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The Lochlann Feuds #4
Obsidian Throne
10 hours.
No matter how I had tried to avoid it, there was no escaping what we had: The kind of love you went to war for.
And that’s exactly what I intended to do.
Obsidian Throne is the fourth and final book in the Lochlann Feuds Series. Don't miss this stunning conclusion to Rowan's story!
No matter how I had tried to avoid it, there was no escaping what we had: The kind of love you went to war for.
And that’s exactly what I intended to do.
Obsidian Throne is the fourth and final book in the Lochlann Feuds Series. Don't miss this stunning conclusion to Rowan's story!
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 1, 2021
952 people are currently reading
7630 people want to read
About the author
Robin D. Mahle
39 books1,218 followersRobin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 734 reviews
May 11, 2022
2 DNF Stars
It's a YA series. I don't want to read about women the hero has slept with, especially in book 4, while the heroine is called a wh*re for what she wears. The hero hated when heroine even kissed the om in the previous books, and now I have to read this crap. It also literally makes no sense seeing as the hero's country are all super prudes. Such as apparently it being an old tradition that all the dukes and everyone has to watch newlywed leaders have sex (it didn't happen, but still), it was definitely for shock value and I'm over it. Heroine should have slept with the om in the previous books, and I would have been happier. I hate the double standards of a heroine's virginity in books, especially YA, and I refuse to support books with that crap. What should have been an epic action filled conclusion, instead just became about drama.
It's a YA series. I don't want to read about women the hero has slept with, especially in book 4, while the heroine is called a wh*re for what she wears. The hero hated when heroine even kissed the om in the previous books, and now I have to read this crap. It also literally makes no sense seeing as the hero's country are all super prudes. Such as apparently it being an old tradition that all the dukes and everyone has to watch newlywed leaders have sex (it didn't happen, but still), it was definitely for shock value and I'm over it. Heroine should have slept with the om in the previous books, and I would have been happier. I hate the double standards of a heroine's virginity in books, especially YA, and I refuse to support books with that crap. What should have been an epic action filled conclusion, instead just became about drama.
February 23, 2025
Loveeeeedd this concluding book to this series!!
The political messy war had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The political messy war had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
August 12, 2023
I liked that this final book in the series dived more into Rowan and her powers/choices- especially since she is such a strong character. Absolutely loved the female rage scene (IYKYK) and ofc the end!
December 31, 2022
and with a heavy heart, i part with this wonderful series. this last book was wayyyy darker and much more political than the rest,, but it served nonetheless!! i shall miss this series and these characters (that i have accidentally grown attached to) a great deal 🫡🫶
November 26, 2022
In a nutshell, I felt that overall the writing and the story details were poorly executed. While the plot could have been good and the relationship issues could have been exciting, it all felt either forced, absurd, or inexplicable to me.
-PLOT/WRITING-
For example, when Rowan questioned Evander’s edict in front of the entire Bear council, I was amazed at her complete lack of understanding. Everyone blames the fact that she grew up differently, but come on, even I would know to keep my mouth shut when I am brand new and know nothing about their customs or the circumstances, and to save it for a private conversation. I get that the author wanted to showcase relationship growth, but it was a poor way to do it since Rowan made an inexcusable decision by any standard, and didn’t immediately recognize her folly.
Oh, but it gets better: they were each vibrating with rage afterward as they argued in their private chambers, and then the author had their fury suddenly morph into heated, uncontrolled PASSION. Excuse me while I laugh maniacally at how absurd that scene was! What a joke!
Other things were poorly written or planned, including:
- the strangely abrupt ending to the duke’s murder proceedings at the obsidian castle,
- the extremely melodramatic and disturbing scene when Rowan murdered the female villain,
- the unfathomable decision of Iiro’s troops and allies to slink away home to their territories rather than immediately regrouping and attacking again when they had just BARELY lost that battle due to a surprise attack in the rear by a small regiment of out-of-practice ex-soldiers… so yeah, naturally they gave up entirely and went home (????),
- the fact that later in the book that battle was referred to as a “butchering” of Iiro’s forces, which made me super confused because that’s not at all the impression I got when I read it,
- how Evander (the commander in chief in the middle of organizing a WAR) had the luxury of holding vigil in the hallway outside Rowan’s room for a full day immediately after that massive battle while she pouted, and then again spending an entire day lounging in bed together once they made up,
- that suddenly Rowan is a capable and respected commander over her own army of warriors, and even more unexplainable, the fact that they all “revere” her and would follow her and only her into battle (um, why? there is no foundation for this instant loyalty. I’m utterly baffled.)
So yeah, moving on…
-THE AUTHOR’S AGENDA-
The smartest thing I ever heard from Rowan:
“So, I could make an issue out of it, try to change a lifetime’s worth of Socairan ideals overnight. Or I could be patient and work with what we had.”
I love the sentiment, but tbh, soooo much of the novel was Rowan changing Socairan ideals overnight. So this didn’t ring true in the least. :(
Think:
- Rowan introduced and instantly popularized comfy dresses that women could fight in,
- overcame the red-hair superstitions,
- scandalized everyone by incorporating female nurses (which was completely unheard of, and yet the new arrangement was running smoothly immediately the day it was introduced, and then suddenly the estate hospital tent was doing it too, and again, not a hiccup… does this seem unrealistic to anyone else??? And who was helping the medics before this, including in the previous war? Surely they had something in place before females were recruited???),
- brought unclanned men to fight for the clan,
- led those soldiers as a WOMAN,
- joined council mtgs as a female,
- eventually ruling alongside her husband,
- etc etc etc.
I mean, wow, talk about a massive overhaul of Socairan ideals overnight. It was way too much social change in way too short of time - like a few MONTHS. And sure, it’s all great, but the overall feeling was that the author was trying to completely modernize medieval times and it just felt forced.
-CHARACTERS-
Ahhh, Rowan. Sometimes you drove me nuts.
By chapter 73 my irritation was fever-pitch. Oh my heck, get over yourself! Your husband loves you so much that he doesn’t want you to die! You’ve punished him enough over how he didn’t consult you. Why are you intent on destroying your relationship?! Learn to live with an imperfect man who also happens to be completely devoted to you. If he’s as stubborn and proud as you are, which it seems he is, then you’re actually willing to throw away what you have together because of this?!
Mind. Blown.
Thankfully that’s the chapter they worked through it, and Evander took all the blame. I suppose it was darned lucky he was willing to swallow his pride because otherwise it actually seemed like Rowan would leave him over this. Which I still couldn’t fathom.
And then there was a lot of focus on him proving to her that he had permanently changed his way of thinking, even to the point where he couldn’t disagree with her opinions. Yikes.
-POSITIVES-
To end on a good note, I loved that he wanted children with her. His genuine smile was adorable when she said she wanted kids with him.
I also thought they had good chemistry which is hard to keep up for a whole book when they already shared I-love-you’s in the last book. They had good sexual tension.
Content-
Language- some d- and h- words. Lots of “arse” and silly words like that. No blasphemy.
Sex- no descriptive sex but there were a ton of fade to black /pull the curtain scenes between a married couple, like probably ten or more scenes. While it wasn’t offensive at all to me, it was still excessive. These newly weds couldn’t keep their hands off each other for as long as it took to get dressed, apparently. I gotta say, it did make for good chemistry and the scenes were well written.
Drugs/alcohol- tons of social drinking (I think I’ll forever associate vodka with this book) like in previous books, but no drunkenness.
Cover- I like all the covers in the series.
I read this on KU. The audible version isn’t out yet.
How I rated this series:
Book 1- 3.5 stars rounding up
Book 2- 3.5 stars rounding up
Book 3- 4 stars (I’d probably recommend ending here since the romance has a delicious conclusion at the end of this one)
Book 4- 2 stars
-PLOT/WRITING-
For example, when Rowan questioned Evander’s edict in front of the entire Bear council, I was amazed at her complete lack of understanding. Everyone blames the fact that she grew up differently, but come on, even I would know to keep my mouth shut when I am brand new and know nothing about their customs or the circumstances, and to save it for a private conversation. I get that the author wanted to showcase relationship growth, but it was a poor way to do it since Rowan made an inexcusable decision by any standard, and didn’t immediately recognize her folly.
Oh, but it gets better: they were each vibrating with rage afterward as they argued in their private chambers, and then the author had their fury suddenly morph into heated, uncontrolled PASSION. Excuse me while I laugh maniacally at how absurd that scene was! What a joke!
Other things were poorly written or planned, including:
- the strangely abrupt ending to the duke’s murder proceedings at the obsidian castle,
- the extremely melodramatic and disturbing scene when Rowan murdered the female villain,
- the unfathomable decision of Iiro’s troops and allies to slink away home to their territories rather than immediately regrouping and attacking again when they had just BARELY lost that battle due to a surprise attack in the rear by a small regiment of out-of-practice ex-soldiers… so yeah, naturally they gave up entirely and went home (????),
- the fact that later in the book that battle was referred to as a “butchering” of Iiro’s forces, which made me super confused because that’s not at all the impression I got when I read it,
- how Evander (the commander in chief in the middle of organizing a WAR) had the luxury of holding vigil in the hallway outside Rowan’s room for a full day immediately after that massive battle while she pouted, and then again spending an entire day lounging in bed together once they made up,
- that suddenly Rowan is a capable and respected commander over her own army of warriors, and even more unexplainable, the fact that they all “revere” her and would follow her and only her into battle (um, why? there is no foundation for this instant loyalty. I’m utterly baffled.)
So yeah, moving on…
-THE AUTHOR’S AGENDA-
The smartest thing I ever heard from Rowan:
“So, I could make an issue out of it, try to change a lifetime’s worth of Socairan ideals overnight. Or I could be patient and work with what we had.”
I love the sentiment, but tbh, soooo much of the novel was Rowan changing Socairan ideals overnight. So this didn’t ring true in the least. :(
Think:
- Rowan introduced and instantly popularized comfy dresses that women could fight in,
- overcame the red-hair superstitions,
- scandalized everyone by incorporating female nurses (which was completely unheard of, and yet the new arrangement was running smoothly immediately the day it was introduced, and then suddenly the estate hospital tent was doing it too, and again, not a hiccup… does this seem unrealistic to anyone else??? And who was helping the medics before this, including in the previous war? Surely they had something in place before females were recruited???),
- brought unclanned men to fight for the clan,
- led those soldiers as a WOMAN,
- joined council mtgs as a female,
- eventually ruling alongside her husband,
- etc etc etc.
I mean, wow, talk about a massive overhaul of Socairan ideals overnight. It was way too much social change in way too short of time - like a few MONTHS. And sure, it’s all great, but the overall feeling was that the author was trying to completely modernize medieval times and it just felt forced.
-CHARACTERS-
Ahhh, Rowan. Sometimes you drove me nuts.
By chapter 73 my irritation was fever-pitch. Oh my heck, get over yourself! Your husband loves you so much that he doesn’t want you to die! You’ve punished him enough over how he didn’t consult you. Why are you intent on destroying your relationship?! Learn to live with an imperfect man who also happens to be completely devoted to you. If he’s as stubborn and proud as you are, which it seems he is, then you’re actually willing to throw away what you have together because of this?!
Mind. Blown.
Thankfully that’s the chapter they worked through it, and Evander took all the blame. I suppose it was darned lucky he was willing to swallow his pride because otherwise it actually seemed like Rowan would leave him over this. Which I still couldn’t fathom.
And then there was a lot of focus on him proving to her that he had permanently changed his way of thinking, even to the point where he couldn’t disagree with her opinions. Yikes.
-POSITIVES-
To end on a good note, I loved that he wanted children with her. His genuine smile was adorable when she said she wanted kids with him.
I also thought they had good chemistry which is hard to keep up for a whole book when they already shared I-love-you’s in the last book. They had good sexual tension.
Content-
Language- some d- and h- words. Lots of “arse” and silly words like that. No blasphemy.
Sex- no descriptive sex but there were a ton of fade to black /pull the curtain scenes between a married couple, like probably ten or more scenes. While it wasn’t offensive at all to me, it was still excessive. These newly weds couldn’t keep their hands off each other for as long as it took to get dressed, apparently. I gotta say, it did make for good chemistry and the scenes were well written.
Drugs/alcohol- tons of social drinking (I think I’ll forever associate vodka with this book) like in previous books, but no drunkenness.
Cover- I like all the covers in the series.
I read this on KU. The audible version isn’t out yet.
How I rated this series:
Book 1- 3.5 stars rounding up
Book 2- 3.5 stars rounding up
Book 3- 4 stars (I’d probably recommend ending here since the romance has a delicious conclusion at the end of this one)
Book 4- 2 stars
November 21, 2022
You can find this review of Obsidian Throne on my blog, Heart's Content!
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Obsidian Throne is the conclusion to the Lochlann Feuds series and what an end it was. With each book my love for the authors, the characters and the story had just exponentially multiplied. While the second book will always always hold a super special spot on my heart, each book is fantastic and I highly recommend this series.
If you’re reading further, please know there will be spoilers for the previous books. So unless you’ve already read book three, Crimson Kingdom, do not proceed further… for here lay dragons.
This book was much longer than the previous—thank you, God—and somehow Robin and Elle were able to perfectly write character arc, relationship growth, plot advancement, witty dialogue/ banter, action, very many meetings, surprises, betrayal, lots of romance and a fitting conclusion without any of this feeling rushed or leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled.
Every single aspect of the book just fell together beautifully and I’m completely unsure how. No matter what was happening there was somehow the exact number of pages required for it. Do I commend this to the writing? To the editing? To the planning? I have no idea. Either way, the book was a faultless conclusion.
We get a dual POV in this book and I had no idea how badly I needed into Evander’s head until I started reading from his perspective. I think writing a dual POV mid-series can be a gigantic risk, because the character’s voice has to match the image the author has created in the reader’s mind. Otherwise it completely unravels the magic the whole series has created so far.
Elle and Robin killed it. They expanded on Evander’s personality and inner thoughts without ever removing that underlying nature of mysteriousness that Van brings to the screen. So no matter how much we knew him, there was still a lot more to explore, a lot more hidden underneath all that sarcasm, wit and muscles intrigue. Being in Evander’s mind was as marvellous as it was sometimes heart breaking.
Rowan is just as fiery, fierce and red headed as always. However, this time she was also one half of a partnership and how she and Van work out their issues (which like any married couple, they have their fair share of) was just magical and so heartening (thank you for healthy relationship rep!) to read about. Rowan came to her own in every book in many many ways and in this one she does so again and again and at the most important moments that we’re so proud of her, we’re puffed up roosters walking around our homes.
Just like how Robin and Elle never settled for the readers settling for lesser than a well-done, well-concluded series, by extending the series by an extra book; they also never let their characters and plot settle for anything less.
I’d begun rooting for this series before I knew it and when it became better and better I had no idea what to do with myself, short of scream about it off the roof tops. Either way, I highly highly highly recommend this series. It’s got everything you’re looking for. Errythaaangggg.
Five stars! KU subscribers, you’ll have won. Go, binge. Now.
The best and worst part of every series is the ending…or is it?
Received an Advanced Reader’s Copy from the authors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Obsidian Throne is the conclusion to the Lochlann Feuds series and what an end it was. With each book my love for the authors, the characters and the story had just exponentially multiplied. While the second book will always always hold a super special spot on my heart, each book is fantastic and I highly recommend this series.
If you’re reading further, please know there will be spoilers for the previous books. So unless you’ve already read book three, Crimson Kingdom, do not proceed further… for here lay dragons.
This book was much longer than the previous—thank you, God—and somehow Robin and Elle were able to perfectly write character arc, relationship growth, plot advancement, witty dialogue/ banter, action, very many meetings, surprises, betrayal, lots of romance and a fitting conclusion without any of this feeling rushed or leaving the reader feeling unfulfilled.
Every single aspect of the book just fell together beautifully and I’m completely unsure how. No matter what was happening there was somehow the exact number of pages required for it. Do I commend this to the writing? To the editing? To the planning? I have no idea. Either way, the book was a faultless conclusion.
We get a dual POV in this book and I had no idea how badly I needed into Evander’s head until I started reading from his perspective. I think writing a dual POV mid-series can be a gigantic risk, because the character’s voice has to match the image the author has created in the reader’s mind. Otherwise it completely unravels the magic the whole series has created so far.
Elle and Robin killed it. They expanded on Evander’s personality and inner thoughts without ever removing that underlying nature of mysteriousness that Van brings to the screen. So no matter how much we knew him, there was still a lot more to explore, a lot more hidden underneath all that sarcasm, wit and muscles intrigue. Being in Evander’s mind was as marvellous as it was sometimes heart breaking.
Rowan is just as fiery, fierce and red headed as always. However, this time she was also one half of a partnership and how she and Van work out their issues (which like any married couple, they have their fair share of) was just magical and so heartening (thank you for healthy relationship rep!) to read about. Rowan came to her own in every book in many many ways and in this one she does so again and again and at the most important moments that we’re so proud of her, we’re puffed up roosters walking around our homes.
Just like how Robin and Elle never settled for the readers settling for lesser than a well-done, well-concluded series, by extending the series by an extra book; they also never let their characters and plot settle for anything less.
I’d begun rooting for this series before I knew it and when it became better and better I had no idea what to do with myself, short of scream about it off the roof tops. Either way, I highly highly highly recommend this series. It’s got everything you’re looking for. Errythaaangggg.
Five stars! KU subscribers, you’ll have won. Go, binge. Now.
The best and worst part of every series is the ending…or is it?
December 23, 2021
I mean.
I just.
AHHHHHH!
Seriously. These two authors make the most beautiful books...
I fell in love with Rowan in book 1 - she is impulsive, stubborn, loving, passionate, observant, skilled in fighting, confident, and so much more.
And then everything that happened in this series...oh boy. Her growth!! She fights SO HARD for what she wants, but she does it in a way that completely fits her personality. She isn't willing to live half a life with someone she can't truly love. But she also can't give her whole heart to someone who didn't seem to want it.
For real, I just got goosebumps THINKING about the book just now. (get it together!)
And now, if you haven't read book three and don't want to know who she chose...stop reading.
Because EVANDER! (*blubbers incoherently for several minutes)
Talk about character growth. Oh man. Having chapters from his POV was GLORIOUS. Absolutely glorious. His stubbornness can only rival Rowan's. (Which is one of the reasons they're AMAZING together, IMO.) But when he finally, and genuinely, starts changing what he will and will not do for Rowan...oh the feels.
I know that this is just a hot mess of emotion, but this book was just everything. The intensity of the scenes, the pacing, the love, the friendships, the pain, the fighting, the scheming, the retribution, and THAT ENDING! It was all SO well done. I don't know how Elle and Robin keep doing this...writing these incredible journeys that shred my heart and then smash all the pieces back together over and over. I just love it. (NO SPOILERS)
I cannot recommend this entire series enough. It was absolutely epic and I can't wait to reread it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I just.
AHHHHHH!
Seriously. These two authors make the most beautiful books...
I fell in love with Rowan in book 1 - she is impulsive, stubborn, loving, passionate, observant, skilled in fighting, confident, and so much more.
And then everything that happened in this series...oh boy. Her growth!! She fights SO HARD for what she wants, but she does it in a way that completely fits her personality. She isn't willing to live half a life with someone she can't truly love. But she also can't give her whole heart to someone who didn't seem to want it.
For real, I just got goosebumps THINKING about the book just now. (get it together!)
And now, if you haven't read book three and don't want to know who she chose...stop reading.
Because EVANDER! (*blubbers incoherently for several minutes)
Talk about character growth. Oh man. Having chapters from his POV was GLORIOUS. Absolutely glorious. His stubbornness can only rival Rowan's. (Which is one of the reasons they're AMAZING together, IMO.) But when he finally, and genuinely, starts changing what he will and will not do for Rowan...oh the feels.
I know that this is just a hot mess of emotion, but this book was just everything. The intensity of the scenes, the pacing, the love, the friendships, the pain, the fighting, the scheming, the retribution, and THAT ENDING! It was all SO well done. I don't know how Elle and Robin keep doing this...writing these incredible journeys that shred my heart and then smash all the pieces back together over and over. I just love it. (NO SPOILERS)
I cannot recommend this entire series enough. It was absolutely epic and I can't wait to reread it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2022
Enemies to lovers excellency.
Work got in the way of me binging this series but alas here I am.
Thank you, Elle and Robin for the lovely, enticingly adventurous world you've created. ❤️
I have nothing to say but GO READ THIS ENTIRE SERIES! It has put me in such a fantasy mood.
Work got in the way of me binging this series but alas here I am.
Thank you, Elle and Robin for the lovely, enticingly adventurous world you've created. ❤️
I have nothing to say but GO READ THIS ENTIRE SERIES! It has put me in such a fantasy mood.
August 28, 2023
I wish the fae aspect of this book was more detailed to be honest
February 12, 2024
Overall this was a good series. .nothing eoic or life changing but fun .
Kinda like.. ACOTAR lite if you will 😆
Kinda like.. ACOTAR lite if you will 😆
Read
August 12, 2023Feminist King Evander
September 13, 2024
What an ending! So much action in this book, so much tension and a lot of love and swoon worthy moments! I enjoyed the action and war in this book so much! While this series is labelled as fantasy, only this book has some of it, which is Rowan's ability to control weather, and THAT was awesome during the war!
So, Rowan and Evander are finally happy together, they can't keep their hands off each other! While i usually enjoy spice and smut, the indoor scenes between the couple were beautiful! Especially their craving and obsession with one another!
Rowan made some stupid mistakes, and so did Evander, but their love for one another had me choking and waiting for my overbearing, sarcastic, asshole clan leader to come and take me as his Lemmikki 😍😍
Theo is the ultimate green flag! He is cute and very honourable! I like the way he helped and how he stood with Rowan and Evander!
Favourite scene is the way Rowan took revenge on Ava, oh i was so happy that chapter! Also, the whole weather controlling thing was awesome! For once, i enjoyed the fact that magic is not the main thing, this series is strictly romance with sprinkles of magic and a lot of politics and schemes!
Favourites:
Favourite book: (Scarlet kingdom)
Favourite MC: (Evander)
Favourite FC: (Rowan)
Favourite side characters: (Theo, Davin and the whole cousins)
So, Rowan and Evander are finally happy together, they can't keep their hands off each other! While i usually enjoy spice and smut, the indoor scenes between the couple were beautiful! Especially their craving and obsession with one another!
Rowan made some stupid mistakes, and so did Evander, but their love for one another had me choking and waiting for my overbearing, sarcastic, asshole clan leader to come and take me as his Lemmikki 😍😍
Theo is the ultimate green flag! He is cute and very honourable! I like the way he helped and how he stood with Rowan and Evander!
Favourite scene is the way Rowan took revenge on Ava, oh i was so happy that chapter! Also, the whole weather controlling thing was awesome! For once, i enjoyed the fact that magic is not the main thing, this series is strictly romance with sprinkles of magic and a lot of politics and schemes!
Favourites:
Favourite book: (Scarlet kingdom)
Favourite MC: (Evander)
Favourite FC: (Rowan)
Favourite side characters: (Theo, Davin and the whole cousins)
January 15, 2025
safe to say i loved this series considering i finished the four books in less then a week. loved this story!
July 19, 2024
5 stars★★★★★
The The Lochlann Feuds series reviews:
#1 Scarlet Princess: ★★★★☆
#2 Tarnished Crown: ★★★★★
#3 Crimson Kingdom: ★★★★★
#4 Obsidian Throne: ★★★★★
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February 2, 2022
This was a great book. I enjoyed reading this series.
June 16, 2024
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑
read in 2023 - review updated to my preferences
❝ I saw every last, jagged edge of who you were and loved you more for each one. Maybe it's because they resonated with the broken pieces of myself, or maybe we always would have been this way, perfectly fitted for one another. That in a thousand possibilities of our lives together, every version of me belonged with every version of Evander. ❞
⸝⸝⸝ I loved their relationship so much, I literally still think about them months later.
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
my thoughts :: 💭
⤷ From the first book, i knew it would be a 5 star series, the plot was so good and the amount of plot twists and turns was so well done. The romance and fantasy was a perfect mix and i really loved this series; definitely a favourite of mine this year. The found family in this series literally tear worthy, I was able to connect with the characters because of how well-written they were and how much time was spent on developing their personality’s; the character development was chefs kiss ! Especially in this book, it either had tears or a big smile on face no in between, this book was a rollercoaster and i was definitely in the front row. BECAUSE.. omg the tension ? The thought and effort put into this series is shown so well because why am i still thinking about it 6 months later ?? The plot twists still have me shocked.
⤷ I love this writer, she makes their love feel so real, it’s like I could feel the love they have for each other. I was able to picture every moment in my head because the writing was so easy and still very descriptive. I loved every part of it, this fantasy book is one with no flaws, I genuinely don’t think there could be any improvements on this book, perfection is what is it, There was never a moment where I was bored something was always going on never a dull moment. I would love to reread this series just so I can experience the joy of it again.
🎶 :: dedicated song / playlist ( don’t remember )
↝ characters ྀི ༊*·˚
𖠋 : Rowan ༉‧₊˚.
- Rowan is so strong and fierce and I loved her, she didn’t care about others opinions and only wanted the best for her peope which made her she's passionate about what she does. Rowan proved that the outdated rules were useless and unnecessary it was so easy to fall inlove with this character. It made me love the book even more.
𖠋 : Rowan & Evander ༉‧₊˚.
- They're so perfect for each other, im so glad it was them in the endgame; I never really thought Rowan and Theo would even last let alone fall in love like she did with Evander. They were cute for the moment but at times it felt like everything was rushed hut then Evander come along and everything was just perfecttt ! I’ll never forget this series.
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
❝ I love you, with every last broken piece of my soul, and when it's whole, and everything in between.
I love you, too, Lemmikki. Always.❞
⸝⸝⸝ LIKE.. are u kidding, they’re literally perfect for eachother wth.
𐙚 :: Thank you so much for being on this journey with me, If you’re thinking about reading this book/series I hope my review further encourages you to do so ! Bye sweeties
xoxo, faith !
- ໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১
read in 2023 - review updated to my preferences
❝ I saw every last, jagged edge of who you were and loved you more for each one. Maybe it's because they resonated with the broken pieces of myself, or maybe we always would have been this way, perfectly fitted for one another. That in a thousand possibilities of our lives together, every version of me belonged with every version of Evander. ❞
⸝⸝⸝ I loved their relationship so much, I literally still think about them months later.
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
my thoughts :: 💭
⤷ From the first book, i knew it would be a 5 star series, the plot was so good and the amount of plot twists and turns was so well done. The romance and fantasy was a perfect mix and i really loved this series; definitely a favourite of mine this year. The found family in this series literally tear worthy, I was able to connect with the characters because of how well-written they were and how much time was spent on developing their personality’s; the character development was chefs kiss ! Especially in this book, it either had tears or a big smile on face no in between, this book was a rollercoaster and i was definitely in the front row. BECAUSE.. omg the tension ? The thought and effort put into this series is shown so well because why am i still thinking about it 6 months later ?? The plot twists still have me shocked.
⤷ I love this writer, she makes their love feel so real, it’s like I could feel the love they have for each other. I was able to picture every moment in my head because the writing was so easy and still very descriptive. I loved every part of it, this fantasy book is one with no flaws, I genuinely don’t think there could be any improvements on this book, perfection is what is it, There was never a moment where I was bored something was always going on never a dull moment. I would love to reread this series just so I can experience the joy of it again.
🎶 :: dedicated song / playlist ( don’t remember )
↝ characters ྀི ༊*·˚
𖠋 : Rowan ༉‧₊˚.
- Rowan is so strong and fierce and I loved her, she didn’t care about others opinions and only wanted the best for her peope which made her she's passionate about what she does. Rowan proved that the outdated rules were useless and unnecessary it was so easy to fall inlove with this character. It made me love the book even more.
𖠋 : Rowan & Evander ༉‧₊˚.
- They're so perfect for each other, im so glad it was them in the endgame; I never really thought Rowan and Theo would even last let alone fall in love like she did with Evander. They were cute for the moment but at times it felt like everything was rushed hut then Evander come along and everything was just perfecttt ! I’ll never forget this series.
・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･┊͙✧˖࿐ ･｡・゜゜・．｡･ﾟﾟ･𝜗𝜚˚⋆ ゜゜
❝ I love you, with every last broken piece of my soul, and when it's whole, and everything in between.
I love you, too, Lemmikki. Always.❞
⸝⸝⸝ LIKE.. are u kidding, they’re literally perfect for eachother wth.
𐙚 :: Thank you so much for being on this journey with me, If you’re thinking about reading this book/series I hope my review further encourages you to do so ! Bye sweeties
xoxo, faith !
- ໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১
November 9, 2022
When I read the initial series that this series is a sequel of, my review included something along the lines of: This was not an especially great series, but it had some banter and nicknames, and I am a sucker for a good swordfight. I feel the same way this time around. Especially when it comes to the swordfights. Seriously, I love a good swordfight.
What I didn't love—both in this book and throughout the series—was all the unnecessary drama. At times I felt like both Rowan and Evander were, approximately, 13 years old. Talk to each other, ya dummies! About literally anything. So much of the conflict in this series could have been solved with a few well-timed conversations. Which, ok, I get it. Conflict is required for a story to progress. But also, like—c'mon guys. My other main issue was with the pacing. I was honestly supposed to believe Rowan who, admittedly, had trained to fight and knew how to hold a sword and could tell when it was going to rain, was suddenly capable of LEADING A GODDAMN ARMY! AND SUMMONING ENTIRE WEATHER SYSTEMS? COME ON. COME. ON.
So much happened in, like, the final third of this book that it was occasionally difficult to keep up. Rowan was very busy girlbossing™ her ragtag army of banished soldiers and half-starved families and then all the women of Socair were fully-trained nurses and Evander was in charge and still somehow capable of sitting in a hallway for a day and spending a day in bed with his wife once she was done with the girlbossing™ and REMEMEBER WHEN ROWAN MURDERED THAT LADY IN COLD BLOOD. AND THEN THERE WAS A NEW KING AND SHE DRUGGED THEO AND PEOPLE WERE SLAUGHTERED AND DID HER FAMILY EVER KNOW??? DID THEY HAVE ANY IDEA???? SHE WAS SO CLOSE TO HER FAMILY AND THIS WAS JUST GLOSSED OVER???
I just—I got a lot of questions. Still, though. Good swordfighting. I
What I didn't love—both in this book and throughout the series—was all the unnecessary drama. At times I felt like both Rowan and Evander were, approximately, 13 years old. Talk to each other, ya dummies! About literally anything. So much of the conflict in this series could have been solved with a few well-timed conversations. Which, ok, I get it. Conflict is required for a story to progress. But also, like—c'mon guys. My other main issue was with the pacing. I was honestly supposed to believe Rowan who, admittedly, had trained to fight and knew how to hold a sword and could tell when it was going to rain, was suddenly capable of LEADING A GODDAMN ARMY! AND SUMMONING ENTIRE WEATHER SYSTEMS? COME ON. COME. ON.
So much happened in, like, the final third of this book that it was occasionally difficult to keep up. Rowan was very busy girlbossing™ her ragtag army of banished soldiers and half-starved families and then all the women of Socair were fully-trained nurses and Evander was in charge and still somehow capable of sitting in a hallway for a day and spending a day in bed with his wife once she was done with the girlbossing™ and REMEMEBER WHEN ROWAN MURDERED THAT LADY IN COLD BLOOD. AND THEN THERE WAS A NEW KING AND SHE DRUGGED THEO AND PEOPLE WERE SLAUGHTERED AND DID HER FAMILY EVER KNOW??? DID THEY HAVE ANY IDEA???? SHE WAS SO CLOSE TO HER FAMILY AND THIS WAS JUST GLOSSED OVER???
I just—I got a lot of questions. Still, though. Good swordfighting. I
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2023
Bravery, stubbornness, loyalty and betrayal, a whole lot of chemistry. I think these are the most important keywords for the fourth and final book of the Lochlann Feuds series.
What a ride it’s been, reading this series. Just like in the previous books, you’re sitting at the edge of your seat the entire time, waiting for the “other shoe to drop”, as Rowan likes to call it. Again a lot of action, a lot of emotions, … but without one or the other dragging on for too long.
It was a pity the Lochlannian characters don’t play that much of a role in this book, in comparison to the previous one, but I still enjoyed it. It’s just inspiring how Rowan keeps on fighting for everything and everyone she believes in, even when all she would want to do is stay in bed because of how broken (or angry) she sometimes feels. The chapters from Evander’s POV were also great, I always like it when you get to see a glimpse of what the other MC is thinking and feeling. The dynamics between the two of them don’t get boring either, I love how they both search for themselves in their relationship, for ways to be together without betraying their own selves (like when Lord Aalio thinks he always knows what’s best for everyone). But of course, what did you expect with someone as stubborn and fierce as Rowan? 😉
So I’m a little sad I have to say goodbye to Rowan, Evander, Mila, Taras, Kirill, Boris, Theo and the other amazing characters (though there are some others I won’t miss, like certain Clan Dukes). But I feel slightly better knowing it’s only a goodbye for now, given some titbits of information about Robin and Elle's plans for Lochlann and Socair that I’ve heard of.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
What a ride it’s been, reading this series. Just like in the previous books, you’re sitting at the edge of your seat the entire time, waiting for the “other shoe to drop”, as Rowan likes to call it. Again a lot of action, a lot of emotions, … but without one or the other dragging on for too long.
It was a pity the Lochlannian characters don’t play that much of a role in this book, in comparison to the previous one, but I still enjoyed it. It’s just inspiring how Rowan keeps on fighting for everything and everyone she believes in, even when all she would want to do is stay in bed because of how broken (or angry) she sometimes feels. The chapters from Evander’s POV were also great, I always like it when you get to see a glimpse of what the other MC is thinking and feeling. The dynamics between the two of them don’t get boring either, I love how they both search for themselves in their relationship, for ways to be together without betraying their own selves (like when Lord Aalio thinks he always knows what’s best for everyone). But of course, what did you expect with someone as stubborn and fierce as Rowan? 😉
So I’m a little sad I have to say goodbye to Rowan, Evander, Mila, Taras, Kirill, Boris, Theo and the other amazing characters (though there are some others I won’t miss, like certain Clan Dukes). But I feel slightly better knowing it’s only a goodbye for now, given some titbits of information about Robin and Elle's plans for Lochlann and Socair that I’ve heard of.
I received an advanced copy of this book for review.
January 15, 2022
Iiro, the duke of Elk has appointed himself king of Socair. This can only lead to one thing: war.
The fourth and final book in the series The Lochlann Feuds, and I've kept at it for more than two weeks, simply because I didn't want it to be over! Rowan has definitely become a new favorite character, with her strong personality, her stubborness, fighting spirit, and her candor. She never ceased to amaze me with her brilliant ideas and plans!
"All five feet of her, with her wildly intoxicating wit, her fierce, stubborn bravery, and her wonderfully clever mind, all wrapped in this gorgeous shell that was uniquely Rowan."
And Evander... Here we finally get some chapters from his point of view and I love it! Talk about character growth and adaption. Furthermore, Rowan and Evander are a match made in heaven, and I can't get enough of the interactions between them, whether it's verbal or physical!
"I saw every last, jagged edge of who you were and loved you more for each one. Maybe it's because they resonated with the broken pieces of myself, or maybe we always would have been this way, perfectly fitted for one another."
I could write a lot more about this book, but it's always harder to be sensible when you've been totally engulfed by a book (isn't that strange?!). Read my reviews of the other books in the series, or just take my word for it: READ THE LOCHLANN FEUDS SERIES!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
The fourth and final book in the series The Lochlann Feuds, and I've kept at it for more than two weeks, simply because I didn't want it to be over! Rowan has definitely become a new favorite character, with her strong personality, her stubborness, fighting spirit, and her candor. She never ceased to amaze me with her brilliant ideas and plans!
"All five feet of her, with her wildly intoxicating wit, her fierce, stubborn bravery, and her wonderfully clever mind, all wrapped in this gorgeous shell that was uniquely Rowan."
And Evander... Here we finally get some chapters from his point of view and I love it! Talk about character growth and adaption. Furthermore, Rowan and Evander are a match made in heaven, and I can't get enough of the interactions between them, whether it's verbal or physical!
"I saw every last, jagged edge of who you were and loved you more for each one. Maybe it's because they resonated with the broken pieces of myself, or maybe we always would have been this way, perfectly fitted for one another."
I could write a lot more about this book, but it's always harder to be sensible when you've been totally engulfed by a book (isn't that strange?!). Read my reviews of the other books in the series, or just take my word for it: READ THE LOCHLANN FEUDS SERIES!
* I received an ARC from the authors and I'm giving my honest review. *
October 28, 2023
I absolutely loved the first 3 books of this series and flew through them. They were heavily focused on the love story/love triangle (and it was superb *chef’s kiss*) and every other aspect of the plot took a secondary role. Which is fine, if that’s what they were going for - a fantasy romance. BUT. The romance gets wrapped up with a perfect little bow by the end of the third book/beginning of the fourth, and there’s still 600 pages to go…. All of a sudden all of the political stuff that sat in the background of the first 3 books becomes the center of attention.
Quite frankly: I found it hard to care. That part of the plot was not weighty enough to warrant a whole fourth book. It felt very anticlimactic. It would have been better if the first 3 books had been longer and incorporated the important parts of the Obsidian Throne, forming a more balanced trilogy. Instead, we ended up with a conclusion that felt like an afterthought and was bolstered by filler about the main couple’s married life. Needless to say it got boring quick.
I would re-read this series but if I do I’m just going to pretend it’s a romantic trilogy and leave the 4th out of it.
OH: and this is an extremely unpopular opinion I realize, but I did not enjoy their choice to switch to dual POV for the last book. I feel like it destroyed the mystery behind Evander which was such a huge part of his appeal.
Quite frankly: I found it hard to care. That part of the plot was not weighty enough to warrant a whole fourth book. It felt very anticlimactic. It would have been better if the first 3 books had been longer and incorporated the important parts of the Obsidian Throne, forming a more balanced trilogy. Instead, we ended up with a conclusion that felt like an afterthought and was bolstered by filler about the main couple’s married life. Needless to say it got boring quick.
I would re-read this series but if I do I’m just going to pretend it’s a romantic trilogy and leave the 4th out of it.
OH: and this is an extremely unpopular opinion I realize, but I did not enjoy their choice to switch to dual POV for the last book. I feel like it destroyed the mystery behind Evander which was such a huge part of his appeal.
December 31, 2021
*Speechless*
Elle and Robin have captured me from the first page of the first book, and have continued until the very last page for the final book.
On top of spoiling us all by releasing this series very close to each other, they have given us an amazing heroine to love, and the two male love interests that have captured our hearts.
Rowan is by far one of my favourite MCs I’ve come across in a long time. She’s witty, sarcastic, fierce, stubborn, unrelenting, and fearless.
“All five foot of her, with her wildly intoxicating wit, her fierce, stubborn bravery, and her wonderfully clever mind, all wrapped in this gorgeous shell that was uniquely Rowan.”
Evander and Rowan are honestly my favourite couple, and they have proven that they are perfect for each other. As a couple, they are a force to be reckoned with.
“ “Even when we found out what Iiro had done,” he said in a quieter tone, “ I couldn’t honestly bring myself to regret it when it meant I had you.” “
Thank you Elle and Robin for allowing to me to read this as an ARC. I am forever grateful!
Elle and Robin have captured me from the first page of the first book, and have continued until the very last page for the final book.
On top of spoiling us all by releasing this series very close to each other, they have given us an amazing heroine to love, and the two male love interests that have captured our hearts.
Rowan is by far one of my favourite MCs I’ve come across in a long time. She’s witty, sarcastic, fierce, stubborn, unrelenting, and fearless.
“All five foot of her, with her wildly intoxicating wit, her fierce, stubborn bravery, and her wonderfully clever mind, all wrapped in this gorgeous shell that was uniquely Rowan.”
Evander and Rowan are honestly my favourite couple, and they have proven that they are perfect for each other. As a couple, they are a force to be reckoned with.
“ “Even when we found out what Iiro had done,” he said in a quieter tone, “ I couldn’t honestly bring myself to regret it when it meant I had you.” “
Thank you Elle and Robin for allowing to me to read this as an ARC. I am forever grateful!
December 26, 2021
What a ride!
This epic conclusion to an ahhhhh-mazing series did not disappoint! Rowan is the perfect heroine-hilariously snarky, feisty, impulsive, and a total badass. Evander is...everything. Flawed and broken in a way that only his love for Rowan, and hers for him, can heal. Swoon.
And the action!!!! God, I could visualize every moment of it, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
This book--this whole series--is perfection. Pure perfection.
This epic conclusion to an ahhhhh-mazing series did not disappoint! Rowan is the perfect heroine-hilariously snarky, feisty, impulsive, and a total badass. Evander is...everything. Flawed and broken in a way that only his love for Rowan, and hers for him, can heal. Swoon.
And the action!!!! God, I could visualize every moment of it, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
This book--this whole series--is perfection. Pure perfection.
December 23, 2021
Oh my goodness this was such a fantastic ending to this series. Absolutely love Rowan and Evander’s story. These two ladies did such a wonderful job yet again at sucking you into the story and keeping you on the edge the entire time. Absolutely brilliant. This has got to be my favorite series by them, which is saying a lot because all the others are also amazing. Definitely a must read.
August 14, 2023
I really liked how this book ended and how we got a bigger insight into the characters that we have gotten to know and love. The reason this is only getting 3 stars is that for most of this book I was relatively bored, it felt repetitive and it feels like this book could have been with mixed with the third one and we could have just a trilogy.
July 24, 2023
Was pretty indifferent about the first half of this book. It was a lot of just waiting/build up to the actual war. Things started to get a bit more interesting in the last 40-50% of the book though. I liked it! Didn’t insanely love the series overall, but was a satisfying ending.
October 16, 2023
Sad to be done with this one
November 1, 2023
4.25 ⭐️ I’m so sad this series is over 🥺
September 1, 2023
While one standout scene of female rage in this book landed itself among my favorite moments in the whole series, overall this book felt a lot cringier than the last three in terms of the dialogue and asinine immaturity of the characters… 🤦♀️
All things considered, I’d probably give the series as a whole a 3.5/5. While nothing special in retrospection, I still undeniably enjoyed myself in the moment. I loved Rowan’s fun, spitfire personality and found it easy to root for her. And with how liberally the terms “slow burn” and “enemies-to-lovers” are thrown around in this genre, it was refreshing to actually agree that this series fit those definitions.
Some of the major weaknesses that stood out to me throughout this series was the simplistic and often repetitive nature of the writing (the frequency with which some descriptors and phrases came up reached the point of being downright annoying after a couple books), and how long the reader has to wait before the fantasy elements become a meaningful part of the story.
Still, these books were addictive, quick, and entertaining—ripe for binging if you’re in the mood for a mindless fantasy romance.
All things considered, I’d probably give the series as a whole a 3.5/5. While nothing special in retrospection, I still undeniably enjoyed myself in the moment. I loved Rowan’s fun, spitfire personality and found it easy to root for her. And with how liberally the terms “slow burn” and “enemies-to-lovers” are thrown around in this genre, it was refreshing to actually agree that this series fit those definitions.
Some of the major weaknesses that stood out to me throughout this series was the simplistic and often repetitive nature of the writing (the frequency with which some descriptors and phrases came up reached the point of being downright annoying after a couple books), and how long the reader has to wait before the fantasy elements become a meaningful part of the story.
Still, these books were addictive, quick, and entertaining—ripe for binging if you’re in the mood for a mindless fantasy romance.
September 11, 2023
4.5 Stars ✨
I listened to the whole series in audible and boy it’s worth the money (it’s 1 credit for the whole series!)
The series keeps getting better for each book, and I became more and more addicted. The story progression is a bit slow but it didn’t bore me at all! I even found myself trying to slow down my reading speed by book 3 because I don’t want the series to end soon 🤣
Also, it’s seem that the authors were actually listening to their readers as I found them answering some of the story’s loopholes and characters’ actions towards the end of the book (which is a great plus).
For those wanting to read a romance book with a tinge of fantasy, this one for you ❤️
I listened to the whole series in audible and boy it’s worth the money (it’s 1 credit for the whole series!)
The series keeps getting better for each book, and I became more and more addicted. The story progression is a bit slow but it didn’t bore me at all! I even found myself trying to slow down my reading speed by book 3 because I don’t want the series to end soon 🤣
Also, it’s seem that the authors were actually listening to their readers as I found them answering some of the story’s loopholes and characters’ actions towards the end of the book (which is a great plus).
For those wanting to read a romance book with a tinge of fantasy, this one for you ❤️
February 1, 2024
Yayyy, I am proud of myself for this being the first book series I have finished!!! I am giving it 5 stars on Goodreads. However, if I could, I would give it 4.75 stars just because I wanted a little bit more magic from the fmc. Rowan (fmc) was a badass, and I loved her in this one. I especially loved how her and the mmc were recalling moments from the previous books even the first book that they had not expressed their feelings about previously; those moments had my jaw dropped in awe. Overall, a great series and easy reads. As always, loveeee a true enemies to lovers trope.
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