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Ivy & Bone #3
Oak & Ember
For years, Pandora has sought her revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.
Under the guise of a goddess sent to help, she arrives in Elysium to work with the other deities to stop the box’s dark magic from spreading. But it’s all a ruse… In truth, she is planting seeds of destruction that will bring Elysium to its knees.
Her ultimate goal is to take down Apollo, the one who cursed her and doomed her to a life of misery. Nothing will stop her—not even his handsome apprentice, Sol.
But when Pandora must work alongside Sol to keep up appearances, she finds the sun god as infuriating as he is seductive, and she falls victim to his charms. As her plan unfolds, she begins to doubt what she truly wants. Bringing down Elysium would mean the end of all gods—even Sol.
Can she fulfill the task she has spent her entire existence planning? Or will her loyalties shift in favor of the gods she is meant to despise?
Oak & Ember is Book 3 of the Ivy & Bone series, a Hades and Persephone retelling with a twist, full of steamy romance, dark paranormal themes, and allusions to Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and A Touch of Darkness.
Under the guise of a goddess sent to help, she arrives in Elysium to work with the other deities to stop the box’s dark magic from spreading. But it’s all a ruse… In truth, she is planting seeds of destruction that will bring Elysium to its knees.
Her ultimate goal is to take down Apollo, the one who cursed her and doomed her to a life of misery. Nothing will stop her—not even his handsome apprentice, Sol.
But when Pandora must work alongside Sol to keep up appearances, she finds the sun god as infuriating as he is seductive, and she falls victim to his charms. As her plan unfolds, she begins to doubt what she truly wants. Bringing down Elysium would mean the end of all gods—even Sol.
Can she fulfill the task she has spent her entire existence planning? Or will her loyalties shift in favor of the gods she is meant to despise?
Oak & Ember is Book 3 of the Ivy & Bone series, a Hades and Persephone retelling with a twist, full of steamy romance, dark paranormal themes, and allusions to Greek mythology. Perfect for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked and A Touch of Darkness.
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Published March 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 24, 2024
2024 Reads #175/250
3.75⭐️
3.75⭐️
April 29, 2024
These books are so good!!!! This is actually book 3 in the Ivy & Bone series but I’m reviewing the entire series here. I love the way the author tells a different yet similar Hades and Persephone story. The story is captivating and I found myself craving to finish it. The characters are relatable and they are not just good or just bad. Their characters are complex. The world building build is smooth and done well and the author is actually an incredibly good writer. So many books I’ve started these days have been so cringey because of self publishing. It has people believing they are authors just because a story pops into their minds and the books end up like they’re written by a 12 year old. THESE ARE NOT THAT!!! They are very well written and super entertaining with mild spice. 🌶️🌶️ I can’t wait until the last book comes out!
August 26, 2025
This is book 3 of the Ivy & Bones series, a Hades and Persephone retelling with witches, demons, goddesses and princes of the Underworld.
This time while we get some of Prue, Cyrus, Mona and Evander…. However it’s really the Pandora show. Trivia / Pandora have made it to Elysium with Oandoras intentions of destroying the realm. However she struggles with Trivia’s emotions and guilt of those innocent as well as developing feelings for Sol.
Prue and Cyrus continue to sacrifice themselves to save one another and Cyrus ends up making “the ultimate” sacrifice - at least in his mind - to bring her back. Once she has returned, she revives him but now he is human. Oh boy does he hate it.
Mona has races to Elysium to recuse Evander who was dragged there by Pandora. She befriends Hestia and makes allies.
We continue to watch how sisterly love overcomes all as Mona is determined not to abandon Trivia. Now Trivia will have a lot to atone for.
Gaia has been released and the 2/3 triplets have their full powers. Now they have to take on Apollo - who happens to be their father. Surprise! I think book 4 will be amazing to see how this continues to play out!
Once again I want to thank the author for the eARC copies of the full series.
Tropes:
- dark paranormal romance
- Witches , goddesses & the devil himself
- Hades & Persephone retelling
- Dual timelines & multi POVs
- Mates
- Revenge & betrayal
- Enemies to lovers
This time while we get some of Prue, Cyrus, Mona and Evander…. However it’s really the Pandora show. Trivia / Pandora have made it to Elysium with Oandoras intentions of destroying the realm. However she struggles with Trivia’s emotions and guilt of those innocent as well as developing feelings for Sol.
Prue and Cyrus continue to sacrifice themselves to save one another and Cyrus ends up making “the ultimate” sacrifice - at least in his mind - to bring her back. Once she has returned, she revives him but now he is human. Oh boy does he hate it.
Mona has races to Elysium to recuse Evander who was dragged there by Pandora. She befriends Hestia and makes allies.
We continue to watch how sisterly love overcomes all as Mona is determined not to abandon Trivia. Now Trivia will have a lot to atone for.
Gaia has been released and the 2/3 triplets have their full powers. Now they have to take on Apollo - who happens to be their father. Surprise! I think book 4 will be amazing to see how this continues to play out!
Once again I want to thank the author for the eARC copies of the full series.
Tropes:
- dark paranormal romance
- Witches , goddesses & the devil himself
- Hades & Persephone retelling
- Dual timelines & multi POVs
- Mates
- Revenge & betrayal
- Enemies to lovers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2024
This series is so intriguing !
Honestly it mildly gives me supernatural vibes (from the show) and I am here for it.
I love this series, the characters and the fact that most of them aren't just morally good, they are complicated people/demons.
The cliffhanger killed me though and I am out here DYING for book 4!!
Thank you to R.L. Perez for the ARC!
4.5 Stars
Honestly it mildly gives me supernatural vibes (from the show) and I am here for it.
I love this series, the characters and the fact that most of them aren't just morally good, they are complicated people/demons.
The cliffhanger killed me though and I am out here DYING for book 4!!
Thank you to R.L. Perez for the ARC!
4.5 Stars
March 9, 2024
Oak And Ember is book three in the Ivy and Bone series by R.L Perez.
The novel follows Pandora, who for years has wants revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.
Under the guide of a Goddess sent to help, she arrives in Elysium to work with other deities to stop the box's magic from spreading. But she is plotting seeds of destruction that will bring Elysium to its knees.
I really enjoyed Oak and Ember. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. R.L Perez's writing is beautiful and storytelling is flawless. I highly recommend the book and I can't wait to read more by the author.
💖Oak and Ember is due for release on the 9th March.
💖 Thank you to the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The novel follows Pandora, who for years has wants revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.
Under the guide of a Goddess sent to help, she arrives in Elysium to work with other deities to stop the box's magic from spreading. But she is plotting seeds of destruction that will bring Elysium to its knees.
I really enjoyed Oak and Ember. I was hooked from the very first page and kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. R.L Perez's writing is beautiful and storytelling is flawless. I highly recommend the book and I can't wait to read more by the author.
💖Oak and Ember is due for release on the 9th March.
💖 Thank you to the author for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2024
I freaking love this series!
March 6, 2024
Don't you just love a good prologue? I do! I find myself drooling for what's next. Each book in this series centres around one of three sisters, Mona, Prue and now Pandora, and at the centre of all, is their mother Gaia and the gods.... and the deities.... and the jostling for power. Distinctly different, distinctly original, this book and series exposes a refreshing take on gods and deities, through a whole host of realms, this VERY engaging read will have your head spinning! In a flabbergasted way. In a way you cannot believe the twists. In a way you are hard pressed to dislike ANY character. Well... except for Apollo! He's, he's, he's... AWFUL!
The earth shattering or underworld shattering that Pandora released in the previous book has consequences. Not only for those affected but for her as well. Her bitterness and need for revenge, of what she perceives was done to her, has her heart, her soul seeking the most radical of revenge. Against all who have wronged her. She's right, to a point....she wasn't discarded by her family and mother; she was taken, she wasn't left to suffer alone; that was forced upon her. What it did do was instill a deep hatred, a deep pain that sought vengeance. We've all heard of Pandora's box but what we didn't know, was that it was HER magic wrenched from her and locked inside. And there's something else inside her, something even worse....So yeah, the resentment she harbours is very real. As more and more pieces of the puzzle settle into place in Pandora's head, so too does she realise she might have erred, she might be wrong and the vengeance she seeks, she needs, she deserves, might not fully be her own but that of the entity she carries. But she's not wrong about one thing, Apollo IS despicable, he IS a greedy, power hungry god who DOES need to face a reckoning. The THINGS Apollo has done, the DEEDS he's enacted, all to propel himself to be THE god, makes my blood boil!
Hiding behind the facade of Hecate, Pandora enters into the very heart of the realm of the gods, well, having decimated the underworld, her prime focus is doing exactly the same to Elysium and the very gods who she thinks are corrupt. Her reacquaintance with Sol, the glimpses she sees of the real Sol, is the catalyst for her doubting her actions. I loved how both Sol and Pandora hide behind their snark. Their bidding relationship is so unlikely to either of them, and yet....
While Pandora is fighting her inner battle, her almost magnetic draw to Sol, her sisters Prue and Mona are fighting a battle of their own. Glory be, it felt like I'd suffered a bad whiplash from the events that ubfolded! Cyrus will do the unthinkable to save Prue, who in turn does the unthinkable to save Cyrus, neither having the desired outcome. And on the other side, Mona and Evander are in a battle for their lives, literally! So many things come to light, so many head spinning revelations! The tempo of this already excellently paced book, goes up, notch by notch, the tension is ratcheted up, like turning the dial up on full, until my head was pounding in tune! I love a multi POV, it adds a depth and dimension to the thoughts and actions of each character. It was as though the rollercoaster I was in has derailed and I was hanging on for dear life, plunging downward, not knowing where it would land, not knowing if I would be intact when it finally came to a stop. I'm finding it difficult to capture just HOW MUCH this book immersed me, HOW MUCH the events gripped me, HOW MUCH I related to all the characters, HOW MUCH I wanted them all to succeed. The all encompassing love is described so magnificently, the events so breathtaking, the action so fierce and the plot to perfection.
This series carries one from the human world, to the underworld, to the world of the gods, where the characters all stand out individually, they bask in the light the author shrouds them in. But what the ending did to me, oh heavens, I came apart at the seams! So much has been answered in this book but so much is yet to unfold, it's with baited breath I await the next slice of this stunning saga!
The earth shattering or underworld shattering that Pandora released in the previous book has consequences. Not only for those affected but for her as well. Her bitterness and need for revenge, of what she perceives was done to her, has her heart, her soul seeking the most radical of revenge. Against all who have wronged her. She's right, to a point....she wasn't discarded by her family and mother; she was taken, she wasn't left to suffer alone; that was forced upon her. What it did do was instill a deep hatred, a deep pain that sought vengeance. We've all heard of Pandora's box but what we didn't know, was that it was HER magic wrenched from her and locked inside. And there's something else inside her, something even worse....So yeah, the resentment she harbours is very real. As more and more pieces of the puzzle settle into place in Pandora's head, so too does she realise she might have erred, she might be wrong and the vengeance she seeks, she needs, she deserves, might not fully be her own but that of the entity she carries. But she's not wrong about one thing, Apollo IS despicable, he IS a greedy, power hungry god who DOES need to face a reckoning. The THINGS Apollo has done, the DEEDS he's enacted, all to propel himself to be THE god, makes my blood boil!
Hiding behind the facade of Hecate, Pandora enters into the very heart of the realm of the gods, well, having decimated the underworld, her prime focus is doing exactly the same to Elysium and the very gods who she thinks are corrupt. Her reacquaintance with Sol, the glimpses she sees of the real Sol, is the catalyst for her doubting her actions. I loved how both Sol and Pandora hide behind their snark. Their bidding relationship is so unlikely to either of them, and yet....
While Pandora is fighting her inner battle, her almost magnetic draw to Sol, her sisters Prue and Mona are fighting a battle of their own. Glory be, it felt like I'd suffered a bad whiplash from the events that ubfolded! Cyrus will do the unthinkable to save Prue, who in turn does the unthinkable to save Cyrus, neither having the desired outcome. And on the other side, Mona and Evander are in a battle for their lives, literally! So many things come to light, so many head spinning revelations! The tempo of this already excellently paced book, goes up, notch by notch, the tension is ratcheted up, like turning the dial up on full, until my head was pounding in tune! I love a multi POV, it adds a depth and dimension to the thoughts and actions of each character. It was as though the rollercoaster I was in has derailed and I was hanging on for dear life, plunging downward, not knowing where it would land, not knowing if I would be intact when it finally came to a stop. I'm finding it difficult to capture just HOW MUCH this book immersed me, HOW MUCH the events gripped me, HOW MUCH I related to all the characters, HOW MUCH I wanted them all to succeed. The all encompassing love is described so magnificently, the events so breathtaking, the action so fierce and the plot to perfection.
This series carries one from the human world, to the underworld, to the world of the gods, where the characters all stand out individually, they bask in the light the author shrouds them in. But what the ending did to me, oh heavens, I came apart at the seams! So much has been answered in this book but so much is yet to unfold, it's with baited breath I await the next slice of this stunning saga!
March 9, 2024
The wrath of a goddess confined in the body of a innocent child is a harbinger of disaster in this third book in this exciting series!
Gaia had three daughters but Apollo stole one of them from her and transferred Pandora’s curse into the infant girl and had her raised in the underworld away from her mother. There she was told her mother hated her and abandoned her and she was determined to get revenge not only on her but on all those who had wronged her. Pandora bided her time and took her revenge and destroyed the underworld and went to Elysium, the realm of the gods to destroy
them next. However, the voice of the old Pandora urging her to destroy the realm starts to make her question destroying all those who had nothing to do with what happened to the goddess so long ago.
Her other sisters Prue and Mona are having their own adventures as well as Prue has been found lifeless under fallen debris and Cyrus is desperate to resurrect her regardless of what it may cost him! Mona, on the other hand, is in Elysium trying to hide and searching for Evander, who Pandora took with her as a hostage when she fled from the underworld.
Unfortunately Elysium will kill Evander if Mona can’t find him and get him back in time.
Through an exciting series of adventures, Mona, Evander and Pandora do meet up with Apollo and Pandora unleashes her death magic that she used to destroy the Underworld. Pandora sees the spirit that has possessed her her entire life will not be satisfied until it destroys everything it possibly can everywhere in every realm and is determined to try and save as many people in this realm as possible even if it kills her because her life has been one only lived for revenge for the spirit that possesses her body anyway! Mona and Evander offer her a new life if she’ll take it and a shocking surprise awaits the readers at the end of the book just when you thought at least you’d seen the last of at least one despicable scoundrel!
This has been quite a story of two sisters who were close and one who was taken from them. Their parents were both gods so they were goddesses as well but they had to die to come into their goddess powers and now the other two have made that transition so the power of the Triple Goddesses as well as their mother may be pretty potent even against the King of the Gods himself, Apollo!
I have enjoyed this series and this book and heartily
recommend both for your reading enjoyment! In fact, you really need to read this series from the start to grasp the full story and scope of it! So get the entire series if you haven’t already and read all three books so you’ll be ready to read Salt & Blood when it comes out next!
Gaia had three daughters but Apollo stole one of them from her and transferred Pandora’s curse into the infant girl and had her raised in the underworld away from her mother. There she was told her mother hated her and abandoned her and she was determined to get revenge not only on her but on all those who had wronged her. Pandora bided her time and took her revenge and destroyed the underworld and went to Elysium, the realm of the gods to destroy
them next. However, the voice of the old Pandora urging her to destroy the realm starts to make her question destroying all those who had nothing to do with what happened to the goddess so long ago.
Her other sisters Prue and Mona are having their own adventures as well as Prue has been found lifeless under fallen debris and Cyrus is desperate to resurrect her regardless of what it may cost him! Mona, on the other hand, is in Elysium trying to hide and searching for Evander, who Pandora took with her as a hostage when she fled from the underworld.
Unfortunately Elysium will kill Evander if Mona can’t find him and get him back in time.
Through an exciting series of adventures, Mona, Evander and Pandora do meet up with Apollo and Pandora unleashes her death magic that she used to destroy the Underworld. Pandora sees the spirit that has possessed her her entire life will not be satisfied until it destroys everything it possibly can everywhere in every realm and is determined to try and save as many people in this realm as possible even if it kills her because her life has been one only lived for revenge for the spirit that possesses her body anyway! Mona and Evander offer her a new life if she’ll take it and a shocking surprise awaits the readers at the end of the book just when you thought at least you’d seen the last of at least one despicable scoundrel!
This has been quite a story of two sisters who were close and one who was taken from them. Their parents were both gods so they were goddesses as well but they had to die to come into their goddess powers and now the other two have made that transition so the power of the Triple Goddesses as well as their mother may be pretty potent even against the King of the Gods himself, Apollo!
I have enjoyed this series and this book and heartily
recommend both for your reading enjoyment! In fact, you really need to read this series from the start to grasp the full story and scope of it! So get the entire series if you haven’t already and read all three books so you’ll be ready to read Salt & Blood when it comes out next!
January 19, 2025
I loved the turn this book takes into the mind of a villain!
Pandora has been living in The Underworld for the majority of her life, hiding her true identity under a false name. Memories of her past fuel her rage against Apollo for banishing her to the Underworld, and now she seeks revenge against him.
Pandora travels to Elysium, where she encounters someone from her childhood.
Sol is a sun god, apprentice to Apollo. He is tasked with helping Trivia (Pandora) with protecting Elysium from the death magic that Pandora’s box unleashed. But what he doesn’t know is that Pandora has other plans.
She uses Sol’s lazy, casual way of living to her advantage, to gain his trust. While also fighting her attraction to him. He is charming and stops to appreciate the brighter things of life.
There is a voice inside her feeding her memories of her tortured past, telling her what she must do to destroy the gods. When she realizes this voice is the angry goddess within her, Pandora starts to rethink her plans of destruction.
We get to see backstory of the three sisters and how they were separated. How Pandora’s spirit was merged with the third sister.
Cyrus makes the decision to give up his immortal soul to save Prudence. When Prudence finally comes to, she helps Cyrus regain consciousness, and in doing so becomes a brat again. All his character growth goes out the window! 😂
There is a bigger arc I can see unfolding, and it starts in the first book. Following the breadcrumbs I can see where this story is going, and I’m terrified.
Pandora has been living in The Underworld for the majority of her life, hiding her true identity under a false name. Memories of her past fuel her rage against Apollo for banishing her to the Underworld, and now she seeks revenge against him.
Pandora travels to Elysium, where she encounters someone from her childhood.
Sol is a sun god, apprentice to Apollo. He is tasked with helping Trivia (Pandora) with protecting Elysium from the death magic that Pandora’s box unleashed. But what he doesn’t know is that Pandora has other plans.
She uses Sol’s lazy, casual way of living to her advantage, to gain his trust. While also fighting her attraction to him. He is charming and stops to appreciate the brighter things of life.
There is a voice inside her feeding her memories of her tortured past, telling her what she must do to destroy the gods. When she realizes this voice is the angry goddess within her, Pandora starts to rethink her plans of destruction.
We get to see backstory of the three sisters and how they were separated. How Pandora’s spirit was merged with the third sister.
Cyrus makes the decision to give up his immortal soul to save Prudence. When Prudence finally comes to, she helps Cyrus regain consciousness, and in doing so becomes a brat again. All his character growth goes out the window! 😂
There is a bigger arc I can see unfolding, and it starts in the first book. Following the breadcrumbs I can see where this story is going, and I’m terrified.
December 2, 2024
What to do when one’s Realm is destroyed?
Trust the Wards, the Dark Forces, the Goddess, the Magic, the Process, and Your Mind! All in a day’s work for our gal Hecate/Pandora/Trivia. With their multiple names and duties, no wonder the gods & goddesses are so paranoid – they never know what’s gonna happen next. Sometimes, I think that they are their own worst enemies, yet continue to blame it on the humans!
Seriously, tho. This tale brings up the age-old question of when does the quest for justice become a hunt for vengeance? I often think about if it’s better to accept one’s fate and live by delusions of grandeur or to have ambitions of greatness and live by resentment of unrealized dreams. Is there truly a balance? I’d say the outcome looks a wee bit bleak if the gods struggle with this same conundrum. Prefer to sort that out rather than to have regrets for eternity…
Some words of wisdom from the author:
‘Magic changes with death.’
Do not, I repeat, do not ‘wage war against the death gods’.
‘There were always casualties in war’, especially at a ball where courtship is more of a battle than a dance.
Fave line:
‘Life doesn’t end after leaving the mortal realm.’
Now that we’ve finished the tale of ‘Goddess of the Triple Path’, we’ll soon bring together the Sisters Three in the upcoming ‘Salt & Blood’.
Trust the Wards, the Dark Forces, the Goddess, the Magic, the Process, and Your Mind! All in a day’s work for our gal Hecate/Pandora/Trivia. With their multiple names and duties, no wonder the gods & goddesses are so paranoid – they never know what’s gonna happen next. Sometimes, I think that they are their own worst enemies, yet continue to blame it on the humans!
Seriously, tho. This tale brings up the age-old question of when does the quest for justice become a hunt for vengeance? I often think about if it’s better to accept one’s fate and live by delusions of grandeur or to have ambitions of greatness and live by resentment of unrealized dreams. Is there truly a balance? I’d say the outcome looks a wee bit bleak if the gods struggle with this same conundrum. Prefer to sort that out rather than to have regrets for eternity…
Some words of wisdom from the author:
‘Magic changes with death.’
Do not, I repeat, do not ‘wage war against the death gods’.
‘There were always casualties in war’, especially at a ball where courtship is more of a battle than a dance.
Fave line:
‘Life doesn’t end after leaving the mortal realm.’
Now that we’ve finished the tale of ‘Goddess of the Triple Path’, we’ll soon bring together the Sisters Three in the upcoming ‘Salt & Blood’.
January 25, 2025
So first I want to thank the author because I received this book from her. Now let’s get into this journey, so we’re finally on the third book in the series. We’re almost finished and there’s still so much we have to deal with. So Pandora comes up on the scene, I definitely have a love-hate relationship with her, like I understand that she was betrayed but like you’re living a new life now. Poor little Prue and Mona are going through their own situations, especially with Cyrus and Evander. I definitely feel like we didn’t get to see enough of Mona and Evander. I’m looking forward to seeing more of them but also what happened with Cyrus at the end of the book…are you kidding me!!! So now we’re gonna have issues with that and I really don’t want that to happen because you know Cyrus had so much growth and now we’re back peddling. Also like Apollo this man is literally tripping off the henny. I hate him! I’m hoping you know Gaia is on the path of redemption and I would like things to go well for her, but I honestly don’t know there’s just so much happening. I’m excited for this last book because I want to know how things end for everyone.
April 8, 2024
Better late than never.
I’ve received this book as an ARC (the book came out on 3/9/2024). With life being thrown at me, I was finally able to finish this book. The book is actually a 1-3 day read depending on your read speed.
This is the third book in the series (not including the novella).
The story takes place after Pandora’s box is opened. There are many twist and turns in the story that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Within this story you will get to follow not only Evander, Mona, Pure, and Cyrus. But you will also follow Pandora, sol, Apollo, and Giga.
You will learn that happened in the past between Giga and Apollo.
You will see what happens to Cyrus.
Then you will be left with a heck of a cliffhanger.
This book also contains some spice as well I would rate the spice as 3 out of 5.
As with R.L. Perez other books, I really enjoyed this one as well.
I’ve received this book as an ARC (the book came out on 3/9/2024). With life being thrown at me, I was finally able to finish this book. The book is actually a 1-3 day read depending on your read speed.
This is the third book in the series (not including the novella).
The story takes place after Pandora’s box is opened. There are many twist and turns in the story that keep you on the edge of your seat.
Within this story you will get to follow not only Evander, Mona, Pure, and Cyrus. But you will also follow Pandora, sol, Apollo, and Giga.
You will learn that happened in the past between Giga and Apollo.
You will see what happens to Cyrus.
Then you will be left with a heck of a cliffhanger.
This book also contains some spice as well I would rate the spice as 3 out of 5.
As with R.L. Perez other books, I really enjoyed this one as well.
January 27, 2025
5 Stars ⭐️
Pandora’s descent into vengeance, darkness, and ultimately redemption in Oak & Ember has fully made me fall in love with this series! This book masterfully explores what it means to be consumed by rage, pain, and betrayal, all while hinting at the hope of salvation. Pandora’s backstory is so intriguing - we learn about how the three sisters were separated, and the inner battle she is dealing with. Not to mention, her dynamic with Sol was a surprising highlight. I loved how their connection evolved.
This story perfectly balances action, emotion, and shocking twists, while expanding on the sisters’ powers and history. Salt & Blood, here I come!!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Pandora’s descent into vengeance, darkness, and ultimately redemption in Oak & Ember has fully made me fall in love with this series! This book masterfully explores what it means to be consumed by rage, pain, and betrayal, all while hinting at the hope of salvation. Pandora’s backstory is so intriguing - we learn about how the three sisters were separated, and the inner battle she is dealing with. Not to mention, her dynamic with Sol was a surprising highlight. I loved how their connection evolved.
This story perfectly balances action, emotion, and shocking twists, while expanding on the sisters’ powers and history. Salt & Blood, here I come!!
Thank you to the author for providing a copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 28, 2024
Book 3 in Ivy & Bone series
Family bonds. Good vs Evil. Light vs Dark.
A high-intensity, action-packed, magic-infused, dangerous journey through Pandora's box filled with curses, vengeance, trauma, suffering, and sacrifice. This book was captivating and intriguing with suspenseful twists along the way. It features a mix of characters, each facing their own challenges yet remaining steadfast on their path. Detailed world building to provide the perfect setting.
"I will stay with you because you are my sister. We are blood, you and I. And no matter what you do, no matter how despicable you are, that will never change."
Family bonds. Good vs Evil. Light vs Dark.
A high-intensity, action-packed, magic-infused, dangerous journey through Pandora's box filled with curses, vengeance, trauma, suffering, and sacrifice. This book was captivating and intriguing with suspenseful twists along the way. It features a mix of characters, each facing their own challenges yet remaining steadfast on their path. Detailed world building to provide the perfect setting.
"I will stay with you because you are my sister. We are blood, you and I. And no matter what you do, no matter how despicable you are, that will never change."
March 5, 2024
Oh my God. I was kind of freaking out after finishing this book because of that ending. With both Prue and Pandora, I wanted to scream. I need the next book asap.
Okay, so trying to start from the beginning, I love that this book has everyone, the main focus is Pandora but we do get to see clips of Prue and Mona as well. The only thing I was unsure of was Pandora and Sol, I really loved his character but I’m still unsure about them together.
Overall I loved the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and the cliffhanger is killing me. I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and new adult romance.
Okay, so trying to start from the beginning, I love that this book has everyone, the main focus is Pandora but we do get to see clips of Prue and Mona as well. The only thing I was unsure of was Pandora and Sol, I really loved his character but I’m still unsure about them together.
Overall I loved the book, it kept me on the edge of my seat and the cliffhanger is killing me. I recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy and new adult romance.
February 10, 2025
I can’t get enough of this series!! Oak And Ember continues from the last book but with Pandora’s point of view and Sol’s. It is an enemies to lovers to enemies again. The suspense of what is happening in each realm has changed the course of the story, but also put into perspective of what is really going on. Secrets, lies, and spice made the story more tragic and intriguing. I love seeing the paths of the other couples and also see the true colors of some gods and goddesses. I really enjoyed their story and can’t wait to read the next one!!
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this readers copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this readers copy.
February 11, 2025
OMG
Every book in this series is so epic. Every time I keep thinking the next book won't be as good, but it actually is.
Every chapter left me with my mouth open as I wasn't expecting any of the things happening, wondering what would happen next.
It really surprised me, and it answered lots of the questions I had from the first and second book (for example who's the father of Prue, or what exactly is going on with Pandora).
I'm sure the fourth book will be full of surprises as well. I really hope those characters can find a solution to all their problems because they've really been through it all (and it's starting to stress me 🙃).
Every book in this series is so epic. Every time I keep thinking the next book won't be as good, but it actually is.
Every chapter left me with my mouth open as I wasn't expecting any of the things happening, wondering what would happen next.
It really surprised me, and it answered lots of the questions I had from the first and second book (for example who's the father of Prue, or what exactly is going on with Pandora).
I'm sure the fourth book will be full of surprises as well. I really hope those characters can find a solution to all their problems because they've really been through it all (and it's starting to stress me 🙃).
March 4, 2025
Book three and we move onto Pandora and Sol’s story. Pandora is out for revenge against the gods and will destroy anything in her path to succeed, especially to bring down Elysium, that is until she comes across Sol the sun god. It’s suspenseful, it’s intriguing and it’s brimming with twist upon turn upon surprise until like Pandora, you feel maybe it’s not such a great idea after all to destroy just to get back at Apollo as it would also end Sol! I am loving the authors take on the mythology of it all and the characters are fantastic and the world building incredible, I’m definitely hooked and ready for more!
March 12, 2025
Good next installment in the series! Lots of jumping around POVs, so if that’s a challenge for you be aware & pay attention. Less attention to Prue in this one, but lots more discovery and background building that helps explain why we are where we are. Redemption arc comes in, more ways than one, and suddenly you’re rooting for someone you didn’t think you would.
The only thing that I really didn’t/don’t care for is the singing… I understand why, but it just doesn’t do it for me. It was in the prior book too, and I just read it and it feels silly so I can’t take it seriously. Just my opinion! I glaze over those parts and continue on.
The only thing that I really didn’t/don’t care for is the singing… I understand why, but it just doesn’t do it for me. It was in the prior book too, and I just read it and it feels silly so I can’t take it seriously. Just my opinion! I glaze over those parts and continue on.
March 17, 2024
This was a thrilling third installment in the Ivy & Bones series. After unleashing her power Pandora successfully destroyed the underworld…..or did she? This book focuses on Pandora’s quest for vengeance and revenge against Apollo the god responsible for cursing her when she was an infant to live a life of pain and misery.
Pandora is so focused on her play to destroy she didn't anticipate falling for her nemesis’ apprentice Sol. Pandora and Sol are true enemies to lovers but the more time they spend together the more they see what lies beneath the surface.
This story reminds us that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences. Pandora’s devastation of the Underworld had a trickle down effect and we were able to get a glimpse of what happened with Prue, Cyrus, Mona and Evander. Everyone is dealing with the fallout in their own way leading to sacrifices, regret and heartache.
As Pandora realizes that she is a pawn in the greater scheme of things it is much too late to make things right. After unleashing her power on Elysium; her identity is revealed as well as her true motives. Can she redeem herself in the face of Sol and her sister's after everything she has done?
With a shocking Cliffhanger will the underworld rebuild after such devastating loss and the sudden appearance of a god who has practically stolen the realm right under Cyrus’s nose?
Pandora is so focused on her play to destroy she didn't anticipate falling for her nemesis’ apprentice Sol. Pandora and Sol are true enemies to lovers but the more time they spend together the more they see what lies beneath the surface.
This story reminds us that our actions, whether good or bad, have consequences. Pandora’s devastation of the Underworld had a trickle down effect and we were able to get a glimpse of what happened with Prue, Cyrus, Mona and Evander. Everyone is dealing with the fallout in their own way leading to sacrifices, regret and heartache.
As Pandora realizes that she is a pawn in the greater scheme of things it is much too late to make things right. After unleashing her power on Elysium; her identity is revealed as well as her true motives. Can she redeem herself in the face of Sol and her sister's after everything she has done?
With a shocking Cliffhanger will the underworld rebuild after such devastating loss and the sudden appearance of a god who has practically stolen the realm right under Cyrus’s nose?
March 10, 2024
An exciting new entry in the series! Definitely re-read the first two books if you are hazy on the characters, because this one drops you right into the action and jumps between a variety of POVs.
I loved the lush descriptions throughout, and I'm always a fan of mythological references (and there are some deeper cuts than many books right now, which I appreciate). Sometimes there was a bit too much expositional dialogue for my taste, but that's a minor quibble.
I'd give 3.5 stars overall, and I always round up for indie books!
I loved the lush descriptions throughout, and I'm always a fan of mythological references (and there are some deeper cuts than many books right now, which I appreciate). Sometimes there was a bit too much expositional dialogue for my taste, but that's a minor quibble.
I'd give 3.5 stars overall, and I always round up for indie books!
March 12, 2024
Summary:
For years, Pandora has sought her revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.
She arrives in Elysium to work with other deities to stop the box's dark magic from spreading. But it is all a ruse. She will bring Elysium to its knees, and no one can stop her, not even the handsome apprentice Sol.
Can she fulfill the task she was so determined to accomplish, or will her loyalties begin to shift in favor of a God she once despised?
Tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-Hades and Persephone retelling
Spice Level 3
For years, Pandora has sought her revenge. And now that her box has been opened, she has what she needs to succeed.
She arrives in Elysium to work with other deities to stop the box's dark magic from spreading. But it is all a ruse. She will bring Elysium to its knees, and no one can stop her, not even the handsome apprentice Sol.
Can she fulfill the task she was so determined to accomplish, or will her loyalties begin to shift in favor of a God she once despised?
Tropes:
-enemies to lovers
-forced proximity
-slow burn
-Hades and Persephone retelling
Spice Level 3
June 6, 2025
I have to say, this 3rd installment was kinda disappointing. The characters fell pretty flat for me, neither Pandora nor Sol had the fleshed-out nuance of the characters in the first two books and the villain reveal wasn’t terribly interesting (or maybe I was just done with this book by then. So much of the storyline felt rushed, trite and poorly paced, that I had a hard time feeling the stakes even, which given the threat should have felt much more weighty. I usually enjoy books for the fun, fast paced romantasys that they are, but this one just didn’t hit.
January 13, 2025
I love the way R.L. Perez weaves in the perspective of new characters so flawlessly in this series. I noticed it in Thorn & Ash but it really came alive in this story with the addition of Pandora's point of view. Still plenty of great twists and turns in this book, keeping up with the previous two. I love the bond between sisters and I love the understanding of the men who love the sisters of their need to sacrifice all for their sisters.
January 16, 2025
I am loving this series so much! This third book again, picks up where the last book left off. We are mainly dealing with Pandora and her continuing quest of destruction. The world building just gets better and better throughout these books, and the writing is excellent. We were again left with a massive cliffhanger, which had me scrambling for the next book. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I highly recommend you do.
January 27, 2025
I had a little bit of a difficult time getting drawn into Pandora's story. Once it finally hooked me I couldn't stop. I had to find out what was going to happen with her plan, if she was going to have a change of heart, and couldn't wait to find out if she finally got the villian. My heart did break a little for Sol....and for Cyrus and Prue. Can't wait to find out what happens next for the 3 sisters!
February 5, 2025
‘We are blood, you and I.’
It all started with Prue and Cyrus, then Mona and Evander. Now their long lost sister, Pandora, is out to finish her quest for revenge on the God that cursed her as an infant. And then Sol steps into her path and suddenly destroying another realm might not be as satisfying as she’d hoped in this action packed installment that kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. Well done!
It all started with Prue and Cyrus, then Mona and Evander. Now their long lost sister, Pandora, is out to finish her quest for revenge on the God that cursed her as an infant. And then Sol steps into her path and suddenly destroying another realm might not be as satisfying as she’d hoped in this action packed installment that kept me on the edge of my seat from cover to cover. Well done!
March 10, 2024
Really enjoying this series! Touching connections and fun action! This story focuses mainly on Pandora’s story. She’s out for vengeance because of a curse placed on her; her quest for vengeance doesn’t exactly go smoothly, so she’s needing to re-evaluate things. Interesting ideas with the gods and goddesses, and I enjoy the world building and writing style. Looking forward to the next one!
March 11, 2024
This book continued the story from books one and two, and this series is an interesting twist on everything we know about the general mythologies of greek and roman mythology. The characters are intriguing and the plot lines are complex with undertones of mistaken identity, political intrigue, and miscommunication tropes.
I need to know what happens next!
I need to know what happens next!
January 19, 2025
Whoaaaa ok firstly Evander and Mona are my favorite BUT the way this book left off on a cliffhanger. LAWD have mercy. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down and I’m stoked for Salt and Blood. These characters are rich and complex and the story has progressed in ways I could not anticipate!
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