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Mark of Valliath #3
The Blood Fountain
Chosen by Birth.
Rejected by Fate.
Haunted by a devastating mistake—and desperate to stop a curse—Prince Jetekesh sets out to locate the legendary Blood Fountain, even at the cost of his royal title. He won’t survive the journey alone, but after a recent betrayal who can he trust to travel with him into the very heart of Valliath?
Wrestling with heartbreak, Blood King Aredel marches to war against the unleashed Unsielie. Fueled by his wrath, Aredel seeks the tyrant king controlling the dark fae to exact his revenge…or die in the attempt.
Two worlds hang in the balance, and the power to change fate lies beyond human reach. Can a once-spoiled prince and a broken conqueror shatter the chains of their pasts and embrace hope—or will they be consumed in the fires of shame and fury?
Prepare for the epic finale of this Noblebright High Fantasy Trilogy!
Rejected by Fate.
Haunted by a devastating mistake—and desperate to stop a curse—Prince Jetekesh sets out to locate the legendary Blood Fountain, even at the cost of his royal title. He won’t survive the journey alone, but after a recent betrayal who can he trust to travel with him into the very heart of Valliath?
Wrestling with heartbreak, Blood King Aredel marches to war against the unleashed Unsielie. Fueled by his wrath, Aredel seeks the tyrant king controlling the dark fae to exact his revenge…or die in the attempt.
Two worlds hang in the balance, and the power to change fate lies beyond human reach. Can a once-spoiled prince and a broken conqueror shatter the chains of their pasts and embrace hope—or will they be consumed in the fires of shame and fury?
Prepare for the epic finale of this Noblebright High Fantasy Trilogy!
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2024
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 1, 2024
This book was a fantastic last entry to this series and such an EPIC finale! This book is action filled from the first pages and does not stop hooking you in until the end. Following these characters throughout this series and seeing their development and their journeys up until this point was incredibly well done.
This book was absolutely heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one. It was action-packed, and will have you rooting so hard for your favorite characters the whole time as they are working through their extremely relatable flaws and struggles (two of my favorite characters and journeys to experience were those of Prince Jetekesh and Kajsa).
If you are looking for a clean high-fantasy book with dragons, elves, a chosen-one, well-crafted world-building, what a path of redemption looks like, and overcoming the obstacles of darkness no matter who you are, then please pick this up and get lost in these pages. This is just a feel good, fun story with hard-hitting themes that the author does not shy away from and weaves in masterfully in this world. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
This book was absolutely heartwarming and heartbreaking all in one. It was action-packed, and will have you rooting so hard for your favorite characters the whole time as they are working through their extremely relatable flaws and struggles (two of my favorite characters and journeys to experience were those of Prince Jetekesh and Kajsa).
If you are looking for a clean high-fantasy book with dragons, elves, a chosen-one, well-crafted world-building, what a path of redemption looks like, and overcoming the obstacles of darkness no matter who you are, then please pick this up and get lost in these pages. This is just a feel good, fun story with hard-hitting themes that the author does not shy away from and weaves in masterfully in this world. I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
December 30, 2023
"No, tomorrow was never a certainty. Better to live now, in this moment, trying to become a decent human being."
Did you read that line? Did it make you want to be a better person? Did it make you hopeful for a brighter future?
It did for me, and these gems are hidden all throughout Woodscourt's books. They are more precious than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. They are worth more than gold. Nothing can inspire people as much as hope. You might disagree with that, but it is the only thing that can make a person rise from rock bottom.
Every one of Melissa's characters have an uphill battle to fight, to conquer their inner demons, to better themselves, to find the light at the end of the tunnel. And she does a fantastic job of giving them the strength to take one more step, to keep moving forward, to do better, to be better. In their darkest times, they can still see a glimmer of light, no matter how distant, that keeps them from throwing in the towel.
This is what brings me back to her books over and over again.
Then there is her world-building. It is on par with the masters of fantasy. Her worlds are all so well-imagined, and her books, even though not all connected, are all set in the same overarching realm.
The plot pulls you into her books, and her voice is so compelling that you don't want to stop reading until you've reached the end.
I recommend this book for everybody who loves fantasy.
Did you read that line? Did it make you want to be a better person? Did it make you hopeful for a brighter future?
It did for me, and these gems are hidden all throughout Woodscourt's books. They are more precious than diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. They are worth more than gold. Nothing can inspire people as much as hope. You might disagree with that, but it is the only thing that can make a person rise from rock bottom.
Every one of Melissa's characters have an uphill battle to fight, to conquer their inner demons, to better themselves, to find the light at the end of the tunnel. And she does a fantastic job of giving them the strength to take one more step, to keep moving forward, to do better, to be better. In their darkest times, they can still see a glimmer of light, no matter how distant, that keeps them from throwing in the towel.
This is what brings me back to her books over and over again.
Then there is her world-building. It is on par with the masters of fantasy. Her worlds are all so well-imagined, and her books, even though not all connected, are all set in the same overarching realm.
The plot pulls you into her books, and her voice is so compelling that you don't want to stop reading until you've reached the end.
I recommend this book for everybody who loves fantasy.
December 19, 2023
An Epic Final Adventure
This third and concluding tale to Mark of Valliath will leave readers up until dawn. Each chapter is as exciting and seat-gripping as the next, making the book difficult to put down even for a millisecond. The author is a wizard true at creating an immersive medieval world filled with unique fae creatures, strange lands, light and dark magic, curses, prophecies, grand adventures, action, climactic battles, and twists.
Oh, and can't forget the main characters, even the morally grey and broken ones, worth rooting for. They fight for their kingdoms, the name of the rightful High King of Nakania, the missing True King of Shinac, revenge, as well as their own redemption. Redemption for unfortunate past mistakes, the new mistakes regrettably underfoot. Close friends are lost. Loved ones. Family. There is no denying all would do anything to reach peace and unity, even if it means siding with a mutual enemy, betrayal, or killing the alleged problem.
There is no doubt about it. Readers will not be disappointed with this series, or any other by M.H. Woodscourt.
This third and concluding tale to Mark of Valliath will leave readers up until dawn. Each chapter is as exciting and seat-gripping as the next, making the book difficult to put down even for a millisecond. The author is a wizard true at creating an immersive medieval world filled with unique fae creatures, strange lands, light and dark magic, curses, prophecies, grand adventures, action, climactic battles, and twists.
Oh, and can't forget the main characters, even the morally grey and broken ones, worth rooting for. They fight for their kingdoms, the name of the rightful High King of Nakania, the missing True King of Shinac, revenge, as well as their own redemption. Redemption for unfortunate past mistakes, the new mistakes regrettably underfoot. Close friends are lost. Loved ones. Family. There is no denying all would do anything to reach peace and unity, even if it means siding with a mutual enemy, betrayal, or killing the alleged problem.
There is no doubt about it. Readers will not be disappointed with this series, or any other by M.H. Woodscourt.
February 14, 2024
In The Blood Fountain, all the paths of the Mark of Valliath reach their epic conclusion. That word, epic, is the perfect word for it. From the battles to the character growth to the unexpected twists in the lore, all of it is epic — in the way of the best classic high fantasies. The author manages to keep the reader so thoroughly engaged and is so spot-on with characterization that the conclusion of each arc, for both major and minor characters, is just… perfect. Even the romance (you’ll have to read it!) is all that I hoped it would be, a beautiful spot of sweetness amid the all the grandeur of this last book. And that last battle… poetic justice at its finest. It’s like this series was an arc or a spiral, and the author tied it up just perfectly at the end.
To paraphrase from a character, both peace and love suit this story, my new favorite series, beautifully.
Now, with all these POVs, I really need to consider my favorite characters… and I’d have to say Rille, for being the right voice at the right time, Jetekesh, for his growth and compassion, and Sharo, for taking a stand or stepping aside as the occasion required.
Onto reading more books from this author!
To paraphrase from a character, both peace and love suit this story, my new favorite series, beautifully.
Now, with all these POVs, I really need to consider my favorite characters… and I’d have to say Rille, for being the right voice at the right time, Jetekesh, for his growth and compassion, and Sharo, for taking a stand or stepping aside as the occasion required.
Onto reading more books from this author!
February 26, 2024
A beautiful conclusion, adding yet another layer of depth to the character and worlds of Nakania and Shinac.
As with the second installment, The Marked Prince, The Blood Fountain masterfully built on the lore of the trilogy while also being a satisfying conclusion to series.
Woodscourt’s dual-world worldbuilding really shines in this book and really expanded my view of the setting. I love setting, probably too much, and The Blood Foundation satisfied my thirst for building that I don’t often see in concluding books.
Prince Jetekesh finally grew on me in this book too. I’ve loved Aredel throughout the series and he was my favorite, but Jetekesh really grew as a character in this one and outshined the Blood King for me.
And as with The Marked Prince Woodscourt surprised me with a reveal I didn’t quite see coming. I thought I knew the true nature of a particular character, and then bam! I love myself some good red herrings. Bravo!
As with the second installment, The Marked Prince, The Blood Fountain masterfully built on the lore of the trilogy while also being a satisfying conclusion to series.
Woodscourt’s dual-world worldbuilding really shines in this book and really expanded my view of the setting. I love setting, probably too much, and The Blood Foundation satisfied my thirst for building that I don’t often see in concluding books.
Prince Jetekesh finally grew on me in this book too. I’ve loved Aredel throughout the series and he was my favorite, but Jetekesh really grew as a character in this one and outshined the Blood King for me.
And as with The Marked Prince Woodscourt surprised me with a reveal I didn’t quite see coming. I thought I knew the true nature of a particular character, and then bam! I love myself some good red herrings. Bravo!
June 12, 2025
I’m sad this is the last book in The Mark of Valliath series! 😩 I have truly grown to love and loathe the characters. Each one has such a distinct arc that is satisfying for all involved, even if it pulls out the tears and tissues!
This magic system just continues to grow and reveal itself. There was only one point where I knew without certainty what would happen… but not in the way it happened. This book truly keeps you guessing!
This book has character appropriate kissing where previous books did not contain anything of this nature. There is blood and war gore, as well as demons. However, this book is still great for upper middle school students and adults alike!
I have been describing this series as Game of Thrones at a Harry Potter level. I can see this becoming a childhood classic!
This magic system just continues to grow and reveal itself. There was only one point where I knew without certainty what would happen… but not in the way it happened. This book truly keeps you guessing!
This book has character appropriate kissing where previous books did not contain anything of this nature. There is blood and war gore, as well as demons. However, this book is still great for upper middle school students and adults alike!
I have been describing this series as Game of Thrones at a Harry Potter level. I can see this becoming a childhood classic!
November 7, 2024
This was such a fun and satisfying conclusion to the Trilogy. All parts of the story came around and were wrapped up. Some allure of the rest of the larger world is intact for future installments or Sagas. And MOST of our favorite characters have their Happily Ever After. I'd be very excited to reenter this world sometime in the future. If you have a teenager or young adult interested to trying out fantasy, have them give this Trilogy a read!! Great writing, great story!
February 12, 2024
This is a perfect ending to a beautiful written fantasy trilogy. The friendships, quests, magic and loss make it an epic high fantasy read. —Dragons, shifters, fairies, goblins, unseelie, kings and their battles for rule over kingdoms and more!
February 1, 2024
I received a copy of this book from the author and per her request I am leaving this voluntary review.
This book was the final book in this series and it certainly did not disappoint! I loved every second of it.
The main quest of our young hero, Jetekesh, was to go to the hidden kingdom of Valliath and find the fabled Blood Fountain in order to seek the true High King of Nakania and remove the curse from Amantier. There were great perils along the way, but they made it and, well I won’t spoil it for you! I highly recommend this whole series. The characters are wonderful. The story is compelling and I guarantee there are plenty of battles and mythical creatures to keep any true fantasy lover very happy! Well and I definitely loved me some dragons!
Read this series! You won’t be disappointed!
This book was the final book in this series and it certainly did not disappoint! I loved every second of it.
The main quest of our young hero, Jetekesh, was to go to the hidden kingdom of Valliath and find the fabled Blood Fountain in order to seek the true High King of Nakania and remove the curse from Amantier. There were great perils along the way, but they made it and, well I won’t spoil it for you! I highly recommend this whole series. The characters are wonderful. The story is compelling and I guarantee there are plenty of battles and mythical creatures to keep any true fantasy lover very happy! Well and I definitely loved me some dragons!
Read this series! You won’t be disappointed!
February 29, 2024
Yeah okay 3rd book so I get to analyze the whole kit and caboodle.
I didn't know I was a huge fan of high fantasy, poetic description, epic adventures, and this helped me learn I was.
But I'm guessing it's a standout series because it's full of hope, and I just loved it.
The characters have so much growth and strength, they find happiness (or go through a lot, depending on who you're looking at) and the plot was great. There were so many characters and yet I remembered them and was fully invested in their stories.
What's the best part? I get to read it again.
I didn't know I was a huge fan of high fantasy, poetic description, epic adventures, and this helped me learn I was.
But I'm guessing it's a standout series because it's full of hope, and I just loved it.
The characters have so much growth and strength, they find happiness (or go through a lot, depending on who you're looking at) and the plot was great. There were so many characters and yet I remembered them and was fully invested in their stories.
What's the best part? I get to read it again.
February 1, 2024
My heart was in my throat for this whole book! I couldn't stop. The beginning broke my heart all over again, confirming the tragedy of the previous book and putting more on top of it. But I loved the skillful management of so many plotlines, especially regarding Navolleth. I wasn't sure how Nankia would handle both him and Sharo's father, but I thought it was very well done. I'd appreciate a story just about Sharo's childhood as well, considering he had his own growing up to do, Jetekesh-style. Speaking of our hero, his full character transformation has been epic to witness, and I'm glad my instinct wasn't wrong about him and Kajsa. I still love all the characters, though I wanted to punch Axel more than once, specifically when a certain disaster happened 😭😭😭 but I don't want to ruin it. Just prepare yourself.
I can't wait for more of this world, now that magic and valor have reunited.
I can't wait for more of this world, now that magic and valor have reunited.
July 5, 2024
There are few authors who have the capacity to do this to me, to overtake every sense I possess as well as Ms Woodscourt. I get my knickers in a knot from the tension and as I think they're going to strangle me, Ms Woodscourt veers to another scene, draining me of that particular tension only to build it up once more! Like, goodness me, will my attire be intact by the end of the book??? Fortunately, it was, very much so. All the knots unravelled and I was able to smooth my hands down easily.
I was beginning to despair that there would be ANYONE left alive by the end of the book! I was like, gee whiskers, not them!!!!! I felt each death as though someone had thrust a dagger into my own heart. There lies the beauty of Ms Woodscourt's work, never allowing me to be complacent, always keeping me on tenterhooks, never knowing exactly what will happen next, always weaving the tale intricately and designing another masterpiece. Thrilling, absolutely thrilling!
In amongst all this angst, all this bloodshed, all the battles, there's still the sweet promise of a brewing romance between a few of the many characters. Really beautiful, I loved the glimpses of romantic aspects throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and I LOVED how friendships and loyalties were forged. And there's the tantalising thread of hope, just outside my scope of vision but it's there, all I have to do, and indeed the characters too, is reach out and grasp it.
The growth in Jetekesh was staggering! But it was steady and very credible. His inner turmoil at all his failures was so real. I loved seeing him rise from petulant Prince to a caring, kind, considerate person, his journey to enlightenment is staggeringly good! But that's just the norm from this superb author, she really takes immense joy in bringing each character to life, each character was fully explored, I knew exactly who they were every step of the way, which enhances my reading pleasure. There are many characters, each one absolutely vital to the tale, each fitting in splendidly. And so many characters to love, like REALLY love!
And the winding up at the end was superb, everything came together so well with the promise of more excitement, more thrills and more action to come. Bring it on!
I was beginning to despair that there would be ANYONE left alive by the end of the book! I was like, gee whiskers, not them!!!!! I felt each death as though someone had thrust a dagger into my own heart. There lies the beauty of Ms Woodscourt's work, never allowing me to be complacent, always keeping me on tenterhooks, never knowing exactly what will happen next, always weaving the tale intricately and designing another masterpiece. Thrilling, absolutely thrilling!
In amongst all this angst, all this bloodshed, all the battles, there's still the sweet promise of a brewing romance between a few of the many characters. Really beautiful, I loved the glimpses of romantic aspects throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed the banter and I LOVED how friendships and loyalties were forged. And there's the tantalising thread of hope, just outside my scope of vision but it's there, all I have to do, and indeed the characters too, is reach out and grasp it.
The growth in Jetekesh was staggering! But it was steady and very credible. His inner turmoil at all his failures was so real. I loved seeing him rise from petulant Prince to a caring, kind, considerate person, his journey to enlightenment is staggeringly good! But that's just the norm from this superb author, she really takes immense joy in bringing each character to life, each character was fully explored, I knew exactly who they were every step of the way, which enhances my reading pleasure. There are many characters, each one absolutely vital to the tale, each fitting in splendidly. And so many characters to love, like REALLY love!
And the winding up at the end was superb, everything came together so well with the promise of more excitement, more thrills and more action to come. Bring it on!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews