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Court of Blood and Binding #3
Sword of Balm and Shadow
My world has come to pieces. I left Cavan in a pool of his own blood, suffering from a wound I inflicted. Against my will. Once again, my life is not my own. I have one chance to escape. All I have to do is run. If he catches me, he'll keep me. This is a reverse harem, omegaverse, epic fantasy romance, with adult content. PLEASE note TWs.
- GenresOmegaverseFantasy
294 pages, Paperback
Published September 21, 2023
21 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 23, 2023
Warning: Slight Spoiler
Sword of Balm and Shadow is the third book in Maggie Alabaster's Court of Blood and Binding series and it was full of surprises. This book has sensitive subject matter, something horrific happens to Khala. As a result, there was a feeling of melancholy in this book. Gods this is only the second series I've read my Maggie but it sure seems like she puts her MFCs through the ringer but makes them strong enough to weather the storm.
Khala is a spitfire. A strong and confident woman with a good heart and is tired of people telling her who she is and how she should be. After being kidnapped by Wornar and having her will stripped from her Khala is broken and I don't blame her, and she refuses to stay that way. I admire how Khala refuses to let him have that power over her, of not giving into the darkness. She allows herself to heal with the guys by her side the entire step of the way.
So, Cavan is alive and I'm surprised once again that he and the guys have bonded, they were worried for him while also worrying for Khala. I can't tell you how happy I am that they get along. Cavan fits in well, the banter is still the best and Cavan's mischievous side comes out, something he has in common with Reyes. Nothing much happens with Reyes and Tave (who is still my favorite) but there were some developments with the other two. Zared is having doubts, about him being human while Khala is fae, which is something he's starting to think about more. As for Vayne, he had a deep, from-the-heart conversation with Khala. He shared something and dang-it if I didn't have tears. Again. But it was a growing moment for his and Khala's relationship.
After what Wornar has done I wish him a painful ending. I never trusted him, he's despicable and how he was able to hide it for so long is beyond my comprehension. I wish I could say that he was the only problem but things are happening and the gang finally gets answers they've been seeking. The Court of Shadows makes an appearance and I'm less than impressed. They somehow manage to be nothing like I thought they would be and everything I thought they would be all at once. It was weird seeing a group of fae whose culture was so different from the Season Courts. Things are most definitely heading in the wrong direction, I have a bad feeling. Maggie gave readers a few surprises to keep us on our toes and honestly, I don't know what's gonna happen next.
Maggie is tricky, tricky. Just when I thought I knew who the villains were. Just when I taught I knew where the plot was headed. Bam, plot twist. In the final chapter of the book, Maggie hinted at something big, something I've only guessed at. I can't wait to see if my theory is correct. Sword of Balm was great but it only answered some of my questions hopefully more can be found in the final book, Whisper of Frost and Flame.
Sword of Balm and Shadow is the third book in Maggie Alabaster's Court of Blood and Binding series and it was full of surprises. This book has sensitive subject matter, something horrific happens to Khala. As a result, there was a feeling of melancholy in this book. Gods this is only the second series I've read my Maggie but it sure seems like she puts her MFCs through the ringer but makes them strong enough to weather the storm.
Khala is a spitfire. A strong and confident woman with a good heart and is tired of people telling her who she is and how she should be. After being kidnapped by Wornar and having her will stripped from her Khala is broken and I don't blame her, and she refuses to stay that way. I admire how Khala refuses to let him have that power over her, of not giving into the darkness. She allows herself to heal with the guys by her side the entire step of the way.
So, Cavan is alive and I'm surprised once again that he and the guys have bonded, they were worried for him while also worrying for Khala. I can't tell you how happy I am that they get along. Cavan fits in well, the banter is still the best and Cavan's mischievous side comes out, something he has in common with Reyes. Nothing much happens with Reyes and Tave (who is still my favorite) but there were some developments with the other two. Zared is having doubts, about him being human while Khala is fae, which is something he's starting to think about more. As for Vayne, he had a deep, from-the-heart conversation with Khala. He shared something and dang-it if I didn't have tears. Again. But it was a growing moment for his and Khala's relationship.
After what Wornar has done I wish him a painful ending. I never trusted him, he's despicable and how he was able to hide it for so long is beyond my comprehension. I wish I could say that he was the only problem but things are happening and the gang finally gets answers they've been seeking. The Court of Shadows makes an appearance and I'm less than impressed. They somehow manage to be nothing like I thought they would be and everything I thought they would be all at once. It was weird seeing a group of fae whose culture was so different from the Season Courts. Things are most definitely heading in the wrong direction, I have a bad feeling. Maggie gave readers a few surprises to keep us on our toes and honestly, I don't know what's gonna happen next.
Maggie is tricky, tricky. Just when I thought I knew who the villains were. Just when I taught I knew where the plot was headed. Bam, plot twist. In the final chapter of the book, Maggie hinted at something big, something I've only guessed at. I can't wait to see if my theory is correct. Sword of Balm was great but it only answered some of my questions hopefully more can be found in the final book, Whisper of Frost and Flame.
January 16, 2024
very inconsistent
The books is this series continue to get shorter and shorter. I honestly feel like this book could’ve been split between the second and the last. Although things are happening, it all feels like filler. Good for Khala for taking her power back but the author still rushed the process. She flinches when touched and you expect me to believe she was ready? No.
I usually reserve 1 star ratings for books that I DNF or truly did not like at all. My issue with this series is the inconsistencies. The MCs are trying to navigate which court is good and bad. Up until this book, it was perceived that the Shadow Court was opening up portals. They were the ones who were doing all this damage. So why when they get there did the group not ask any of the pertinent questions? Now all of a sudden it’s the Court of Dreams that’s doing everything and might be bad. Both Tavian and Hycanthe act odd when the portal opens. At one point Tavian might be related to the Shadow Court, the next his father was from the Dream Court. Then Hycanthe might be the Heir to the Shadow Court. Lightening and melting stone were aligned with the Shadow Court, now they’re not. There were so many things thrown out there. There’s too many plot holes. Were they all just theories? The Court of Dreams was pulling towards Vayne but Tavian is seeing griffins. Does an omega have to be in heat for a bond to be created? She has 4 bonds. In the book, she blocked 3 of her bonds. How come Jistun can speak but Rijal can’t? Makes no sense. The author spelled Hycanthe‘s name wrong the entire book.
The books is this series continue to get shorter and shorter. I honestly feel like this book could’ve been split between the second and the last. Although things are happening, it all feels like filler. Good for Khala for taking her power back but the author still rushed the process. She flinches when touched and you expect me to believe she was ready? No.
I usually reserve 1 star ratings for books that I DNF or truly did not like at all. My issue with this series is the inconsistencies. The MCs are trying to navigate which court is good and bad. Up until this book, it was perceived that the Shadow Court was opening up portals. They were the ones who were doing all this damage. So why when they get there did the group not ask any of the pertinent questions? Now all of a sudden it’s the Court of Dreams that’s doing everything and might be bad. Both Tavian and Hycanthe act odd when the portal opens. At one point Tavian might be related to the Shadow Court, the next his father was from the Dream Court. Then Hycanthe might be the Heir to the Shadow Court. Lightening and melting stone were aligned with the Shadow Court, now they’re not. There were so many things thrown out there. There’s too many plot holes. Were they all just theories? The Court of Dreams was pulling towards Vayne but Tavian is seeing griffins. Does an omega have to be in heat for a bond to be created? She has 4 bonds. In the book, she blocked 3 of her bonds. How come Jistun can speak but Rijal can’t? Makes no sense. The author spelled Hycanthe‘s name wrong the entire book.
September 11, 2023
As with the previous 2 books in this series, I can't say enough good things about this author and this story! The characters are so personable, with fantastic dialogue including some really funny moments between them. The story weaves thru the various environments (courts of the fae), always with our heroine Kahla at center stage. The magic that the group encounter along the way are so detailed!
It simply amazes me how involved I am with this series since I always shied away from fantasy books. This is a reverse harem, however, and so the author had me at "5 men/1 woman". Well, "5 fae/1 man", but those are just semantics. Any way you stack it, the sexy times are done so well, involving all combinations of partners. Yes, swords cross.
You need to read the prior books in the series to understand the story. As with books 1 - 3, this ends in a cliffhanger, but everything will be complete with book 4. It certainly will be bittersweet, but it's already on my "reread" list.
I suppose it's obvious, but I highly recommend every book in this series so far, and I'm sure the last one will be just as wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It simply amazes me how involved I am with this series since I always shied away from fantasy books. This is a reverse harem, however, and so the author had me at "5 men/1 woman". Well, "5 fae/1 man", but those are just semantics. Any way you stack it, the sexy times are done so well, involving all combinations of partners. Yes, swords cross.
You need to read the prior books in the series to understand the story. As with books 1 - 3, this ends in a cliffhanger, but everything will be complete with book 4. It certainly will be bittersweet, but it's already on my "reread" list.
I suppose it's obvious, but I highly recommend every book in this series so far, and I'm sure the last one will be just as wonderful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
"Sword of Balm and Shadow" is book three in the "Court of Blood and Binding" series, and it only becomes more complicated to know friend from foe. Every time we get some answers, new intel seems to change the entire story and the deeper their quest leads them into faerie, the more enemies these characters seem to encounter. It creates a fascinating fantasy storyline, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns to keep us entertained until the end.
With that I don't mean this is the final book in the series; there's a lot more to unravel before this series can come to an end. While the story unfolds, the relationships between these characters get deeper and more profound. This also means there are more swords crossing in this third book, and it feels like even more of the men will get involved with each other in the next book. It leads to some very fascinating spicy scenes, wetting my appetite for more to come.
I'm really enjoying this series, and I'm glad book four will be here soon!
With that I don't mean this is the final book in the series; there's a lot more to unravel before this series can come to an end. While the story unfolds, the relationships between these characters get deeper and more profound. This also means there are more swords crossing in this third book, and it feels like even more of the men will get involved with each other in the next book. It leads to some very fascinating spicy scenes, wetting my appetite for more to come.
I'm really enjoying this series, and I'm glad book four will be here soon!
September 21, 2023
Oh my the cliffy and the end of book three is a killer. Khala and her men are continuing their mission to find the Court of Dreams. Finding the Court of Shadows and hearing their stories add more questions for Khala and her men. Cavan is now bonded to Khala and she is trying to recover from something terrible that happened to her. The are all together one minute and find them apart from each other. Is this all part of what must be done in order to bring all the courts together?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
Fantastically exciting
Gahhhh each books ending has me on my toes with excitement and intrigue. I can’t wait to read more about the fmc’s adventures and how her relationship is growing with her harem.
Gahhhh each books ending has me on my toes with excitement and intrigue. I can’t wait to read more about the fmc’s adventures and how her relationship is growing with her harem.
November 19, 2024
Epic
Absolutely amazing stroy! Another brilliant book by the terrific author Maggie Alabaster. This is just another amazing example of the creative genius that this author is. Can't wait for the next instalment
Absolutely amazing stroy! Another brilliant book by the terrific author Maggie Alabaster. This is just another amazing example of the creative genius that this author is. Can't wait for the next instalment
September 23, 2024
😻
This series is pretty dam good. Definitely have no dam clue as to what the heck is going on though.
This series is pretty dam good. Definitely have no dam clue as to what the heck is going on though.
November 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Maggie has done it again! This is Book 3 in the Court Of Blood And Binding Series.
It continues right from the cliffhanger in Book 2 and ends with a 'To Be Continued'.
This is a "why choose" reverse harem with MMMF.
I definitely recommend this to dark fantasy romance lovers.
🌶🌶🌶🌶
Maggie has done it again! This is Book 3 in the Court Of Blood And Binding Series.
It continues right from the cliffhanger in Book 2 and ends with a 'To Be Continued'.
This is a "why choose" reverse harem with MMMF.
I definitely recommend this to dark fantasy romance lovers.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews