The heart-stopping final installment in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series! The Secrets of the Faerie Crown series is a twisted mythology retelling of the Arthur legend. It is a high-steam fantasy romance with dark elements.
I don't always read author-friends' books but when I do, I hope they're all as impeccable and full of action as this one! Emberly's world-building is incredible. Her battle scenes are dynamic and heart-pounding. Strong Throne of Glass vibes from this one, in a good way! And the steam, as always, is top-notch.
Some favorite quotes...
"Fully healed, fully dressed, and fully ready to draw blood. Just another morning. "
"She was going to do it. Shift, eat the two loud ones for a snack, and give the man from Ferndale one last chance to decide if he wanted to cooperate or become dessert. "
“Letting go is not just saying goodbye to the past,” Lyrena said, her voice soft. Private. Just for the two of them. “It also means looking to the future.”
“I want everything with you, Veyka. Wailing babies, willful adolescents. I want to fuck you in every position discovered and create a few of our own. Taste every food on your tongue. When we are ancient and gray and bent, I want to leave this world wrapped in your arms. I want a thousand years.”
What a beautiful way to end a series! I was a part of Emberly's journey since Crown of Earth and Sky, Book 1 in her Secrets of the Faerie Crown, a thrilling and intriguing Arthurian retelling with a twist. The series tackles trauma and pain and deals with them with brutal honesty. You witness the characters growing, emerging and getting stronger as they go, with all their ups and downs.
Everything culminates in Queen of Blood and Vengeance, the fourth and final instalment. I was hooked from the first sentence, and the plot kept me intrigued until the last page. It is always a bittersweet feeling when you finish a series; you are left feeling happy and fulfilled with how things ended, but you still feel a pang of sadness for leaving the world and the characters behind.
"But you, you are not evil. You are more than what they did to you."
The moment I read this sentence, I felt like it beautifully summarized the story Emberly has told. We are more and can be more, as it was for Veyka, Arran, and their found family. When faced with the direst circumstances, they have all risen above and found the light inside them. They lived, laughed, cried, and fought till the end.
It's hard to find the right words to explain just how much I loved this book and this entire series. I am honoured that Emberly chose me as one of her ARC readers and that I was here to witness everything coming into place for Veyka and Arran. These characters have nestled themselves inside my heart, and I'm sure you'll feel the same. It will be hard to let them go, but they all deserve it; they deserve to enjoy the aftermath of it all.
If you want to gift yourself a complete dark fantasy series with a loose Arthurian retelling, told from multiple POVs and filled with tales of love, hate, revenge, pain, hurt, anger, redemption, take your time and dive into the world of Emberly's Secrets of the Faerie Crown. Queen of Blood and Vengeance is being released on November 14th, giving you enough time to read the first three books and prepare for the most epic finale.
The Void Prophecy looms as the realms descend to darkness and chaos. Their allies engage in a race against time as some search for the grail and prepare for war while Veyka readies to fulfill her destiny. Will they save the realm and all that they hold dear?
Tropes: 👀 Multi POV ⚔️ Fierce FMC 🐺 Shifter Fae MMC 🧎🏻♂️ For her he’d beg 🧑🧑🧒🧒 Found family 🤝 Fated mates 💫 Magic & prophecies 🏰 Court intrigue 🗡️ Dark Arthurian retelling 🌶️: High
Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was ready to bid farewell to these characters 😭. Pieces of the prophecy are revealed and key players finally fall into place. The found family really steps up in this installment and Emberly skillfully transitions between each multi POV, interweaving each storyline into a rich tapestry.
Vekya faced unimaginable pain and loss during her lifetime and at last found love and acceptance. She’s slowly learned when to wield her might and when to exercise restraint. Arran is determined to do everything in his power to keep her safe. The strength of their bond forges something that defies all reason and transcends limitations, except perhaps fate. Their love is claiming, all-consuming, and infinite.
In Queen of Blood and Vengeance, Emberly does not hold back, ushering a finale brimming with heart-pounding action, emotional devastation, and an epic romance. Featuring phenomenal character growth, spicing spice, and a dark twist on Arthurian legend, this series sets the bar for a high stakes dark fantasy!
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review.
It was wonderful to come back to these characters. As Veyka and Arran work to unite the races and fight against the succubus, tensions are high and alliances must still be forged. The amorite that protects men from the succubus is in short supply, and details of a prophecy come to light and make things incredibly difficult for our heroes.
Arran and Veyka are still recovering from his loss of memories, but despite that they are stronger together. Of course, there's always something that tries to come between them, but even though this particular surprise is jaw dropping, Veyka takes it much better than planned. This story has so many twists I didn't expect, and it was so nice to see everything fall together to end this beautiful series.
This was the 4th and final book in the series my rating is 3.75 i did really enjoy this book but i really think the ending could of been better the spice scenes also gave me the ick in this and i found myself skimming through them this was the least favourite out of the series i really do feel this book had so much potential but i just felt dissatisfied with the whole plot i would still recommend this series but im disappointed so bad as the first 3 books were brilliant the final book was a let down in comparison the writing is good and the pacing of the book was fine i will definately read other books from this author .
This is the fourth and final book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown, a dark romantasy series that is a loose reimagining of the Arthurian legend. Tropes and themes include a stabby FMC, touch her and die, hurt/comfort, fated mates, found family, shifter MMC, they’d burn the world for each other, loss and sacrifice, and a curvy FMC. This is a dark fantasy romance so please see content warnings for dark themes and explicit content.
The Lovely: I was half excited, half anxious for this final installment of the series and it did not disappoint. My total cry count for the book was five and a couple of times, especially near the end, I had to put my book down to sit and breathe. Veyka and Arran have such a deep and emotional issue to try to overcome and it *hurt* to go through that with them.
Also Lovely: I also loved how the various sub-plots came together - from the Lady of the Lake to the humans to the terrestrials vs. elementals. All of the story lines were wrapped up, including a new one that was the source of some tears. There is a HEA at the end, but not for everyone. So, parts were truly heartbreaking and those parts came hard and fast.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Recommendation: I received an early review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily. It’s wild, and a little sad, to realize this series has come to a close. The series as a whole is firmly planted in my favorites. I love the way the author writes her characters and their relationships - you become so invested in them, and then the emotional impact of their situations and interactions packs a punch. I love a book, or series, that makes me feel and this delivers those feels several times over. If you like dark romantic fantasy with strong character and relationship development, you would like this book.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for an ARC of the fourth book in the Secrets of the Fairie Crown series. This completes the journey of our heroes, Veyka and Arran, to rid the world of the succubus. Veyka is truly the star of the show her courage, persistence, and love for others proven over and over again, while Arran is steadfast support, loving her no matter what. And we know that it is Veyka’s love for her people and Arran's love for her that will save the world in the end.
It's an action-packed story that barely gives you the time to catch your breath. Yet, at the same time, sometimes I felt like I wasn't making any progress and the book would last forever. What I'm saying is, it felt long. Although there is a wide cast of characters, we've met most of them before so it wasn't difficult to keep track. New ones are equally memorable and unique.
I may have overlooked this in the first three installments of this series, but I found that the story was a bit more sexually graphic than I prefer with descriptions that sometimes made me cringe. I know it's all a matter of personal preference, but I personally find that there are certain words that just give me the ick factor, and there were several of them in this story.
I also found some of the descriptions a bit confusing and complicated, particularly when it came to describing battle scenes. And I never quite wrapped my head around the various realms and how they connected to one another, but that's probably on me. Because so much of the story veered toward violence, there was little room for the poetic touches that I most enjoy in storytelling. This was not the place for that. However, I enjoyed the phrasing of this statement: “...now screams competed with a clash of metal. The latter was losing.”
And I loved this explanation for the failures of humanity. Much as I wish it weren't true, it's accurate. “There were no kingdoms or unity in the human realm. Only scattered villages too caught up in their own self-preservation to realize they hobbled themselves with their idiotic refusal to develop any sort of inter-dependence.”
There’s an abundance of strong female characters in this story, so it shouldn't have come as any surprise when I read things like this, regarding the succubus: “They come to the most vulnerable minds, the males, when they are at their weakest, while sleeping…” And then there was this as a follow-up: "A wakeful female mind is infinitely stronger than a sleeping male one.” It made me giggle.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I’m glad I read it because I really wanted to learn the conclusion of the series. I was invested in these characters and their fate and I was happy with the ending. But there's a niggling part of my brain saying I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first three books. It's still an outstanding book. Maybe I was in a different head space this time. I can't imagine that there's anything different about the writing.
Do I recommend it? Absolutely. It's required reading, after you've read books one through three. It's an epic journey with the requisite challenges to help characters grow into their best selves. They're forced to face their inner demons and come out stronger in the end. Love conquers all, and all that. It's memorable and told very well. It's a tale that will linger in my mind for a long time.
I have no idea where to begin with this book. I cannot believe it is over. This book was a strong finish to the series. This book series was full of amazingly strong females. The feminine rage in them was perfect.
The relationship between Arran and Veyka was perfect in this book, honestly there were some moments that tore my heartstrings. And the spice. Absolutely perfect. The banter between the two also perfect!
The world building in this book was amazing. Everything was so vivid and detailed. I really enjoyed the little closures we got in the book. I really loved this book and this series.
4.25 stars for this action-packed, emotional end to a beautiful series, bringing a sad farewell to some of my fae-vorite characters!
It’s finally time for the prophecy to be brought to life, and Veyka, Arran, and all their loyal pals have to come to terms with what that really means, find enough troops to fight back against the succubus, and complete the quest for the (holy) grail. This book has everything, and leaves me wanting nothing more!!!
Veyka has really come into her own strength after all the changes, but with her mate back at her side and her eyes set on saving her people, nothing can stop her. She’s brave, tough as nails, and has finally proven just how much she truly cares about her people- and (finally) herself!! Arran continues to be her number one fan and strongest support system (with Cyara at a close second tbh, that girl loves our girl and we love her) and will stop at nothing to make sure his mate survives the final battle!
This was a fantastic way to end such a wonderful series! With strong, well-developed characters who get satisfying arcs, a sick as hell fae world with different types of magic, and the Arthurian myths we all love sprinkled in, this is a series that truly delights!
Thank you so much to Emberly Ash and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!!
With a smiling and a crying eye, I finished Queen of Blood and Vengeance. This final chapter in Veyka’s journey is an epic conclusion that fans of fantasy won’t want to miss. The story weaves a rich tapestry of magic, power, and emotion, all centered around Veyka, a heroine who captivated me from the very beginning.
The author does a phenomenal job of bringing the fantastical world to life, filled with vibrant descriptions, fierce battles, and political intrigue. Veyka’s growth is truly the heart of the story—her evolution from a determined woman into a powerful queen and passionate lover is a compelling arc that held me captive. She faces impossible choices, betrayal, and loss, and through it all, she becomes stronger and wiser, carrying the weight of her crown with grace.
The relationships in the book are another highlight, from Veyka’s tender romance to the complex dynamics with her allies and enemies. The fantasy setting serves as a perfect backdrop, enhancing the stakes and making every decision feel monumental. Magic pulses through the pages, from spells and mystical creatures to the power struggles that shape the realm.
Finishing Queen of Blood and Vengeance was a bittersweet moment—I'm grateful to have been part of Veyka's journey, but I also didn't want it to end. This story is a masterclass in blending fantasy with raw human emotion, and it will stay with me long after the final page. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a well-crafted fantasy with a strong, evolving heroine and a world brimming with wonder and danger.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC. This review is my own opinion.
If you’re looking for a book that’ll make you clutch your heart and mutter, "What just happened?" More times than you can count, then Queen of Blood and Vengeance is the one for you. Emberly Ash wraps up her Secrets of the Faerie Crown series in the most epic way possible, and I’m here for all the emotions, twists, and yes, even the heartaches.
And can we talk about Emberly Ash’s writing? She has a way of drawing you into this world and keeping you there, even after you’ve turned the last page. The tension, the pacing, and the emotional depth—it’s all so well done. She’s one of those authors who knows exactly how to weave a plot that keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more even when you’ve hit the final chapter.
In short, Queen of Blood and Vengeance is the grand finale that this series deserves. It’s dark, it’s emotional, and it’s a must-read for anyone who loves intricate plots, complex characters, and a romance that will melt your heart and break it all over again. So grab your tissues, your favorite drink, and dive in—you won’t regret it. Just maybe keep some snacks nearby for emotional support.
***I received an ARC from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review
In the final book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, Veyka Pendragon & Arran Earthborn are taking the final steps to fulfill the prophesy, & save her kingdom. This was definitely one of my favorite books in the series. It was full of non-stop action and excitement. While the previous book was more depressing with Arran first being in a deep slumber and then coming out of the slumber and not remembering Veyka, this book had all of the passion between the two of them that the other books had. Fair warning - like the other books, this had copious amounts of explicit sexual content, so if that is a turn-off for you, then this is not the series for you. However, if that doesn't bother you, and you love fantasy fiction, or books about King Arthur & the Knights of the Round Table, then you should definitely check this out.
I’m trying to make this post through my tears. They won’t stop since I finally let myself finish this book and have been thinking back on my journey through this series and what Veyka has meant to me. Anyway, let’s get through this together, okay?
I clung to this book piece by piece so I didn’t have to leave this world and say goodbye to these characters.
What a beautiful ending to this magnificent series. Emberly did justice to each character’s story in the midst of delivering on the overarching plot that we’ve been entrenched in book after book.
I’m grateful for the brief visits from characters we lost along the way and I felt them for the gifts they were from author to reader.
Veyka and Arran are everything. Veyka is one of my few top-tier FMCs. She has been an unforgettable force and I have no doubt I will revisit her often.
Secrets of the Faerie Crown is a series I hold close to my heart, and I’m so grateful to Emberly Ash for writing these books and sharing them with the world. I will forever read anything she writes. —— There, we made it. Have the tears stopped? No. But that’s okay. I’ve decided to honor them for everything they hold.
Oh my gosh what an ending to this series! Queen of Blood and Vengeance is Book 4 and final book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crowns series.
In this epic conclusion, Veyka is ready to fulfill her destiny to rid Annwyn of the succubus once and for all. But Arran is beside her every step of the way, they will never be parted again but of course Veyka has her own plans.
They will need to gather as many alliances as they can across the realm in order to stand any sort of chance against the enemy and work with some unlikely alliances.
Secrets are unraveling and the Round Table is split to accomplish their own quests. Veyka is dead set on the prophecy being fulfilled with her life but what if there is another way?
The love that Arran has for Veyka is unyielding and has only grown more and more throughout the series. Veyka has always put Annwyn above all else but it is time for her to realize her happiness is also important. We get to see some familiar faces we haven’t seen in a while and there was a particular reunion I wasn’t expecting that warmed my heart.
Epic battles ensue in this book and there are plenty of gut wrenching moments, including a few shock moments that will leave you gasping. It was a beautiful ending to their story and I can’t wait to see what comes next from Emberly!
ugh i really wanted to like this more but there were just too many things that bothered me.
like the other books, I did like most of the plot more or less, like the world building was fascinating enough that I read the four book series.
that being said, I honestly didn't like hardly any of the characters. I understand the author's central theme was how different people deal w their trauma and kind of showcasing this through each character and their differences, and I understand that the fmc had a horrific upbringing to say the least. but i just really really didn't like her or her characterization. i think there is only so much sassy, sarcastic "im not like other girls" vibes I can take before I'm just truly over it. and i honestly found her cruel in a way that was un-redeeming. i get her whole thing was that she dealt w her trauma through rage (the author literally explicitly says that), and I like female rage in books probably more than the next person. But i really can't stand cruelty, and i felt like she was just cruel. like so many moments where I was just like.. yeah no thank you.. it felt like the author was attempting to have this TOG/Aelyn-like fmc that felt over done and then combined with this extra layer of cruelty that just wasn't for me. I really struggled with the characters by the end of the book.
A more formal review to come when I have time to process.
But oh my gosh, I swooned I cried, I held my breath, I was really worried all hell was breaking loose. This was the missing piece in the series for sure. What an absolutely stunning and brilliant way to end it. I am not ready to say goodbye to Veyka and Arran but what a way to do so!! Hats off to Emberly for weaving her magic, and her heart into this series.
Queen of Blood and Vengeance was a great conclusion to the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. My favorite in the series is still probably Throne of Air and Darkness, but this was seriously a solid ending for this series and these characters.
We got closure from certain characters that I was really, really happy to get (because I’m actually still not over the heartbreak from book two). Everything is wrapped up quite nicely, but man was that an anxiety inducing journey. I was stressed for a good bit of this book, but I’m really so pleased with the way it ended. It was wonderful to tag along for Veyka’s healing journey throughout these books. Arran is a fantastic MMC, and I love them together.
I look forward to whatever Emberly Ash has in store for us next!
Thank you Emberly Ash and NetGalley for the early copy of Queen of Blood and Vengeance. All opinions are my own.
“She was asking me to love her, no matter what was left.”
“Queen of Blood and Vengeance,” by Emberly Ash
I loved this book so much. There isn’t much to say about it, if you read and loved the first 3 books of the Secrets of Faerie Crown series then you will love it too. It was absolutely spot on and perfect as the rest of the series has been. I love love love the characters and the romance. The story plot is always so dense and full of action, growth, and complications. I wouldn’t change a single thing. 5 out of 5 stars.
I am so glad I had the pleasure of following Veyka and Arran on their journey these last four books. I laughed with Lyrena, I cried with Cyara, and I longed with our two beautiful mains. I loved seeing so many different POVs in this one. It really gave this book the global feeling that I think Ash was trying to relay. Like, this is it, it's all coming to a head now.
I don't know much else to say that I haven't already said about the rest of the series. The battle scenes are always A+, but the final battle truly was epic. The ending was more than earned. And these characters will live in my heart forever.
This one takes you on an emotional rollercoaster— more so than the other books in the series. At one point I was crying like I was the one going through what the characters were currently battling. Every character got closure and some version of a happy ending even if they had to sacrifice to get it. Would def recommend.
BOOK 4/4 in the SECRETS OF THE FAERIE CROWN series
What an amazing finale to the series! I loved everything about this book: the tension, the battle, the magic and the romance. The world expanded further and I loved how the Arthurian legends inspiration took a bit more space in this finale. The author really created an intricate world that was immersive and very well-written. The romance was really good too, even if it took a little less space, the relationship between Veyka and Arran was beautiful and inspiring. I just couldn't put it down and I don't regret picking up that first book because this series is definitely worth it. The ending was very fitting and perfect, a nice conclusion to an intense and gripping series.
I highly recommend this series if you like intense fantasy romance.
"The dead to not scream. But the dying do."
TW: violence, death, murder, war, blood, abuse, assault, sexual content
‘Together they must stand, to defeat what once thought dead. Together they must give, if any shall live to the end.’
‘I love you. And if even a fragment of my soul persists, here or in another realm entirely, it will always belong to you. For a thousand years. And a thousand more.’
Tropes: Fae, Magic, Harpies, Multiple POV, Forced Proximity, Touch Her You 💀, Shifters, Badass FMC, Nickname, He Falls First, Fated Mates, Retelling.
The epic conclusion to the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. Veyka must sacrifice herself for the good of her kingdom against the plague that is the succubus. A story full of love and war..
Wow! What a conclusion to this amazing story. Veyka & Aaran, as well as so many of the other side characters in this story have my heart! I love them so much! What a journey it has been! There were so many twists/ turns - shocking moments. My jaw was on the floor multiple times! I’d love to talk in detail about it but we only do spoiler free reviews here 😉
I really enjoy Emberly’s high fantasy descriptive writing style & the banter laced in there for good measure. She truly has a wonderful writing style. I can’t wait to read her next book!
Thank you to Emberly Ash & NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Emberly Ash has done it again. The 4th installment is just as good as the 1st in The Secrets of the Faerie Crown Series. I was completely captivated and though I tried to read slowly I just could not. I had to know what happened next. This kept me on my toes through the entire series. If you haven’t you need to read it now! Happy release day!
Brilliant final instalment of this series. I’m so sad it’s over. The character depth and growth is noticeable and I was intrigued from page one of Crown of Earth and Sky right until the end of this one. Definitely recommend
What a way to finish off the series! Vekya's growth comes full circle here, and we really see who she was always meant to be. Her willingness to sacrifice herself was so hard to hear about from everyone else's pov especially Arran's. I loved her strength and how she takes care of those she loves and treats everyone with the same respect they give to her, good or bad with no apologies. My heart hurt for those who were lost. I knew not everyone would make it, but the loss did not hurt any less. I received an advanced reader copy but these thoughts are my own.
There are still many spelling errors, double placements, and the feeling of repetition JUST to get a word count in place. The entire series has good bones at it's core but with how rushed the BIG ending was, this will be to recommend purely for spice and not for plot.
Trigger Warnings for Queen of Blood and Vengeance: Violence, Murder, Betrayal, Dark Magic, Kidnapping, Blood & Gore, Torture, Sacrifice, Emotional Trauma, Revenge, Death, Grief, Sexual Assault.
Queen of Blood and Vengeance is the fourth and final book in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series by Emberly Ash. Veyka and Arran, as High Queen and King of Annwyn, go to war to save their realm. The final fight is set to begin, but will their solid relationship, fierce allies, and cunning tricks be enough to save everything?
Blah. This was such a disappointment. Though I have and will continue to support indie authors like Ash, this series was simply not for me. I adored the first book, thought the second book was okay and have disliked both the third and fourth books. I found my self skipping large sections of this book.
I really wanted to like this series. As someone who doesn't know much about the Arthurian legend, I was coming in with fully fresh eyes. I also love having a curvy, dominant, badass female main character (fmc) who has an equally badass male main character (mmc) at her side. This one just drags on sadly. The world is great, the characters are awesome, but the story is a drag. Thank you to NetGalley, Emberly Ash, and Cara Maxwell Romance for an e-book copy in exchange for my honest review.
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Wrapping up a series is never easy, but Queen of Blood and Vengeance delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion to Secrets of the Faerie Crown. From the very first book, Crown of Earth and Sky, I was hooked on this dark, twist-filled Arthurian-inspired fantasy. Emberly takes readers on a raw and emotional journey, tackling trauma, resilience, and the power of love and redemption.
This final book had me gripped from the first page. The stakes are higher than ever, and the tension never lets up. Veyka and Arran’s journey is one of sacrifice, strength, and unwavering determination, and their growth throughout the series is nothing short of incredible. Saying goodbye to these characters was bittersweet—I loved how their story ended, but I wasn’t quite ready to let them go.
One of the standout themes of this book is how we are not defined by what has been done to us, but by how we rise from it. Veyka, Arran, and their found family have endured unimaginable pain, yet they refuse to be broken by it. Their journey is one of defiance, hope, and fighting for something bigger than themselves. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that had me on the edge of my seat, and others that made me tear up.
That said, this book felt longer than necessary at times. While the action kept me engaged, there were moments where I wished the pacing was tighter. The worldbuilding is rich, but I occasionally found myself struggling to keep track of the different realms and their connections. The battle scenes, while intense, sometimes got a bit too chaotic for me to fully picture.
I also loved the strong female presence throughout the book. There’s a clever mix of humor and sharp observations about power, survival, and the way people—especially women—navigate a brutal world. Veyka is a force to be reckoned with, and Arran’s unwavering support for her made their relationship all the more compelling.
Overall, it’s still an excellent finale. The characters, the tension, the emotional depth—it all makes for a story that will linger in my mind. If you’ve read the first three books, this is a must-read. If you haven’t started the series yet and you love dark fantasy with rich storytelling and morally complex characters, I highly recommend diving in.