A Promise of Lies

Shadows of the Tenebris Court #3

by Clare Sager

The King is dead. Long live the King. And death to his enemies.

Bargained away to Dawn Court, Kat must play the part of a helpless human bewitched by the Day King. But beneath the veneer of submission, she’s playing a far more dangerous game—spying for Dusk Court, and for the one person who holds her heart: Bastian.

Separated from the woman he loves, Bastian has no time to rage against fate—or his queen. With his city on the brink of collapse and war brewing, he must uncover the truth before a devastating betrayal shatters everything he’s fought to protect.

As the enemy’s hold on Kat tightens, secrets from the past threaten to unravel the courts’ fragile alliance. Every step brings the couple closer to a deadly choice: risk everything for love—or lose it all to the lies that bind them.

With danger, desire, and dark secrets, A Promise of Lies is the epic conclusion to Shadows of the Tenebris Court, an addictive romantasy trilogy ideal for fans of morally grey shadow daddies and heroines who refuse to give up—even when death seems set to win.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fae, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Audiobook

558 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2024

About the author

Clare Sager writes darkly addictive romantasy full of slow-burn steam, gut-wrenching conflict, and morally grey *everybody*. Dubbed the Queen of Edging by readers, she takes no responsibility for lost sleep or therapy bills.

When she’s not breaking hearts with her Shadows of the Tenebris Court series, Clare can usually be found drinking coffee, lifting weights, or impulse-buying stationery.

She lives in Nottingham, Robin Hood country, so it’s no surprise she writes about characters who don’t always play by the rules.

Reviews

[Fairuz ᥫ᭡. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars! 🌟 Okayyy, so A Promise of Lies was my first read of 2025, and while I had SUCH high expectations (it’s the finale, after all!), it was just a lil’ bit of a letdown. 😅 Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad! It still had enough moments to make my romantasy-loving heart do a happy dance, but overall, I just needed more! More depth, more closure, more frosting on the cake, ya know? Kat and Bastian totally deserved it! 💕

✧ Morally gray hero (Bastian, you sneaky shadow daddy 🖤)
✧ Court intrigue (spies, politics, and secrets... oh myyy 🎭)
✧ Slow-burn tension (until things go boom 🔥)
✧ Found family (heartstrings = pulled 🥺)
✧ Separated lovers (cue ALL the longing looks 💔)
✧ Power couple goals (they took down monarchs like bosses 👑)
✧ Sacrificial love (choosing each other time and time again 🌹)
✧ Magical rebirth (Kat defying death like it’s no big deal 🌌)

Honestly, every time Kat and Bastian were on the page together, it was fire. 🔥 Their chemistry? Top-tier. 😍 And their emotional growth? Chef’s kiss 🙌 Watching Kat go from highway robber to Queen of Spying™ was a total vibe, and Bastian’s internal struggle? Ugh, my heart couldn’t handle it. 💔 But... yeah, here’s where the book stumbled a bit:

Some of the biggest moments? RUSHED. 🙄 Like, we were waiting for that showdown with Bastian’s mysterious dad, Drystan... and it just fizzled out. What happened?! 😩

Also, where was Amaya’s family reveal? That was a huge missed opportunity to bring some serious emotional depth to her story. By the end, the pacing was all over the place, and it felt like too many plotlines were rushed through. I just wanted a little more oomph in the finale. 💥

BUT—(and this is a big BUT)—the emotional moments hit hard. Like, ugly crying into my tea hard. 😭 That epilogue? Omg. Clare Sager knows how to make you care about characters, and that’s what kept me turning the pages even when I was annoyed at the plot.

CW: Death, violence, trauma... and more. Check the author's website or note at the beginning for full details!

Overall, A Promise of Lies gave me a lot of what I wanted, but not everything. Kat and Bastian’s love story will always have a special place in my heart, but I just wish the finale had gone out with a bang. 💥✨

[La Ra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare, I am begging you please write with haste and please can we have another debaucherous Fae s*x party like book 1 🙏🏽

[Kiandra 🦋 · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑
‘Katherine. My beautiful idiot. I would choose you over her—over anyone—a thousand times in a thousand lives. You have saved me.’ I AM CRYING. If someone could love me as much as Bastian loves Kat, that would be perfect. This book was 100% worth the wait and it was such a great ending to this series.

Kat and Bastian will forever have my heart and I just loved watching Kat grow throughout all three books. From Kat disappearing into her own head to the Kat that we see in this book, I’m so proud. I did somewhat guess what was going to happen in this, but I still absolutely loved it. I’m so sad this is over :(

[Koisty · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Bastian Sandwiches Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

THE CAKE IS NOT A LIE!!!! THERE ARE SANDWICHES... AND YOUR HUNGRY GIRL GORGED HERSELF!

Welll.... whoa. I feel like I was just on a rollercoaster the way that book threw me around with twists, turns, and unexpected thrills. I was terrified, I was thrilled... and I was just enjoying the ride.

Please note: I cannot comment on aspects of this book without mentioning spoilers from A Kiss of Iron and A Touch of Poison. If this bothers you...I would advise you to stop reading and go and enjoy those books first before continuing onward

𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
This picks up exactly where book two finished. Kat has been sent to the Dawn Court as a “guest,” meaning a prisoner, and Bastion is left reeling. Kat has also discovered that Cyrus was behind the Dawn King’s death, so now she must navigate yet another court, becoming another piece in yet another political chess game, while still trying to find a way home (The Night Court). Meanwhile, Bastion is also working on getting Kat home, also trying to uncover the full extent of the New Dawn King’s betrayal, especially as Cyrus becomes increasingly tyrannical with each of his new decrees.

𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
It is almost hard to review this without feeling like I am reviewing the entire series. I was honestly nervous about picking up this book. A Touch of Poison was the catalyst that threw me into what I called my "2024 Fantasy Slump" so I was scared the slump was going to impact my feelings of this...

I love how this grand finale showcases the tremendous detail and care Claire Sager poured into her work. It just proves how ingenious she was weaving in all the details of the intricate plot. From aspects planted way back in book one to everything across this series, readers are taken on a journey of overcoming trauma. Claire excels at showing how characters must acknowledge their trauma and integrate it into who they are, not letting it define them but also not ignoring its impact.

Kat, or Lady Katherine Ferris, was not my favourite in book one. I wanted her to stand up for herself, and be more empowered. Through all the trials she has faced, she truly blossoms. Witnessing her evolution from that meek and passive person who was desperate to survive, to someone worthy of the “wicked lady” title felt like a full-circle transformation. She is a queen in her own right, a woman who endured all manner of hardships. From having her life dictated by others, and used as a pawn by nearly everyone except Bastion she finally stands up for her own happiness. Bastion himself is still the deadly, badass presence we know, but this time we see a more emotional side, largely due to all the explosive plot twists that keep you on your toes.

This book moves at a breakneck pace, both physically and emotionally. You just start to think you have a handle on one thing, only to be thrown another curveball. If we as readers feel this way, just imagine how Bastion or Kat must be coping when they live through each bombshell.

I also love how the side characters make this world feel enormous, without ever making you feel lost if you have not read the other books.

My only criticism is that, with so many revelations, some feel rushed. At times, I wanted more buildup leading to a new twist. Occasionally, events or information come out of the left field, and I wished certain scenes had been fleshed out further instead of glossed over in a few lines before the next shock so I wish Claire would have stretched this into four books. She condensed a lot into this trilogy, and you can tell how thoroughly she planned each thread so no stone was left unturned and no open end remained unresolved. Everything is wrapped up neatly in the end. It closes out the series in a way that feels satisfying, and I loved it.

The spice factor ramps up too. The mention of cake or sandwiches or hot dogs - perhaps two sausages, one bun (whatever food metaphor you want, is a clue). The love scenes never feel repetitive; they stay fresh and organic, and I had a blast reading them.

𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ FaeXHuman
▶ Political Intrigue
▶ Intricate Magic System
▶ Shadow Daddy MMC
▶ Pierced MMC
▶ Cages Her with his Arms
▶ "Lift Your Hips For Me"
▶ "Mine"
▶ Spicy Water Scene
▶ Voyeurism
▶ Hand Necklaces

Overall get ready for a wild, fast and thrilling ride, sad at times, yet heartwarming. If you have come this far, you already care deeply for these characters and want to see them earn their happily ever after. So jump right in and enjoy the show, because you are in for a treat.

Thank you so much to Clare Sager for the gifted copy! All thoughts and Opinions are my own

[Lucie V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

✅ Characters
✅ Found family
✅ Shadow Daddy
✅ Romance and smut
✅ Pace and plot
✅ Politics and spying
✅ Twists and shocking revelations
✅(🆗) Using seduction as a spying method is overrated
✅(🆗) Demise of the villain
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: physical abuse, mention of past abuse, attempted murder, (over)use of alcohol to deal with trauma, mild PTSD, poisoning, exhibitionism
🔥 Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

4.5 stars

I do have a few complaints, but I still devoured this book. It was a great conclusion to a very good series.

This book picks up right where A Touch of Poison ends, with Kat now being an “esteemed guest” (read: political hostage) of Cyrus, and being stuck in the middle of the politics of Dusk and Dawn Courts.

Kat was a better spy in this book than in the first one. Still, I wonder why it is that every time a female character needs to spy on a male character, they use seduction. Especially since the reason Kat gave for suddenly being interested in Cyrus and not in Bastian anymore felt flimsy and weak. I know Cyrus is vain and self-centered, but having him believe that Kat was willing to sleep with him and fawn all over him so easily made him appear naïve and dumb.

Kat blossomed in this trilogy. Iadmit that I was not her biggest fan in the first book, but the way she overcame her trauma and was so resilient is admirable. She grew on me, and I really liked her in this final instalment. She is mature and brave, and she finally gained the confidence she lacked at the beginning of the series, which allows her to stand up for herself. Bastian helped her get there, but it was also thanks to her friends and to herself. She can think about her actions and recognize when she was wrong, or what she needs to do to become stronger. She also used less “toxic” ways to deal with her trauma in this book, which is great for her, too.

Bastian remains a wonderful love interest. Still fiercely protective of Kat, yet allowing her the room to stand for herself and deal with her bullies if she chooses to do so. He also showed a more emotional and vulnerable side of himself in this book, because he was forced to face some hard truths, but it made him even more likable. He made me crazy annoyed at times in this series because of his rigidity when it came to Kat being married, but in the end, he is a swoonworthy shadowdaddy, and we all love those. 😉

The fact that Kat and Bastian just couldn’t keep their hands off each other even when it was not the time annoyed me. I loved the spice and sexual tension between them, but there is a place and time for sex. This is not the first book in which it happens, and every time, it annoys me. Maybe I am too pragmatic and not romantic enough, but if I know I have only a few minutes with my loved one, and I have sensitive information to pass to them, information that could mean life or death for certain people, my priority would be to pass that information, not to fuck around (literally). My priority would be to listen to what my loved one needs to say to me, not tease them and try to make them forget what they were trying to say, because I can’t stop kissing them and touching them. I would also try to be careful if my loved one was sneaking around in my room, and be quiet instead of letting myself go and be loud enough for people outside to hear us. I am not saying that the impulse would not be there, only that the dire situation should be enough to help them keep their cool and think with their brain rather than their hormones.

That being said, the spice continues to be spicy and good. Bastian finally accepts that he wants to be with Kat, no matter what, and stops refraining from sleeping with her because of her estranged husband. Finally! It helped their relationship progress, too, and it was nice to see them remain equals after everything they’ve been through. They trust each other with their life, but they also know the other can take care of themselves.

I have to mention how the author played with the characters' words throughout the series. Faes cannot lie, but again and again, I found myself having to go back to a conversation to analyse what had or hadn't been said. Those faes are masters at telling true facts and letting others create connections between those facts, even when there are none, and I loved it!

Some long-expected moments were rushed, and it did annoy me. I was eager to see the big showdown between the Queen and Bastian’s dad, but it was very underwhelming. Bastian’s meeting with his biological father was also a little bland. I am also very disappointed that Bastian didn’t even get the chance to speak to his Baba and his Athair before they went back to the Underworld. I feel that the ending could have been wrapped up more neatly, too. The whole “villain refuses to die and comes back” plot line has never been a favorite of mine, and it was not useful to add it to the book.

The secondary characters are the best. I really want to read Rose’s and Ariadne’s book soon-ish, and I am hoping Ella will get a spinoff book, too. The strong friendship these four women have is beautiful, and I love how most of the “hard work” was done by women. They found ways to protect themselves, spy, pass information, trick and fool others, and ultimately, even though it was Bastian and Kat who were there for the showdowns, without Kat’s friends, none of it would have been possible. It’s also nice that even for someone like me who hasn’t read the books about Rose and Ariadne, everything is clear enough for us to understand their backstory without feeling like we’re missing some key pieces of information.


1. A Kiss of Iron ⭐⭐⭐.3
2. A Touch of Poison ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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[Noi (in & out) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Stars above, what did I do to deserve you?” I slipped my hands over his and squeezed. “I thought we always said, ‘Fuck deserve.’” He scoffed. “Maybe that’s why we say it. If I only got what I deserved, then I wouldn’t have you. And I’m not noble enough to give you up.”
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WE ARE GETTING THE AUDIO ON JULY 1ST!

[Toribetweenpages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bastian and Kat’s relationship is such a blend between spicy vs caring and tender. I think this was more caring and tender than I’d hoped for but the plot conclusions to this series were so fun to read

What knocked it down a little for star rating was the ending. Just a lot of dragged out conclusions I skimmed through towards the end. But 85% of this book I was absorbing every word

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️. Finishing a series is always so bittersweet and this series had such a hold on me. I’m glad this book could be my first read of 2025. Watching Kat and Bastian grow both separately and together was so much fun. I’m excited for their short stories and to read more about their lives.

[Tay_is_reading_again · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Promise of Lies by Clare Sager

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

This is one of my favorite ARCs I’ve ever received because I’m a HUGE Clare Sager fan and I’ve read every single Sagerverse book. I’ve bought the Midnight Whispers special editions of these books and I cannot wait to have book 2 and 3 join my Kiss of Iron copy. Normally, I’d sit and binge read a highly anticipated book like this in 1-2 days, but this one took me a while to read cuz I didn’t want this series to end.

I absolutely adore Kat and Bastain and have since book 1. Their relationship has blossomed and their character growth is astronomical. Another thing I love about this series is the blend of political intrigue with romance creating a true fantasy romance trilogy.

Read this if you like:
🔮completed fantasy romance series
🔮a plus sized FMC in her 30s
🔮shadow daddy
🔮political intrigue
🔮a um, sandwich moment with said shadow daddy
🔮found family
🔮power couple

Thank you SO MUCH to Clare Sager and Haus of Fables PR for the advanced copy of this book.

[Ailís · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★

I wasn't expecting to rate one of my most anticipated reads of the year, A Promise of Lies ★★★ but here we are.

I loved every single moment of this book up until Bastian left Kat to go on a meaningless errand for the Queen. This, in my opinion, is where the plot started to get a bit silly. Sager has done a brilliant job of writing two strong, mature, fleshed out characters who don't make juvenile decisions just to hasten the plot along to where they want it to be, so I was surprised this was the route taken after such a strongly written series thus far.

This was compounded by the introduction of Bastian's father, Drystan, one of the Kings of Death of the Underworld (of which we know nothing about). His meeting with Bastian was so unserious that it left me feeling disappointed; he was built up a lot in the last book and this one and yet... the meeting with him and by extension, his mother Nyx, was not significant in any way. Drystan killing Braea was also not of much consequence either when she bounced back at the 11th hour.

I don't know, maybe it was just me, but I felt like the meeting between them would have been more... profound?

Likewise, Kat went through a lot near the end of the book, with the constant dying or almost dying.. it got tedious and I just wanted to read about Bas and Kat being happy near the end and we only really got that in one of their last scenes.

I was expecting there to be a reveal about who Amaya was to Sepher and his mother. It would've been nice to see a scene with her finding out she had family beyond that of her dead mother and father, to know that Bastian was her cousin etc...

I don't know, overall I was disappointed in how it ended. Their story, or rather, Bastian's story felt unfinished to me.

I think too much page time was devoted to the Cyrus issue as the story catapulted through all the other issues after, i.e. Braea, Bas' athair's death, his bio father and mother, Kat dying and coming back, Braea coming back etc... so many vital scenes were glossed over in the end.

That said, I did enjoy Kat & Bas immensely; their found family, their love, their banter, the spicy scenes, Kat's bravery and strength, Bas' battle within himself and him overcoming it - it was a pleasure to read. I may have shed a few tears throughout, and without a doubt Clare Sager knows how to write a decent plot with characters that pull at your emotions and makes you route for them wholly.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this series. I had book 1 sat in my kindle unlimited tbr for such a long time and for whatever reason I never cared about picking it up. What a stupid choice.

Let me start by saying how much I loved Bastian and Kat our main characters. I’ve read a lot of romantasy where the main couple have been hard to fight for. At least one of them has been god awful at communicating or lying or selfish. And yep you could absolutely accuse Bastian and Kat of the same thing but for whatever reason I believed in their love and relationship so so much.

Throughout all trials and tribulations thrown in their way you cannot argue how much Bastian and Kat cared for each other and respected each other but most importantly found so much joy and laughter and love in their relationship. Their relationship is the number one selling point of this book. Throughout it all you couldn’t help but cheer for this couple and pray for their happy ending. They would laugh together in the smallest moments to provide a blanket of support and love, and for me this made it incredibly real and believable.

Whilst my god I love Bastian, I have to speak about Kat. She spoke to my soul. I absolutely loved her character. She had this amazing ability to appear both strong and fragile, relatable yet awe inspiring, beautiful and yet unable to turn down a slice cake. I loved this girl. I FELT this girl. I believe the story built around this girl.

My main issue with this series is how long robin held relevance for. If you know you know. I really don’t understand what this storyline added to the story except additional stepping stones for us to cross. Without a doubt I would have loved and believed in this story without this addition.

I devoured this entire series within less than 1 week and I wouldn’t change a thing. I thought this series, its characters and its world were perfect. I’m so so so ready to now venture into Claire sagers entire bibliography.

[amandathebookworm 📚🪱 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun ride & satisfying conclusion to this trilogy! Giving it a 4.25 - 4.5 so rounding up! Some really fun twists & just a fun read all around.

PLOT
After Kat has been swept away to Dawn Court in a political exchange, she & Bastian have to work to get her back. But how can they do this while separated, all while facing the questionable motives of rulers on each side AND looking for magical artifacts AND fighting the Horrors. This book has
- fae & human magic
- masquerade ball
- twists & turns
- strong woman
- ultimate shadow daddy
- high spice (& we finally get *the thing*)


PROS
- I really appreciate how the tension between Kat & Bastian was created this book & we didn’t rely on a betrayal or back-to-enemies storyline to build it. I tire of those & this tension was fab without relying on that trope.
- *The thing* was worth the wait. Hell yeah.
- I love that we never lose Bastian’s character. So often we lose the MMC once he’s in love that’s all he is anymore but we still got so much of his story, his motives, his history, etc. & that was nice.
- Our girl Kat has come A LONG WAY. What an arc. Love to see it.
- I hope we get an Ella series tbh. I love her.
- I tend to really like a “she’s in the enemy’s hands” storyline & this was very fun in that arena!
- This book was action-packed. Even if it felt like the Dawn Court portion was a lot of it there was still always stuff going down.


CONS
- There was a trope done in this book that I am just a little tired of. The whole process of it is just sort of an “alright get me through this & back to the point” — more details in spoilers.


Had so much fun & would def recommend this!


⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️

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- Loved B’s dad being the Death King. I knew the Wild Hunt was related to him somehow but that was v fun.
- The Horros being unseelie was so sad & surprised me.
- Devastated when we lost althair.
- Let us retire the false FMC death trope please. & when we do do it, let us retire the “I was falling into nothing & everything” way of writing it. I find deaths/almost deaths SO much more impactful when the dying/return is brief vs. a whole drawn out thing. Personal preference definitely.

[Stacey_Read_That · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️It was ok. I LOVED the first book of this series but the final two books were just ok. I enjoyed the ending and how everything wrapped up.

[Juliana Varroni · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it was a good ending to the story, there were several things that happened that made me underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I had higher expectations of Kat’s time in Dawn, and her just playing silly little human trying to seduce the king felt… odd and old. For all his machinations, the king was utterly dumb.
Some revelations were quite good - like Amaya and Bastian’s parents - but I felt like they were not really properly used in the story.
The Crown of Ashes was also underwhelming to me. From the interaction with the King to the crown’s usage.
Sura’s death wasn’t really explained - why was she in chains?
Kaliban’s death was awful but the whole scene was just… odd. “I’m not releasing them - I’m releasing them - I’m not releasing them”.
The entire scene with the Underworld king and Kat coming back to life was also not as spectacular as one would expect. Things were all over the place and it just felt weird: the king was dying by poison but still took him long to kill Braea and ask for the antidote (omg you poisoned my dad & omg you were gonna let my love die - silly lines); Nyx was with him and he never felt it; his parents were not emotional at all; seeing everyone who died was just okay; and the coronation didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Braea “comeback” was also unnecessary in my opinion, and that part was pretty damn confusing. First Bastian is dying and then he’s just not?
Kat being against marriage to Bastian - now that was just plain stupid in my opinion. No one was forcing her, it was a CHOICE. Her reasoning just didn’t sit well with me.
I have to be honest and say I skimmed through the whole ending - I was just not interested anymore. The decision to turn the whole system into a democracy came out of nowhere and gave me “Red Queen” vibes (I absolutely hated that series).

So in summary - it was a good story, good plot, just didn’t perform that well in the end. But that’s just my opinion!

[Sarah A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was just too much jammed into the last 40% and not enough when Cyrus was alive.

[Anna Callahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars

An amazing ending for a stunning series! This series is TOP TIER! I will never be over Kat and Bastian!

This finale had every single thing I wanted in it. Found family, shadow daddy to the max, emotion up the wahzoo, and so so much action! Also can power hungry men stop trying to take advantage of Kat because who do these men think they are!? Anyways I swear you guys there is action and wild shiz going down all the way until the VERY end 🫠 Clare’s writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go. When you’re in the story you’re legit in it and it’s glorious!

I can’t believe this series is over, I’m so sad but so happy to have read such a remarkable story of pain and rage but also love and resilience. Kat will forever hold a special place in my heart 🖤 Thank you so much to Clare Sager for writing this masterpiece of a series, I am forever grateful!

[Samy Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful ending to this trilogy! I was so lucky to receive an ACR of A Promise of Lies! When I tell you I DEVOURED the first two books in this series last year that would be an understatement. This book was at the top of my highly anticipated reads list and it did not disappoint! I was hooked from the very first word to the very last!

This series has it all! Deceit, court intrigue, bad ass FMC, heartbreak, feminine rage like no other. I could go on and on! Also don’t get me started on the plot twists and one of the best shadow daddies to ever exist 👀

The main characters are some of my favorites I have ever read. They are refreshing, competent, and relatable! The growth they go through is outstanding and it felt like I was right there with them. And the side characters were lovely, diverse and added so much to the story and world!

Nothing will compare at how this series altered me. There will forever be a Kat and Bastian sized hole in my heart! It was so hard to say goodbye to these characters but it was such a bittersweet ending to a fantastic series. 🥹

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

So excited to have been chosen for on ARC reader on the conclusion of the Shadows of the Tenebris Court!!

This was the perfect ending to one of my favorite series ever. I was so nervous to start with Kat and Bastian being separated but Clare blew me away. The twists and turns really kept me on my toes. I could not have predicted this wild ride. I am sure I’ve said this before but one of my favorite things about Clare’s writing is the development and growth she gives her characters. Kats journey from highway robber to all that she becomes is addicting, pride-bringing, and touching. She becomes the rock for Bastian he didn’t know he needed. Then Bastian…. From an unemotional right hand man to the queen to… everything that he becomes (this includes all the emotions he embraces) is moving and inspiring. He truly learned to trust himself and to lean on Kat when she needed.

This book had everything I needed. Including a sandwich I didn’t know I was craving. 😉

I am hoping we get an Ella book?! Maybe?! Pleaseeeeee Clare!!

[Rachel Elyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

5✨
3.75 🌶️

Ohhhh my gosh! THIS BOOK. But first! Thank you Clare for this opportunity I can’t tell you how excited I was to receive this! As always this review is completely voluntary and honest 🤍

Did I want Kat and Bastian’s story to end? Absolutely not but I gotta say, Clare did them justice 🥹. I can still remember Pia telling me about the sign up for Kiss of Iron on FB in early 2023 and I’m so glad I RAN to sign up. I found not only a new top favorite series but a new favorite author and I’ll literally buy and read anything Clare writes 😅.

This has been a JOURNEY. Watching Kat grow and become the strong powerful woman she is by the end of this book has been amazing and so unbelievably relatable. She has fears and insecurities and she comes out on the other side from facing them and not always alone. Bastian was with her every step. But Bastian also grew so much by the end of this book. Did I wanna slap him a little? YES. But only because he was so hard on himself! And if anyone did the things that happened to him to Kat? Ooo they’d be in trouble. So he had a lot of grow and stuff to work through too.

Clare did the characters and this world justice and I adored ever second of it (even if I had anxiety the ENTIRE book and lost sleep 😂)

[Lucii ;) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Morgan Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I was hoping for in a series finale but I am so sad for it to be over. I loved seeing our FMC Kat grow into herself and my ultimate book boyfriend Bastion - what a ride. Shadows of the Tenebris Court is filled with the best found family vibes, a fierce plus sized FMC, the best shadow daddy, political intrigue, beautiful dresses and a great mystery. Clare Sager has cemented herself as one of my all time fav authors and mam that was quite the sandwich 🫠

[Valerie | Vanelena.Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this so freaking much!!!

The Dawn King is dead, and his son Cyrus has ascended the throne. Kat has Ben transferred to the Dawn Court as an act of goodwill by Dusk. But this keeps her on the other side of the veil from Bastian, so close but apart. Queen Braea of Dusk is keeping Bastian busy searching for the Crown of Ashes, but she’s also keeping secrets from him. Kat offers to act as a spy in Dawn for Bastian, hoping to get close to the king to find out the truth about his father’s death. But as the monarch’s behavior becomes increasingly worrisome, Kat and Bastian must risk it all to uncover the truth and save Elfhame.

I really enjoyed this book! I don’t want to give too many details or spoil anything, but this was a satisfying conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story. We see how their love is tested and how they continue to choose each other every time. While it’s hard to have Kat and Bastian separated for a chunk of the book, the times they are together is so special. We get some exciting reveals that literally made me gasp, and some incredibly emotional moments that brought me to tears. There were a few storylines that I wish were delved into a bit more, but this book covers so much ground and ties up so many loose threads, I’m ok with where things left off. The ending was satisfying and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very end. This is definitely a favorite series of mine, and I hope we get more books in the Sabreverse in the future!

Thank you so, so much to Clare Sager for the advanced copy of this book!! All opinions are my own.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final instalment in the Shadows of the Tenebris Court series.

Kat and Bastian have long played at being on opposite sides of the political war brewing in the fae court, but now they have been separated and forced to play for other, more powerful players. Will they continue to be pawns or can they ever fight their way back to each other's sides? Can they trust that the love they fought for will still remain if they manage to do so, or will lies and deceit have destroyed it once again?

What a wonderful series to start the year by reading! Despite being quite chunky fantasy books, I flew through each instalment due to the fast pace and high tension that run through their cores and for the romance that captured my heart from early on in book one but was never allowed more than fleeting moments of peace and happiness until the series conclusion.

This was the most romantically focused of the three but with enough plot development to appease my predominately fantasy loving heart. I loved learning about the court politics and how it related to the wider world, as well as how it intimately affected those forced to play the games set by the nobles. The world was expansive and so I hope this author has plans to revisit it from other angles as I will eat up anything and everything she now creates!

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much Clare Sager for sending me this ARC!

A Promise of Lies is the last book in a Fantasy Romance trilogy and I can’t believe it’s the end, I have loved this series since reading the first book as an ARC and this was such a perfect conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story, I absolutely loved it.

A Promise of Lies begins right where A Touch of Poison ended on that cliffhanger and I was hooked since the first page and read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It had everything I had come to expect from Clare’s books: Fae court intrigue, shocking revelations, plot twists I didn’t see coming that kept me on the edge of my seat but also so many amazing characters I’ve come to love and one of the most beautiful romances I’ve ever read. Kat truly shined in this book, she has come a long way from book 1 and continued to grow in this one and I was really impressed with her, she was so strong and clever and always willing to do anything for her loved ones. When it comes to Bastian, he continued to be the perfect MMC and shadow daddy and I fell more in love with him with every page, my heart was breaking for him at times in this book, he had to question everything he thought he knew but I loved how Kat was always most important for him. Their relationship was absolutely perfect here and they made a true power couple, I loved how they always supported each other in everything and how after everything that happened in previous books they were more open and just happy together. I loved all their scenes, their conversations, their banter, being vulnerable with each other and I must say Clare really outdid herself with the spicy scenes, they were all *chef’s kiss* but especially that one scene she was teasing us with since the previous book, I was blushing while reading it. I also really loved the supporting characters and the beautiful found family they all made, I already miss everyone and hope we will get to see them again.

A Promise of Lies is the perfect conclusion to this incredible series, it was everything I hoped for and more and if you loved the previous books in this series, I’m sure you’re going to love this one too. And if you’re new to this series, trust me, it’s incredible and you don’t want to miss it. I already can’t wait for Clare’s next book!

[Michelle (Bamamele.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic conclusion to an amazing series!

We pick up right where the last book ended, and embark on a tense, emotional, and fraught journey. Having Kat and Bastian separated hurts, but it also makes the time they do get together so much more meaningful. Tensions and danger are HIGH! No one is safe between the courts of Dawn and Dusk, and there are plot upon plots and intrigues upon intrigues.

This is an emotional book. Basically if there was a scene with Kaliban or mentioning Kaliban, I was teary. Kat is so fearless, and she is a rock for Bastian. He has a LOT to work through, even more than in the last book. There are so many shocking reveals, and long-buried secrets come to PLAY. To keep this spoiler free, I’ll just emphasize that I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, screamed several times, cussed a lot, and cried and gasped a number of times. But as always, the character work here is exquisite. And everything wraps beautifully and satisfactorily.

And to what y’all are all really wanting to know….yes our Shadow Daddy comes to play. Seggsy promises were made in the previous book, and boy were they kept! No disappointment here!🥵

I really cannot recommend this series enough. I’m so honored Clare trusted me with an extra early read. And, Clare, I love the epilogue 😘

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing conclusion to the series! I loved all the pieces coming together, all the reveals, and of course the HEA. I love Clare Sager’s writing and her characters. Kat’s development through out the series was top tier. Clare expertly weaves characters from other series into this one which is amazing if you know them and exciting if you now get to go read their books next. I’m going to miss this series so much.

[Lilia Atkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything. EVERYTHING. My heart is so full and yet I can’t help but be sad this trilogy has come to a close.
I don’t think I could ever get enough of Kat and Bastian. Clare delivered a finale that was heart stopping, tear jerking and absolutely wholesome.
Our girl Kat really played the game in this one and proved what we knew all along, she is a QUEEN.
My cake loving hero.

Shoutout to Clare for keeping promises made in book two. The cabin was… beyond words. How do we get an invitation to that party.

Bastian had some much important growth in this book. We finally got to dig down deep into his own trauma and self image. I was so happy to see where he was at with his headspace.

Thank you for these beautiful characters who has stolen a piece of my heart.
To the future and… to cake.

3/3.5 out of 5 🌶️

*Thank you SO much to Clare the author for gifting me an eARC of this book !*

[Laura ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had a solid premise and a few good twists, but overall it didn’t quite deliver the punch I was hoping for. The pacing was a bit uneven—some parts dragged, others felt rushed—and I found it hard to connect with the main character at times. That said, there were a few tense moments that kept me turning pages, and the mystery held enough intrigue to keep me reading. Not amazing, not terrible—just an okay, quick read with potential that didn’t fully land.

[Jess M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come, but what a beautiful and near perfect ending to such an amazing series!

[Juliana Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end this series! Clare, I cannot thank you enough for the e-ARC. Truly, it was an honor and a privilege to read this early. Especially after how a Touch of Poison ended (still not over it). My heart is both happy and sad that this series has come to a close but what a ride it was!

This final book absolutely DELIVERS! It’s full of angst, desperation, female empowerment (I see what you did, Clare, and it was all beautiful), court intrigue, PLOT TWISTS, deception, spice, danger, a shadow daddy sandwich and an immense amount of character growth. 

Clare, thank you for giving us an incredible series and ending it on such a wonderful note. The ending absolutely made up for my gasps, tears and moments of terror.

Also, that one scene with everyone? Cue the waterworks.

Absolute must read if you love any romantasy book or are a sucker for strong FMCs and shadow daddy MCs. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS SERIES!!! Go read it, ASAP, you won’t regret it!