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Of Fire and Lies #3

The Throne's Undoing

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Sacrifices must be made as the secrets of the seven kingdoms unravel.

On the day of her wedding, Kalisandre’s world erupts into flames once again. Now, entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal, she struggles to find who she is and what she is fighting for. With her trust having been broken one too many times, will she find the strength to reclaim her voice, or will she succumb to the inferno surrounding her?

Meanwhile, Graeson and his friends flee Frenzia, overwhelmed by exhaustion and grief. With war looming over the horizon, their quest to convince Kalisandre of the truth will prove to be a more daunting task than they had anticipated.

As friendships and alliances are tested, everyone must confront their darkest truths while navigating a world rife with betrayal. The third installment of the new adult romantic fantasy series "Of Fire and Lies" explores the complexities of love, trust, and the perilous nature of loyalty in the face of conflict.

Unknown Binding

Published November 20, 2024

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451 people want to read

About the author

Neena Laskowski

9 books143 followers
Neena Laskowski lives in Michigan with her husband and dog, Penny. She earned her master’s in Secondary Education and bachelor’s degree in English and Classical Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan. She is passionate about the written word and sharing stories.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Hayley B.
35 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2024
As always, I actually can never put Neena’s books down because they are literally SO GOOD.

Let me just say - I just absolutely LOVE all the characters we get to encounter in this book. Each one has such a deep & unique story+personality and play such key roles - everyone just falls together perfectly.

Also, I LOVE how we had Myra’s POV folded into the story as well. I’m not usually a fan of multiple POV just cause it’s often too much going on - but this was just a hint of enough to continue evolving the story on both ends and also build up more twists and turns (Neena’s specialty!!!)

The story is SO refreshingly different too - nothing is quite predictable - instead, I feel like I’m stumbling upon new possibilities in the story that I couldn’t even imagine.

And, as always…. I NEED the next book NOW!

Thank you Neena for the ARC - truly the best!!!!!
5 reviews1 follower
October 21, 2024
ARC review so I won’t give much away: I loved The Throne’s Undoing! This book was more emotional and gut wrenching for me considering all that has happened and all the trauma these characters have endured since The Kings Weapon. I still absolutely love Fynn’s presence in this book as well! Neena writes so beautifully which allows connection to many of the characters and I love the side characters are just as essential. Graeson’s absolute dedication to Kallie tugs at my heart. Kallie is healing from the betrayal she has received and I just know she’s going serve up some revenge! Power from the Gods, soul bonds, angst, mysterious creatures, heartache, strong women I could go on and on. Please don’t pass over Of Fire and Lies series! Read it!!
Profile Image for Sam Bremmer.
43 reviews
December 22, 2024
Absolutely loved this one! The cliff hangers are unreal. Can’t wait for the final book in the series 😭 actual chills at the end of this book.
Profile Image for Reagan Meredith.
10 reviews1 follower
October 26, 2024
ARC review: 4.8/5 stars Absolutely phenomenal. I loved every second. Chapters 12 and 24 were some of my favorites. Not feel-good chapters, but ones that show real emotion and we’re so well-written that I had to put the book down for a few minutes. I love books that make me feel something!

After the end of the last book, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put this one down. I was not disappointed!! I love how it picks up exactly where the last one left off. Getting all of the details and action in real time instead of through flashbacks is 10/10. Fynn’s character being in the book still both broke and mended my heart, especially after reading The Heir’s Bargain. I love him and was so glad to keep his witty personality in the series. The slow burn in this series is so deliciously written. I need more! Kallie’s mind finally being free and her journey to start the acceptance process resonated so well. Finding out why Graeson calls her little mouse 🥰 and his patience with her, the way he defends her and stands up for her when even Terin hesitated to…. ughhhh I LOVE him.

There were several new characters and new POVs introduced in this book and I hope that’s maintained throughout the rest of the series. Nyrri had better stay forever, just saying. 🥰 The next book cannot come fast enough! I can’t wait to see where these characters go next. This series just keeps getting better 💖
Profile Image for Gretchen Charles.
19 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
ARC review:
I will give no spoilers but OH MY GOSH.
The emotional rollercoaster. I loved every second.
Profile Image for Kylie.
99 reviews87 followers
November 9, 2024
I received an arc of this badass novel ! This is my honest review.

WHAT WAS THAT??? I need more. I was riveted from start to finish.
Kallie needing to go through a whole process to come back to herself was rough but so very good. Especially how Neena made it realistic with her being so down on herself after everything that happened.
Honestly I have so much to say but I’m trying not to be to spoiler-y.
Graeson has my whole ass heart, that man is hopelessly devoted to Kallie. There isn’t even a little bit of a doubt. He’d burn the world down for her 100%. I honestly want my own Graeson please and thank you.
Loved the additive of the “dragon puppy”. I feel really bad about all the experimenting going on on those poor animals and people but the fact we got her out of it warms my heart. I’m pretty sure she’ll be important in the next book. I also can’t really picture her so I would love to see some fan art afterwards. Of everyone truthfully.
Now let’s talk about Rian. That man has a good heart, but oh boy was he deceived. Who else utterly hates Sebastian? All of us? Good. He’s a bastardized and a half.
What he did to his brother pissed me right off. Poor Rian. Like dude was fighting tooth and nail not to be broken. He really does have a loyal friend though. Props to you Laurince.
Myra Myra Myra. I got to say, our girl was going through it this book.
The only silver lining was I was definitely picking up vibes between her and Laurince. Or maybe I’m just whackadoo. Possibly both. He was the only good thing to happen to her or Rian in this book.
I also liked seeing her inner workings and how much she hated being used to control and hurt others. And her brother?? Like what the fuck. Dudes so dark and twisty.
Also the seer… we all believe that’s Grayson’s mom right? Like who else’s mom is a kickass seer? Also her words about not dying by their hands put me on edge cause that means she’s seen her death. Gray needs to see her before than. Poor guys been without her his whole life.
So much happened in this book. I’ll probably be thinking about it right on til the next one comes one.
Thank you Neena for giving me the chance to read it early. I bow down to your ability to write such a fabulous piece of work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Amanda.
304 reviews
December 14, 2024
“She had forgotten who she was. But she was Kalisandre Helene Domitius, and she had vowed to set the world aflame.”

Kallie’s mind wasn’t her own, thanks to Myra and her ability to manipulate emotions she’s twisted Kallie’s mind into someone false. This book takes off right where the second one left off where Kallie was about to marry prince Rian and the church erupts into chaos. Grayson, Dani and his friends rescue Kallie from the false king Domitius, and flee with an unconscious Kallie. Terin, Kallie’s brother, is forced to keep her unconscious with his gift so that they can escape and get her to safety. There’s a lot of action in the beginning of this book during their escape with Kallie, the middle is a bit slower, with Kallie needing to have her mind heal and repair itself after queen Cetia repairs her mind and the damaged emotions within. There isn’t a ton of action throughout the middle of the book, it’s mainly Kallie trying to heal and discover who she is without her father’s influence. If you’re looking for smut don’t get your hopes up, this definitely isn’t that kind of book. There’s a couple of scenes with Graeson and that’s it. Towards the end we learn about Domitius’s experiments and what he’s attempting to do with humans and animals. Spoiler alert, it’s not good as you can imagine. I wouldn’t say this book ends on a cliffhanger, not like the last book at least where we’re literally left with Graeson, Dani and everyone else trying to flee and crumbling church with an unconscious Kallie. The ending has a sort of ominous feel to it with what’s to come. Honestly I don’t know if Myra can be forgiven, I don’t see how you could move past someone manipulating your emotions for over a decade and just become friends and all is well. We’ll see though, Myra could’ve been stronger if not for the threat of her brother hanging over her by Domitius. Honestly her character strikes me as very weak, she’s strong in the sense that she can survive what she’s been put through by Domitius while feeling the emotions of everyone around her, but she’s also weak because of her brother. Not all female characters are strong, but maybe with her brother gone she can finally flourish. Can’t wait to read the finale. Such a great series.
290 reviews11 followers
October 24, 2024
4.5/5 stars 1.5/5 spice
The last book ended in such chaos I knew the moment I got my hands on this book I wouldn’t be able to pace myself. Let me tell you I was so right! This book, much like the others in the series, is fast paced and picks up right where the last left off. The betrayal and lies carry over and we get to see in depth the claws the Bull King has dug so deeply into Kallie. The elaborate way in which the king has gone about to seek power is insane and my jaw was constantly on the floor. Neena does an incredible job of keeping you guessing, completely in the dark until the moment is right. I felt so much more emotions in this book as Kallie struggles with all the knowledge she’s been forced to come to terms with. It breaks your heart and her feelings of unworthiness when it comes to a parent was so devastatingly relatable. Graeson POV was equally as devastating as he struggle to maintain control of himself. There’s so much more to this man and the small glimpses into his true nature had me feral for more!
Thank you Neena for breaking my heart once again with Dani. This book is truly more devastating after reading The Heir’s Bargain but still so worth all the pain. Thank god there’s a little spice but in true Neena fashion it is a delicious (Unbelievably) slow burn that may smolder slightly more in this book. I seriously cannot wait for the next book, this series just keeps getting better and better.
Profile Image for Kiersten Bloomingdale.
72 reviews
November 20, 2024
ARC review
5/5 ✨
Neena has done it again with an amazing book that kept me on the edge the whole time! I received this book as an advanced reader copy and am extremely grateful to get this opportunity. I was so excited to jump back into the world after that cliffhanger from the second book. I loved how Neena still included Fynn in the series without disrespecting his death and seeing the characters interacting with him. I’m going to be honest Dani pissed me off for the majority of the book. I understand why she was mad at Kallie, but that doesn’t mean that I liked it. I absolutely loved Grey in this book, and I wish he were real because where can I find a guy like that?! I’m glad we got into Kallie’s mind throughout the book, and she wasn’t just in the background the whole time. I can’t wait to see what the final book brings to this series. All of the genetic testing and creating new creatures was cool to learn about, and I hope there is more of that in the next book. And can Kallue and Grey finally get together, I really wanna see them together finally, which we got a little sneak peek at in this book. Congratulations on book #4, Neena Laskowski
Profile Image for Jess Wolma.
12 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2024
Absolutely stunning from beginning to end!!

I had the honor of not only being an ARC reader, but a beta reader too for The Throne’s Undoing. Neena continually weaves plot lines and characters together in the most painfully real and wonderful way. No character is blameless, everyone is tinged with darkness or shame or trauma and that makes the book so complex and nuanced.

I particularly loved the way Neena wrote Kallie’s perspective this book. Kallie goes through tremendously challenging growth in The Throne’s Undoing and seeing her break the chains on her mind and walk through the repercussions of winning back her self autonomy was beautiful. Kallie is a star this book, you go girl!!!!!

We get a hint of romance near the end that has me on my knees begging for more!! That, coupled with a classic Neena Laskowski cliff hanger, has me waiting on bated breath for the final installment of the series.

The Heirs Bargain will always hold a special place in my heart, but The Throne’s Undoing is so good it almost steals the spot of favorite Neena book!!
58 reviews
October 20, 2024
Stayed up until nearly TWO IN THE MORNING finishing this book, because there was NEVER a “good” place to stop!

This story was go, go, go the entire time and even the thought of pausing for sleep felt blasphemous.

This book picked right back up from the cliffhanger of book 2 and Neena wasn’t kidding when she said that Kallie’s journey wasn’t going to be easy. I will praise Neena’s writing throughout this installment because her accurate touches on the mental health aspects of multiple character’s stories was both appreciated and heart wrenching.

While what she did to her “friend” is unforgivable, I did like getting to read Myra’s POV. It made her character more understandable, even if you didn’t agree with them.

We didn’t get a cliffhanger in this one, but we were left salivating for book 4 and I for one CANNOT wait to get my hands on it. Fingers crossed we get a release date announced by Christmas time! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
25 reviews
October 26, 2024
I’ve been captivated by this series from the very start, racing through books 1 and 2, and when I finally got my hands on The Throne's Undoing, I was absolutely hooked. This installment dives deep into Myra’s perspective, adding unexpected layers and complexities to the story. Kalisandre's journey is raw and real, filled with heartbreak but also a glimmer of hope as she slowly pieces her world back together. The author has crafted such a suspenseful, twist-filled narrative that keeps you guessing with each page. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another revelation would leave me stunned. The mystery, intrigue, and clever plot twists make this an incredible read, and now I'm left eagerly awaiting 2025 for the next book! Highly recommend this series for anyone looking for a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
1 review
October 28, 2024
SOLID 4.5 ⭐️

Kallies wedding day goes sideways and then the real turmoil begins. The TRAUMA was incredibly unexpected from the POV that has been added. I can’t stand when a main character is MIA but the way Neena did this didn’t even feel like we were missing them. I loved the immense character growth in Kallie. The only complaints I have is an aspect of her love life that I don’t want to spoil so I won’t spell it out and I want more of Graeson’s past and the side characters to be a tad more involved. But two small complaints for a 3rd book in a series is something to celebrate. And I feel like the way this played out was to give me the little that I felt lacking in the next book. This was my first ever Arc read and I almost don’t want to do it again because now I’m left with this huge cliffhanger and have to wait who knows how long for the 4th book?!?!
Profile Image for Ashlyn.
75 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2024
One of the things I love most about the Of Fire and Lies series, other than the characters of course, is how addicting each and every book is.

It’s been several months since I’ve read the first three books, but I had absolutely no problems jumping straight into The Throne’s Undoing, and I truly believe that’s a testament to Neena’s writing and story telling abilities.

This installment in the OF&L series is everything it needed to be and more. The emotions were high, and so were the stakes. And that ending?! Let’s just say that the next book can’t get here quick enough!

Thank you so much Neena for allowing me to ARC read The Throne’s Undoing!
Profile Image for Cassie Wright.
23 reviews2 followers
October 28, 2024
WOWWW.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶
Since this is an e-ARC, I won't spoil anything in my review, but book 3 in the Of Fire & Lies series exceeded my expectations.
The pacing is amazing, and the plot is plotting right along, and I know book 4 is going to be a doozy.
I love the addition of more of Myra's POV.
The character development Kallie goes through is realistic. She doesn't immediately give in to Graeson after the major event that happens to her in this book. She is reserved, contemplative, and is finally willing to listen to other perspectives with real consideration.
The only other thing I'll say is I'm mad at Dani.
Profile Image for Kelsey Theilen.
8 reviews
October 29, 2024
Arc review: 4.5⭐️

I read the first two books in this series sooo fast and was really looking forward to the thrones undoing!! The first third of this book was a little slow in my opinion and it took a bit for me to get into it, but once it picked up I was hooked. I loved the additional povs from Myra and some other side characters they dived into. There was so much emotion and character development in this book as Kalie faces the betrayal and confusion going on in her life. This really was the definition of a slow burn and I wish we would have been able to see more of Graeson and Kallie!!! But now I’m sooo sad I have to wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Mary LaFree.
37 reviews2 followers
November 17, 2024
“She had forgotten who she was. But she was Kalisandre Helene Domitius, and she had vowed to set the world aflame.”

We begin the book with Kallie’s wedding and chaos ensues from there. I’ve enjoyed Kallie’s journey so much. Our favorite morally grey FMC has been on such a tumultuous ride.. I love that her story isn’t your typical one. This is a gritty dark fantasy and the characters capture your attention. There was never any lulls on the story.. it was so hard to put down! And the twists, some subtle some in your face are so well written.

I’m ready for the next book and to see all of these characters meet their full potential. Such a phenomenal series!
Profile Image for Hanna.
112 reviews6 followers
October 26, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
2/5 🌶️ I say this because we got a bit more action in this book compared to the 1st two books. But the slow burn, suspense, & banter is 10000 chef kiss! 🤌🏽

In my opinion we don’t need s** scene after s** scene when the banter and build up is THIS GOOD!

This series has an absolute chokehold on me! I can’t wait for book 4. Just when I thought it couldn’t get better it does.

I’m just shook and still recovering from this book….

Thank you so much Neena Laskowski for the digital arc copy of this book. It’s a masterpiece! 😌🤌🏽❤️
Profile Image for meg bush.
115 reviews
October 21, 2024
4.8/5
As always, Neena knows how to do it. This story is so well written and I loved the pacing of book 3. I love Graeson and I love Kallie and I’m excited to see how they figure out this next phase in their friendship working through *cough ahem cough* that thing, ya know?? Ending book 3 that way and now I have to wait???? Come on!!!! Can’t wait to get my fingers on the finale and see what’s in store. Forever will highly highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Bridget Baker.
19 reviews
November 11, 2024
10000/10
I cannot wait for this book to come out so all my friends can read it!❤️❤️❤️ This is easily my new favorite series!!!

This one was amazing! It had me constantly guessing who was who and who really did what (iykyk) you get so many questions answered but then you have a whole new list of questions too 😅

I loved all the new fantasy elements that were introduced as well as the newer characters!
Profile Image for Eva Raney.
166 reviews1 follower
July 11, 2025
Lots happened in this book, but I found myself cringing and not wanting to read through parts with the experiments, etc. that were being done in the quest for dominance over the seven kingdoms. I felt for Myra but still really dislike her choices.
Finally - slow burn waiting is over! Hoping (and assuming) they will figure things out individually so they can come together for real. Next book isn’t releasing until Oct 15, womp womp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Madison.
46 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2024
What an emotional rollercoaster, and I absolutely enjoyed every second of it! I think this has been my favorite book from the series so far. I especially liked seeing the character development in Kallie and how she is trying to gain back what was taken from her. Can't wait to see how this story wraps up in the next one!
4 reviews
November 20, 2024
ARC review: Neena has done it again! Each time I think I know what’s gonna happen she pulls the rug out from under me with plot twists or emotional scenes that tug at your heart. This series as a whole has been one of my favorites, and I can’t wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Michelle.
31 reviews8 followers
November 20, 2024
I received an ARC copy of The Throne's Undoing from the author, in exchange for an honest review.


The Throne’s Undoing may be my favorite in the Of Fire & Lies Series so far. It picks up immediately after The Crown’s Shadow cliff hanger after the wedding, and my emotions were all over the place just like they were in The Crown’s Shadow. Kallie is really starting to question who she is, and the things she has been told all of her life. She really started to find herself and her own voice after all of the trauma she has been through. But that’s not to say that she has completely turned a new leaf and is the picture perfect princess. Our mind manipulating FMC is still a sassy, morally grey badass and I can’t get enough of her. One of my favorite parts of the story was being able to read Myra’s POV. She had such huge role in the way Kallie’s life turned out and some of the things she went through I was definitely not expecting. As much as I wanted to hate her for what she did to Kallie, by the end of the book, my heartt truly hurt for her. I also loved Fynn’s role in this story, because I am still not over the way things ended with him 😭

Some of Kallie, Myra, and Graeson’s struggles were so relatable, that I was truly an emotional wreck for most of the story. I absolutely cannot wait until Book 4 comes out and hopefully mends my heart for Kallie, Graeson, and their whole crew.

The Throne's Undoing checked so many boxes for me

✔️ Found Family
✔️ Royal Courts
✔️ Female Rage
✔️ Morally Grey FMC
✔️ Secrets & Betrayal
✔️ Emotional Trauma
✔️ Multiple POVs
✔️ Slooooowwww burn

☆☆☆☆☆
1 review
November 19, 2024
This book kept me on the edge of my seat with all the unexpected twists and turns! ! I love the adventures the princess continues to take and I am so excited for the next book already!
264 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2024
Once again Kallie is rescued from her "father's" plots and distrusts her rescuers. Myra was far more interesting to me in this book.
Profile Image for Amber Charpentier.
44 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2025
Absolutely love this entire series. Seriously under hyped. Everyone should run to read this captivating series. I love Gray and his dynamic.
17 reviews
November 18, 2024
The Throne’s Undoing Review

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. Let me say the story did not disappoint. Some spoilers for previous books in the series not for this one though.

We know Kallie was the morally grey FMC and she did some questionable things throughout the beginning books but the journey of undoing what was done to her and her healing this book is so good. I love the new characters and all the sassiness that they give. I love the growth and development of not only Kallie but Graeson as well. I cannot wait to see where this series goes and I’m itching for the next one.

Profile Image for Jen C.
42 reviews
November 20, 2024
Thank you Neena for the ARC copy!

This book filled in a lot of holes that the second one left. I'm so so glad that Kallie finally came to her senses but I wish she had been able to on her own. As a reader I think that would have been satisfying buuut I think having her memories and feelings brought forth for her explains her feelings that she's going to hurt someone again better.

I'm really glad this one delved into Myra's back story. After the betrayal in the second book, this explained quite a lot. I'm excited to see her story continue

I liked this book a lot more than the second but I feel like it just doesn't hold a candle to the first. It filled in the gaps, but I'm excited to see these characters expand more in the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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