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The Auran Chronicles #4
Autumn Queens & Shadows
In a god-blessed realm where old ghosts lay resting but not gone, Thora remains the most haunted.
Now queen of Isjord, she’s helped her kingdom thrive back into its once glorious days that old kings had tarnished with greed and a need for power. For ten years, Thora has ruled with a steady reign, but one that has always been doubted by a few who still wish to see old kings take her throne. When the new queen of the Islines rises to lay claim on Isjord as a true heir of pure Krigborn blood, many begin taking her side.
The old will fight the new.
And the new will face the old, which was buried in shallow graves.
Much will be at stake as Iskyla Krigborn begins crawling through the foundations that Thora tried hard to set. But the closer they get to her, the darker and thicker the shadows around her become, the nearer and angrier their master grows. Strangers once friends now become allies who will raise ice and the dead as aid to the new threats of war.
While peace slips away into the hands of greed, which Ice Queen will lose control of it first?
Now queen of Isjord, she’s helped her kingdom thrive back into its once glorious days that old kings had tarnished with greed and a need for power. For ten years, Thora has ruled with a steady reign, but one that has always been doubted by a few who still wish to see old kings take her throne. When the new queen of the Islines rises to lay claim on Isjord as a true heir of pure Krigborn blood, many begin taking her side.
The old will fight the new.
And the new will face the old, which was buried in shallow graves.
Much will be at stake as Iskyla Krigborn begins crawling through the foundations that Thora tried hard to set. But the closer they get to her, the darker and thicker the shadows around her become, the nearer and angrier their master grows. Strangers once friends now become allies who will raise ice and the dead as aid to the new threats of war.
While peace slips away into the hands of greed, which Ice Queen will lose control of it first?
517 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2023
About the author
Wendy Heiss
11 books662 followersWendy Heiss is a indie author debuting with a new adult fantasy trilogy, Winter Gods & Serpents, the first book in The Auran Chronicles. She has graduated with a Forensics Science degree in the United Kingdom, but literature has been one of her passions since she could manage to read and write. Despite being severely tempted to ride the Agatha Christie route to crime novels, she chose to follow the Tolkien path to fantasy. She forwent fingerprint powder for ball pen ink inevitably forgoing her parents hope for a good life and becoming what they always feared...a figuratively starving artist, which is why she won't quit her day time job any time soon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
November 23, 2023
Thora and Malik. Mal and Rora. Malrora.
I couldn't count how many days I'd waited to read their story since the moment they met in Spring guardians and songbirds and all the endless teasers Wendy did in her page.
In book 2, Mal and Rora quickly formed a deep bond, but it didn't last long before hurtful words came between them. Now, after the events of book 3, we see Thora's transformation into a Queen, leading her people in Isjord. However, she is merely a shell of herself, having endured immense suffering throughout her childhood and adulthood. She has numbed her emotions and memories of the past, including her friendship with Mal, who was once her anchor but ultimately broke her heart and disappeared for years.
Rora was compelled to marry a wealthy lord in order to protect her people from her cousin Iskyla, who threatened to seize her throne. Just when Rora least expected it, Malik reappeared in her life on her wedding day, only for tragedy to strike as Iskayla murdered her fiancé. Caught between conflicting emotions for Malik and the treacherous world of politics, Rora finds herself on the brink of being consumed by it all.
The story was everything I had expected from Mal and Rora and so much I hadn't expected as well. Their connection didn't born from teasing and flirting but rather from the anguish and heartache of feeling unloved and searching for their place in the world. Both Mal and Rora carried scars from their pasts, seeking solace in one another. The gradual development of their relationship was exquisitely written which I found myself tearing up. My heart shattered for them, only to be delicately pieced back together.
I was absolutely thrilled to see Castemont family of Snow, Kilian, and their adorable children. The reunion filled my heart to the brim, and I found myself crying again of pure joy because of how much I missed them. The story was filled with heartwarming family moments that made me both laugh and swoon.
Even though Wendy said that this story was a novella, it obviously didn't feel like one. It felt as though I was experiencing the entire story all over again, relishing in the presence of beloved characters and their witty banter. This series has completely captivated me, and I'm reluctant to let it go.
I couldn't count how many days I'd waited to read their story since the moment they met in Spring guardians and songbirds and all the endless teasers Wendy did in her page.
In book 2, Mal and Rora quickly formed a deep bond, but it didn't last long before hurtful words came between them. Now, after the events of book 3, we see Thora's transformation into a Queen, leading her people in Isjord. However, she is merely a shell of herself, having endured immense suffering throughout her childhood and adulthood. She has numbed her emotions and memories of the past, including her friendship with Mal, who was once her anchor but ultimately broke her heart and disappeared for years.
Rora was compelled to marry a wealthy lord in order to protect her people from her cousin Iskyla, who threatened to seize her throne. Just when Rora least expected it, Malik reappeared in her life on her wedding day, only for tragedy to strike as Iskayla murdered her fiancé. Caught between conflicting emotions for Malik and the treacherous world of politics, Rora finds herself on the brink of being consumed by it all.
The story was everything I had expected from Mal and Rora and so much I hadn't expected as well. Their connection didn't born from teasing and flirting but rather from the anguish and heartache of feeling unloved and searching for their place in the world. Both Mal and Rora carried scars from their pasts, seeking solace in one another. The gradual development of their relationship was exquisitely written which I found myself tearing up. My heart shattered for them, only to be delicately pieced back together.
I was absolutely thrilled to see Castemont family of Snow, Kilian, and their adorable children. The reunion filled my heart to the brim, and I found myself crying again of pure joy because of how much I missed them. The story was filled with heartwarming family moments that made me both laugh and swoon.
Even though Wendy said that this story was a novella, it obviously didn't feel like one. It felt as though I was experiencing the entire story all over again, relishing in the presence of beloved characters and their witty banter. This series has completely captivated me, and I'm reluctant to let it go.
January 18, 2024
Perfect. Literally perfect.
November 14, 2023
OH MY GOD
Thora indeed delivered 😮💨 rtc let me breathe
Counting down the days i cant wait to be back in this world 😩😩
Thora indeed delivered 😮💨 rtc let me breathe
Counting down the days i cant wait to be back in this world 😩😩
June 12, 2025
I adore these characters!
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10 (Recommend reading the first 3 books first. We don't learn a ton of new lore here)
I've been looking forward to this story since book 2. Like, really looking forward to it. Malik and Thora have been endearing since they came on the page. I did not expect the time jump, but I should have. Thora being so young at the end of book 3 would mean she needed some experience to mature herself and her powers. I struggled with Malik's choices at the end of book 3. As a reader, forgiving him was not easy even if I did understand that he had to work on himself to be a better partner. Like his brother said, I've never seen two characters who know so much and equally so little about each other.
I feel like I wanted a little more from them. Maybe because we didn't get much of an epelogue for them so it feels incomplete.
I will read any and all books from this series. I can easily see a 2nd generation happening here.
⭐️ 3.5/5
🌶 2/5
🧠 5/10 (Recommend reading the first 3 books first. We don't learn a ton of new lore here)
I've been looking forward to this story since book 2. Like, really looking forward to it. Malik and Thora have been endearing since they came on the page. I did not expect the time jump, but I should have. Thora being so young at the end of book 3 would mean she needed some experience to mature herself and her powers. I struggled with Malik's choices at the end of book 3. As a reader, forgiving him was not easy even if I did understand that he had to work on himself to be a better partner. Like his brother said, I've never seen two characters who know so much and equally so little about each other.
I feel like I wanted a little more from them. Maybe because we didn't get much of an epelogue for them so it feels incomplete.
I will read any and all books from this series. I can easily see a 2nd generation happening here.
November 21, 2023
Guys... I'm so in love with Mal it's actually wild. AND THORA?? MY GIRLLLLLLLL!!! listen after reading her novellas Wendy Heiss made it onto my (very small might I add ) list of insta buy authors. BUT BRO OH. MY. DAYSSSSSSSSS. THIS WOMAN CAN WRITE STORIES. Now I wanna reread the first three books again…
January 24, 2024
“I cannot love.”
“Why would you think so?”
“Because what I want is not what I deserve.”
“Says who?”
“The one I wanted.”
This was the only part that made me sad 😢
I actually liked Thoras and Mals story better than Snows 🤷
“Why would you think so?”
“Because what I want is not what I deserve.”
“Says who?”
“The one I wanted.”
This was the only part that made me sad 😢
I actually liked Thoras and Mals story better than Snows 🤷
November 21, 2023
If there is one book I never grew tired of rereading during alpha & beta reading & edits, it was this one.
Guess who has already read this book?
That would indeed be me.
Guess who has already read this book?
That would indeed be me.
April 23, 2024
loved Thora & Mal’s Story!!
Sooooo freaking good! I’ll never grow tired of these characters or this world! I’m so sad it’s come to a close! I’m so happy we got Thora and Malik’s story! They were a favorite! A very tortured love story! They complemented eachother beautifully! I enjoy the bits of Snow and Kil that we got as well as the new bits with their family and the pieces of side characters! I hear there’s going to be another book, hopefully for the little ones! I’ll be waiting for it!
Sooooo freaking good! I’ll never grow tired of these characters or this world! I’m so sad it’s come to a close! I’m so happy we got Thora and Malik’s story! They were a favorite! A very tortured love story! They complemented eachother beautifully! I enjoy the bits of Snow and Kil that we got as well as the new bits with their family and the pieces of side characters! I hear there’s going to be another book, hopefully for the little ones! I’ll be waiting for it!
March 10, 2026
“I’ll never get tired of this world,” I thought to myself as I delved into the fourth book in a row with absolutely no regrets.
The way Mal and Rora’s love story tortured me until the very end is simply indescribable. And don’t even get me started on how much I sobbed, laughed, and smiled like an idiot whenever the banter and bickering delivered, in the best way Wendy does it!
I need book 5 more than air.
The way Mal and Rora’s love story tortured me until the very end is simply indescribable. And don’t even get me started on how much I sobbed, laughed, and smiled like an idiot whenever the banter and bickering delivered, in the best way Wendy does it!
I need book 5 more than air.
July 28, 2024
This felt like a novella in comparison to the previous three books. And it was A LOT less gory than them.
August 14, 2024
3. 8.
Uvik sam obožavala Mala, i Thora mi je bila draga, ali najviše njihov odnos.
U ovoj knjizi me iživciralo šta se njihov odnos nekako svatio manje ozbiljnim, on nije virovao da je zaslužuje, ona je njega krivila šta ju je napustio. I uopće ne želim komentirat kako je ono s Neom bilo nepotrebno. Neo je je skoro pa ucjenio za seksualne usluge, te ga Mal, Snow ili Kill nisu ubili, dok su ostale likove ubijali i za manje.
Uglavnom sve je terapija mogla rješit, ali u ovom svitu ne postoji to.
Očekivala sam puno više, ali iskreno brzo sam je pročitala, tako da jesam uzivala i zato je 4
Uvik sam obožavala Mala, i Thora mi je bila draga, ali najviše njihov odnos.
U ovoj knjizi me iživciralo šta se njihov odnos nekako svatio manje ozbiljnim, on nije virovao da je zaslužuje, ona je njega krivila šta ju je napustio. I uopće ne želim komentirat kako je ono s Neom bilo nepotrebno. Neo je je skoro pa ucjenio za seksualne usluge, te ga Mal, Snow ili Kill nisu ubili, dok su ostale likove ubijali i za manje.
Uglavnom sve je terapija mogla rješit, ali u ovom svitu ne postoji to.
Očekivala sam puno više, ali iskreno brzo sam je pročitala, tako da jesam uzivala i zato je 4
April 25, 2024
Oh my-
I am actually never gonna recover from my love of Thora and Malik- literally from the first second they had a scene together from that very first exchange of secrets I literally could not stop thinking about them😃 I read this entire book in one sitting I am so unwell- i literally forgot about life-
The first 50% of this book was actually so good I was absolutely floored and in shambles. The angst- the tension- the way they just fit perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle😭 Mal had me going crazy💍 Thora is so lovable her always being so gentle with Mal had me actually shedding tears🤧 no one gets them like I doooooo- I will be think about them for a looooonnnngggg time- tbh this might actually send me into a book slump bc idk what to do with myself
The last 50% TBH unfortunately wasn’t my fav🫣 I think that as soon as they started getting mushy with each other i kinda checked out😬 it felt like their characters lost their personalities WHICH WAS SO SAD FOR ME bc I genuinely loved their characters sooo much🤧 I really enjoyed them most when they were best friends who were clearly in love with each other so much more than when they actually got together if that makes sense😭 I didn’t like the sort of on and off stuff near the end and the miscommunication bc their communication was my favorite part of their relationship🥹I just wanted them to be happy it nearly ruined it for me😭
I will say the reveal about the necklace did in fact make me sob😊
The first 50% gets like a 5⭐️ rating from me— the last half is what bumped it down to a 4 (normally it might even bump it lower but I love Thora an Mal too much to do that)
I am actually never gonna recover from my love of Thora and Malik- literally from the first second they had a scene together from that very first exchange of secrets I literally could not stop thinking about them😃 I read this entire book in one sitting I am so unwell- i literally forgot about life-
The first 50% of this book was actually so good I was absolutely floored and in shambles. The angst- the tension- the way they just fit perfectly together like pieces of a puzzle😭 Mal had me going crazy💍 Thora is so lovable her always being so gentle with Mal had me actually shedding tears🤧 no one gets them like I doooooo- I will be think about them for a looooonnnngggg time- tbh this might actually send me into a book slump bc idk what to do with myself
The last 50% TBH unfortunately wasn’t my fav🫣 I think that as soon as they started getting mushy with each other i kinda checked out😬 it felt like their characters lost their personalities WHICH WAS SO SAD FOR ME bc I genuinely loved their characters sooo much🤧 I really enjoyed them most when they were best friends who were clearly in love with each other so much more than when they actually got together if that makes sense😭 I didn’t like the sort of on and off stuff near the end and the miscommunication bc their communication was my favorite part of their relationship🥹I just wanted them to be happy it nearly ruined it for me😭
I will say the reveal about the necklace did in fact make me sob😊
The first 50% gets like a 5⭐️ rating from me— the last half is what bumped it down to a 4 (normally it might even bump it lower but I love Thora an Mal too much to do that)
November 27, 2023
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to read an ARC of AQaS.
If you have not read the Auran Chronicles, then you should read it or finish reading Season Warriors and Wolves before you read this review.
If you have read the Auran trilogy, then you don't want to miss this one.
Written in dual POV, the story follows one of my favorite couples of the Auran Chronicles years after the final battle in Season Warriors and Wolves when Thora is on the Isjord throne where her crown has been questioned by other Krigborns, while Thora tries to solve this situation at the same time she will deal with Mal’s return and the wounds from the past.
It’s amazing how Wendy’s mind works, because while Thora is having her own story, other things are happening that are not stealing the spotlight of the main characters, Thora and Mal. You get to see Snow and Kilian again, making you nostalgic and wanting to reread The Auran Chronicles, but also subtly introducing a new story with Rain's powers and Mal's not been there for years. It is a good and clever way of announcing another series to come.
I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.
If you have not read the Auran Chronicles, then you should read it or finish reading Season Warriors and Wolves before you read this review.
If you have read the Auran trilogy, then you don't want to miss this one.
Written in dual POV, the story follows one of my favorite couples of the Auran Chronicles years after the final battle in Season Warriors and Wolves when Thora is on the Isjord throne where her crown has been questioned by other Krigborns, while Thora tries to solve this situation at the same time she will deal with Mal’s return and the wounds from the past.
It’s amazing how Wendy’s mind works, because while Thora is having her own story, other things are happening that are not stealing the spotlight of the main characters, Thora and Mal. You get to see Snow and Kilian again, making you nostalgic and wanting to reread The Auran Chronicles, but also subtly introducing a new story with Rain's powers and Mal's not been there for years. It is a good and clever way of announcing another series to come.
I couldn't stop reading until I finished it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Did Not Finish
December 24, 2023I dnfed this book pretty early on because it follows the same romantic relationship pattern which I disliked in previous books in the series. Like Snowlin, Thora can easily forgive Malik and as soon as their reunion happens makes it obvious that he has a power over her. He disappeared for 5 years and instead of trying to explain himself or show any kind of remorse he is cocky and gets under his skin. Not my cup of romance.
November 20, 2023
I love love Wendy's books,and this was no exception.I've waited so long for Thora and Malik and they didn't dissappoint,never did I think the plot would turn out like that and I WAS SO HAPPY ABOUT IT😭😭,amazing writing,amazing characters
April 21, 2024
Thora bb, you dropped this kween 👑
Shadow daddy…………………. .. Ice Queen
Lord of Death ……. 🫱🏼🫲🏽 ………. Loves pink
Terrible Childhood ………………. Terrible childhood
Malik did thora so dirty but then he was such a stalker cutie pie in love so I guess it’s okay 🫶🏽 love them
Shadow daddy…………………. .. Ice Queen
Lord of Death ……. 🫱🏼🫲🏽 ………. Loves pink
Terrible Childhood ………………. Terrible childhood
Malik did thora so dirty but then he was such a stalker cutie pie in love so I guess it’s okay 🫶🏽 love them
July 6, 2024
Wow just wow I never realized how much I needed this book till I read it. This was an absolutely breathtaking book I loved it so much.
November 13, 2023
❤️💗😻💞🥰 malik 💓🫶😍💕💋
she did it again. y’all….. i’ve been waiting for this one for so long and it 100000% lived up to the hype. thank u wendy for the ARC im literally obsessed
she did it again. y’all….. i’ve been waiting for this one for so long and it 100000% lived up to the hype. thank u wendy for the ARC im literally obsessed
November 15, 2023
such a fan as ALWAYS love getting thora and mal’s views ughhh and honestly always a fan of any snow and killian moments (,:
November 19, 2023
wasn't ready for this series to end, then I wasn't ready for this book to end, now I can't wait for the next one. what do I do with myself now?????
November 22, 2023
Spectacular, as always. Deserves every single 5 star review in the world. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 25, 2025
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE
July 29, 2025
Thora e Malik non potevano essere diversi. Non potevano essere meno complicati di così, meno profondi di così.
Avrebbero avuto bisogno di un libro da almeno 700 pagine e forse non sarebbe bastato, perché sono entrambi così stratificati ed hanno vissuto così tanto da non averne mai abbastanza.
Ho amato che lo spin-off sia stato ambientato dieci anni dopo la fine dell'ultimo capitolo della trilogia principale. Ho amato vedere entrambi più grandi, più maturi, più coinvolti nelle loro personali crociate che, comunque, li hanno sempre riportati a intrecciare i loro cammini.
Malik e Thora sono una costante. Sono un qualcosa che doveva già essere accaduto, che già doveva essere esploso.
Non lo considererei un "best friends to lovers", lo considererei un "love at first sight" dove non si sa chi dei due è caduto per primo e più forte.
Mi aspettavo di trovarmi tra le mani un libro più incentrato sulla morbidezza, sui sentimenti. Mi sbagliavo.
Con estrema coerenza, l'autrice ha mantenuta intatta l'atmosfera impostata nella trilogia principale. Ci sono tantissimi "big feelings", ma c'è altrettanta politica, strategia, magia e (non per ultimo e non da meno) found family.
I momenti con Sam, Rain e Jonah? Dèi, la dolcezza.
Rivedere Kilian e Snow, sempre più innamorati, sempre più uniti, sempre e comunque loro stessi è stato un balsamo per il cuore.
Ora, uno speciale shoutout al capitolo extra che pone finalmente l'attenzione su Visha e Elias. Signora autrice, donna del mio cuore, quand'è che regaliamo a questi due un libro tutto loro? Elias se lo merita soprattutto per l'estrema dedizione che ha mostrato nei confronti della nostra badass witch sin dal libro uno. Un po' di gioia per quel pover'uomo, suvvia!!
In sintesi: non è la fine, perché seguirà un altro spin-off ma, fino a quel momento, mi mancheranno da morire.
Per me ciascuno di loro è diventato un amico e, per quanto so che li troverò sempre lì ad aspettarmi, mi mancheranno come delle persone vere.
Avrebbero avuto bisogno di un libro da almeno 700 pagine e forse non sarebbe bastato, perché sono entrambi così stratificati ed hanno vissuto così tanto da non averne mai abbastanza.
Ho amato che lo spin-off sia stato ambientato dieci anni dopo la fine dell'ultimo capitolo della trilogia principale. Ho amato vedere entrambi più grandi, più maturi, più coinvolti nelle loro personali crociate che, comunque, li hanno sempre riportati a intrecciare i loro cammini.
Malik e Thora sono una costante. Sono un qualcosa che doveva già essere accaduto, che già doveva essere esploso.
Non lo considererei un "best friends to lovers", lo considererei un "love at first sight" dove non si sa chi dei due è caduto per primo e più forte.
Mi aspettavo di trovarmi tra le mani un libro più incentrato sulla morbidezza, sui sentimenti. Mi sbagliavo.
Con estrema coerenza, l'autrice ha mantenuta intatta l'atmosfera impostata nella trilogia principale. Ci sono tantissimi "big feelings", ma c'è altrettanta politica, strategia, magia e (non per ultimo e non da meno) found family.
I momenti con Sam, Rain e Jonah? Dèi, la dolcezza.
Rivedere Kilian e Snow, sempre più innamorati, sempre più uniti, sempre e comunque loro stessi è stato un balsamo per il cuore.
Ora, uno speciale shoutout al capitolo extra che pone finalmente l'attenzione su Visha e Elias. Signora autrice, donna del mio cuore, quand'è che regaliamo a questi due un libro tutto loro? Elias se lo merita soprattutto per l'estrema dedizione che ha mostrato nei confronti della nostra badass witch sin dal libro uno. Un po' di gioia per quel pover'uomo, suvvia!!
In sintesi: non è la fine, perché seguirà un altro spin-off ma, fino a quel momento, mi mancheranno da morire.
Per me ciascuno di loro è diventato un amico e, per quanto so che li troverò sempre lì ad aspettarmi, mi mancheranno come delle persone vere.
August 23, 2024
I would not recommend this series to anyone.
Usually with other similar books you initially might hate a character but as the story progresses you learn more about them and eventually fall in love with them, root for them. Its the opposite with these series you will start with loving all the characters but as the series progress you start resenting them, hating them.
There is also a very selfish negative undertone with all the characters. You sort of relate with them in the beginning with their selfishness, hate and need for vengeance and the need to hurt the ones around you because of their trauma but instead of overcoming that and healing i feel it says "this is who we are, love me and like me inspite of all the bad things i will continue to be". Feels very toxic.
Another message this story continues peddling is - its ok to lie to your partner if you think you are "protecting" them.
80% of the story is just miscommunication. They were best friends but never close, Malik is an empath but has no empathy for Thora and is very manipulative and deceiving towards her.
They had good chemistry in previous book but in this one it just feels off. All the dialogues between them are awkward. Thora many times bares her heart to him and Mal just ignores it by changing the topic or making light of the situation (avoiding confrontation...major 🚩🚩🚩)
Thora is crying and he would say something like "you look pretty when you cry for me" .. WTF dude! 🚩🚩🚩🚩
The overall series have a good plot, I started writing this review with 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but by the end i felt like the characters are too toxic, i was cringing the entire time i was reading the book and even the HEA doesnt soothe and take away the negativity and toxicity and so had to change it to 2 ⭐️⭐️
Usually with other similar books you initially might hate a character but as the story progresses you learn more about them and eventually fall in love with them, root for them. Its the opposite with these series you will start with loving all the characters but as the series progress you start resenting them, hating them.
There is also a very selfish negative undertone with all the characters. You sort of relate with them in the beginning with their selfishness, hate and need for vengeance and the need to hurt the ones around you because of their trauma but instead of overcoming that and healing i feel it says "this is who we are, love me and like me inspite of all the bad things i will continue to be". Feels very toxic.
Another message this story continues peddling is - its ok to lie to your partner if you think you are "protecting" them.
80% of the story is just miscommunication. They were best friends but never close, Malik is an empath but has no empathy for Thora and is very manipulative and deceiving towards her.
They had good chemistry in previous book but in this one it just feels off. All the dialogues between them are awkward. Thora many times bares her heart to him and Mal just ignores it by changing the topic or making light of the situation (avoiding confrontation...major 🚩🚩🚩)
Thora is crying and he would say something like "you look pretty when you cry for me" .. WTF dude! 🚩🚩🚩🚩
The overall series have a good plot, I started writing this review with 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but by the end i felt like the characters are too toxic, i was cringing the entire time i was reading the book and even the HEA doesnt soothe and take away the negativity and toxicity and so had to change it to 2 ⭐️⭐️
July 30, 2024
this book was the perfect Mal and Thora story🥹.
I don’t know what I was expecting, especially after having little snippets of them in the previous three books but the storyline was so. good.
I think in my head, I was hoping they would’ve maintained more of that innocent friendship they initially had and kind of build that towards a relationship from there, which isn’t really what happened instead they had their like arranged marriage thing which was also a good plot line, but I kind of wanted it to be more of a friends to lovers story, but i wasn’t upset at all with the way that the story went down
My only complaint was that I wanted some more
SMUTTT I wanted it to explain the black silk better because we never talked about that and also I wanted her to use it on him, but whatever…
This book was really really good and I was really looking forward to Thora and Mal’a story and it was just lovely. I’m looking forward to Cai and Eren‘s book which is coming out in January I believe!!
ALSO the scenes with Snow and Kil😭😭😭 and their kids so fucking adorable
I don’t know what I was expecting, especially after having little snippets of them in the previous three books but the storyline was so. good.
I think in my head, I was hoping they would’ve maintained more of that innocent friendship they initially had and kind of build that towards a relationship from there, which isn’t really what happened instead they had their like arranged marriage thing which was also a good plot line, but I kind of wanted it to be more of a friends to lovers story, but i wasn’t upset at all with the way that the story went down
My only complaint was that I wanted some more
SMUTTT I wanted it to explain the black silk better because we never talked about that and also I wanted her to use it on him, but whatever…
This book was really really good and I was really looking forward to Thora and Mal’a story and it was just lovely. I’m looking forward to Cai and Eren‘s book which is coming out in January I believe!!
ALSO the scenes with Snow and Kil😭😭😭 and their kids so fucking adorable
May 21, 2025
What I'm I supposed to do with myself now, I'm crying in the AM's once again because Wendy finished me with this perfect masterpiece 🤧
Reading this felt like home 🏡 There are books that you read and the story and characters find a permanent place in your heart and stay with you forever...THIS is one of those books (and the series as a whole) ❣️✨️
Mal and Thora, my darlings, I love them so much. There's so much I've learnt from both of them. Their love story was just brilliantly written; true, raw and real. Through the highs and the lows, the tears, the pain, the hurt, the anguish, the heartache, the joy, the strength, the LOVE, the laughter, the happiness, through it ALL, I'd do it all again ♥️
And then seeing my family again, SnowKil with their children made me so happy my goodness, the laughter and the craziness. I missed them so much 😭. Adopt me please 🙋🏾♀️
Whew, writing this review makes so me damn emotional because I don't want to say goodbye to them, but as Wendy said:
"The end,
Or the start.
It can be whatever you wish for it to be"
🦊🐦🦎🌸🏵🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌷⚘️❄️🧟♂️
Reading this felt like home 🏡 There are books that you read and the story and characters find a permanent place in your heart and stay with you forever...THIS is one of those books (and the series as a whole) ❣️✨️
Mal and Thora, my darlings, I love them so much. There's so much I've learnt from both of them. Their love story was just brilliantly written; true, raw and real. Through the highs and the lows, the tears, the pain, the hurt, the anguish, the heartache, the joy, the strength, the LOVE, the laughter, the happiness, through it ALL, I'd do it all again ♥️
And then seeing my family again, SnowKil with their children made me so happy my goodness, the laughter and the craziness. I missed them so much 😭. Adopt me please 🙋🏾♀️
Whew, writing this review makes so me damn emotional because I don't want to say goodbye to them, but as Wendy said:
"The end,
Or the start.
It can be whatever you wish for it to be"
🦊🐦🦎🌸🏵🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌷⚘️❄️🧟♂️
July 13, 2026
"Bravery has nothing to do with how afraid we are. We can fear and still be brave."
I finally got around to reading this book and my god, I missed these characters so much. It's so good to be back in this world!
Here, we follow Thora and Mal's story years after book 3 left off and we follow a marriage of convenience storyline between the two. Their banter is so entertaining, and their back and forth was so much fun to witness, especially with the thick tension from the hurt festering between them. That being said, the angst and yearning was superb as usual, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Mal be so whipped for Thora.
I realised what sin looked like when I put my hands on her. It was blasphemy. The contrast of cracked and scarred skin and broken knuckles that never healed properly. Callused and twisted fingers, hands that had been soaked in blood and ripe with murder.
Plot-wise, this was more low-stakes than the main series, but I was still hooked from start to finish. There wasn't much action as I would have liked but still, the 500 pages felt short because I was flying through this!
I am so parasocial with this world and the characters, I'm actually so sad I don't have the next book in my hands right now.
December 3, 2023
First of all, I would like to thanks Lizzy Heiss and Wendy Heiss for providing me with the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Well, Wendy Heiss is an author you must read. No but for real, her writing is fantastical. The political aspect of her books just feels right. It makes you think and do parallel.
Plus, the world building is complex but beautifully executed ! I wish she could be more known for her amazing work.
In this book, we meet again with Malik, Thora and all the family. Ten years has passed since the end of the main trilogy. And the things seems difficult in Isjord for Thora.
We learn A LOT about the relationship between Malik and her, what’s happened in the last few years AND at the end we learn a few things about…. Well something 😏 more secrets for us Miss Heiss ? !!!
I really enjoyed it, fr Wendy Heiss is becoming one of my fav.
Well, Wendy Heiss is an author you must read. No but for real, her writing is fantastical. The political aspect of her books just feels right. It makes you think and do parallel.
Plus, the world building is complex but beautifully executed ! I wish she could be more known for her amazing work.
In this book, we meet again with Malik, Thora and all the family. Ten years has passed since the end of the main trilogy. And the things seems difficult in Isjord for Thora.
We learn A LOT about the relationship between Malik and her, what’s happened in the last few years AND at the end we learn a few things about…. Well something 😏 more secrets for us Miss Heiss ? !!!
I really enjoyed it, fr Wendy Heiss is becoming one of my fav.
September 9, 2024
Wendy served the Mal and Thora content I needed!!! Loved their story sm I love them both. Still waiting on some Eren and Cai content though…
I will say though that the dual between Iskayla and Thora didn’t make sense to me but I was up till 1am reading so probably missed something😂 I know that Lilleth saw something in her vision about the dead crowning Thora which made sense as to why Mal raised the first King of Isea, but I couldn’t understand why the dual was going to happen and why it had been planted in Iskayla’s mind by Lilleth/Mal. I guess it was so that the conflict could have ended and Thora can be Queen of Isjord in peace? I don’t know… even though I’m confused about it I’m still happy that sweet Thora got what she wanted!
Can’t wait for book 5 eeeep
I will say though that the dual between Iskayla and Thora didn’t make sense to me but I was up till 1am reading so probably missed something😂 I know that Lilleth saw something in her vision about the dead crowning Thora which made sense as to why Mal raised the first King of Isea, but I couldn’t understand why the dual was going to happen and why it had been planted in Iskayla’s mind by Lilleth/Mal. I guess it was so that the conflict could have ended and Thora can be Queen of Isjord in peace? I don’t know… even though I’m confused about it I’m still happy that sweet Thora got what she wanted!
Can’t wait for book 5 eeeep
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2026
I wasn't gonna read this one, but I did, and yea I am happy to have the closure on more of the characters, but not at the cost of the plot.
We got Mal and Thoras journey, and then at the very end for some reason we get Vischa and Elias' dirty snippet. Barely anything of Eren and Cais endings though. And I was honestly most upset about Cai. We had him and his struggles and loyalty right from the beginning and then it seems he kinda got ripped off.
I did love having Snow and Killian's kids be a major part of this story.
Plot wise I wish there was more. It was so lackluster and just did not hold any suspenseful moments for me. Especially when you compare the intricacies of the previous books.
We got Mal and Thoras journey, and then at the very end for some reason we get Vischa and Elias' dirty snippet. Barely anything of Eren and Cais endings though. And I was honestly most upset about Cai. We had him and his struggles and loyalty right from the beginning and then it seems he kinda got ripped off.
I did love having Snow and Killian's kids be a major part of this story.
Plot wise I wish there was more. It was so lackluster and just did not hold any suspenseful moments for me. Especially when you compare the intricacies of the previous books.
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