that came too little too late. We should not be introducing all of this in the final book in the series.
It took 200 pages of this 455-page book to actually care. I wouldn't recommend this trilogy unless it sounds interesting to you. If you read fantasy romance or romantasy like I do, you'll probably not like this one. It has a similar writing style to paranormal/contemporary romance, which is not what I look for. I think this series should be shelved in the romance genre versus the fantasy genre in bookstores.
Final Series Ranking
1. Heart of the Shadow King Book #03 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Vow of the Shadow King Book #02 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Bride of the Shadow King Book #01 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
These new covers make them look a lot more fantasy romance balanced than they actually are. This book was the most fantasy out of them all: politics, magic system, world building, etc. However, all of that came too little too late. We should not be introducing all of this in the final book in the series.
It took 200 pages of this 455-page book to actually care. I wouldn't recommend this trilogy unless it sounds interesting to you. If you read fantasy romance or romantasy like I do, you'll probably not like this one. It has a similar writing style to paranormal/contemporary romance, which is not what I look for. I think this series should be shelved in the romance genre versus the fantasy genre in bookstores.
Final Series Ranking
1. Heart of the Shadow King Book #03 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. Vow of the Shadow King Book #02 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
3. Bride of the Shadow King Book #01 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 22, 2023
So I almost put this down multiple times in the first 30% but overall I’m glad I kept with it.
I actually really liked book 1 of this series a lot. It was well rounded and the story was unique and great lead characters.
Then it sort of fell apart in book 2 once they actually get together and the melodrama was pretty bad.
This book was headed in the same direction until, interestingly the 2 lead characters get separated due to him having to leave to go to battle. Only then did I get hooked onto their separate stories and realized that the underlying story kept my interest.
What I determined is that the action writing is great and the romance writing (not the steamy scenes, which are okay, but the actual romantic dialogue) is bad and so so cringe. Vor is just one of the weakest MMC’s I’ve seen in a while. His inner monologue and spoken dialogue are just so corny and over the top. Three examples, of so many:
((After being separated from her due to regular daily activities for half a day)) “Ah, Faraine! Now at last I may breathe again.”
“Suddenly he is behind me, slipping his arms around me, burying his face in my hair. "Faraine!" he moans. "Faraine, my heart! If I could free myself of the burden of this crown I would. But to drag you out into the open would be to put you in danger. Would you ask that of me? Would you require me to risk what I love most in all the worlds?"
“For an instant I am too stunned to think, to breathe. Her eyes, blue and gold, capture me in their strange depths. My soul cries out to enfold her even as my body burns to possess her.”
Honestly, it was just too much for me. And even in the literal midst of a battle fighting for his kingdom he is thinking about her.
Then there is a really bizarre scene towards the end, which I won’t get into to avoid spoilers.
But, yeah, overall wasn’t impressed with the romance aspect of this fantasy romance. But many others love this kind of angst in their romances so if that’s your thing, and you like good fantasy stories this might be a good read for you.
3 stars
I actually really liked book 1 of this series a lot. It was well rounded and the story was unique and great lead characters.
Then it sort of fell apart in book 2 once they actually get together and the melodrama was pretty bad.
This book was headed in the same direction until, interestingly the 2 lead characters get separated due to him having to leave to go to battle. Only then did I get hooked onto their separate stories and realized that the underlying story kept my interest.
What I determined is that the action writing is great and the romance writing (not the steamy scenes, which are okay, but the actual romantic dialogue) is bad and so so cringe. Vor is just one of the weakest MMC’s I’ve seen in a while. His inner monologue and spoken dialogue are just so corny and over the top. Three examples, of so many:
((After being separated from her due to regular daily activities for half a day)) “Ah, Faraine! Now at last I may breathe again.”
“Suddenly he is behind me, slipping his arms around me, burying his face in my hair. "Faraine!" he moans. "Faraine, my heart! If I could free myself of the burden of this crown I would. But to drag you out into the open would be to put you in danger. Would you ask that of me? Would you require me to risk what I love most in all the worlds?"
“For an instant I am too stunned to think, to breathe. Her eyes, blue and gold, capture me in their strange depths. My soul cries out to enfold her even as my body burns to possess her.”
Honestly, it was just too much for me. And even in the literal midst of a battle fighting for his kingdom he is thinking about her.
Then there is a really bizarre scene towards the end, which I won’t get into to avoid spoilers.
But, yeah, overall wasn’t impressed with the romance aspect of this fantasy romance. But many others love this kind of angst in their romances so if that’s your thing, and you like good fantasy stories this might be a good read for you.
3 stars
September 6, 2023
“Try to send me away, and you will fail. Bind me to a morleth, drive me from this world. I will return. I will move heaven and earth , fight the very demons of hell until I am once more by your side. For you are mine. No one— not even you— can tear us apart.”- Faranie 🩵
11⭐️/5⭐️ 🌶🌶
Wow. 🩵🖤 I don't know where to begin! This series has had me in a chokehold since Book 1 and I got the privilege of being an ARC reader for the final book in the Trilogy! And my heart is so full right now. That was an amazing conclusion!
I was so in live with Vor and Faranie connection at the end of book 2, and to see if Blossom in the first few chapters made me so happy. But it was also so heavy. The few chapters of the ttarmok had my heart thundering in just the fourth of the book.
Sylvia's world building and character development in this book is just outstanding. She had my heart singing with love, laughter, heartbreak & passion!
I can not wait for the spin-off...(When I interviewed her for Books & Beer, she hinted about maybe a sister's story?!) I'm sad to put down Vor and Faranie, but I'm so excited for what comes next!
Thank you, Sylvia and Luna Bloom PA, for letting me be a part of this ARC team for this amazing story!
11⭐️/5⭐️ 🌶🌶
Wow. 🩵🖤 I don't know where to begin! This series has had me in a chokehold since Book 1 and I got the privilege of being an ARC reader for the final book in the Trilogy! And my heart is so full right now. That was an amazing conclusion!
I was so in live with Vor and Faranie connection at the end of book 2, and to see if Blossom in the first few chapters made me so happy. But it was also so heavy. The few chapters of the ttarmok had my heart thundering in just the fourth of the book.
Sylvia's world building and character development in this book is just outstanding. She had my heart singing with love, laughter, heartbreak & passion!
I can not wait for the spin-off...(When I interviewed her for Books & Beer, she hinted about maybe a sister's story?!) I'm sad to put down Vor and Faranie, but I'm so excited for what comes next!
Thank you, Sylvia and Luna Bloom PA, for letting me be a part of this ARC team for this amazing story!
April 19, 2024
Maaginen lopetus tälle sarjalle! Käänteitä, petoksia, jännitystä, taikuutta ja tietty rakkautta. Eniten rakastin tässä ja koko sarjassa (romanssin lisäksi) Farainen kehityskaarta ja taikavoimia, ja sitä oli tässä kirjassa kaikista eniten! Jään aattelee tätä maailmaa ja näitä hahmoja💞
Want to read
April 2, 2023Wait until September to read it? Impossible! Must. Read. It. Now.
November 6, 2023
Lo siento. No me ha gustado nada. Ha habido partes que para mi han sido un sin sentido y no le encontraba lógica y muchas otras que quería que fuesen habladas. Pero ya veo que no ha sido el caso.
He intentado ser objetiva, pero es que no he podido.
Espero que el resto de sus libros no sean así.
He intentado ser objetiva, pero es que no he podido.
Espero que el resto de sus libros no sean así.
July 22, 2024
Lucky to be 2 stars. This story has more twists and turns than I cared to follow, lots of speed reading and skipping.
There is so much inner dialogue, the pain Fara feels, the stone, the separation between Vor and Fara. Its too much frankly. She goes from an overlooked child to a special snowflake- training to defeat a DRAGON. Really? Props for being interesting, but I hated the obligation Vor had to the humans and that whole side diversion. And yes, I had a sneaky suspicion about her sisters...
Highlights and spoilers:
'I gave my death in a wild attempt to save these people from destruction. Do I have the courage to give my life as well?'
Yes, yes you do. Just one example of pages and pages of inner dialogue about what she was just going to do anyway!
They finally have sex:
It does not take long. He cries out in release, and in that same moment, the intensity of his feelings shoots straight through me, making me gasp. My body lights up as though his pleasure were mine, and all around us, the crystals in the walls burst into a symphony of colors, filling my head with dancing lights and a wondrous, multitudinous harmony of song.
Eye roll- oh please. These descriptions are killing me. My note says omg.
And even worse? She gasps in delight when he offers her his dick, oh Vor are you finally giving this gift to me?!?
And this about future sex? BAHAHAHA:
“And what is my concern, pray tell?”
“When it comes to such matters? Nothing at all. You are perfect as you are and in everything you do. You could not please me more if you studied a thousand forms of seduction across a thousand lifetimes.”
“That’s all very well, but—”
“Please, my love, believe what I say. I have no expectations. Only that you will let me learn you and test you and grow to understand you better. Only that you will let me adore you.”
Constant back and forth, should I do this, should I not? She has pages and pages of descriptions of training with Maylin:
I shift my fractured gaze down to my glittering hands. Small crystals jut from each knuckle, harsh and yet beautiful. “I’m not certain I’m cut out for this.”
“You’re not. Which is why you must practice.”
And at the end, when Sul locks her up for turning the people to STONE, Vor asks her why she did it or lie to him that she didn't! She refuses to speak! Really? Lets drag this whole thing out even more...
YES- she "calms" the dragon to sleep by taking her pain. Inventive yes but took forever to get here.
Its all terribly beautiful, flowery, repetitive words on a page with scenarios that go on and on. Finally over!
There is so much inner dialogue, the pain Fara feels, the stone, the separation between Vor and Fara. Its too much frankly. She goes from an overlooked child to a special snowflake- training to defeat a DRAGON. Really? Props for being interesting, but I hated the obligation Vor had to the humans and that whole side diversion. And yes, I had a sneaky suspicion about her sisters...
Highlights and spoilers:
'I gave my death in a wild attempt to save these people from destruction. Do I have the courage to give my life as well?'
Yes, yes you do. Just one example of pages and pages of inner dialogue about what she was just going to do anyway!
They finally have sex:
It does not take long. He cries out in release, and in that same moment, the intensity of his feelings shoots straight through me, making me gasp. My body lights up as though his pleasure were mine, and all around us, the crystals in the walls burst into a symphony of colors, filling my head with dancing lights and a wondrous, multitudinous harmony of song.
Eye roll- oh please. These descriptions are killing me. My note says omg.
And even worse? She gasps in delight when he offers her his dick, oh Vor are you finally giving this gift to me?!?
And this about future sex? BAHAHAHA:
“And what is my concern, pray tell?”
“When it comes to such matters? Nothing at all. You are perfect as you are and in everything you do. You could not please me more if you studied a thousand forms of seduction across a thousand lifetimes.”
“That’s all very well, but—”
“Please, my love, believe what I say. I have no expectations. Only that you will let me learn you and test you and grow to understand you better. Only that you will let me adore you.”
Constant back and forth, should I do this, should I not? She has pages and pages of descriptions of training with Maylin:
I shift my fractured gaze down to my glittering hands. Small crystals jut from each knuckle, harsh and yet beautiful. “I’m not certain I’m cut out for this.”
“You’re not. Which is why you must practice.”
And at the end, when Sul locks her up for turning the people to STONE, Vor asks her why she did it or lie to him that she didn't! She refuses to speak! Really? Lets drag this whole thing out even more...
YES- she "calms" the dragon to sleep by taking her pain. Inventive yes but took forever to get here.
Its all terribly beautiful, flowery, repetitive words on a page with scenarios that go on and on. Finally over!
July 10, 2025
⋆.˚✮ 3.5 stars ✮˚.⋆
⤿ Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
this book series has been really interesting and really fun, while the first book is still my favorite, these other two sequel books aren't bad, there's just a few things that make them not quite perfect for me. one of the best things of this book is the gradual worldbuilding that readers get as they dive deeper (literally and figuratively haha) into the Trolde world, and Vor's kingdom. that's my favorite piece of this story because there's a lot of interesting pieces that stick out as very unique in fantasy, and each of them just works so well together.
while the worldbuilding is really great, one of the major things that detaches me a bit from the story is the plotline and the pace at which it moves. the first book moved forward at a really good pace, but the second book slowed down, and this one was right in the middle. i really enjoyed the time that Vor and Faraine spent apart, as in the other two books they did the same thing over and over again (lament about how their relationship won't work). by forcing these two characters to spend time apart, and focus on different pieces of the kingdom and major plot points, it really reminded me why i liked them both in the first place. that was really important to me, but still there were many times i feel there either should've been more added to the plot or the book should have been shorter.
i will say the ending was very entertaining, as Vor and Faraine spend most of the book apart, seeing what they were both doing culminate and have a major final scene was cool! it was nice seeing all the important characters back together and doing important things.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, sexual assault and violence, physical abuse mentioned, human sacrifice mentioned
⤿ Thank you to Ace Books and Berkley Romance for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
this book series has been really interesting and really fun, while the first book is still my favorite, these other two sequel books aren't bad, there's just a few things that make them not quite perfect for me. one of the best things of this book is the gradual worldbuilding that readers get as they dive deeper (literally and figuratively haha) into the Trolde world, and Vor's kingdom. that's my favorite piece of this story because there's a lot of interesting pieces that stick out as very unique in fantasy, and each of them just works so well together.
while the worldbuilding is really great, one of the major things that detaches me a bit from the story is the plotline and the pace at which it moves. the first book moved forward at a really good pace, but the second book slowed down, and this one was right in the middle. i really enjoyed the time that Vor and Faraine spent apart, as in the other two books they did the same thing over and over again (lament about how their relationship won't work). by forcing these two characters to spend time apart, and focus on different pieces of the kingdom and major plot points, it really reminded me why i liked them both in the first place. that was really important to me, but still there were many times i feel there either should've been more added to the plot or the book should have been shorter.
i will say the ending was very entertaining, as Vor and Faraine spend most of the book apart, seeing what they were both doing culminate and have a major final scene was cool! it was nice seeing all the important characters back together and doing important things.
↬ trigger warnings: death and murder, sexual assault and violence, physical abuse mentioned, human sacrifice mentioned
February 25, 2025
The Heart of the Shadow King is the last installment of the Bride of the Shadow King series. I read this book so fast. 💨 I was a little worried going into this book because this series is so vast. I was worried how she was going to wrap everything up, but she did well. I loved Theodore! I am glad she wrote a little epilogue of him. I enjoyed this series and was sad that it ended.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
October 10, 2023
I loved 1 book, 2 book was bad and 3 book I lost interest.
February 4, 2024
the book hangover is too real:(( i could re-read all 3 books right now and feel the feels just as intensely as i did the first time. vor and faraine, you guys now live in my heart!
Read
September 22, 2024Dnf ☹️
September 30, 2023
What. A. Finale. I laughed, I cried, I yelled and I cried some more. Mercedes truly has a way with words. She has the most beautiful and unique world building. I can’t get over how much I’ve fallen in love with Mythanar and I’m so sad to be leaving Vor and Faraine.
“Damn me, am I fated to spend my days embroiled with powerful, problematic women?”
Vor is such a complicated character. There were a few times in the beginning where he was really bothered me. He didn’t believe in Faraine and trust she could make her own decisions. But then says the most beautiful things and risks his entire kingdom for her.
“I beg you now—choose me as well. Here at the end of everything, choose me.”
Poor Vor and Faraine had to endure so much heartache before they could finally reach their happy ending. I’m still not over him baring his feelings to her at the end of the book.
Finding out Vor’s mother’s backstory was absolutely heartbreaking and really put all of her decisions in a new light. She ended up being one of my favorite side characters.
I NEED more Theodore!! Who would’ve thought I would start this series loathing him but by the end want him to have his own book?? Only Mercedes could make me change my mind about a character that drastically.
I was thrilled to hear that Mercedes is planning on writing a spin off in the same world! I absolutely can’t wait to read it!
Thank you to author for sending me an ARC to review!
“Damn me, am I fated to spend my days embroiled with powerful, problematic women?”
Vor is such a complicated character. There were a few times in the beginning where he was really bothered me. He didn’t believe in Faraine and trust she could make her own decisions. But then says the most beautiful things and risks his entire kingdom for her.
“I beg you now—choose me as well. Here at the end of everything, choose me.”
Poor Vor and Faraine had to endure so much heartache before they could finally reach their happy ending. I’m still not over him baring his feelings to her at the end of the book.
Finding out Vor’s mother’s backstory was absolutely heartbreaking and really put all of her decisions in a new light. She ended up being one of my favorite side characters.
I NEED more Theodore!! Who would’ve thought I would start this series loathing him but by the end want him to have his own book?? Only Mercedes could make me change my mind about a character that drastically.
I was thrilled to hear that Mercedes is planning on writing a spin off in the same world! I absolutely can’t wait to read it!
Thank you to author for sending me an ARC to review!
March 17, 2025
Dnf....
October 22, 2023
Compared to the first two books, this finale (of Faraine and Vor’s story—clearly there is more story to resolve the fae/human conflict) is a breakneck, whiplash-inducing, gleep-glop bestiary of a book. While the conclusion was deeply satisfying, I found myself impatient and frustrated despite the action.
Vor and Faraine admit their feelings but can’t consummate and put the kingdom at risk because—as I finally figured out—Vor is magically bound to fight for Faraine’s awful dad, but the dad is not bound to offer magical aid to Vor’s kingdom; only a bride was part of the deal and consummation seals it. Dumb deal, Vor, regardless of which sister you actually married. Faraine resigns to being his wife and queen in all other respects and proves herself worthy of the titles by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual. Inevitably, they do consummate in the garden (it’s lovely), and so, bound by the bargain, Vor gathers his army to go to war against the Fae for Faraine’s awful father. Vor and Faraine are separated for many frustrating chapters, in which Faraine learns from Vor’s unhinged mother to use her power to dull her feelings and turn herself into literal stone (crystal), which was hard to picture. It’s obvious that this is not a good plan, as it requires her to give up her lifelong powers of empathy and ability to calm emotions, and it also aligns with the interests of the creepy cult Vor has been fighting against The Whole Time.
Meanwhile, Vor is fighting a bunch of nonsense creatures we’ve never heard of until now (including hobgoblins, Jesus), he loses his trusty steed 😢 , and he is nearly killed by a Berserker Fae. He is defended—in a not so surprising twist—by the living, breathing warrior princess Ilsevel. This delightful development is undercut by Vor’s weirdly adoring response to their unexpected reunion: “She needs me. Ilsevel needs me. Kneeling, I gather her in my arms. Her lovely face tilts back, dark eyes glazed over as she stares up at me. ‘V—Vor?’ she whispers.” Eek. A key difficulty I had in the earlier books is back: we want our MMC to be kind to the beloved sister, but as written, it’s hard not to think that he actually loves her as a bride. Poor Faraine won his heart from their first meeting, but Ilsevel—who did nothing and did not want to marry him—still seems to have earned his deep affections beyond political convenience. It’s awkward.
In other returning sibling news, both Sur and Theodre resurface as not-asshole brothers, both of whom are in love with Vor’s right-hand woman, Captain Hael. Theodre, who was a whiny jerk in book 1, is actually a hilarious fool here. Huh.
Anyway, Vor returns and after seeing what she’s up up to and talking to Sur, he relapses into not trusting Faraine and believes she is fated to destroy his kingdom. Instead of actually explaining herself—aghhhhh—Faraine leans into the blame and tells him to leave her and save himself as the underground kingdom begins to fall. There is a steamy moment when she is chained in the dungeons in which Vor admits that he would give up his kingdom for her. The caves start to collapse and Faraine begins to do as Vor’s mother instructed and kill the dragon under the kingdom by turning it to stone. It doesn’t seem to be working, but Vor helps bring Faraine to her senses and she learns to be powerful just as herself, and her new stone powers help her to control her empathy rather than be subjected to constant pain. She calms the heartbroken dragon rather than killing it (effectively making it a problem for future generations to deal with, I guess). They are officially married and she is the queen of the under realm in all senses.
Vor and Faraine admit their feelings but can’t consummate and put the kingdom at risk because—as I finally figured out—Vor is magically bound to fight for Faraine’s awful dad, but the dad is not bound to offer magical aid to Vor’s kingdom; only a bride was part of the deal and consummation seals it. Dumb deal, Vor, regardless of which sister you actually married. Faraine resigns to being his wife and queen in all other respects and proves herself worthy of the titles by saving Vor and the tortured souls of his dead people during a magical ritual. Inevitably, they do consummate in the garden (it’s lovely), and so, bound by the bargain, Vor gathers his army to go to war against the Fae for Faraine’s awful father. Vor and Faraine are separated for many frustrating chapters, in which Faraine learns from Vor’s unhinged mother to use her power to dull her feelings and turn herself into literal stone (crystal), which was hard to picture. It’s obvious that this is not a good plan, as it requires her to give up her lifelong powers of empathy and ability to calm emotions, and it also aligns with the interests of the creepy cult Vor has been fighting against The Whole Time.
Meanwhile, Vor is fighting a bunch of nonsense creatures we’ve never heard of until now (including hobgoblins, Jesus), he loses his trusty steed 😢 , and he is nearly killed by a Berserker Fae. He is defended—in a not so surprising twist—by the living, breathing warrior princess Ilsevel. This delightful development is undercut by Vor’s weirdly adoring response to their unexpected reunion: “She needs me. Ilsevel needs me. Kneeling, I gather her in my arms. Her lovely face tilts back, dark eyes glazed over as she stares up at me. ‘V—Vor?’ she whispers.” Eek. A key difficulty I had in the earlier books is back: we want our MMC to be kind to the beloved sister, but as written, it’s hard not to think that he actually loves her as a bride. Poor Faraine won his heart from their first meeting, but Ilsevel—who did nothing and did not want to marry him—still seems to have earned his deep affections beyond political convenience. It’s awkward.
In other returning sibling news, both Sur and Theodre resurface as not-asshole brothers, both of whom are in love with Vor’s right-hand woman, Captain Hael. Theodre, who was a whiny jerk in book 1, is actually a hilarious fool here. Huh.
Anyway, Vor returns and after seeing what she’s up up to and talking to Sur, he relapses into not trusting Faraine and believes she is fated to destroy his kingdom. Instead of actually explaining herself—aghhhhh—Faraine leans into the blame and tells him to leave her and save himself as the underground kingdom begins to fall. There is a steamy moment when she is chained in the dungeons in which Vor admits that he would give up his kingdom for her. The caves start to collapse and Faraine begins to do as Vor’s mother instructed and kill the dragon under the kingdom by turning it to stone. It doesn’t seem to be working, but Vor helps bring Faraine to her senses and she learns to be powerful just as herself, and her new stone powers help her to control her empathy rather than be subjected to constant pain. She calms the heartbroken dragon rather than killing it (effectively making it a problem for future generations to deal with, I guess). They are officially married and she is the queen of the under realm in all senses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2024
3.5✨
I have so much love for the first two books in this trilogy, but my admit I felt this final book stumbled.
Faraine and Vor spent too much time apart, and their relationship felt it took one step forward then two steps back. It felt rather stagnant and Vor in particular frustrated me.
I still enjoyed much. I adored Theodre and will gladly root for him and Hael. I also very much look forward to the sequel series featuring the other sister.
I'm sad this one didn't inspire in me the same feeling as its predecessors, but I'm still quite glad to have read it.
I have so much love for the first two books in this trilogy, but my admit I felt this final book stumbled.
Faraine and Vor spent too much time apart, and their relationship felt it took one step forward then two steps back. It felt rather stagnant and Vor in particular frustrated me.
I still enjoyed much. I adored Theodre and will gladly root for him and Hael. I also very much look forward to the sequel series featuring the other sister.
I'm sad this one didn't inspire in me the same feeling as its predecessors, but I'm still quite glad to have read it.
October 6, 2023
I was looking forward the ending but I enjoyed the first two books more. It dragged on for so long without actual action but when there was action like the battle on earth, it stopped so abruptly. It was oddly dark and twisted sometimes as well that didn't really feel neither authentic nor logical, for characters acted sometimes the direct opposite of their personality that we got to learn about the caracters beforehand. What wee their caracter development for in the two previous books if we just let them act irrational anyway? I am rather keen on consistency here.
Therefore, I think I prefer the author's short novels better. The simple yet engaging stories with rapid yet beautiful world building and the sudden but heart-soaring happy endings where there is no place left for inconsistency.
Therefore, I think I prefer the author's short novels better. The simple yet engaging stories with rapid yet beautiful world building and the sudden but heart-soaring happy endings where there is no place left for inconsistency.
April 16, 2024
UGH. This was a tough one.
1) The main character's demeanor does a 180. When you write such a drastic change, it uproots all of the writing before this point.
2) The plot caused problems just to make problems. There was no real cohesion or relation to the previous two books until the very last chapter - only then did things align again.
3) The *twist* that happens midway through the novel... it did not need to happen. It had no place here. Spoiler: . The whole arc stemming from this twist is over and done with in the space of a chapter. NOT NECESSARY.
1) The main character's demeanor does a 180. When you write such a drastic change, it uproots all of the writing before this point.
2) The plot caused problems just to make problems. There was no real cohesion or relation to the previous two books until the very last chapter - only then did things align again.
3) The *twist* that happens midway through the novel... it did not need to happen. It had no place here. Spoiler: . The whole arc stemming from this twist is over and done with in the space of a chapter. NOT NECESSARY.
Currently reading
October 1, 2023Can't wait for this one!! I absolutely loved the first and second.
February 28, 2025
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley for the rerelease of this book by Ace/Berkley in February 2025, however I do want to mention that I had previously purchased audiobook versions of the series. As always all opinions expressed in my review are my own.
We pick up where book 2 leaves off with Vor still trying to balance his duties as king and husband while Faraine desperately wants to help her new kingdom and find her place. In an attempt to help the kingdom Faraine looks deeper into her own growing powers and uncovers secrets about Vor's world that not many know. Things take a bit of a darker turn as Vor keeps his agreement to help Faraine's father and as Faraine delves deeper into her abilities. Things also heat up as Vor and Faraine accept their feelings for one another and stop pretending that their wedding was just a political alliance.
I loved this whole series and very much enjoyed going on this journey with Faraine and Vor. I really enjoyed the world building and the character development. There are some spicy scenes for the romance lovers, but as a fantasy lover myself this hit all of the right notes with action, adventure, and magical elements as well.
We pick up where book 2 leaves off with Vor still trying to balance his duties as king and husband while Faraine desperately wants to help her new kingdom and find her place. In an attempt to help the kingdom Faraine looks deeper into her own growing powers and uncovers secrets about Vor's world that not many know. Things take a bit of a darker turn as Vor keeps his agreement to help Faraine's father and as Faraine delves deeper into her abilities. Things also heat up as Vor and Faraine accept their feelings for one another and stop pretending that their wedding was just a political alliance.
I loved this whole series and very much enjoyed going on this journey with Faraine and Vor. I really enjoyed the world building and the character development. There are some spicy scenes for the romance lovers, but as a fantasy lover myself this hit all of the right notes with action, adventure, and magical elements as well.
October 15, 2024
Sajnos nem lett jobb ez a sorozat. Nem vett le annyira a lábamról mint szerettem volna. Az ötlet jó volt, de a kivitelezés sajnos nem. Legalábbis számomra. A kommunikáció hiánya a két főszereplő között megőrjített ezért 3/5⭐️
Unfortunately, this series didn't get any better. It didn't take me off my feet as much as I would have liked. The idea was good, but unfortunately the execution was not. At least for me. The lack of communication between the two main characters drove me crazy, so 3/5⭐️
Unfortunately, this series didn't get any better. It didn't take me off my feet as much as I would have liked. The idea was good, but unfortunately the execution was not. At least for me. The lack of communication between the two main characters drove me crazy, so 3/5⭐️
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