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The Lost God #3
The Storm King
“On a cold winter day, high in the mountains, a baby was born in the heart of a storm.”
Xander Savero is reeling from the loss of his family and the love of his life. But there’s no time for his broken heart when his kingdom is in peril. His cruel cousin is chipping away at Argaria’s borders, leaving a trail of violence in his wake, and that’s just the beginning.
The fiercest opposition comes from within Xander’s own court, where nobles speculate about his parentage, commoners think he’s an outsider, and assassins wait poised for the moment he drops his guard. Xander strives to put an end to the upheaval by marrying a princess from a stronger, more established kingdom. His decision plunges the Argarian court into a chaotic three-week festival, at the end of which he will choose a bride.
But more new faces at court mean more threats to Xander’s life, compelling him to call in reinforcements from old friends. Cecilia’s arrival is more hindrance than help, putting him face to face with the woman who shattered his heart, while he’s still picking up the pieces. Together, Xander, Cecilia, and their friends must fight against a series of ancient spells, a spy in their midst, and their own haunted pasts to take down their faceless enemy before Xander and the kingdom both fall.
Xander Savero is reeling from the loss of his family and the love of his life. But there’s no time for his broken heart when his kingdom is in peril. His cruel cousin is chipping away at Argaria’s borders, leaving a trail of violence in his wake, and that’s just the beginning.
The fiercest opposition comes from within Xander’s own court, where nobles speculate about his parentage, commoners think he’s an outsider, and assassins wait poised for the moment he drops his guard. Xander strives to put an end to the upheaval by marrying a princess from a stronger, more established kingdom. His decision plunges the Argarian court into a chaotic three-week festival, at the end of which he will choose a bride.
But more new faces at court mean more threats to Xander’s life, compelling him to call in reinforcements from old friends. Cecilia’s arrival is more hindrance than help, putting him face to face with the woman who shattered his heart, while he’s still picking up the pieces. Together, Xander, Cecilia, and their friends must fight against a series of ancient spells, a spy in their midst, and their own haunted pasts to take down their faceless enemy before Xander and the kingdom both fall.
538 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2024
44 people are currently reading
989 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Masterson
9 books402 followersWhen Sheila's not busy stabbing beloved side characters and dreaming up new ways to make her readers cry, you can find her practicing yoga, drinking fancy cocktails with friends, or curled up reading books or tarot. She lives outside Philadelphia with a small army of underwatered houseplants that survive out of spite.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
March 12, 2024
did you listen to hozier’s abstract (psychopomp) on repeat for two months until you were a desiccated husk of a person?
if so — i have the perfect book for you.
this is book three of a series! check out my reviews for book one here and book two here.
WHEN I TELL YOU! THIS BOOK! HURT ME! SO DEEPLY!!!!!! i’m talking DEFCON 1 levels of angst and yearning, of heartbreak and healing, of pain and grief and closure. i’ve never experienced such sustained levels of agony in my life, even counting the forced-watch of all 9 seasons of suits my ex put me through (all love to queen meghan markle, but the show was awful).
this installment in the lost god series tackles xander’s story as he reckons with his reality, and as he — and his friends! — try to pick up the shattered remnants of a kingdom, a marriage, and a soul.
this was achingly lovely, heartbreaking in its depiction of grief and loss and healing from the darkness that we keep to ourselves (and the friends and loved ones who see through it anyway), while also being a whirlwind ride of messy love triangle dynamics, a bachelor-style competition for a new queen, and spice. the way sheila upped the ante in this one in terms of sizzle was a GIFT. i’ll be thinking about a certain chapter probably for the rest of my life.
broadly, though, this was heavy in all the right ways, and while it treads a little dangerously close to the dreaded infidelity trope (check TWs + CWs at the end of this review, and feel free to DM me for additional clarification) as cece works out her very complicated and unhealed feelings for both MMCs and her own trauma, it makes for a compelling, relatable story for anyone who’s ever loved and lost, and perhaps lost themselves along the way.
i loved this even though it tore my heart out, stitched it back together with beautiful, moving quotes (sheila is truly a wizard of crafting dialogue that feels like BOTH a gut punch and a warm hug all in one), and then tore it out all over again in the aftermath of an agonizing cliffhanger.
if you’re not a fan of more character-driven stories with more telling than showing (especially as it pertains to heavy emotional dialogue), and are sensitive to the cheating trope, this series might not be for you. but if you don’t mind those elements, run to kindle unlimited to pick these up for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride that leaves you nauseous and scared (and emotional and horny) in the best kind of way.
thank you to sheila for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
CWs/TWs: sexual assault, feigned sexual assault via physical violence, suicidal ideation, and messy love triangle dynamics where characters kiss people who are not their partners.
if so — i have the perfect book for you.
this is book three of a series! check out my reviews for book one here and book two here.
WHEN I TELL YOU! THIS BOOK! HURT ME! SO DEEPLY!!!!!! i’m talking DEFCON 1 levels of angst and yearning, of heartbreak and healing, of pain and grief and closure. i’ve never experienced such sustained levels of agony in my life, even counting the forced-watch of all 9 seasons of suits my ex put me through (all love to queen meghan markle, but the show was awful).
this installment in the lost god series tackles xander’s story as he reckons with his reality, and as he — and his friends! — try to pick up the shattered remnants of a kingdom, a marriage, and a soul.
this was achingly lovely, heartbreaking in its depiction of grief and loss and healing from the darkness that we keep to ourselves (and the friends and loved ones who see through it anyway), while also being a whirlwind ride of messy love triangle dynamics, a bachelor-style competition for a new queen, and spice. the way sheila upped the ante in this one in terms of sizzle was a GIFT. i’ll be thinking about a certain chapter probably for the rest of my life.
broadly, though, this was heavy in all the right ways, and while it treads a little dangerously close to the dreaded infidelity trope (check TWs + CWs at the end of this review, and feel free to DM me for additional clarification) as cece works out her very complicated and unhealed feelings for both MMCs and her own trauma, it makes for a compelling, relatable story for anyone who’s ever loved and lost, and perhaps lost themselves along the way.
i loved this even though it tore my heart out, stitched it back together with beautiful, moving quotes (sheila is truly a wizard of crafting dialogue that feels like BOTH a gut punch and a warm hug all in one), and then tore it out all over again in the aftermath of an agonizing cliffhanger.
if you’re not a fan of more character-driven stories with more telling than showing (especially as it pertains to heavy emotional dialogue), and are sensitive to the cheating trope, this series might not be for you. but if you don’t mind those elements, run to kindle unlimited to pick these up for an exhilarating rollercoaster ride that leaves you nauseous and scared (and emotional and horny) in the best kind of way.
thank you to sheila for the opportunity to read an advance copy!
CWs/TWs: sexual assault, feigned sexual assault via physical violence, suicidal ideation, and messy love triangle dynamics where characters kiss people who are not their partners.
March 3, 2024
I needed to take a couple days to collect myself and my thoughts about this book. It’s without a doubt my favorite of the series so far and I can’t stop thinking about it.
I’m going to give this review my all but just know there aren’t enough words to describe how much I really enjoyed this one.
This book is very heavily focused on my boy Xander and his journey around stepping up and becoming the king that his kingdom needs. It’s about his healing journey, the mistakes he makes along the way, facing some hard truths, and making difficult decisions on how he is going to move forward.
I really loved how the author shows how much trauma and experiences can really change a person. The way she writes the before and after of multiple characters so flawlessly was really amazing. This is another one of those aspects that you can kind of insert yourself or loved ones into and understand that it’s okay when life experiences change who you are or how you interact.
This book made me laugh, cry, gasp, stress, and some scenes literally had my jaw crashing onto the floor and had me screaming. (Samson i’m fckn looking at you 👀)
There were so many plot points that I absolutely did not see coming and I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this story which kept me hooked.
I adored the new POVs and fell in love with Evan and Sylvie’s story. This was such a great addition into the series and I hope to see more of them moving forward.
The ending of this book wrecked me and the cliffhanger is brutal. So prepare your hearts to be shredded. I’m very stressed and nervous about the next book and will not know peace until it is in my hands. 🥲
I’m going to give this review my all but just know there aren’t enough words to describe how much I really enjoyed this one.
This book is very heavily focused on my boy Xander and his journey around stepping up and becoming the king that his kingdom needs. It’s about his healing journey, the mistakes he makes along the way, facing some hard truths, and making difficult decisions on how he is going to move forward.
I really loved how the author shows how much trauma and experiences can really change a person. The way she writes the before and after of multiple characters so flawlessly was really amazing. This is another one of those aspects that you can kind of insert yourself or loved ones into and understand that it’s okay when life experiences change who you are or how you interact.
This book made me laugh, cry, gasp, stress, and some scenes literally had my jaw crashing onto the floor and had me screaming. (Samson i’m fckn looking at you 👀)
There were so many plot points that I absolutely did not see coming and I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of this story which kept me hooked.
I adored the new POVs and fell in love with Evan and Sylvie’s story. This was such a great addition into the series and I hope to see more of them moving forward.
The ending of this book wrecked me and the cliffhanger is brutal. So prepare your hearts to be shredded. I’m very stressed and nervous about the next book and will not know peace until it is in my hands. 🥲
January 17, 2025
Edit: This is one of the most beautifully written, emotional and heartbreaking books I have ever read and now listened to.
The Storm King is a book I think about more often than is probably healthy. I love it on such a deep level and getting to experience it as an audiobook brought back all the feels.
I continue to just be shocked by how amazing the narrators are through the story. Each MC is brought to life and you can feel the emotion in each word spoken.
Welcome to another edition of Shelia Masterson breaking my heart featuring The Storm King.
Shelia has stepped up her game with the trauma she has caused me as we progress further into the Lost God series. And yes I joke often about the distress Shelia causes me with her series but I mean it in the most loving way possible. Although this is a fantasy series and magic and meddling gods and goddesses are involved, the way she portrays her characters is very genuine and honest. Our characters are all these people in their mid 20’s put into ridiculously hard situations and expected to make choices that impact not only themselves but the entirety of their Kingdoms. They sometimes make their choices impulsively or based on emotion without considering the consequences and rather than everything being sunshine and butterflies despite their risky choices Shelia shows us the scars that living through those hard decisions has caused.
Not only is there all this trauma and emotion to sort through but there are still threats around the Kingdoms all over the place!
Xander, Cece and yes even Rainer live rent free in my heart and soul. And Evan and Sylvie are quickly becoming my favorite side couple.
UGH I’m already mourning the end of the series. I can’t wait for book 4.
The Storm King is a book I think about more often than is probably healthy. I love it on such a deep level and getting to experience it as an audiobook brought back all the feels.
I continue to just be shocked by how amazing the narrators are through the story. Each MC is brought to life and you can feel the emotion in each word spoken.
Welcome to another edition of Shelia Masterson breaking my heart featuring The Storm King.
Shelia has stepped up her game with the trauma she has caused me as we progress further into the Lost God series. And yes I joke often about the distress Shelia causes me with her series but I mean it in the most loving way possible. Although this is a fantasy series and magic and meddling gods and goddesses are involved, the way she portrays her characters is very genuine and honest. Our characters are all these people in their mid 20’s put into ridiculously hard situations and expected to make choices that impact not only themselves but the entirety of their Kingdoms. They sometimes make their choices impulsively or based on emotion without considering the consequences and rather than everything being sunshine and butterflies despite their risky choices Shelia shows us the scars that living through those hard decisions has caused.
Not only is there all this trauma and emotion to sort through but there are still threats around the Kingdoms all over the place!
Xander, Cece and yes even Rainer live rent free in my heart and soul. And Evan and Sylvie are quickly becoming my favorite side couple.
UGH I’m already mourning the end of the series. I can’t wait for book 4.
May 4, 2024
“I love you, it’s ruining my life” - me to this book
May 18, 2024
Don’t hate me, but Rainer and Cece would totally be Disney Adults
January 21, 2025
Ok so at first I was about to DNF this because book 2 pissed me off so much - but I have to say this book was by FAR the best of the series.
I loved the twist and turns it took.
I liked the introduction of the new characters. Everything was just so much better and actually made sense and didn’t feel rushed like the first two books did and I actually even liked Cecelia in this one by the end.
I loved the twist and turns it took.
I liked the introduction of the new characters. Everything was just so much better and actually made sense and didn’t feel rushed like the first two books did and I actually even liked Cecelia in this one by the end.
February 16, 2024
✨The Storm King ARC review✨
Thank you for this gift, Sheila.
If you haven’t read The Lost God or The Memory Curse, please don’t continue due to possible spoilers!
Ok, here we go. So, I cried. Honestly, I’ve never cried as much over a book as I have this one. Starting at the first 1%. No, the dedication! The Storm King is like everything we went through in books 1&2 are finally being processed and it hurts so good. I didn’t realize their loss was my loss as a reader, too.
The Storm King is one of the most raw and real books I’ve ever read, covering hard topics such as infertility, suicidal ideations, depression, grief, panic/anxiety, negative coping mechanisms, PTSD, and sexual abuse. The are so many different things that Sheila touched on. Topics that she wove that will reach so many hurting and broken people. It was so lovely and agonizing. And I’m not happy because my characters, my people are hurting and healing, but I’m so very proud of her for writing it.
We get 4 POVs this round. Xander, Rainer, Evan, and Cece. The emotions these characters go through, character development they have experienced and traveled is so thoroughly well done. The way it is written is so intricately emotive that I felt EVERY thing. I resonated and felt seen with each word. I cried as if my own heart was severed and bleeding out.
We go through Xander’s grief of losing his lost love as he takes the crown and responsibility of a country being invaded by a faceless villain. Cece undergoes grief and anxiety from books 1&2 she’s hasn’t addressed yet. Rainer experiences panic and anxiety from having almost lost the love of his life. We spend most of our time in Argaria with many untrustworthy characters, welcome characters, and plot twists. The book ends on a cliffhanger as well.
The Storm King is full of tropes such as fated mates, love triangle, witty banter, stabby FMC, forced proximity, found family and LOTS of open door spice. I tried to keep track but I may have missed some handsy moments and some descriptive “imaginations” lol but chapters I did catch to avoid/skim/take of you’re uncomfortable are: the middle of 5, end of 8, 21, 25, 26, 32.
Everything about this book was so well done. It’s certainly a top 5 favorite. If you like an UNFORGETTABLE fantasy romance and don’t mind spice, add all 3 of Sheila’s books to your TBR. It’s worth it.
Thank you for this gift, Sheila.
If you haven’t read The Lost God or The Memory Curse, please don’t continue due to possible spoilers!
Ok, here we go. So, I cried. Honestly, I’ve never cried as much over a book as I have this one. Starting at the first 1%. No, the dedication! The Storm King is like everything we went through in books 1&2 are finally being processed and it hurts so good. I didn’t realize their loss was my loss as a reader, too.
The Storm King is one of the most raw and real books I’ve ever read, covering hard topics such as infertility, suicidal ideations, depression, grief, panic/anxiety, negative coping mechanisms, PTSD, and sexual abuse. The are so many different things that Sheila touched on. Topics that she wove that will reach so many hurting and broken people. It was so lovely and agonizing. And I’m not happy because my characters, my people are hurting and healing, but I’m so very proud of her for writing it.
We get 4 POVs this round. Xander, Rainer, Evan, and Cece. The emotions these characters go through, character development they have experienced and traveled is so thoroughly well done. The way it is written is so intricately emotive that I felt EVERY thing. I resonated and felt seen with each word. I cried as if my own heart was severed and bleeding out.
We go through Xander’s grief of losing his lost love as he takes the crown and responsibility of a country being invaded by a faceless villain. Cece undergoes grief and anxiety from books 1&2 she’s hasn’t addressed yet. Rainer experiences panic and anxiety from having almost lost the love of his life. We spend most of our time in Argaria with many untrustworthy characters, welcome characters, and plot twists. The book ends on a cliffhanger as well.
The Storm King is full of tropes such as fated mates, love triangle, witty banter, stabby FMC, forced proximity, found family and LOTS of open door spice. I tried to keep track but I may have missed some handsy moments and some descriptive “imaginations” lol but chapters I did catch to avoid/skim/take of you’re uncomfortable are: the middle of 5, end of 8, 21, 25, 26, 32.
Everything about this book was so well done. It’s certainly a top 5 favorite. If you like an UNFORGETTABLE fantasy romance and don’t mind spice, add all 3 of Sheila’s books to your TBR. It’s worth it.
March 13, 2024
✨ E-ARC Review ✨
📖: The Storm King (The Lost God Book 3)
⚡️ Release date: March 13, 2024
Rating: ♾️ ⭐️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚”
"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚'𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚”
The Storm King reunites us with my beloved Cece, Rainer, Xander who are grappling with the events of the previous books in their own way.
They face consequences of choices made by those before them and work to rebuild the kingdoms while slowly piecing themselves back together. Theirs is an incredibly nuanced and interwoven relationship affecting the kingdoms they hold dear. We are treated to a new POV in this installment and it’s a fantastic one! With everything at stake, can they weather the storm?
The themes of duty, sacrifice, and different facets of love resonate throughout the series. This book features heavy themes like grief, trauma, and loss and I felt that Sheila balances the story with heartwarming, hot (seriously, so 🔥), and hilarious moments. Please be sure to check all the TW/CW.
Sheila masterfully forges a heartbreaking and breathtaking installment that sends the reader through torrents of emotions. This masterpiece left me at a loss for words and had me sobbing. I cannot fully articulate how brilliant this series is. While the concept of happiness may look different for each character, I desperately want a HEA for all of them 😭
Like a rainstorm, The Storm King represents transformative cleansing and the hope of new beginnings 🌧️. I cannot wait for the final installment, coming this June!
Thank you Sheila for the opportunity to read this ARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
📖: The Storm King (The Lost God Book 3)
⚡️ Release date: March 13, 2024
Rating: ♾️ ⭐️
“𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚. 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙢𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨”
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚”
"𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙤 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚'𝙨. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚”
The Storm King reunites us with my beloved Cece, Rainer, Xander who are grappling with the events of the previous books in their own way.
They face consequences of choices made by those before them and work to rebuild the kingdoms while slowly piecing themselves back together. Theirs is an incredibly nuanced and interwoven relationship affecting the kingdoms they hold dear. We are treated to a new POV in this installment and it’s a fantastic one! With everything at stake, can they weather the storm?
The themes of duty, sacrifice, and different facets of love resonate throughout the series. This book features heavy themes like grief, trauma, and loss and I felt that Sheila balances the story with heartwarming, hot (seriously, so 🔥), and hilarious moments. Please be sure to check all the TW/CW.
Sheila masterfully forges a heartbreaking and breathtaking installment that sends the reader through torrents of emotions. This masterpiece left me at a loss for words and had me sobbing. I cannot fully articulate how brilliant this series is. While the concept of happiness may look different for each character, I desperately want a HEA for all of them 😭
Like a rainstorm, The Storm King represents transformative cleansing and the hope of new beginnings 🌧️. I cannot wait for the final installment, coming this June!
Thank you Sheila for the opportunity to read this ARC! This is my honest and voluntary review.
February 4, 2025
So. Much. Emotional. Damage.
Oooft, so glad I finished this at home and not at work on my lunch break. That ending is soul destroying. The type of emotional devastation that SJM shies away from. There wasn't enough magic/fantasy in this for me to really really love it, and I really don't think the love triangle trope is for me. I did enjoy this and the heartbreaking love between them is well written. I am looking forward to some well earned feminine rage in the final book 🙌
Oooft, so glad I finished this at home and not at work on my lunch break. That ending is soul destroying. The type of emotional devastation that SJM shies away from. There wasn't enough magic/fantasy in this for me to really really love it, and I really don't think the love triangle trope is for me. I did enjoy this and the heartbreaking love between them is well written. I am looking forward to some well earned feminine rage in the final book 🙌
March 27, 2024
As a diehard Rainer girl I honestly wasn’t expecting to be so entranced by a storyline carried by Xander. But y’all. I’m speechless. Sheila strikes again with this third installment in The Lost God series with more drama, romance, and spice (Chapter 26 is all I’ll say) rolled into all of my favorite characters. I laughed. I cried. I raged. All the way to the very end (I don’t even wanna TALK about the ending rn) and the after effects of this book are going to be running through me for weeks to come. Sheila is the goddess of crazy plot twists, and as much as I wanted this book to end in a happily ever after, I’m craving the continuation of this storyline in the fourth book coming later this year⚔️🔥⛈️👑
July 25, 2024
Shattered……..
July 23, 2024
[July 22, 2024] A beautiful, in-depth exploration of human emotions and mental health– The Storm King is a fantasy-romance story that displays the magnificence and messiness of love and heartbreak.
I can honestly say, this is one of the most raw, realistic depictions of mental health that I’ve ever read. Sheila Masterson has managed to create a complex fantasy world, with sizzling romance, while not shying away from hard topics like grief, depression, and anxiety. This book was equal parts enjoyable and heartbreaking, and that’s what I think is so, so special about Masterson’s stories. She can evoke such strong emotions whether that is happiness, joy, sadness, anger, or despair– I eat it up every time.
One of my favorite things about The Lost God series is how it depicts very different, but equally compelling kinds of love. There is the fiery, all-consuming love that lasts only a short span of time before it’s over. And there are the long, deeper standing romances that last a lifetime. Reading about two people who were once so deeply in love come to terms with the fact that their love wasn’t meant to last forever was agonizing. The physical and emotional pain that I experienced in The Memory Curse returned here, as I watched Cecelia and Xander struggle with the fall out of their relationship. It is just a reminder that while romantic relationships can end, the emotional impact of those relationships can stay with us long after they’re over. I’m typically not a fan of love triangles, but the way Sheila Masterson was able to explore emotions and relationships here was so compelling. This might be the only time where I was equally rooting for both sides of the love triangle and was equally heartbroken when one relationship ended.
While The Storm King is not the most exciting book plot-wise, it makes up for it by being such an interesting character study. Like I mentioned earlier, this book isn’t afraid to tackle hard topics like grief, depression, anxiety, and infertility. There is something so empowering about watching these fantastical characters struggle with and overcome things that so many of us readers have experienced in everyday life. I especially loved Xander’s character arc in this book, to see him come from the depths of despair and fight his way out of the dark was so awe-inspiring. I just can’t praise Sheila Masterson enough for her powerfully crafted mental health exploration.
May I also add that the spice in this book was on ANOTHER LEVEL...the library scene will be living rent free in my brain for the foreseeable future.
~Final Thoughts~ This book made me want to cry every other page, but it was 100% worth it. Highly recommend for all readers who like their books emotionally charged and character driven.
I can honestly say, this is one of the most raw, realistic depictions of mental health that I’ve ever read. Sheila Masterson has managed to create a complex fantasy world, with sizzling romance, while not shying away from hard topics like grief, depression, and anxiety. This book was equal parts enjoyable and heartbreaking, and that’s what I think is so, so special about Masterson’s stories. She can evoke such strong emotions whether that is happiness, joy, sadness, anger, or despair– I eat it up every time.
One of my favorite things about The Lost God series is how it depicts very different, but equally compelling kinds of love. There is the fiery, all-consuming love that lasts only a short span of time before it’s over. And there are the long, deeper standing romances that last a lifetime. Reading about two people who were once so deeply in love come to terms with the fact that their love wasn’t meant to last forever was agonizing. The physical and emotional pain that I experienced in The Memory Curse returned here, as I watched Cecelia and Xander struggle with the fall out of their relationship. It is just a reminder that while romantic relationships can end, the emotional impact of those relationships can stay with us long after they’re over. I’m typically not a fan of love triangles, but the way Sheila Masterson was able to explore emotions and relationships here was so compelling. This might be the only time where I was equally rooting for both sides of the love triangle and was equally heartbroken when one relationship ended.
While The Storm King is not the most exciting book plot-wise, it makes up for it by being such an interesting character study. Like I mentioned earlier, this book isn’t afraid to tackle hard topics like grief, depression, anxiety, and infertility. There is something so empowering about watching these fantastical characters struggle with and overcome things that so many of us readers have experienced in everyday life. I especially loved Xander’s character arc in this book, to see him come from the depths of despair and fight his way out of the dark was so awe-inspiring. I just can’t praise Sheila Masterson enough for her powerfully crafted mental health exploration.
May I also add that the spice in this book was on ANOTHER LEVEL...the library scene will be living rent free in my brain for the foreseeable future.
~Final Thoughts~ This book made me want to cry every other page, but it was 100% worth it. Highly recommend for all readers who like their books emotionally charged and character driven.
February 2, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️{5}
🌶️🌶️🌶️{3}
Another day and another book by @sheilareadsandwrites that ripped my f*cking heart out of my chest (please see the third pic for evidence of my tears). SHEILA WTF!! (lol). Honestly though, this was amazing and I will be immediately jumping into The Godless Kindgom ALC and can’t wait to see what you have in store for me next (and am utterly terrified) 😅🥲🫠 the character development is just so good and I love to see how books 1 & 2 impacted them. I also loveee that we got more Evan and Sylvie and am low key obsessed with them the most I think lol.
And to our lovely narrators, @caitlinkellyvo, @jwdamron, @timcampbellvo, and @rustymewha, you guys seriously bring these characters to life! As an audiobook slųt, I thank you 😌
𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
✨ having your heart ripped out
✨ crying a lot
✨ amazing character development
✨ found family you’d ☠️ for
𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:
“𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.”
“𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥.”
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦.. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦’𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴.”
🌶️🌶️🌶️{3}
Another day and another book by @sheilareadsandwrites that ripped my f*cking heart out of my chest (please see the third pic for evidence of my tears). SHEILA WTF!! (lol). Honestly though, this was amazing and I will be immediately jumping into The Godless Kindgom ALC and can’t wait to see what you have in store for me next (and am utterly terrified) 😅🥲🫠 the character development is just so good and I love to see how books 1 & 2 impacted them. I also loveee that we got more Evan and Sylvie and am low key obsessed with them the most I think lol.
And to our lovely narrators, @caitlinkellyvo, @jwdamron, @timcampbellvo, and @rustymewha, you guys seriously bring these characters to life! As an audiobook slųt, I thank you 😌
𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓲𝓯 𝔂𝓸𝓾 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮:
✨ having your heart ripped out
✨ crying a lot
✨ amazing character development
✨ found family you’d ☠️ for
𝓕𝓪𝓿𝓸𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓮 𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼:
“𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘰𝘶𝘵, 𝘰𝘳 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯.”
“𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦. 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘨𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘧𝘦𝘭𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘥.”
“𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.”
“𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦.. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘧 𝘸𝘦’𝘥 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘵, 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘴𝘬𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘴.”
March 6, 2024
We kick off book three with our favorite Peter Pan boy and Xanny is in need of some xanax. He’s not coping with this post-Cece life and, no, he will not grow up and step into his new role as king—you cannot make him!
Poor Evan is running the kingdom in Xander’s place, navigating what it’s like to be the working parent of a toddler who will do ~*literally anything~* but put on a jacket. And, as a result, Evan is forced to put his secret relationship with Sylvie on the side burner… which as the parent of a tantrum toddler in their twos is just… real.
Meanwhile, Cece and Rainer are still living in their cabin by the sea, though unmarried and with an unset wedding date. Together, they are trying to cope with their respective dances with death: Rainer with a seemingly healthy, Geppetto-esque hobby (sorry, Sheila, I had to do it) and Cece with tried and true Xander-like avoidance.
Will Xander quit his crowing? Do Rainer and Cece finally get married? Can Evan reprioritize without letting the kingdom turn to absolute shite? Heh. The last 20% will physically wreck you. I almost threw up and nearly went into cardiac arrest.
Poor Evan is running the kingdom in Xander’s place, navigating what it’s like to be the working parent of a toddler who will do ~*literally anything~* but put on a jacket. And, as a result, Evan is forced to put his secret relationship with Sylvie on the side burner… which as the parent of a tantrum toddler in their twos is just… real.
Meanwhile, Cece and Rainer are still living in their cabin by the sea, though unmarried and with an unset wedding date. Together, they are trying to cope with their respective dances with death: Rainer with a seemingly healthy, Geppetto-esque hobby (sorry, Sheila, I had to do it) and Cece with tried and true Xander-like avoidance.
Will Xander quit his crowing? Do Rainer and Cece finally get married? Can Evan reprioritize without letting the kingdom turn to absolute shite? Heh. The last 20% will physically wreck you. I almost threw up and nearly went into cardiac arrest.
April 6, 2024
After finishing The Storm King, I feel broken in the best way. Sheila Masterson has written a beautiful and affirming testament to found family, the complexities of womanhood, and the power of enduring love. By the end of the book, our beloved characters are described as walking a perilous line, but Sheila’s writing walks this line with such skill, giving us a story simultaneously infused with longing, humor, devastation, and hope.
While book 2 of The Lost God series, The Memory Curse, playfully expanded the world with the introduction of a godly cast of characters, I’ll long remember The Storm King for the emotional depths Sheila brings to each character’s story. It’s impossible not to cheer and gasp as unexpected alliances are made and characters, for better or worse, emerge as more than what they seem. These surprises are well-paced and well-earned, though nothing can prepare you for the emotional impact. June 2024 isn’t enough time to recover before the release of The Godless Kingdom (just the title gives me a visceral reaction!), but thank the gods I don’t have to wait longer.
While book 2 of The Lost God series, The Memory Curse, playfully expanded the world with the introduction of a godly cast of characters, I’ll long remember The Storm King for the emotional depths Sheila brings to each character’s story. It’s impossible not to cheer and gasp as unexpected alliances are made and characters, for better or worse, emerge as more than what they seem. These surprises are well-paced and well-earned, though nothing can prepare you for the emotional impact. June 2024 isn’t enough time to recover before the release of The Godless Kingdom (just the title gives me a visceral reaction!), but thank the gods I don’t have to wait longer.
January 24, 2025
3.5⭐️
My feelings on this series are getting more mixed with every book.
On the one hand, it's really unique to see an "after the war" book that's focused on the struggles of moving on. This series includes so many important mental health (and just health) topics that I love to see representation for.
Also, I listened to the audiobook and each narrator (there are 4!!) Does a phenomenal job at bringing the characters to life.
On the other hand, many of these conversations were overly repetitive, in my opinion, with very little happening to move the story forward for a majority of the book. Also, I somehow became very annoyed with the choices some of my favorite characters made in this one?
That being said, I am still significantly invested in the characters and their growth, and the setup for book 4 has me excited to continue.
My feelings on this series are getting more mixed with every book.
On the one hand, it's really unique to see an "after the war" book that's focused on the struggles of moving on. This series includes so many important mental health (and just health) topics that I love to see representation for.
Also, I listened to the audiobook and each narrator (there are 4!!) Does a phenomenal job at bringing the characters to life.
On the other hand, many of these conversations were overly repetitive, in my opinion, with very little happening to move the story forward for a majority of the book. Also, I somehow became very annoyed with the choices some of my favorite characters made in this one?
That being said, I am still significantly invested in the characters and their growth, and the setup for book 4 has me excited to continue.
February 17, 2024
✨ A•R•C Review ✨
@sheilareadsandwrites You really outdid yourself with this one. 👏
I have been crying on and off all day hearing songs that remind me of this exceptionally written story! 😭💔
⚡The Storm King is the 3rd book in The Lost God series (scroll down to see reviews). I don't want to share too much and spoil books 1 & 2, The Lost God and The Memory Curse.
This is my favorite book thus far from the series!!! There are multiple POVs that really capture the intensity and understanding of the series. There is so much character development and we're introduced to new characters who really add to the story.
Book 4 needs to hurry up!!
@sheilareadsandwrites You really outdid yourself with this one. 👏
I have been crying on and off all day hearing songs that remind me of this exceptionally written story! 😭💔
⚡The Storm King is the 3rd book in The Lost God series (scroll down to see reviews). I don't want to share too much and spoil books 1 & 2, The Lost God and The Memory Curse.
This is my favorite book thus far from the series!!! There are multiple POVs that really capture the intensity and understanding of the series. There is so much character development and we're introduced to new characters who really add to the story.
Book 4 needs to hurry up!!
![Profile Image for Emilie [Vitals and Villains].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1726541054i%2F116757770._UX200_CR0%2C77%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
February 4, 2025
This was an audiobook reread for me. Listening to these books is only adding to my obsession for this series. The narrators all do such a good job portraying the complex emotions of all the characters. This is my favourite book in the series because I am a glutton for emotional damage and boy does this have it 😩 I love the mental health representation and appreciate how every character deals with their struggles in their own unique way. The spice in this book is also top notch, one scene has taken up permanent residence in my brain, iykyk 🔥📚 Looking forward to listening to the next one when it comes out!
May 28, 2024
I learnt so much about myself and people around me through this book.
I believe that this is one of those very unique series, where you feel like the characters are driving the story - and each and every one of them is doing it in their own unique way. Not being able to see author on the pages is such a difficult thing to do, and Sheila has managed it once again!!
I have no idea how she does it, but I feel transported into this world, like I’m a part of their adventure! I just don’t want this series to ever end!
I believe that this is one of those very unique series, where you feel like the characters are driving the story - and each and every one of them is doing it in their own unique way. Not being able to see author on the pages is such a difficult thing to do, and Sheila has managed it once again!!
I have no idea how she does it, but I feel transported into this world, like I’m a part of their adventure! I just don’t want this series to ever end!
March 1, 2024
Excuse me while I go cry in a corner.
If I thought the first two were addictive, The Storm King has pure heroin in it. Still mad that Teddy hasn't been brought back from the dead (I'll continue to hold on to hope) but my gosh the dynamics of politics, mental health and trying to move on run rampant through this book.
Sheila perfectly depicts the stressors of mental health and PTSD and how it affects everyone differently.
"Name the fear" felt so real to me as someone who deals with anxiety, Cecelia encouraging Xander to name what scares him most was so beautifully written.
The political intrigue, the oncoming wars and the world that we have fallen in love with continues to fill me with utter joy and delight.
I can't WAIT to read book 4!
If I thought the first two were addictive, The Storm King has pure heroin in it. Still mad that Teddy hasn't been brought back from the dead (I'll continue to hold on to hope) but my gosh the dynamics of politics, mental health and trying to move on run rampant through this book.
Sheila perfectly depicts the stressors of mental health and PTSD and how it affects everyone differently.
"Name the fear" felt so real to me as someone who deals with anxiety, Cecelia encouraging Xander to name what scares him most was so beautifully written.
The political intrigue, the oncoming wars and the world that we have fallen in love with continues to fill me with utter joy and delight.
I can't WAIT to read book 4!
March 9, 2024
this book absolutely shredded my emotions, miss sheila! but wow what a book. we’ve got new characters, new POVs, a heartbreaking ending to the love triangle (and I am of the opinion the wrong man was chosen but what can you do), great character growth, a brutal cliffhanger, and just an overall fun, wild journey. Thank you, Sheila, for the ARC!!
February 16, 2025
I mean… it was better than book 2, but I finished this still not the biggest fan of Cecelia. My heart is absolutely gutted for Rainer and Xander. But the freaking whiplash I felt in this story was almost too much. And the “twist” with Rainer at the end is just… a lot.
Once again, I’m going into book 4 a little reluctantly, but I’ve made it this far.
Once again, I’m going into book 4 a little reluctantly, but I’ve made it this far.
March 20, 2024
What the fuck ✨✨✨
March 20, 2024
I am team Rainer and have been since day one but this book really made me question my allegiance. I love a sad boi.
And the plot twist….. THE PLOT TWIST. Beautiful. *chefs kiss*
And the plot twist….. THE PLOT TWIST. Beautiful. *chefs kiss*
March 29, 2024
I need to collect my thoughts because WHAT HAVE YOU DONE SHEILA
😭
😭
October 18, 2025
3.5
The plot makes no sense to me, but I also couldn't put it down?
The plot makes no sense to me, but I also couldn't put it down?
March 7, 2024
Thank you Sheila Masterson for the ARC !!😄 Now that ending was something else. None of the characters could catch a break. But the ending…maaan..such an emotional damage. It’s a good thing the next book is not so far away cuz I don’t think I can sleep after that stuff at the end. This series just keep getting better and better🔥
June 6, 2024
I’m not sure what to do with the rating. Maybe 3.5 stars? The plot was very romance forward for the first 2/3 of the book and heavily focused on Xander, as the title suggests—which I was okay with since I really like his character and Cecilia and Rainer were living rather dull lives in Olney, trying to deal with the emotional fallout of the end of The Memory Curse. Xander is the most complex and compelling character of the series and there’s just something so endearing about him, regardless of betrayals he’s caught up in. But, even so, the plot point about him dragged. And when it didn’t, there were parts that felt as if Cecilia and Rainer were unnecessarily cruel towards him. In the Memory Curse, Cecilia has forgiven him for what happened in The Lost God. And we know who was responsible for Xander’s actions in The Memory Curse. So, why did he have to continually be punished by Cece and Rainer?
I also don’t understand why we had Evan’s POV. We never learned anything interesting from him, other than the fact that he is a tight-lipped man who can’t communicate his feelings and was going along with Sylvie’s political plan, which was pretty silly since her supposed maneuvers didn’t yield anything helpful or contributive to the plot. Worse, Evan wasn’t even very compelling as a spy master. He was just there taking up unnecessary space and not progressing the plot.
The major mystery about this book’s antagonist was rather obvious, as was part of the plot twist that came at the end (not all of it, though!). Although the cruelty of this new character makes Cato seem like a silly trickster.
I don’t know. This book sort of proved why I am typically not a fan of love triangles. And while this book’s spice definitely pushes past YA and into NA territory, it still stayed true to the old familiar love triangle rule where someone is left out by the end and monogamy rules. This is a fictional fantasy world with adult romantic themes—why does that have to be the case?
I will still read the last book in this series (I already ordered it). I really enjoy Masterson’s writing. There’s something very cozy about her storytelling and pacing. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that Cecilia and Rainer frustrated me for most of this book and I’m hoping there’s some interesting stuff in store for the next book.
I also don’t understand why we had Evan’s POV. We never learned anything interesting from him, other than the fact that he is a tight-lipped man who can’t communicate his feelings and was going along with Sylvie’s political plan, which was pretty silly since her supposed maneuvers didn’t yield anything helpful or contributive to the plot. Worse, Evan wasn’t even very compelling as a spy master. He was just there taking up unnecessary space and not progressing the plot.
The major mystery about this book’s antagonist was rather obvious, as was part of the plot twist that came at the end (not all of it, though!). Although the cruelty of this new character makes Cato seem like a silly trickster.
I don’t know. This book sort of proved why I am typically not a fan of love triangles. And while this book’s spice definitely pushes past YA and into NA territory, it still stayed true to the old familiar love triangle rule where someone is left out by the end and monogamy rules. This is a fictional fantasy world with adult romantic themes—why does that have to be the case?
I will still read the last book in this series (I already ordered it). I really enjoy Masterson’s writing. There’s something very cozy about her storytelling and pacing. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that Cecilia and Rainer frustrated me for most of this book and I’m hoping there’s some interesting stuff in store for the next book.
March 16, 2024
✨The Storm King ARC review✨Thank you Sheila for allowing me to read this. What follows is my honest opinion.
There is no such thing as a “happily ever after” after war, loss, and trauma. There may be happiness in moments, but it isn’t a permanent state of being. Masterson explores this concept in this third book, giving her readers a raw and real exploration of PTSD. The way she deals with these sensitive issues was so honest, I can tell she took the time to explore the profundity of the feelings associated with surviving a war and losing a loved one in more ways than one. The characters had to deal with intense internal battles before (and while) having to contend with the external battles. I appreciated how Masterson addressed trauma. Not in a cliched and clinical way. It is messy, confusing—yet full of love and compassion. When people write about panic attacks, it never feels believable. However, in this book, was the first time I can tell that the author understands how the deep-rooted fear of the self is what drives the trauma and leads to a panic attack (that feeling of danger). It isn’t shallow nor just a description of symptoms. It is *felt.*
There is a lot of court intrigue in this book and a widening exploration of the world.
All our favorite (surviving) characters are present and Sheila gives them the time and attention they need to grow and develop.
Even though I missed some of the intertwining magic that was ever-present in the previous two books, its relative absence is logical in the face of the consequences of its use. We see characters having to reacquaint themselves to the magic and new order in this world.
Make sure you have a box (or two) of tissues.
There is no such thing as a “happily ever after” after war, loss, and trauma. There may be happiness in moments, but it isn’t a permanent state of being. Masterson explores this concept in this third book, giving her readers a raw and real exploration of PTSD. The way she deals with these sensitive issues was so honest, I can tell she took the time to explore the profundity of the feelings associated with surviving a war and losing a loved one in more ways than one. The characters had to deal with intense internal battles before (and while) having to contend with the external battles. I appreciated how Masterson addressed trauma. Not in a cliched and clinical way. It is messy, confusing—yet full of love and compassion. When people write about panic attacks, it never feels believable. However, in this book, was the first time I can tell that the author understands how the deep-rooted fear of the self is what drives the trauma and leads to a panic attack (that feeling of danger). It isn’t shallow nor just a description of symptoms. It is *felt.*
There is a lot of court intrigue in this book and a widening exploration of the world.
All our favorite (surviving) characters are present and Sheila gives them the time and attention they need to grow and develop.
Even though I missed some of the intertwining magic that was ever-present in the previous two books, its relative absence is logical in the face of the consequences of its use. We see characters having to reacquaint themselves to the magic and new order in this world.
Make sure you have a box (or two) of tissues.
March 13, 2024
TW// torture and threat of sexual violence
May contain spoilers
"I will come for you in every darkness, and I will carry you out, or I will sit with you there until you can walk out on your own"
Xander is back in Argaria, and now holds the title of King, a role he never wanted or expected, with new pressures, and his heritage under constant scrutiny he's struggling to not suffocate under this insurmountable amount of grief for the life he knew and the people he loved. However, with war on the horizon, and his position as King under threat, he needs to secure an alliance with a neighbouring kingdom to solidify Argaria's power, and fight back against his enigmatic and faceless cousins, army. But Xander cares little for marrying anyone that isn't his spitfire of an ex-wife Cece, leaving Evander to take up the reins, even going so far as to invite Cece and Rainer to help encourage Xander to be the king they all know he can be, but with his love for Cece never wavering, having her around in his vicinity might just be more of a hinderance than a help.
I am constantly blown away by Sheila, and her writing, each book in this series just gets better and better, and I'm forever in awe of the direction these stories lead in. I've got a lot to say, especially as I try to piece my heart back together and form some semblance of coherent thought, so please bear with me.
Xander... oh my sweet mischievous, cheeky little angel. The Memory Curse WRECKED ME and made my heart bleed alongside him throughout his journey, and you can truly feel his pain bleeding so viscerally through the pages, I just want to smuggle him out and keep him safe. He's grown up always being told he's either too much or not enough, and he's exhausted himself, losing almost everyone he holds dear, and now having to fight his cousin across the borders to protect the Kingdom he never wanted, and to which he's lost so much, whilst his every move, and choice is criticised and demeaned. This man goes through it, and he had my heart hurting. He's still got his cocky demeanour which is even more vibrant in the face of his love for Cece, but we also get to see a vulnerable, and more emotional side to him that had me sobbing, it ripped my heart out.
This man has been broken repeatedly and wears a mask of self-assuredness that is both beguiling and devastating all at once, I just want to cuddle him and never let him go.
What a delectably gorgeous, charismatic, charming and beautiful man Xander is, I will always root for him even if the odds are stacked against us.
Cecilia is battling with her own sense of grief, losing part of herself, and coming back from death is not something that she's taken lightly. Her fears and the guilt of the lives she's taken to save innocents, suffocates her, she refuses to let others in , terrified that once they get a glimpse of the darkness within her, they'll abandon her. Constantly erecting new ways to armour her heart which only leads to further cracks and fissures in her newfound relationship with Rainer. I will never not be impressed by the utter formidable energy Cece gives off, her stoic and unflappable personality is just so powerful, and I loved seeing her feeling her emotions more freely, she's become so beautifully raw and open in ways she's never allowed herself to be before, and that was utterly astounding and empowering to witness.
Rainer.. oh boy this man has truly come into his own in this book
He's going through his own kind of grief, losing the love of his life, only to get her back and feel even more distance between them, has him needing some kind of clarification to calm his anxiety and fear that he'll lose her again. Trying desperately to feel settled in this new, more mundane, life after training o become a renowned warrior, is hard for him to adjust to, and his desperation to be loved and accepted has never been more visceral. Rainer is desperate to find his own voice, and purpose outside of just being Cece's guardian, and follow a path that he wants instead of what's expected of him by others. His growth was so astounding, and this man's dirty talk... holy shit, him and Xander are something else... they have me in a puddle on the floor
I loved seeing this confident, and cocky side to him, and his viciousness when he fights is electrifying and spine tingling
"Touch her and I'll make sure you die drowning in your own blood"
The "Are you well" after effortlessly cutting down 20 men by himself, and storming across the room to check on Cece...
Also I'm just gonna holla about the fact that we got more Evan and Sylvie content (!!!) Sylvie is her usual boss-ass, strategic, cunning, suave and sophisticated self, who uses men's greed, and lust to her advantage to bend them to her will. A true empowering queen, she bends men to her will and I LOVE THAT FOR HER . She really gives Evan a run for his money. Always know as the pragmatic one, the meticulous and by the book person, who's kept everyone together, and followed every detail to the letter. This man thrives off order, but he struggles desperately to be vulnerable, terrified of losing anyone else he loves as bait for his own feelings. Evan finds it hard to communicate his love and adoration, especially when it comes to Sylvie, his heart is full, and he's drowning in her charisma and intelligence (as he should!) but the walls he's built have become so iron clad, it's not as easy as just tearing them down, and being vulnerable. He really goes through it, and my heart hurt for him, but it was so intriguing to see his perspective, and watch him slowly get out of his own head.
As always the writing was lush and seamlessly immersive, the interactions between the characters were flawless, and the banter was top notch. There's a heavier focus of the political intrigue and court politics in this one, which meant it's more of a slow-burn but damn it if it wasn't compelling, engaging, and just delicious to read. I devoured it, I've literally never highlighted so much in a book before, but the dialogue, the feelings, the relationships, just everything was so profoundly impactful and moving, I couldn't not. Get ready to feel EVERYTHING .
Sheila tackles grief and mental health so eloquently and beautifully, it's raw, palpable and profound, it buries deep into your soul, and makes you feel seen. The pain, guilt and grief each character grapples with, and desperately tries to heal from is insanely well done, it makes you fall even more in love with these characters, and reminds you that everyone is on their own journey, and we're all healing from something. Each character goes through their own personal journey of healing, growing and adapting to the circumstances handed to them, and that truly reflects in the story in a way that's so poignant and real. Sheila demonstrates the true consequences both physically and mentally of war, in such a tangible way that makes the story even more evocative and moving. I'm constantly flawed by Sheila and her writing.
This series continues to astound me in every aspect, but please do prepare yourself because the last few chapters had me pacing, sobbing, my heart was constantly in my throat, I was not prepared. I will continue to try and process my feelings, and get excited (and terrified) about the last book in the series. I'm not ready to leave these characters, but honestly this story continues to make such an astounding impact on me, the characters and remarkable and unforgettable. If you're thinking about picking up a new fantasy series, please let it be this one.
May contain spoilers
"I will come for you in every darkness, and I will carry you out, or I will sit with you there until you can walk out on your own"
Xander is back in Argaria, and now holds the title of King, a role he never wanted or expected, with new pressures, and his heritage under constant scrutiny he's struggling to not suffocate under this insurmountable amount of grief for the life he knew and the people he loved. However, with war on the horizon, and his position as King under threat, he needs to secure an alliance with a neighbouring kingdom to solidify Argaria's power, and fight back against his enigmatic and faceless cousins, army. But Xander cares little for marrying anyone that isn't his spitfire of an ex-wife Cece, leaving Evander to take up the reins, even going so far as to invite Cece and Rainer to help encourage Xander to be the king they all know he can be, but with his love for Cece never wavering, having her around in his vicinity might just be more of a hinderance than a help.
I am constantly blown away by Sheila, and her writing, each book in this series just gets better and better, and I'm forever in awe of the direction these stories lead in. I've got a lot to say, especially as I try to piece my heart back together and form some semblance of coherent thought, so please bear with me.
Xander... oh my sweet mischievous, cheeky little angel. The Memory Curse WRECKED ME and made my heart bleed alongside him throughout his journey, and you can truly feel his pain bleeding so viscerally through the pages, I just want to smuggle him out and keep him safe. He's grown up always being told he's either too much or not enough, and he's exhausted himself, losing almost everyone he holds dear, and now having to fight his cousin across the borders to protect the Kingdom he never wanted, and to which he's lost so much, whilst his every move, and choice is criticised and demeaned. This man goes through it, and he had my heart hurting. He's still got his cocky demeanour which is even more vibrant in the face of his love for Cece, but we also get to see a vulnerable, and more emotional side to him that had me sobbing, it ripped my heart out.
This man has been broken repeatedly and wears a mask of self-assuredness that is both beguiling and devastating all at once, I just want to cuddle him and never let him go.
What a delectably gorgeous, charismatic, charming and beautiful man Xander is, I will always root for him even if the odds are stacked against us.
Cecilia is battling with her own sense of grief, losing part of herself, and coming back from death is not something that she's taken lightly. Her fears and the guilt of the lives she's taken to save innocents, suffocates her, she refuses to let others in , terrified that once they get a glimpse of the darkness within her, they'll abandon her. Constantly erecting new ways to armour her heart which only leads to further cracks and fissures in her newfound relationship with Rainer. I will never not be impressed by the utter formidable energy Cece gives off, her stoic and unflappable personality is just so powerful, and I loved seeing her feeling her emotions more freely, she's become so beautifully raw and open in ways she's never allowed herself to be before, and that was utterly astounding and empowering to witness.
Rainer.. oh boy this man has truly come into his own in this book
He's going through his own kind of grief, losing the love of his life, only to get her back and feel even more distance between them, has him needing some kind of clarification to calm his anxiety and fear that he'll lose her again. Trying desperately to feel settled in this new, more mundane, life after training o become a renowned warrior, is hard for him to adjust to, and his desperation to be loved and accepted has never been more visceral. Rainer is desperate to find his own voice, and purpose outside of just being Cece's guardian, and follow a path that he wants instead of what's expected of him by others. His growth was so astounding, and this man's dirty talk... holy shit, him and Xander are something else... they have me in a puddle on the floor
I loved seeing this confident, and cocky side to him, and his viciousness when he fights is electrifying and spine tingling
"Touch her and I'll make sure you die drowning in your own blood"
The "Are you well" after effortlessly cutting down 20 men by himself, and storming across the room to check on Cece...
Also I'm just gonna holla about the fact that we got more Evan and Sylvie content (!!!) Sylvie is her usual boss-ass, strategic, cunning, suave and sophisticated self, who uses men's greed, and lust to her advantage to bend them to her will. A true empowering queen, she bends men to her will and I LOVE THAT FOR HER . She really gives Evan a run for his money. Always know as the pragmatic one, the meticulous and by the book person, who's kept everyone together, and followed every detail to the letter. This man thrives off order, but he struggles desperately to be vulnerable, terrified of losing anyone else he loves as bait for his own feelings. Evan finds it hard to communicate his love and adoration, especially when it comes to Sylvie, his heart is full, and he's drowning in her charisma and intelligence (as he should!) but the walls he's built have become so iron clad, it's not as easy as just tearing them down, and being vulnerable. He really goes through it, and my heart hurt for him, but it was so intriguing to see his perspective, and watch him slowly get out of his own head.
As always the writing was lush and seamlessly immersive, the interactions between the characters were flawless, and the banter was top notch. There's a heavier focus of the political intrigue and court politics in this one, which meant it's more of a slow-burn but damn it if it wasn't compelling, engaging, and just delicious to read. I devoured it, I've literally never highlighted so much in a book before, but the dialogue, the feelings, the relationships, just everything was so profoundly impactful and moving, I couldn't not. Get ready to feel EVERYTHING .
Sheila tackles grief and mental health so eloquently and beautifully, it's raw, palpable and profound, it buries deep into your soul, and makes you feel seen. The pain, guilt and grief each character grapples with, and desperately tries to heal from is insanely well done, it makes you fall even more in love with these characters, and reminds you that everyone is on their own journey, and we're all healing from something. Each character goes through their own personal journey of healing, growing and adapting to the circumstances handed to them, and that truly reflects in the story in a way that's so poignant and real. Sheila demonstrates the true consequences both physically and mentally of war, in such a tangible way that makes the story even more evocative and moving. I'm constantly flawed by Sheila and her writing.
This series continues to astound me in every aspect, but please do prepare yourself because the last few chapters had me pacing, sobbing, my heart was constantly in my throat, I was not prepared. I will continue to try and process my feelings, and get excited (and terrified) about the last book in the series. I'm not ready to leave these characters, but honestly this story continues to make such an astounding impact on me, the characters and remarkable and unforgettable. If you're thinking about picking up a new fantasy series, please let it be this one.
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