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The Lost Kingdom Saga #3
Return of the Darkness
A Queen of Darkness in mourning
A Queen of Revenge with a prisoner
A Queen of Reason searching for answers
A King of Family Ruin in pain
A Future Queen betrayed by family
A Fallen Queen losing sanity
Dealing with the fallout of war and loss, the rulers of Novisia are beginning to learn that their world stretches further than their small Kingdom home. Through the return of darkness, they must find a way to save not only themselves but new allies that cannot provide them with complete truths.
As answers begin to fall into place and relationships are tested through unknowns, pain and devastation, the rulers question who is truly on their side. Will they be left standing at the end? Or will their Kingdom truly fall as prophecy predicted long before any of them were born.
A Queen of Revenge with a prisoner
A Queen of Reason searching for answers
A King of Family Ruin in pain
A Future Queen betrayed by family
A Fallen Queen losing sanity
Dealing with the fallout of war and loss, the rulers of Novisia are beginning to learn that their world stretches further than their small Kingdom home. Through the return of darkness, they must find a way to save not only themselves but new allies that cannot provide them with complete truths.
As answers begin to fall into place and relationships are tested through unknowns, pain and devastation, the rulers question who is truly on their side. Will they be left standing at the end? Or will their Kingdom truly fall as prophecy predicted long before any of them were born.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
Published March 18, 2025
13 people are currently reading
633 people want to read
About the author
Laura Carter
6 books154 followersLaura grew up in rural Scotland before moving to London to study for her degree in English Literature, where she lived for ten years before moving back to the countryside with her Romanian rescue dog, Rez. She grew up constantly immersed in different worlds through reading and always dreamed of becoming an author. When her love of fantasy and romance was re-ignited after three years of only ever critically analysing work, her dream of creating her own worlds returned. She now balances working full time for a cancer charity with writing her debut series, The Lost Kingdom Saga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 8, 2025
4.5/5
This is a multiple POV book and there was not a POV I was not invested in. I’d finish one chapter and want to know how their story continues but then I’d be so into the next POV I’d forget that I was desperate for a continuation of a different POV. I was invested in EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER.
The plot was so well developed over the course of this book, with so much foreshadowing having been done and so much new knowledge gained. The way the next book in the series has been set up has left me frothing at the mouth.
The writing was beautiful. Laura does beautiful prose the way it’s supposed to be done - by painting a rich painting of the scene. It would be an injustice if this never ended up on a screen.
This is a multiple POV book and there was not a POV I was not invested in. I’d finish one chapter and want to know how their story continues but then I’d be so into the next POV I’d forget that I was desperate for a continuation of a different POV. I was invested in EVERY. SINGLE. CHAPTER.
The plot was so well developed over the course of this book, with so much foreshadowing having been done and so much new knowledge gained. The way the next book in the series has been set up has left me frothing at the mouth.
The writing was beautiful. Laura does beautiful prose the way it’s supposed to be done - by painting a rich painting of the scene. It would be an injustice if this never ended up on a screen.
February 9, 2025
This book will break your heart, put it back together again and then break into twice as many pieces a hundred times over.
If I wasn’t broken before, I sure am now.
MUST. MUST. MUST. READ.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
(I will do a proper review at some point, but this is how best I can articulate my thoughts rn)
If I wasn’t broken before, I sure am now.
MUST. MUST. MUST. READ.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
(I will do a proper review at some point, but this is how best I can articulate my thoughts rn)
March 27, 2025
I loved loved this one.
The emotional damage was shocking. Obsessed with how Laura writes the multiple POVs so that I actually truly care about all the characters. Unfortunately that lead to tears…
The epilogue made me want to tear my hair out. Literally what the freakin freak !!!! Need the next book immediately, Laura get writing please and thanks
The emotional damage was shocking. Obsessed with how Laura writes the multiple POVs so that I actually truly care about all the characters. Unfortunately that lead to tears…
The epilogue made me want to tear my hair out. Literally what the freakin freak !!!! Need the next book immediately, Laura get writing please and thanks
February 11, 2025
4.5 stars ♥️♥️♥️
I cannot even describe the love I have for these characters and this series.
Full review pending because I need time to collect my thoughts after that ending 🤭☺️
I cannot even describe the love I have for these characters and this series.
Full review pending because I need time to collect my thoughts after that ending 🤭☺️
March 13, 2025
I feel very lucky to be gifted an ARC by Laura Carter. I have been a fan of her work and The Lost Kingdom Saga for a while and I had very high hopes for Return of the Darkness and I was not disappointed! Laura’s world is like nothing I have read before and this book gives us even more insight into the world she’s created.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one, the twists (especially the end?!?) I could not see coming and constantly had me gasping. I cried and laughed and so much from this book. I cannot wait for book 4 and the rest of the saga.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from page one, the twists (especially the end?!?) I could not see coming and constantly had me gasping. I cried and laughed and so much from this book. I cannot wait for book 4 and the rest of the saga.
November 4, 2025
So lucky to have been chosen as a ARC reader for this… Book 3 in the Lost Kingdom Saga!
Laura has completely taken my heart with this series, the characters, the world, the twists and turns. Just magic!
Laura has completely taken my heart with this series, the characters, the world, the twists and turns. Just magic!
March 24, 2025
•~☆ Return of the Darkness ☆~•
This is book three of The Lost Kingdom Saga and just, wow. Laura has yet again delivered another beautifully written book that is difficult to put down.
I thought I had come close to healing since book two, I was wrong. Tears were produced, and a lip came out when a certain someone was mentioned (IYKYK). But if that wasn't enough, Laura had me questioning another character throughout this book. A character I was very much intent on hating (they're a great character to hate!), and I'm not sure how I feel about this. There are so many conflicting emotions, so many actions that can't be forgiven, and yet, there is so much more there than we first thought.
If you're looking for a new Fantasy series and haven't heard of this or picked it up yet, I really recommend it.
This is book three of The Lost Kingdom Saga and just, wow. Laura has yet again delivered another beautifully written book that is difficult to put down.
I thought I had come close to healing since book two, I was wrong. Tears were produced, and a lip came out when a certain someone was mentioned (IYKYK). But if that wasn't enough, Laura had me questioning another character throughout this book. A character I was very much intent on hating (they're a great character to hate!), and I'm not sure how I feel about this. There are so many conflicting emotions, so many actions that can't be forgiven, and yet, there is so much more there than we first thought.
If you're looking for a new Fantasy series and haven't heard of this or picked it up yet, I really recommend it.
March 2, 2025
Thank you to Laura Carter for sending me this ARC, I thoroughly enjoyed the 1st two books of the series and I enjoyed book 3 even more. I’m rating this 4.75 stars.
This book pulls no punches, it’s adventurous and mysterious still unravelling secrets and the prophecy one step at a time. The depth of loss and betrayals in this book plus revelations changing dynamics of the characters is huge.
I’m a huge fan of multi POV and Laura Carter brilliantly gives each perspective without it feeling overwhelming or confusing.
The epilogue was outrageous, a real OMG moment. So I’m obviously anxious to get my hands on the next book ASAP.
This book pulls no punches, it’s adventurous and mysterious still unravelling secrets and the prophecy one step at a time. The depth of loss and betrayals in this book plus revelations changing dynamics of the characters is huge.
I’m a huge fan of multi POV and Laura Carter brilliantly gives each perspective without it feeling overwhelming or confusing.
The epilogue was outrageous, a real OMG moment. So I’m obviously anxious to get my hands on the next book ASAP.
May 13, 2025
Honestly I didn’t love this book as much as the last 2 but I think it was because I had a while between book 2 and 3 and it jumps straight back into the action so would recommend reading them back to back. That being said the last 30% I absolutely loved and the set up at the end has me so excited for the next book.
May 27, 2025
Oh my goodness, I love this series so so much and I am so invested.
I want more now. I love the multiple POVs. The short snappy chapters kept me interested and I just wanted more and more and didn’t want it to end.
November really can’t come quick enough!!!
I want more now. I love the multiple POVs. The short snappy chapters kept me interested and I just wanted more and more and didn’t want it to end.
November really can’t come quick enough!!!
August 25, 2025
So many twists and turns, cannot wait to see what is going to happen next! Continuing to love the way the story unfolds through the different POV’s, fast paced, action packed and an emotional rollercoaster!
February 9, 2025
Utterly amazing. How this series of books doesn’t get more recognition I’ll never know. The ending was utter perfection and I can’t wait for the next book.
April 17, 2025
OH MY GOD holy shit this was AMAZING!!! the way this series and world is just expanding every book is just... WOW 🤯 I cannot WAIT for the next one 👀
July 15, 2025
fucking hell 🥰
April 3, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I absolutely LOVED this book - we picked up right where we left off in book 2.
The plot twist in the last ~100 pages was UNEXPECTED but great, and my god the ending, I couldn’t have asked for a better cliffhanger 😭 Absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series!
I absolutely LOVED this book - we picked up right where we left off in book 2.
The plot twist in the last ~100 pages was UNEXPECTED but great, and my god the ending, I couldn’t have asked for a better cliffhanger 😭 Absolutely can’t wait for the next book in this series!
February 27, 2025
Once again Laura’s made me weep 😭 absolutely amazing 🩷 I need the next book immediately 😬🩷⭐️
May 10, 2025
this is the 3rd book in the series and i got to admit, i was hoping for more. book 2 impressed me and so i was going into book 3 expecting a lot.
this was about 350 pages of nothing. and then the last 40 pages or so FINALLY gave us some action.
this was incredibly slow paced. and honestly i don’t think i could tell you what really happened in this book except for the last few chapters. this book was giving filler energy and whilst i know we do need that every now and then to get the story moving, i kinda wish it wasn’t the entire book.
i struggled to empathise with many of characters. i appreciated some of the characters motives/grievances but i couldn’t get on board with some of it: a lot of their bonds had been built too quickly for my understanding and so i couldn’t grasp why they were mourning something they’d had for 5 mins? maybe i’m being too harsh but it really had me wanting to skip certain POVs because i didn’t care.
that being said, the plot twists at the end of this were good! i thought the ending of legacy of the heirs was shocking but this did raise the stakes- which is why i gave it 2 stars over the one i was originally planning on. i can’t rate it higher, i was bored for most of this book.
i have got to give credit where it is due and say i was glad for the trigger warnings in this one. sometimes they can take you out of the story but in this case, i was glad they’d been included. there’s a lot of references to self harm and grief in this one and as someone who is affected by both, i was glad for the forewarning.
i am intrigued by the 4th one (and obvs i can’t stop reading a series partway through) but yeah, im hoping the fourth one is better than this otherwise i fear i wont want to finish it all.
this was about 350 pages of nothing. and then the last 40 pages or so FINALLY gave us some action.
this was incredibly slow paced. and honestly i don’t think i could tell you what really happened in this book except for the last few chapters. this book was giving filler energy and whilst i know we do need that every now and then to get the story moving, i kinda wish it wasn’t the entire book.
i struggled to empathise with many of characters. i appreciated some of the characters motives/grievances but i couldn’t get on board with some of it: a lot of their bonds had been built too quickly for my understanding and so i couldn’t grasp why they were mourning something they’d had for 5 mins? maybe i’m being too harsh but it really had me wanting to skip certain POVs because i didn’t care.
that being said, the plot twists at the end of this were good! i thought the ending of legacy of the heirs was shocking but this did raise the stakes- which is why i gave it 2 stars over the one i was originally planning on. i can’t rate it higher, i was bored for most of this book.
i have got to give credit where it is due and say i was glad for the trigger warnings in this one. sometimes they can take you out of the story but in this case, i was glad they’d been included. there’s a lot of references to self harm and grief in this one and as someone who is affected by both, i was glad for the forewarning.
i am intrigued by the 4th one (and obvs i can’t stop reading a series partway through) but yeah, im hoping the fourth one is better than this otherwise i fear i wont want to finish it all.
February 19, 2025
Expertly crafted fantasy!
This is the third of what is shaping to be one of my favourite fantasy series. I have been lucky enough to be one of the ARC readers and golly this book did not disappoint. Laura has created a wonderful universe with great use of multiple POVs to constantly keep the reader on their toes.
Multiple stories from the first two books start wrapping up however the book is full of so many twists and turns that it constantly keeps you guessing and wanting more . Although you feel like you are getting some closure on previous stories there is so much more to be told and lots of new stories are about to begin! I cannot wait to see where this series goes and what further heartache and surprises we have in store as the wider story unfolds.
This is the third of what is shaping to be one of my favourite fantasy series. I have been lucky enough to be one of the ARC readers and golly this book did not disappoint. Laura has created a wonderful universe with great use of multiple POVs to constantly keep the reader on their toes.
Multiple stories from the first two books start wrapping up however the book is full of so many twists and turns that it constantly keeps you guessing and wanting more . Although you feel like you are getting some closure on previous stories there is so much more to be told and lots of new stories are about to begin! I cannot wait to see where this series goes and what further heartache and surprises we have in store as the wider story unfolds.
March 7, 2025
This book, whilst containing so much important information, was quite slow paced and took me a while to get into.
There’s some great plot twists and I am now living for the next one after that ending!!
Not my favourite of the 3 so far but I am still invested to see where the story goes from here.
There’s some great plot twists and I am now living for the next one after that ending!!
Not my favourite of the 3 so far but I am still invested to see where the story goes from here.
February 9, 2025
𝟰｡𝟱 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 *ੈ✩‧₊˚
I don't even know where to start but I think this sums it up ...
It's hard to review a book mid-series because of "spoliers" but if you have read the first two books all I can say is that everything you thought you knew, or whatever direction you thought this series was going in is wrong!
Laura's writing is sublime, and the way she has made me so emotionally attached to "almost" every single character in this series is honestly my favourite thing. No harm must come to my faves because I will actually RIOT. I fear for everyone at this point because Laura does not hold back 🤣 😭
ROTD as a whole was a 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘, we pick off right back in the action from the end of book 2 and as with the previous books our key characters split up and go off on their own little journies in attempts gather information and uncover any secrets that are pivitol in solving the mystery they have found themselves in the middle of.
The u-turn this series has taken by the end of this book is 🤯, but I am here for every minute of it.
It is now so much more than our 4 unlikely heirs, the world and the events that have unfolded are far bigger than I ever imagined when I set off reading the third installment and what Laura has done with these books and these characters is nothing short of phenomenal.
We meet a lot of new characters, and our heirs are having a tough old time to say the least. I did struggle at times with the pacing in the middle of the book and lost a sense of where we were going because there were so many things being hidden from our characters. However, I do feel like there is so much foreshadowing throughout this beast of a book and it will be one of those that you appreciate more and more as the story develops throughout the remainder of the series.
In true Laura fashion though, the ending of this book had me 𝗚𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗. Physically shaking. The last 10 chapters had me in the biggest chokehold and I simply could not stop until I finished reading it. Never have I ever experienced the emotions I felt all at once. The ending of LOTH broke my heart in half, but that was nothing compared to how the ending of ROTD made me feel.
Simply epic. Book 4 now please??
If you love character driven stories, with multiple POV's, heavier on the fantasy, lighter on the romance, the plot is constantly shifting gears, family drama, frienship dynamics, secrets and riddles, tons of political intrigue and conflict, trauma and earth shattering emotional devastation throughout - then The Lost Kingdom Saga is for you.
I don't even know where to start but I think this sums it up ...
It's hard to review a book mid-series because of "spoliers" but if you have read the first two books all I can say is that everything you thought you knew, or whatever direction you thought this series was going in is wrong!
Laura's writing is sublime, and the way she has made me so emotionally attached to "almost" every single character in this series is honestly my favourite thing. No harm must come to my faves because I will actually RIOT. I fear for everyone at this point because Laura does not hold back 🤣 😭
ROTD as a whole was a 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗘, we pick off right back in the action from the end of book 2 and as with the previous books our key characters split up and go off on their own little journies in attempts gather information and uncover any secrets that are pivitol in solving the mystery they have found themselves in the middle of.
The u-turn this series has taken by the end of this book is 🤯, but I am here for every minute of it.
It is now so much more than our 4 unlikely heirs, the world and the events that have unfolded are far bigger than I ever imagined when I set off reading the third installment and what Laura has done with these books and these characters is nothing short of phenomenal.
We meet a lot of new characters, and our heirs are having a tough old time to say the least. I did struggle at times with the pacing in the middle of the book and lost a sense of where we were going because there were so many things being hidden from our characters. However, I do feel like there is so much foreshadowing throughout this beast of a book and it will be one of those that you appreciate more and more as the story develops throughout the remainder of the series.
In true Laura fashion though, the ending of this book had me 𝗚𝗔𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗗. Physically shaking. The last 10 chapters had me in the biggest chokehold and I simply could not stop until I finished reading it. Never have I ever experienced the emotions I felt all at once. The ending of LOTH broke my heart in half, but that was nothing compared to how the ending of ROTD made me feel.
Simply epic. Book 4 now please??
If you love character driven stories, with multiple POV's, heavier on the fantasy, lighter on the romance, the plot is constantly shifting gears, family drama, frienship dynamics, secrets and riddles, tons of political intrigue and conflict, trauma and earth shattering emotional devastation throughout - then The Lost Kingdom Saga is for you.
April 27, 2025
Laura is truly a mastermind and no one can tell me otherwise. I mean… WHATTTTT?!?!
If you guys haven’t read this series I need you to drop everything and pick up book 1 because truly this series just keeps getting better and better. I truly don’t know how Laura does it!
Return of the Darkness is the 3rd installment in The Lost Kingdom Saga and truly it brings this series to a whole new level! The world building and the lore behind this world gets more complex and truly immerses you further into the world of Novisia and these characters. There were so many pieces clicking into place and the climaxes of so many built up moments were occurring I truly was so stunned the whole time. This world is unlike any other and I can’t recommend escaping into it enough!
AND THESE CHARACTERS! Oh my lorddddd there was so much happening amongst the various storylines. Love, loss, victory, vengeance, suffering, hope, power, and so much more. I truly felt like I was going through the motions of the story right there beside them. Laura does a beautiful job of painting the story in such a way that the reader feels like they are experiencing it to. The conflicts, the moments of confusion, the pain of loss, and so much more. These characters will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to wrap them all in a hug🥺
AND THE ENDING?!?! During the last 100ish pages my mind was truly these emojis: 🤯😥😫😭
I’m still in recovery from this ending and I am absolutely DYING to see what comes next after that epilogue.
I will never shut up about this series or how incredible Laura is. If you haven’t already go check out book one “Secrets of the Dead” and then book 2 “Legacy of the Heirs” and join in on this series! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!!
If you guys haven’t read this series I need you to drop everything and pick up book 1 because truly this series just keeps getting better and better. I truly don’t know how Laura does it!
Return of the Darkness is the 3rd installment in The Lost Kingdom Saga and truly it brings this series to a whole new level! The world building and the lore behind this world gets more complex and truly immerses you further into the world of Novisia and these characters. There were so many pieces clicking into place and the climaxes of so many built up moments were occurring I truly was so stunned the whole time. This world is unlike any other and I can’t recommend escaping into it enough!
AND THESE CHARACTERS! Oh my lorddddd there was so much happening amongst the various storylines. Love, loss, victory, vengeance, suffering, hope, power, and so much more. I truly felt like I was going through the motions of the story right there beside them. Laura does a beautiful job of painting the story in such a way that the reader feels like they are experiencing it to. The conflicts, the moments of confusion, the pain of loss, and so much more. These characters will always hold a special place in my heart. I want to wrap them all in a hug🥺
AND THE ENDING?!?! During the last 100ish pages my mind was truly these emojis: 🤯😥😫😭
I’m still in recovery from this ending and I am absolutely DYING to see what comes next after that epilogue.
I will never shut up about this series or how incredible Laura is. If you haven’t already go check out book one “Secrets of the Dead” and then book 2 “Legacy of the Heirs” and join in on this series! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out!!
January 18, 2026
Rating: ★★★★☆½ (4.75/5★ if we’re getting precise)
Quite often with a long series, book three ends up being filler...good for setup, light on payoff. Return of the Darkness absolutely bucks that trend. Carter gives us tension, heartbreak, love, grief, and a whole lot of threads finally pulling taut. I was 100% not prepared for what unfurled and I have not emotionally recovered… yet.
We continue to hop through the POVs of our six leads in short bursts, which works beautifully for pacing. Quick thoughts on each:
Soren: infuriating and yet increasingly tragic. I don’t want to feel sorry for her, but the longer we’re in her head, the clearer the manipulation and damage becomes. The tiny flash of love for her sister cutting through all that darkness? Brutal.
Nyazia: still simmering with rage and grief, but showing surprising empathy after Secrets of the Dead. Was not expecting that level of growth so soon, I’m keeping an eye out for her in book four.
Loren: continues to be my favorite. Watching her balance maternal instinct with letting her daughter stand in her own truth is so rewarding. I’m convinced we haven’t seen the full force of her power yet.
Caellum: my heart. His healing era is one of my favorite arcs in the entire series, and his dynamic with Sadira is pure fairytale goodness.
Elisara: her descent into grief and her attempt to claw her way out of it hurt to read, but in the best way. I do not trust what the Gods have planned for her, or any of the leaders, frankly.
If book four is the culmination of all these threads, we are not ready. I for one am extremely relieved to have an ARC so I don’t have to wait.
This series belongs on your TBR. Immediately.
Quite often with a long series, book three ends up being filler...good for setup, light on payoff. Return of the Darkness absolutely bucks that trend. Carter gives us tension, heartbreak, love, grief, and a whole lot of threads finally pulling taut. I was 100% not prepared for what unfurled and I have not emotionally recovered… yet.
We continue to hop through the POVs of our six leads in short bursts, which works beautifully for pacing. Quick thoughts on each:
Soren: infuriating and yet increasingly tragic. I don’t want to feel sorry for her, but the longer we’re in her head, the clearer the manipulation and damage becomes. The tiny flash of love for her sister cutting through all that darkness? Brutal.
Nyazia: still simmering with rage and grief, but showing surprising empathy after Secrets of the Dead. Was not expecting that level of growth so soon, I’m keeping an eye out for her in book four.
Loren: continues to be my favorite. Watching her balance maternal instinct with letting her daughter stand in her own truth is so rewarding. I’m convinced we haven’t seen the full force of her power yet.
Caellum: my heart. His healing era is one of my favorite arcs in the entire series, and his dynamic with Sadira is pure fairytale goodness.
Elisara: her descent into grief and her attempt to claw her way out of it hurt to read, but in the best way. I do not trust what the Gods have planned for her, or any of the leaders, frankly.
If book four is the culmination of all these threads, we are not ready. I for one am extremely relieved to have an ARC so I don’t have to wait.
This series belongs on your TBR. Immediately.
February 12, 2025
🌟5/5🌟
Thank you for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review! I don’t know if I would have made it to March!!!!
The absolute 180 this book took from the previous 2 is insane. There was not a single twist that I saw coming here, I was sobbing for the solid second half of this book.
The dynamics between all the rulers has developed so well during this series and it is honestly just so fun to read even during the more chill scenes of this book and the romance that developed in this book had my jaw on the ground when I realised what was going to happen between two of the characters. After the last book, I did not think there was any way that would make me like one of the characters but I was looking forward to all of her chapters in this. It shows just how amazing Laura’s writing is!!!
There was a very sad moment that happened to one of my favourite characters that was devastatingly well done, there were some moments where it felt like the answers were a little spoon fed to the main characters but honestly after all they have gone through… they kinda deserve it.
I don’t know if I can emotionally handle having to wait for this next book after all that has happened, I will be frothing at the mouth until I can read the next book, I miss Larelle and Nyzaia already!
Thank you for letting me read this early in exchange for an honest review! I don’t know if I would have made it to March!!!!
The absolute 180 this book took from the previous 2 is insane. There was not a single twist that I saw coming here, I was sobbing for the solid second half of this book.
The dynamics between all the rulers has developed so well during this series and it is honestly just so fun to read even during the more chill scenes of this book and the romance that developed in this book had my jaw on the ground when I realised what was going to happen between two of the characters. After the last book, I did not think there was any way that would make me like one of the characters but I was looking forward to all of her chapters in this. It shows just how amazing Laura’s writing is!!!
There was a very sad moment that happened to one of my favourite characters that was devastatingly well done, there were some moments where it felt like the answers were a little spoon fed to the main characters but honestly after all they have gone through… they kinda deserve it.
I don’t know if I can emotionally handle having to wait for this next book after all that has happened, I will be frothing at the mouth until I can read the next book, I miss Larelle and Nyzaia already!
March 3, 2025
what did i even just read? oh. my. god. the ending - that was something i completely wasn't expecting. what. the. freak. okay okay - so from the beginning. before reading this, the author posted a message about how her 'confusing' writing was intentional to reflect the state of mind. at first, i was kinda scared bc i thought i'd just not understand it as lots of ppl put it under 'bad writing'. but no - i loved the writing - i thought it was so well done. especially soren, bc it's so hard writing something like that.
HOWEVER - of course, i think that plot pacing - idek what it's called - the order? i didn't like it as much as i did in the other books. the others i thought the time of what happened when in the book was great - this i thought the order was a bit all over the place.
LOVE - i loved how there was more plot and backstory in this one, i really enjoy plot over romance - however the romance that was romance, it surprised me a little. however, i've never been a big fan in general so take it with a pinch of salt.
About the rulers - i love them all, i think they're all understandable in different ways. i love zarya so so much - she's so cute. the shadow is halliarous - no spoilers, and then ofc iykyk, shadow's brother, also funny.
but the EPILOGUE??? someone should've prepared me for that because WHAT.
HOWEVER - of course, i think that plot pacing - idek what it's called - the order? i didn't like it as much as i did in the other books. the others i thought the time of what happened when in the book was great - this i thought the order was a bit all over the place.
LOVE - i loved how there was more plot and backstory in this one, i really enjoy plot over romance - however the romance that was romance, it surprised me a little. however, i've never been a big fan in general so take it with a pinch of salt.
About the rulers - i love them all, i think they're all understandable in different ways. i love zarya so so much - she's so cute. the shadow is halliarous - no spoilers, and then ofc iykyk, shadow's brother, also funny.
but the EPILOGUE??? someone should've prepared me for that because WHAT.
March 21, 2025
Rated 3.25 stars
I was gifted a copy of this book on exchange for an honest review. It took me a while to get into the book, and when reading it I highly recommend having recently read the second book ( which ended in a cliff hanger ) as it goes straight into it in this book.
I was in a reading slump whilst reading this, and so the review may be harsher than normal. However, I really struggled to stay hooked on the story. A lot happens but at the same time it feels like it takes a while to get there.
The characters are great, and the developments are good however some plot lines feel forced and characters that I feel would clash end up differently - which honestly confused me a lot at times. I didnt feel a large emotional attachment to these characters and a lot of the dialogue felt stilted and forced to develop the plot.
The plot is great, its a well thought out story and the lore is amazing but it felt like a decent bit of infodumping and I felt like I was constantly forcing myself to pay attention because the details were important. It was quite a difficult read.
I will be continuing to read the series to see how the story plays out but so far it hasn’t been the best book in the series.
I was gifted a copy of this book on exchange for an honest review. It took me a while to get into the book, and when reading it I highly recommend having recently read the second book ( which ended in a cliff hanger ) as it goes straight into it in this book.
I was in a reading slump whilst reading this, and so the review may be harsher than normal. However, I really struggled to stay hooked on the story. A lot happens but at the same time it feels like it takes a while to get there.
The characters are great, and the developments are good however some plot lines feel forced and characters that I feel would clash end up differently - which honestly confused me a lot at times. I didnt feel a large emotional attachment to these characters and a lot of the dialogue felt stilted and forced to develop the plot.
The plot is great, its a well thought out story and the lore is amazing but it felt like a decent bit of infodumping and I felt like I was constantly forcing myself to pay attention because the details were important. It was quite a difficult read.
I will be continuing to read the series to see how the story plays out but so far it hasn’t been the best book in the series.
June 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ - This was by far the strongest installment of the series so far. The editing was much better and there were barely any typos this time, the POVs were utilized more equally, and there was additional worldbuilding and plots unfolding. That being said, unfortunately this did have some pacing issues and it took me awhileeee to get through. Or maybe I just was not invested in the characters after the first two books? Either way, it borderline put me in a reading slump and there was a new plot/subject revealed at the 90% mark that I was annoyed by. But, fiiiiinally, the substance and potential I was hoping to find from book 1's blurb that piqued my interest has kicked in, and made me want to read the next one right now.
I did anticipate one thing that was revealed, which is a plot device I don't really love, and guessed at another as potentially happening, but it will make book 4 pretty interesting so I'm curious to see how events will unfold. On a separate note, hopefully in the next book romantic connections will be allowed to unfurl more naturally instead of going 0-100 (especially pairings that came out of left field/was a weird choice to go with, which did happen in this book and I didn't like).
I did anticipate one thing that was revealed, which is a plot device I don't really love, and guessed at another as potentially happening, but it will make book 4 pretty interesting so I'm curious to see how events will unfold. On a separate note, hopefully in the next book romantic connections will be allowed to unfurl more naturally instead of going 0-100 (especially pairings that came out of left field/was a weird choice to go with, which did happen in this book and I didn't like).
March 18, 2025
“You are far more than your heartbreak.”
Return of the Darkness ARC by Laura Carter review 🌿❄️🔥🌊 (possible spoilers below the cut off)
Firstly how beautiful is this ARC package?! I love how thoughtful Laura is to personalise each one of them 🥺
Book 3 of The Lost Kingdom Saga dives straight back into where we left off with our heirs and we live through the fallout of the events of book 2, and the stakes are now even higher.
Laura is a fantastic writer, she manages to weave the multiple point of views so well to keep the story at a good pace, continue dropping new bits of world building and then also make you fall in love with characters just to break your heart all over again. This might be all I can say without spoilers at this point - but I honestly cannot wait book 4 to see where our heirs journey next!
———————————————————————
*Minor spoilers below - so please stop reading if you haven’t read Legacy of the Heirs or Return of the Darkness) *
The grief and coming to terms with loss in this book is incredible and handled so well that I well and truly felt it with each character. The redemption arc and then death absolutely broke me, especially when I realised the meaning of the forget-me-nots 😭 but also that ending!! Get me book 4 ASAP please!!
Return of the Darkness ARC by Laura Carter review 🌿❄️🔥🌊 (possible spoilers below the cut off)
Firstly how beautiful is this ARC package?! I love how thoughtful Laura is to personalise each one of them 🥺
Book 3 of The Lost Kingdom Saga dives straight back into where we left off with our heirs and we live through the fallout of the events of book 2, and the stakes are now even higher.
Laura is a fantastic writer, she manages to weave the multiple point of views so well to keep the story at a good pace, continue dropping new bits of world building and then also make you fall in love with characters just to break your heart all over again. This might be all I can say without spoilers at this point - but I honestly cannot wait book 4 to see where our heirs journey next!
———————————————————————
*Minor spoilers below - so please stop reading if you haven’t read Legacy of the Heirs or Return of the Darkness) *
The grief and coming to terms with loss in this book is incredible and handled so well that I well and truly felt it with each character. The redemption arc and then death absolutely broke me, especially when I realised the meaning of the forget-me-nots 😭 but also that ending!! Get me book 4 ASAP please!!
April 22, 2025
Okay so the whole time I was reading this, I thought it was supposed to be the final book. I read it honestly being super confused, wondering why the author would open up all these new plot points, characters, etc. when I needed questions answered and was looking for more climactic vengeance! So safe to say I was confused af and contemplating if I would DNF.
Then at about the 80% mark, I finally realized there was no way this could be the last book.
After my 80% revelation, I was back in - totally invested in how the Novisia gang is about to survive it all. I like that the author is not afraid to break our hearts and completely devastate us. And over the course of the last 3 books, she has created characters for us to become truly invested in.
I think this is a solid 3.5-4⭐️ for me.
Some key points:
- multi POV
- elemental magic
- fae/witches/prophecies
- some romance / some steam - I wouldn’t say this book is “spicy”🌶️ (1st amd 2nd book are spicier)
- heartbreak
- this book ends on a cliffhanger
Info so far is that Book 4 comes out this November!
Then at about the 80% mark, I finally realized there was no way this could be the last book.
After my 80% revelation, I was back in - totally invested in how the Novisia gang is about to survive it all. I like that the author is not afraid to break our hearts and completely devastate us. And over the course of the last 3 books, she has created characters for us to become truly invested in.
I think this is a solid 3.5-4⭐️ for me.
Some key points:
- multi POV
- elemental magic
- fae/witches/prophecies
- some romance / some steam - I wouldn’t say this book is “spicy”🌶️ (1st amd 2nd book are spicier)
- heartbreak
- this book ends on a cliffhanger
Info so far is that Book 4 comes out this November!
September 5, 2025
5 stars
WOW. That’s really what I have to say about Return of the Darkness. Incredible, and I need the next books immediately. (I don’t want to say tooooo much in case of spoilers but WOW)
The book is full of action and twists that will keep you wondering, with some truly beautiful and heartwrenching moments scattered in (which I am STILL thinking about). There are some very interesting and intriguing plot points, which have me wondering how they will develop. The series has a wonderful and diverse cast of characters, who continue to develop really well throughout Return of the Darkness, and I love the multiple POVs we experience as a reader, as they all offer really unique perspectives of the story and the plots (honestly? I love being in a characters head). I love the magic system, and love that it gets explored more in Return of the Darkness.
I would definitely recommend The Lost Kingdom Saga if you enjoy fantasy books with romance subplots, wonderful characters, a plethora of twists and a plot that will keep you hooked (and books that will emotionally destroy you)
WOW. That’s really what I have to say about Return of the Darkness. Incredible, and I need the next books immediately. (I don’t want to say tooooo much in case of spoilers but WOW)
The book is full of action and twists that will keep you wondering, with some truly beautiful and heartwrenching moments scattered in (which I am STILL thinking about). There are some very interesting and intriguing plot points, which have me wondering how they will develop. The series has a wonderful and diverse cast of characters, who continue to develop really well throughout Return of the Darkness, and I love the multiple POVs we experience as a reader, as they all offer really unique perspectives of the story and the plots (honestly? I love being in a characters head). I love the magic system, and love that it gets explored more in Return of the Darkness.
I would definitely recommend The Lost Kingdom Saga if you enjoy fantasy books with romance subplots, wonderful characters, a plethora of twists and a plot that will keep you hooked (and books that will emotionally destroy you)
February 16, 2025
I absolutely devoured the first two books, Secrets of the Dead and Legacy of the Heirs, last year. The world Laura has built and the story she is telling is so unique and multi-layered, I can’t think of any other books I’ve read that feel similar.
Return of the Darkness threw me straight back into the action where Legacy of the Heirs ended and what followed was an emotional bloody (in both senses of the word) rollercoaster.
There are multiple POVs which weave around quickly between characters, something that could so easily have become jarring but I never felt that ONCE. It just worked. I found myself invested in absolutely all of the characters.
Laura somehow made me love characters that I loathed in the last book, there were surprises, unexpected relationships and *that* epilogue.
I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait for November and book four!!
Thank you so much to Laura for choosing me for my first ever e-arc, I think I was more excited than anyone has ever been… probably definitely.
Return of the Darkness threw me straight back into the action where Legacy of the Heirs ended and what followed was an emotional bloody (in both senses of the word) rollercoaster.
There are multiple POVs which weave around quickly between characters, something that could so easily have become jarring but I never felt that ONCE. It just worked. I found myself invested in absolutely all of the characters.
Laura somehow made me love characters that I loathed in the last book, there were surprises, unexpected relationships and *that* epilogue.
I didn’t want it to end and I can’t wait for November and book four!!
Thank you so much to Laura for choosing me for my first ever e-arc, I think I was more excited than anyone has ever been… probably definitely.
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