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Folk #3
King of Death
Everything should be fine. The Brid is dead. I’m the new seelie king. And Lonan is with me, safe from the unseelie queen—his mother—and terrible brothers.
But it’s not fine. Nothing is fine.
I can’t seem to let go of my old life, even as this new one—and my new responsibilities—overwhelm me. Something is wrong with Lonan—he’s closing himself off even more, he’s quiet and distant, and every day the rift between us seems to get bigger, no matter what I do.
I know he wants to go and take his crown. I know he doesn’t feel right here, in this place that’s too hot and too crowded and too different from his home. But I can’t bring myself to let him go. I’ve already lost everything once. I can’t stand the thought of losing him.
But something is happening to me, and I don’t know how to stop it. I can feel myself changing. Becoming something uglier, darker, further and further from who I once was.
Lonan is the only thing stopping me from getting swallowed up completely by whatever now possesses me, but my desperation to keep him close just seems to be driving him further away. And that scares me more than anything.
King of Death is the final instalment in a mm fae romance trilogy about a dark fae assassin prince and a ‘mortal’ who is thrown into the cruel world of the Folk.
Warning: This m/m love story contains explicit sexual content and is not suitable for young readers. It also contains graphic depictions of violence, serious injury, death, minor drug use and deals with the death of close family members. There is a brief mention of a secondary character being forced into a sexual situation in the past. It is not described in any kind of detail. The book ends on a firm HEA.
But it’s not fine. Nothing is fine.
I can’t seem to let go of my old life, even as this new one—and my new responsibilities—overwhelm me. Something is wrong with Lonan—he’s closing himself off even more, he’s quiet and distant, and every day the rift between us seems to get bigger, no matter what I do.
I know he wants to go and take his crown. I know he doesn’t feel right here, in this place that’s too hot and too crowded and too different from his home. But I can’t bring myself to let him go. I’ve already lost everything once. I can’t stand the thought of losing him.
But something is happening to me, and I don’t know how to stop it. I can feel myself changing. Becoming something uglier, darker, further and further from who I once was.
Lonan is the only thing stopping me from getting swallowed up completely by whatever now possesses me, but my desperation to keep him close just seems to be driving him further away. And that scares me more than anything.
King of Death is the final instalment in a mm fae romance trilogy about a dark fae assassin prince and a ‘mortal’ who is thrown into the cruel world of the Folk.
Warning: This m/m love story contains explicit sexual content and is not suitable for young readers. It also contains graphic depictions of violence, serious injury, death, minor drug use and deals with the death of close family members. There is a brief mention of a secondary character being forced into a sexual situation in the past. It is not described in any kind of detail. The book ends on a firm HEA.
514 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2023
482 people are currently reading
2038 people want to read
About the author
Lily Mayne
26 books5,633 followersLily Mayne writes what she loves to read: achingly sweet yet gritty romances against unusual backdrops—dark, futuristic, dystopian and more. She currently lives in the UK with her husband and several fluffballs, who like to make a lot of noise while she’s writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
April 13, 2024
I love this series and these characters, but King of Death lost a bit of the magic of the first two books. Don't get me wrong, it had some deeply emotional parts, and I was pretty riveted, but it wasn't MAGICAL like the others in the series.
I was actually pretty frustrated with the first half of the book. The pace was a bit slow and the plot redundant. These two MCs wouldn't communicate at all! They had huge issues to work out, but they just avoided talking. I know all of the answers would have been hard to work out, but Lily Mayne made them dance around each other versus plot together.
I was emotionally invested the whole time, but in the end, the climax felt a little... well, anticlimactic. A little too easy, if I'm being honest. I was REALLY satisfied at how 99% of the loose ends were tied up and how everything came to a conclusion, but it just was a bit too easy for how hard they had to fight for everything in the first two books.
I think this was the only book where I didn't cry.
I was happy with this one, mostly because I love this world and these characters, but King of Death wasn't as epic as I wanted.
goodreads|instagram
I was actually pretty frustrated with the first half of the book. The pace was a bit slow and the plot redundant. These two MCs wouldn't communicate at all! They had huge issues to work out, but they just avoided talking. I know all of the answers would have been hard to work out, but Lily Mayne made them dance around each other versus plot together.
I was emotionally invested the whole time, but in the end, the climax felt a little... well, anticlimactic. A little too easy, if I'm being honest. I was REALLY satisfied at how 99% of the loose ends were tied up and how everything came to a conclusion, but it just was a bit too easy for how hard they had to fight for everything in the first two books.
I think this was the only book where I didn't cry.
I was happy with this one, mostly because I love this world and these characters, but King of Death wasn't as epic as I wanted.
goodreads|instagram
May 19, 2024
If King of Death were not the final book in an otherwise amazing series, my rating would be lower.
The first half was slow going. Both MCs seemingly forget how to communicate, which is something Ash and Lonan did well, particularly in the second book.
Ash refuses to discuss Lonan returning to unseelie land to confront his mother and brothers. Lonan is miserable but doesn't want to push, so he suffers in the seelie heat, feeling useless and pretending he's not resentful of Ash.
Ash is overwhelmed with his kingly duties, neglecting Lonan and his own needs. He's angry, frustrated, and ready to give up because he thinks he's going to become just as evil as the Brid.
Eventually, the avoidance blows up in their faces, and the two have a huge fight, with Ash refusing to let Lonan leave and Lonan running away in the dark. It was infuriating, frankly.
Ash was such a likable character in the previous books, but I couldn't stand him for most of this story.
The second half was better, if mildly predictable. I liked that Lonan learns more about his father (god, what a sad, tragic story), but the scene where Lonan kills the Carlin is anticlimactic and lacks any real tension. Same goes for the way Lonan's brothers are dealt with.
Some plot points are left unresolved, like what happened to the noble Folk whose grievances Ash dismissed? Much is made of that, but nothing ever happens.
I'm not saying this is not a good book. The setting and complex characters, including secondary ones, are well written. The sex is hot. There is a hard-earned HEA.
But I expected more and feel like the series ended not with a bang but a whimper. Closer to 3.5 stars, rounding up because the first two books were phenomenal.
The first half was slow going. Both MCs seemingly forget how to communicate, which is something Ash and Lonan did well, particularly in the second book.
Ash refuses to discuss Lonan returning to unseelie land to confront his mother and brothers. Lonan is miserable but doesn't want to push, so he suffers in the seelie heat, feeling useless and pretending he's not resentful of Ash.
Ash is overwhelmed with his kingly duties, neglecting Lonan and his own needs. He's angry, frustrated, and ready to give up because he thinks he's going to become just as evil as the Brid.
Eventually, the avoidance blows up in their faces, and the two have a huge fight, with Ash refusing to let Lonan leave and Lonan running away in the dark. It was infuriating, frankly.
Ash was such a likable character in the previous books, but I couldn't stand him for most of this story.
The second half was better, if mildly predictable. I liked that Lonan learns more about his father (god, what a sad, tragic story), but the scene where Lonan kills the Carlin is anticlimactic and lacks any real tension. Same goes for the way Lonan's brothers are dealt with.
Some plot points are left unresolved, like what happened to the noble Folk whose grievances Ash dismissed? Much is made of that, but nothing ever happens.
I'm not saying this is not a good book. The setting and complex characters, including secondary ones, are well written. The sex is hot. There is a hard-earned HEA.
But I expected more and feel like the series ended not with a bang but a whimper. Closer to 3.5 stars, rounding up because the first two books were phenomenal.
December 19, 2023
🌿🍄this is a unique and beautiful series, one that stands alongside the likes of Black's folk of the air and maybe books 1-3 of acotar if you squinted enough. and while this installment was really frustrating at times to read, Chapter Fifty was everything i had wanted this book to be, and ok yeah the last third pretty much boosted my lukewarm appreciation for this final book of the trilogy. and i totally understand why it had to be that way; ott and excessive in the tantrum throwing and the reticent stewing. 🔥❄️
🌳🍃that aside, this series is just wonderful and comforting and love-filled to the brim, and it has been an absolute pleasure to wrap up my year of reading with this lovely trilogy. looking forward to everything else LM has coming for a few of the characters from this world, because i don't think i can ever be done with the vibrant and provocative gorgeousness LM has created here in this folk series.🍄✨
March 19, 2025
Let's unhinge-ify old review this a little. 🤭
WHY DA FUQ WAS THERE SO MANY BEE'S IN THIS BOOK!??? I KNOW ITS A FOREST SETTING BUT FUCK ME MAN, WRITE THE BEE'S THEIR OWN NOVELLA AND MOVE ON PLEASE.
Ash whines and whines the first half of this book 👏too👏 damn👏 much👏 but at the end of the day, this book really completed and closed off this series in the HEA that the MC’s deserved. It was quite wholesome how Lonan’s character progressed and I still really enjoyed this book.
I don't think you can compare this to Monstrous in any way tbh. Just in case you're doing that.... Yeah I see you. 👀
WHY DA FUQ WAS THERE SO MANY BEE'S IN THIS BOOK!??? I KNOW ITS A FOREST SETTING BUT FUCK ME MAN, WRITE THE BEE'S THEIR OWN NOVELLA AND MOVE ON PLEASE.
Ash whines and whines the first half of this book 👏too👏 damn👏 much👏 but at the end of the day, this book really completed and closed off this series in the HEA that the MC’s deserved. It was quite wholesome how Lonan’s character progressed and I still really enjoyed this book.
I don't think you can compare this to Monstrous in any way tbh. Just in case you're doing that.... Yeah I see you. 👀
February 9, 2025
Llegué un punto en el que ya estaba harto de Ash, de los personajes, de la poca trama, de todo.
Algo que me enoja muchísimo en cualquier ficción es que todo se le dé regalado a los protagonistas, que no haya nada difícil para ellos. Las villanas nunca fueron respetadas, muy por el contrario siempre fueron seres "débiles" o ya bien sea directamente inutiles. Un tantito de dificultad pido para que ellos logren salir airosos, no que todo sea pedir de boca.
Entiendo la idea que se explica del destino, del estar predestinado a un hecho, a una acción, a algo, pero yo jamás compro un concepto tan regalado en el que los personajes no pasan penurias o dificultades reales para alcanzar sus objetivos. De por sí, no me gusta casi ningún producto que tenga que ver con temas arraigados al destino y que encima sea tan evidente y así de descarado. Un poquito de sutileza o de más herramientas que te sirvan para desarrollar la historia. Solo eso pido.
Y mira, después de Lilac (personaje del libro Seraph de la misma autora) me cansé de sobremanera del intenso, dramático e histérico de Ash. Que nivel de estrés, me cansó, es insoportable e inmamable. Por suerte Lonan no es así pero tampoco es que me guste mucho. Así que aquí no hay nada que me sume, por lo que en un futuro si la autora saca algo más de este mundillo, no seré yo quien la lea. La verdad.
Libre soy... Libre soy...
Algo que me enoja muchísimo en cualquier ficción es que todo se le dé regalado a los protagonistas, que no haya nada difícil para ellos. Las villanas nunca fueron respetadas, muy por el contrario siempre fueron seres "débiles" o ya bien sea directamente inutiles. Un tantito de dificultad pido para que ellos logren salir airosos, no que todo sea pedir de boca.
Entiendo la idea que se explica del destino, del estar predestinado a un hecho, a una acción, a algo, pero yo jamás compro un concepto tan regalado en el que los personajes no pasan penurias o dificultades reales para alcanzar sus objetivos. De por sí, no me gusta casi ningún producto que tenga que ver con temas arraigados al destino y que encima sea tan evidente y así de descarado. Un poquito de sutileza o de más herramientas que te sirvan para desarrollar la historia. Solo eso pido.
Y mira, después de Lilac (personaje del libro Seraph de la misma autora) me cansé de sobremanera del intenso, dramático e histérico de Ash. Que nivel de estrés, me cansó, es insoportable e inmamable. Por suerte Lonan no es así pero tampoco es que me guste mucho. Así que aquí no hay nada que me sume, por lo que en un futuro si la autora saca algo más de este mundillo, no seré yo quien la lea. La verdad.
Libre soy... Libre soy...
November 21, 2023
This is a fantastic conclusion to this complicated and highly addicting fantasy series. Ash and Lonan have one of the most complex and hard-won romances that is full of emotions and surprises. I love how this series ended, with many moments that caught me by surprise while remaining so moving. Ash and Lonan are perfect together and I will gladly reread their story from beginning to end many times.
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***
March 21, 2024
Definitely way too long but oh my god my heart broke so many times and my eyes hurt 🥹
I love the conclusion to Ash and Lonan's story. Also enjoyed that all the loose ends were tied up - I'm pretty sure anyway, there's nothing that stands out as unresolved for me.
I know there were mentions of novellas for other characters but honestly I think it ended really well. I was only interested in Ash and Lonan anyway, so I can't say I'd want to read anything more about any of the other characters!
I love the conclusion to Ash and Lonan's story. Also enjoyed that all the loose ends were tied up - I'm pretty sure anyway, there's nothing that stands out as unresolved for me.
I know there were mentions of novellas for other characters but honestly I think it ended really well. I was only interested in Ash and Lonan anyway, so I can't say I'd want to read anything more about any of the other characters!
December 21, 2023
4.0 Stars
November 21, 2023
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.
I've been waiting for this book for what feels like forever, but I also didn't want to finish it because that means this lovely trilogy is over 😭.
But here are, back with Ash and Lonan for one last ride.
Picking up where book 2 left off, Ash and Lonan are safe from the Carlin and Lonan's brothers on Seelie land.
All should be well, yes?
Well, not so much.
Not only was Ash practically thrust into the role of being King, and has so much to do and is so overwhelmed by it all, but doesn't want to appear weak or like he has no idea what he's doing, but there's also something...happening to him. While he's always had a bit of a temper as a Seelie, now he's starting to feel murderous rage at times. He's even quicker to anger than he ever was before. He starts have intrusive, dark thoughts. Something is happening to Ash, but he's too scared to admit it.
And Lonan is suffering in Seelie land. Especially because the Carlin is weaker, and so the balance between the lands is off, and so it's even hotter than normal in Seelie land, making it even worse for Lonan to deal with.
And these two young idiots suffer in silence, on both ends, instead of talking to each other, because what is else new, and so it all festers and festers over time until it all blows up in a huge fight between them that seemingly almost breaks them as a couple.
To say Ms. Mayne puts these two (and us!) through the wringer before they get their HEA is an understatement!
If they both hadn't been so stubborn, so scared to talk to each other, thinking they'd hurt/upset/ruin things for the other, this book wouldn't have had to be so long.
Seriously, once these two push each other to the breaking point and things start getting down, it doesn't actually take that long for them to do it.
So really, a good portion of this book is just these two (mainly Ash, but Lonan as well, in a more understated way and not on quite as big a scale as Ash) being idiots who put off things - like Lonan getting his crown back - that while not as easy as a snap of their fingers...is pretty damn close to it, gotta say!
So it feels like wasted time and it kinda, totally is.
BUT, I understand the characterization of WHY we had to go through these two being idiots, why we had to wait to get these two finally getting their HEA.
Things can't just be easy peasy all the time. And these two are only 22 year olds - among Fae who live hundreds and hundreds of years. So in terms of Fae lifespans, they really are just babies - being thrust into things they're not ready for.
Especially Ash. He has to try to get use to being a king first before he's able to get his head on straight in the first place. And he didn't grow up in the Fae world or as a royal, so a lot of it he hasn't be told or taught, and he's trying the best he can.
Lonan gets that, but he thinks because of that, it's cool for him to keep his own worries, fears, problems from Ash, and keeps silent about how much being in the Seelie land is affecting him and causing him so much discomfort (also, especially, because he doesn't want Ash to think it's him that Lonan wants to get away from.)
And of course, unsurprisingly, because they don't talk about their insecurities, fears, wants and needs, it all comes out in a horrible fight where what they say is horrible to each other and even worse than how he would have been if they'd just calmly explained to each other their feelings in the first place! But isn't that hot it always goes?
And these two needed to be put through it to get the other side. To learn what not to do in the future. To learn how to face things head on instead of ignoring them and hoping they'll go away.
So, as frustrating as these two acted for the first half of this, it was necessary. These two aren't perfect, by any means, and being so in love doesn't solve all their problems.
But of course, it works itself out in the end, and Ash and Lonan get their happily ever after in the best way possible.
And I was worried about how they'd .
It was perfect! And also getting to learn about Lonan's father was wonderful. Tragic, but wonderful.
So yes, expect angst city for a good portion of this, but don't worry. It all works out in the end and these two get the best HEA together.
I'm sad to see the end of this trilogy, and I'll always adore Ash and Lonan so much (maybe we'll get shorts here and there with them and other side couples, as this author loves to do with her Monstrous series) and this series so much.
I'm sad for it to end, but I'm so happy I got to read how Ash and Lonan finally got a hard fought for HEA together. So beautiful! 😍
Ms. Mayne truly is one of my favorite artists, I just love her work. I can't wait for the next Monstrous book, I'm excited for Cat and Lyri's love story, finally, as well as the future book series Ms. Mayne has in store for us.
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Folk Series:
✨ Mortal Skin: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Forgotten Vows: 5 stars (my review)
✨ King of Death: 5 stars
I've been waiting for this book for what feels like forever, but I also didn't want to finish it because that means this lovely trilogy is over 😭.
But here are, back with Ash and Lonan for one last ride.
Picking up where book 2 left off, Ash and Lonan are safe from the Carlin and Lonan's brothers on Seelie land.
All should be well, yes?
Well, not so much.
Not only was Ash practically thrust into the role of being King, and has so much to do and is so overwhelmed by it all, but doesn't want to appear weak or like he has no idea what he's doing, but there's also something...happening to him. While he's always had a bit of a temper as a Seelie, now he's starting to feel murderous rage at times. He's even quicker to anger than he ever was before. He starts have intrusive, dark thoughts. Something is happening to Ash, but he's too scared to admit it.
And Lonan is suffering in Seelie land. Especially because the Carlin is weaker, and so the balance between the lands is off, and so it's even hotter than normal in Seelie land, making it even worse for Lonan to deal with.
And these two young idiots suffer in silence, on both ends, instead of talking to each other, because what is else new, and so it all festers and festers over time until it all blows up in a huge fight between them that seemingly almost breaks them as a couple.
To say Ms. Mayne puts these two (and us!) through the wringer before they get their HEA is an understatement!
If they both hadn't been so stubborn, so scared to talk to each other, thinking they'd hurt/upset/ruin things for the other, this book wouldn't have had to be so long.
Seriously, once these two push each other to the breaking point and things start getting down, it doesn't actually take that long for them to do it.
So really, a good portion of this book is just these two (mainly Ash, but Lonan as well, in a more understated way and not on quite as big a scale as Ash) being idiots who put off things - like Lonan getting his crown back - that while not as easy as a snap of their fingers...is pretty damn close to it, gotta say!
So it feels like wasted time and it kinda, totally is.
BUT, I understand the characterization of WHY we had to go through these two being idiots, why we had to wait to get these two finally getting their HEA.
Things can't just be easy peasy all the time. And these two are only 22 year olds - among Fae who live hundreds and hundreds of years. So in terms of Fae lifespans, they really are just babies - being thrust into things they're not ready for.
Especially Ash. He has to try to get use to being a king first before he's able to get his head on straight in the first place. And he didn't grow up in the Fae world or as a royal, so a lot of it he hasn't be told or taught, and he's trying the best he can.
Lonan gets that, but he thinks because of that, it's cool for him to keep his own worries, fears, problems from Ash, and keeps silent about how much being in the Seelie land is affecting him and causing him so much discomfort (also, especially, because he doesn't want Ash to think it's him that Lonan wants to get away from.)
And of course, unsurprisingly, because they don't talk about their insecurities, fears, wants and needs, it all comes out in a horrible fight where what they say is horrible to each other and even worse than how he would have been if they'd just calmly explained to each other their feelings in the first place! But isn't that hot it always goes?
And these two needed to be put through it to get the other side. To learn what not to do in the future. To learn how to face things head on instead of ignoring them and hoping they'll go away.
So, as frustrating as these two acted for the first half of this, it was necessary. These two aren't perfect, by any means, and being so in love doesn't solve all their problems.
But of course, it works itself out in the end, and Ash and Lonan get their happily ever after in the best way possible.
And I was worried about how they'd .
It was perfect! And also getting to learn about Lonan's father was wonderful. Tragic, but wonderful.
So yes, expect angst city for a good portion of this, but don't worry. It all works out in the end and these two get the best HEA together.
I'm sad to see the end of this trilogy, and I'll always adore Ash and Lonan so much (maybe we'll get shorts here and there with them and other side couples, as this author loves to do with her Monstrous series) and this series so much.
I'm sad for it to end, but I'm so happy I got to read how Ash and Lonan finally got a hard fought for HEA together. So beautiful! 😍
Ms. Mayne truly is one of my favorite artists, I just love her work. I can't wait for the next Monstrous book, I'm excited for Cat and Lyri's love story, finally, as well as the future book series Ms. Mayne has in store for us.
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Folk Series:
✨ Mortal Skin: 5 stars (my review)
✨ Forgotten Vows: 5 stars (my review)
✨ King of Death: 5 stars
February 18, 2024
I have loved this series so much, it really took over my life the past couple of days I couldn't put it down.
I did like bookes 1 & 2 more than book three, but it was still really good! Loved it and loved Ash & Lonan's hea. The series as a whole was so good!
I did like bookes 1 & 2 more than book three, but it was still really good! Loved it and loved Ash & Lonan's hea. The series as a whole was so good!
April 21, 2024
5 ⭐️
“I needed him to remind me that all the terrible things that happened hadn’t been in vain”… ”that our lives weren’t going to be easy. But it would still be worth it. Because I’d have him and he’d have me” ❤️🥹♾️
No review to come. I can’t put my thoughts into words 😭
That HEA and Epilogue though? I’m healed 💗
“I needed him to remind me that all the terrible things that happened hadn’t been in vain”… ”that our lives weren’t going to be easy. But it would still be worth it. Because I’d have him and he’d have me” ❤️🥹♾️
No review to come. I can’t put my thoughts into words 😭
That HEA and Epilogue though? I’m healed 💗
February 18, 2024
Loved this series and the final instalment has completed it beautifully. Lonan’s character development through the series was brilliant and I loved how imperfect Ash was, even in this last book. The world building just kept expanding and I appreciated getting a lot of answers and plots being tied up without it feeling like a checklist of things to complete in the final book. It’s a tough feat to conclude a fantasy series well and please everyone but the story developed beautifully, at no point was I bored. I think book 2 was my favourite and believe I even enjoyed this more than Monstrous. Highly recommend.
March 29, 2024
My emotions were all over the place 🥹 took me 3 days to finish. I COULDN'T take the fighting. Ash was being a real dickhole, but I get it. He was scared. Ugh.. I regret listening to the audio. I can't go back and cry over my highlights.
"Just the two of us. Just two young men in love—nothing more. Not kings or princes. Not seelie or unseelie. Not fae or mortal or something in between."
"Just the two of us. Just two young men in love—nothing more. Not kings or princes. Not seelie or unseelie. Not fae or mortal or something in between."
November 16, 2023
Alright, folks, let's talk about "King of Death" by Lily Mayne—the grand finale that had me feeling all kinds of things! As a die-hard fan of Mayne's writing, diving back into Ash and Lonan's world was a wild ride of emotions.
This book? It's a beast in terms of detail, but trust me, it's a page-turner. Despite its length, it keeps you hooked from start to finish. Tears? Oh, they were there—right from the beginning all the way to the end. It's a roller coaster that grows with the characters themselves.
The build-up in this one? Intense. Lily has got this knack for diving into feelings, showing how things slowly unravel until characters reach their breaking points. That paired with her phenomenal world building makes you feel like you are really there with the characters.
Action-wise, it's not packed to the brim, but who needs it when emotions run high? All the loose ends tie up neatly, delivering that satisfying happily-ever-after that Ash and Lonan certainly deserved.
Let's not forget that library scene—I adored it!
Saying goodbye to these characters was tough. Ash's complexity and Lonan's unwavering goodness shine. Lonan and Ash's growth was everything!
Lily's writing is like a magnet to me; I just can't put the book down. This trilogy was a rollercoaster of feels—pain, grief, yearning, but also love, hope, and unwavering loyalty. The characters' love is infectious.
"King of Death" is the cherry on top of a captivating trilogy. Lily Mayne's storytelling skills linger long after you've closed the book.
** This is an honest review after receiving an ARC copy **
This book? It's a beast in terms of detail, but trust me, it's a page-turner. Despite its length, it keeps you hooked from start to finish. Tears? Oh, they were there—right from the beginning all the way to the end. It's a roller coaster that grows with the characters themselves.
The build-up in this one? Intense. Lily has got this knack for diving into feelings, showing how things slowly unravel until characters reach their breaking points. That paired with her phenomenal world building makes you feel like you are really there with the characters.
Action-wise, it's not packed to the brim, but who needs it when emotions run high? All the loose ends tie up neatly, delivering that satisfying happily-ever-after that Ash and Lonan certainly deserved.
Let's not forget that library scene—I adored it!
Saying goodbye to these characters was tough. Ash's complexity and Lonan's unwavering goodness shine. Lonan and Ash's growth was everything!
Lily's writing is like a magnet to me; I just can't put the book down. This trilogy was a rollercoaster of feels—pain, grief, yearning, but also love, hope, and unwavering loyalty. The characters' love is infectious.
"King of Death" is the cherry on top of a captivating trilogy. Lily Mayne's storytelling skills linger long after you've closed the book.
** This is an honest review after receiving an ARC copy **
November 19, 2023
What a delightfully satisfying end to a fabulous story. Final books in a series can present a challenge in trying to find a way to bring all the story lines and plot points together in a way that is satisfying to the reader and I believe this one has achieved that.
I feel like I don’t even need to speak on the quality of the writing and spice in this. It’s Lily Mayne, you know it’ll be fantastic, hot and bingeable fantasy romance.
I will admit though that I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope and it being featured so heavily in the first half of this had me shaking my kindle and yelling at Ash and Lonan to just speak to each other for the love of god. But, as with the other books, the emotional intimacy and sweetness of their relationship when they reconcile and come back together makes up for any and all frustrations.
While I enjoyed Ash as a MC it was Lonan, the squishy emotional marshmallow that he is, that was the stand out character for me. His character growth over the three books was so lovely to witness and I’m so pleased he gets to have his happy ever after given all the pain he had to survive.
I loved this and enjoyed my time with these characters so much.
I feel like I don’t even need to speak on the quality of the writing and spice in this. It’s Lily Mayne, you know it’ll be fantastic, hot and bingeable fantasy romance.
I will admit though that I’m not a fan of the miscommunication trope and it being featured so heavily in the first half of this had me shaking my kindle and yelling at Ash and Lonan to just speak to each other for the love of god. But, as with the other books, the emotional intimacy and sweetness of their relationship when they reconcile and come back together makes up for any and all frustrations.
While I enjoyed Ash as a MC it was Lonan, the squishy emotional marshmallow that he is, that was the stand out character for me. His character growth over the three books was so lovely to witness and I’m so pleased he gets to have his happy ever after given all the pain he had to survive.
I loved this and enjoyed my time with these characters so much.
December 20, 2023
rtc if i can remember to come back once i've reached my goal. these were so FUCKING GOOD PLS 😭 it reminded me of ariana nash's fool me once & fool me twice. loved that shit x
November 25, 2023
"I’d been refusing to let nature take its course by trying to keep Lonan here. Trying to stop what was meant to happen from happening. I did have to accept it. I had to accept all of it. That my parents were gone. That my old mortal life was over. That Lonan would be king, and we would have to somehow find a way to be together despite the forest separating us. If he still wanted me."
King of Death is the third and final book in the Folk trilogy and you do need to read in order, so if you haven't read Mortal Skin or Forgotten Vows yet, then stop here and go and read them now, because there may be a few teasers ahead....
Lily Mayne brings this dark fae romance trilogy to its HEA conclusion in King of Death, but don't be fooled into thinking it's all smooth sailing because it's really not. There are many unresolved issues and tensions that need to be dealt with between the gorgeously tragic Lonan and his forever love and former human Ash. The side characters remain brilliant additions to the story, and if you like intense (and blood-thirsty) action scenes with your MM romance, welcome to the party, because these fae kings do not mess around!
But they do get to have their hard won HEA in the end, so push through the angsty times and enjoy the make-up steamy times!
4.5 rolled up to 5 stars.
King of Death is the third and final book in the Folk trilogy and you do need to read in order, so if you haven't read Mortal Skin or Forgotten Vows yet, then stop here and go and read them now, because there may be a few teasers ahead....
Lily Mayne brings this dark fae romance trilogy to its HEA conclusion in King of Death, but don't be fooled into thinking it's all smooth sailing because it's really not. There are many unresolved issues and tensions that need to be dealt with between the gorgeously tragic Lonan and his forever love and former human Ash. The side characters remain brilliant additions to the story, and if you like intense (and blood-thirsty) action scenes with your MM romance, welcome to the party, because these fae kings do not mess around!
But they do get to have their hard won HEA in the end, so push through the angsty times and enjoy the make-up steamy times!
4.5 rolled up to 5 stars.
November 17, 2023
What a journey... Lonan and Ash will forever be in my heart for many reasons. They form my first Lily Mayne book, and her story is so beautiful, troubled, passionate, and full of conviction, willpower, and beauty that it leaves me full of warmth in my heart.
There's so much detail and Easter eggs in this story that you really need to stay sharp. Lily Truly is very talented and will be forever one of my favorite writers.
I'm having difficulty writing reviews that reflect how I feel about reading a book, but I know that this book is special and purely love.
Both had traumatic experiences, but both managed to overcome them and find a way to stay together against everything (and fuck you The Carlin, Fuck you The Brid and fuck you Balor).
80% of the book was spent in total anguish (which I loved, and I don't know what that says about me), and the last 20% is smooth and perfect.
Despite finding Ash a bit brat in book 2, I thought he finally managed to get rid of all the weight he had accumulated and managed to relax. My dear baby Lonan... awwwww, what growth! What evolution. From the little blackbird to a fierce but sweet wolf at the same time. Even really happy with his development for being able to find his happy ending with Ash.
I just felt that some deaths, which were deserved, needed more audience... And I didn't like the fact that Lonan ended up killing some people who deserved punishment, but I thought it was too much to start his new life like that, but it is what it is.
Thank you Lily, for this and so much more:)
I received an ARC from Lily, and this is my most heartfelt opinion.
There's so much detail and Easter eggs in this story that you really need to stay sharp. Lily Truly is very talented and will be forever one of my favorite writers.
I'm having difficulty writing reviews that reflect how I feel about reading a book, but I know that this book is special and purely love.
Both had traumatic experiences, but both managed to overcome them and find a way to stay together against everything (and fuck you The Carlin, Fuck you The Brid and fuck you Balor).
80% of the book was spent in total anguish (which I loved, and I don't know what that says about me), and the last 20% is smooth and perfect.
Despite finding Ash a bit brat in book 2, I thought he finally managed to get rid of all the weight he had accumulated and managed to relax. My dear baby Lonan... awwwww, what growth! What evolution. From the little blackbird to a fierce but sweet wolf at the same time. Even really happy with his development for being able to find his happy ending with Ash.
I just felt that some deaths, which were deserved, needed more audience... And I didn't like the fact that Lonan ended up killing some people who deserved punishment, but I thought it was too much to start his new life like that, but it is what it is.
Thank you Lily, for this and so much more:)
I received an ARC from Lily, and this is my most heartfelt opinion.
December 26, 2023
No review because I don’t feel like being nice.
But it was a fitting end to the story, that is to say, I think it was well conducted, the character growth throughout the books was amazing, especially Ash’s. He had a lot to process. Balor got what he deserved. And we could see the expression ‘eat you heart out’ being enacted quite graphically (nice 👍).
But it was a fitting end to the story, that is to say, I think it was well conducted, the character growth throughout the books was amazing, especially Ash’s. He had a lot to process. Balor got what he deserved. And we could see the expression ‘eat you heart out’ being enacted quite graphically (nice 👍).
December 6, 2023
Loved this one best. Amazing series! 4.5 stars!
May 15, 2025
stop it this is such a perfect ending 😩
i’m so happy for my lil babies 🙌🏼
i deserve a big fat break after all the pain i’ve went through with these two 🤧
this is genuinely such an emotional and beautiful trilogy and i had sm fun along the way.
i LOVED the first two books and don’t get me wrong i loved this one too but it took me so long to finish it for some reason and i’m upset abt that cuz i was zooming through the pages 🤸🏻♀️
if someone has a heart stabbing MM romance for me pls i beg u my beloved angel tell me 🙏🏼
i’m so happy for my lil babies 🙌🏼
i deserve a big fat break after all the pain i’ve went through with these two 🤧
this is genuinely such an emotional and beautiful trilogy and i had sm fun along the way.
i LOVED the first two books and don’t get me wrong i loved this one too but it took me so long to finish it for some reason and i’m upset abt that cuz i was zooming through the pages 🤸🏻♀️
if someone has a heart stabbing MM romance for me pls i beg u my beloved angel tell me 🙏🏼
November 21, 2023
4.7 stars
I somehow didn’t cry during books 1 and 2, but this finale got me a little. There’s the continuing conflict with the kingdoms, yes, but there’s also relatable pain over identity, life changes, depression, and self-worth that touched me. I loved that even more than the main storyline.
Everything wraps up well, and overall it’s an excellent series ending.
Spice: 4-5/5
Angst: 5/5
I somehow didn’t cry during books 1 and 2, but this finale got me a little. There’s the continuing conflict with the kingdoms, yes, but there’s also relatable pain over identity, life changes, depression, and self-worth that touched me. I loved that even more than the main storyline.
Everything wraps up well, and overall it’s an excellent series ending.
Spice: 4-5/5
Angst: 5/5
January 7, 2024
This ending was like a fairy tale in every sense. You have the beautiful happily ever afters right along with the fates worse than death. This book went hardcore on both the light and the dark. Lily Mayne did not pull her punches.
Every loose end was wrapped up tight and dealt with extremely satisfyingly. I don't have a single complaint. That extended epilogue is everything I always want and rarely get.
Lonan and Ash went through so much in this series, and it brought me so much joy to see them get a happily ever after THAT perfect. The emotions in this were just on a different level. I was frustrated, I teared up, I smiled, and got chills. All of it!!
I already know this series is one of those that'll stick with me for a long time and one that I'm sure I'll reread more than once.
Every loose end was wrapped up tight and dealt with extremely satisfyingly. I don't have a single complaint. That extended epilogue is everything I always want and rarely get.
Lonan and Ash went through so much in this series, and it brought me so much joy to see them get a happily ever after THAT perfect. The emotions in this were just on a different level. I was frustrated, I teared up, I smiled, and got chills. All of it!!
I already know this series is one of those that'll stick with me for a long time and one that I'm sure I'll reread more than once.
December 21, 2023
3.5/5
Great ending for sure. I liked the first half a lot more than the second half because both Ash and Lonan were dealing with some heavy shit mentally and it was a good thing we got to experience this side of a tale as well.
The second half was okay. A Few things seemed to easy after everything but I guess it still made sense this way.
I am glad I read this series even though it wasn’t totally my thing. I had fun though that’s for sure.
Great ending for sure. I liked the first half a lot more than the second half because both Ash and Lonan were dealing with some heavy shit mentally and it was a good thing we got to experience this side of a tale as well.
The second half was okay. A Few things seemed to easy after everything but I guess it still made sense this way.
I am glad I read this series even though it wasn’t totally my thing. I had fun though that’s for sure.
January 29, 2024
Man, what an absolutely wild ride. Although I didn’t love the first half of this book, the second half more than made up for it and it ended up being another five star read.
Lonan for sure stole the show here and his journey in this book was everything.
A hard won and well deserved Happily Ever After for these boys.
I loved this series, so very much.
Lonan for sure stole the show here and his journey in this book was everything.
A hard won and well deserved Happily Ever After for these boys.
I loved this series, so very much.
May 29, 2025
I really loved this book. My biggest issue was the first 40% or so. There was basically no communication between Lonan and Ash and that was just frustrating. I get some of it, but after a while it just got to drag on. Once things started picking up, everything was amazing. I loved the ending.
January 31, 2024
✰4.75 stars✰
Ouch, but like in a good way. In a holy crap this hurts but I can't stop kind of way. In a omg can we fix this and be okay kind of way. In a can I slap some sense into you kind of way.
I wanted to scream. Literally scream so loud during this one. Which was definitely and completely part of the point I think. I wanted to throttle Ash for a good chunk of the book, I wanted to flick Lonan in the forehead for not saying more sooner.
I don't want to spoil anything by going too into detail here but this was well fought for by the end. A lot of pain and frustration to get to the ending.
I will say some of the "issues" almost went on a little too long for me, and I was on the verge of annoyance. But I think the constant anxiety was a little bit of something that was meant to be there, so it's excusable to me.
Highly recommend this series from start to finish!!
Just the two of us. Just two young men in love—nothing more. Not kings or princes. Not seelie or unseelie. Not fae or mortal or something in between.
Ouch, but like in a good way. In a holy crap this hurts but I can't stop kind of way. In a omg can we fix this and be okay kind of way. In a can I slap some sense into you kind of way.
I wanted to scream. Literally scream so loud during this one. Which was definitely and completely part of the point I think. I wanted to throttle Ash for a good chunk of the book, I wanted to flick Lonan in the forehead for not saying more sooner.
I don't want to spoil anything by going too into detail here but this was well fought for by the end. A lot of pain and frustration to get to the ending.
I will say some of the "issues" almost went on a little too long for me, and I was on the verge of annoyance. But I think the constant anxiety was a little bit of something that was meant to be there, so it's excusable to me.
Highly recommend this series from start to finish!!
November 21, 2023
This was a great conclusion and I enjoyed it immensely but like the previous two installments, something was missing for me, so 'only' a 4*. I think it's because I never liked Ash much, even though he had every reason to be hurt and upset.
The first 40% just dragged for me and I did not like how Ash wanted to control Lonan, even though he kept denying it. It was from a place of love, trying to keep Lonan safe but when your partner says they are ready and they need to do what needs doing, you should just support them. Burying the head in the sand just felt wrong but Ash still had a lot to learn and I guess it is part of his personality since the beginning.
I liked how they ended up but admit I wanted something different. That's on me though. Still a very solid and enjoyable 4* series.
The first 40% just dragged for me and I did not like how Ash wanted to control Lonan, even though he kept denying it. It was from a place of love, trying to keep Lonan safe but when your partner says they are ready and they need to do what needs doing, you should just support them. Burying the head in the sand just felt wrong but Ash still had a lot to learn and I guess it is part of his personality since the beginning.
I liked how they ended up but admit I wanted something different. That's on me though. Still a very solid and enjoyable 4* series.
July 26, 2024
“It's simply the truth. Some things are meant to happen when they happen and not sooner”.
Tercera y última parte de esta trilogía. De verdad cada vez que leo los últimos libros que va sacando la autora no puedo sino alegrarme por como va mejorando como escritora.
Esta ultima parte ha eclipsado para mis las dos primeras entregas las cuales me parecieron muy ligeras. Sin embargo, esta ultima ha dado un giro de 180 grados, ha atado cabos y lo ha resuelto todo. Además, que ha dado más realismo a los protagonistas.
Que puedo decir, me ha encantado. Si es verdad que algunas escenas me parecieron demasiado escuetas, pero en general estoy super contenta.
Ojalá más libros de este universo.
“My love is a worthy thing. ”
Tercera y última parte de esta trilogía. De verdad cada vez que leo los últimos libros que va sacando la autora no puedo sino alegrarme por como va mejorando como escritora.
Esta ultima parte ha eclipsado para mis las dos primeras entregas las cuales me parecieron muy ligeras. Sin embargo, esta ultima ha dado un giro de 180 grados, ha atado cabos y lo ha resuelto todo. Además, que ha dado más realismo a los protagonistas.
Que puedo decir, me ha encantado. Si es verdad que algunas escenas me parecieron demasiado escuetas, pero en general estoy super contenta.
Ojalá más libros de este universo.
“My love is a worthy thing. ”
July 13, 2025
Ok I want to say this first to anyone that is starting this book: if you start to have doubts just keep going. The first 30% of this book is a build up of emotions, like a pressure cooker. Just be patient. I’m trying to be super vague here 😅 Just know that you’ll want to throttle certain people, or at the very least flick their nose, pinch their ears (🤭) But it gets resolved in a very satisfying way.
You forget how young these two actually are, but you see it here. So needy, young, insecure and very codependent. Whats great about that though is that you get to see some fantastic character development. Lonan’s growth is phenomenal. And so many feelings! I felt the rage!! The resentment. The helplessness. So many fucking emotions and it was fantastic. Probably not good for my heart, but I loved it all.
This is not an easy, perfect romance at all, but that makes the HEA so beautiful. And the fact that the action part of the plot was so dramatic and captivating…Lily Mayne did a fantastic job of wrapping everything up, leaving no plot holes at all. I have no hesitation in saying that this is one of my favorite romantasy stories that I’ve read. Loved it. Ash & Lonan forever 🖤🖤🖤 I am so happy I read this.
You forget how young these two actually are, but you see it here. So needy, young, insecure and very codependent. Whats great about that though is that you get to see some fantastic character development. Lonan’s growth is phenomenal. And so many feelings! I felt the rage!! The resentment. The helplessness. So many fucking emotions and it was fantastic. Probably not good for my heart, but I loved it all.
This is not an easy, perfect romance at all, but that makes the HEA so beautiful. And the fact that the action part of the plot was so dramatic and captivating…Lily Mayne did a fantastic job of wrapping everything up, leaving no plot holes at all. I have no hesitation in saying that this is one of my favorite romantasy stories that I’ve read. Loved it. Ash & Lonan forever 🖤🖤🖤 I am so happy I read this.
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