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Sands of Maeoris #3
To Forge a Hollow Crown
"In the shadow of the throne, desire knows no bounds."From the moment I united the rebels with Theron's formidable warriors, our combined forces have been on a collision course with destiny, all roads leading to Athain. But with every step towards confronting Theron's formidable mother, Empress Nyana, it feels like the universe is testing our love.
While many in our makeshift army may disapprove of our union, nothing can quell the burning passion between Theron and me. But the challenges we face aren't just from foes. The treacherous desert hides creatures of legend, shadows of our past, and even another elven warrior who, with her own aspirations for the throne, stands between us and our dream of a free world.
Can our love survive the myriad forces working to pull us apart? Or will the empire's weight prove too much, threatening to tear us apart forever?
Content To Forge a Hollow Crown is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. To Forge a Hollow Crown is the final installment in the Sands of Maeoris series.
While many in our makeshift army may disapprove of our union, nothing can quell the burning passion between Theron and me. But the challenges we face aren't just from foes. The treacherous desert hides creatures of legend, shadows of our past, and even another elven warrior who, with her own aspirations for the throne, stands between us and our dream of a free world.
Can our love survive the myriad forces working to pull us apart? Or will the empire's weight prove too much, threatening to tear us apart forever?
Content To Forge a Hollow Crown is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. To Forge a Hollow Crown is the final installment in the Sands of Maeoris series.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 28, 2024
Covers doing all the heavy lifting for a story that trips over itself.
December 29, 2024
3.75 stars was a good ending to a series but I felt like something was missing 😕
June 11, 2025
What do you mean it’s over? No. UNFORGE the crown. I’m not done.
First of all: CHECK. THE. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. If you ignored that for the first two books, that’s between you and your therapist, but if you’re starting here... bold of you.
Now. Book three. The finale. The big, sexy, stabby, trauma laced mic drop.
Let’s talk about what worked:
— The spice? Still elite. Somehow Atley Wykes has cracked the sacred code of writing dark, intense, morally grey bedroom chaos without making me laugh against my will. There is zero cringe. Just feral tension, emotionally broken soulmates, and the kind of scenes that make you consider reading in a walk in freezer.
— The main couple? Powerful. Tragic. Deliciously wounded and ruthless. Peak "we burn the world for each other, but also might emotionally sabotage one another first." Their growth arc from “I hate you but I want you” to “I hate how this world works but I’ll change it for you” was full circle and I respect that.
— The plot? Still carrying the dark fantasy genre on its back like a war weary antihero who doesn’t have time for your nonsense. Political. Sharp. Twisty. DARK. There was at least one moment where I audibly whispered, “Oh noooooooo” into the void like a Victorian widow.
— The worldbuilding? Expanded again. At this point I could probably draw a rough sketch of the continent on a napkin and defend its borders in a debate.
BUT. And it’s a tiny but, like a little goblin gnawing at the back of my book-greedy brain: I wanted more. More epilogue. More wrap up. More “how are they actually doing now?” And honestly? A PowerPoint presentation on Kael’s family name and how it ties into the bigger picture. Don’t dangle mysterious lore at me like a piece of cake and then whisk it away with the closing credits.
Also — and I say this with love — I was embarrassingly, spiritually, more invested in the side characters than the main couple by this point. Not because the FMC and MMC weren’t giving. They were. But the side characters came at me with emotional depth, chaotic energy, political betrayals, laugh out loud humour and the kind of soft yet deadly friendships that make you crave more for them. I would sell my soul (and maybe my WiFi password) for a spin off about them. And I believe (👀) a spin off is coming? If Atley Wykes doesn’t deliver on that promise, I will be respectfully unhinged in the DMs. Respectfully. (Mostly).
Final thoughts: sharp, sexy, emotionally destructive in the best way, and proof that this author knows how to write dark fantasy romance with teeth. I’m giving it 4 stars because I’m a greedy goblin and wanted a full 150 pages of “what happens after the crown is forged,” but still — what a ride. What a cast. What a trilogy.
Now someone please give me more content about the side characters before I start writing fanfiction out of sheer desperation.
First of all: CHECK. THE. TRIGGER. WARNINGS. If you ignored that for the first two books, that’s between you and your therapist, but if you’re starting here... bold of you.
Now. Book three. The finale. The big, sexy, stabby, trauma laced mic drop.
Let’s talk about what worked:
— The spice? Still elite. Somehow Atley Wykes has cracked the sacred code of writing dark, intense, morally grey bedroom chaos without making me laugh against my will. There is zero cringe. Just feral tension, emotionally broken soulmates, and the kind of scenes that make you consider reading in a walk in freezer.
— The main couple? Powerful. Tragic. Deliciously wounded and ruthless. Peak "we burn the world for each other, but also might emotionally sabotage one another first." Their growth arc from “I hate you but I want you” to “I hate how this world works but I’ll change it for you” was full circle and I respect that.
— The plot? Still carrying the dark fantasy genre on its back like a war weary antihero who doesn’t have time for your nonsense. Political. Sharp. Twisty. DARK. There was at least one moment where I audibly whispered, “Oh noooooooo” into the void like a Victorian widow.
— The worldbuilding? Expanded again. At this point I could probably draw a rough sketch of the continent on a napkin and defend its borders in a debate.
BUT. And it’s a tiny but, like a little goblin gnawing at the back of my book-greedy brain: I wanted more. More epilogue. More wrap up. More “how are they actually doing now?” And honestly? A PowerPoint presentation on Kael’s family name and how it ties into the bigger picture. Don’t dangle mysterious lore at me like a piece of cake and then whisk it away with the closing credits.
Also — and I say this with love — I was embarrassingly, spiritually, more invested in the side characters than the main couple by this point. Not because the FMC and MMC weren’t giving. They were. But the side characters came at me with emotional depth, chaotic energy, political betrayals, laugh out loud humour and the kind of soft yet deadly friendships that make you crave more for them. I would sell my soul (and maybe my WiFi password) for a spin off about them. And I believe (👀) a spin off is coming? If Atley Wykes doesn’t deliver on that promise, I will be respectfully unhinged in the DMs. Respectfully. (Mostly).
Final thoughts: sharp, sexy, emotionally destructive in the best way, and proof that this author knows how to write dark fantasy romance with teeth. I’m giving it 4 stars because I’m a greedy goblin and wanted a full 150 pages of “what happens after the crown is forged,” but still — what a ride. What a cast. What a trilogy.
Now someone please give me more content about the side characters before I start writing fanfiction out of sheer desperation.
June 2, 2024
I was flabbergasted reading this, I couldn't believe how bad this book was specially because the first book was so good I gave it 5 stars, it has lots of action, an interesting plot, well written spicy 🔥 it was cohesive. Second book was not so good but readable I gave it 3 stars. But this? This is absurd?
Are any of you anime fans? Have your ever watched Naruto? This book felt like that Theron and Kael were overcoming all the obstacles through the power of friendship they won almost everyone over they forgave even the ones that tried to kill them. Don't get me wrong I love Naruto but it is not how this book should have been handled
This needed more time ¿How is it possible Kael, 24 yo, is such a great sword woman, even better than people who have been alive and practicing (they're in war) for centuries?
I don't want to go over every little thing that bothers me about this book (I'm typing on my phone and I hate it)
Are any of you anime fans? Have your ever watched Naruto? This book felt like that Theron and Kael were overcoming all the obstacles through the power of friendship they won almost everyone over they forgave even the ones that tried to kill them. Don't get me wrong I love Naruto but it is not how this book should have been handled
This needed more time ¿How is it possible Kael, 24 yo, is such a great sword woman, even better than people who have been alive and practicing (they're in war) for centuries?
I don't want to go over every little thing that bothers me about this book (I'm typing on my phone and I hate it)
January 23, 2024
Hail King Theron & Queen Kael!!
A lot happens in To Forge a Hollow Crown by Atley Wykes and it is so good!
Theron unites the warriors with the rebels in order to bring down Empress Nyana. Although, they are a force to be reckoned with things don’t got smoothly, as they run into lots of obstacles and challenges they didn’t anticipate.
Through it all, Kael’s and Theron’s love, passion and respect for each other grows as well as Kael’s family’s respect and relationship for and with Theron.
I just love all the characters and all the blooming relationships in this story! I love the way Atley seamlessly weaves the relationships in without distracting from the main characters arc, each couples story adds to the storyline.
I love the plot and the world that she describes and has built, I want more of it!
A lot happens in To Forge a Hollow Crown by Atley Wykes and it is so good!
Theron unites the warriors with the rebels in order to bring down Empress Nyana. Although, they are a force to be reckoned with things don’t got smoothly, as they run into lots of obstacles and challenges they didn’t anticipate.
Through it all, Kael’s and Theron’s love, passion and respect for each other grows as well as Kael’s family’s respect and relationship for and with Theron.
I just love all the characters and all the blooming relationships in this story! I love the way Atley seamlessly weaves the relationships in without distracting from the main characters arc, each couples story adds to the storyline.
I love the plot and the world that she describes and has built, I want more of it!
October 27, 2023
Following Keal and Theron along their journey was amazing! Even my hubs liked hearing about it.
I loved Keals strength, and resilience. She doesn't let anyone tell her what she can and can't do! I also really enjoyed her possessiveness, and touch him and ☠️ vibes.
I loved Theron's determination, and devotion to Keal. He would move heaven and earth to be by her side. I think my favorite thing about him, is that he doesn't try to do anything for her. He let's her fight her battles because she CAN!
If your looking a possessive MMC and FMC with touch her and ☠️, and enemies to lovers this is for you!!!
I loved Keals strength, and resilience. She doesn't let anyone tell her what she can and can't do! I also really enjoyed her possessiveness, and touch him and ☠️ vibes.
I loved Theron's determination, and devotion to Keal. He would move heaven and earth to be by her side. I think my favorite thing about him, is that he doesn't try to do anything for her. He let's her fight her battles because she CAN!
If your looking a possessive MMC and FMC with touch her and ☠️, and enemies to lovers this is for you!!!
May 30, 2024
Lackluster Finale
While there were moments of this book I really did like….it fell a little flat for me. There was a huge opportunity for soooo much character development with all the characters and it just never happened. There was a lot of hut and pain brought on from all parties and it felt like it was all brushed aside quickly. I would’ve loved to see more perspective from other characters to add another flare, but I’ve also read books that don’t have the other POVs and that’s not a problem. I think it was mostly because I was getting bored so adding another POV would’ve given a new depth to it. In the end, I did skim a lot of the book because I was bored.
While there were moments of this book I really did like….it fell a little flat for me. There was a huge opportunity for soooo much character development with all the characters and it just never happened. There was a lot of hut and pain brought on from all parties and it felt like it was all brushed aside quickly. I would’ve loved to see more perspective from other characters to add another flare, but I’ve also read books that don’t have the other POVs and that’s not a problem. I think it was mostly because I was getting bored so adding another POV would’ve given a new depth to it. In the end, I did skim a lot of the book because I was bored.
October 20, 2024
5 Stars
To Forge a Hollow Crown is Book #3 in the Sands of Maeoris series by Atley Wykes.
I loved this book/series- devoured it in one sitting, and then went looking for more.... Wonderfully woven fantasy with refreshingly original premise, lore, and characters. Another one of my favourite series.... ever!
Can't recommend this series highly enough- I have read it several times now and never tire of this world and characters.
If you love romantasy with plenty of action and adventure, then you will definitely want to check out this book/series/author asap!
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Atley Wykes!
To Forge a Hollow Crown is Book #3 in the Sands of Maeoris series by Atley Wykes.
I loved this book/series- devoured it in one sitting, and then went looking for more.... Wonderfully woven fantasy with refreshingly original premise, lore, and characters. Another one of my favourite series.... ever!
Can't recommend this series highly enough- I have read it several times now and never tire of this world and characters.
If you love romantasy with plenty of action and adventure, then you will definitely want to check out this book/series/author asap!
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Atley Wykes!
June 20, 2025
I think the second book was my favorite overall. The first book set up the characters for you, then they all thrived for me in the second. This third one I just kind of got bored? There were no underlying questions that needed to be answered. You knew they decided they wanted to be together and were going to go to war against Theron's mother.. which, just ended up dragging to get to that point.
During the whole series, I unfortunately could not keep up on the politics and the history of the people. It almost felt like I was supposed to know a little about them already but I got totally lost. Ending was decent but there was no real tension until the last 50 pages. I was just coasting until then. Almost could have just been a duology.
During the whole series, I unfortunately could not keep up on the politics and the history of the people. It almost felt like I was supposed to know a little about them already but I got totally lost. Ending was decent but there was no real tension until the last 50 pages. I was just coasting until then. Almost could have just been a duology.
November 12, 2023
The final book installment of Sands of Maeoris series is finally here and I am thrilled to have finally finished the series (sad but waiting for book 3 was heartbreakingly long)
Theron and Kaels character development has blown my mind, they are such a great team. The story has been a great read from the first book to the last, filled with action, forgiveness, growth, betrayal, and tons of struggles. This entire series is a great read, one that should be on any fantasy lovers' bookselves or TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theron and Kaels character development has blown my mind, they are such a great team. The story has been a great read from the first book to the last, filled with action, forgiveness, growth, betrayal, and tons of struggles. This entire series is a great read, one that should be on any fantasy lovers' bookselves or TBR list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2023
Nice Ending to The Series
This book was a nice ending to the series. Theron and Kael proved to be a great team as well as couple.
The story contains revenge, transformation, forgiveness, betrayal, loyalty and realism.
I love that the author keeps it realistic, not everyone gets a hea. She does a great job building this world and placing the reader in the middle of it. This is like Dune meets G.O.T.
I highly recommend this series, be sure to start with the prequel.
This book was a nice ending to the series. Theron and Kael proved to be a great team as well as couple.
The story contains revenge, transformation, forgiveness, betrayal, loyalty and realism.
I love that the author keeps it realistic, not everyone gets a hea. She does a great job building this world and placing the reader in the middle of it. This is like Dune meets G.O.T.
I highly recommend this series, be sure to start with the prequel.
March 22, 2025
a good ending
This trilogy picked up quite nicely. The author’s writing evolved with every chapter and it is fascinating to witness.
Kael’s journey and Theron’s change were incredibly well written. The pace adapted perfectly to the plot, moving forward and skipping when needed. The plot might be slightly predictable, but do not let it setter you from reading the trilogy. Besides, the spicy scenes between these two are fascinating!
Overall an enjoyable read.
This trilogy picked up quite nicely. The author’s writing evolved with every chapter and it is fascinating to witness.
Kael’s journey and Theron’s change were incredibly well written. The pace adapted perfectly to the plot, moving forward and skipping when needed. The plot might be slightly predictable, but do not let it setter you from reading the trilogy. Besides, the spicy scenes between these two are fascinating!
Overall an enjoyable read.
October 14, 2023
Another exciting sizzling storyline within this series full of action, fun, adventure, passion, family, wonderful characters, forgiveness, redemption and an evil that has to be found and destroyed.
Not To Be Missed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Not To Be Missed!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 1, 2023
Great characters and world building. Spice, betrayal, revenge and forgiveness. The FMC was a strong character that wasn't waiting around for someone to save her. The MMC knew this and let her fight her own battles which was epic. Great ending to a great series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2023
As with the first 2 books in the series, this was an absorbing and amazing read! I simply couldn’t put it down and read it in a single sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2024
My favorite of the 3, followed by book 1 then book 2. Loved how the characters developed an the mystery behind Kael heritage. Loved it, the banter the new bonds it was good. A good mix of action an love. Unlike book 2 which seemed all sex.
May 31, 2024
Dnf @32%.It was written well enough, but predictable and I didn't feel the need to keep going as it was clear where it'd end up. I think more should have been made of triangle or some other impediment placed in the way of the MCs to keep some tension, they were too smug and annoying.
November 7, 2023
Once again Atley writes such an amazing story. I am so glad I found her and this series. Its so good I sometimes re-read it. LOL I can't wait for more.
February 11, 2024
I'm so sad that Kael and Therons story is over. 😭
June 2, 2024
3,75⭐️
No estuvo mal pero me falto algo más de chicha .
No estuvo mal pero me falto algo más de chicha .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2024
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Plot/character development/relationships/set up/description of anything not spice related... zero
Plot/character development/relationships/set up/description of anything not spice related... zero
December 3, 2024
To much spice for my taste, but i loved the story a lot.
July 8, 2024
Post reading notes:
Pretty feckin boring, just moving off to war some chatting nothing memorable happily ever after for now and a suggestion at another book but am more than content to leave it there meh
Pretty feckin boring, just moving off to war some chatting nothing memorable happily ever after for now and a suggestion at another book but am more than content to leave it there meh
June 15, 2024
I loved it
The battle scenes were epically written. The spice was spicy. The story wove in and out and made you care about the characters.
The battle scenes were epically written. The spice was spicy. The story wove in and out and made you care about the characters.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews