The Sundered Blade

Legends of Abreia #6

by Kenley Davidson

War is coming.

Under the shadow of dragons’ wings, the Five Thrones wait to learn whose hand will direct their future.
Will the tyrant, Melger, fall?
Or will Vaniell and Karreya fail in their quest to save the the lands and the people they love?
Bonds will be tested. Hearts will be broken. And by the choices of a destined few, the fate of the world will be forever changed.

The journey reaches its stunning conclusion… November 2023!

Full description coming soon!

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Epic Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Magic

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2023

About the author

Kenley Davidson is a romantic fantasy author and unrepentant caffeine addict who believes in the power of storytelling and loves nothing more than a good book hangover. Her books include romantasy, urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and sci fi, but no matter the genre, she writes stories of hope and redemption with characters you can root for, heart-pounding romance without the spice, and happy endings that might just make you cry.

Her favorite things (besides books) are coffee, k-dramas, cats, and playing cozy video games. And also scones.

Kenley currently lives in Oklahoma, where she cares for a menagerie of misfit house plants while waiting for her adult children to occasionally pop in for laundry and a home-cooked meal.

Find out more about Kenley’s books at her website: kenleydavidson.com

Reviews

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very satisfying ending to a good series! Though I do question why Karreya has two swords on the cover when she uses daggers 99% of the time, but whatever. 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

Vaniell and Karreya remain my favorite characters from this entire series and they didn’t disappoint here and grew so much while also staying so clearly themselves. There isn’t a ton of romance in this book due to them being apart for most of it, and, ya know, they’re fighting a WAR, but what we did get was really cute and sweet and some of my favorite moments between them—definitely my favorite couple and romance in this series by far. And the brotherhood bond that grew between Vaniell and Kyrion was surprising yet EVERYTHING and I loved it so much! They are the best of bros and I couldn’t be happier by this unlikely friendship.

The ending was explosive and wrapped up well, but my only problem was the epilogue felt like it should have been chapter 24 and then the epilogue should have been years later answering things like what happened with the Empire, how did rebuilding Aberia go, etc. rather then this which felt…lacking just because it was too open ended for my taste. It’s not a bad ending and others may like it, but I’ve found this author tends to write open endings and except on rare occasions I’ve found I tend to not like those too much.

So while I don’t think I’d ever reread this series I still enjoyed it and had a lot of fun discussing them with my family.


‼️Content‼️

TRIGGER WARNING: a woman commits suicide by stabbing herself in the heart with a dagger (the action is shown but not detailed)

Language: dear gods; bastard (both as a swear word and to describe an illegitimate child); damn (to describe a situation not as a swear word); hell (to describe a situation, not as a swear word)

Violence: fighting with weapons, magic, and hand to hand (not detailed); injuries and blood (not detailed); a water creature tries to break a boat and eat a character; a character magically blows up a creature (not detailed); wyverns attack characters; a character throws magicked sticks into a solider; a woman commits suicide by stabbing herself in the heart with a dagger (the action is shown but not detailed)

Sexual: kissing (not detailed)

Other: magic; mages, elves, fae, and other magical races; magical creatures, objects, and abilities; a character is illegitimate; a character is an assassin; people are captured, locked up, and almost killed

[librarian.of.rivendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 burning stars 🌟

An epic conclusion to the adventures of our favourite characters in Abreia.

Wow. Just wow. This book was amazing. It kept me up, accompanied me on early morning commutes and kept me on the edge of my seat all the time. So many mind-blowing moments, such epic battles. Confrontations between arch-enemies and also with oneself. Heart-wrenching decisions and heartbreak.

This book had it all.

I’ve been following the history of Abreia since The Unseen Heir came out, and this long-awaited conclusion has delivered a most satisfying ending.

While I am definitely saddened that I will not see my favourite characters in action anymore, I am happy about this conclusion. I am also super excited about the upcoming series set in Abreia, Night Elves of Abreia (check it out guys!).

And who knows, maybe one day we’ll get to know what’s become of our beloved characters?

I’ll finish by saying thank you to dear author, Kenley Davidson, for writing these stories, for sharing the epic world of Abreia with us readers, and for delivering this final masterpiece to conclude the Legends of Abreia. Thank you!

[The Squeaky Clean Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stayed up until 1 finishing this book because I needed every single second of the resolution you find in this stunning conclusion.

I cried. I cried several times. This book is just so HEALING. Like WOW it's therapy in a fantasy book.

Vaniell - my heart can't even handle him and all the feels and his growth and just everything. Stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Kareya - WOW this woman is so good. So much love. So much tenderness in an assassin 🤯🤯🤯 absolutely loved her


The Kiran and Vaniell relationship in this book ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ like let's have more brotherhoods in books peeps. It was so a fabulous addition to this story.


The action. The adventure. The romance. The resolution.

How do people even find words to describe how good it is? I sure don't have any because I'm just sitting here stunned by how good it was.


Wow.


👄Kisses
⚠️Fantasy violence, once slightly descriptive killing scene, lots of feels, grief, and parent relationship issues dealt with.
🤬a handful of bible swear words

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I can’t even begin to express how much I loved this book and this series, but I’m definitely going to try!

“The Sundered Blade” is the conclusion to Kenley Davidson’s Legends of Abreia fantasy romance series, and it was completely and utterly brilliant.

Even though I loved Kyrion and Leisa’s love story, as well as Danric and Evaraine’s, I do have to say that there was something about Vaniell and Karreya’s romance that really spoke to me.

As for the way it ended… I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but it was such a fantastic way to wrap up this series. Honestly, I have become so attached to this world, and especially all of these characters.

If you love fantasy romance, and especially the enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience tropes, this is the perfect series for you!

[Bess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to wait a whole week for this to be released. Not like other readers but it was a painfully long wait regardless. :)
This definitely wraps up the series nicely. We get to see all the characters emerge together in this final stance against the horrid king of Garimore. Will our band of heroes and heroines succeed? Will the Empire triumph?
Wyverns, dragons, handsome princes, beautiful princesses, action, and adventure! There were so many things to love about this series and the finale. I only have one question that goes unanswered but I can rest assured things will work out as Kenley designed them
Don't miss the entire series with the novella too!
Clean, mild adult language, blood, mild gore, lots of magic, and hair-raising moments!

[Irina Kermong · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Netanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to end a wonderful series! I’ve been spell bound reading all 6 and this might have been my favourite maybe? I don’t even know! Highly recommend!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ate this series up!! Crazy how I started it 4 years ago and found it now that it’s finished. Love the world building and relationships. I’m happy that we got to follow different couples throughout the series but it all still tied together super well and followed the main plot.

[Cara Noyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the conclusion to this series.
The main characters are likable and the plot lines wrapped up nicely.
The magic, the love connections, and the battles gave the story a lot of intensity.

[Fatima Rezigui · Rating 4 out of 5]

That was a beautiful end to an entertaining series! I have to admit, i think that it could have all been a trilogy with multiple POVs and with 400 pages for book! But i still had fun.

So, the empire sent many troops to take Karreya back and make her the heir to her tyrant grandmother, including dragons! Yeaaah, it was nice to see dragons! Anyway, Karreya is probably my favourite character in the whole series, she is so smart and calculating, also, her feelings for Vaniell were so cute and wholesome! Her fighting skills? Yeah, she is epic.

Vaniell has proven himself worthy of love, of family and friends 🥺🥺 i love him! I can't believe that he was all alone fighting for years in the shadows! I love his friendship with Kyrion a lot, it is the least expected and yet and most beautiful of all!

About the side characters, Yvane's background story was so interesting, I found myself wanting another book about her, Senaya and the dragon rider when they were all training at the Enclave!
I like Senaya, being Leisa's mother, she proved herself really well!

Favourite scene is the way Danric reacted when he saw Vaniell, that was so emotional and beautiful! I also loved every scene between Kyrion and Vaniell!

Favourites:
Favourite C: (Karreya)
Favourite FC: (Evaraine)
Favourite MC: (Vaniell)
Favourite couple: (Kyrion and Leisa obviously)
Favourite book: (The Uncrowned Prince. Book 5)
Favourite friendship: (Kyrion and Vaniell)

[LaShunda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, but then...

So this is a great ending and all but I need (strongly desire) more. Like what happens next? What if that 5th kingdom? And the empire? I'm just saying, we can continue on for at least another generation don't you think? I love the spin off tales, but i would not object to more of Abreia.

[Xena Elektra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A phenomenal ending for the series. I was so happy to see Kyrion and Leisa return to a fairly prominent role in this book. Easily my favorite couple of the three in this series. I warmed up more to Karreya and Vanniell in this book as well. There was plenty of action, but also a lot of growth of the characters.

I feel like characters came into their own here and became more self-assured. There's a lot of good relationship plot lines as well. Niell trying to process how he feels about the person who's always looked like his father(and lived his father's life) being someone that might have to die. Karreya also dealing with what her father has become.

We see Kyrion and Vaniell working through their pasts together. Overall just a lot of good content.

Despite a lot of talk about it and even a small mission to prepare the other rulers for war, we don't get to see a battle. There doesn't end up being one, but it made sense why they'd prepare for it. They also didn't focus a ton of time on those preparations and the way the story played out made sense WHY there didn't end up being a war between the other kingdom's and Niell's. So there was no real feeling of let down. Like wow we dedicated so much of this book to battle prep for their to be none.

I did think Karreya's fight with the general was a bit silly. It's one guy and 2 mages. Mages get taken out immediately. The part that makes it silly was that the goal is to take the general's sword so that his troops will surrender. Well she kills him and gets the sword, getting heavily wounded in the process, but then it's not needed. I mean Niell takes the sword into town and there's all of like... 6? soldiers left and they're surrounded and outnumbered. It just felt like a big risk to get 6 guys to quit fighting.

[Orangetails · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh BOY did this one take me for a ride...this book ties up loose ends faster than two shakes of a lamb's tail, with several "oh-my-gosh-are-they-going-to-die?!" moments in between. You're going to want to read this in one or two sittings folks: it is TENSE. I loved how we got to see everyone's character arcs resolve, and we do get some happy endings. (My boy Vaniell has FRIENDS, I AM SO PROUD!) However, on the plot side, so many things come together at once that it's a bit overwhelming to be honest, although that's similar to real life, so props to the author for conveying that. I also felt like half the book was learning big life lessons and discussing themes that the characters learned; however, the author does it so well that I didn't really mind. Overall, it was a delightful nail-biter that shows the realism of war without being a drag, and with enough stabbing to even make Karreya happy. Oh, and DRAGONS. (Not a spoiler, one shows up in the first chapter.) Great ending to the series!

[Teddy G · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series overall was really good.

Unfortunately, once the Empire entered the storyline a lot was lost. There was already a bad guy and plenty of heroes there was no need for the side story of the Empire. There wasn’t enough time to completely explain everything related to it thus it just took away from the already great characters and storylines.
None of it really made sense and what did make sense previously now didn’t.
For example, Melger would never have been able to fool anyone if he was from the Empire. He would have done too many things over the ten years that weren’t Abreian.
There was enough people and kingdoms to ban together and defeat Melger on their own.
Senaya and her story made me wish Yvane had been Leisa’s mother instead. Everything surrounding Leisa’s father, the elf and him dying by choice made no sense. Theres all this magic and power and we’re just gonna die? This was made even more odd by Leisa easily going to the elf world and then coming back.

This all led to a very anti climactic ending.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited 3 years for this book to come out, and it was worth that wait! Kenley Davidson’s stories always have the best characters, fun fantasy worlds and excellent writing. This book was no different! Vaniell and Karreya were great leading characters, and I loved seeing so many characters from the rest of the series again. I liked how the overall plot was resolved and thought the answers to some questions from other books in the series were clever.

Part of me wishes that Modrevin was conquered in “The Uncrowned Prince” and that this story was focused on saving the Empire from the Zulleri Empress…but a much larger part of me hopes that THAT story (and/or the story of the night elves and the fae coming to a happy alliance) will be told in companion series in the future 😁 As always, every time I finish one of Kenley Davidson’s books, I just want more of her stories to read! She’s my favorite author and this series is definitely one I recommend.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading a final installment is like saying goodbye to dear friends, who you know you'll want to visit again. This series was exciting, heartwarming, sometimes scary, and filled with memorable characters and words that can inspire for a lifetime. Prince Vaniell is absolutely my favorite prince with all his brokenness put back together by those who love him, even though he wasn't sure they did- but we love him!!! His strength, determination and dedication to what is right proves his character over and over again. Karreya is true to herself and rewarded for that. At the heart of it all are those words spoken that make their way into our hearts, loyalty, caring, respect and commitment. And yes, the worst villain gets what he deserves! I will miss these characters but am sure that Kenley will have more in store with new adventures and worlds to entertain and inspire us!

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Overall, loved this series. The elves (not the night elves, the day ones) probably should have been included in more than just an optional novella as they are actually pretty important to the plot (also the novella seemed somewhat rushed and I would have loved a two book arc). And I'm all for a novella on senaya and her fae if it isn't already out there. My ONLY issue with the series is that it doesn't feel resolved and it was a little disappointing to not see Liesa's perspective as she uncovered all the secrets of her past, especially when she discovers said secrets outside of the current perspectives scope (tryna avoid spoilers). This is literally my favourite kindle unlimited series and the romantic tension is great throughout without having to rely on the crutch of outright adult scenes—which is a welcome change to some of the stuff out there.

[Chelsea Nielson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End of an Era!

What a stunning conclusion to this series. I am so sad it’s over but also so happy that I got to go on this whole journey with these characters! 💛

What I loved:
-THE BROMANCE! I loved the healing that happened between those two.
-Seeing Leisa and Kyrion so much in Karreya and Vaniell’s story
-The banter! And botched flirting attempts 😂
-So many questions I had in books 1&2 that were answered!
-That ending! 😭💛 it was beautiful perfection and I’m in love with Karreya and Niell’s love.

I have loved being a guest in Abreia, and I hope there are many more books in this world! I also really hope we get to learn more about Leisa’s abilities and see more of the whole cast in future Abreia books. 💛

[El · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series and this world; it was full of magic, war and strife, romance and friendship. The writing was clean and easy to follow. The characters were fun and challenging. I think (and this is my own problem) I would have enjoyed this series more if I hadn’t read them all back to back to back. If I had treated them as duos (which they are, just in a whole series) and put some time between them. They did start to feel repetitive. But that can be comforting. You know what you’re getting. And now that I know they all sort of have the same vibe and follow the same formula if I ever reread this series I will take breaks between them. Overall, I am really glad I read them and found a new author on KU to enjoy and follow!

[Sandy Schleich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little bit hard to follow just because I couldn’t remember some of the characters that were in this book. I like the way the author rolled all the characters from previous books into this one. Karreya and Vaniell were the main characters in this book, but all the five crowns came together to help get rid of a tyrant. Not only did they have to protect the four thrones from the overzealous king, but they also had to try to protect their lands from the empress across seas. The Empress tried to send assassins, but they either realized that they liked their freedom or they were defeated. I did like the end of this book but I’m glad it’s over.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in the Legends of Abreia series

Trust…Hope…Together…

This book was the perfect completion for the series. I love all the characters and the detailed world building. The entire storyline held my attention from beginning to ending. Wonderful book! Wonderful series!

"We are both shaped by our wounds, in unexpected ways,"
"The reckoning was coming, and only time would tell who would remain standing at the end of it."
"Perhaps, in the end, love changed everyone brave enough to receive it."
"Perhaps it was always going to come to this."
"It is never a mistake to stand in the way of great evil. The only mistake is in becoming the evil we seek to prevent."

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It is never a mistake to stand in the way of great evil. The only mistake is in becoming the evil we seek to prevent."

If you are looking for a clean fantasy romance series filled with complex characters, a well-paced and well thought out plot, swoony romance, witty banter, character growth, and detailed world building...look no further!

This book is an epic finale to a remarkable series. The way the author pulled everything together in this book was beautiful and so satisfying!

I highly recommend this series! I will literally read anything written by the talented Kenley Davidson. Through each series I've read I've been captivated by her fantastic storytelling.

[Stephanie Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a spellbinding conclusion to this series! Vaneill and Karreya both have my heart. I love how he’s the softer one; she’s tougher. But both of them have a wicked wit as sharp as Karreya’s blades, deep pain, and a struggle to trust that who they are is enough. Their story and individual character arcs are two of my favorites. Not only die Kenley tie together the loose threads in this book, but she also brought us more Kyrion and Leisa, who are still my faves. Plus, we see lots of other friendly faces. So much happens in this one, and somehow it didn’t feel rushed and left me still wanting more of these characters and this world.

[Kimthebookishbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. my. gosh. Whoever said spice free books meant bland had not read this epic conclusion to an amazing series. There are dragons. There is combat. There is death. There is betrayal. There are elves. There is magic. There are amazing, strong, competent male and female characters that have a great balance in knowing who they are but being made better when with their significant other. I highly recommend this to everyone who likes fantasy. I cannot gush about this series enough, and the narrator? Chef's kiss. She does an incredible job. I can tell who is talking just by the voices she affects. I love it. This series will definitely be read again in the future.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting finish to the Legends of Abreia
Prince Vaniell finds what it means to have friends and to not have to carry the weight of the safety of kingdoms by himself. Karreya finds what it means to be part of a family and to feel loved just by being herself. There is nonstop action as the Thrones are notified of important information and those in the know gather allies and armies to fight together against evil plans. Those evil plans surprisingly and suddenly fall apart in the final few chapters as the allies work together for the safety of their kingdoms and their freedoms. There is a very satisfying conclusion.

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to a great series! I loved how this book gave you glimpses of all the characters you met and loved throughout the series. I loved watching Vaniell’s growth and development throughout this book! I love how Karreya and Vaniell learn that it is ok to love and be loved and how that actually makes you stronger. The ending was exciting and nerve wracking at the same time.

I loved reading this series and am a little sad to have it end! I love how sweet and clean it was. I loved watching Kyrion and Lesia’s love blossom through marriage. I loved how all my questions throughout the books were resolved! Such an incredible series!

[Lj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely and wonderfully perfect conclusion to the Legends of Abreia series. The characters race towards a final confrontation with the imposter known as Melger and with the Zulle Empire in the hope of saving Abreia from aal out war. Again we are re-united with a smattering of characters from earlier books and there is plenty of adventure, mystery, intrigue and romance in this wonderful fast paced read that wraps up the series in a highly satisfying way.

I received an ARC and freely offer an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would've definitely been a 5 star read if I didn't feel like I was reading Leisa and Kyrion's story instead of Kayerra and Neil's. Those two had way more of a plotline than they needed to, and I did not appreciate having their story shoved down my throat while I was supposed to be reading another's.

Also, please please PLEASE make some shorts about Neil and Kyrion's burgeoning bromance. Also, some more Neil and Danric wouldn't be amiss either.

What I'm saying is, I just want more Neil.

[Marin Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

What An End

Got all my answers. They were soooo long in coming, but now I have them. The “we love each other but can’t have each other” love story trope seemed to be the crux of any romance throughout the series, and that did get old. Would have loved some other obstacles for love to overcome. But hey. It’s CLEAN so I’m honestly not complaining all that much.

***Content Warnings***
Blood and death
Su!cide
Abandonment trauma
Some language - as per usual in the series, like maybe seven total

[Tristine Fjerstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great ending and I loved reading about most of the characters from the past books coming together to see it through to the end. My favorite characters were by far Leisa and Kyrion of the series. But I loved how much Vaniell grew up as well. Everything tied together very well. Some curiosities I have are what happened when Leisa went into the Fae world, and how an heir would be figured out for Senaya. Because it definitely can’t be Leisa! This book definitely contained the most information.