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Rowan Blood #3
Herald of the Witch's Mark
Saffron finally has the one thing he's always a chance to attend school. To be able to do so alongside Prince Cylvan, even while glamoured as a high fey and pretending not to know one another, Saffron is eager to finally experience the education he's always dreamed of.
But the expectations of being a perfect fey lord are suffocating enough, and are only made more difficult as the unfettered rowan magic in his body runs wild. Outside of the emotionally-charged nosebleeds that come whenever he's overwhelmed, he's able to keep the magic subdued--until one unfortunate confrontation outside of the school, where it manifests in the form of a nightmare he never thought he'd have to witness again. He desperately needs help understanding how to control his new magic, but there's only one person he knows who can offer the stranger who appeared in his hospital room after the events on Ostara.
Between acting a high fey, pretending to be courted by Cylvan as strangers, the unexpected difficulties of attending school for the first time, and managing the ancient magic running wild in his veins, Saffron has no choice but to trust Ryder Kyteler who can skip through the veil with ease, and who has been gathering disenfranchised humans to teach them arid magic on the outskirts of Avren for years. Otherwise, the new, violent manifestation of Saffron's magic may hurt the people he cares about most.
But the expectations of being a perfect fey lord are suffocating enough, and are only made more difficult as the unfettered rowan magic in his body runs wild. Outside of the emotionally-charged nosebleeds that come whenever he's overwhelmed, he's able to keep the magic subdued--until one unfortunate confrontation outside of the school, where it manifests in the form of a nightmare he never thought he'd have to witness again. He desperately needs help understanding how to control his new magic, but there's only one person he knows who can offer the stranger who appeared in his hospital room after the events on Ostara.
Between acting a high fey, pretending to be courted by Cylvan as strangers, the unexpected difficulties of attending school for the first time, and managing the ancient magic running wild in his veins, Saffron has no choice but to trust Ryder Kyteler who can skip through the veil with ease, and who has been gathering disenfranchised humans to teach them arid magic on the outskirts of Avren for years. Otherwise, the new, violent manifestation of Saffron's magic may hurt the people he cares about most.
528 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2023
187 people are currently reading
2126 people want to read
About the author
Kellen Graves
7 books1,346 followersIndie/selfpub author currently living in the eastern edge of the PNW with my partner, two cats, and crystal collection.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
October 20, 2023
Kellen has done it again, and at this point I don't think they'll ever stop.
If you're a fan of the book just know you're in for a Treat. They've exceed, by miles, every single one of my expectations for Saffron's new journey as a student and Cylvan's harmonious partner, the new characters that have been teased (y'all will love Copper), resolutions from previous conflicts and paving the way into the next book in the series (which I'm already tempted to ask for, even though that would be rude lmao). Similarly to friends' who've already finished the book, I can't wait to reread this book and have at least two copies of it on my Rowan Blood shrine.
And if you haven't read or are caught up in the series yet, hurry because I feel like this is Kellen's best work yet, definitely my favourite so far.
Thank you so much Kellen for this ARC, I'm incredibly grateful for everything.
If you're a fan of the book just know you're in for a Treat. They've exceed, by miles, every single one of my expectations for Saffron's new journey as a student and Cylvan's harmonious partner, the new characters that have been teased (y'all will love Copper), resolutions from previous conflicts and paving the way into the next book in the series (which I'm already tempted to ask for, even though that would be rude lmao). Similarly to friends' who've already finished the book, I can't wait to reread this book and have at least two copies of it on my Rowan Blood shrine.
And if you haven't read or are caught up in the series yet, hurry because I feel like this is Kellen's best work yet, definitely my favourite so far.
Thank you so much Kellen for this ARC, I'm incredibly grateful for everything.
March 1, 2025
Reread 2/27/2025: The first time you read it you’re like “oh cute, they’re more happy!” and the second time you’re like that Breaking Bad trapped in a car meme. “SAFFRON! SAFFRON DON’T LISTEN TO HIM!”
Loved putting clues together that I missed the first time. I love how much these books are so woven together, full of foreshadowing and clues! Also definitely cried. In love with these characters, new and old.
—
9/21/2023:
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **
Oh y’all are gonna LOVE it!
If you’re considering reading this, you’re probably already familiar with Rowan Blood volumes 1 and 2. So I’m happy to announce that Kellen Graves has done it again—this sequel is FANTASTIC!
It’s just what we needed to heal our souls after Lord of Silver Ashes! There’s heart-meltingly cute romance that made my cheeks hurt from smiling so much (no, seriously), and there’s a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep the story captivating. Be ready still for some angst, but know it’s not as heavy as the previous book. And get ready for some good spice!
There are some new characters I think y’all are gonna love, along with most of our favorite humans and fae.
It’s Rowan Blood; so still prepare to feel ALL the emotions and uncertainty of a HEA, along with a few twists, because this is only volume 3 in a possibly 8-book-long series. Kellen isn’t done building this world or toying with our hearts.
For those that haven’t started the series and can’t decide whether to start or to wait till the series is finished—START READING NOW.
Angst: 3-4/5 (compared to the last book)
Spice: 4/5
Loved putting clues together that I missed the first time. I love how much these books are so woven together, full of foreshadowing and clues! Also definitely cried. In love with these characters, new and old.
—
9/21/2023:
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review **
Oh y’all are gonna LOVE it!
If you’re considering reading this, you’re probably already familiar with Rowan Blood volumes 1 and 2. So I’m happy to announce that Kellen Graves has done it again—this sequel is FANTASTIC!
It’s just what we needed to heal our souls after Lord of Silver Ashes! There’s heart-meltingly cute romance that made my cheeks hurt from smiling so much (no, seriously), and there’s a lot of mystery and intrigue to keep the story captivating. Be ready still for some angst, but know it’s not as heavy as the previous book. And get ready for some good spice!
There are some new characters I think y’all are gonna love, along with most of our favorite humans and fae.
It’s Rowan Blood; so still prepare to feel ALL the emotions and uncertainty of a HEA, along with a few twists, because this is only volume 3 in a possibly 8-book-long series. Kellen isn’t done building this world or toying with our hearts.
For those that haven’t started the series and can’t decide whether to start or to wait till the series is finished—START READING NOW.
Angst: 3-4/5 (compared to the last book)
Spice: 4/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
abandoned
November 6, 2023unfollow me now. this is the only thing i will post about for the next week
February 10, 2025
[4.5] knocked off .5 cause there’s a good 80 pages in here that could be cut out, everything else is spectacular amazing out of this world.
i’m just saying, they better find my crew chapter 1 of book 4 because WDYM LONDON????? also not sure how to feel about this taran redemption arc??? god i need the next two weeks to move FAST i need book 4 in my hands NOW.
i’m just saying, they better find my crew chapter 1 of book 4 because WDYM LONDON????? also not sure how to feel about this taran redemption arc??? god i need the next two weeks to move FAST i need book 4 in my hands NOW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2023
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* I received an arc in return for an honest review *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
This has quickly become one of my favourite fantasy series, and I will definitely be recommending it to anyone who asks!
There are so many aspects of the book to focus on without giving too many spoilers. I’ll just say straight up that Cylvan is now one of my favourite fantasy men. On the other hand, Ryder was a very well-written, very dislikeable character, so much so that I cannot count how many times I cringe whenever he interacted with Saffron. Also, seeing Saffron put Cylvan in his place was hilarious and probably one of the highlights of this book.
As someone who loves angsty books with just the right amount of sweet moments in between, I very much enjoyed Herald of the Witch’s Mark, although this one may take the cake as my favourite in the series. It had just the right amount of action and romance intertwined, and well, I am obviously a fan of all the cute moments between Cylvan and Saffron, the action/fight scenes certainly did not disappoint and kept me reading way past when I should have been asleep.
And I can’t finish off the review without saying how Fiachra is the best character in this book!
All in all, I found this book to be delightful, and I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat by the end! Good luck (and I mean it) to everyone reading!
This has quickly become one of my favourite fantasy series, and I will definitely be recommending it to anyone who asks!
There are so many aspects of the book to focus on without giving too many spoilers. I’ll just say straight up that Cylvan is now one of my favourite fantasy men. On the other hand, Ryder was a very well-written, very dislikeable character, so much so that I cannot count how many times I cringe whenever he interacted with Saffron. Also, seeing Saffron put Cylvan in his place was hilarious and probably one of the highlights of this book.
As someone who loves angsty books with just the right amount of sweet moments in between, I very much enjoyed Herald of the Witch’s Mark, although this one may take the cake as my favourite in the series. It had just the right amount of action and romance intertwined, and well, I am obviously a fan of all the cute moments between Cylvan and Saffron, the action/fight scenes certainly did not disappoint and kept me reading way past when I should have been asleep.
And I can’t finish off the review without saying how Fiachra is the best character in this book!
All in all, I found this book to be delightful, and I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat by the end! Good luck (and I mean it) to everyone reading!
October 5, 2023
after all the suffering in lord of silver ashes finally some joy for saffron but at what cost...
February 19, 2024
i am the number one ryder hater
October 19, 2023
This installment is much less angst than the previous but introduces new characters for you to fall in love with. It continues to build on the mysterious & magical storyline and Saffron & Cylvan’s relationship is as sweet as ever !
Theres actually so many characters at this point i wish i had character cards for all of them
Is there spice: yes
Theres actually so many characters at this point i wish i had character cards for all of them
Is there spice: yes
September 23, 2023
More than ever, Kellen Graves has masterfully woven together plot threads, foreshadowing, and romance to create another addition to this world of intrigue and magic. Herald of the Witch’s Mark is definitely my favorite book of the Rowan Blood series thus far. The setting of Mairwen Academy plus all of the wonderful new side characters we met made this book so fun to read, even if it did have some classic Kellen Graves angst thrown in there. I was surprised over and over by the story in the best way. I expected (almost) none of what happened in this book and so I was on the edge of my seat the whole way through.
Getting to see Saffron finally get to be a student made me so happy!! And lots more romance, smut, and hurt/comfort between our two main characters.
Ryder Kyteler feels like such a polarizing character; I was constantly flipping between loving and hating him. I neeeeeed to know what happens next! Especially knowing this series will be 8 books total… Kellen you are going to put us Rowan Blood lovers through the wringer!
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you Kellen!)
Getting to see Saffron finally get to be a student made me so happy!! And lots more romance, smut, and hurt/comfort between our two main characters.
Ryder Kyteler feels like such a polarizing character; I was constantly flipping between loving and hating him. I neeeeeed to know what happens next! Especially knowing this series will be 8 books total… Kellen you are going to put us Rowan Blood lovers through the wringer!
I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you Kellen!)
February 19, 2025
Here’s how these books usually go:
Saffron, with the mind of a five year old, does something innocent like pet a fox.
Cylvan reacts rationally by threatening to commit genocide out of jealousy.
Saffron giggles.
Cylvan, being a bigot, abuses any one of lower class.
Saffron, literally once a human slave, plays hard to get out revenge?
They smash and Cylvan says something cute like, “I love every time you give me a piece of that cake.”
Saffron giggles; still a trooper after not having used a single glob of lube.
Cylvan promises he’ll always protect Saffron and kill anyone who messes with him.
Saffron literally gets kidnapped in the next paragraph.
Cylvan says some shit that might be cute if it were anyone else saying it.
Saffron chokes on blood.
I hate this couple and I don’t care about what happens to them. I hate that Cylvan calls Saffron his little beantighe (which are the human slaves in this series.) I hate that Saffron excuses every little horrible thing Cylvan does. He has zero autonomy.
It’s giving me whiplash because The Fox And The Dryad was honestly one of the most romantic books I’ve read. And the romance in this series feels similar to snaking a clogged drain—when all the soggy hair comes up and you’re gagging.
I’m definitely not trying to steer people away from this series! These are just my personal opinions. I did not get what I hoped for.
I’m about to start another book by this author, we’ll see how it goes.
Saffron, with the mind of a five year old, does something innocent like pet a fox.
Cylvan reacts rationally by threatening to commit genocide out of jealousy.
Saffron giggles.
Cylvan, being a bigot, abuses any one of lower class.
Saffron, literally once a human slave, plays hard to get out revenge?
They smash and Cylvan says something cute like, “I love every time you give me a piece of that cake.”
Saffron giggles; still a trooper after not having used a single glob of lube.
Cylvan promises he’ll always protect Saffron and kill anyone who messes with him.
Saffron literally gets kidnapped in the next paragraph.
Cylvan says some shit that might be cute if it were anyone else saying it.
Saffron chokes on blood.
I hate this couple and I don’t care about what happens to them. I hate that Cylvan calls Saffron his little beantighe (which are the human slaves in this series.) I hate that Saffron excuses every little horrible thing Cylvan does. He has zero autonomy.
It’s giving me whiplash because The Fox And The Dryad was honestly one of the most romantic books I’ve read. And the romance in this series feels similar to snaking a clogged drain—when all the soggy hair comes up and you’re gagging.
I’m definitely not trying to steer people away from this series! These are just my personal opinions. I did not get what I hoped for.
I’m about to start another book by this author, we’ll see how it goes.
June 22, 2024
Hi SOS I need to immediately jump into The Fox and the Dryad because otherwise…I might lose my mind. Who am I if I’m not living Saffron’s world? Who am I without the smell of cinnamon and rosemary bread? (Kellen I hate you because I hate baking bread and now I NEED to make this goddamn bread).
84 highlights on a single book later lmfao
The world that we’ve been gifted through the Rowan Blood series is unparalleled. Never have I read a fae story and been quite so immaculately immersed—despite being almost constantly confused about wtf is going on. Nonstop whiplash with all the absolute bullshit that poor bb Saff endured; but he’s a trooper. Saffron superiority forever. I’m never annoyed with how things play out, or at how any of the characters reacted to their situations. Zero cringey dialogue whatsoever. Stunning. Everything is as beautifully muddled, convoluted, and striking as it should be in a top tier fae story. The riddles?! Oh I was evil giggling endlessly. Not that I saw ANY of the twists and turns coming like I normally do…I was far too busy being fully engrossed in Saffron’s flowery little brain. 🫶🏻 him think hard. him think a lot. 🫶🏻 genuinely tho I’d just give up and melt away if someone put me thru half the shit he goes through. I love how his reactions are human, and how he handles what’s thrown his way. It’s hyper-realistic imo and I enjoy that over the excessively dramatized versions of either “naur I’m fine” or “I’m crawling in a pit until my lover saves me” vibes we often get in books. Ok I gotta move on. This book and this series have me by the tit so I’m unhinged.
There’s a glaringly obviously reason why this book in particular remains at a 4.51 with almost 600 reviews. If you haven’t started this in-progress series yet, start it tonight. Right now. You’ll have negative 10 regrets.
Side note: the BANTER between all of them? Our foxy boy and a certain dragon bb in particular?! lmaooo I’m OBSESSED WHAT THE FUCK.
This is my Roman Empire. 🫡
84 highlights on a single book later lmfao
The world that we’ve been gifted through the Rowan Blood series is unparalleled. Never have I read a fae story and been quite so immaculately immersed—despite being almost constantly confused about wtf is going on. Nonstop whiplash with all the absolute bullshit that poor bb Saff endured; but he’s a trooper. Saffron superiority forever. I’m never annoyed with how things play out, or at how any of the characters reacted to their situations. Zero cringey dialogue whatsoever. Stunning. Everything is as beautifully muddled, convoluted, and striking as it should be in a top tier fae story. The riddles?! Oh I was evil giggling endlessly. Not that I saw ANY of the twists and turns coming like I normally do…I was far too busy being fully engrossed in Saffron’s flowery little brain. 🫶🏻 him think hard. him think a lot. 🫶🏻 genuinely tho I’d just give up and melt away if someone put me thru half the shit he goes through. I love how his reactions are human, and how he handles what’s thrown his way. It’s hyper-realistic imo and I enjoy that over the excessively dramatized versions of either “naur I’m fine” or “I’m crawling in a pit until my lover saves me” vibes we often get in books. Ok I gotta move on. This book and this series have me by the tit so I’m unhinged.
There’s a glaringly obviously reason why this book in particular remains at a 4.51 with almost 600 reviews. If you haven’t started this in-progress series yet, start it tonight. Right now. You’ll have negative 10 regrets.
Side note: the BANTER between all of them? Our foxy boy and a certain dragon bb in particular?! lmaooo I’m OBSESSED WHAT THE FUCK.
This is my Roman Empire. 🫡
September 18, 2023
this book THIS BOOK full review to come once I can breathe again but oh my god this fucking book oh my god
October 7, 2023
I recieved an arc of this book for an honest review, and I had literary never been more excited to recieve an arc!
I absolutely loved the previous two books. I love that each time the stakes rise, the characters grow, the conflict develops so naturally and it just keeps getting better! I love how every new situation makes such complete sense to who these characters are, that the conflicts and their reactions to them feel so natural and true, whilst also continually building and growing and raising the stakes. But Kellen, why do you keep hurting my boys 😭
Also very grateful that it seems there will be more books in this series. The wait will be torture, but I'm excited and confident that this story will just get better and better!
I absolutely loved the previous two books. I love that each time the stakes rise, the characters grow, the conflict develops so naturally and it just keeps getting better! I love how every new situation makes such complete sense to who these characters are, that the conflicts and their reactions to them feel so natural and true, whilst also continually building and growing and raising the stakes. But Kellen, why do you keep hurting my boys 😭
Also very grateful that it seems there will be more books in this series. The wait will be torture, but I'm excited and confident that this story will just get better and better!
March 7, 2024
Objectively speaking: is this a good series? Not really. Plot points come up and then are ignored and never mentioned again, the lore is confusing at parts, some of the characters behaviour isn't really understandable. But do I care? Nah. I had a blast reading these and I'm looking forward to the fourth one.
October 20, 2023
Maybe my favorite of the series so far. Loved every minute. Cylvan the simp! Saffron being cute! New friends to love! A character redemption arc! Spicy! Mystery! Fun!
Read this series already! Geeze!
Arc generously provided by Kellen, thoughts all my own.
Read this series already! Geeze!
Arc generously provided by Kellen, thoughts all my own.
July 24, 2024
like 2.8- so much critique but something about saffron’s dynamic with other characters is too addicting so i will be reading the fourth one….
November 23, 2023
(DEUTSCH WEITER UNTEN)
Somehow I thought this was a trilogy the whole time and now it turns out.... it is NOT a trilogy X’D For f*cks sake.
I think I’ve enjoyed volume three the most so far, because by now I’ve come to terms with the fact that the two dudes have only known each other for barely four months and have only been in contact via correspondence for about two of those. Oh and let’s not forget the whole slave drama and the trauma that Saffron has suffered. Hah.
Let’s get straight to the traumatic experiences and their after-effects. I LOVE it! Graves wrote this so well (the writing in book three was wonderful anyway) and I could empathise so much. I loved all those little moments where Graves interjected behaviours that arose from the trauma.
It was really, really good!
Cylvan and Saffron were once again super cheesy, (especially Cylvan; ugh) but I loved the setting of the school. Especially the acquaintances (Copper and Sionnach) that Saffron made there. I also liked how Saffron was just more self-confident in some moments and also stood up for his friends.
Also the whole thing with his magic and how it weighs on him and what it does to him was ... *chef’s kiss*
And the story about Ryder was also really nice and oh, I love our witch hunters! So good that they were back again <3
I really enjoyed reading this one <3
(DEUTSCH)
Irgendwie dachte ich die ganze Zeit über, dass das eine Trilogie ist und nun stellt sich heraus ... es ist KEINE Trilogie X’D For f*cks sake.
Ich glaube, Band drei hat mir bis jetzt am besten gefallen, denn mittlerweile habe ich mich damit abgefunden, dass die zwei Dudes sich erst knapp vier Monate kennen und ungefähr zwei davon nur via Schriftverkehr miteinander in Kontakt standen. Oh und vergessen wir nicht das ganze Sklavendrama und die Traumata, die Saffron davongetragen hat. Hach.
Kommen wir doch gleich zu den traumatischen Erlebnissen und deren Nachwirkungen. Ich LIEBE es! Graves hat das so toll geschrieben (der Schreibstil in Band drei war eh wundervoll) und ich konnte so mitfühlen. Ich habe all diese kleinen Momente geliebt, in denen Graves Verhaltensweisen mit hat einfließen lassen, die durch das Trauma entstanden sind.
Es war wirklich, wirklich gut!
Cylvan und Saffron waren wieder echt ultra kitschig, (vor allem Cylvan) aber ich habe das Setting der Schule sehr gemocht. Vor allem halt die Bekanntschaften, (Copper und Sionnach) die Saffron dort geschlossen hat. Auch mochte ich es, wie Saffron in manchen Momenten einfach selbstbewusster war und sich auch für seine Freunde eingesetzt hat.
Auch die ganze Sache mit seiner Magie und wie es ihn belastet und was es mit ihm macht war ... *chef’s kiss*
Und die Geschichte rund um Ryder war auch richtig nice und hach, ich liebe ja unsere Hexenjäger! So gut, dass die auch wieder vorgekommen sind <3
Diesmal hatte ich wirklich Spaß beim Lesen <3
Somehow I thought this was a trilogy the whole time and now it turns out.... it is NOT a trilogy X’D For f*cks sake.
I think I’ve enjoyed volume three the most so far, because by now I’ve come to terms with the fact that the two dudes have only known each other for barely four months and have only been in contact via correspondence for about two of those. Oh and let’s not forget the whole slave drama and the trauma that Saffron has suffered. Hah.
Let’s get straight to the traumatic experiences and their after-effects. I LOVE it! Graves wrote this so well (the writing in book three was wonderful anyway) and I could empathise so much. I loved all those little moments where Graves interjected behaviours that arose from the trauma.
It was really, really good!
Cylvan and Saffron were once again super cheesy, (especially Cylvan; ugh) but I loved the setting of the school. Especially the acquaintances (Copper and Sionnach) that Saffron made there. I also liked how Saffron was just more self-confident in some moments and also stood up for his friends.
Also the whole thing with his magic and how it weighs on him and what it does to him was ... *chef’s kiss*
And the story about Ryder was also really nice and oh, I love our witch hunters! So good that they were back again <3
I really enjoyed reading this one <3
(DEUTSCH)
Irgendwie dachte ich die ganze Zeit über, dass das eine Trilogie ist und nun stellt sich heraus ... es ist KEINE Trilogie X’D For f*cks sake.
Ich glaube, Band drei hat mir bis jetzt am besten gefallen, denn mittlerweile habe ich mich damit abgefunden, dass die zwei Dudes sich erst knapp vier Monate kennen und ungefähr zwei davon nur via Schriftverkehr miteinander in Kontakt standen. Oh und vergessen wir nicht das ganze Sklavendrama und die Traumata, die Saffron davongetragen hat. Hach.
Kommen wir doch gleich zu den traumatischen Erlebnissen und deren Nachwirkungen. Ich LIEBE es! Graves hat das so toll geschrieben (der Schreibstil in Band drei war eh wundervoll) und ich konnte so mitfühlen. Ich habe all diese kleinen Momente geliebt, in denen Graves Verhaltensweisen mit hat einfließen lassen, die durch das Trauma entstanden sind.
Es war wirklich, wirklich gut!
Cylvan und Saffron waren wieder echt ultra kitschig, (vor allem Cylvan) aber ich habe das Setting der Schule sehr gemocht. Vor allem halt die Bekanntschaften, (Copper und Sionnach) die Saffron dort geschlossen hat. Auch mochte ich es, wie Saffron in manchen Momenten einfach selbstbewusster war und sich auch für seine Freunde eingesetzt hat.
Auch die ganze Sache mit seiner Magie und wie es ihn belastet und was es mit ihm macht war ... *chef’s kiss*
Und die Geschichte rund um Ryder war auch richtig nice und hach, ich liebe ja unsere Hexenjäger! So gut, dass die auch wieder vorgekommen sind <3
Diesmal hatte ich wirklich Spaß beim Lesen <3
February 25, 2025
i looove the lore in this and the writing style is lovely as ever! one of my favorite things about this series is the descriptions of all the clothes and surroundings and it's all just so tender and romantic but with an element of eldritch horror that i think all books about faeries should have
however i was unhappy with where the plot is going and some of the character's decisions for like half the book and i WILL rant about it:
1. i understand the purpose of ryder's character and it was cool that there was someone to harshly remind safforn that he needs to stay in touch with humanity and while it wasn't really a 'love triangle' it still got very team edward vs team jacob (ryder being jacob here and i fucking hated jacob)
2. i wish we got to see more of saffron being smart and competent instead of having him be senselessly drunk or unconscious this many times (some of it made sense for plot related reasons some of it was just him coping with shit but still too repetitive)
3. i kind wish we got see more of cyvlan in general? like as his own character outside of his relationship with saffron as much as i adore their relationship he has a lot other shit going on i wanna read more about all the court politics stuff from his perspective
yeah anyway i almost gave this a lower rating but things picked up at last couple of chapter (it should not have taken this long the whole book doesn't really need to be this long) the ending was sick i am excited to read the next one
however i was unhappy with where the plot is going and some of the character's decisions for like half the book and i WILL rant about it:
1. i understand the purpose of ryder's character and it was cool that there was someone to harshly remind safforn that he needs to stay in touch with humanity and while it wasn't really a 'love triangle' it still got very team edward vs team jacob (ryder being jacob here and i fucking hated jacob)
2. i wish we got to see more of saffron being smart and competent instead of having him be senselessly drunk or unconscious this many times (some of it made sense for plot related reasons some of it was just him coping with shit but still too repetitive)
3. i kind wish we got see more of cyvlan in general? like as his own character outside of his relationship with saffron as much as i adore their relationship he has a lot other shit going on i wanna read more about all the court politics stuff from his perspective
yeah anyway i almost gave this a lower rating but things picked up at last couple of chapter (it should not have taken this long the whole book doesn't really need to be this long) the ending was sick i am excited to read the next one
October 20, 2023
What an excellent installment to the series!! This one was quite an interesting turn, with introducing a whole new cast of characters. And I loved all of them. Even Ryder, I love me a snarky flirty mysterious guy, one who supposedly has all the answers. But there's so much more to him, stuff he hasn't revealed, and I'm so excited to see more of him and the others in the next book. OH, does that ending make me ever so excited to see what happens next!! 🤩💕💖
Saffron and Cylvan are so freaking cute too, love every moment they share together 🥺💖
Saffron and Cylvan are so freaking cute too, love every moment they share together 🥺💖
December 31, 2023
I'm going absolutely feral about this book /pos I'm excited to see what comes next!
January 7, 2024
What a journey. I needed one moth to finish this book.
For me it was the least exciting of the Rowan Blood Series so far.
Never the less, I need to know what happens next!
For me it was the least exciting of the Rowan Blood Series so far.
Never the less, I need to know what happens next!
September 4, 2024
Again, a really good time. I liked the change of scenery and I absolutely adored the new characters we were introduced to.
However, after having read the first three books in quick succession thinking this was a finished trilogy, I am now in severe pain, I cant believe I will have to wait for the next book… will be reading the second it is out.
However, after having read the first three books in quick succession thinking this was a finished trilogy, I am now in severe pain, I cant believe I will have to wait for the next book… will be reading the second it is out.
December 11, 2023
”If they were destined to walk in darkness — Saffron would learn how to bend light. If he couldn’t bend light, then he would bend shadow. If he couldn’t bend shadow — then Saffron would simply never let go of Cylvan’s hand. He already knew, that was were he best belonged, anyway.”
1. Prince of the sorrows ★★★★☆
2. Lord of silver ashes ★★★★★
these books are my jam, literally all of my favorite tropes are there and saffron and cylvan have my entire heart 🥺
1. Prince of the sorrows ★★★★☆
2. Lord of silver ashes ★★★★★
these books are my jam, literally all of my favorite tropes are there and saffron and cylvan have my entire heart 🥺
October 9, 2023
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Herald of the Witch's Mark from the author! This series just keeps getting better! I feel like this book has a better flow of the story than the second one (tbh I read the first one so long ago I can't remember what I thought of it). Love all the new characters and the returning characters, wish we got to see more of Saffron's friends tho. Also, so much lore has been accumulated now I need like a couple short stories that I can refer to about what lore we know.
All the plot revelations we got felt earned and I really enjoyed that. Ofc, Saffron and Cylvan were super cute and I'm enjoying seeing their relationship development. Great stuff all around.
All the plot revelations we got felt earned and I really enjoyed that. Ofc, Saffron and Cylvan were super cute and I'm enjoying seeing their relationship development. Great stuff all around.
October 7, 2023
Received an ARC for this book… read it every chance I got. I love everything Kellen Graves has written and will read anything they write.
If you’re thinking about reading this book when it comes out DO IT!!
Personally I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series other than I it not being completed yet is devastating because I need the rest of this story immediately.
As an Irish person I absolutely LOVED the Irish mythology and folklore inspiration in this series, it’s quite different to any other book I’ve read and it 100% is now in my Top 10 of all time.
Cannot wait until this book is released and the rest of the world can enjoy it as much as I did!
If you’re thinking about reading this book when it comes out DO IT!!
Personally I don’t have a single bad thing to say about this series other than I it not being completed yet is devastating because I need the rest of this story immediately.
As an Irish person I absolutely LOVED the Irish mythology and folklore inspiration in this series, it’s quite different to any other book I’ve read and it 100% is now in my Top 10 of all time.
Cannot wait until this book is released and the rest of the world can enjoy it as much as I did!
October 7, 2025
this one was a doozie!! My first thought is that I would greatly appreciate a map and a quick character table at the beginning like in warrior cats, it would be a great help to keep stories in order. Not in a bad way but this book was def a different vibe, probably bc it took place in a new setting with a fresh cast of characters. I love how much sex there was. My favorite parts ended up being when Sionnach, Cooper, Cylvan, and Saffron would all be together like in the library or tramping through the woods. I am actually so excited with the romantic tension between Sionnach and Cooperrrr ALSO I LOVE THESE TWO CHARACTERS, such awesome additions!!!! I took it down a star bc I was confused a lot of the time, where everything was taking place and there was so much information and stories that I couldn't keep it all together. It didn't really feel like that much actually happened, just so much information was given. Also i absolutely hate Ryder since the very first page what a weirdo. Asche has also such a beautiful soul, I love reading about them interacting with characters. And I unexpectedly really liked this connection with Taran and Saffron, I think it is so interesting for them to be so thoroughly linked after the horror of the last books. I also love Fiachra and I love her connection with Saffron and how the have similar stories of pain and can be there for each other. I love seeing how Saffron and Cylvan grow and mature together, how they don't keep making the same mistakes in their relationship, how they flow and ebb and pick up where the other left off.
February 3, 2025
rating: i need more stars than 5
THIS SERIES. this series. T H I S SERIES!!!! nothing makes me feel more insane (in the best ways possible) than this series.
kellen has once again made a book that i am absolutely obsessed with. saffron and cylvan being able to be together after the (amazing) emotional roller coaster that was losa was everything i needed and more. they had me kicking my feet, crying, and screaming. also you know we cannot have a rowan blood book without some INSANELY well written world building. every single sentence had me craving more. the twists, turns, and tensions of this book (as always in this series) had me never wanting to put it down. and!! new side characters!! i love them sososo much and i can’t wait for other readers to fall in love with them too. i could talk about this book forever because it was truly captivating and i genuinely cannot wait for the next one. if you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for??
thank you so much to kellen for an arc in exchange for an honest review <3
reread jan25th-feb2nd 2025: finished my reread in time for the fourth book🕺
THIS SERIES. this series. T H I S SERIES!!!! nothing makes me feel more insane (in the best ways possible) than this series.
kellen has once again made a book that i am absolutely obsessed with. saffron and cylvan being able to be together after the (amazing) emotional roller coaster that was losa was everything i needed and more. they had me kicking my feet, crying, and screaming. also you know we cannot have a rowan blood book without some INSANELY well written world building. every single sentence had me craving more. the twists, turns, and tensions of this book (as always in this series) had me never wanting to put it down. and!! new side characters!! i love them sososo much and i can’t wait for other readers to fall in love with them too. i could talk about this book forever because it was truly captivating and i genuinely cannot wait for the next one. if you haven’t read this series yet, what are you waiting for??
thank you so much to kellen for an arc in exchange for an honest review <3
reread jan25th-feb2nd 2025: finished my reread in time for the fourth book🕺
July 18, 2024
This book could have been like... 100 pages shorter if Saffron didn't get selective amnesia after he found out Ryder was a dirty little liar in the library. And if he would stop sending people away when he is actively expecting the worst to happen any second now.
Also is it just me or is Saffron's use of alcohol as a cooing mechanism a bit concerning??
Also is it just me or is Saffron's use of alcohol as a cooing mechanism a bit concerning??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
"So be it," He whispered. "But I will remain by your side in the darkness." 3.5 - Slow initially but the last 200 pages are great. It does look like I am going to read all 8 of these! LOL Saffron becomes a new student at Cylvan's school, Mairwen Academy, glamoured to look like a high Fey Prince from somewhere and is supposedly related to his previous master Luvon. [It was annoying how long it took for them to pretend to get to know each other? Like, FFS, just meet and start hanging out! That said, their relationship is solid and they both rely and protect each other. No one gets between them!] Happily, while most of the fey ignore / look down on him, Saffron is able to make a few good / loyal friends, including a half Satyr named Sionnach and a fay named Conner.
Saffron continues to have extreme issues with bleeding from his nose ( +other facial orifices) whenever he is overwhelmed and can't control his rowan magic because he lacks a partner with the veil, so he has all the magic alone. He also has a wolf appear out of the scars on his arm and kill some people- so Saffron's Rowan magic feels out of his control.
Saffron again meets Ryder, who says he will help Saffron get his witch's mark to control the magic and also supposedly wants Saffron to help him to protect humans (However, early on Ryder refuses to stop killing barn owls saying it 'sends a message to the Fae', so you as reader know he's an asshole. Saffron, despite healing and befriending one of the nearly killed owls, misses that very clear sign!) Ryder becomes increasing creepy as the book goes on, invading Saffron's personal space, making unwanted advancements and hating on Cylvan trying to get Saffron to abandon the Clvan, presumable to date Ryder instead.
All comes to an action packed ending! On to book 4
Spent the first half of the book confused because I didn't remember enough from book 3
To rectify that for book 4:
Ch 27: At special National Library; figures out Ryder is lying about who he is because Sunbeam look exactly like Acaia Kyter. Learns about Oracles and Witches marks to help calm his magic. Despite learning Ryder is lying, does not immediate seem to decide to never have anything to do with Ryder again. (Nor tell anyone??)
Ch 29: Goes to see Ryde because plot needs Saffron to be stupid. Fight with Ryder who says many cruel things which hit Saffron exactly where he is most insecure
Ch 30: First public dance with Cylvan. Human comes to ask for help - Cylvan responds while Saffron is frozen with indecision. Saffron attacked from behind and dragged off
Ch 31: Sunbeam rescues Saffron who is being buried, tells Saffron to stay the hell away from Ryder, Learns Taran is his familiar and can be controlled by Saffron (I guess I always assumed the wolf in his arm was Taran, so this was not a huge surprise for me)
Ch 32: Learns Ryder has taken his human friends (Letty and Hollow) somewhere through the veil and they are with Sunbeam's partner Chandry
Ch 33: Learns Ryder was staling Baby Yagas messages, (Why is Taran helping him? This doesn't make sense.) More importantly Ryder is half fay and is messing with Saffron's mind, stealing his memories!!
Ch 34: Fight with Ryder - Ryder is also an oracle and was the one leading the witch hunters to Saffron in prder to be the hero and save him
CH 35: Don't understand what is going on here?? I kept you alive Taran snarled. Had I not done what I did they would have killed youyuears ago and I would have married Asche instead. It's only because I insisted you would choose me that you were ever left alive long anough to fall in love with a human rat
Ch 36: Copper can turn into a fox
39-41 chapters:
Ryder pretends he is copper to get close to Cylvan and hold him hostage with a knife at his throat at the Summer Games. Asche is also being held hostage - so Ryder makes Saffron choose between Cylvan or Asche. However Asche is being held by Sunbeam disguised as a witch hunter (Saffron can tell because her aura is red and not white) So Saffron chooses to save Cylvan At this point Ryder Opens a huge veil tear in some kind of a circle, capturing 1000 fey and plunging Avern into aridy.
Some character building for Taran. His family is the real villan not him, playing with his memories and ... I think we are supposed to find him sympathetic? Even though he was killing humans and dong awful things to Cylvan in book 1? Nothing to see here.
Last line of book Sunbeam sends Saffron a pixy with a message saying "found them in London"
Saffron continues to have extreme issues with bleeding from his nose ( +other facial orifices) whenever he is overwhelmed and can't control his rowan magic because he lacks a partner with the veil, so he has all the magic alone. He also has a wolf appear out of the scars on his arm and kill some people- so Saffron's Rowan magic feels out of his control.
Saffron again meets Ryder, who says he will help Saffron get his witch's mark to control the magic and also supposedly wants Saffron to help him to protect humans (However, early on Ryder refuses to stop killing barn owls saying it 'sends a message to the Fae', so you as reader know he's an asshole. Saffron, despite healing and befriending one of the nearly killed owls, misses that very clear sign!) Ryder becomes increasing creepy as the book goes on, invading Saffron's personal space, making unwanted advancements and hating on Cylvan trying to get Saffron to abandon the Clvan, presumable to date Ryder instead.
All comes to an action packed ending! On to book 4
Spent the first half of the book confused because I didn't remember enough from book 3
To rectify that for book 4:
Ch 27: At special National Library; figures out Ryder is lying about who he is because Sunbeam look exactly like Acaia Kyter. Learns about Oracles and Witches marks to help calm his magic. Despite learning Ryder is lying, does not immediate seem to decide to never have anything to do with Ryder again. (Nor tell anyone??)
Ch 29: Goes to see Ryde because plot needs Saffron to be stupid. Fight with Ryder who says many cruel things which hit Saffron exactly where he is most insecure
Ch 30: First public dance with Cylvan. Human comes to ask for help - Cylvan responds while Saffron is frozen with indecision. Saffron attacked from behind and dragged off
Ch 31: Sunbeam rescues Saffron who is being buried, tells Saffron to stay the hell away from Ryder, Learns Taran is his familiar and can be controlled by Saffron (I guess I always assumed the wolf in his arm was Taran, so this was not a huge surprise for me)
Ch 32: Learns Ryder has taken his human friends (Letty and Hollow) somewhere through the veil and they are with Sunbeam's partner Chandry
Ch 33: Learns Ryder was staling Baby Yagas messages, (Why is Taran helping him? This doesn't make sense.) More importantly Ryder is half fay and is messing with Saffron's mind, stealing his memories!!
Ch 34: Fight with Ryder - Ryder is also an oracle and was the one leading the witch hunters to Saffron in prder to be the hero and save him
CH 35: Don't understand what is going on here?? I kept you alive Taran snarled. Had I not done what I did they would have killed youyuears ago and I would have married Asche instead. It's only because I insisted you would choose me that you were ever left alive long anough to fall in love with a human rat
Ch 36: Copper can turn into a fox
39-41 chapters:
Ryder pretends he is copper to get close to Cylvan and hold him hostage with a knife at his throat at the Summer Games. Asche is also being held hostage - so Ryder makes Saffron choose between Cylvan or Asche. However Asche is being held by Sunbeam disguised as a witch hunter (Saffron can tell because her aura is red and not white) So Saffron chooses to save Cylvan At this point Ryder Opens a huge veil tear in some kind of a circle, capturing 1000 fey and plunging Avern into aridy.
Some character building for Taran. His family is the real villan not him, playing with his memories and ... I think we are supposed to find him sympathetic? Even though he was killing humans and dong awful things to Cylvan in book 1? Nothing to see here.
Last line of book Sunbeam sends Saffron a pixy with a message saying "found them in London"
October 28, 2024
3.5
"These high fey have opressed us and our rightful ancestry for centuries, now, all while stealing us as babies. To work us to the bone, and bury us in their mounds. But that is not the world Verity and Virtue Holt wished for us; this is not the world they fought so hard to give us. The were not able to show us the sun. We know where to find it".
Tercera (y yo pensaba que última, PERO NO) parte de Rowan Blood, esta saga de fantasía y romance ambientada en la mitología celta e irlandesa que tanto me ha llegado a enganchar este año. Y sí, tengo que decir que me la empecé este año pensando que ya estaba completa, y cuál fue mi sorpresa cuando me enteré hace poco que iba a salir un cuarto libro... Que ahora me muero de ganas de por leer. Por suerte, creo que no falta demasiado tiempo para que se publique.
Sin poder entrar demasiado en detalles al tratarse de una tercera parte, "Herald of the Witch's Mark" explora un poquito más las magias de los fae y de los humanos, como se relacionan y cómo se diferencian, el conflicto entre los altos fae y los humanos, y, por supuesto, como evoluciona también la relación de nuestros protagonistas, Cylvan y Saffron. Tiene un rollito escuela de magia, brujas, etc que le pega bastante a esta época del año, así que me alegro mucho de que me haya coincidido leerlo en otoño.
Sí que tengo que admitir que me costó un poquito más entrar en este libro que en el resto de libros de Kellen. Quizá porque la relación entre Saffron y Cylvan ya está tan asentada que siento que ya no hay mucho más donde rascar, y la trama no romántica tarda un poquito en arrancar. También pensaba que la academia tendría un poquito más de peso, pero las clases son anecdóticas y la mayor relevancia que tienen es introducir nuevos personajes que serán importantes en el desarrollo de los acontecimientos... Pero tampoco es que se desarrollen demasiado, ni creo que la relación entre Saffron y sus nuevos compañeros transcurra de forma demasiado orgánica.
Por estas razones el libro se me alargó quizá un poquito de más en el tiempo, aunque por suerte en la segunda mitad conecté mucho más y conseguí engancharme. De hecho, tengo muchas ganas de leer el cuarto, y la cosa se pone bastante interesante en cuanto a lo que puede venir a continuación.
Así que sí, al final fue una lectura muy agradable y me dejó con muy buen sabor de boca, aunque quizá sea hasta el momento el libro que menos me gusta de le autore y en mi opinión el más flojito. Y aún así... Muy disfrutón y una muy buena lectura de todas formas.
"These high fey have opressed us and our rightful ancestry for centuries, now, all while stealing us as babies. To work us to the bone, and bury us in their mounds. But that is not the world Verity and Virtue Holt wished for us; this is not the world they fought so hard to give us. The were not able to show us the sun. We know where to find it".
Tercera (y yo pensaba que última, PERO NO) parte de Rowan Blood, esta saga de fantasía y romance ambientada en la mitología celta e irlandesa que tanto me ha llegado a enganchar este año. Y sí, tengo que decir que me la empecé este año pensando que ya estaba completa, y cuál fue mi sorpresa cuando me enteré hace poco que iba a salir un cuarto libro... Que ahora me muero de ganas de por leer. Por suerte, creo que no falta demasiado tiempo para que se publique.
Sin poder entrar demasiado en detalles al tratarse de una tercera parte, "Herald of the Witch's Mark" explora un poquito más las magias de los fae y de los humanos, como se relacionan y cómo se diferencian, el conflicto entre los altos fae y los humanos, y, por supuesto, como evoluciona también la relación de nuestros protagonistas, Cylvan y Saffron. Tiene un rollito escuela de magia, brujas, etc que le pega bastante a esta época del año, así que me alegro mucho de que me haya coincidido leerlo en otoño.
Sí que tengo que admitir que me costó un poquito más entrar en este libro que en el resto de libros de Kellen. Quizá porque la relación entre Saffron y Cylvan ya está tan asentada que siento que ya no hay mucho más donde rascar, y la trama no romántica tarda un poquito en arrancar. También pensaba que la academia tendría un poquito más de peso, pero las clases son anecdóticas y la mayor relevancia que tienen es introducir nuevos personajes que serán importantes en el desarrollo de los acontecimientos... Pero tampoco es que se desarrollen demasiado, ni creo que la relación entre Saffron y sus nuevos compañeros transcurra de forma demasiado orgánica.
Por estas razones el libro se me alargó quizá un poquito de más en el tiempo, aunque por suerte en la segunda mitad conecté mucho más y conseguí engancharme. De hecho, tengo muchas ganas de leer el cuarto, y la cosa se pone bastante interesante en cuanto a lo que puede venir a continuación.
Así que sí, al final fue una lectura muy agradable y me dejó con muy buen sabor de boca, aunque quizá sea hasta el momento el libro que menos me gusta de le autore y en mi opinión el más flojito. Y aún así... Muy disfrutón y una muy buena lectura de todas formas.
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