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Severed Realms #4
A Throne of Blood and Ice
Silly servant girl, only princesses get happy endings.
While the first three books in The Severed Realms are interconnected standalone novels, this book is not a standalone. It should be enjoyed only after reading A Word so Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass . A Throne of Blood and Ice is the first in a two-part finale to the series. Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain. She was supposed to charm the prince, the male she’s loved for years. That was all the potion was supposed to do—give her another face, and only for a few hours. All so she could prove the prince loved her. Except Blaise got more than she bargained for, and instead of a beauty potion, now she’s infected with a magical parasite who takes control of her body every full moon. A parasite who would rather take control permanently. When Blaise is kidnapped from her prison cell, she wakes in a dungeon only to find herself the object of the Queen of Mystral’s magical experiments.
The queen wants the parasite.
The parasite wants Blaise.
And Blaise wants… Nox, the brainy, sarcastic fae tasked with extracting the parasite from Blaise’s body. Nox is different from any fae she’s met. For one, he can actually lie. Then there was that time she sliced her finger and he couldn’t stop staring at the drop of blood. The queen definitely has something over him, but Blaise can’t figure out what. She just has a feeling she won’t be making it out of these dungeons alive. Witty, heartbreaking, and devastatingly dark, A Throne of Blood and Ice transports the reader to the kingdom of Mystral, where betrayal rots the queen’s cold heart and vampires lurk in the shadows. A Throne of Blood and Ice is a loose fairytale retelling of The Snow Queen and is the fourth installment in the fantasy romance series The Severed Realms. It is the first in a two-part finale.
While the first three books in The Severed Realms are interconnected standalone novels, this book is not a standalone. It should be enjoyed only after reading A Word so Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass . A Throne of Blood and Ice is the first in a two-part finale to the series. Blaise wasn’t supposed to be the villain. She was supposed to charm the prince, the male she’s loved for years. That was all the potion was supposed to do—give her another face, and only for a few hours. All so she could prove the prince loved her. Except Blaise got more than she bargained for, and instead of a beauty potion, now she’s infected with a magical parasite who takes control of her body every full moon. A parasite who would rather take control permanently. When Blaise is kidnapped from her prison cell, she wakes in a dungeon only to find herself the object of the Queen of Mystral’s magical experiments.
The queen wants the parasite.
The parasite wants Blaise.
And Blaise wants… Nox, the brainy, sarcastic fae tasked with extracting the parasite from Blaise’s body. Nox is different from any fae she’s met. For one, he can actually lie. Then there was that time she sliced her finger and he couldn’t stop staring at the drop of blood. The queen definitely has something over him, but Blaise can’t figure out what. She just has a feeling she won’t be making it out of these dungeons alive. Witty, heartbreaking, and devastatingly dark, A Throne of Blood and Ice transports the reader to the kingdom of Mystral, where betrayal rots the queen’s cold heart and vampires lurk in the shadows. A Throne of Blood and Ice is a loose fairytale retelling of The Snow Queen and is the fourth installment in the fantasy romance series The Severed Realms. It is the first in a two-part finale.
464 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2023
25 people are currently reading
2127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 7, 2023
Mind-Blowing
I don´t need sleep. I don’t need air. I need THE NEXT BOOK!
Out of all the 4 books, this one is my favorite. It contains elements from all the other stories and grabs you tight as the story progresses. As always, T.A. Lawrence knows how to keep you guessing, feeding you all the information you need and smashing down the curtain that was clouding your mind as realization settles in. I screamed, cried and laughed with the characters who are so deeply and painfully well written.
I never knew I would enjoy such a dark and heart-wrenching story that would have me rooting against my better judgment.
I don´t need sleep. I don’t need air. I need THE NEXT BOOK!
Out of all the 4 books, this one is my favorite. It contains elements from all the other stories and grabs you tight as the story progresses. As always, T.A. Lawrence knows how to keep you guessing, feeding you all the information you need and smashing down the curtain that was clouding your mind as realization settles in. I screamed, cried and laughed with the characters who are so deeply and painfully well written.
I never knew I would enjoy such a dark and heart-wrenching story that would have me rooting against my better judgment.
August 12, 2024
Wow. This book had my emotions all over the place! I love when a book, a story, can make me feel and this book definitely delivered! I laughed, cried, gasped in disbelief or excitement when something was revealed or I put something together.
This book continues on with plots and characters from A Word So Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass. I highly suggest reading them in that order because even though A Bond of Broken Glass says it can be read as a standalone it has characters and plot points from the first book in it. Maybe you could be okay without it, but I think I understood more of that book since I read A Word So Fitly Spoken first.
A character from A Tune To Make Them Follow is mentioned in passing but that book is not imperative to understand this book. However, I believe that you will need to have read all 4 of them before you read the 5th book that is coming out.
Back to my thoughts on this book.
Blaise and Nox both have led difficult lives. Their stories pierced my heart. Check TW before reading:
- Kidnapping
- Brief torture (minor imo compared to other books I've read but be warned anyway.)
- Pedophilia (briefly revealed in a minor character NOT a main character and it is not expounded on or detailed, just briefly alluded to.)
- Rape (only mentioned, not on page)
- Emotional abuse of a minor (evil stepmother kind of emotional trauma)
- Loss of child
- Stillbirth
**************************************************
Nox and Blaise truly seem to understand each other. Though they've had different trials and tribulations, their histories allow them to empathize with each other.
- loss of parents: Nox kidnapped, Blaise parents died leaving her to be raised by cruel stepmother.
- Nox was taken from his parents, Blaise had her child stolen from her.
- Both were children preyed on by adults: Nox caught the attention of the late king but thankfully nothing happened before the king died. Blaise was raped by a servant in her stepmother's house resulting in a baby.
- Both were blackmailed by their caretakers: Nox has to do whatever the queen says bc she has his sister prisoner too, Blaise is forced to work for her stepmother to earn the location of her baby.
- sharing their bodies against their will: Nox with Farin's spirit, Blaise with Cinderella.
- Both hurt people they cared about: Nox hurt another prisoner who was a father figure when Farin was in control. Blaise hurt Ellie when Cinderella was in control.
"I’ve known what it is to be loved, and loved abundantly, but this is new. This is not what it is to be loved. This is what it is to be seen...All I see is a male swathed in darkness who searches my eyes and finds a mirror. Because when Nox looks at me, he sees my pain, and he does not look away." (Blaise pg 226)
“The pain never goes away. It’s always there,” I say. “I know,” he says, and I know that, too." (pg 227)
"Nox furrows his brow, and there’s something like glacial rage in his expression. “Those people took your child from you.” I recognize it then, where the rage comes from. That Nox knows what it is to be taken from one’s parents. To be stolen away." (pg 228)
“You don’t see me any differently?” I can’t help but ask.
“Of course I see you differently,” Nox says, and I can’t help the way my heart takes a dip in my chest... “How could I not, after what you’ve been through? Would you have wanted me to see you just the same?” My throat burns, and I shake my head, understanding now. “No.” No. I wanted him to see me. And now he does. (pg 229)
**************************************************
I enjoyed Blaise as a lovable side character in A Bond of Broken Glass, but getting to know her in this book endeared her to me even more. The development of her character is well done in my opinion.
"I wasn’t supposed to be the villain. But I guess that’s what I get for not being content with my Fates-given role of lovable side-character. Maybe if I’d known my place, the Fates would have gifted me a love story of my own." (Blaise pg 17)
"As if there could possibly be another Blaise in all of Alondria. As if she’s simply a test subject, not the girl who’s survived rape and abuse and having her child stolen right out from under her, and after all of it, maintained the ability to flash that beautiful smile and coax laughs from everyone else." (Nox pg 242)
"There’s that part of me... it’s tired and worn and a little trampled. But it has learned to stand on weak knees, learned to love without expectation of return. It survives, and it manages a laugh or two along the way." (Blaise pg 311)
**************************************************
Then there's Nox who was kidnapped as a child and held prisoner for 12+ years.
"I still as she runs her fingers through my thick hair... just like that, I’m a child again. Cold and confused and utterly terrified of the female sitting before me, touching me like she thinks she’s my mother, like she has a claim to me...The queen trails her hands down my face and cups my cheek. The touch is so eerily tender, so revolting I want nothing more than to lash out. To rip this female to shreds for daring to stake the right to tenderness toward me. For stealing my mother’s place, though it wasn’t hers to grasp." (Nox pg 73)
The queen stripped his identity from him and tried to force him to live as a replacement for her dead son in her delusional version of reality.
"I’ve spent the past nine years acting as the vessel of another without my permission. I’ve been called by a name that is not my own, touched with hands that are not meant for me, adored by a heart that has no business claiming my affections." (Nox pg 251)
She blackmails him, forces him into fae bargains...
"She has something over you, too, doesn’t she?” I say. “Otherwise, you’d leave...I don’t know what it is, but you have something to gain if you succeed. Something to lose if you don’t.” (Blaise pg 95)
...forces him to torture and experiment on people, forces him to murder against his will, forced him to be the subject of a magical ritual that further stole his body and identity from him...
And yet despite it all, Nox is able to hold onto his true self deep in his core..
"...you changed me, Nox... you reminded me of the goodness in the world. That there’s life outside these palace walls, and that it’s worth hoping for.” (Gunter pg 135)
**************************************************
Speaking of character development...
I'm dying to know what happens to Nox and if Farin is truly changing or just playing the long con. I'm so excited for the next book! I believe he could change, only time (and the next book) will tell. He was cruel in the first book but could get better. The queen aka "Mother" was lovable and someone I was so sympathetic towards in the first book and now she's cruel, psychotic, and delusional.
"I’ve long since learned the queen’s peculiarities are not to be questioned. One cannot reason with a person whose reality abides upon a different plane. Within a different realm." (Nox pg 249)
I think the author is doing a good job with character development, going both directions towards good and bad.
**************************************************
Trying to wrap up my thoughts... good character development, good world building, interesting magic systems, interesting plots with good twists and revelations... I'm having so much fun reading this series. I really like this author's writing style and the way things flow and how things are described. I like how the main plot from the first book is flowing through all the stories, and each books individual plot and characters are tying in. It's all very well written!
If you've made it this far, thank you for following my excited rambling and I hope you enjoy the books!
This book continues on with plots and characters from A Word So Fitly Spoken and A Bond of Broken Glass. I highly suggest reading them in that order because even though A Bond of Broken Glass says it can be read as a standalone it has characters and plot points from the first book in it. Maybe you could be okay without it, but I think I understood more of that book since I read A Word So Fitly Spoken first.
A character from A Tune To Make Them Follow is mentioned in passing but that book is not imperative to understand this book. However, I believe that you will need to have read all 4 of them before you read the 5th book that is coming out.
Back to my thoughts on this book.
Blaise and Nox both have led difficult lives. Their stories pierced my heart. Check TW before reading:
- Kidnapping
- Brief torture (minor imo compared to other books I've read but be warned anyway.)
- Pedophilia (briefly revealed in a minor character NOT a main character and it is not expounded on or detailed, just briefly alluded to.)
- Rape (only mentioned, not on page)
- Emotional abuse of a minor (evil stepmother kind of emotional trauma)
- Loss of child
- Stillbirth
**************************************************
Nox and Blaise truly seem to understand each other. Though they've had different trials and tribulations, their histories allow them to empathize with each other.
- loss of parents: Nox kidnapped, Blaise parents died leaving her to be raised by cruel stepmother.
- Nox was taken from his parents, Blaise had her child stolen from her.
- Both were children preyed on by adults: Nox caught the attention of the late king but thankfully nothing happened before the king died. Blaise was raped by a servant in her stepmother's house resulting in a baby.
- Both were blackmailed by their caretakers: Nox has to do whatever the queen says bc she has his sister prisoner too, Blaise is forced to work for her stepmother to earn the location of her baby.
- sharing their bodies against their will: Nox with Farin's spirit, Blaise with Cinderella.
- Both hurt people they cared about: Nox hurt another prisoner who was a father figure when Farin was in control. Blaise hurt Ellie when Cinderella was in control.
"I’ve known what it is to be loved, and loved abundantly, but this is new. This is not what it is to be loved. This is what it is to be seen...All I see is a male swathed in darkness who searches my eyes and finds a mirror. Because when Nox looks at me, he sees my pain, and he does not look away." (Blaise pg 226)
“The pain never goes away. It’s always there,” I say. “I know,” he says, and I know that, too." (pg 227)
"Nox furrows his brow, and there’s something like glacial rage in his expression. “Those people took your child from you.” I recognize it then, where the rage comes from. That Nox knows what it is to be taken from one’s parents. To be stolen away." (pg 228)
“You don’t see me any differently?” I can’t help but ask.
“Of course I see you differently,” Nox says, and I can’t help the way my heart takes a dip in my chest... “How could I not, after what you’ve been through? Would you have wanted me to see you just the same?” My throat burns, and I shake my head, understanding now. “No.” No. I wanted him to see me. And now he does. (pg 229)
**************************************************
I enjoyed Blaise as a lovable side character in A Bond of Broken Glass, but getting to know her in this book endeared her to me even more. The development of her character is well done in my opinion.
"I wasn’t supposed to be the villain. But I guess that’s what I get for not being content with my Fates-given role of lovable side-character. Maybe if I’d known my place, the Fates would have gifted me a love story of my own." (Blaise pg 17)
"As if there could possibly be another Blaise in all of Alondria. As if she’s simply a test subject, not the girl who’s survived rape and abuse and having her child stolen right out from under her, and after all of it, maintained the ability to flash that beautiful smile and coax laughs from everyone else." (Nox pg 242)
"There’s that part of me... it’s tired and worn and a little trampled. But it has learned to stand on weak knees, learned to love without expectation of return. It survives, and it manages a laugh or two along the way." (Blaise pg 311)
**************************************************
Then there's Nox who was kidnapped as a child and held prisoner for 12+ years.
"I still as she runs her fingers through my thick hair... just like that, I’m a child again. Cold and confused and utterly terrified of the female sitting before me, touching me like she thinks she’s my mother, like she has a claim to me...The queen trails her hands down my face and cups my cheek. The touch is so eerily tender, so revolting I want nothing more than to lash out. To rip this female to shreds for daring to stake the right to tenderness toward me. For stealing my mother’s place, though it wasn’t hers to grasp." (Nox pg 73)
The queen stripped his identity from him and tried to force him to live as a replacement for her dead son in her delusional version of reality.
"I’ve spent the past nine years acting as the vessel of another without my permission. I’ve been called by a name that is not my own, touched with hands that are not meant for me, adored by a heart that has no business claiming my affections." (Nox pg 251)
She blackmails him, forces him into fae bargains...
"She has something over you, too, doesn’t she?” I say. “Otherwise, you’d leave...I don’t know what it is, but you have something to gain if you succeed. Something to lose if you don’t.” (Blaise pg 95)
...forces him to torture and experiment on people, forces him to murder against his will, forced him to be the subject of a magical ritual that further stole his body and identity from him...
And yet despite it all, Nox is able to hold onto his true self deep in his core..
"...you changed me, Nox... you reminded me of the goodness in the world. That there’s life outside these palace walls, and that it’s worth hoping for.” (Gunter pg 135)
**************************************************
Speaking of character development...
I'm dying to know what happens to Nox and if Farin is truly changing or just playing the long con. I'm so excited for the next book! I believe he could change, only time (and the next book) will tell. He was cruel in the first book but could get better. The queen aka "Mother" was lovable and someone I was so sympathetic towards in the first book and now she's cruel, psychotic, and delusional.
"I’ve long since learned the queen’s peculiarities are not to be questioned. One cannot reason with a person whose reality abides upon a different plane. Within a different realm." (Nox pg 249)
I think the author is doing a good job with character development, going both directions towards good and bad.
**************************************************
Trying to wrap up my thoughts... good character development, good world building, interesting magic systems, interesting plots with good twists and revelations... I'm having so much fun reading this series. I really like this author's writing style and the way things flow and how things are described. I like how the main plot from the first book is flowing through all the stories, and each books individual plot and characters are tying in. It's all very well written!
If you've made it this far, thank you for following my excited rambling and I hope you enjoy the books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2023
Well....the author certainly knows how to leave a reader hanging and dying for next book....
Compared to her previous books, this one is more on the darker aspects of magic and doesn't give us a fairytale ending if that’s what you are expecting....so be ready to cry at some really sad parts and enjoy the snarky chats between the FMC and MMC...
There are so many what-ifs in my mind after reading this book and I can’t wait to find out which one of my speculations are true...
Hang on there...we'll get a HEA eventually...
Compared to her previous books, this one is more on the darker aspects of magic and doesn't give us a fairytale ending if that’s what you are expecting....so be ready to cry at some really sad parts and enjoy the snarky chats between the FMC and MMC...
There are so many what-ifs in my mind after reading this book and I can’t wait to find out which one of my speculations are true...
Hang on there...we'll get a HEA eventually...
July 19, 2024
one of my fav characters got killed, but i see why, gotta get that character growth yk? gotta get that trauma, gotta get those daddy issue times 2
January 5, 2026
Omg I don’t even know where to start with this one. The plot was amazing, the characters were lovable, and it all just fit together so nicely. Blaise was amazing to read about and I loved learning more about her can’t wait to see what happens with her and Nox in the next (and last ☹️) book in the series. Totally recommend this whole series to any fellow romantasy lovers.
July 12, 2023
I’ve been a fan of this series since the beginning. The books prior to this are standalones; however, they are required reading to appreciate the beautiful creativity and detail that go into this story. The books before this one were very good. This one is the best of them all.
I was under the impression that we would get world-sized answers in each one of the individual main characters’ stories. That each of them would have polite cross overs but resolve their pillars of the story individually.
That is not the case.
In the last book, I found myself a bit perturbed by Blaise’s actions, which made me hesitant to read this story about her. I was convinced that this story would be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, but after hearing her story and going on this journey with her, my love for her outweighs any ill conceived notions. This story was a logical, emotional revelation about her character and how we as readers, as well as the characters on the page, got the wrong idea about this complicated woman.
This book was a beautiful, tragic beginning to an end of a series I’ve come to desperately love. I was completely sucked in, and I found myself open-mouth gaping at the pages, crying at unexpected twists, and even rooting for the bad guy at the end. Maybe he’s an anti-villain after all?
This book will be one I think about daily.
(PS - Check your trigger warnings if you find yourself sensitive to some topics. While there is no explicit activity in the book, the themes can be difficult for some.)
I was under the impression that we would get world-sized answers in each one of the individual main characters’ stories. That each of them would have polite cross overs but resolve their pillars of the story individually.
That is not the case.
In the last book, I found myself a bit perturbed by Blaise’s actions, which made me hesitant to read this story about her. I was convinced that this story would be like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole, but after hearing her story and going on this journey with her, my love for her outweighs any ill conceived notions. This story was a logical, emotional revelation about her character and how we as readers, as well as the characters on the page, got the wrong idea about this complicated woman.
This book was a beautiful, tragic beginning to an end of a series I’ve come to desperately love. I was completely sucked in, and I found myself open-mouth gaping at the pages, crying at unexpected twists, and even rooting for the bad guy at the end. Maybe he’s an anti-villain after all?
This book will be one I think about daily.
(PS - Check your trigger warnings if you find yourself sensitive to some topics. While there is no explicit activity in the book, the themes can be difficult for some.)
August 20, 2025
Blaise was never meant to be the Villian. She was never meant to be a host to a parasite. She was never meant to be a subject of Queen of Mystral's experiments. And Nox, who has been tasked with parasite removal, who looks at her with hunger, Nox, who is a prisoner too, was never meant to be all she could think about. And Blaise was never meant to die in a dungeon.
✨️ Loosely inspired by the Snow Queen
✨️ Part 1 of the 2 part series finale.
✨️ Highly emotive read with a few trigger warnings to be wary of
✨️ Villian to heroine and Morally Grey characters
✨️ Great world building and unique 'old' magic system
Wow! This book was Full On! Much darker than the previous books by far, this book was also highly emotive dealing with hugely heavy topics and a lot of different types of trauma. I adored the characters Blaise and Nox so much. Having faced similar traumas and situations, I loved how they grew close and truely understood each other in a very deep and meaningful way. The character development was on point especially for Blaise, who played a prominent part in book 3.
This book gives us more about the old magic and a few other deeper world building things which I loved! Getting that deeper knowledge about the old magic and the links getting clearer where 'Mother' and Farin from book 1. It's clear that this whole series has been incredibly well thought out where ties have been woven so delicately that you don't realize the ties until they are revealed in big plot twists. This was a truely fantastic book!
✨️ Loosely inspired by the Snow Queen
✨️ Part 1 of the 2 part series finale.
✨️ Highly emotive read with a few trigger warnings to be wary of
✨️ Villian to heroine and Morally Grey characters
✨️ Great world building and unique 'old' magic system
Wow! This book was Full On! Much darker than the previous books by far, this book was also highly emotive dealing with hugely heavy topics and a lot of different types of trauma. I adored the characters Blaise and Nox so much. Having faced similar traumas and situations, I loved how they grew close and truely understood each other in a very deep and meaningful way. The character development was on point especially for Blaise, who played a prominent part in book 3.
This book gives us more about the old magic and a few other deeper world building things which I loved! Getting that deeper knowledge about the old magic and the links getting clearer where 'Mother' and Farin from book 1. It's clear that this whole series has been incredibly well thought out where ties have been woven so delicately that you don't realize the ties until they are revealed in big plot twists. This was a truely fantastic book!
July 10, 2023
Blaise and Nox was a perfect combination. They both understand what the other went through and just simply see each other. Nox is exactly what Blaise needed and vice versa.
This book was another magnificent addition to the series. There is just the right amount of mystery and suspense, while also putting the puzzle pieces together from the previous books. I absolutely love the way T.A Lawrence writes. She draws you into this world so perfectly and gives such amazing details. It is like you are living the story as your own. This book pulled at my heartstrings so much while reading, especially when Blaise goes to Clarissa after being let go by Queen Abra. That ending… T.A Lawrence really knows how to make you go insane with her cliffhangers.You never expect what is going to happen at the end. I’m already feigning for the next book and I just finished this one. Her books are so amazing and I love seeing when new ones are released. Her books are an instant purchase regardless of what they are about. T.A. Lawrence
January 30, 2024
Blaise's life has never been sunshine and rainbows. Her step mother is the typical cliche shade of terrible except 1000x worse. Being sold to a queen and hauled to another country wasn't exactly on Blaise's to do list. Being tortured, experimented on, and threatened wasn't on the agenda either. Falling in love, far from even a thought. But when she finds kinship and vulnerability in a unsuspecting place, she sacrifices more than she thought she had left to give. Just when she is past her breaking point, she discovers things really are far worse than she could have imagined. When she realizes the man she loves is in danger, she travels as quickly as she can but fears she can never get him back. After all silly servant girl, happy endings are for princesses.
I absolutely loved Blaise's dark twisty messy story. She is a well rounded and such a real feeling character. She goes through trial after trial and never misses a beat. All of the elements of this story work incredibly well together. As her story unfolds, you start to love her and relate to her in a way that is heartbreaking and breathtaking. The way this book made me feel is powerful.
I absolutely loved Blaise's dark twisty messy story. She is a well rounded and such a real feeling character. She goes through trial after trial and never misses a beat. All of the elements of this story work incredibly well together. As her story unfolds, you start to love her and relate to her in a way that is heartbreaking and breathtaking. The way this book made me feel is powerful.
September 18, 2023
I won’t lie; when I first started this, I wasn’t enjoying it - hence why it took me a month to read.
That being said - oh my god. When things finally pick up on this book, it gets really good. There’s far more emotion packed into this than in any of the others in this connected series (imo). I couldn’t get enough of the relationship between Nox and Blaise.
And that twist with Farin towards the end??? I’m officially begging for the next book just so I can find out what happens.
I will say this also felt very different from the other books in the series, as it’s much darker in nature - though still fairly tame compared to other dark fantasy books I’ve read. I definitely recommend checking out the triggers below before starting this.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Triggers:
- intercourse with a minor 😬 (this one almost got me)
- torture
- various trauma
- kidnapping (of an actual child)
- child death (stillborn)
- unaliving
That being said - oh my god. When things finally pick up on this book, it gets really good. There’s far more emotion packed into this than in any of the others in this connected series (imo). I couldn’t get enough of the relationship between Nox and Blaise.
And that twist with Farin towards the end??? I’m officially begging for the next book just so I can find out what happens.
I will say this also felt very different from the other books in the series, as it’s much darker in nature - though still fairly tame compared to other dark fantasy books I’ve read. I definitely recommend checking out the triggers below before starting this.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Triggers:
- intercourse with a minor 😬 (this one almost got me)
- torture
- various trauma
- kidnapping (of an actual child)
- child death (stillborn)
- unaliving
April 1, 2025
This is definitely one that you need to have read at least book 3 to understand what is going on, and book 5 will be the same I assume. I also wonder if the ebook/physical book has a trigger warning as a FMC gets pregnant way young and her child is taken from her, both of which I'm sure can be triggering for others. There's also some torture, child kidnapping, and people being held against their will.
Even though there were difficult, deep topics in this story, I enjoyed it overall. It was a story about conquering your demons and overcoming difficult circumstances. I like that each story has been fairly its own story in the series while still blending together. I can't wait to see where Lawrence takes this series and how it ends!
The narrators also do a phenomenal job, I've really enjoyed listening to them throughout the series!
Even though there were difficult, deep topics in this story, I enjoyed it overall. It was a story about conquering your demons and overcoming difficult circumstances. I like that each story has been fairly its own story in the series while still blending together. I can't wait to see where Lawrence takes this series and how it ends!
The narrators also do a phenomenal job, I've really enjoyed listening to them throughout the series!
December 18, 2023
*Spoiler lines below*
TA Lawrence: “It’s unlikely to be a pleasurable experience for you”
US: “Maybe I’m a masochist.”
“Fates smite me—my canines puncture my gums, but I hide them with a close-lipped smirk.”
…
This line though 😂 Nox was perfection as a vampire character, really well done and gripping POVs
I liked Blaise surprisingly though there was enough time in between reading that I forgot my attachment to the other characters 😅 but that last part really set up nicely that I think the villains are coming for the ending
as usual I am confused about Az and what his deal is but he was just in the last bit and also was the Queen just murdered?! Why not convince her she crazy already. Anyway …ready for the next one 😅
TA Lawrence: “It’s unlikely to be a pleasurable experience for you”
US: “Maybe I’m a masochist.”
“Fates smite me—my canines puncture my gums, but I hide them with a close-lipped smirk.”
…
This line though 😂 Nox was perfection as a vampire character, really well done and gripping POVs
I liked Blaise surprisingly though there was enough time in between reading that I forgot my attachment to the other characters 😅 but that last part really set up nicely that I think the villains are coming for the ending
as usual I am confused about Az and what his deal is but he was just in the last bit and also was the Queen just murdered?! Why not convince her she crazy already. Anyway …ready for the next one 😅
July 6, 2023
T.A. Lawrence does it again with another amazing book that will keep you grasping tight to each page and clinging onto every word as you read. Unlike the other books in this series this one is not a stand alone, but reading the previous books in this series in order to fall right into the story being told in A Throne of Blood and Ice is completely worth it! This book and this beautifully written and thought out! This story contains a little something that every reader will enjoy, and the plot twists you encounter will keep you guessing until the very end!
Another very well written book that has me wanting to re-read the series and even more excited to read the next one!
Another very well written book that has me wanting to re-read the series and even more excited to read the next one!
July 10, 2023
Love the direction that TA took this book! It was nice to have the continuation of Blaze’s character, and see her in a whole new light. I love Nox, and can’t wait to see what happens to him (and everyone else in the final book!)
I found myself deeply effected by the heavy emotions that play in this book, and while I really enjoyed the banter and connection between everyone, it was the deeply intense hardship that I resonated with. The bond they share over the loss of the lives they hoped they would have made for some beautiful story telling.
I’m so nervous to see where the story is going to go from here, as this book raised even more questions for me about the world they live in.
I found myself deeply effected by the heavy emotions that play in this book, and while I really enjoyed the banter and connection between everyone, it was the deeply intense hardship that I resonated with. The bond they share over the loss of the lives they hoped they would have made for some beautiful story telling.
I’m so nervous to see where the story is going to go from here, as this book raised even more questions for me about the world they live in.
October 8, 2023
So. Good!!! I love how this realm keeps expanding and now bringing characters from before back in. Blaise’s trauma was so compelling, as was this whole enemies to lovers story! Dark and romantic and emotionally poignant— expect to both cry and root for the protagonists!
I could not put this book down; such great pacing! Heartbreaking and lovely, and I love a good twist or two.
Blaise’s story is so emotionally compelling, and she is such a strong protagonist I enjoyed every minute. I mean, at one point she’s even like, “I don’t need you to explain it to me, I need you to get out of my way!” And THAT ENDING!!! Yesssssss
I could not put this book down; such great pacing! Heartbreaking and lovely, and I love a good twist or two.
Blaise’s story is so emotionally compelling, and she is such a strong protagonist I enjoyed every minute. I mean, at one point she’s even like, “I don’t need you to explain it to me, I need you to get out of my way!” And THAT ENDING!!! Yesssssss
May 6, 2024
3,5 in reality.
The last pages make everything so slowwwww.
Also, Abra is super boring and mad. And with that ending we now have villain boring N°2.
I don't now, I really liked Blaise and Nox, but at the same time it feels like somehow the characters are in the same place as in the beginning.
Abra still has her delusions of grandeur, Nox is still trapped, Blaise is still taking bad decisions because life doesn't give her the chance to be a normal person... And Az is still as punchable as ever. I get it how he's supposed to be dangerously and charming, but he only comes off as egotistical and punchable.
The last pages make everything so slowwwww.
Also, Abra is super boring and mad. And with that ending we now have villain boring N°2.
I don't now, I really liked Blaise and Nox, but at the same time it feels like somehow the characters are in the same place as in the beginning.
Abra still has her delusions of grandeur, Nox is still trapped, Blaise is still taking bad decisions because life doesn't give her the chance to be a normal person... And Az is still as punchable as ever. I get it how he's supposed to be dangerously and charming, but he only comes off as egotistical and punchable.
June 21, 2024
I feel this book is the one I feel most conflicted about, however, i feel that this is completely intentional by the author. I don't think you're supposed to like the primary protagonist, or even this relationship, however, the story that involves that lead up to the relationship between the two, before they even meet, does lead you to habe some understanding.
Spoiler
I am a bit suprised and intrigued that the author seems to be setting Blaise up to be a villian. I also appreciate the author giving us an origin story for hee. I don't think we're meant to like or forgive Blaise for her transgressions, but we are supposed to understand her.
Spoiler
I am a bit suprised and intrigued that the author seems to be setting Blaise up to be a villian. I also appreciate the author giving us an origin story for hee. I don't think we're meant to like or forgive Blaise for her transgressions, but we are supposed to understand her.
July 19, 2023
I enjoy it when things that seemingly have nothing to do with each other, such as the books in this series, start to make sense and have a connection. This book is the first in a 2-part finale that completes the series, and we will finally find out the purpose of all of this Old Magic.
I’m not a huge Blaise fan, in this precious book or this one. She no doubt had a tragic and hard formative years, but she’s a tough one to relate to. However, I do like her and Nox and her together, so hopefully that gets worked out.
I’m not a huge Blaise fan, in this precious book or this one. She no doubt had a tragic and hard formative years, but she’s a tough one to relate to. However, I do like her and Nox and her together, so hopefully that gets worked out.
September 5, 2023
Yet again she has completely enthralled me.
I felt as thought the first half of this book is a little rocky and kind of redundant in a way. Almost wondering why I was reading this story. BUT. The second half brought most of the pieces together and I yet again could not put down one of the books that T.A. Lawrence wrote.
This one was A LOT darker than the rest in the series but I actually loved that. Definitely check the trigger warnings though.
All in all, stick out the first half, I promise it’s worth it! So ready for the last book. 🥹
I felt as thought the first half of this book is a little rocky and kind of redundant in a way. Almost wondering why I was reading this story. BUT. The second half brought most of the pieces together and I yet again could not put down one of the books that T.A. Lawrence wrote.
This one was A LOT darker than the rest in the series but I actually loved that. Definitely check the trigger warnings though.
All in all, stick out the first half, I promise it’s worth it! So ready for the last book. 🥹
September 20, 2023
I went into this book fully knowing that it would be written in a way to make you feel bad for Blaise and be on her side. I was 10000000% percent Team Ellie, and I hold grudges like no other so I knew for a fact I wouldn’t budge on my dislike for Blaise.
And of course I was wrong. Blaise is my baby girl and she deserves so much better!!! I loved this book so much 😭😭 I selfishly hope there’s an ending where Farin may get a happy ending as well but mostly I want Nox and Blaise to be happy. And also Abra… count your days bitch
And of course I was wrong. Blaise is my baby girl and she deserves so much better!!! I loved this book so much 😭😭 I selfishly hope there’s an ending where Farin may get a happy ending as well but mostly I want Nox and Blaise to be happy. And also Abra… count your days bitch
February 11, 2024
I was very reluctant to listen to this series. But they took me by surprise to be honest. I listened to book one, the. Almost stopped. Not because the book was bad, but because I was so reluctant to start it, that I felt the same way about the majority of the series. But my husband said I should listen to all of them. So I did. And I don't regret it. Would I reread them? Probably not. But they were a decent series. I might recommend these to someone eventually. Not like my initial recommendation, but a few series down the line I might recommend this series. Not bad at all.
October 23, 2023
I loved this one a lot and I liked this series in general because it was ongoing series but atleast it would wrap up the stories of the characters that its following. I am disappointed it didnt do that for this 4th one though.
But i am looking forward to the 5th book in the series where Nox Blaise and Farin co tinues their story...would be really disappointed if it follows entirely new character and them 3 are side characters...hope its "why choose?"
But i am looking forward to the 5th book in the series where Nox Blaise and Farin co tinues their story...would be really disappointed if it follows entirely new character and them 3 are side characters...hope its "why choose?"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
the darkest plot of the series yet.
it’s a little difficult to read because of the harsh topics that the main characters have gone through.
but blaise and nox’s story is simply the most heartbreaking of all, and they are the ones that deserve to be happy the most 🥺🥺🥺
i can’t wait for the next book and see how these stories end 🖤
it’s a little difficult to read because of the harsh topics that the main characters have gone through.
but blaise and nox’s story is simply the most heartbreaking of all, and they are the ones that deserve to be happy the most 🥺🥺🥺
i can’t wait for the next book and see how these stories end 🖤
August 6, 2023
Book 4 in the series. This was the worst one. It focused so much on which main character was the most traumatized. Lots of torture, trauma, and things that didn't make sense with previously set up themes in the other books. AND. There's going to be a book 5. WHY ARE YOU STRINGING OUT THE CONTENT. JUST TELL US.
August 25, 2023
I enjoyed this - it wasn't as cutesy ending, but it worked out how it feels like it should have for the energy of the book. It linked nicely with the other books which I enjoyed. Blaise's character was interesting to discover, and I appreciated the totally different perspective
Book 5 is coming at the end of 2023, and I'll be keeping my eye out for this!
Book 5 is coming at the end of 2023, and I'll be keeping my eye out for this!
September 4, 2023
Crying screaming throwing up that I need to wait 3 MONTHS for the next book. I went through this series way to fast as I was unable to put it down at any point. Honestly this has been an incredible story that I can’t recommend enough. I’m emotionally invested in this series and don’t think I’m gonna be recovering any time soon from the book hangover this caused.
November 5, 2023
Here’s the deal the characters are why I’m reading this series. I am so so so drawn to Ellie, Blaise, Asha, and, now, Nox. I love the dual perspectives and being an all knowing reader. The writing and storylines get a bit childish here and there however this is coming from someone who reads a lot of fantasy books. I’m so excited to finish this series with the 5th book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
I loved this book. It takes us on the adventure of Blaise once she gets kidnapped. It takes a special author to make a reader feel so many conflicting emotions about one character. I can’t wait for book 5 where everything gets tied all together!
Warning this is a dark book that has rape and miscarriage
Warning this is a dark book that has rape and miscarriage
June 1, 2025
My reading experience of this book was marred by how much I didn't like Blaise.
The story, on the whole, also was a series of grim and gutt-wrenching events punctuated sparingly by some lighter moments. This was possibly much darker than its predecessors. Which had read like YA so far.
I am reading Book 5 and Blaise's character continues to irk me incessantly.
The story, on the whole, also was a series of grim and gutt-wrenching events punctuated sparingly by some lighter moments. This was possibly much darker than its predecessors. Which had read like YA so far.
I am reading Book 5 and Blaise's character continues to irk me incessantly.
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