What do you think?
Rate this book
Daindreth's Assassin #4
Daindreth's Sorceress
They overcame his mother’s plots and broke both their curses, but can they survive his inheritance?
Amira Brindonu has won. The man she loves has been freed from his curse and her mother’s people have chosen to ally with their cause.
Even as Amira and Daindreth celebrate victory and Thadred grows in his power as a sorcerer, trouble stirs on the horizon. Not everyone is ready to recognize the rightful heir. Vesha’s reign brought the empire peace and prosperity. Many lords and barons must be convinced if they are to swear allegiance to Daindreth.
Meanwhile, Vesha seeks out greater power. In a desperate effort to protect the empire, she will make yet another deal with a fallen goddess. And this time, Vesha is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone—even herself.
Daindreth’s Sorceress is the fourth book in the five-book Daindreth’s Assassin Fantasy Romance series. 0. The Archduke***
1. Daindreth’s Assassin
2. Daindreth’s Outlaw
3. Daindreth’s Traitor
4. Daindreth’s Sorceress (releases July 2023)
5. Daindreth’s Empress (releases January 2024)
*** The Archduke is a companion novella showing events from Daindreth's perspective in the first half of Book #1. It can be read before or after the main books.
Amira Brindonu has won. The man she loves has been freed from his curse and her mother’s people have chosen to ally with their cause.
Even as Amira and Daindreth celebrate victory and Thadred grows in his power as a sorcerer, trouble stirs on the horizon. Not everyone is ready to recognize the rightful heir. Vesha’s reign brought the empire peace and prosperity. Many lords and barons must be convinced if they are to swear allegiance to Daindreth.
Meanwhile, Vesha seeks out greater power. In a desperate effort to protect the empire, she will make yet another deal with a fallen goddess. And this time, Vesha is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone—even herself.
Daindreth’s Sorceress is the fourth book in the five-book Daindreth’s Assassin Fantasy Romance series. 0. The Archduke***
1. Daindreth’s Assassin
2. Daindreth’s Outlaw
3. Daindreth’s Traitor
4. Daindreth’s Sorceress (releases July 2023)
5. Daindreth’s Empress (releases January 2024)
*** The Archduke is a companion novella showing events from Daindreth's perspective in the first half of Book #1. It can be read before or after the main books.
337 pages, Paperback
First published July 11, 2023
About the author
Elisabeth Wheatley
34 books5,108 followersElisabeth Wheatley is a fantasy author because warrior princess wasn’t an option. She loves tea and asking questions.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
November 20, 2024
"He looked up to Amira as the guards bound his hands (...).
"How?" Boless asked, gaping at her. "How did you do it?"
"I'm Daindreth's goddamn assassin." - hell yeah, you are! 🤘
This book was powerful, and it delivered exactly what they deserved. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without a fight, but damn, it was delicious. Also, the spice level! Significantly increased. Yet, it stayed romantic. Just a bit spicier. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Amira has changed so much. She’s become the woman she always wanted to be - soft, loving, and loved. Now, she’s more a woman than a weapon. She’s brave, loyal, and Daindreth has chosen her to be his destiny builder. Together.
The female rage? On point!!! Especially, when she finally met her father after Cursewood visit. She finally got to show him she’s in charge. King Hyle was a disappointment. Always has been. He’s a perfect example of how weak men fear strong women.
"You would kill an innocent man?"
Don’t talk to me about innocence when you stole mine."
Solid. 🤌
"You fully expect me to give you my allegiance, don’t you?"
"I do. Because now I see why you shackled Amira - you’re afraid of her. Terrified, even. And we both know that if you betray me, not even the gods can save you from her."
Vesha also deserves some attention because I finally got to see her in close with her own POV.
What I can’t figure out is what emotion truly drives her. Obsession, love, duty, desire for power and control? Maybe she’s lost in all of them. She’s definitely lost in her titles and goals.
In the end, Vesha might be greedy, but she’s brave. Corrupted by evil, but brave. The little bit of goodness left in her keeps reminding her of the brutal mistakes and delulu decisions she’s made, but she chooses to stay on her course and push her heart aside.
"It was her moment of triumph. So why did it feel like this was the worst thing she had ever done?" - gurl, because it is. Brace yourself, because it’s gonna get ugly.
"How?" Boless asked, gaping at her. "How did you do it?"
"I'm Daindreth's goddamn assassin." - hell yeah, you are! 🤘
This book was powerful, and it delivered exactly what they deserved. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without a fight, but damn, it was delicious. Also, the spice level! Significantly increased. Yet, it stayed romantic. Just a bit spicier. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Amira has changed so much. She’s become the woman she always wanted to be - soft, loving, and loved. Now, she’s more a woman than a weapon. She’s brave, loyal, and Daindreth has chosen her to be his destiny builder. Together.
The female rage? On point!!! Especially, when she finally met her father after Cursewood visit. She finally got to show him she’s in charge. King Hyle was a disappointment. Always has been. He’s a perfect example of how weak men fear strong women.
"You would kill an innocent man?"
Don’t talk to me about innocence when you stole mine."
Solid. 🤌
"You fully expect me to give you my allegiance, don’t you?"
"I do. Because now I see why you shackled Amira - you’re afraid of her. Terrified, even. And we both know that if you betray me, not even the gods can save you from her."
Vesha also deserves some attention because I finally got to see her in close with her own POV.
What I can’t figure out is what emotion truly drives her. Obsession, love, duty, desire for power and control? Maybe she’s lost in all of them. She’s definitely lost in her titles and goals.
In the end, Vesha might be greedy, but she’s brave. Corrupted by evil, but brave. The little bit of goodness left in her keeps reminding her of the brutal mistakes and delulu decisions she’s made, but she chooses to stay on her course and push her heart aside.
"It was her moment of triumph. So why did it feel like this was the worst thing she had ever done?" - gurl, because it is. Brace yourself, because it’s gonna get ugly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
The beginning of Daindreths Sorceress is a sweet end as Daindreth and Amira get married and begin their campaign to take back the empire. Then the courtly games begin.
Vasha made some really bad decisions convincing herself it was for the right reasons. Her partnership with Moreyne and cythraul was very creepy.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
Vasha made some really bad decisions convincing herself it was for the right reasons. Her partnership with Moreyne and cythraul was very creepy.
I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 25, 2024
I’m so sorry that I lied in my last review saying that “ this series is definitely worth your time”. But I did honestly believe it when I wrote it.
As you can see after the last book I continued on to the fourth in the series. I hate to say this and I rarely do this but I DNFed it at 63%. So I’m not sure how it ended or if it gets any better but this is my honest review.
While I read I noticed a TON of typos or incorrect spelling which usually doesn’t annoy me but since this was the fourth book in the series I had hoped the author would pick up on them.( this is nothing against Elisabeth, I love her content online but I just want to be honest)
I initially loved Amira and Daindreth but the minute they got married and started to become intimate they started to weird me out. Why is it that Amira becomes violent and starts biting Daindreth against his will? It’s not cute and it’s not hot, it genuinely grossed me out since Daindreth did not reciprocate her.
Not only that but when I’m in Daindreth’s POV he has repeatedly described Amira as monstrous. Now we can all collectively agree that we all love Amira’s badass type but in what world is monstrous a compliment? I noticed as well that Amira hasn’t really grown as a character, sure she now harbors love for other people but she still holds grudges and acts out. She doesn’t think before she acts leaving Daindreth to clean up her mess. It would be fine if this was book one considering that was her original character but I do expect to see some growth here people!
Now Vesha 🤦♀️. I don’t even know where to begin with her. She is probably one of the stupidest people I’ve ever had to read. Even after being betrayed by her right hand man who only ever had her best interest at heart and her demon “friend”, she still won’t admit that her plan is extremely flawed. Who in their right mind would actually believe that demons would keep up their end of the bargain by “protecting the empire”. Those in no way mix AT ALL. Does she not realize that famine,disease, and natural disasters are you know natural? Only God himself would be able to prevent such things and yet she believes that making deals with devils will fix all her problems. And she continues to think about how unselfish she is, like WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT????
Also the amount of weeping in this book is insane. He wept, she wept, it wept. Can we please get it together? Weeping isn’t going to do a whole lot I promise you.
But yeah really sorry that I lied even though I didn’t mean to. Thanks for reading anyway!!!🤗
As you can see after the last book I continued on to the fourth in the series. I hate to say this and I rarely do this but I DNFed it at 63%. So I’m not sure how it ended or if it gets any better but this is my honest review.
While I read I noticed a TON of typos or incorrect spelling which usually doesn’t annoy me but since this was the fourth book in the series I had hoped the author would pick up on them.( this is nothing against Elisabeth, I love her content online but I just want to be honest)
I initially loved Amira and Daindreth but the minute they got married and started to become intimate they started to weird me out. Why is it that Amira becomes violent and starts biting Daindreth against his will? It’s not cute and it’s not hot, it genuinely grossed me out since Daindreth did not reciprocate her.
Not only that but when I’m in Daindreth’s POV he has repeatedly described Amira as monstrous. Now we can all collectively agree that we all love Amira’s badass type but in what world is monstrous a compliment? I noticed as well that Amira hasn’t really grown as a character, sure she now harbors love for other people but she still holds grudges and acts out. She doesn’t think before she acts leaving Daindreth to clean up her mess. It would be fine if this was book one considering that was her original character but I do expect to see some growth here people!
Now Vesha 🤦♀️. I don’t even know where to begin with her. She is probably one of the stupidest people I’ve ever had to read. Even after being betrayed by her right hand man who only ever had her best interest at heart and her demon “friend”, she still won’t admit that her plan is extremely flawed. Who in their right mind would actually believe that demons would keep up their end of the bargain by “protecting the empire”. Those in no way mix AT ALL. Does she not realize that famine,disease, and natural disasters are you know natural? Only God himself would be able to prevent such things and yet she believes that making deals with devils will fix all her problems. And she continues to think about how unselfish she is, like WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT????
Also the amount of weeping in this book is insane. He wept, she wept, it wept. Can we please get it together? Weeping isn’t going to do a whole lot I promise you.
But yeah really sorry that I lied even though I didn’t mean to. Thanks for reading anyway!!!🤗
May 27, 2024
⭐ What I Liked
*The way Amira dealt with the traitors! I audibly gasped and woke my poor sleeping husband up. I thought she would give a big speech, and only have the axe be symbolic or something!!! Wow.
*I really enjoy that Amira's relationship with her sister is changing. It feels quite realistic.
*Amira & Daindreth's relationship has grown at a good pace. I like that they are struggling to learn how to rule together.
*The Istovari in general, although I would have liked to have seen their culture fleshed out a bit more.
*Thadred's character development.
📝 Some Notes
*Some punctuation errors (ex: page 295 has some missing quotation marks).
*The word 'clipped' instead of 'said' is highly repetitive and unnecessary.
* I wish that the first three books were one book, and I have a feeling I will think the same of the last three books. I enjoy the plot points, but I don't see why they're made across separate smaller books with larger font.
My husband attends many writing conventions and has told me that perhaps it's because self publishing is difficult enough to do without creating lengthy books. You gotta hand it to the author for having a lot of chutzpah! But I could see these books being compressed into the size of something like a David Eddings book (par example; The Redemption of Althalus).
*The way Amira dealt with the traitors! I audibly gasped and woke my poor sleeping husband up. I thought she would give a big speech, and only have the axe be symbolic or something!!! Wow.
*I really enjoy that Amira's relationship with her sister is changing. It feels quite realistic.
*Amira & Daindreth's relationship has grown at a good pace. I like that they are struggling to learn how to rule together.
*The Istovari in general, although I would have liked to have seen their culture fleshed out a bit more.
*Thadred's character development.
📝 Some Notes
*Some punctuation errors (ex: page 295 has some missing quotation marks).
*The word 'clipped' instead of 'said' is highly repetitive and unnecessary.
* I wish that the first three books were one book, and I have a feeling I will think the same of the last three books. I enjoy the plot points, but I don't see why they're made across separate smaller books with larger font.
My husband attends many writing conventions and has told me that perhaps it's because self publishing is difficult enough to do without creating lengthy books. You gotta hand it to the author for having a lot of chutzpah! But I could see these books being compressed into the size of something like a David Eddings book (par example; The Redemption of Althalus).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2025
I must say, each book is better than the last. I am curious how things with Vesha will be wrapped up in book 5.
Amira & Dain are still a lovely couple, I deeply appreciate how much they love each other. I am 1000% rooting for Thadred & Sair. I appreciate the multiple POVs, even if Vesha's are starting to get more and more depressing.
Amira & Dain are still a lovely couple, I deeply appreciate how much they love each other. I am 1000% rooting for Thadred & Sair. I appreciate the multiple POVs, even if Vesha's are starting to get more and more depressing.
March 7, 2026
i rlly wanna give this a higher rating but amira just sucks and is annoying
July 20, 2025
DNF, which is rare. I found the author through her hilarious and relatable IG posts (team Book Goblin!!) and desperately wanted to love the series. The super informal/unpolished/AO3 writing style annoyed me right away (I died a little every time someone said "I'm alright") but in books 1 and 2 the story was good enough to keep me going. 3 was starting to really slog, but with 4 I got partway through this book and was SO BORED with the plotline going nowhere, and sick of Amira and Daindreth, that I returned the Libby copy so others could read it.
Amira has totally lost all personality by this point in the series, aside from occasional flares of "I'm a classic trope strong badass female MC" here and there.
Daindreth is incredibly boring as well. The man literally has no faults or personality now he's not fighting the cythraul.
The only really interesting parts of this book were from Vesha's POV, even though I have huge beef about this character because her motivations are super weirdly out of whack. Supposedly she is making deals with the cythraul to...protect the people of the empire from misery? But there is no evidence anywhere of her being a person who actually cares about others - see her treatment of her SON and her sister! Which makes me think her motivation was supposed to be power? But if that was the case, I'm not sure she would've cared so much about avoiding natural disasters. So was she just lazy and didn't want to deal with the admin headaches? But if so, why is she clinging to the regency??
So many questions.
Amira has totally lost all personality by this point in the series, aside from occasional flares of "I'm a classic trope strong badass female MC" here and there.
Daindreth is incredibly boring as well. The man literally has no faults or personality now he's not fighting the cythraul.
The only really interesting parts of this book were from Vesha's POV, even though I have huge beef about this character because her motivations are super weirdly out of whack. Supposedly she is making deals with the cythraul to...protect the people of the empire from misery? But there is no evidence anywhere of her being a person who actually cares about others - see her treatment of her SON and her sister! Which makes me think her motivation was supposed to be power? But if that was the case, I'm not sure she would've cared so much about avoiding natural disasters. So was she just lazy and didn't want to deal with the admin headaches? But if so, why is she clinging to the regency??
So many questions.
April 11, 2024
1.5 stars, I'll round up to 2 for book goblin.
Honestly I just did not love this one, and that ending! Amira surprised me and not in a good way.
I keep reading for Thadred.
Honestly I just did not love this one, and that ending! Amira surprised me and not in a good way.
I keep reading for Thadred.
November 5, 2025
Nothing that I have checked out from the library could grab my attention. Just nothing is interesting right now, and maybe that's what a reading slump is. Anyway, as I tried to get into some other book, all I could think about was how much I wanted to continue reading about Dain & Amira and see how things turned out for them. I love this series, I love that Amira doesn't let herself be defined by what happened to her, that she is growing and healing and loving. I couldn't wish for someone to identify with more.
January 10, 2024
3.4
slowly this series is starting to get good. since it's not finished i can't rate its trash ya status yet - the next book comes out this month, luckily.
the writing style is much the same, but the plot as always remains interesting, and thadred doesn't let me down 😘
unfortunately this book was suddenly a lot more explicit than the previous ones which kinda hit me out of nowhere and gave me a jumpscare and then i skipped forward a lot of pages and got a spoiler soo
slowly this series is starting to get good. since it's not finished i can't rate its trash ya status yet - the next book comes out this month, luckily.
the writing style is much the same, but the plot as always remains interesting, and thadred doesn't let me down 😘
unfortunately this book was suddenly a lot more explicit than the previous ones which kinda hit me out of nowhere and gave me a jumpscare and then i skipped forward a lot of pages and got a spoiler soo
September 21, 2023
I think this might be the best one yet!! And I’m super looking forward to the next one!!
January 22, 2024
A big draggy in the middle. BUT I am excited to see the fourth book and where our leading Lords and Ladies take us. 2 spice scenes, only 1 with any sort of real detail and I must say GOOD BOY DAIN.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
So dark!!! Can't wait to see how the gang gets out of this!
April 13, 2025
This is my favorite of the series so far. Starts with a wedding, ends with a coronation, and in between is so much lore and raising of stakes. Loved it!
June 22, 2026
This review will contain spoilers for the entirety of the series.
It breaks my heart to only give this book a single star and not manage to round it up to two (for Book Goblin's sake) but just as Amira's needlessly cruel execution at the end of the book, perhaps I too get to be cruel just because I can. Honestly, this book doesn't suffer the cardinal sin of being boring (proof: I didn't DNF it) and yet, I can't find a single thing that I truly enjoyed in this book--even my darling horse girl Thared hasn't brought me the joy he usually brings me. And so, here I am, despite never having written a book review before, so butthurt about my lack of enjoyment I will be writing a review so long, heavy and painful it will be stuck in your throat like an accidentally swallowed cough drop.
I can't say that the issues I have with this book are so hideously vile that this series is unreadable. No no, the main issue with this book and series as a whole is that it wasn't for me. Yes, it's that simple. I'm not the target demographic and the entirety of this review and opinion of the book will be a reflection of that. And so, let us begin.
- Amira -
Amira is a fascinating character in a perpetual state of stasis. The main issue I have with her lies in the age old question many philosophers have pondered for centuries: if you're not a girl's girl, are you automatically a pick me?
Now, for those that know me (nobody really but use your imagination), you would know this is not the type of character I enjoy reading about. I think that empathy, compassion, mercy and wisdom are what makes a strong female character. I measure their strength by their will to persevere, their ability to love, and them actively choosing to be fair yet kind and understanding even when by all means they shouldn't. I am vaguely aware that I might be the only one of this proverbial (mole)hill I will die on and I don't see anything wrong with a strong female character who can kick ass and kill her enemies in cold blood (more power to you and your strong stomach!) and I would never dare limit what makes a good female character by my personal preferences.
So you ask me: Lucky? Amira is an assassin, who has been described and depicted as headstrong, impulsive, aggressive and full of rage... Why are you even here?
Well, other than to be called out, I saw a lot of potential in Amira. It is true that she isn't the type of character I enjoy following but that doesn't mean I can't learn to appreciate her. And Amira was, by all other means, fascinating. Spending her entire life as a Kadra'han (just a fancy word for slave) to her father, only to be passed on to her future husband, I saw in her the potential of an emancipation story where she would escape the curse and find herself outside of her usefulness to the men in her life.
That didn't happen though, now did it?
At first, she defined herself through her relationship with her father, his assassin, his bastard daughter, his neglected heir. Then, she is passed onto Daindreth. Her relationship with him is complicated at first, he is her liege lord and the object of her desire and also he is the world's most possessed boy, sharing part of his consciousness and body with the equivalent of the antichrist. She becomes his bride to be and assassin (haha title drop). Whatever love and devotion blossoms between them escapes me since I read the first book a good year ago but it happens nonetheless and they fall in love. It is through this love and loyalty to him that she breaks her curse: her desire to "serve" him is stronger than the curse telling her to do what he has ordered. What the author wanted to tell us is simple: love is stronger than anything. What I heard was: this woman who has only been a tool for men her entire life breaks her curse and finds her freedom by *wanting to be a tool for this man so damn bad the curse leaves in shame for having been out-simped*.
What is even a girl's girl or a pick me? Well, you fortunate souls who had the pleasure of living a peaceful life off the internet, let me break thy bubble and tell you about one of the latest ways to limit, bully and undermine women! A pick me, a term a bit older than the other, refers to a woman that wishes to be picked by men (yelling "pick me" essentially). She will pretend to like what men like, center them in her life, and (the worse crime one could ever commit!) put down other women to make herself more valuable. In direct opposition, a girl's girl will do everything to elevate other women, from bullying men to forgiving or minimizing bad behavior, all in the name of sisterhood. If you didn't pick up what I was trying to lay down, both these words are bad and have been used to hurt and put down women--especially because they are used by women to control and shame other women's behavior.
How is this relevant and what does it have to do with Amira?
To that, I ask you: who is Amira outside of her relationship with her father and husband? Her identity as an assassin is something she was forced into by her father and that, even in book 4, is something she clings on to, is prideful of. Her identity as a sorceress is used and seen as a way for her to help Daindreth in 90% of the cases. Her identity as a wife is, well, again in relation to Daindreth. And finally, her identity as an empress is once again there to compliment Daindreth's identity as emperor (be cruel and aggressive when he can't, be the conqueror to his ruler). And that's all fine and good if she had anything else going on for her. However, the books focus on Daindreth and her more than any other of her relationships. She has a very interesting dynamic with the mother who sacrificed her for revenge, one she is seen to want to have yet despises her for what she has done. Her bond with her grandmother is equally as unexplored, a woman who allowed her to be sacrificed, who knew she survived, who didn't seek to find her afterwards despite knowing she was alive. And finally, Sair, the woman who kidnapped her friend and antagonized her who could have been the perfect friend for her (neutral yet an equal as she kicked Amira's ass), yet Sair spends her time with Thared (I'm not complaining about that one yet) and not with Amira developing some sort of sisterhood or friendship.
Then, there's Fonra. Gods, I love Fonra, she's the type of character I usually gravitate towards. Amira also loves Fonra, yet they have few moments to deepen the relationship, most of which are spend inside Amira's head, where she idolizes the girl, thinks her weak and in need of protection, rather than in the moment, getting to know her own sister (I'll talk about Amira's tendency to idealization a bit further down in a different section).
When it comes to the men, it's different. Amira continues to be at first careful and weary of them but eventually warms up and keeps them close. Cromwel is self-interested and a schemer yet he becomes her advisor and in a way, is the father she never had. Thared is a pesky thorn in her side and she is forced to work with him to save Daindreth and eventually they become friends enough for her to mourn him as much as her cold heart would let her (book 3). I won't mention how much of a fool she is for Daindreth here but one starts to wonder why doesn't she get to build such relationships with women?
We come back to the question at the beginning of this section: if you're not a girl's girl, are you automatically a pick me?
Amira isn't a girl's girl, she does everything in Daindreth's name or the name of her revenge to her father or in the name of her rage and trauma (also caused by the father). ((I will reiterate, I don't think that being a girl's girl is good, women should always be held accountable and uplifted all the same.)) But is she a pick me? Also no, it seems her rage, impulsivity and aggression are her own and yet, she is unable to build lasting deep relationships with women by book 4 of 5. Proving that no, if you're not a girl's girl, you aren't automatically a pick me.
Inherently, she is neither which I believe is the sweet spot to be in yet Amira's behavior still doesn't sit well with me. All of my debating of where she stands on this made-up spectrum and still, I am left no wiser than when I began. That is unless...
Who was Amira and who is she now? She began as vindictive, full of rage, and impulsive, a brutal bull in a porcelain store willing to hurt and be hurt to satisfy her own twisted understanding of morality. And now she is... Vindictive, full of rage and impulsive, yet her brutality and cruelty are now conditional, appearing only if it serves Daindreth or if he's not around... This book proves as much when Amira fails to break Cromwel out of prison so she kidnaps her father, the king, beats him up, is mean to him, threatens him a bit, the usual, all the while she is empress and wants his loyalty supposedly. This is even denounced as bad by the text, Amira shouldn't have done that. She made a big political oopsy because of her own emotions. Now, I need to be clear that this isn't me undermining her father's past behavior, he was horrendous to his own daughter and deserves much worse than what Amira did. However, from a political standpoint, Amira fucked up and all she is getting is a small slap on the wrist, Daindreth not even scolding her for it because of her trauma. This scene would have been great in book 1 or 2. It shows where Amira stands in terms of morality, self control and traumatic response. But this scene is in book 4 and with one book to spare, I doubt we will see her change too much, especially when her actions are justified by the narrative as complementing Daindreth (cf the execution). One of the protagonists, Amira (the character on the cover!!!!), in 4 books, has had no character development, remains the same person that she began the series as expect when she's with Daindreth and that's what truly bothered me.
- The love story -
For those who have a partner, how sure are you that they are a good person? How certain are you that they would treat you right and that they have a good moral compass? For those that are very certain that is the case for both questions, when did you know for sure? A year into dating? Maybe a few months?
Amira was certain Daindreth was a good man after just book 1, and if memory serves me (usually doesn't) that was a month maybe two of knowing each other (feel free to correct me on that). Every man in her life who has been brought up in privilege and power has proven themselves to be bad, morally dubious at best. Yet, Daindreth, solely by refusing to order Amira around, gained her trust, loyalty and servitude.
I'm not going to explore what being a good man is, let alone a good ruler, but the fact that Amira believed so deeply in Daindreth's ability to be both always struck me as odd. At first, I was very excited by the prospect of the tension it would create between the two, a way to keep the relationship interesting after they got together. If Amira idolizes him, thinks him perfect and good and kind and whatnot, then she will one day face the reality that Daindreth is just a man, that he has faults, that he fails, that he struggles. But that day never came, instead Amira turned out to be correct, he is a good ruler, politician and man, he has a big heart and cares a lot, he is protective and supportive and perfect in every way. And man, was I disappointed.
I already knew that Amira had this tendency to build up people she loves in her head, the way she did with Fonra. It was a fault I found fascinating and a direct consequence of spending her life in her father's shadow, the first hands that are offered will be disproportionately seen as good. Yet it was a fault that was never addressed. Quite the contrary, we were proven that Amira was right in her trust in Daindreth and as much as it's disappointing that it wasn't explored, it makes the narrative suffer in a different way.
The romance is boring and has been boring for like 2 books now.
There's comfort in settling into a healthy pattern, into being boring and a rot-inducing type of sweet. I wish that upon you, dear reader, a healthy love with few arguments and lots of support on both ends. However, it makes for a boring story. Certain books make it work, especially cozy fantasies. This isn't a cozy fantasy. This is trying to be dark and tense. And what I theorize were meant to be moments of respite from the numerous other problems that they have end up being moments I wish to skip or find myself skimming over.
I think that I feel this way because the relationship between Amira and Daindreth hasn't been evolving. There was a scene in book 2 or 3, where Amira affirms that Daindreth will be an incredible emperor and he tries to discuss his worries and insecurities when it comes to that and Amira, being Amira, is strong-headed and set on the fact that he is wrong. The conversation ends without Amira's perception being corrected fully nor Daindreth's doubts being heard. It doesn't quite come up again. Amira becomes the one insecure about being empress, that isn't fully explored either, the book seemingly being too busy with other things. It's truly a shame because their moments alone can still be that respite and tenderness needed to break tension while also exploring the characters, on their own and with each other. Daindreth doubting his ability to rule because of the cythraul inside of him could put a strain on their relationship, Amira's own insecurities about being an empress (especially after her fuck up by kidnapping her father) could turn the tables on their dynamic. Maybe the way Amira tends to reduce herself to his wife and the mother of his future children could be something to dissect and explore during these moments.
Instead, we get the first open door sex scene in the series. Now, I love my smut as much as any mid-twenties white girl that grew up on wattpad but I tend to view these scenes (and any scene for that matter) as having a purpose for the narrative. Unless your book is an erotica, sex scenes should serve the story, either by exploring the dynamic between two characters, further the understanding of one character of them or be plot relevant.
For me, this sex scene didn't teach me anything new. Amira's fear that she will lose Daindreth had been mentioned before, the fact that it manifested through sex was new but not explored enough to reveal anything about Amira (is it because she was taught that sex is the only way to be close enough to him to reassure her? is it because she wants to fall pregnant so that if anything happens to him she still has a piece of him left?). Daindreth trying to pace her and help her take her time was already established as was her impatience. Their dynamic remained mostly the same as outside of bed and the only things I learned were that they were now having sex!! Huzzah! Good job to them.
The scene could have been more satisfying if it came earlier, especially since the desire they had for each other had been built quite a bit and so was the fact that they couldn't do anything because of Caa Iss (or as my brain read it: Kaw Hiss), but the first time they did it was a fade to black. No exploration of Daindreth's fear of hurting her, or the demon coming back, no awkwardness brought up because it was their first time together, no nothing!
It's very telling to have a boring (imo) sex scene at an odd moment that wasn't build up and that didn't quite explore anything new when it comes to Daindreth and Amira. Their whole relationship had become oddly paced and boring, I suppose.
- Moral ambiguity -
I remember a tiktok from the author where she discussed Vesha's character and the moral ambiguity she sought to explore with this series. Don't ask me which one it was or what was exactly said but from my poor gold fish memory, I remember that she described Vesha as a good ruler but a bad mother, backing it up with historical figures that were either a good ruler and a terrible parent or vice versa. This is something I agree with, one doesn't imply the other. Vesha is a terrible mother, there's no need to question that. But a good ruler..?
As mentioned above, I won't go into being a good ruler in details, it's not the purpose of this review, but it is pertinent to know *how* one measures what good a ruler is. Let's take the simplest most direct way I can think of: we measure how good a ruler by the prosperity of their kingdom. In Vesha's case, her empire prospered under her rule, but can it be attributed to her? Indeed, all famines, natural disasters and any other means of hurting the kingdom have been kept at bay through her deal with the cythraul, all she did was manage an empire that didn't face any of the usual challenges that would impede it. Certainly Vesha wants more than anything to ensure the prosperity of her people but does love for one's people define what makes a good ruler? I don't think so. I don't think we can even say for certain that Vesha is a good or bad ruler from the texts, but one can certainly infer.
Why is this relevant? Well I want to argue that the entirety of this book and series isn't as morally ambiguous as it claims. Yes, Vesha cares for her people and Amira does some bad things but the cythraul are described as pure evil, unredeemable. Vesha is acting like an idiot by partnering up with them, failing to understand that perhaps what makes a good ruler is the ability to face challenges and succeed over them rather than the lack of challenges faced, making her bad. Daindreth is seen as making mistakes just to protect his people, making him still inherently good. Amira stays cruel (cf the execution) but it's spun as a way to compliment Daindreth's softer ruling side, remaining good. We get hints, crumbs of this moral ambiguity and how no one is truly just good or evil and yet nothing to back it up or explore it.
- Closing thoughts -
I'm running out of space (huh.) and I barely scratched some topics I would have loved to bring up like Lleud's being underutilized, the biting, Vesha being dumb as bricks, Amira being described as cunning yet not being bright enough for me to agree or the too-direct writing style that does a disservice to most scenes. Nevertheless, you read up to here which is insane so thank you so much?? but also are you okay.
To answer the burning question that no one is asking: yes, I will read the rest of the series. There's one book left and Thared's lil side quest (which I'm looking forward to) and well, I kinda have to now, sunk cost fallacy and all.
Thank you again for reading and have a great day.
It breaks my heart to only give this book a single star and not manage to round it up to two (for Book Goblin's sake) but just as Amira's needlessly cruel execution at the end of the book, perhaps I too get to be cruel just because I can. Honestly, this book doesn't suffer the cardinal sin of being boring (proof: I didn't DNF it) and yet, I can't find a single thing that I truly enjoyed in this book--even my darling horse girl Thared hasn't brought me the joy he usually brings me. And so, here I am, despite never having written a book review before, so butthurt about my lack of enjoyment I will be writing a review so long, heavy and painful it will be stuck in your throat like an accidentally swallowed cough drop.
I can't say that the issues I have with this book are so hideously vile that this series is unreadable. No no, the main issue with this book and series as a whole is that it wasn't for me. Yes, it's that simple. I'm not the target demographic and the entirety of this review and opinion of the book will be a reflection of that. And so, let us begin.
- Amira -
Amira is a fascinating character in a perpetual state of stasis. The main issue I have with her lies in the age old question many philosophers have pondered for centuries: if you're not a girl's girl, are you automatically a pick me?
Now, for those that know me (nobody really but use your imagination), you would know this is not the type of character I enjoy reading about. I think that empathy, compassion, mercy and wisdom are what makes a strong female character. I measure their strength by their will to persevere, their ability to love, and them actively choosing to be fair yet kind and understanding even when by all means they shouldn't. I am vaguely aware that I might be the only one of this proverbial (mole)hill I will die on and I don't see anything wrong with a strong female character who can kick ass and kill her enemies in cold blood (more power to you and your strong stomach!) and I would never dare limit what makes a good female character by my personal preferences.
So you ask me: Lucky? Amira is an assassin, who has been described and depicted as headstrong, impulsive, aggressive and full of rage... Why are you even here?
Well, other than to be called out, I saw a lot of potential in Amira. It is true that she isn't the type of character I enjoy following but that doesn't mean I can't learn to appreciate her. And Amira was, by all other means, fascinating. Spending her entire life as a Kadra'han (just a fancy word for slave) to her father, only to be passed on to her future husband, I saw in her the potential of an emancipation story where she would escape the curse and find herself outside of her usefulness to the men in her life.
That didn't happen though, now did it?
At first, she defined herself through her relationship with her father, his assassin, his bastard daughter, his neglected heir. Then, she is passed onto Daindreth. Her relationship with him is complicated at first, he is her liege lord and the object of her desire and also he is the world's most possessed boy, sharing part of his consciousness and body with the equivalent of the antichrist. She becomes his bride to be and assassin (haha title drop). Whatever love and devotion blossoms between them escapes me since I read the first book a good year ago but it happens nonetheless and they fall in love. It is through this love and loyalty to him that she breaks her curse: her desire to "serve" him is stronger than the curse telling her to do what he has ordered. What the author wanted to tell us is simple: love is stronger than anything. What I heard was: this woman who has only been a tool for men her entire life breaks her curse and finds her freedom by *wanting to be a tool for this man so damn bad the curse leaves in shame for having been out-simped*.
What is even a girl's girl or a pick me? Well, you fortunate souls who had the pleasure of living a peaceful life off the internet, let me break thy bubble and tell you about one of the latest ways to limit, bully and undermine women! A pick me, a term a bit older than the other, refers to a woman that wishes to be picked by men (yelling "pick me" essentially). She will pretend to like what men like, center them in her life, and (the worse crime one could ever commit!) put down other women to make herself more valuable. In direct opposition, a girl's girl will do everything to elevate other women, from bullying men to forgiving or minimizing bad behavior, all in the name of sisterhood. If you didn't pick up what I was trying to lay down, both these words are bad and have been used to hurt and put down women--especially because they are used by women to control and shame other women's behavior.
How is this relevant and what does it have to do with Amira?
To that, I ask you: who is Amira outside of her relationship with her father and husband? Her identity as an assassin is something she was forced into by her father and that, even in book 4, is something she clings on to, is prideful of. Her identity as a sorceress is used and seen as a way for her to help Daindreth in 90% of the cases. Her identity as a wife is, well, again in relation to Daindreth. And finally, her identity as an empress is once again there to compliment Daindreth's identity as emperor (be cruel and aggressive when he can't, be the conqueror to his ruler). And that's all fine and good if she had anything else going on for her. However, the books focus on Daindreth and her more than any other of her relationships. She has a very interesting dynamic with the mother who sacrificed her for revenge, one she is seen to want to have yet despises her for what she has done. Her bond with her grandmother is equally as unexplored, a woman who allowed her to be sacrificed, who knew she survived, who didn't seek to find her afterwards despite knowing she was alive. And finally, Sair, the woman who kidnapped her friend and antagonized her who could have been the perfect friend for her (neutral yet an equal as she kicked Amira's ass), yet Sair spends her time with Thared (I'm not complaining about that one yet) and not with Amira developing some sort of sisterhood or friendship.
Then, there's Fonra. Gods, I love Fonra, she's the type of character I usually gravitate towards. Amira also loves Fonra, yet they have few moments to deepen the relationship, most of which are spend inside Amira's head, where she idolizes the girl, thinks her weak and in need of protection, rather than in the moment, getting to know her own sister (I'll talk about Amira's tendency to idealization a bit further down in a different section).
When it comes to the men, it's different. Amira continues to be at first careful and weary of them but eventually warms up and keeps them close. Cromwel is self-interested and a schemer yet he becomes her advisor and in a way, is the father she never had. Thared is a pesky thorn in her side and she is forced to work with him to save Daindreth and eventually they become friends enough for her to mourn him as much as her cold heart would let her (book 3). I won't mention how much of a fool she is for Daindreth here but one starts to wonder why doesn't she get to build such relationships with women?
We come back to the question at the beginning of this section: if you're not a girl's girl, are you automatically a pick me?
Amira isn't a girl's girl, she does everything in Daindreth's name or the name of her revenge to her father or in the name of her rage and trauma (also caused by the father). ((I will reiterate, I don't think that being a girl's girl is good, women should always be held accountable and uplifted all the same.)) But is she a pick me? Also no, it seems her rage, impulsivity and aggression are her own and yet, she is unable to build lasting deep relationships with women by book 4 of 5. Proving that no, if you're not a girl's girl, you aren't automatically a pick me.
Inherently, she is neither which I believe is the sweet spot to be in yet Amira's behavior still doesn't sit well with me. All of my debating of where she stands on this made-up spectrum and still, I am left no wiser than when I began. That is unless...
Who was Amira and who is she now? She began as vindictive, full of rage, and impulsive, a brutal bull in a porcelain store willing to hurt and be hurt to satisfy her own twisted understanding of morality. And now she is... Vindictive, full of rage and impulsive, yet her brutality and cruelty are now conditional, appearing only if it serves Daindreth or if he's not around... This book proves as much when Amira fails to break Cromwel out of prison so she kidnaps her father, the king, beats him up, is mean to him, threatens him a bit, the usual, all the while she is empress and wants his loyalty supposedly. This is even denounced as bad by the text, Amira shouldn't have done that. She made a big political oopsy because of her own emotions. Now, I need to be clear that this isn't me undermining her father's past behavior, he was horrendous to his own daughter and deserves much worse than what Amira did. However, from a political standpoint, Amira fucked up and all she is getting is a small slap on the wrist, Daindreth not even scolding her for it because of her trauma. This scene would have been great in book 1 or 2. It shows where Amira stands in terms of morality, self control and traumatic response. But this scene is in book 4 and with one book to spare, I doubt we will see her change too much, especially when her actions are justified by the narrative as complementing Daindreth (cf the execution). One of the protagonists, Amira (the character on the cover!!!!), in 4 books, has had no character development, remains the same person that she began the series as expect when she's with Daindreth and that's what truly bothered me.
- The love story -
For those who have a partner, how sure are you that they are a good person? How certain are you that they would treat you right and that they have a good moral compass? For those that are very certain that is the case for both questions, when did you know for sure? A year into dating? Maybe a few months?
Amira was certain Daindreth was a good man after just book 1, and if memory serves me (usually doesn't) that was a month maybe two of knowing each other (feel free to correct me on that). Every man in her life who has been brought up in privilege and power has proven themselves to be bad, morally dubious at best. Yet, Daindreth, solely by refusing to order Amira around, gained her trust, loyalty and servitude.
I'm not going to explore what being a good man is, let alone a good ruler, but the fact that Amira believed so deeply in Daindreth's ability to be both always struck me as odd. At first, I was very excited by the prospect of the tension it would create between the two, a way to keep the relationship interesting after they got together. If Amira idolizes him, thinks him perfect and good and kind and whatnot, then she will one day face the reality that Daindreth is just a man, that he has faults, that he fails, that he struggles. But that day never came, instead Amira turned out to be correct, he is a good ruler, politician and man, he has a big heart and cares a lot, he is protective and supportive and perfect in every way. And man, was I disappointed.
I already knew that Amira had this tendency to build up people she loves in her head, the way she did with Fonra. It was a fault I found fascinating and a direct consequence of spending her life in her father's shadow, the first hands that are offered will be disproportionately seen as good. Yet it was a fault that was never addressed. Quite the contrary, we were proven that Amira was right in her trust in Daindreth and as much as it's disappointing that it wasn't explored, it makes the narrative suffer in a different way.
The romance is boring and has been boring for like 2 books now.
There's comfort in settling into a healthy pattern, into being boring and a rot-inducing type of sweet. I wish that upon you, dear reader, a healthy love with few arguments and lots of support on both ends. However, it makes for a boring story. Certain books make it work, especially cozy fantasies. This isn't a cozy fantasy. This is trying to be dark and tense. And what I theorize were meant to be moments of respite from the numerous other problems that they have end up being moments I wish to skip or find myself skimming over.
I think that I feel this way because the relationship between Amira and Daindreth hasn't been evolving. There was a scene in book 2 or 3, where Amira affirms that Daindreth will be an incredible emperor and he tries to discuss his worries and insecurities when it comes to that and Amira, being Amira, is strong-headed and set on the fact that he is wrong. The conversation ends without Amira's perception being corrected fully nor Daindreth's doubts being heard. It doesn't quite come up again. Amira becomes the one insecure about being empress, that isn't fully explored either, the book seemingly being too busy with other things. It's truly a shame because their moments alone can still be that respite and tenderness needed to break tension while also exploring the characters, on their own and with each other. Daindreth doubting his ability to rule because of the cythraul inside of him could put a strain on their relationship, Amira's own insecurities about being an empress (especially after her fuck up by kidnapping her father) could turn the tables on their dynamic. Maybe the way Amira tends to reduce herself to his wife and the mother of his future children could be something to dissect and explore during these moments.
Instead, we get the first open door sex scene in the series. Now, I love my smut as much as any mid-twenties white girl that grew up on wattpad but I tend to view these scenes (and any scene for that matter) as having a purpose for the narrative. Unless your book is an erotica, sex scenes should serve the story, either by exploring the dynamic between two characters, further the understanding of one character of them or be plot relevant.
For me, this sex scene didn't teach me anything new. Amira's fear that she will lose Daindreth had been mentioned before, the fact that it manifested through sex was new but not explored enough to reveal anything about Amira (is it because she was taught that sex is the only way to be close enough to him to reassure her? is it because she wants to fall pregnant so that if anything happens to him she still has a piece of him left?). Daindreth trying to pace her and help her take her time was already established as was her impatience. Their dynamic remained mostly the same as outside of bed and the only things I learned were that they were now having sex!! Huzzah! Good job to them.
The scene could have been more satisfying if it came earlier, especially since the desire they had for each other had been built quite a bit and so was the fact that they couldn't do anything because of Caa Iss (or as my brain read it: Kaw Hiss), but the first time they did it was a fade to black. No exploration of Daindreth's fear of hurting her, or the demon coming back, no awkwardness brought up because it was their first time together, no nothing!
It's very telling to have a boring (imo) sex scene at an odd moment that wasn't build up and that didn't quite explore anything new when it comes to Daindreth and Amira. Their whole relationship had become oddly paced and boring, I suppose.
- Moral ambiguity -
I remember a tiktok from the author where she discussed Vesha's character and the moral ambiguity she sought to explore with this series. Don't ask me which one it was or what was exactly said but from my poor gold fish memory, I remember that she described Vesha as a good ruler but a bad mother, backing it up with historical figures that were either a good ruler and a terrible parent or vice versa. This is something I agree with, one doesn't imply the other. Vesha is a terrible mother, there's no need to question that. But a good ruler..?
As mentioned above, I won't go into being a good ruler in details, it's not the purpose of this review, but it is pertinent to know *how* one measures what good a ruler is. Let's take the simplest most direct way I can think of: we measure how good a ruler by the prosperity of their kingdom. In Vesha's case, her empire prospered under her rule, but can it be attributed to her? Indeed, all famines, natural disasters and any other means of hurting the kingdom have been kept at bay through her deal with the cythraul, all she did was manage an empire that didn't face any of the usual challenges that would impede it. Certainly Vesha wants more than anything to ensure the prosperity of her people but does love for one's people define what makes a good ruler? I don't think so. I don't think we can even say for certain that Vesha is a good or bad ruler from the texts, but one can certainly infer.
Why is this relevant? Well I want to argue that the entirety of this book and series isn't as morally ambiguous as it claims. Yes, Vesha cares for her people and Amira does some bad things but the cythraul are described as pure evil, unredeemable. Vesha is acting like an idiot by partnering up with them, failing to understand that perhaps what makes a good ruler is the ability to face challenges and succeed over them rather than the lack of challenges faced, making her bad. Daindreth is seen as making mistakes just to protect his people, making him still inherently good. Amira stays cruel (cf the execution) but it's spun as a way to compliment Daindreth's softer ruling side, remaining good. We get hints, crumbs of this moral ambiguity and how no one is truly just good or evil and yet nothing to back it up or explore it.
- Closing thoughts -
I'm running out of space (huh.) and I barely scratched some topics I would have loved to bring up like Lleud's being underutilized, the biting, Vesha being dumb as bricks, Amira being described as cunning yet not being bright enough for me to agree or the too-direct writing style that does a disservice to most scenes. Nevertheless, you read up to here which is insane so thank you so much?? but also are you okay.
To answer the burning question that no one is asking: yes, I will read the rest of the series. There's one book left and Thared's lil side quest (which I'm looking forward to) and well, I kinda have to now, sunk cost fallacy and all.
Thank you again for reading and have a great day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2025
I think this one has been my favorite so far in the series. Here is why:
-finally. They are married!
-the court intrigue is great
-getting back into assassin and spy work
-more kelpy. Love him.
This is just a heads up. This one gets dark! The poor dogs. 🥺 and that trial. Woah. Like woah. Wickedly great tho.
-finally. They are married!
-the court intrigue is great
-getting back into assassin and spy work
-more kelpy. Love him.
This is just a heads up. This one gets dark! The poor dogs. 🥺 and that trial. Woah. Like woah. Wickedly great tho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2026
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did.
May 9, 2026
Our story gets darker and our characters get bolder! This was a nail-biting spectacle.
Read
October 15, 2024I don’t want to give an actual rating to the final two books of this series because I thought they were good and yet could not recommend them.
I loved the first three books, although I think they could have been combined into one. The latter half of the series was just as interesting as the former. The reader sees Vesha’s perspective in this book, which I appreciated but found redundant at times. There is also a great set up for the Thadred and Sair love story, which just came out as a separate book (Bastard’s Honor).
However, I can’t recommend the final two books because they contain excessively graphic violence, particularly against babies which just struck the wrong cord with me, as well as pretty graphic sex scenes. I have never been able to enjoy books or films that have such horrific or sexual imagery so as to pop back up in my mind as I just go about my day.
Some fantasy books are fine by my innocent standards because the intimate scenes are predictably placed and easy to skip, but Wheatley writes these scenes so that they are real aspects of the plot and contain important conversations. It was also a bit of whiplash since the first three books contained no sex at all.
Overall, I think Wheatley is a great author with a lot of attention to world building and historical accuracy. I very much look forward to reading any more of her books that have no sex in them.
I loved the first three books, although I think they could have been combined into one. The latter half of the series was just as interesting as the former. The reader sees Vesha’s perspective in this book, which I appreciated but found redundant at times. There is also a great set up for the Thadred and Sair love story, which just came out as a separate book (Bastard’s Honor).
However, I can’t recommend the final two books because they contain excessively graphic violence, particularly against babies which just struck the wrong cord with me, as well as pretty graphic sex scenes. I have never been able to enjoy books or films that have such horrific or sexual imagery so as to pop back up in my mind as I just go about my day.
Some fantasy books are fine by my innocent standards because the intimate scenes are predictably placed and easy to skip, but Wheatley writes these scenes so that they are real aspects of the plot and contain important conversations. It was also a bit of whiplash since the first three books contained no sex at all.
Overall, I think Wheatley is a great author with a lot of attention to world building and historical accuracy. I very much look forward to reading any more of her books that have no sex in them.
October 27, 2025
Daindreth's Assassin: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daindreth's Outlaw: 3⭐⭐⭐
Daindreth's Traitor: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Sorceress: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Empress: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be my favorite book in the whole series, overall I think I am more invested in the world overall and how they make everything right again. That to me is more interesting than Dain and Amira as a couple, they are just meh to me. I would never call them couple goals.
Amira
I honestly feel she hasn't grown at all as a character, she is still impulsive and filled with rage. I don't expect all that to go away but this is book 4 and we haven't really seen her work on herself. Many can argue that its been one thing after another since the beginning, however we have seen growth from others. Even on the wedding night scene I was just thinking I'm so over this, I wonder what Thadred is doing. As a couple I don't think they are interesting or make you fall for their story.
The best thing she did in the book was the scene when she got justice on those who tried to murder her. I re-read it twice it was that good, and I will likely read it again. It makes me sad that she is so used to being used and putting others first that she doesn't realize she is doing it again with Dain. The only difference is that now she does it of her own free will. She is still dirtying her hands and doing all the things Dain can't stomach. She is the one who has to live with that in the long run.
Dain
Ughh he is the worse MMC, mostly because he is so boring and lacks a spine. The only thing he did well in the whole series was stand up for Amira when they tried to kill her. I liked at least seeing some passion, he actually cares about something and lets it show. For most of the books he was so resigned and convinced he wouldn't survive he did absolutely nothing. His cousin had more impact at court than he did at the point.
Overall as a character I don't enjoy reading about him. If nothing else I wish with all the years of the cythraul in his head he would of at least learn to be strategic, learned anything that would help him run his kingdom well. He is so naïve thinking they will resolve things with no blood shed and that his mother won't fight back. His whole dialogue with Amira after she handled the dirty work with the attempted murder was gross to me. He doesn't like the difficult things she has done in the past, but is okay with using her to get her hands dirty so he doesn't have to. I don't think he realize he is using her as much as her father did, just because she offers doesn't lessen the fact that she is still used.
Vesha
She has gone so far into the deep end that she has lost her mind. Many can question how much of mind was still intact after dealing with the cythraul for so many years. However, now she is 1000% gone, she loses time and has no idea what is happening around her. Starting to think the god is taking over her body and giving orders and she just can't remember. In that one scene she says my children and the cythraul look at each other. I also think they are stalling for time, for what exactly not sure yet but its obvious.
Thadred
My favorite character, the scene where he is in are the best and I keep wanting to read more. I really hope he gets a spin off. I loved that he is finally learning to use his magic and I really think he could do so well with the Isotovari, he could lead training and help them get back so much of what he lost. He did so well leading them to rescue Amira and Dain in the last book. I just see so much potential.
Fonra
From the beginning there was something about her I don't trust. Maybe is how the author wrote her as so one dimensional, sweet, quiet, kind, innocent, perfect lady, etc. It's so nauseating 🤮 I wish in this book we would of seen another side of her. Where yes she is quiet and the perfect lady but it hides someone who observes those around her knows all about court politics. She lets other underestimate her but she is strategic and very smart and knows how to play court game. Hasn't seen the harsher realities but overall understands why they need to be done. She could of been a great character, and someone who helps Amira learn so much about court politics.
She needs to grow the hell up and start getting ready to be the queen or when she gets married her husband will walk all over her and make all the decision. I hope she uses this time at court wisely to grow up and see things as they really are, so she can toughen up and get ready to rule. However, I think what happened with her uncle and cousin will just drive a wedge between her and Amira.
Istovari
They are all amazing, going with Amira to a place where they know everyone hates them. Willing to sacrifice for their people. Knowing if something goes wrong they will be the first to die and the rest of the Istovari will be left stuck in the curse wood.
I would of love to have read more about Amira's mom, how her conversation with King went when they were alone. Plus her meeting the King's new wife and how she remained so controlled and didn't punch both of them.
Overall
I like the world building and can't wait to see what happens and how they rebuild. Don't love Amira and Dain, don't care for them as a couple. We need more of Thadred, I want him in every scene.
Daindreth's Outlaw: 3⭐⭐⭐
Daindreth's Traitor: 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Sorceress: 3.5⭐️⭐️⭐️
Daindreth's Empress: 4⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be my favorite book in the whole series, overall I think I am more invested in the world overall and how they make everything right again. That to me is more interesting than Dain and Amira as a couple, they are just meh to me. I would never call them couple goals.
Amira
I honestly feel she hasn't grown at all as a character, she is still impulsive and filled with rage. I don't expect all that to go away but this is book 4 and we haven't really seen her work on herself. Many can argue that its been one thing after another since the beginning, however we have seen growth from others. Even on the wedding night scene I was just thinking I'm so over this, I wonder what Thadred is doing. As a couple I don't think they are interesting or make you fall for their story.
The best thing she did in the book was the scene when she got justice on those who tried to murder her. I re-read it twice it was that good, and I will likely read it again. It makes me sad that she is so used to being used and putting others first that she doesn't realize she is doing it again with Dain. The only difference is that now she does it of her own free will. She is still dirtying her hands and doing all the things Dain can't stomach. She is the one who has to live with that in the long run.
Dain
Ughh he is the worse MMC, mostly because he is so boring and lacks a spine. The only thing he did well in the whole series was stand up for Amira when they tried to kill her. I liked at least seeing some passion, he actually cares about something and lets it show. For most of the books he was so resigned and convinced he wouldn't survive he did absolutely nothing. His cousin had more impact at court than he did at the point.
Overall as a character I don't enjoy reading about him. If nothing else I wish with all the years of the cythraul in his head he would of at least learn to be strategic, learned anything that would help him run his kingdom well. He is so naïve thinking they will resolve things with no blood shed and that his mother won't fight back. His whole dialogue with Amira after she handled the dirty work with the attempted murder was gross to me. He doesn't like the difficult things she has done in the past, but is okay with using her to get her hands dirty so he doesn't have to. I don't think he realize he is using her as much as her father did, just because she offers doesn't lessen the fact that she is still used.
Vesha
She has gone so far into the deep end that she has lost her mind. Many can question how much of mind was still intact after dealing with the cythraul for so many years. However, now she is 1000% gone, she loses time and has no idea what is happening around her. Starting to think the god is taking over her body and giving orders and she just can't remember. In that one scene she says my children and the cythraul look at each other. I also think they are stalling for time, for what exactly not sure yet but its obvious.
Thadred
My favorite character, the scene where he is in are the best and I keep wanting to read more. I really hope he gets a spin off. I loved that he is finally learning to use his magic and I really think he could do so well with the Isotovari, he could lead training and help them get back so much of what he lost. He did so well leading them to rescue Amira and Dain in the last book. I just see so much potential.
Fonra
From the beginning there was something about her I don't trust. Maybe is how the author wrote her as so one dimensional, sweet, quiet, kind, innocent, perfect lady, etc. It's so nauseating 🤮 I wish in this book we would of seen another side of her. Where yes she is quiet and the perfect lady but it hides someone who observes those around her knows all about court politics. She lets other underestimate her but she is strategic and very smart and knows how to play court game. Hasn't seen the harsher realities but overall understands why they need to be done. She could of been a great character, and someone who helps Amira learn so much about court politics.
She needs to grow the hell up and start getting ready to be the queen or when she gets married her husband will walk all over her and make all the decision. I hope she uses this time at court wisely to grow up and see things as they really are, so she can toughen up and get ready to rule. However, I think what happened with her uncle and cousin will just drive a wedge between her and Amira.
Istovari
They are all amazing, going with Amira to a place where they know everyone hates them. Willing to sacrifice for their people. Knowing if something goes wrong they will be the first to die and the rest of the Istovari will be left stuck in the curse wood.
I would of love to have read more about Amira's mom, how her conversation with King went when they were alone. Plus her meeting the King's new wife and how she remained so controlled and didn't punch both of them.
Overall
I like the world building and can't wait to see what happens and how they rebuild. Don't love Amira and Dain, don't care for them as a couple. We need more of Thadred, I want him in every scene.
June 6, 2024
If I never hear/read the phrase “As best as…” again it will be too soon.
Don’t get the audiobooks of this series. Between the poorly executed accents and the mispronunciations of words, it is painful.
Writing polish and narration aside, I found the series fairly interesting…until the end. And then I felt betrayed. The apparent climax didn’t impact as you would expect, so the end left you less than satisfied.
Wheatley has promise as a writer. What she needs is a good editor and someone else to do the narration.
Don’t get the audiobooks of this series. Between the poorly executed accents and the mispronunciations of words, it is painful.
Writing polish and narration aside, I found the series fairly interesting…until the end. And then I felt betrayed. The apparent climax didn’t impact as you would expect, so the end left you less than satisfied.
Wheatley has promise as a writer. What she needs is a good editor and someone else to do the narration.
September 26, 2024
This book is a great continuation of the series, expanding on the lore and world-building while diving into political intrigue and character growth. I love how Elisabeth Wheatley crafts flawed, unique characters like Daindreth and Amira, who complement each other beautifully despite their differences. Their relationship feels strong and genuine, built on mutual respect and devotion. While this book leans more on character development and serves as a build-up to the final one, the addition of court politics keeps it engaging. Looking forward to seeing where it all leads!
November 17, 2024
Oh this one was fabulous. It starts with A & D's Istavori wedding which was beautiful and fun and something I would enjoy. Now normally I skim the wedding scene in books as overly sentimental or boring but this one - it was perfect. Then we have D& A together, together - so cute. And Thadred's disgust at their newlywed behaviour - haha. The book was so much more fun than the last couple, with a lightness (despite the gathering demon hoarde) now that D & A are free of their respective curses and married. Amira was less angsty, more balanced but still suitably vicious when necessary and a little impulsive and unpredictable when her rage takes over - cough beats up & kidnaps the king - cough. And I loved how A has to be the reasonable one when determining the punishment for trying to kill her. Altho I do think her punishment for the son was excessively cruel. Thadred was also amusing, especially how his ex's were giving him warnings. I want that to be plot point in the next book - that he has an entire spy network of friendly ex's. Vesha is a selfish idiot. Sure she is not herself now but her reasoning for the second deal doesn't hold up. Yes when D was a little boy it was stupid but you could understand it. Now it's just about not giving up her power no matter how she tries to spin it.
December 22, 2024
Amira comes into her own, as a Sorceress and as Empress.
Cromwell and Fonra grow in power as they grow ascharacters.
Court politics get interesting, and lethal, having to accommodate their former sorceress enemies in the face of a greater threat.
And more Vesha; this time from her POV. I understand that the best villains aren't villains in their own eyes, and the author genuinely seems to feel for Vesha.
I find her irritating.
I cannot empathise with a character who deals with demons, knowing full well that they ARE demons. The persistent argument that she's doing all this for the 'greater good' of the Empire is so fundamentally flawed that it would be laughable - except for her mounting death toll.
There is no 'greater good' possible with demons, nor do they seek it.
Vesha's either stupid, or delusional - if you were being charitable, you might say 'damaged.'
But she is literally hellbent upon the most illogical course. She is a deeply frustrating character. We are supposed to accept that she genuinely believes she is doing 'good' in the face of all the evil she commits and permits. I can't buy into her character, nor forgive her just because she believes the lies she tells herself.
Cromwell and Fonra grow in power as they grow ascharacters.
Court politics get interesting, and lethal, having to accommodate their former sorceress enemies in the face of a greater threat.
And more Vesha; this time from her POV. I understand that the best villains aren't villains in their own eyes, and the author genuinely seems to feel for Vesha.
I find her irritating.
I cannot empathise with a character who deals with demons, knowing full well that they ARE demons. The persistent argument that she's doing all this for the 'greater good' of the Empire is so fundamentally flawed that it would be laughable - except for her mounting death toll.
There is no 'greater good' possible with demons, nor do they seek it.
Vesha's either stupid, or delusional - if you were being charitable, you might say 'damaged.'
But she is literally hellbent upon the most illogical course. She is a deeply frustrating character. We are supposed to accept that she genuinely believes she is doing 'good' in the face of all the evil she commits and permits. I can't buy into her character, nor forgive her just because she believes the lies she tells herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2025
Personal Note: I'm a little bummed that I won't get the chance to finish this series because the library doesn't have the final book. What a let down! I feel like it was finally getting to the crux of the story and now I'm stuck in a perpetual limbo. Sadness, indeed.
With Book 4, I felt again that the divisions between the books are odd. This one didn't feel quite long enough to be its own story and I still think it could all be combined into either a duology or a longer stand alone. The storyline is good and I really enjoyed the addition of Vesha's point of view to this installment. It's novel to have the main antagonist all of a sudden become more understandable as a result of being in her head. I think it's been an interesting decision on the author's part to make someone who literally summons demons a sympathetic character. She apparently truly does think she's doing the right thing for the empire, but man she is terrible at making the follow up choices here... It takes the "do whatever it takes" aspect from most stories and adds a different twist. I like it.
I'm still not 100% sold on Amira, but I like pretty much everyone else in the story so I will hopefully get to continue reading when the library acquires a copy of the last book.
With Book 4, I felt again that the divisions between the books are odd. This one didn't feel quite long enough to be its own story and I still think it could all be combined into either a duology or a longer stand alone. The storyline is good and I really enjoyed the addition of Vesha's point of view to this installment. It's novel to have the main antagonist all of a sudden become more understandable as a result of being in her head. I think it's been an interesting decision on the author's part to make someone who literally summons demons a sympathetic character. She apparently truly does think she's doing the right thing for the empire, but man she is terrible at making the follow up choices here... It takes the "do whatever it takes" aspect from most stories and adds a different twist. I like it.
I'm still not 100% sold on Amira, but I like pretty much everyone else in the story so I will hopefully get to continue reading when the library acquires a copy of the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2025
3.75 stars. As book 4 out of 5, this one was a little disappointing 😕 Don't get me wrong, I still love the characters, the relationships, and the magic. This book just felt...off?
Let's start with what I liked: the introduction of Vesha's POV chapters. This was a great insight in to her motivations, the cythraul, and it gave a sense of ominous foreboding when you switched back to Amira, Daindreth, and Thadred's chapters.
As always, my boy Thadred steals the show! I love him so much and I can't wait to see his story play out in the last book, as well as in his standalone novel 😍
However, some of the conflicts in this book felt like they were resolved way to easily. Some victories didn't feel like they were earned, making the moments less exciting. The time line of events seemed a little rushed, I would have liked to see more of an exploration of different side plots in conjunction with the main storyline, which would help the book feel more fleshed out. I also felt like both Daindreth and Amira started acting out of character towards the end of the book, some of their actions were pretty brutal, even for Amira lol.
I am looking forward to reading the next book regardless, I'm interested to see where our characters go from here! 😊
Let's start with what I liked: the introduction of Vesha's POV chapters. This was a great insight in to her motivations, the cythraul, and it gave a sense of ominous foreboding when you switched back to Amira, Daindreth, and Thadred's chapters.
As always, my boy Thadred steals the show! I love him so much and I can't wait to see his story play out in the last book, as well as in his standalone novel 😍
However, some of the conflicts in this book felt like they were resolved way to easily. Some victories didn't feel like they were earned, making the moments less exciting. The time line of events seemed a little rushed, I would have liked to see more of an exploration of different side plots in conjunction with the main storyline, which would help the book feel more fleshed out. I also felt like both Daindreth and Amira started acting out of character towards the end of the book, some of their actions were pretty brutal, even for Amira lol.
I am looking forward to reading the next book regardless, I'm interested to see where our characters go from here! 😊
December 10, 2025
They overcame his mother’s plots and broke both their curses, but can they survive his inheritance?
Amira Brindonu has won. The man she loves has been freed from his curse and her mother’s people have chosen to ally with their cause.
Even as Amira and Daindreth celebrate victory and Thadred grows in his power as a sorcerer, trouble stirs on the horizon. Not everyone is ready to recognize the rightful heir. Vesha’s reign brought the empire peace and prosperity. Many lords and barons must be convinced if they are to swear allegiance to Daindreth.
Meanwhile, Vesha seeks out greater power. In a desperate effort to protect the empire, she will make yet another deal with a fallen goddess. And this time, Vesha is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone—even herself.
Heather's Notes
While I enjoyed this story, and I will continue, I did not really like so much of Vesha's POV. I get the author is trying to show us that she thinks she is doing the right thing, but all it showed me was how stupid she is. She held on to her belief way past the point of believability. I loved Amira and Daindreth's part of the story though. I wished we had gotten more of that part of the story. Still with only one more book to go I will finish this series.
Amira Brindonu has won. The man she loves has been freed from his curse and her mother’s people have chosen to ally with their cause.
Even as Amira and Daindreth celebrate victory and Thadred grows in his power as a sorcerer, trouble stirs on the horizon. Not everyone is ready to recognize the rightful heir. Vesha’s reign brought the empire peace and prosperity. Many lords and barons must be convinced if they are to swear allegiance to Daindreth.
Meanwhile, Vesha seeks out greater power. In a desperate effort to protect the empire, she will make yet another deal with a fallen goddess. And this time, Vesha is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone—even herself.
Heather's Notes
While I enjoyed this story, and I will continue, I did not really like so much of Vesha's POV. I get the author is trying to show us that she thinks she is doing the right thing, but all it showed me was how stupid she is. She held on to her belief way past the point of believability. I loved Amira and Daindreth's part of the story though. I wished we had gotten more of that part of the story. Still with only one more book to go I will finish this series.
April 25, 2025
I can't stress enough how much I enjoy the antagonist in this series. She is so well written, and her arch keeps getting more and more tragic. In the first couple of books, I disagreed, but understood where she is coming from. In this one, you see her make compromise after compromise, until she is blinded by how wicked she has truly become. So chilling, especially since that is often how people become the monsters they fear.
As for the rest of the story, it is a bit slower paced in areas than the others were, but not disinteresting. The characters are forced to make difficult choices, and ones that leave a bad taste in my mouth, but also ones that I'm not sure I could make any better in their place.
The romance comes to a head in this book. BE WARNED: it does get spicy (too spicy for my taste, so I just skipped that part). Also, even the side characters have a cute, budding romance, and I am here for it!
I really am anticipating the finale book!
As for the rest of the story, it is a bit slower paced in areas than the others were, but not disinteresting. The characters are forced to make difficult choices, and ones that leave a bad taste in my mouth, but also ones that I'm not sure I could make any better in their place.
The romance comes to a head in this book. BE WARNED: it does get spicy (too spicy for my taste, so I just skipped that part). Also, even the side characters have a cute, budding romance, and I am here for it!
I really am anticipating the finale book!
July 15, 2025
Things are coming to a head. It seems that the final standoff between Daindreth's allies and Vesha (serving Moreyne) is pretty much all that remains. I do like how unconventional Amira and Daindreth are, and how they jointly maneuver their political opponents so they cannot stand against them.
I am more and more uncomfortable reading Vesha's perspective as she falls apart before our eyes. Her delusion brought this upon her, and I really mourn the loss of her agency. For all the suffering and trauma she has visited upon her son, I wanted her to regret and realize she was wrong. Moreyne has taken this opportunity from us and I kind of feel like Vesha is done. Everything from this point forward is just Moreyne pulling her strings. I hope Amira realizes in time and is able to invite the other gods onto the earthly field to defeat her.
Medium level gore warning on one scene in particular.
I am more and more uncomfortable reading Vesha's perspective as she falls apart before our eyes. Her delusion brought this upon her, and I really mourn the loss of her agency. For all the suffering and trauma she has visited upon her son, I wanted her to regret and realize she was wrong. Moreyne has taken this opportunity from us and I kind of feel like Vesha is done. Everything from this point forward is just Moreyne pulling her strings. I hope Amira realizes in time and is able to invite the other gods onto the earthly field to defeat her.
Medium level gore warning on one scene in particular.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews