My fated mate is hated by the entire realm and I’ll make it my life’s mission to change their mind.
I am Reveln, the fae prince who’s brother was killed by a shadow fae assassin years ago. The whole realm expects me to hate my brother’s killer, and I did— for a very long time.
But now that I know the full story, now that Caelynn and I have been to hell and back together—literally— I’ll do anything to keep her safe.
But the realm does not see what I see. And now that I’m named High Prince, I have expectations to uphold, a plague to end and an evil monster to hunt down.
I need Caelynn’s help, whether the leaders of the kingdoms like it or not.
So between parades and balls held in my honor, I work with the incredibly beautiful shadow fae assassin to save the realm from the evil still haunting us.
The Queen is convinced I must let my mate go for good—but that is one sacrifice I refuse to make.
Stacey Trombley is the author of several fantasy romance series including WICKED FAE and SHADOW HILLS ACADEMY. Her places to travel list is almost as long as her to-be-read list. Most recently, she spent 9 months living in a van with her family, traveling the US and Mexico. She has many more adventures in mind, both on Earth and in her imagination.
Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com
It was good as in story wise but Caelynn started out so strong and in this book she was so fucking sacrificial like she was just ready to sacrifice herself for Rev at every page which was honestly kinda too much.
Another exciting book in this series. This book focuses more on the politics after the Schorchedlands and their evolution of Rev and Cae's feelings and their relationship.
Both Ty and Kari have some great scenes and they keep proving to be interesting and loyal supporting characters.
Each book so far has ended with some sort of conclusion to a pressing issue/task, but there's still a much larger war raging that keeps getting more twisted, complicated, and interconnected.
This book definitely has a steamy scene - previous books have tension, lusty thoughts, and intense feelings, but this one goes beyond thoughts and words.
I'm looking forward to more books in this series and seeing where the adventure leads us next - and the possible whaaaaaat?!? having to do with when Rev sees Raven in this book...
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We're back again and nothing has improved. Okay wait that's a lie. Caelynn's and Rev's ability to communicate with each other improved by the slightest of margins. But Caelynn overly self-sacrificial continues to sacrifice herself while Rev low-key just stands by and watches her do this. He doesn't know it's happening half the time but he thinks that with time everything will be okay and they don't have any more time. He's kinda stupid and I stand by that. Overall, this one was slightly better because at least Rev fought for Caelynn a little bit more and Caelynn acknowledged her feelings for Rev more. I'm ready to read the last one and be done with this story.
ARC received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
This series keeps getting crazier and crazier! Such a great read and I feel the impending ending of Rev and Cae’s story and I’m terribly saddened by it. These characters are fantastic, though a tad frustrating in this novel. I continuously wanted to yell for them to just speak to one another. To admit it all. That’s not to say that this doesn’t add to the story though. It’s all very well done and it’s perfect for their character development. These two are so perfect for one another, but don’t even fully see it, and it’s definitely funny, though frustrating.
The stakes are rising in this one. Things are growing and I can’t wait for the finale.
So why 4 stars and not 5? There were times I found it a bit slow. This book is obviously a giant political bridge between books, and while interesting, it had it’s less-so moments too.
Tropes/ Key Points: Dual POV Enemies to Lovers Slow Burn I’ll let the world burn to save you Political Coups Fated Mates
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
TW: Death, Murder, Abuse, Attempted Harm\
Blurb:
He made a deal with the darkest being in the land to save me. He didn't kill me when he had a chance and now the Night Bringer and Night Terror are free. They will bring down death and destruction upon our land. Rev made a bargain with them, that if he set them free they couldn't cause harm to either of us or our courts, but there is always a loophole. Something that you can not predict, and I have no doubts that they would find it.
It feels weird being chosen for once. I put his life over mine in so many ways, so many times, that for someone to say that I am important, it bothers me. He put my life over the rest of the realms and that's too much for me. So here I am, helping him heal the scourge on our lands while the rest of the world continues to think I am the enemy. They do not know what I have done and they can't know. We will never be able to tell them that I am the true hero, that If I hadn't entered the "hell" realm that this healing would never have been possible.
I am a prisoner of the High Court. They say I'm a guest but we all know the truth. My future in this realm is up in the air and I may be banished again once the scourge is gone. The Queen knows that Rev and I are mates but she has made it very clear that I am never to be with him. That I can never stand up there and be his wife. I have to put Rev ahead of my own wants... one more time.
Review:
I am done. I am sorry but I can not continue reading this series anymore. I will likely never know how it ends, simply because Cae is irritating as all get out.
I think that this is an issue most YA writers encounter. The truth is, I never really see this type of character outside of YA books and I think it points to the stagnant nature of the YA genre. Cae is self sacrificing and constantly putting herself down. She actively seeks death and is constantly talking about how her life isn't worth it because of what she's done. She internally references that she enjoyed killing Rev's brother and how much of a bad person that makes her so she justifies her upcoming deaths by using this. That she was a bad person for enjoying killing someone who was about to SA her. I'm just over it. Cae is an irritating FMC. She was starting to grow and develop through the first two books and then in book three it's like she hit a wall then reverted back to who she was in the beginning, but this time she admits she loves Rev. And we are meant to accept that? I'm sorry but no. I'm tired of the repetitive nature of her internal monologue, I'm tired of her saying she doesn't have friends when she has three, I'm tired of her running head first into death, and I am tired of her not using her brain.
This is another thing that is popular in YA books, the MC has the information they need but they are so deliberately obtuse that they just ignore it. Or find some way to justify not believing it and I just think it's the stupidest trope/ thing that can be written. It always comes across as a way to stretch out or add tension to the story and not actually progress until later. It never comes across how I think the author means for it to be read. Again, it just makes me not like the MC and Cae is no exception. We see it in book three and yet again here in this book.
I will give the author props here, she wrote a beautiful world, filled with joy, conflict and a looming disaster that feels accurate to the setting. But it all is falling apart when the MC's can't do what they need to do. It's not like they are teenagers, they are almost 30 which in Fae years is still young, but they should be smart enough at this point given what has happened to them, that these silly mistakes aren't being made.
I do want to know what happens, but I can't in good nature continue and finish the series with book five. There are too many books out there for me to read one I have very little interest in at this point because I likely know how it's going to go. Cae will continue to think she deserves to die and right at the end around 60% suddenly she has a realization that she should have had 2 books ago. There is a chance, even though it's small, that I may eventually finish, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.
Love this next part in the Wicked Fae series!! Amazing read!! Caelynn continues to prove why she is one of my all-time favorite characters, so strong and resourceful. Her darkness, pain, and shadows make her alluring and intriguing, and ultimately has me as a reader loving her so much and wanting nothing but the world for her—worlds even. I love that she dares to want things for herself and her people now, even though she sees no way yet for her to have personal happiness, too. Her deep, abiding love for Rev continues to define and guide her decisions. It is inspiring and mesmerizing in its intensity, and I have felt such satisfaction (and relief) with the romantic turn of events in this story. Rev’s feelings about his fated mate are clear, and seeing him put her first and try to navigate his desire to be there for her while not shirking his responsibilities to his people either was … incredible. All of this is set against an intricate background of fae politics, magical threats of beings whose power and even existence is beyond what most suspect is possible, ruthless bargains, and luckily, the steadfast support of friends. I love the way the author plays around with the dichotomy of how her characters are perceived versus how they truly are, at their core, and the way shadow and light have multiple facets to them—parts of a whole instead of opposites.
I didn’t think it could get more complicated, but I was wrong! This book finally touches upon what I have been waiting for, but without spoiling anything; this slow burn finally turned into a fire ;)
Rev and Caelynn are back from the horrible place and Rev has a lot of exposing to do. It seems another bargain was struck with the ancient evil beings, but in all fairness Rev had no choice. Rev is completely in love Caelynn now, there is no hiding it and he doesn’t plan on it, but Caelynn is still more realistic about their future.
If I thought things were complicated before I was wrong because now the evil beings are free and now they have allies. Something is going on with Raven, Drake and few others and we still don’t what is happening.
However, on the romantic side, Rev is not giving up his mate for anything even his opportunity to become High Heir. It is actually cute watching him trying to woo Caelynn and then watching him get rejected in the kindest way, but it only fueled his determination. I really loved Rev in this book and his need to make Caelynn happy and keep her safe, was just so sweet; he is like a completely devoted husband.
Unfortunately, Caelynn is still the most hated fae and the people don’t like her which sets Rev off constantly. Luckily they have Kari and Tyadin to help guide, advise and give support.
Lemme just start by saying, if their relationship hadn't progressed in this book, I'd have needed a doctor for the ulcer they'd have given me with the constant push n pull. It's such a gift when I wait months for a book and it exceeds my expectations so beautifully! Now I feel torn about September, I mean of course I want to read Queen of thorns like yesterday but then, what would I do with my life afterwards? This is definitely my favourite book in this series. The writing just keeps getting better and more gripping. I was super pissed at how the Queen kept treating them(her). She was so condescending that at a point I exclaimed "Ha! look at that he figured it out without your wisdom". I wanted to shake Caelynn for letting herself be used when let's face it, they held all the cards but hey, Rev totally made up for it at the end. I also didn't like how people were quick to acknowledge her failures yet no one acknowledges anything good she does. How is it possible that every single person loved Rheagan to the point of blindness? The friendship between Ty, Kari, Rev and Cae is beautiful, so open and trusting. The best part though was finally seeing Rev grow into his strong loveable self. I just love how mature and all in he was once he finally made up his mind.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! These books just keep getting better and better! This one has less action than the others and is more devoted to the aftermath of the last book, and dealing with the intricacies of the high court and Rev and Caelynn's relationship, which I would ordinarily find more boring but honestly this is so well written I loved it anyway! I found myself realising at one point that I was somehow already halfway through the book in one sitting, but I had been so engrossed in the reading that I'd not noticed at all, and what's more only a week had passed in the book. It's crazy just how enthralling it all was and that so little time in the story could evoke so many emotions and dramatic scenes.The writing quality is so powerful and has definitely developed from the first book, but OMG the pain of forbidden love and how their relationship slowly develops with both character desperate for more but holding back for fear of the inevitable pain in the future was SO powerfully written and so believable. Honestly just stop reading this review and go read the book - trust me, it's worth it!
**I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review of this book - and yes I really did love it that much!**
3/4 of this book is nothing but repetitive rambling. Where it could have been two characters dealing with their trauma and experiences or more world building that explains the new power and bond our characters have or even just the story actually progressing we actually end up with the idea of these things but what is actually lots of sitting around, drinking and having the same why they/won’t they conversation we’ve had for three books already, culminating in poorly written, weirdly out of character, (barely counts but not fade to black) smut.
I will say the ending I enjoyed for the most part, the action picked back up and we got to see a little bit more of the plot come together. At this point I will be reading the final book because it’s not too long and I hope we finally see some of the potential this series had pay off now all the elements are in place.
This book just gave me a book hangover. I cannot tell you how much i love Rev and Caelynn story. its so raw and real.. so selfless. Im seriously rooting for them even when everyone and everything is against them. I’s complicated. There was a scene where i literally wanted to cursed everyone especially Life! the unfairness of it all and my tears of rage came out!! 😭. The stakes are high and nobody is safe. With that mouth dropping ending i think the odds might have even out... maybe... because it can totally backfire. How do your defeat the devil? by releasing another type of devil. Its crazy! so. freaking. good. everyone needs to read this! #Caelynn&Rev
So, I started rereading this series since I had paused on the third book when I first found this in 2021. I finally caught up and read this. It was absolutely stressful, I kept pausing on the reading because I couldn't with my nerves. Stacey is definitely an author that is able to manipulate the reader's emotion like a master puppeteer. Honestly, even though the book ended on a good note I still can feel the anxiety in my stomach, (which was the reason I couldn't continue this series back when this book came out, my mental health wasn't as great at that time) but I'm ready to dive now to the last book And maybe, once I finish this series I will finally find the courage to finish reading the novella of the night bringer, to see how everything came together
I started this book in July and it is now October. I have yet to pick it back up after just getting upset with the self-sacrificial energy of the FMC. I was almost to the finish line in completing this series, and the drama was really beginning to build. The author does do a great job at the world building. The storyline is very interesting, but I just can’t get over the relationship of the main characters. I am a romance lover at heart, but I was just not a fan of their character development, especially at book four in to the series.
I absolutely loved the Shadow Hills Academy series, so I’m so surprised at the difference in writing and also the main characters of the story. Overall, I might try to come back, but I probably won’t.
This book is recommended for readers 18+ due to a sex scene.
Caelynn is my favorite martyr. Having a character that is so convinced they deserve nothing of happiness and continually try to give their life away for those they love could get really tedious. Surprisingly, her character is not. She could come off as whiney but she remains a very empathetic character. I also love how far Reveln's character has come in this series. The emotions in this story remain strong and compelling. The world building is quite fascinating. Even the secondary characters are becoming more and more interesting. I am excited to see how this ends in the next installment.
Thanks given to Stacey Trombley who provided me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Shadow of Thorns - oh man, where do I begin? The tension between Reveln and Caelynn is at an all time high and even their stolen moments of heaven aren't enough to stave off the desperate need I have to see them brought together as they deserve. More, I want to see Caelynn take her place and finally accept her worth.
These characters will frustrate you, amuse you and leave you hopelessly giddy when they have their light bulb moments.
I have loved each instalment of this journey so far and I'm hopeful for a satisfying resolution next!
Loved it! Caelynn continues to be my all time favorite book character. She is deep, dark and knows what she wants in life. Choosing between her fated mate and her home is her hardest decision yet but she is now navigating it with Rev by her side. Rev has proved that he loves Cae over and over again. He is becoming a well round High Prince and I believe he will fulfill his goal to have Caelynn well liked by the fae world one way or another! Rev putting her first in this book was all a reader could ask for! He let her choose and finally magic happened!
This is a very interesting character piece against a backdrop of a lot of political intrigue.
The one thing missing is that not enough time is given to the overall villains motivations, side characters and world building etc.
However the two main characters are beautiful together and we know them inside and out and they have a great love that I really want to see get a happily ever after. They deserve happiness.
Rev and Caelynn are back from the Scorchedlands. With court politics, the scourge to heal, their feelings and Rev finally knowing what he wants, we are once again in for a not so smooth ride. Rev sealed a deal with the Night Bringer but will he really left it like that? Or will he found loophole to harm Caelynn? This book has a little more steam toward the end and wow I was all there for it. Caelynn still choose Rev above everything else and I really she will at least only once choose something for herself. I am really eager to have the last installment of Rev and Caelynn story.
I cried more than once reading this book which to me always signifies that it’s a good book of it can draw that level of emotion. Not only that but this series has managed to keep me hooked. Usually by the end of book three to any series I start to lose interest, but I’m just as invested in this story at the end of book 4 as I was at the end of book 1. Amazing work.
To the world he is a hero but in reality he has doomed the world.
This book was so good and I have to tell you I was wiping away my tears half of the time, because you just have to feel this same hopelessness they feel.
It's a big fight between who is villain who is hero in their relationship and it really annoys me that Caelynn still doesn't think that she is enough or even deserving of Rev.
Still this book is really good and I'm excited to read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After 4 books you would think Cae, would get off her cross, and start living her life. For someone who professes to not care about people disliking her, she still bows to them. Book 1 started off with a 5 star but as FMC is still stuck in her “we’re fated mates but I am leaving” crap for 3 1/2 books the stars keep falling off.
I... cried so much with this book, Cae is so strong and she loves and desire so deeply to, and Rev can now understand tha he needs to fight for her like she did for him. It's amazing everything that this book can make your feel, I'm so so excited to read the final book and hopefully get a happy ending
I'd reccomend this book to anyone who like fantasy, fae, romance storylines I'm honestly so invested in how this series ends and ive fallen in love with both caelynn and rev they've both been through so much hardship but are finally getting their happy ending together.
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥 Trope: second chance love Tension: 4/5 you find yourself waiting for the Nights to react and destroy. Pro: Cae is finally getting some respect, little as it may be. She makes hard choices and follows her gut. Rev does a good job of toeing the line of desire and manipulation. You really are rooting for them.
This is an angsty fae paranormal romance, in all I did enjoy the series as a whole but it probably didn't need to be 5 books long as some parts seemed to drag out a lot. Also the whole "I'm not worthy" that continued through the whole series did get old. In the end I did enjoy the series and I would read this author again.
I enjoyed this story but I felt like I was getting really burnt out on the hot and cold aspects of Rev and Cae's relationship. It had been going on for 4 books already so I was over it. I see that we're going into book 5 with more of the back and forth but hopefully it resolves sometime soon.
Shadow of Thorns, the fourth book of the Wicked Fae series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). This fourth book of the series is less "action-packed" and more focused on character/relationship development. Slower pace, but plenty of surprises to hold a reader's attention.
Another amazing book in this series! I am constantly waiting for everything to go right, but also delighted when it doesn't. All of the characters have me invested, even the secondary and tertiary ones. I'm not usually a fan of cliff hanger endings but each book has left me ready to read the next!
Sometimes I get frustrated with all the lamenting and whining that happens with these two. I'm invested enough to finish the series and just glide over the self loathing that grinds my brain into mush.
I feel like this series has been kind of drug out. Like it’s good, don’t get me wrong. I just have lost understanding in the endings. The politics of the courts are just like soooo good though. Very rooted in reality which is kind of chaotic for the time period I’m reading this in.