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Shadows and Crowns #4
A Crown of the Gods
The highest throne in the Kethran Empire lies vacant, its once-ruler now a god-ascending, bringing more chaos and darkness to an already chaotic world. The line between the divine and mortal realms is blurring. The battlefield is set. A final, devastating war is on the horizon.
Casia Greythorne has finally come home to claim the throne that is rightfully hers—one that she hopes she can use to unite her empire and help it survive a war with the very gods themselves. But to take hold of her crown, she’ll have to wrestle it free of a past that she’s avoided for too long. One that is even more complicated than she realized.
The answers she needs to win her war—and save her world and the people she loves—all lie within that past...
But discovering them might destroy any hope she has of a future.
Casia Greythorne has finally come home to claim the throne that is rightfully hers—one that she hopes she can use to unite her empire and help it survive a war with the very gods themselves. But to take hold of her crown, she’ll have to wrestle it free of a past that she’s avoided for too long. One that is even more complicated than she realized.
The answers she needs to win her war—and save her world and the people she loves—all lie within that past...
But discovering them might destroy any hope she has of a future.
611 pages, Hardcover
First published June 28, 2022
1042 people are currently reading
13617 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Gaither
28 books2,058 followersI don't check Goodreads regularly, but you're welcome to send me an email (smgaitherbooks@gmail.com) anytime!
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As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
--
As a kid, S.M. Gaither spent way too much time playing video games like Final Fantasy and reading every book she could get her hands on instead of doing silly things like her assigned homework. As an adult…Well, not much has changed. Her goal is to write books that distract others from their life’s obligations, too, thus creating an army of fellow procrastinators over which she can reign supreme. These days, her personal favorite places to procrastinate are in the mountains near her North Carolina home, in the company of her husband, their daughter, and their very spoiled dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 397 reviews
January 1, 2023
Rating: 1.5/5
I really hate that I’m rating this book so low. The first two were the best and then it took a hit in pacing and plot. If I weren’t halfway through the series, I think I would have dnf’ed. For a book with 600+ pages, it was a slog to push through.
The characters are starting to lose their appeal. With Casia being Queen, she has to acquaint herself with the role and slowly build trust with her people. Unfortunately, the title of being Queen got to her head. She behaved as if she knew more about being Queen and ruling than everyone else and didn’t listen to any advice. Elander wasn’t a big presence in this book; if anything, he was there mainly for the sex scenes. I had to skip their intimate scenes because it didn’t add anything to their relationship; it became empty and shallow. On top of that, both of them keeping secrets from each other was completely unnecessary and only intended to add drama. The side-characters do not add anything meaningful to the story except maybe point out that Casia is, as Zev put it, “a fucking idiot.”
This book was just a filler with too much politicking, planning, and talking. The plot was boring and confusing. I think half of the reason is due to my lack of interest in the book and the other half due to new added information that ended up being jumbled together and dragged out. Nothing in this book had me on the edge of my seat or feel the brutality of the consequences the characters made. Sure, the book started to pick up the last 15% of the book, but I shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the book for something interesting to happen.
I really hate that I’m rating this book so low. The first two were the best and then it took a hit in pacing and plot. If I weren’t halfway through the series, I think I would have dnf’ed. For a book with 600+ pages, it was a slog to push through.
The characters are starting to lose their appeal. With Casia being Queen, she has to acquaint herself with the role and slowly build trust with her people. Unfortunately, the title of being Queen got to her head. She behaved as if she knew more about being Queen and ruling than everyone else and didn’t listen to any advice. Elander wasn’t a big presence in this book; if anything, he was there mainly for the sex scenes. I had to skip their intimate scenes because it didn’t add anything to their relationship; it became empty and shallow. On top of that, both of them keeping secrets from each other was completely unnecessary and only intended to add drama. The side-characters do not add anything meaningful to the story except maybe point out that Casia is, as Zev put it, “a fucking idiot.”
This book was just a filler with too much politicking, planning, and talking. The plot was boring and confusing. I think half of the reason is due to my lack of interest in the book and the other half due to new added information that ended up being jumbled together and dragged out. Nothing in this book had me on the edge of my seat or feel the brutality of the consequences the characters made. Sure, the book started to pick up the last 15% of the book, but I shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the book for something interesting to happen.
July 10, 2022
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“And if you find yourself in a moment where it feels as though time is running out and all is lost, you merely have to break the chain, and a new path will present itself to you.”
A Crown of the Gods is the fourth installment in the Shadows & Crowns series and continues where the 3rd book left off.
The pacing of this book felt a tad slower than the previous books to me but I still enjoyed following Casia and co on this journey.
There are more obstacles and challenges that must be faced and conniving gods pulling the strings who may or may not be evil.
Hidden truths are revealed and new powers have emerged.
The plot was heavy with politics given Casia's new role, I kind of miss the traveling and the adventures the characters used to embark on.
“Tomorrow, they will have their queen. But tonight. Tonight, you’re mine and mine, alone.”
A lot has changed for Casia and Elander, especially after the third book, but the essence of their relationship still remains the same. I adore their banter and their chemistry between them keeps getting hotter. I love that wicked streak in Elander.
What I also appreciate is the author did not forget about Casia's anxiety, and there are instances where her anxiety kicks in and it takes a hold of her feelings and thoughts.
I knew the last 100 pages would keep me at the edge of my seat, and I am so excited for the 5th and finally installment in the series. I'll be very saddened to say good bye to these characters.
“And if you find yourself in a moment where it feels as though time is running out and all is lost, you merely have to break the chain, and a new path will present itself to you.”
A Crown of the Gods is the fourth installment in the Shadows & Crowns series and continues where the 3rd book left off.
The pacing of this book felt a tad slower than the previous books to me but I still enjoyed following Casia and co on this journey.
There are more obstacles and challenges that must be faced and conniving gods pulling the strings who may or may not be evil.
Hidden truths are revealed and new powers have emerged.
The plot was heavy with politics given Casia's new role, I kind of miss the traveling and the adventures the characters used to embark on.
“Tomorrow, they will have their queen. But tonight. Tonight, you’re mine and mine, alone.”
A lot has changed for Casia and Elander, especially after the third book, but the essence of their relationship still remains the same. I adore their banter and their chemistry between them keeps getting hotter. I love that wicked streak in Elander.
What I also appreciate is the author did not forget about Casia's anxiety, and there are instances where her anxiety kicks in and it takes a hold of her feelings and thoughts.
I knew the last 100 pages would keep me at the edge of my seat, and I am so excited for the 5th and finally installment in the series. I'll be very saddened to say good bye to these characters.
July 20, 2022
"It is not a question of whether or not I can take the crown of this kingdom. The only question is whether or not you get to live to see me wear it."
"You can wear it all you like. That doesn´t make you a queen."
This is a two POV book, told by the POVs of Casia and Elander. Casia´s POV frequents.
I loved Casia in the previous books because she always seemed like such a badass. Smart and ruthless and amazing with the sword. In this book she seemed a bit like the power of being queen had gotten to her head to much. She really was on a high horse for most of the book, everytime her friends voice a concern to her she goes "yeah but "I" am queen". Okay but you can´t do absolutely everything alone! I liked Elander in this book although he feels weaker in contrast to the previous books. He also wasn´t as present in this book and also doesn´t have as much chapters from his POV anymore. So to me that made him feel like more of a love interest side character than one of the MCs.
I liked the side characters in this one, although some fall a little flat for me. I still absolutely love Casias friendship group and the found family vibes they have going on for them. There weren´t that many new side characters added in this one, besides some new gods being introduced. Some characters feel like they are just there for the sake of being there instead of also having their own story and background.
Plotwise I really liked the previous books, I love the gods as well as the magic system. This book started with such action packed scenes, and the dragon rasing above the mountains on Casias signal made me so hyped for this book. The pacing in the beginning is quick and a lot of action is happening. Sadly the pace really slows down towards the whole middle part of the book and only picks up again for the last 100-200 pages. In comparison to the action packed beginning it made the majority of the book really slow and lengthy for me. The romance also falls a bit flat, I would´ve wished for it to me more like it was in previous books. But here they sadly barely interact with each other in a romantic or sweet way besides sex. I liked the ending again, it was as well as the beginning more fast paced and action packed, but I wish the book had a constant pacing.
Overall it was an okay read that seemed slow at times but I nevertheless enjoyed it.
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, trauma, addiction, war
"You can wear it all you like. That doesn´t make you a queen."
This is a two POV book, told by the POVs of Casia and Elander. Casia´s POV frequents.
I loved Casia in the previous books because she always seemed like such a badass. Smart and ruthless and amazing with the sword. In this book she seemed a bit like the power of being queen had gotten to her head to much. She really was on a high horse for most of the book, everytime her friends voice a concern to her she goes "yeah but "I" am queen". Okay but you can´t do absolutely everything alone! I liked Elander in this book although he feels weaker in contrast to the previous books. He also wasn´t as present in this book and also doesn´t have as much chapters from his POV anymore. So to me that made him feel like more of a love interest side character than one of the MCs.
I liked the side characters in this one, although some fall a little flat for me. I still absolutely love Casias friendship group and the found family vibes they have going on for them. There weren´t that many new side characters added in this one, besides some new gods being introduced. Some characters feel like they are just there for the sake of being there instead of also having their own story and background.
Plotwise I really liked the previous books, I love the gods as well as the magic system. This book started with such action packed scenes, and the dragon rasing above the mountains on Casias signal made me so hyped for this book. The pacing in the beginning is quick and a lot of action is happening. Sadly the pace really slows down towards the whole middle part of the book and only picks up again for the last 100-200 pages. In comparison to the action packed beginning it made the majority of the book really slow and lengthy for me. The romance also falls a bit flat, I would´ve wished for it to me more like it was in previous books. But here they sadly barely interact with each other in a romantic or sweet way besides sex. I liked the ending again, it was as well as the beginning more fast paced and action packed, but I wish the book had a constant pacing.
Overall it was an okay read that seemed slow at times but I nevertheless enjoyed it.
trigger warnings: loss of loved ones, trauma, addiction, war
May 4, 2024
3.5 🌟
The memmorrriessssss and the ending were stunninggggggg and I’m nervy but excited for this FINALE BOOK NEXT but I’m confused why we dilly dallied for so long to get where we needed to be for this plot.
The memmorrriessssss and the ending were stunninggggggg and I’m nervy but excited for this FINALE BOOK NEXT but I’m confused why we dilly dallied for so long to get where we needed to be for this plot.
July 16, 2023
~4⭐️~
THE MAIN GUY IN THIS SERIES😩😩I’ll never get tired of this man, no matter how much I read about him😌
THE MAIN GUY IN THIS SERIES😩😩I’ll never get tired of this man, no matter how much I read about him😌
March 13, 2024
1.5 ⭐️ This book had no business being over 600 pages. It was all very boring filler until the last 10% or so. I almost DNFd so many times, but somehow managed to push through. I’ll read the last book in the series for closure, but I need a break before I do so.
July 19, 2022
Wow. These books are such an emotional rollercoaster for me I love them so much! This one started off a little slow for me but the end was just SO GOOD it had me reeling and crying (literally). Literal tears running down my face ugly crying in the last few chapters of this book. I am so attached to these characters and this story and I just love it so completely. I don't understand why this series isn't more popular....everybody needs to seriously check this out! So well written, so emotional, just *chef's kiss*.
10/10 recommend picking up this series if you haven't already! Perfect NA with fantasy and just the right amount of spice! Characters are amazing, story is amazing, just such a MUST READ!
10/10 recommend picking up this series if you haven't already! Perfect NA with fantasy and just the right amount of spice! Characters are amazing, story is amazing, just such a MUST READ!
September 27, 2023
This book was too long. It could have easily been cut down by 100-200 pages. The plot and storyline dragged in this one. I enjoyed the character development, and liked how the author portrayed Casia though this book with her anxiety worsening as the stress of taking over the crown grows. It shows what someone might actually struggle with during the time of change and gaining a position of power. The last 20% of the book was good with leading up to the ending and I really enjoyed it.
January 16, 2024
I just had to DNF for now.
I really enjoyed the first two books but by the third book I just felt my interesting disappearing and just wanting to reach for other books. The plat just became to stretched out and I could not understand the FMC reasoning for certain things that just ended up complicating her life.
I hope to pick this back up at a late date and finish the series, but for now I can not force myself to read a book I am not enjoying.
I really enjoyed the first two books but by the third book I just felt my interesting disappearing and just wanting to reach for other books. The plat just became to stretched out and I could not understand the FMC reasoning for certain things that just ended up complicating her life.
I hope to pick this back up at a late date and finish the series, but for now I can not force myself to read a book I am not enjoying.
August 13, 2022
Casia Greythorne has returned home to the Kethran Empire to claim the throne. Her brother Varen, the former king, is becoming a god and will be even more dangerous. Casia hopes she can use the crown to unite the Empire and survive a war against the gods themselves. But first she needs to find some answers from the past...
This fourth installment of the series continues where the third book ended, but then it kind of... stalled? Casia is trying to adapt to life as future queen, whilst also preparing a big gathering to make allies - and sneak off once in a while with Evander.
"Her warmth, her safe place, her captain, her guardian. And soon…her king."
I'm not saying it's uneventful, but some parts felt a bit drawn-out. At the same time I really enjoy hanging with Casia and her friends, but this still feels, to me, like the "weakest" book in the series, and it has taken me an unusually long time to read. Of course, at the end a lot of things happen, and now I wish that the fifth (and final?) book already was written and here for me to read! I highly recommend this series, although it might not sound like it, because Gaither's inferior work is still better than most fantasy author's!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
This fourth installment of the series continues where the third book ended, but then it kind of... stalled? Casia is trying to adapt to life as future queen, whilst also preparing a big gathering to make allies - and sneak off once in a while with Evander.
"Her warmth, her safe place, her captain, her guardian. And soon…her king."
I'm not saying it's uneventful, but some parts felt a bit drawn-out. At the same time I really enjoy hanging with Casia and her friends, but this still feels, to me, like the "weakest" book in the series, and it has taken me an unusually long time to read. Of course, at the end a lot of things happen, and now I wish that the fifth (and final?) book already was written and here for me to read! I highly recommend this series, although it might not sound like it, because Gaither's inferior work is still better than most fantasy author's!
* I received an ARC from the author and I'm giving my honest review. *
February 9, 2025
I really enjoyed this book it was action packed the characters I’ve fallen in love with.The he pacing of this book was really good I was totally into the plot of the book and the character growth from the first book is exceptional I really have fallen for elander he just knows how to treat a lady if you know u know I love the found family in this series and they all have personalities which you don’t always get to see the characters all have a role to play in the plot it really does enhance the reading experience I can’t believe there is only one more book to go to end this series I’m so nervous to see how it all ends guess we will see I highly recommend this series you won’t be disappointed
October 15, 2022
I want to give this 1 star but the same time 5!! That ending!!! I’m seething. If it’s real I’m not gonna be ok w it🥲 at all.
May 16, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.75
Gods have fallen. A queen is rising. And the world will never be the same.
Just your classic YA fantasy book with familiar troupes, fights and cliches.
At the start, I felt this should have been the last book, but of course, around the middle point, this book opens up more possibilities and the end leaves us on a cliffhanger.
There were many interesting discussions on right vs wrong and who gets to decide how the works sees them and how history remembers them.
With Cas struggling with her new identity as Queen, this is very relevant to her and her allies as she grapples with her own role in the breakdown of everything good.
I would recommend this to fans of Throne of Glass and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Bookstagram
Gods have fallen. A queen is rising. And the world will never be the same.
Just your classic YA fantasy book with familiar troupes, fights and cliches.
At the start, I felt this should have been the last book, but of course, around the middle point, this book opens up more possibilities and the end leaves us on a cliffhanger.
There were many interesting discussions on right vs wrong and who gets to decide how the works sees them and how history remembers them.
With Cas struggling with her new identity as Queen, this is very relevant to her and her allies as she grapples with her own role in the breakdown of everything good.
"A ruler's job isn't to be good to people," Varen continued. "It is to do good for them-the most good for the most people, whether they can realize it for themselves or not.
Plenty of villains have started off trying to save the world.
I would recommend this to fans of Throne of Glass and Daughter of Smoke and Bone.
Bookstagram
September 4, 2023
She didn't know, but she couldn't seem to get herself to stop talking. So she quietly explained: "They took me in when I was four years old. And for five, almost six years after that, they [adoptive parents] gave me everything they could. They felt like my real parents. So how angry am I allowed to be at them, really?"
- an excerpt from book 1, The Song of the Marked, where homegirl Cas explains her sad backstory
VS
She wanted to look elsewhere. She wanted to escape. But her vision was tied to Varen's, and it wouldn't shift the way she wanted it to. It kept her hostage, holding as tightly as five-year-old Cas was holding onto her brother.
- an excerpt from book 4, A Crown of the Gods, as Cas witnesses what exactly happened during her sad backstory (which she forgot about)
That's it, that's the whole review.
- an excerpt from book 1, The Song of the Marked, where homegirl Cas explains her sad backstory
VS
She wanted to look elsewhere. She wanted to escape. But her vision was tied to Varen's, and it wouldn't shift the way she wanted it to. It kept her hostage, holding as tightly as five-year-old Cas was holding onto her brother.
- an excerpt from book 4, A Crown of the Gods, as Cas witnesses what exactly happened during her sad backstory (which she forgot about)
That's it, that's the whole review.
May 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
The continuing of the anxiety rep throughout the books is such a huge thing for me. I’m so glad it wasn’t forgotten and continues to be represented so well. Casia and Elander are *chefs kiss* and I can’t wait to keep reading their story in the final book!
The continuing of the anxiety rep throughout the books is such a huge thing for me. I’m so glad it wasn’t forgotten and continues to be represented so well. Casia and Elander are *chefs kiss* and I can’t wait to keep reading their story in the final book!
January 13, 2024
This book could have easily been condensed to like 150 pages
May 22, 2023
~ Found Family
~ Dual POV
~ Strong Magic system.
✨My Thoughts ✨
Oh my heart. It was so great to be back in this world. I love being back with Caisa and the gang. I loved all the action and shocks this book gave. I loved seeing the growth of characters. The emotional rollercoaster was just fantastic. The ending literally had me screaming out loud. I can't wait for book five.
A Crown of the Gods is book 4 in the Shadows and Crowns series. Definitely a great read.
~ Dual POV
~ Strong Magic system.
✨My Thoughts ✨
Oh my heart. It was so great to be back in this world. I love being back with Caisa and the gang. I loved all the action and shocks this book gave. I loved seeing the growth of characters. The emotional rollercoaster was just fantastic. The ending literally had me screaming out loud. I can't wait for book five.
A Crown of the Gods is book 4 in the Shadows and Crowns series. Definitely a great read.
September 2, 2022
4.5🤍
Muchas emociones dios, están tranquilos y después sufren y después tranquilos y después sufren, POR FAVOR SM DEJALOS VIVIR FELICES😭 mi familia, desde el primer libro tenía miedo de que uno muera y bueno, pasó PERO QUIERO TENER FE DE QUE NO MURIÓ REALMENTE O ME MUERO YO😭😫 necesito a mi familia juntos😭, Elander siempre mi hombre hermoso, Casia mi mujer hermosa 🥹 son tan Perfectos 😭🤎 y ESA escena juntos viendo el amanecer, dios simplemente bello, y ese final? Sm DAME EL ULTIMO LIBRO 😭 al menos estoy feliz que ya se viene el último libro, necesito que sean felices 🤧
Muchas emociones dios, están tranquilos y después sufren y después tranquilos y después sufren, POR FAVOR SM DEJALOS VIVIR FELICES😭 mi familia, desde el primer libro tenía miedo de que uno muera y bueno, pasó PERO QUIERO TENER FE DE QUE NO MURIÓ REALMENTE O ME MUERO YO😭😫 necesito a mi familia juntos😭, Elander siempre mi hombre hermoso, Casia mi mujer hermosa 🥹 son tan Perfectos 😭🤎 y ESA escena juntos viendo el amanecer, dios simplemente bello, y ese final? Sm DAME EL ULTIMO LIBRO 😭 al menos estoy feliz que ya se viene el último libro, necesito que sean felices 🤧
November 25, 2024
**3.8**
We could have cut out about 100 pages. The action scenes were great, and I really enjoyed the main plot, but the pacing was horrible. This could have easily been a four-book series. Still, it's good enough to keep me going. Excited to see how this ends.
We could have cut out about 100 pages. The action scenes were great, and I really enjoyed the main plot, but the pacing was horrible. This could have easily been a four-book series. Still, it's good enough to keep me going. Excited to see how this ends.
July 5, 2022
I'm so, so sorry, but I feel like not much happened in this book? 😬 Like we got an important relationship milestone for Cas and Elander, and the ending was 💥💥💥, but otherwise it was just ehhh to me. I mean, I'm definitely reading the next book, but this one was not up to par with the previous three books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
3.5⭐️ 3🌶️
September 1, 2022
WHEN CAN I GET THE NEXT ONE.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I adore this series. Another great installment with another cliffhanger that had me going WHAT and now I wait for the finale coming in a few months.
This is such a great example of romantasy. I loooove Elander and Casia. They are constantly working together, and even if some poorer decisions were made in this read I really appreciated the way they can have a true conversation together. I just love them. I almost thought the spice was going to land in the, is this really necessary?, category, but luckily I thought most of it worked with the storyline.
I love the complicated villain aspects too. It shows other sides I wasn’t expecting and keep me very much intrigued in to how things will work out in the end. The plot keeps moving and the assortment of gods that show up is a great plot aspect. I like that I can remember who’s who easily enough and that all of the conundrum involving multiple characters lives make sense.
The finale is sure to be a wild one and I am ANXIOUS.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: three open door (low/med explicit)
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anxiety depiction, loss of life
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
I adore this series. Another great installment with another cliffhanger that had me going WHAT and now I wait for the finale coming in a few months.
This is such a great example of romantasy. I loooove Elander and Casia. They are constantly working together, and even if some poorer decisions were made in this read I really appreciated the way they can have a true conversation together. I just love them. I almost thought the spice was going to land in the, is this really necessary?, category, but luckily I thought most of it worked with the storyline.
I love the complicated villain aspects too. It shows other sides I wasn’t expecting and keep me very much intrigued in to how things will work out in the end. The plot keeps moving and the assortment of gods that show up is a great plot aspect. I like that I can remember who’s who easily enough and that all of the conundrum involving multiple characters lives make sense.
The finale is sure to be a wild one and I am ANXIOUS.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: three open door (low/med explicit)
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: anxiety depiction, loss of life
March 23, 2025
Sadly, I have lost interest in this series.
June 25, 2022
Ugh, now the wait for book 5!! I need to process…and organize my thoughts. *RTC*
Edit 6/25/22
I absolutely adore this series and these characters. Every single one will have a place in my heart for years to come. The found family trope and “soul-mates” trope always gets me. This installment follows right where we left off from the last book. Cas is in a darker mind set for the duration of this book. She is usually optimistic and holds a lot of hope. She is feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. We see more from the meddling Goddesses and their scheming. Elander of course is the perfect, swoon-worthy hero and I absolutely adore him. I feel as though this book was the calm before the storm. I’m looking forward to the final book, but also nervous and don’t want it to end.
Edit 6/25/22
I absolutely adore this series and these characters. Every single one will have a place in my heart for years to come. The found family trope and “soul-mates” trope always gets me. This installment follows right where we left off from the last book. Cas is in a darker mind set for the duration of this book. She is usually optimistic and holds a lot of hope. She is feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. We see more from the meddling Goddesses and their scheming. Elander of course is the perfect, swoon-worthy hero and I absolutely adore him. I feel as though this book was the calm before the storm. I’m looking forward to the final book, but also nervous and don’t want it to end.
May 9, 2023
I think these books at their core are good but the issue is each one is so long, so the plot progression feels slow. I think if they were a little shorter it would feel more engaging. I also wish there was a little more depth to the supporting characters like Zev and Nessa. Although, I am thrilled that a romantic relationship with Zev and Cas was not broached.
August 31, 2024
Book 1 - 4 🌟s
Book 2 - 4🌟s
Book 3 - 3🌟s
Book 4 - 2🌟s
Fingers crossed 🤞 for book 5!
Book 2 - 4🌟s
Book 3 - 3🌟s
Book 4 - 2🌟s
Fingers crossed 🤞 for book 5!
May 30, 2023
I waited to read this until we were closer to book 5 release and I’m glad I did cause I KNOW how much Gaither likes to leave me hanging with her endings. 😫
I had such an enjoyable time with this book. The beginning and ending really packed a punch, per usual. The middle had kinda a slower gait for me this time around.
And I wanted more Elander and Cas time! They are one of my favorite book couples. 🫶🏻
The audiobook is one of my favs cause the narrator does Elander’s voice to perfection 🤌🏻
I wanted more speaking parts for him. 🫠
Otherwise I loved continuing this story. The banter, complex sibling relationships, friendships, steamy star crossed love, anxiety rep, political intrigue, action scenes, and scheming gods just really comes together to create this immersive world with the characters.
I can’t wait for book 5!!! 😭
I had such an enjoyable time with this book. The beginning and ending really packed a punch, per usual. The middle had kinda a slower gait for me this time around.
And I wanted more Elander and Cas time! They are one of my favorite book couples. 🫶🏻
The audiobook is one of my favs cause the narrator does Elander’s voice to perfection 🤌🏻
I wanted more speaking parts for him. 🫠
Otherwise I loved continuing this story. The banter, complex sibling relationships, friendships, steamy star crossed love, anxiety rep, political intrigue, action scenes, and scheming gods just really comes together to create this immersive world with the characters.
I can’t wait for book 5!!! 😭
August 30, 2022
I think the middle was a bit slow for me and being that I physically read this one, I was confused of what's going on. Either that things were getting meshed and dragged out all together. So I'll be back again by listening to the audiobook before the last one. The ending is a Cliffy so I made it this far I might as well finish the finale as well.
June 13, 2024
2.5 stars and the only reason I’m giving an extra .5 is because of the last 10% of this book cause damn did I struggle getting through the other 90%. Santi being a traitor was unexpected but the only reason I’m not DNFing this series is cause I wanna see if they save Nessa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 29, 2025DNF - I’m annoyed the series started so well and there just isn’t any changes or progression now. Giving me TOG vibes where we just really could have cut some of the content out and had an awesome trilogy…
Might revisit at a later date
Might revisit at a later date
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