Warriors of Wind and Ash

Merciless Dragons #2

by Rebecca F. Kenney

The dragon prince would burn the world for her. But first, he must do something more difficult... pretend to be human.

Following the dramatic events at the end of "Serpents of Sky and Flame," Kyreagan makes a difficult decision, and Serylla struggles to survive in her new environment. As magical complications arise and new enemies are revealed, Kyreagan must learn how to act human in a setting that is completely new for him, all for the sake of reclaiming the treasure he lost. Meanwhile, the dragons of Ouroskelle face an unexpected threat to themselves and the next generation.

(The spoiler-free blurb will be updated with more detail closer to the book's release.)
This spicy, adult fantasy romance is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Ruby Dixon, LJ Andrews, and Carissa Broadbent. Contains intense themes. Reading guidance can be found at the beginning of the book or on the author's website.

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romance, Romantasy, Magic, Shapeshifters, Audiobook

389 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 6, 2024

About the author

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance about sassy, strong women and hot guys with tragic backstories... pirates, warlords, demons, Fae, and royals. Her main series are the "Wicked Darlings" series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the "Dark Rulers" series (standalones in a shared world), and the "For the Love of the Villain" series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy ("The Vampires Will Save You"), a demon romance "Interior Design for Demons," a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks, on Twitter @RebeccaFKenney1, and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Reviews

[buket · Rating 2 out of 5]

reading one of my most anticipated books after being in a slump for 2 weeks only for it to disappoint✋🏻bye

[Bookishandbrewsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basically this book owns me now.

Kyreagan my sweet dragon shifter prince. I volunteer to let you use your tongue on me any day.

[☆Kylie☆ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5 Stars.
Steam: skipped it.
Triggers: violence, depression, mental health, talks about r*pe
Love Triangle: No
Cheating:   No
HEA: Yes

A dragon looking for his princess.

A princess kidnapped from her captor.

If you liked the first book, please pay attention to this one.
The tone of the book has completely changed, while the first book was kind of "yeah they're kind of scary but at the same time cute", in this book the tone changes to a much darker one.

Kidnapped from her dragon, Serylla is trying her best not to break down and trust that he will save her.
Meanwhile she suffers horrors, is almost killed a couple of times, is threatened with rape almost every hour, in short, a pretty heavy book, if the next book in this series is like this (instead of light like the first one) I won't read it.

[AshleysReadingRoom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and I didn't love it as much as the first, but I still had a pleasant time reading it! Maybe pleasant isn't the right word. I enjoy certain characters, but this one got a little in the territory of things I don't go out of my way to read. The events of book one lead to Serylla being taken away from our beloved dragon shifter. Our new enemy is giving Tomas from Reign vibes ESPECIALLY when he asks Serylla if she knows what a whipping boy is. I knew from that moment I was really gonna hate this man.

Much like a lot of the books I have read from Rebecca these themes get so very dark. This is basically Serylla getting constantly abused, but at least she wasn't SA'd right? <--that's a joke. a poorly made one. Heavily laden sarcasm if you will.

At times this book was very hard to read when it came down to things Serylla had to go through. Where book one was quirky, curious, and albeit a little hot book two comes with a lot of not-so-fun times.

Of course, the ending still makes me eager for the next one.

[Morally Grey Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esa portada nada que verrr (el nunca se corta el pelo)

En fin, estuvo bueno. Esperaba más pelea, comprendí que algunas cosas si se solucionan con la guerra.

Aparecieron nuevos personajes que me gustaron mucho también, y todos querian lo mejor para Ky y Serylla✨️

Entiendo que hay más libros a continuación de otros personajes, pero me hubiese gustado ver como crecen los bebés en este libro también. Tampoco me gustó que no se solucione el temita del hechizo que le pusieron a Serylla🙄

Más allá de eso, Serylla fue super badass este libro, y como Ky peleó una y otra vez por ella fue muy lindo🩷

La rabia que me dio el pelotudo del Rey y LA HECHICERAAA encima lo justificaba, nono cerra un poco el orto.

En fin, fue lindo para culminar, pero esperaba un poquito más☝🏻

[vi.isreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m a little upset that I was forced to read this one. Can’t wait for the next!

[Kristin O'donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've been around my book profile at all, then you know one of absolute favorite authors in the fantasy/romantasy/retelling space is Rebecca F. Kenney! She has a wonderful way of writing fantasy stories that are at once approachable yet deep in the emotions and the topics that they present and she always brings the heat in more ways than one.

Needless to say, one of my most anticipated reads for the second half of 2024, is Kenney's Warriors of Wind and Ash, the much anticipated sequel to her first book in her recently released Merciless Dragons series. This series is a retelling of 7 brides and 7 brothers with a wonderful dash of dragon shifters and the human prisoners they capture in the hopes of rebuilding their race after a devastating magical plague kills all the female dragons.

***Minor Spoilers If You Haven't Read Book 1***

Ever since I finished book 1, I have been dying to jump into book 2 to find out what happens to our broody, dragon shifter prince, Kyreagan and his fiery human princess, Syrella. After navigating plenty of tension and working through misunderstandings, prejudice and deep-seated hatred, Kyreagan and Syrella had found an unexpected passion and deeply profound respect for each other. They dared to envision a different future where humans and dragons could not only co-exist but live and love together.

However, their fragile and newly found happiness is short-lived when unexpected betrayal finds Syrella captured and separated from Kyreagan. Now the prisoner of the manipulative and power hungry king of Vohrain, Rahzien, Syrella desperately bides her time, torn between finding a way to protect the oppressed people of her kingdom and looking for any means to escape and return to the dragon prince who has captured her heart. Meanwhile, Kyreagan finds himself in the position of having to sacrifice all that he has lived to protect to find a way back to his mate, not knowing if she will even want what a life with him and their family will mean.

One of the things I loved most about this book is the way that Kenney is able to balance the heartbreaking aspects of Kyreagan and Syrella's separation, with moments of levity and wonder. She introduces several new characters who are so well rounded and perfect complements to the leads in the story. One of my favorites was Hynarax, another dragon shifter who accompanies Kyreagan on his rescue mission. Hynarax has a pure joy and curiosity about all around him and he is not weighed down by the past prejudices between dragons and humans. His exuberance to connect with others, including a certain handsome human rebel leader, found me smiling and laughing more times than I can count. Then there is Meridian, the smart and sharp witted rebel who finds that when his interests align with those of his new dragon allies, it may just lead to the political change he has long been fighting for. Not to mention that his undeniable attraction to a certain jovial dragon provides plenty of fiery flirtation for us readers.

As always, one of the aspects of Kenney's writing that I respect is how she celebrates that love is love and that it is beautiful in all its forms. There is a subtlety in the way that she weaves this poignant message so organically through her writing and this is most definitely displayed in this series. There is also a beautiful diversity in the characters that she creates and I really appreciated her representation of disability through Meridian's character, who has grown up using a mobility aid and lost an eye in the war among the kingdoms. Meridian's fierce independence and voracity for life make you just fall in love with him from the second he is introduced. Finally, in Rahzien, Kenney delivers a truly complex and devious villain. The way in which he emotionally manipulates those around him is truly dark and left me with chills.

Kenney has several other books planned in this series that will follow other dragon and human pairings and I can NOT wait to see how she brings to life each unique story. The ending of book 2 leaves us with another cliffhanger that sets up the tension and conflict for Kyreagan's brother, prince Varex, and Jessiva, the fiery woman he has chosen to pair with. I've loved Varex from book 1 and I cannot wait to get to know him more. I definitely would recommend this series to all fantasy lovers.

[Meiske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I loved this second part of Serylla and Kyreagan’s story! Warriors of Wind and Ash took everything I enjoyed in the first book and cranked it up. It was a real adventure from start to finish—action-packed, emotional, and filled with unexpected twists that kept me on my toes.

The chemistry between Serylla and Kyreagan is still so strong, and their dynamic continues to evolve in such a satisfying way. The romance feels earned, and the tension is just right, with spice that complements the story without overwhelming it.

This book was everything I hoped for in a sequel and more. Can’t wait to see what comes next in this world!

[Aashi ᡣ&#x10b69; · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I stopped reading this because it got boring and just never picked it up after that.
So finally dnfing it as I have no desire to read further
But maybe sometimes in the future I'll give it another go

[Nikky · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really fucking hard to read tbh. The violence on the FMC was just…. Hard. I can normally read these things with a grain of salt as I do like dark romances but… this was truly hard to read. And Rebecca is an author for me that if she writes it, I’ll read it.

I also really hate how she’s setting up the villain to be some future anti hero with the winks of him liking the FMC underneath his evilness and he always wanted enthusiastic consent from her. No. He tortured her and allowed her to nearly be beaten to death. He’s not a villain who’d burn the world for her, he’d burn the world to punish/torment/manipulate her. And then the descriptions of letting us know that he’s a handsome big man like in dark romances?? No. ANNNNNNNND he gives her the stereotypical romance book nickname?!????????? NOOOOOOOOO.

This is not a gateway dark romance I want my fucking villain to be a villain and die by dragon fire in the end. That whole arc just pisses me off. This was about S and K (for the life of me I cannot spell their names) and we got all this bs about R possibly being redeemable. No.

I was so excited for this sequel and now honestly the only saving grace is the FMC/MMCs relationships and Hinarax and Meridian’s relationship. And honestly, 🐉. The abject violence on the FMC was just… the CW at the beginning weren’t enough and I read some fucking UNHINGED dark romances. Like where the MMCs are actual killer/rapists before the story (hitched by Lauren biel and the other standalones for example or the new it booktok book Little Stranger). But those give PLENTY of warning and you KNOW what you’re going into. I’m 💯 a mood reader and I went into this thinking it’d be ok, especially knowing the triggers. Honestly they weren’t, and then adding into the fact that the villain doesn’t get punished for any of it because he’s clearly gonna get a redemption arc that he doesn’t fucking deserve.

But it’s Rebecca kinney and I can’t rate her books less than 3 ⭐️ because it’s still making me FEEL something and making such a passionate (aka word vomit) review.

Recap: enjoyable MCs. Lots of violence towards women: BEWARE. dragons are always a win. Villain … doesn’t get his comeuppance and honestly I just can’t get over that.

[Hbaby]

If I don’t get this book rn ima scream

[AlenGarou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ero davvero curiosa di proseguire questa serie per scoprire il destino di Serylla e di come Kyreagan avrebbe reagito alla sua scomparsa, ma…
Se il primo romanzo mancava di logica, questo manca di logica e spicy soddisfacente. Il che è peggio!
Ma c’è da dire che almeno il precedente mi aveva fatto volare alto con smut draconico e non al limite della fantasia, mentre qui il tutto si è rivelato sbrigativo e nonsense. Ok Serylla, te la stai passando male, hai bisogno di conforto, ma forse invece di farti aprire in due negli angoli bui del palazzo potresti fornire a st’altro le informazioni urgentissime che hai appena origliato, no?
NO???
Seriamente, date le premesse del primo non mi aspettavo chissà cosa a livello di trama, eppure è stato deludente vedere lo spicy buttato lì considerando che la Kenney non è una novellina e aveva saputo stupirmi in positivo con altre serie.
Anche perché, a sto punto, preferivo leggere di Hinarax e Meridian all’opera dato che sono stati una ventata di positività (e neuroni). Spero di rivederli in futuro. Magari con un libro tutto loro. Non piango mica.
In ogni caso ho apprezzato le note dark e violente per il pov di Serylla (anche se il cattivo de turno mi è parso simile a Mida di La Prigioniera d’Oro), così come ho apprezzato la vulnerabilità e la tenerezza di Ky. Dichiamo che si sono invertiti i ruoli. Hanno reso la narrazione più realistica e coinvolgente a livello emotivo, anche se purtroppo non è bastato a risanare le lacune.
Perché nel complesso questa serie ha molto potenziale e ottimi personaggi, ma è il come è stata impostata la narrazione il problema a mio avviso. E questo romanzo la tira troppo per le lunghe per un finale sbrigativo… e va bene, anche tenero considerando le uova.
Ma lo ammetto: io punto a leggere un possibile romanzo con protagonista l’incantatrice. L’adoro.
Insomma, nel complesso è stata una lettura carina, ma dalla Kenney mi aspettavo di meglio.

[Anastasia Campo · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️ moderately spicy

- deep and sad and lovely
- part two for the FMC and MMC
- great conclusion
- fun fantasy
- dragon shifter and saved princess
- picks up exactly where book 1 ended
- great chemistry
- interesting magic and world
- deep and complex characters

I loved this ending for Kyreagan and Syrella SO MUCH. it’s precious and sweet after an absolute page turner of a book. Book 2 is a very different experience from the first. After the whirlwind, wild and unexpected book one, this is a slower burn with deeper emotion and higher stakes. It’s powerful and lovely, how steadfast Syrella is, and humbling and so sweet to see Kyregan feel and experience humanity. Loved this. DEF RECOMMEND

[Dariasreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
2🌶️

This one took me a while to finish, which is usually not a great sign from me. I didn’t dislike this book by any means, but I just don’t think it was the right mood for me.

I love their dynamic, but I feel like I needed more out of their relationship. It felt like it didn’t grow in the book and I really wanted so much more out of them.

What I did like, the gaslighting was really well written, Rebecca made me think hard about the things the king said to the FMC and the impact it had on her psyche.

[Roe's Reads & Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Many Twists!

The second book in the series and the relationship between Syrella and Kyreagan was fantastic! The story and relationship development were so well written. There were so many twists and turns I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I can't wait for the next book!

[Kate C · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had a penny for everytime I started a series where the MMC kidnaps the FMC only for her to be kidnapped in the 2nd book by a meaner worse kidnapper I’d have 2 pennys.. which is not a lot but it’s weird that it happened twice

[Alissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent conclusion to the duology although i wasnt a huge fan of the direction it decided to take with separating the main characters. There was also a truly cringey scene that reminded me of Tamlin under the mountain (IYKYK). But the dragons trying to pass as humans was entertaining.

[Lily · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ffffff

[Olexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5 ⭐️

[Wybredna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pierwsza część była świetna, mega wciągająca, spicy sceny były 10/10, a tutaj wszystko było rozwleczone, nudnawe, jakby pisane w pośpiechu… Straszne rozczarowanie mnie spotkało 😫

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a whirlwind of twist and turns. they really had to work for that HEA 😅 I have a feeling that the villain in this will make an appearance again, but until then I love how Serylla evolved and became stronger , and she also realized that there were upsides to embracing the parts of her that were like her mother.

Kyreagan is just adorably oblivious but will do anything to save his mate. I always find it funny when these creature don’t understand humans and their customs and are just oblivious. Everything doesn’t matter to him though as long as he can get her back and she’s safe.

And the eggs…. OMG cuteness overload 😍😍 I loved the babies and toward the end learning how the hybrid babies will be. It was a perfect way to round out their story and set it up to go into the set of dragon pairings.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second installment of the dragon series! An exciting adventure that kept the readers on the edge of their seat!

This book has more character building and plot advancement than the previous one, and slightly less spice! The story includes dark topic material and the effects of mental/physical abuse on the FMC.

New characters have been introduced, and there are cliffhangers in preparation for the 3rd story that is coming.

The spice was prescriptive at times, and really only 3 spice scenes appeared between the two main characters. There was sexually charged scenarios but nothing more than that!

We got to see the "Evil King's" motives but not all of them- an interesting character that feels like something else is there. Maybe there will be more development in the future?

A great bridge to a 3rd installment, good plot development and character acclimatization.

Hopefully more spice in future installments! (Monster spice)

Spice level: 🌶🌶🌶 (3/5)

[Shelby • the_kindle_girlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

| Warriors of Wind and Ash | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
By @rebeccafkenneybooks

This is book 2 in the Merciless Dragons series. After the storm Ky returns to his cave only to realize that Serylla is missing and loses his mind, obviously. To find his love he embarks on a journey into the human lands and makes some interesting and swoony friends along the way. The bond between Ky and Serylla during this entire book (especially when apart) was giving romantic tragedy vibes. Let’s be honest. Those are the best vibes. His terror and pining for Serylla tore at my heart. Serylla strength and love is really tested in this book. I was so nervous for her the entire time. The villain did a great job at being awful and I wanted him to feel dragon fire the entire time ya know? I love this series and cannot wait for the next one!!

[saralouisereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

2🌶️ i beta read this back in June and completely forgot to write my review in my notes so bare with me here. but this was really good!! anything written by this woman is good. the HEA at the end was perfect. i can’t wait for the next book to come out and we get to see more of the other characters in this series. i loved Ky but i have a feeling there’s a few others that im just going to die for. Serylla wasn’t my fav fmc i’ve ever read, for good reason these characters just weren’t the smartest 😅 there’s a reason for it so i give them some credit. but it could be frustrating which is why i gave this a 4⭐️ i would still recommend these books to anyone looking for a spin on IPB but with dragons

[elanur · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars

I loved it, though I hate to admit I'm curious about Rahzien.

Before diving in, please be aware of the TW. It was pretty hard to read how our sweet girl was treated. One thing I didn't like were the in-between trysts of Serylla and Ky -it's a heavy ick; I can't get over it. Like, why are you f* now when you know it could get you killed? It doesn't make it hotter or more forbidden. I mean, the scenes do make me blush, but they mostly feel like forced ads. I admit I skimped over some of those parts.
I wish we would've gotten more scenes of them as new parents.
Meridian and Hinarax were great. I hope we see them in all the other books or in their own. I'm really excited every time Ashvelon and Thelise appear. They are all very loveable. I'm excited for this series.

[katie ୨୧]

dnf @ 65% - not interested in continuing the series and don’t care about the characters tbh so why bother

[Malysh_2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

La crueldad del Rey Rahzien no conoce límites, desde la humillación, vejación, abuso físico y psicológico hacia Serylla, la atormenta al punto de buscar quebrarla, pero como el mismo la describe: "no eres débil sino flexible Serylla, como un junco q mientras más doblo y piso, al momento de quitarle presión, busca y halla la forma en volver a erguirse".

Serylla está desesperada al saber las verdaderas intenciones de Rahzien, acabar con los dragones. Junto a su misterioso envenenador, no sólo une la vida de Serylla a la de él obligándola bajo el envenenamiento del agua de tomar q ella tanto necesitaba en su cautiverio, a permanecer cerca de él porq de escapar, a medida en q se aleje, enfermará hasta morir, igual q morir�� si Rahzien muere, sino también envenenando la comida de los dragones q vienen moribundos por el paso del Mordvorren (tormenta devastadora) y q cuyo veneno se activa con su saliva.

Serylla se siente sin esperanzas, sin saber el destino de sus huevos, de Kyreagan y de los demás dragones y mujeres y, poco a poco, a medida q Rahzien aprieta su mano de hierro alrededor de su cuello, matando a quien la ayude a escapar, ofreciendo su cuerpo como recompensa al mejor postor, siendo azotada frente a su pueblo, un halo de fuego se enciende en su corazón al saber q, Kyreagan junto con otros rebeldes, están elucubrando un plan para derrotar a Rahzien.

Kyreagan se hace pasar como un príncipe heredero del sur y, una vez dentro del palacio consigue a Serylla y le promete libertad. Descubren q la sanadora de Rahzien es también su envenenadora, Lady Cathrain, quien impide bajo hechizo q Kyreagan pueda volver a su forma de dragón haciéndolo más débil hasta el punto de matarlo, ante esto, se despierta la vena asesina en Serylla, no sin antes saber q el veneno de Cathrain tal vez no surtió el efecto deseado pues, ya los dragones ahora también son mitad humanos por el hechizo de Thelise. Hordas de dragones y rebeldes logran someter a Rahzien, quien es condenado al Monte Cenizas donde será vigilado por dragones, hechizado por Thelise para q no pueda morir y así no matar a Serylla y rompiendo el hechizo de proximidad.

Kyreagan y Serylla tienen una macho y una hembra, viviendo su vida de ensueño juntos, viendo a los dragones y a Elesktan prosperar hasta q Varex, el hemano de Kyreagan, confiesa un secreto imposible. Ante la devastación del Mordvorren y la inminente inanición de Varex y Jessiva, haciendo uso de su poder, Varex engulle al Mordvorren con la intención de q todos pudiesen comer, lo q lo condena a un futuro incierto del q parece no poder escapar.

Esperando con ansias ese 3er libro para conocer a Varex y su relación con Jessiva, la mujer pelirroja indomable q tiene por compañera.

[Hallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

An epic continuation of a dragon shifter x human princess love story with danger, longing, devotion, desire, and a heroic saving from the clutches of an evil king!

The plot:
After the events of the previous book, Serylla finds herself a war prisoner to the King of Vohrai, Rahzien. Where she faces much torture and degradation. She believes all hope is lost and that she has failed her people and her dragon. Little does she know or realize that her dragon shifter lover, Ky, will stop at nothing to save her. Even if that means learning how to pass as a human to enter the lion's den and save her.

Serylla:
The FMC goes through some harsh things in this one. She never thought she would find herself a war prisoner and experience the brutal treatment and mental and emotional trauma that she endures. Nor did she think she would uncover various sinister plans in the works. I felt like I saw a much different side to her in this one. She wasn't the outgoing, sassy girl she was with Ky in the previous book. The moments leading up to the ending of book one left her drained and tired, and in this one, you can definitely see it takes its toll on her. She is much more vulnerable in this one, but I feel like that allows us to see more of the real her because she doesn't necessarily always have this fake persona on, like she had to in her previous situation. This one is far different, and she must play her cards differently to survive.

Ky:
The MMC doesn't disappoint. His never-ending passion and devotion to Serylla are incredible. He is what you want to see in an MMC. He is a hot dragon shifter, still learning to use his human form, but is still rooted in his natural, dragon ways. He is overly protective and possessive in the best way. I loved seeing his growth and him learning control and strategy. I also loved the moments when he slipped up when it came to protecting his girl, and his feral side started to take over. In addition, I liked seeing him work with other dragons and unlikely allies. It gave his character a new depth, which I appreciated.

Romance and spice:
The majority of the romance was played out when they were apart in the way they thought about each other and the actions they took for one another to get back to each other. There were a few quick scenes, however, where they were able to get together, and the steam and spice picked up. Overall, you could see how much they cared about each other, even more so when they were apart, which I thought was beautiful in their love story. And yes, there is a HEA in this one!

Tropes:

• Dragon shifters
• Human princess
• War Prisoner
• Post-war
• Unlikely allies
• Spice
• LGBTQ+ Reps!
• Touch her and die vibes
• Protective and possessive MMC
• Evil King
... and more!

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
3🌶️

Once again, I am very surprised at how much I ended up liking this series! It’s a very different take on dragon shifters for sure. Book 1 mostly surrounded the changing of circumstances of the dragons and their captives but this book picked off right where book 1 ended, with Serylla being taken to the villain king.

This book dives deep into the aspect of torture and mind manipulation to the FMC and the evil twistness the villain seems to justify himself with.

After Serylla is taken, Kyreagan immediately goes into protective MMC mode to get her back. Using his new shifting abilities to his advantage to infiltrate the kingdom where no one has seen his human form. Along with him is Hinarax, who has studied human behaviors over the years, to help guide Ky to rescue his princess (and spoiler, mother of his children).

I loved watching Ky and Hinarax trying to integrate with human society. It’s fun reading about them trying to learn the most basic things and for once, it’s an MMC that isn’t a natural good fighter! lol. Obviously not in human form at least.

Along the way, Ky and Hinarax encounter a group of rebels, with Meridan as their “leader”. They discover the two’s secret and help Ky infiltrate the castle as a prince of the southern kingdom to save Serylla, who’s set to marry the king, but not first without being out through humiliation and torture in front of her people.

Ky and Serylla truly hold my heart as a great book couple ❤️ they grow so much from hatred to true trust and love. While Serylla before wanted to be away from Ky, now all she wants to get back to him and their hatchlings.

The spice 🌶️, like book 1 was great! Maybe not AS frequent but still spicy spicy and I loved it 😍

We get our HEA with these 2 but it’s now set up for the next book to follow Ky’s brother, Varex and his captive, Jessiva and I’m super excited to read that! There’s so much going on between those 2 behind the scenes for sure!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thrilling conclusion to Serylla & Kyreagan’s story.
This book is much darker in subject matter than the first one, making it a little difficult to read at times, because I was so nervous for Serylla.

Rahzien made for a villain with a capital V! He was vile and cruel, with just a tiny hint of complexity.
Speaking of complex, the various magical poisons used in this book were frustratingly tricky for the characters.

Thelise was the stand out again in this book, though she barely appeared. What can I say, I love Thelise and hope she’ll have a book of her own at some point in this series!

One thing that did irritate me with the book, and took me right out of the narrative, was the very sudden idea of a democracy being desired, using the word democracy, despite this being a fantasy world with only monarchies around, and therefore where did the word democracy come from?
As much as I only want democratic societies in real life, in my fantasy worlds that are monarchies, I’m rather annoyed with characters always creating a sudden democracy, especially when there has never been such a thing in that world before, and they use the word “democracy,” or “democratic government,” as if that’s ever been a real thing in that world.
It’s such a small point, but it really pulls me out of the narrative with immediate effect.

Aside from that, this book was good, and though this is the end of Serylla & Kyreagan’s story, the series will continue with stories of the other dragons and I look forward to reading them, as well as reading other series from this author.