What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom of Blighted Thorns #3
A Crown of Cursed Hearts
A woman determined to forge a better future. A fae lord bound by magical chains to the wicked. A kingdom that must surrender to the past in order to begin anew.
Vexxion and I have escaped Bledmire Court, but the king and his minions hunt us. It’s all I can do to remain strong. The man I love is bound by magic to those who are determined to break him, and my childhood friend still wanders within the wasteland of his mind. If I don’t free them soon, I’ll lose them both forever. My goal to avenge my brother’s death seems as impossible now as it was when I first started.
But I’m no longer the uncertain dragon rider who left a border fortress to seek vengeance. I’m strong. Conniving. Ruthless.
The final battle looms. With unveiled secrets ripping across my soul, I will find a way to rise above my sorrow.
I will claim my crown.
And with a mighty blade in my hand, I will end the rule of the wicked fae king forever.
This I swear on my cursed heart.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is Book 3 and the conclusion in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy and is told in dual point of view. Expect spice, suspense, a fearless, determined woman, and a fae lord who will burn the world down for her.
Vexxion and I have escaped Bledmire Court, but the king and his minions hunt us. It’s all I can do to remain strong. The man I love is bound by magic to those who are determined to break him, and my childhood friend still wanders within the wasteland of his mind. If I don’t free them soon, I’ll lose them both forever. My goal to avenge my brother’s death seems as impossible now as it was when I first started.
But I’m no longer the uncertain dragon rider who left a border fortress to seek vengeance. I’m strong. Conniving. Ruthless.
The final battle looms. With unveiled secrets ripping across my soul, I will find a way to rise above my sorrow.
I will claim my crown.
And with a mighty blade in my hand, I will end the rule of the wicked fae king forever.
This I swear on my cursed heart.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is Book 3 and the conclusion in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy and is told in dual point of view. Expect spice, suspense, a fearless, determined woman, and a fae lord who will burn the world down for her.
608 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
385 people are currently reading
1395 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
August 30, 2024
Why is it so hard for me to write this review? I guess that's because I don't want this journey to end; I don't want to part ways with Vexxion and Tempest. I feel bittersweet whenever I get to the last sentence of a series. I am so happy the series got its perfect ending, yet I am sad it is over. I have a sneaky feeling Alaya isn't done with this world, and she will gift us new adventures, new loves, and new heartbreaks.
Alaya is one of those authors who can do no wrong in my eyes. Her books epitome what a perfect romantasy should be—plot & romance intertwined beautifully, masterfully crafted characters, action & epic battles, love, loss, rage, angst, and unyielding passion and devotion. So, if you still didn't get to read Alaya's Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series, the time is now, as the third and final book, A Crown of Cursed Hearts, will be released on October 1st.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts was the most perfect conclusion of the trilogy. I was so so happy I got the opportunity to get my ARC and dive into this early. Alaya knows how to make and break your heart while you offer it to her freely on a silver plate. The final part of Vexxion and Tempest's story was utterly beautiful and devastating at the same time. There were so many wheels turning and so many things put into motion that had to unravel at just the right moment. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time, biting my nails and wanting everything to turn out as it should. There were so many secrets, riddles, hidden identities and gutwrenching betrayals. But Tempest and Vexxion managed to weather all the storms (pun intended!) and finally return the balance their world had lacked for so long.
Vexxion will have my heart for eternity; his devotion, passion, and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good mould him into the perfect morally grey MMC who will burn the world for her. As would Tempest, and she had shown that time and time again. Their bond goes beyond that of fated mates; there isn't a world where they don't end up together. Everybody around them deserves to be mentioned and remembered. Well, not everyone, but I won't spoil that for you. Reyla holds a special place in my heart, and I want her to find her true path and happiness.
Alaya wrote a trilogy that will grab you and won't let you go. I urge you to grab your copy and immerse yourself into a world where nothing is as it seems, apart from the purest form of love.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts will gift you
- a perfect ending to a romantasy trilogy
- dual POV
- secrets & betrayals
- riddles & revelations
- forced proximity
- fated mates
- possessive MMC & ruthless FMC
- hidden identities
- dragons & dragon riders
and a romantasy true to its core!
Alaya is one of those authors who can do no wrong in my eyes. Her books epitome what a perfect romantasy should be—plot & romance intertwined beautifully, masterfully crafted characters, action & epic battles, love, loss, rage, angst, and unyielding passion and devotion. So, if you still didn't get to read Alaya's Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series, the time is now, as the third and final book, A Crown of Cursed Hearts, will be released on October 1st.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts was the most perfect conclusion of the trilogy. I was so so happy I got the opportunity to get my ARC and dive into this early. Alaya knows how to make and break your heart while you offer it to her freely on a silver plate. The final part of Vexxion and Tempest's story was utterly beautiful and devastating at the same time. There were so many wheels turning and so many things put into motion that had to unravel at just the right moment. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time, biting my nails and wanting everything to turn out as it should. There were so many secrets, riddles, hidden identities and gutwrenching betrayals. But Tempest and Vexxion managed to weather all the storms (pun intended!) and finally return the balance their world had lacked for so long.
Vexxion will have my heart for eternity; his devotion, passion, and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good mould him into the perfect morally grey MMC who will burn the world for her. As would Tempest, and she had shown that time and time again. Their bond goes beyond that of fated mates; there isn't a world where they don't end up together. Everybody around them deserves to be mentioned and remembered. Well, not everyone, but I won't spoil that for you. Reyla holds a special place in my heart, and I want her to find her true path and happiness.
Alaya wrote a trilogy that will grab you and won't let you go. I urge you to grab your copy and immerse yourself into a world where nothing is as it seems, apart from the purest form of love.
A Crown of Cursed Hearts will gift you
- a perfect ending to a romantasy trilogy
- dual POV
- secrets & betrayals
- riddles & revelations
- forced proximity
- fated mates
- possessive MMC & ruthless FMC
- hidden identities
- dragons & dragon riders
and a romantasy true to its core!
February 27, 2025
Well, it’s the best of the trilogy, but that is not saying much.
Again, as with the first two installments, this book is massively bloated with fluff. We get a lot of bare and unrealistic dialogue, alright storyline in general and then suddenly chunks so floridly painted in an excess of descriptions in (supposedly) important scenes that are just confusing. Why give bare bones descriptions only to yank out a thesaurus and feel you practically have to describe every rock, bush and even the very air? It’s like the author goes overboard to scream at us THIS IS A FREAKING INNER BATTLE AND I NEED TO DRIVE THAT HOME FOR YOU, when really you’ve not only kicked me out of the story’s flow, but you’ve also left me having to reread the pages and pages of said vision or battle or memory, etc just to figure out what the heck is going on.
Even then I often just said to heck with it and skimmed ahead because the author’s oh so effusively detailed prophecies and drama never makes sense with what ends up happening anyway. All these elaborate riddles she’s written that are meant to confuse us the characters suddenly have a “aha!” moment, rush off to do something incomprehensible and most of the time she doesn’t bother to explain how the character even worked out the answer. Regardless, the answer rarely has anything to do with something the reader is even familiar with OR was only briefly mentioned hundreds of pages ago that we’ve already forgotten.
You want it to make sense? Take notes, lots of notes of every obscure thing and HOPE a fraction of the characters actions can be answered in there.
Or just keep reading and to heck with rational thinking. Seriously, for a book mostly driven to toss a bunch of poorly written smut at you, why should you need cliff notes?
The dialogue… holy cow, how can dialogue get worse as we know the characters more? As I’ve said in my other reviews the two MC have zero chemistry and basically spent two books only talking in cheap innuendo and sexual banter. In this installment we get our male lead returning (rather quickly) from a fate worse than death to somehow having no memory of his fated mate. Sure, his boy bits react to her, but nope, no touching random strange girls no matter how hot their buns and boobs are… except when he decided randomly to magic her clothes off, shove her in a tub, give her a bath and finger job and then walk out?
What?
Then, when he gets his memories back they spend far too much time giving each other long paragraphs of mind-to-mind dialogue of being each other’s star-filled skies and the compass pointing them home? Seriously, we get pages and pages of it while everyone is running about preparing for the war on their doorsteps when they aren’t spending the entire night having countless orgasms.
These two “fated mates” were betrothed as kids, finally meet with him sensing her at a random outpost and his loins leading him straight to her. Then, after a lot of lies and manipulation they are supposedly the prophesied love affair to reboot an entire continent of races and restore balance?
Yeah, no. Sorry.
Our female lead is STILL beyond powerful without the proper training- nearly God-like- yet she is still clueless and easily tricked. She makes SO MANY stupid choices, including flitting magically all over the continent without limits now, she and her friends manage air battles on dragons while standing during high speed flights and doing all sorts of aerobatics? Not to mention the so-called traitor in their midst is sooooo obvious.
An add-on character falls flat, especially after a surprise twist that leaves you scratching your head and is poorly explained with a single sentence, and the other surprise twist had no real point other than to kick start that character into their own spin-off story and randomly make then royalty.
Yeah, sorry, I’m being brutal here, aren’t I?
The big mystery of the black and silver roses is just a means of trying to show Vexxion’s softer side as the author works her butt off to take this dark character from deep gray to a less morally objectionable lighter shade. So that was a big mystery from the very start of the series that went out with a fizzle.
And I am not even going to bother with examples of the wrong names or he/she uses that are wrong, misspellings, missing words and broken sentence usages.
Again, as with the first two installments, this book is massively bloated with fluff. We get a lot of bare and unrealistic dialogue, alright storyline in general and then suddenly chunks so floridly painted in an excess of descriptions in (supposedly) important scenes that are just confusing. Why give bare bones descriptions only to yank out a thesaurus and feel you practically have to describe every rock, bush and even the very air? It’s like the author goes overboard to scream at us THIS IS A FREAKING INNER BATTLE AND I NEED TO DRIVE THAT HOME FOR YOU, when really you’ve not only kicked me out of the story’s flow, but you’ve also left me having to reread the pages and pages of said vision or battle or memory, etc just to figure out what the heck is going on.
Even then I often just said to heck with it and skimmed ahead because the author’s oh so effusively detailed prophecies and drama never makes sense with what ends up happening anyway. All these elaborate riddles she’s written that are meant to confuse us the characters suddenly have a “aha!” moment, rush off to do something incomprehensible and most of the time she doesn’t bother to explain how the character even worked out the answer. Regardless, the answer rarely has anything to do with something the reader is even familiar with OR was only briefly mentioned hundreds of pages ago that we’ve already forgotten.
You want it to make sense? Take notes, lots of notes of every obscure thing and HOPE a fraction of the characters actions can be answered in there.
Or just keep reading and to heck with rational thinking. Seriously, for a book mostly driven to toss a bunch of poorly written smut at you, why should you need cliff notes?
The dialogue… holy cow, how can dialogue get worse as we know the characters more? As I’ve said in my other reviews the two MC have zero chemistry and basically spent two books only talking in cheap innuendo and sexual banter. In this installment we get our male lead returning (rather quickly) from a fate worse than death to somehow having no memory of his fated mate. Sure, his boy bits react to her, but nope, no touching random strange girls no matter how hot their buns and boobs are… except when he decided randomly to magic her clothes off, shove her in a tub, give her a bath and finger job and then walk out?
What?
Then, when he gets his memories back they spend far too much time giving each other long paragraphs of mind-to-mind dialogue of being each other’s star-filled skies and the compass pointing them home? Seriously, we get pages and pages of it while everyone is running about preparing for the war on their doorsteps when they aren’t spending the entire night having countless orgasms.
These two “fated mates” were betrothed as kids, finally meet with him sensing her at a random outpost and his loins leading him straight to her. Then, after a lot of lies and manipulation they are supposedly the prophesied love affair to reboot an entire continent of races and restore balance?
Yeah, no. Sorry.
Our female lead is STILL beyond powerful without the proper training- nearly God-like- yet she is still clueless and easily tricked. She makes SO MANY stupid choices, including flitting magically all over the continent without limits now, she and her friends manage air battles on dragons while standing during high speed flights and doing all sorts of aerobatics? Not to mention the so-called traitor in their midst is sooooo obvious.
An add-on character falls flat, especially after a surprise twist that leaves you scratching your head and is poorly explained with a single sentence, and the other surprise twist had no real point other than to kick start that character into their own spin-off story and randomly make then royalty.
Yeah, sorry, I’m being brutal here, aren’t I?
The big mystery of the black and silver roses is just a means of trying to show Vexxion’s softer side as the author works her butt off to take this dark character from deep gray to a less morally objectionable lighter shade. So that was a big mystery from the very start of the series that went out with a fizzle.
And I am not even going to bother with examples of the wrong names or he/she uses that are wrong, misspellings, missing words and broken sentence usages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2024
✨A Crown of Cursed Hearts✨
Heads up! A possible spoiler for book 2 due to its cliffy! But I tried to be very vague.
Y’all. This finale just made me so happy. Alaya, as usual, did such a good job. As we journey back into pages filled with Tempest, Vexxion, and their found family, we find ourselves right where we left off: that brutal cliffhanger.
We find our deliciously fated couple on the run and, while they are all so thankful to be together, Vexxion is not entirely whole. Much of this story is character driven as Vex and Tempest not only work to bring themselves back to each other, but to find themselves worthy, acquire the power of their destinies, fulfill forgotten prophecies, raise an army, unearth hidden identities, identify a traitor, and (of course) save their world.
ACOCH was so beautifully done- a war waged within our character’s hearts as they learn to trust others, forgive themselves, and step into their purpose. The love Vex and Tempest share is one of my all time favorites. I cannot express how much I adore them. And the nuggets leading us into the next series have me so very excited!
It has been such a blessing to be an arc reader for books 2&3 for Alaya and I can’t wait to continue to hype her up and yell at you all that you should read this series!!
Tropes you may find in ACOCH are fated mates, prophecy, hidden identities, so many plot twists, shadow daddy, medium spice, dragons and riders, first person dual POV, unique bonds, he’d 🔥 the world for her, “let’s take a walk”, fae, and found family.
ACOCH releases October 1!
Heads up! A possible spoiler for book 2 due to its cliffy! But I tried to be very vague.
Y’all. This finale just made me so happy. Alaya, as usual, did such a good job. As we journey back into pages filled with Tempest, Vexxion, and their found family, we find ourselves right where we left off: that brutal cliffhanger.
We find our deliciously fated couple on the run and, while they are all so thankful to be together, Vexxion is not entirely whole. Much of this story is character driven as Vex and Tempest not only work to bring themselves back to each other, but to find themselves worthy, acquire the power of their destinies, fulfill forgotten prophecies, raise an army, unearth hidden identities, identify a traitor, and (of course) save their world.
ACOCH was so beautifully done- a war waged within our character’s hearts as they learn to trust others, forgive themselves, and step into their purpose. The love Vex and Tempest share is one of my all time favorites. I cannot express how much I adore them. And the nuggets leading us into the next series have me so very excited!
It has been such a blessing to be an arc reader for books 2&3 for Alaya and I can’t wait to continue to hype her up and yell at you all that you should read this series!!
Tropes you may find in ACOCH are fated mates, prophecy, hidden identities, so many plot twists, shadow daddy, medium spice, dragons and riders, first person dual POV, unique bonds, he’d 🔥 the world for her, “let’s take a walk”, fae, and found family.
ACOCH releases October 1!
September 18, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded to 5)
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is the final installment of the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series.
It’s always bittersweet coming to the end of a series! This was no exception. I really did not want my journey with Tempest and Vexxion to end. This book had me on the edge of my seat most of the way through. I have never been happier to experience such a beautifully perfect ending! It truly is a perfect conclusion to such an amazing series!
This book was…intense! It is action packed and full of utter turmoil. The trials and tribulations Tempest, Vexxion and her found family must endure in order to triumph over the wretched evil is just gut wrenching.
The secrets and twists and revelations had my head spinning and my jaw dropping at times.
The world Wells built was brilliant and vibrant. It’s full of fae, dragons, and some of the vilest creatures.
The plot and romance intertwined so magnificently and her characters are beautifully imagined. The story is full of fierce action, epic battles, shocking betrayal, heartbreaking loss, passion and unwavering devotion. The unyielding protection this little found family have for each other is so beautiful. The dynamic between the characters was simply sublime.
As I reflect back on my journey through this trilogy, I have found that it really does have all that I have come to expect from the perfect Romantasy genre. This story is gripping and will immerse you into a beautiful setting and not let you go until the very last word.
You’ll get - fae, dragons/dragon riders, dragon bonds, fates mates, hidden identities, intricate magic system, secrets & betrayals, shocking revelations, forced proximity and dual POV.
Although I will miss these characters; I have peeped that the next book released by Wells will be in the same world and I am beyond excited to dive into this specific character’s adventure!!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is the final installment of the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series.
It’s always bittersweet coming to the end of a series! This was no exception. I really did not want my journey with Tempest and Vexxion to end. This book had me on the edge of my seat most of the way through. I have never been happier to experience such a beautifully perfect ending! It truly is a perfect conclusion to such an amazing series!
This book was…intense! It is action packed and full of utter turmoil. The trials and tribulations Tempest, Vexxion and her found family must endure in order to triumph over the wretched evil is just gut wrenching.
The secrets and twists and revelations had my head spinning and my jaw dropping at times.
The world Wells built was brilliant and vibrant. It’s full of fae, dragons, and some of the vilest creatures.
The plot and romance intertwined so magnificently and her characters are beautifully imagined. The story is full of fierce action, epic battles, shocking betrayal, heartbreaking loss, passion and unwavering devotion. The unyielding protection this little found family have for each other is so beautiful. The dynamic between the characters was simply sublime.
As I reflect back on my journey through this trilogy, I have found that it really does have all that I have come to expect from the perfect Romantasy genre. This story is gripping and will immerse you into a beautiful setting and not let you go until the very last word.
You’ll get - fae, dragons/dragon riders, dragon bonds, fates mates, hidden identities, intricate magic system, secrets & betrayals, shocking revelations, forced proximity and dual POV.
Although I will miss these characters; I have peeped that the next book released by Wells will be in the same world and I am beyond excited to dive into this specific character’s adventure!!
October 13, 2024
The author jam packed this book with action, details, and surprises! We follow Tempest and Vexxion once again and the aftermath of the ending of Book 2. Outstanding world and character building that keeps you guessing and hoping for a particular outcome. A lot of oohs and aaahhhs later and so many twists and turns we get to the final battle. Does Tempest restore the balance? Does Vexxion survive? Does Aunt Vera complete her journey? Do the people of Lydel awaken from the years old spell? What happens to the Nullens? All these questions and even more will be answered when you run and grab this book!! Highly recommended and I cannot wait to read the spinoff series coming!!
February 23, 2025
My favorite parts were around the dragon bonding and the chapter of discovering the betrayer was written so well!
I like this world and the courts, but the ruthless parts of it from books 1&2 turned to fluff for this trilogy ending which did it a massive disservice.
Why was his core claiming tougher than hers? She needed some real struggle there. Why did all the pieces line up just right for the good to win? It was too fluffy overall and it took me WAY too long to read this book. It probably makes me a mood reader, but I was not in the mood for all the glittery happiness that is this book. That battle scene was laughable.
I like this world and the courts, but the ruthless parts of it from books 1&2 turned to fluff for this trilogy ending which did it a massive disservice.
Why was his core claiming tougher than hers? She needed some real struggle there. Why did all the pieces line up just right for the good to win? It was too fluffy overall and it took me WAY too long to read this book. It probably makes me a mood reader, but I was not in the mood for all the glittery happiness that is this book. That battle scene was laughable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
This was a great ending for Vexxion and Tempest. I loved all of the battle scenes and how everything came to light. I'm absolutely garbage at riddles, so I'm just as confused as the MCs which makes the reveals so exciting for me!
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆.
I wasn't expecting the betrayal in this one. I honestly don't see how I didn't see it 😥 My heart was absolutely CRUSHED by it.
𝑰. 𝑨𝒎. 𝑯𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅.
I am excited for Reyla's story! She deserves her HEA, even more so after discovering her past🖤🖤
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆.
I wasn't expecting the betrayal in this one. I honestly don't see how I didn't see it 😥 My heart was absolutely CRUSHED by it.
𝑰. 𝑨𝒎. 𝑯𝒆𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅.
I am excited for Reyla's story! She deserves her HEA, even more so after discovering her past🖤🖤
March 17, 2025
It was a fitting final book in there series. I adore Vexxion and I went back and forth with him a lot in the first book. I loved him...I hated him (but loved that I hated him) and went back and forth. I wish love in real life for everyone could be so all encompassing as a book like this.
This book wrapped everything up so nicely and brought all the twists and turns together. I couldn't have guessed much of what happened in this book so I never lost interest in the entire saga. 🥰🥰
This book wrapped everything up so nicely and brought all the twists and turns together. I couldn't have guessed much of what happened in this book so I never lost interest in the entire saga. 🥰🥰
May 25, 2025
I don’t even remember how I found this trilogy but I am so happy I stumbled across it and gave it a chance. I absolutely loved vexxion and tempest. I just loved the entire trilogy. It was fun and made me happy while reading it. There were times I had to rewind and reread a few things to get it to make sense but it was so good! I loved all the twists and secrets that were revealed. I’m excited to jump into reylas story soon!
January 2, 2025
Skipped majority of this book. Just a regular series earth shattering, world changing deaths that send the heroine on a journey, but in her grief cant stop thinking about how hot the evil MMC is. Running for their lives where everyone wants to kill them, but dismissing shadowy figures and not seeing a need to alert anyone. No one knows anything about magic but somehow the FMC just does tons of magic spells without any teaching and masters everything perfecting with no explanation. Ughhh
January 1, 2025
Phenomenal conclusion to the trilogy
Whew. This. Book. Was. So. Good. The final book in this romantasy trilogy was definitely another stay up too late, unputdownable from start to finish, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, the writing was captivating and the world building phenomenal. I fell head first into the story and, even more so than the first two books, I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The story picks up right where the last book ended. Tempest, who was raised as an orphaned Nullen, has learned she is really fae and the lost heir to the Lydel Court. Vexxion, her fated and bonded mate, is the fae high lord of Weldsbane Court. He has been collared and drained by his father, Ivenrail, and his soul is lost in the ether. Tempest and Vexxion along with her found family, a few loyal friends and dragons set out for Lydel to regroup and to formulate a plan to return to kill Ivenrail. They are outmatched and unsure of the path forward so they’ll need all of them and fate to succeed. This is not a flowery love story full of sunshine and rainbows. It is a dark fantasy. But there is also light here, goodness, hope, and love which also makes this a book so full of deep emotions. At its heart, it’s a story of stunted, damaged and bruised but not broken people who find their way together by owning their choices, recognizing their scars, finding their strength, embracing the life they have, and deciding to be the best version of themselves. It’s a story about the power of choice. The conclusion of this epic story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a captivating storyline as shown through intrigue, fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, secrets, mystical coincidences, snark, laughs, spice, tension, and unexpected plots twists. I have loved the series and am sad to leave Tempest and Vexxion behind.
Whew. This. Book. Was. So. Good. The final book in this romantasy trilogy was definitely another stay up too late, unputdownable from start to finish, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. The storyline was imaginative, the characters were real and relatable, the writing was captivating and the world building phenomenal. I fell head first into the story and, even more so than the first two books, I was equally desperate to read it all at once and also to savor it and make it last. The story picks up right where the last book ended. Tempest, who was raised as an orphaned Nullen, has learned she is really fae and the lost heir to the Lydel Court. Vexxion, her fated and bonded mate, is the fae high lord of Weldsbane Court. He has been collared and drained by his father, Ivenrail, and his soul is lost in the ether. Tempest and Vexxion along with her found family, a few loyal friends and dragons set out for Lydel to regroup and to formulate a plan to return to kill Ivenrail. They are outmatched and unsure of the path forward so they’ll need all of them and fate to succeed. This is not a flowery love story full of sunshine and rainbows. It is a dark fantasy. But there is also light here, goodness, hope, and love which also makes this a book so full of deep emotions. At its heart, it’s a story of stunted, damaged and bruised but not broken people who find their way together by owning their choices, recognizing their scars, finding their strength, embracing the life they have, and deciding to be the best version of themselves. It’s a story about the power of choice. The conclusion of this epic story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and a captivating storyline as shown through intrigue, fighting, dangerous situations, paranormal creatures, evil masterminds, henchmen, loyal friends and family, tragic back stories, secrets, mystical coincidences, snark, laughs, spice, tension, and unexpected plots twists. I have loved the series and am sad to leave Tempest and Vexxion behind.
April 13, 2025
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5 spiciness (hell of a wrap up)
Spoiler FREE review 🖤
Plot? Intricately woven with plot twists, romance, magic, and riddles. So good.
Smut? While there was less than the last book this one was just as well written and very descriptive as usual
Characters? Interesting as usual with unexpected developments throughout
Writing? Still incredibly poetic at times, but, man, the ability this author possesses to describe the scene and emotions so intensely is a skill
Magic? Way super cool especially the core experiences and I wish I had a magical kitchen!
I will say I wasn’t impressed with a plot twist that occurred. More so how it ended than what it actually was, though. At times it seemed things were very quickly wrapped up but I do feel it was time for this series to end. Every time I thought I knew where it was going or how something was about to happen I was very often wrong. I like that about a book.
I cannot wait to read the same world series that I accidentally discovered in the middle of this series. I wonder if the author will make that series as poetic as this one often was. I found myself skimming during those long winded monologues full of romance and poetry in every book.
This series is heavy on the ROMANtasy part of this genre. Well done!
Spoiler FREE review 🖤
Plot? Intricately woven with plot twists, romance, magic, and riddles. So good.
Smut? While there was less than the last book this one was just as well written and very descriptive as usual
Characters? Interesting as usual with unexpected developments throughout
Writing? Still incredibly poetic at times, but, man, the ability this author possesses to describe the scene and emotions so intensely is a skill
Magic? Way super cool especially the core experiences and I wish I had a magical kitchen!
I will say I wasn’t impressed with a plot twist that occurred. More so how it ended than what it actually was, though. At times it seemed things were very quickly wrapped up but I do feel it was time for this series to end. Every time I thought I knew where it was going or how something was about to happen I was very often wrong. I like that about a book.
I cannot wait to read the same world series that I accidentally discovered in the middle of this series. I wonder if the author will make that series as poetic as this one often was. I found myself skimming during those long winded monologues full of romance and poetry in every book.
This series is heavy on the ROMANtasy part of this genre. Well done!
September 3, 2024
Sequel to Kindom of Blighted Thorns, Crown of Cursed Hearts, does not disappoint. Beautiful cover. Sleepless nights, having to read page after page. Because putting it down is really not an option. The many twists in this book are incredible. You just can't put it down, this book is way too exciting for that. Because what will happen with Tempest, Vexxion? It was not an easy journey, loss and betrayal. Tempest was not the only one who had to undertake a tough journey, Vexxion too. After all the traumas he suffered, there is a new beginning for him too. Both meet new friends and confirm their love. I loved how it was described, so beautiful and full of emotions. The written words sometimes brought tears to my eyes. You just sympathize. I really enjoyed how the words could take on a life of their own. And believe me, it is not easy to express something so beautifully. This book, no these books are really valuable. And somehow I hope that this is not the end and that we will hear more about Evergorne Court. Alaya Wells got me hooked. This book is highly recommended.
October 4, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2🌶️
One of my top series of 2024!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts truly perfect ending to the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series by Alana Wells. With a unique magic system, a strong sense of the need for balance and a strong, independent, and often stubborn FMC, with a MMC who will do anything to protect her; Alaya Wells has created a perfect book!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts picks up straight after the events in A Court of Wicked Fae where we found out Vexxion has been collared by his father at the innocent age of five, and had now been drained. Tempest has fled Bledmire with her close collection of friend and her unconscious mate. Along the way she will fight again forgetting spells, a betrayal, and learn a lot of secrets that effect the realm. With new allies will she be able to beat Vexxion’s father Ivenrail and bring balance to faerie?
⭐️strong FMC
⭐️dragons
⭐️mythical creatures
⭐️amazing MMC
⭐️Great cast of supporting characters
⭐️Found Family
❗️abuse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One of my top series of 2024!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts truly perfect ending to the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series by Alana Wells. With a unique magic system, a strong sense of the need for balance and a strong, independent, and often stubborn FMC, with a MMC who will do anything to protect her; Alaya Wells has created a perfect book!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts picks up straight after the events in A Court of Wicked Fae where we found out Vexxion has been collared by his father at the innocent age of five, and had now been drained. Tempest has fled Bledmire with her close collection of friend and her unconscious mate. Along the way she will fight again forgetting spells, a betrayal, and learn a lot of secrets that effect the realm. With new allies will she be able to beat Vexxion’s father Ivenrail and bring balance to faerie?
⭐️strong FMC
⭐️dragons
⭐️mythical creatures
⭐️amazing MMC
⭐️Great cast of supporting characters
⭐️Found Family
❗️abuse.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was so happy and so sad to read this book because I’ve loved the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series since I first read book one back in June! The story is full of adventure, drama, found family, hidden magic, dragons, betrayal, and romance. Honestly, it checks all of my boxes in what I look for in a romantasy novel!
This is the third and final book in the series and it ended so perfectly. No spoilers here, but the ending was exactly as I hoped it was (even though I literally DM’d Alaya at 20% being like WTF IS HAPPENING 😭) and I love how everything tied together! The book begins exactly where we left off in book two, where Vexxion and Tempest are fighting for their life and love, trying to escape the evil king in order to regroup and prepare to battle. This is a dual-POV story, which I love, and we really get to experience the main characters come into their own and navigate their emotions while they deal with the turmoil of their current situation.
Also super excited that the author is coming out with a spin-off series (Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin, yay yay!) which will come out next spring, so I cannot wait to follow one of our characters journey as they get to explore a new country to start a new life.
If you love fantasy and romantasy, please do yourself a favor and read this series! 🔥
I was so happy and so sad to read this book because I’ve loved the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns series since I first read book one back in June! The story is full of adventure, drama, found family, hidden magic, dragons, betrayal, and romance. Honestly, it checks all of my boxes in what I look for in a romantasy novel!
This is the third and final book in the series and it ended so perfectly. No spoilers here, but the ending was exactly as I hoped it was (even though I literally DM’d Alaya at 20% being like WTF IS HAPPENING 😭) and I love how everything tied together! The book begins exactly where we left off in book two, where Vexxion and Tempest are fighting for their life and love, trying to escape the evil king in order to regroup and prepare to battle. This is a dual-POV story, which I love, and we really get to experience the main characters come into their own and navigate their emotions while they deal with the turmoil of their current situation.
Also super excited that the author is coming out with a spin-off series (Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin, yay yay!) which will come out next spring, so I cannot wait to follow one of our characters journey as they get to explore a new country to start a new life.
If you love fantasy and romantasy, please do yourself a favor and read this series! 🔥
October 1, 2024
Wow! What an epic conclusion to the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy! A Crown of Cursed Hearts is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense action, high stakes, and just the right amount of spice. Our fierce dragon rider heroine is back, more powerful and determined than ever, ready to take on the wicked fae king. Vexxion, the swoon-worthy fae lord, will literally burn the world down for her, and their chemistry is pure fire. The dual POV adds depth, letting us feel every heart-pounding moment from both characters.
This book has it all—danger, betrayal, redemption, and a heroine who refuses to be broken. If you love fantasy worlds with magic, dragons, and fae, plus a romance that sizzles even in the darkest moments, you need to read this trilogy. The ending is satisfying and epic, leaving you cheering for this ruthless, strong-willed queen and her fae lover. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure, love, and vengeance!
This book has it all—danger, betrayal, redemption, and a heroine who refuses to be broken. If you love fantasy worlds with magic, dragons, and fae, plus a romance that sizzles even in the darkest moments, you need to read this trilogy. The ending is satisfying and epic, leaving you cheering for this ruthless, strong-willed queen and her fae lover. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure, love, and vengeance!
January 23, 2025
On the run with nowhere to hide. The king's dragon bonded to the Lydel heir he's been hunting. Vexxion still collared but lost to the ether. Every player has their part in this game of Wraithweave. The stakes are higher than ever. Some wildcards remain to be played. Players are still hidden from view. Not everything is as it appears. Betrayed. Hunted. Rejected. Tempest has her work cut out for her and nobody left to trust. Defeating the corrupted king is just one item on a list of challenges Tempest will have to face if she will ever have a chance to live in peace. But who will be left by her side in the end? Is this a task she can come back from? If she does, what will remain on the other side?
The dragon dynamic was my favorite part of this whole series and probably why I kept reading. The writing Ryle isn't my favorite but I was intrigued enough to keep reading through the series. Overall not my favorite but still had elements I enjoyed.
The dragon dynamic was my favorite part of this whole series and probably why I kept reading. The writing Ryle isn't my favorite but I was intrigued enough to keep reading through the series. Overall not my favorite but still had elements I enjoyed.
October 1, 2024
This is the final installment of the Kingdom Of Blighted Thorns series, and Alaya did us proud. We have had one heck of a journey with Tempest and Vexxion. We have fought side by side with them.
Alaya gave us something we never knew we wanted. This was an epic love story racked with so much pain and suffering that brought us to our knees. A love, so powerful, and heartbreaking at the same time. Page after page, you are drawn into a world that defies all logic.
This whole series has everything you could possibly want in a story. Action and adventure. Undeniably ferocious creatures that consume everything in their wake.
I can not adequately express the intensity this world brings. How much joy the characters brought. The anticipation left me on the edge of my seat.
A conclusion that was well worth the wait.
Alaya gave us something we never knew we wanted. This was an epic love story racked with so much pain and suffering that brought us to our knees. A love, so powerful, and heartbreaking at the same time. Page after page, you are drawn into a world that defies all logic.
This whole series has everything you could possibly want in a story. Action and adventure. Undeniably ferocious creatures that consume everything in their wake.
I can not adequately express the intensity this world brings. How much joy the characters brought. The anticipation left me on the edge of my seat.
A conclusion that was well worth the wait.
October 1, 2024
A Crown of Cursed Hearts book three has delivered an amazing finale to a journey that has not spared the heart on numerous occasions, and left one breathless and gasping on others.
The battle against the wicked fae king who holds the land and people in his evil grip will be harsh and fierce, but the balance must be restored. No matter the times it felt all may have been lost for leads Vexxion and Tempest, and their love tested beyond reason they have always emerged stronger.
Action, adventure, friendships, revelations, family, danger, dragons, magic, passion, and emotion are all woven into a masterfully written and imagined world both entertaining and immersive, which after reaching the satisfying conclusion will assuredly motivate the reader to revisit the entire trilogy again, and again.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The battle against the wicked fae king who holds the land and people in his evil grip will be harsh and fierce, but the balance must be restored. No matter the times it felt all may have been lost for leads Vexxion and Tempest, and their love tested beyond reason they have always emerged stronger.
Action, adventure, friendships, revelations, family, danger, dragons, magic, passion, and emotion are all woven into a masterfully written and imagined world both entertaining and immersive, which after reaching the satisfying conclusion will assuredly motivate the reader to revisit the entire trilogy again, and again.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2025
I literally started this entire trilogy on New Year’s Eve and read through all 3 books, finishing the last one today 4 days later - it was well paced and romance, spice at the right moments, as well as a great plot that kept me up (literally) reading late into the night and while waiting in lines!
I appreciated the communication between the main leads, and the FMC was level-headed and strong without being stubborn or contrarian for no reason - definitely one of the most likable FMCs I’ve read recently and she made it super easy to root for her, as well as the love story with the MMC. there were also definitely some plot twists I didn’t see coming, but made sense and didn’t feel out of nowhere.
Dragons, magic, fae, romance, it’s got it all!!
Really looking forward to the next books this author puts out!
I appreciated the communication between the main leads, and the FMC was level-headed and strong without being stubborn or contrarian for no reason - definitely one of the most likable FMCs I’ve read recently and she made it super easy to root for her, as well as the love story with the MMC. there were also definitely some plot twists I didn’t see coming, but made sense and didn’t feel out of nowhere.
Dragons, magic, fae, romance, it’s got it all!!
Really looking forward to the next books this author puts out!
February 13, 2025
This was such a good ending to this book and series! I am so happy but also saddened that the story of Vexxion and Tempest had ended.
I love this book, all the twist and turns, the riddles, the hidden secrets that you soon find out, the love and the friendships was amazing! It had such a great ending, yay no sad ending and it helped tell us more about the characters, the past and the what everything meant.
Vexxion and Tempest have my heart and always will. Their love is so powerful that it literally changes the world and so many peoples lives. They deserve the world and most happiest ending which Alaya of course gave.
This series and characters are always in my mind. Will probably read this series again and start the new series she’s making with Reyla! 🤭
I love this book, all the twist and turns, the riddles, the hidden secrets that you soon find out, the love and the friendships was amazing! It had such a great ending, yay no sad ending and it helped tell us more about the characters, the past and the what everything meant.
Vexxion and Tempest have my heart and always will. Their love is so powerful that it literally changes the world and so many peoples lives. They deserve the world and most happiest ending which Alaya of course gave.
This series and characters are always in my mind. Will probably read this series again and start the new series she’s making with Reyla! 🤭
September 9, 2024
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑨 𝑪𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 (𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑩𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑻𝒉𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒔 #3) 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔
Release Date: October 1, 2024
4⭐️4🌶
This was a wild ride! The end of the second book only left me wanting more. I should have foreseen that Tempest and Vexxion coming back together would not be simple, but I didn't think it would be quite so HURTFUL! I needed them to find their way back to each other sooner. That bit took too long, at least it seemed that way!
There was so much magic for Tempest and Vexxion to sift through, that they were finally able to find their way by the end!
I enjoyed this book so much! I can't wait to read more from Alaya Wells!
Release Date: October 1, 2024
4⭐️4🌶
This was a wild ride! The end of the second book only left me wanting more. I should have foreseen that Tempest and Vexxion coming back together would not be simple, but I didn't think it would be quite so HURTFUL! I needed them to find their way back to each other sooner. That bit took too long, at least it seemed that way!
There was so much magic for Tempest and Vexxion to sift through, that they were finally able to find their way by the end!
I enjoyed this book so much! I can't wait to read more from Alaya Wells!
October 3, 2024
A solid 4⭐️
I very much enjoyed this story and Tempest and Vexxion’s love story.
If there was one thing I craved with this story was a bit more with some of the side characters. Felt some of the storylines were somewhat ignored and could have been explored a bit more, especially when it came to some of the family storylines.
The first half of the book did drag a little for me, but everything picked up nicely after that.
Excited for the continuation of this world with Bride of Ashes featuring Reyla. Can’t wait to keep exploring this world and hope we still get some of the characters we love in there as well. Would also love a Zayde/Layla story too ❤️
I very much enjoyed this story and Tempest and Vexxion’s love story.
If there was one thing I craved with this story was a bit more with some of the side characters. Felt some of the storylines were somewhat ignored and could have been explored a bit more, especially when it came to some of the family storylines.
The first half of the book did drag a little for me, but everything picked up nicely after that.
Excited for the continuation of this world with Bride of Ashes featuring Reyla. Can’t wait to keep exploring this world and hope we still get some of the characters we love in there as well. Would also love a Zayde/Layla story too ❤️
October 27, 2024
Warning, this review contains a spoiler.
I got my HEA. What is it about a series ending that is so anticlimactic? First 2 books, good buildup, new insights, interactions with enemies, exciting changes, growth and separation from main romantic counterpart, that all ends in a cliffhanger. Third book, tie up all loose ends, have one very confusing section that’s been mentioned repeatedly throughout the series as being a primary theme to end the king’s life. The knife of Alyessa (name is probably spelled wrong, I’m not going back to find out.). There is no knife, period. What? So Tempest is the knife, which would make sense as she has to hone her skills and build up her power. But the novel never straight up says this. Guess then one would have to explain what is Alyessa. Otherwise, I did like this series. Small typos, missing words which is very common for kindle books.
I got my HEA. What is it about a series ending that is so anticlimactic? First 2 books, good buildup, new insights, interactions with enemies, exciting changes, growth and separation from main romantic counterpart, that all ends in a cliffhanger. Third book, tie up all loose ends, have one very confusing section that’s been mentioned repeatedly throughout the series as being a primary theme to end the king’s life. The knife of Alyessa (name is probably spelled wrong, I’m not going back to find out.). There is no knife, period. What? So Tempest is the knife, which would make sense as she has to hone her skills and build up her power. But the novel never straight up says this. Guess then one would have to explain what is Alyessa. Otherwise, I did like this series. Small typos, missing words which is very common for kindle books.
August 29, 2025
The first 2 books were good, this one however… is alright. I’m all for a love story, but it’s overdone in this book. I had a hard time finishing and ended up skipping the last 200 pages because it simply was not intriguing. Nothing against the author, it just seems like even she got bored of the storyline and needed to find some way to bring it to a stopping point.
Also, the FMC is claimed to be powerful but the never book never gives us a reason to believe that she is? And if that power is exposed within the last 200 pages I chose not to read, well, it’s too late because I’m already both invested haha
Also, the FMC is claimed to be powerful but the never book never gives us a reason to believe that she is? And if that power is exposed within the last 200 pages I chose not to read, well, it’s too late because I’m already both invested haha
September 24, 2024
Alaya Wells aka Ava Ross has created a masterpiece in the three part Fae romance ending with A Crown of Cursed Hearts. I truly believe the trilogy should be adapted to a tv series. It’s that great! The world created is very detailed. The characters are developed so that one can see them. The action is continuous, and, of course, the spice is liberally sprinkled throughout. In the final book, Vexxion and Tempest overcome all their pasts with the help of many and free the kingdom of evil. There are a lot of surprises!
October 19, 2024
The end
This epic story comes to an end and I feel every this as it should be. I really like the correlation between game board and whay was happening in the story that was a different element to the far fantasy type novel and I enjoy r that variation a lot.
I was completely shocked about Aries that was unexpected hope to see her on the spin off series that will be release in march 2025
dang Bro for real so disappointed in that guy but hey th I vs happened ..read to find out what....
This epic story comes to an end and I feel every this as it should be. I really like the correlation between game board and whay was happening in the story that was a different element to the far fantasy type novel and I enjoy r that variation a lot.
I was completely shocked about Aries that was unexpected hope to see her on the spin off series that will be release in march 2025
dang Bro for real so disappointed in that guy but hey th I vs happened ..read to find out what....
October 30, 2024
Phenomenal ending to series
The third and final book of this series was phenomenal. The action never stopped. The twists never stopped. Just when I thought i had it all figured out, I'd get another right turn to take. I loved these characters. I wish I had a Madrood in my life, and I love his redemption arc. The ending was absolutely perfect, and I think I'm going to have a book hanger for days thinking about how this all played out. It's a definite reread in the future. Looking forward to the next series about Reyla coming out next year!
The third and final book of this series was phenomenal. The action never stopped. The twists never stopped. Just when I thought i had it all figured out, I'd get another right turn to take. I loved these characters. I wish I had a Madrood in my life, and I love his redemption arc. The ending was absolutely perfect, and I think I'm going to have a book hanger for days thinking about how this all played out. It's a definite reread in the future. Looking forward to the next series about Reyla coming out next year!
September 29, 2024
This was the perfect conclusion to this engaging series and I loved following Vexxion and Tempest as they overcame their pasts to free the kingdom of evil. With clear world building, the author kept the pace up with tons of action, shocking twists, both good and bad, and good steam sprinkled throughout. It was a great read and I'm sad this series is over now...thankfully, I have a re-read shelf and can dive back in again and again. Good fun!
October 2, 2024
Epic!!!!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is the third and final book in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns Trilogy. The book continues where the second book ends. The first two books were fantastic but I absolutely loved this one. I'm so obsessed with this series and I'm kinda sad that this is the end of Tempest and Vexxion’s love story. This story was so well written and the plot was full of twists and turns. It had me on the edge of my seat! I highly recommend this fantastic book and series. 5 stars! I can't wait to read the spin off series!
A Crown of Cursed Hearts is the third and final book in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns Trilogy. The book continues where the second book ends. The first two books were fantastic but I absolutely loved this one. I'm so obsessed with this series and I'm kinda sad that this is the end of Tempest and Vexxion’s love story. This story was so well written and the plot was full of twists and turns. It had me on the edge of my seat! I highly recommend this fantastic book and series. 5 stars! I can't wait to read the spin off series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews