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Duskwalker Brides #7
A Soul to Protect
All Linh wanted was to feel safe.
After escaping vile bandits, Linh is faced with a conundrum. She can either run through the Demon-filled wilds, or seek safety from a serpent monster.
The longer she forces her presence in the monster’s territory, the more she learns a Duskwalker’s heart can be nurturing. Despite her fears, she longs for the slither of his scales across her skin and the burning desire it awakens in her.
All Nathair wanted was to be left alone.
Dealing with the pressure of his fractured mind, Nathair’s return to life has been unpleasant. He’s in pain, his voice lost, and he finds himself protecting a female who is in more danger from him than she realises.
She’s broken. Though he doesn’t know if he can mend her, he craves her so fervently he will do anything to keep her. But Linh wants to return to her people, and Nathair cannot go with her.
How can Nathair convince her to choose him when he is more monstrous than any other Mavka?
After escaping vile bandits, Linh is faced with a conundrum. She can either run through the Demon-filled wilds, or seek safety from a serpent monster.
The longer she forces her presence in the monster’s territory, the more she learns a Duskwalker’s heart can be nurturing. Despite her fears, she longs for the slither of his scales across her skin and the burning desire it awakens in her.
All Nathair wanted was to be left alone.
Dealing with the pressure of his fractured mind, Nathair’s return to life has been unpleasant. He’s in pain, his voice lost, and he finds himself protecting a female who is in more danger from him than she realises.
She’s broken. Though he doesn’t know if he can mend her, he craves her so fervently he will do anything to keep her. But Linh wants to return to her people, and Nathair cannot go with her.
How can Nathair convince her to choose him when he is more monstrous than any other Mavka?
562 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2024
734 people are currently reading
7461 people want to read
About the author
Opal Reyne
21 books5,777 followersOpal Reyne is an Australian Author who has been a fan of the Adult Paranormal Romance genre from the moment she picked up a book of it - and has never looked back.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
She loves everything spicy, smutty,and everything boarder-line monster loving. She started writing because of her love of the written word, and because she wanted to build a diverse world of mythological creatures, while also showing the beauty of all ethnicities of humanity. She thrives to produce a plot driven, character developing book while sprinkling in enchanting imagery.
-Duskwalker Brides a series that features a very real monster who never turns into a handsome prince.
-Witch Bound is a series of Dragon-shifter males falling for their species enemies, Witches!
-She currently has a completed series called 'A Pirate Romance duology'.
As of the 20th of June 2022, The Aedus Chronicles has been unpublished. Thank you to all the readers who enjoyed the series, and Opal may look into revising them in the future.
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June 9, 2024I'm literally about to cry and this is not a joke. I haven't been this obsessed with a book series in years. Opal Reyne is my monster romance queen and I just worship whatever she feeds me.
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July 13, 2024
”To all the serpent loving MonsterFuckers out there, this book is for you. Will he have one peen or two peens? Will he coil his long tail around you for some sweet, therapeutic cuddles, or will he smother you with his lust? One thing is for certain, he is big, he is long, and he is deadly. Enjoy our danger-noodle.”
The dedication I’m SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!
The dedication I’m SCREAMING!!!!!!!!!!!
July 28, 2024
First things first, I need to say this is my own personal opinion, and that reflects in my review. This is a 3.5/5 for me.
Let me start with the positive. As always, this is a very well written book, and the pacing of this book is perfection as always. It's a great blend of romance and plot, and each character is well developed and Opal made sure the dusk walkers are all distinctively different from each other.
My problem, I think, is the first book was so romantic and the smut was so so good it's still my favourite of the series. The second book happened, and Opal wanted to add mental health into it. Great, lovely to see that written in a positive way. But then, each book had a dark element. Mental health, abuse, death, etc, etc, and each topic got darker and darker. It almost feels like following the white rabbit and then falling down the dark rabbit hole without much warning after the lighter romance of the first book.
The issue for me with this is that I like to binge read series and enjoy fantasy to escape reality but the topics start to pile on top of you and then this book talks about rape, mental health, Dusk Walker version of multiple personalities, eating disorders, panic attacks, ptsd and depression. That, on top of all the other dark topics from previous books, it's hard to take. I can't enjoy the sex scenes, the romance, and the happy moments because I just feel too sad which is such a change from the first book - which is obviously the one people read first that gets them into the series in the first place. Especially when reading the first book it was never made clear of the dark path that the series would take.
I appreciate that these topics are important, and people can relate, but for me, it was too much. The romance in this just made me sad. I kept putting myself in her situation like I do in all books I read, and I had to take a breather and force myself to finish it because it's my duty as an arc reader. I'm glad it's a HEA though! 😌
Like I said, though, this is my personal opinion, and not everyone is affected like me, and not everyone binge reads a whole series like me. I've reviewed this, trying to be as impartial as possible because the book itself is amazing, and if you aren't easily triggered, I highly recommend it, just please read all triggers in all the duskwalker books!
Let me start with the positive. As always, this is a very well written book, and the pacing of this book is perfection as always. It's a great blend of romance and plot, and each character is well developed and Opal made sure the dusk walkers are all distinctively different from each other.
My problem, I think, is the first book was so romantic and the smut was so so good it's still my favourite of the series. The second book happened, and Opal wanted to add mental health into it. Great, lovely to see that written in a positive way. But then, each book had a dark element. Mental health, abuse, death, etc, etc, and each topic got darker and darker. It almost feels like following the white rabbit and then falling down the dark rabbit hole without much warning after the lighter romance of the first book.
The issue for me with this is that I like to binge read series and enjoy fantasy to escape reality but the topics start to pile on top of you and then this book talks about rape, mental health, Dusk Walker version of multiple personalities, eating disorders, panic attacks, ptsd and depression. That, on top of all the other dark topics from previous books, it's hard to take. I can't enjoy the sex scenes, the romance, and the happy moments because I just feel too sad which is such a change from the first book - which is obviously the one people read first that gets them into the series in the first place. Especially when reading the first book it was never made clear of the dark path that the series would take.
I appreciate that these topics are important, and people can relate, but for me, it was too much. The romance in this just made me sad. I kept putting myself in her situation like I do in all books I read, and I had to take a breather and force myself to finish it because it's my duty as an arc reader. I'm glad it's a HEA though! 😌
Like I said, though, this is my personal opinion, and not everyone is affected like me, and not everyone binge reads a whole series like me. I've reviewed this, trying to be as impartial as possible because the book itself is amazing, and if you aren't easily triggered, I highly recommend it, just please read all triggers in all the duskwalker books!
July 23, 2024
i wanted this to be my favorite one
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Linh Nguyen (21) | Nathair (3000+)
FEATURES
∘ monster romance
∘ healing together
∘ mate bond
REVIEW
As a disclaimer, I’ve been in a horrible and ever-lasting reading funk, so some of my feelings about this book can definitely be attributed to that. With that being said, I felt kind of…bored, I guess?
Nathair and Linh were both sweethearts. Their healing processes were both heartbreaking and hopeful, and I loved that they could be there to help each other. I just was not invested in their story as I have been in past books.
I felt like I was slugging through it most of the time. Every time I would feel a spark, it fizzled out shortly after. Again, this could be due to the aforementioned slump; however, I just didn’t feel there was enough of an exterior plot to complement the development of their relationship.
I’m excited to see who the last novel will be about. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing this series is coming to an end, but I am grateful to have experienced it.
OW/OM DRAMA not really OM — Linh is “married” (against her will) to an abusive pos
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — 5 weeks later epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
MAIN CHARACTER NAMES AND AGES
Linh Nguyen (21) | Nathair (3000+)
FEATURES
∘ monster romance
∘ healing together
∘ mate bond
REVIEW
As a disclaimer, I’ve been in a horrible and ever-lasting reading funk, so some of my feelings about this book can definitely be attributed to that. With that being said, I felt kind of…bored, I guess?
Nathair and Linh were both sweethearts. Their healing processes were both heartbreaking and hopeful, and I loved that they could be there to help each other. I just was not invested in their story as I have been in past books.
I felt like I was slugging through it most of the time. Every time I would feel a spark, it fizzled out shortly after. Again, this could be due to the aforementioned slump; however, I just didn’t feel there was enough of an exterior plot to complement the development of their relationship.
I’m excited to see who the last novel will be about. It’s a bittersweet feeling knowing this series is coming to an end, but I am grateful to have experienced it.
OW/OM DRAMA not really OM — Linh is “married” (against her will) to an abusive pos
CHEATING none
THIRD ACT BREAKUP no
ENDING HEA — 5 weeks later epilogue
POV dual / third person
SPICE LEVEL 4 / 5
RATING 3 / 5
August 27, 2024
pre-read:
dADDY Nathair is here, Ladies & Gentleman.
ranting: 4,5 ☆
spice: 4 🌶
arc review
Opal could write the bible that I would still read it, no matter what. Once again, the writing is so beautiful and captivating! To me, this book felt a little different than the others - in a good way - it focused more on the characters themselves; their journey together and the development of their relationship into something more.
Nathair (grumpy pants) was such an interesting and distinct character, the struggles he had to endure alone for years in the afterlife to finally being able to find someone who could calm his chaos. Lihn (little nightingale) reminded me so much of Delora! The trauma she had to overcome physical and psychologically while dealing with these demons every day after escaping her own nightmare. In their own mess, they found each other and it was such a wonderful story about love conquers all indeed.
AND the spicy scenes y'all! This was probably the hottest book in the whole series?! Nathair was such a boney daddy. When Lihn could hear his sexy thoughts? chef's kiss.
And we had our first ! It was absolutely adorable, and Lindiwe and Weldir appeared to watch it!! My god, I want their story so baddd.
“She was his. Every inch of her soft and tender body was his to touch, taste, and hold. Ever since she’d gifted Nathair her soul, his entire essence had locked into sensing hers. Her voice, her smell, her touch, and heat. Even her heartbeat was louder, constantly thrumming in his mind like a playful drum.”
This series is definitely coming to an end and I don't want it :(
ranting: 4,5 ☆
spice: 4 🌶
arc review
Opal could write the bible that I would still read it, no matter what. Once again, the writing is so beautiful and captivating! To me, this book felt a little different than the others - in a good way - it focused more on the characters themselves; their journey together and the development of their relationship into something more.
Nathair (grumpy pants) was such an interesting and distinct character, the struggles he had to endure alone for years in the afterlife to finally being able to find someone who could calm his chaos. Lihn (little nightingale) reminded me so much of Delora! The trauma she had to overcome physical and psychologically while dealing with these demons every day after escaping her own nightmare. In their own mess, they found each other and it was such a wonderful story about love conquers all indeed.
AND the spicy scenes y'all! This was probably the hottest book in the whole series?! Nathair was such a boney daddy. When Lihn could hear his sexy thoughts? chef's kiss.
And we had our first ! It was absolutely adorable, and Lindiwe and Weldir appeared to watch it!! My god, I want their story so baddd.
“She was his. Every inch of her soft and tender body was his to touch, taste, and hold. Ever since she’d gifted Nathair her soul, his entire essence had locked into sensing hers. Her voice, her smell, her touch, and heat. Even her heartbeat was louder, constantly thrumming in his mind like a playful drum.”
This series is definitely coming to an end and I don't want it :(
July 11, 2025
3.5/5
Cudownie jest wrócić do tej serii, czuję się w tym świecie jak w domu. Zapomniałam, jaka Opal jest zabawna, a ta część stoi naprawdę świetnym humorem. Nathair to fantastyczny główny bohater - samoświadomy, inteligentny, potrafiący zarówno rozbawić, jak i rozczulić. Nie będę za bardzo analizować tego, że w połowie jest wężem, a ja od zawsze uwielbiam oglądać filmy przyrodnicze o tych gadach xD Niesamowicie podobał mi się fakt, że on nie mówi, więc bohaterowie muszą się porozumiewać w języku migowym. Jeszcze bardziej podoba mi się to, że ta bariera nie znika w jakiś magiczny sposób, a w sumie nie jest żadną przeszkodą, bo i bez słów pięknie się dogadują. Linh... była. Trudno mi powiedzieć o niej coś więcej, bo na tle Duskwalkera wypada bardzo blado, a do sposobu, w jaki autorka przedstawia jej traumę i wychodzenie z niej ciężko mi się odnieść. Mam nadzieję, że robi to z należytą wrażliwością.
Dochodzę do wniosku, że czasami lubię chyba książki, w których nic się nie dzieje. Oni głównie siedzą w jaskini, jedzą ryby i uczą się pływać. Potem dochodzą jeszcze oczywiście inne rozrywki, w formie różnych fizycznych wygibasów, ale na to standardowo przymykam oko - Opal ma tendencję do nagromadzenia scen seksu w drugiej połowie książki, do tego już chyba przywykłam. Końcówka za to była świetna, bardzo akcyjna i to mi się podobało.
Po dwóch mniej udanych częściach w końcu wróciliśmy na dobre tory, aż szkoda, że została już tylko jedna książka w serii. Jestem niesamowicie ciekawa tego, jak autorka zamknie tę opowieść, bo w z tego tomu nie wynika właściwie nic, co przekładałoby się jakoś na szerszy kontekst. Nie dowiadujemy się niczego o innych Mavka(ch?), nie pada ani jedno słowo o królu demonów, nie ma nic o wojnie ani elfach. Ta część to trochę taka książkowa wersja fillerowych odcinków w anime. Nie pozostaje więc nic innego, niż tylko szybko sięgnąć po finałowy tom i zakończyć tę przygodę.
Cudownie jest wrócić do tej serii, czuję się w tym świecie jak w domu. Zapomniałam, jaka Opal jest zabawna, a ta część stoi naprawdę świetnym humorem. Nathair to fantastyczny główny bohater - samoświadomy, inteligentny, potrafiący zarówno rozbawić, jak i rozczulić. Nie będę za bardzo analizować tego, że w połowie jest wężem, a ja od zawsze uwielbiam oglądać filmy przyrodnicze o tych gadach xD Niesamowicie podobał mi się fakt, że on nie mówi, więc bohaterowie muszą się porozumiewać w języku migowym. Jeszcze bardziej podoba mi się to, że ta bariera nie znika w jakiś magiczny sposób, a w sumie nie jest żadną przeszkodą, bo i bez słów pięknie się dogadują. Linh... była. Trudno mi powiedzieć o niej coś więcej, bo na tle Duskwalkera wypada bardzo blado, a do sposobu, w jaki autorka przedstawia jej traumę i wychodzenie z niej ciężko mi się odnieść. Mam nadzieję, że robi to z należytą wrażliwością.
Dochodzę do wniosku, że czasami lubię chyba książki, w których nic się nie dzieje. Oni głównie siedzą w jaskini, jedzą ryby i uczą się pływać. Potem dochodzą jeszcze oczywiście inne rozrywki, w formie różnych fizycznych wygibasów, ale na to standardowo przymykam oko - Opal ma tendencję do nagromadzenia scen seksu w drugiej połowie książki, do tego już chyba przywykłam. Końcówka za to była świetna, bardzo akcyjna i to mi się podobało.
Po dwóch mniej udanych częściach w końcu wróciliśmy na dobre tory, aż szkoda, że została już tylko jedna książka w serii. Jestem niesamowicie ciekawa tego, jak autorka zamknie tę opowieść, bo w z tego tomu nie wynika właściwie nic, co przekładałoby się jakoś na szerszy kontekst. Nie dowiadujemy się niczego o innych Mavka(ch?), nie pada ani jedno słowo o królu demonów, nie ma nic o wojnie ani elfach. Ta część to trochę taka książkowa wersja fillerowych odcinków w anime. Nie pozostaje więc nic innego, niż tylko szybko sięgnąć po finałowy tom i zakończyć tę przygodę.
June 20, 2024
He protec
He attack
But most of all
He hit it from the front AND from the back.
Yeah you read that right; our latest kinky “Danger Noodle” is deliciously unique in more than one way.
Nathair… *fans face* Whew! What a Mavka… I think I’m in love.
He’s tall (long) and smooth (scaly) with that whole lone-wolf vibe going on (venomous af) and gives approximately zero f***s (that part is true). To surmise how I feel about this particular Duskwalker — I positively adore him and he is my new book boyfriend.
Theres simply no other way to put this so here it is: this book was f***ing awesome! Smashed it in two days ‘cause it was so amazing and I couldn’t help myself, and then spent hours writing this review because I simply HAD to do it justice. I wanted to address absolutely every aspect of this novel that I can, and there are sooooo many, but I’m worried there might be a word count here so I’ll do my best to keep it concise…
Yeah nah, I’m gonna make this review my longest one yet lol. Strap in, people!
Introducing our latest FMC protagonist, Linh, an optimistic young woman from a charming human village with a loving family. Aside from the whole demons-taking-over-the world thing, she’s lived a relatively happy and sheltered lifestyle that moulded her into a wonderfully kind and compassionate person.
Her life was seemingly all sunshine and rainbows — until it wasn’t.
This is not the extent of Linh’s backstory, nor is it where we meet her. But I won’t go into why, as I feel it may spoil the impact of her character; all I’ll say here is check your trigger warnings if you have them before you begin reading.
Now, everyone has their own cup of ‘Duskwalker’ flavoured tea — Nathair was my kind of brew. He is easily one of the most complex and intelligent of his brothers thus far, with the exception being Merikh. His character is a mixture of playful, teasing prankster meets intelligent, sensitive lover.
This serpent Skull Daddy does things with his tail that had me fantasising being wrapped up like a lil sushi roll while he whispered — excuse me, signed — absolute filth next to my ear — sorry, eyes.
Look, I’ve discovered that sign language can be sexy af. I’m quite sure it’s not intended to be outside of this gem of a book, but Opal honest to God turned his custom “Nathair-speak” into one of his yummiest qualities during those blatantly brazen and unforgettably smutty scenes. The way she integrated sign language into their dialogue was nothing short of perfection, using it to build their chemistry whilst not taking away from the struggles of the language barrier.
Pure genius, really. Bravo again, Opal!
You can tell she really enjoyed writing “A Soul To Protect”. I personally loved that the focus was entirely only on Nathair and Linh with minimal interruptions or interactions outside of these two lovebirds. It had a similar feel to “A Soul To Keep” but wrought with those angsty vibes I was positively digging from the get go. It’s such an individual story, taking place in their own wonderful little world of safety and exploration, with the occasional slightly dangerous outburst from poor Nathair — which totally WASN’T his fault, he did his best, bless his cotton socks… They both had trauma, but the way they relied on each other to work through it together made them absolutely perfect for each other.
I also love the little details Opal pays attention to; for example, when Linh really focuses on Nathairs’ hands. This stood out to me because it was a cool little detail and totally NOT because I may or may not have a weird hand fetish… But either way, all the smexy scenes had me re-reading them so I could hold a firm picture in my head of exactly which body part was where, adding an intensity to these scenes that I adored. I was also absolutely thrilled to see the breeding trope is back! Might not be for everyone but maaaan I totally froth that sh**.
On a more serious note…
My respect for Opal Reyne as a writer and as an individual has multiplied tenfold after reading “A Soul To Protect”, something I didn’t think was possible — let me tell you why.
As always, Opal’s dedication to authenticity and sensitivity is to be commended, but in my opinion “A Soul To Protect” certainly stood out from the rest in the series concerning this. Opal addressed some undeniably dark themes in the past and she always does it in the most beautifully and brutally honest way. Everything she writes is with purpose, so much so that I find it difficult trying to discover new authors who know and respect their characters to the extent that Opal does. Instead of fluffing over certain hard-to-explain topics or plot holes, she will take the time and go there, diving headfirst into them to take you on a journey of hardship and happiness, carefully guiding you through their failures and victories until you inevitably fall hopelessly in love her characters. This book was no exception.
And finally, to end this long-winded, gushing-fan-girl review…
Thank you, Opal, for sharing not just your creations with us, but how your own story has influenced how and what you write. The authors note destroyed me. As your readers and fans we are so very privileged to receive the quality of content we do whilst also getting to know you outside of your books. I recommend your work because it is simply superb and no self-respecting monster-f***er could go past it, but I will also recommend YOU as an author for the dedication you have to your books and to us readers. We see this, and as continual content consumers of the ‘Duskwalker Brides’ series, we value these qualities.
As the wise Alanis Morissette once said, that’s not lip service.
He attack
But most of all
He hit it from the front AND from the back.
Yeah you read that right; our latest kinky “Danger Noodle” is deliciously unique in more than one way.
Nathair… *fans face* Whew! What a Mavka… I think I’m in love.
He’s tall (long) and smooth (scaly) with that whole lone-wolf vibe going on (venomous af) and gives approximately zero f***s (that part is true). To surmise how I feel about this particular Duskwalker — I positively adore him and he is my new book boyfriend.
Theres simply no other way to put this so here it is: this book was f***ing awesome! Smashed it in two days ‘cause it was so amazing and I couldn’t help myself, and then spent hours writing this review because I simply HAD to do it justice. I wanted to address absolutely every aspect of this novel that I can, and there are sooooo many, but I’m worried there might be a word count here so I’ll do my best to keep it concise…
Yeah nah, I’m gonna make this review my longest one yet lol. Strap in, people!
Introducing our latest FMC protagonist, Linh, an optimistic young woman from a charming human village with a loving family. Aside from the whole demons-taking-over-the world thing, she’s lived a relatively happy and sheltered lifestyle that moulded her into a wonderfully kind and compassionate person.
Her life was seemingly all sunshine and rainbows — until it wasn’t.
This is not the extent of Linh’s backstory, nor is it where we meet her. But I won’t go into why, as I feel it may spoil the impact of her character; all I’ll say here is check your trigger warnings if you have them before you begin reading.
Now, everyone has their own cup of ‘Duskwalker’ flavoured tea — Nathair was my kind of brew. He is easily one of the most complex and intelligent of his brothers thus far, with the exception being Merikh. His character is a mixture of playful, teasing prankster meets intelligent, sensitive lover.
This serpent Skull Daddy does things with his tail that had me fantasising being wrapped up like a lil sushi roll while he whispered — excuse me, signed — absolute filth next to my ear — sorry, eyes.
Look, I’ve discovered that sign language can be sexy af. I’m quite sure it’s not intended to be outside of this gem of a book, but Opal honest to God turned his custom “Nathair-speak” into one of his yummiest qualities during those blatantly brazen and unforgettably smutty scenes. The way she integrated sign language into their dialogue was nothing short of perfection, using it to build their chemistry whilst not taking away from the struggles of the language barrier.
Pure genius, really. Bravo again, Opal!
You can tell she really enjoyed writing “A Soul To Protect”. I personally loved that the focus was entirely only on Nathair and Linh with minimal interruptions or interactions outside of these two lovebirds. It had a similar feel to “A Soul To Keep” but wrought with those angsty vibes I was positively digging from the get go. It’s such an individual story, taking place in their own wonderful little world of safety and exploration, with the occasional slightly dangerous outburst from poor Nathair — which totally WASN’T his fault, he did his best, bless his cotton socks… They both had trauma, but the way they relied on each other to work through it together made them absolutely perfect for each other.
I also love the little details Opal pays attention to; for example, when Linh really focuses on Nathairs’ hands. This stood out to me because it was a cool little detail and totally NOT because I may or may not have a weird hand fetish… But either way, all the smexy scenes had me re-reading them so I could hold a firm picture in my head of exactly which body part was where, adding an intensity to these scenes that I adored. I was also absolutely thrilled to see the breeding trope is back! Might not be for everyone but maaaan I totally froth that sh**.
On a more serious note…
My respect for Opal Reyne as a writer and as an individual has multiplied tenfold after reading “A Soul To Protect”, something I didn’t think was possible — let me tell you why.
As always, Opal’s dedication to authenticity and sensitivity is to be commended, but in my opinion “A Soul To Protect” certainly stood out from the rest in the series concerning this. Opal addressed some undeniably dark themes in the past and she always does it in the most beautifully and brutally honest way. Everything she writes is with purpose, so much so that I find it difficult trying to discover new authors who know and respect their characters to the extent that Opal does. Instead of fluffing over certain hard-to-explain topics or plot holes, she will take the time and go there, diving headfirst into them to take you on a journey of hardship and happiness, carefully guiding you through their failures and victories until you inevitably fall hopelessly in love her characters. This book was no exception.
And finally, to end this long-winded, gushing-fan-girl review…
Thank you, Opal, for sharing not just your creations with us, but how your own story has influenced how and what you write. The authors note destroyed me. As your readers and fans we are so very privileged to receive the quality of content we do whilst also getting to know you outside of your books. I recommend your work because it is simply superb and no self-respecting monster-f***er could go past it, but I will also recommend YOU as an author for the dedication you have to your books and to us readers. We see this, and as continual content consumers of the ‘Duskwalker Brides’ series, we value these qualities.
As the wise Alanis Morissette once said, that’s not lip service.
June 21, 2024
I received this ARC for an honest review.
3.5🌟
I initially rated the book a 4/5, but the more I think back on this book, the more it rubs me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, I love our main characters, but these books are becoming repetitive. I feel like the story as a whole is not moving at all. In previous books, we got to see the story as a whole progress, but I just feel like the story is stagnant. I am curious to see how Opal is able to fully wrap this story up with the next book.
3.5🌟
I initially rated the book a 4/5, but the more I think back on this book, the more it rubs me the wrong way. Don't get me wrong, I love our main characters, but these books are becoming repetitive. I feel like the story as a whole is not moving at all. In previous books, we got to see the story as a whole progress, but I just feel like the story is stagnant. I am curious to see how Opal is able to fully wrap this story up with the next book.
June 29, 2024
WOW this book was intense, beautiful, and precious. I loved that there wasn’t any instant healing for either MC and that they were able to push each other to grow in different ways. Nathair was such a cinnamon roll Mavka wrapped up in faux evil armor. He was so trapped in a cycle of pushing the people who wanted to help him away that it took another soul as hurt as his own to bring him out of his self destructive spiral. Linh was such a great MC who had been ripped away from her home and perceptions of the world and had no good options. She was compassionate, tender, and so very hurt. Both MCs were imperfect and hurt each other while muddling through their own pain. The ending was absolutely perfect.
Spice: 4/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: details involving rape (not by MC), domestic violence (not by MC), violence, gore, magical auditory and visual hallucinations, PTSD symptoms, accidental self harm, depression, eating disorder (not like human eating disorders, involving vomiting of souls), vorarephilia, snake phobia triggers, insomnia and fear of sleeping
Spice: 4/5
SPOILERS IN TRIGGER WARNINGS
Triggers: details involving rape (not by MC), domestic violence (not by MC), violence, gore, magical auditory and visual hallucinations, PTSD symptoms, accidental self harm, depression, eating disorder (not like human eating disorders, involving vomiting of souls), vorarephilia, snake phobia triggers, insomnia and fear of sleeping
April 26, 2025
Cómo es que estos monstrous son tan bellos 😭
Linh está escapando de unos bandidos que la secuestraron, ella no piensa volver con esos hombres que le han hecho mucho daño pero no sabe si logrará dejarlos atrás pero en eso se encuentra con un duskwalker que mata a esos bandidos y la protege pero él quiere que se vaya a lo que Linh se niega ya que con el se siente segura, así que estos dos empezarán a convivir, dos almas algo rotas.
Opinión
Estoy tan feliz de pausar está historia hace unos días ya que no estaba conectado y yo sabía que estos dos tenían un gran historia y quería disfrutarla y vaya si la disfrute en esta ocasión.
Tanto Nathair como Linh han pasado por cosas, en especial Linh después de estar con esos bandidos 😢 pero encuentra un refugio en Nathair, con él se siente segura y protegida, a él es el único al que le cuenta un poco todo lo que pasó mientras estuvo secuestra y me rompió mi corazón, ella es un chica tan linda y nunca se rendió para poder salir de ese infierno en el que estaba y Nathair también tiene sus cosas (si leyeron los libros de los gemelos sabrán a qué me refiero 😔) y Linh es la única que lo hace sentir en paz, tranquilo y que se esfuerza por conocerlo y entenderlo.
Son re lindos estos dos, creo que podría estar en los mejores libros de la saga, aunque me faltó el reencuentro con los hermanos en especial con Merikh pero espero en el último libro me den algo 🥹
Pd: Yo a veces pienso que tal vez la autora se volverá repetitiva con sus escenas hot pero no 🙂↔️ está señora es bien creativa y Nathair con sus dos pollas me dejó 🥵
Pd 2: Les recomiendo leer siempre las notas de la autora al final, está me dejó con el corazón un poco apachurrando pero agradezco que nos quisiera compartir por lo que pasó y además quisiera ponerlo con un personaje 😔
Linh está escapando de unos bandidos que la secuestraron, ella no piensa volver con esos hombres que le han hecho mucho daño pero no sabe si logrará dejarlos atrás pero en eso se encuentra con un duskwalker que mata a esos bandidos y la protege pero él quiere que se vaya a lo que Linh se niega ya que con el se siente segura, así que estos dos empezarán a convivir, dos almas algo rotas.
Opinión
Estoy tan feliz de pausar está historia hace unos días ya que no estaba conectado y yo sabía que estos dos tenían un gran historia y quería disfrutarla y vaya si la disfrute en esta ocasión.
Tanto Nathair como Linh han pasado por cosas, en especial Linh después de estar con esos bandidos 😢 pero encuentra un refugio en Nathair, con él se siente segura y protegida, a él es el único al que le cuenta un poco todo lo que pasó mientras estuvo secuestra y me rompió mi corazón, ella es un chica tan linda y nunca se rendió para poder salir de ese infierno en el que estaba y Nathair también tiene sus cosas (si leyeron los libros de los gemelos sabrán a qué me refiero 😔) y Linh es la única que lo hace sentir en paz, tranquilo y que se esfuerza por conocerlo y entenderlo.
Son re lindos estos dos, creo que podría estar en los mejores libros de la saga, aunque me faltó el reencuentro con los hermanos en especial con Merikh pero espero en el último libro me den algo 🥹
Pd: Yo a veces pienso que tal vez la autora se volverá repetitiva con sus escenas hot pero no 🙂↔️ está señora es bien creativa y Nathair con sus dos pollas me dejó 🥵
Pd 2: Les recomiendo leer siempre las notas de la autora al final, está me dejó con el corazón un poco apachurrando pero agradezco que nos quisiera compartir por lo que pasó y además quisiera ponerlo con un personaje 😔
June 27, 2024
4.25 Stars
I really liked this book in the series. It was less on the action/plot side, and instead focused more on the development of the main two characters which I really appreciated. Both characters had a lot of trauma and things from their past that they needed to heal from and Opal took her time to explore that for each of them. This book not only centered on the romance between the two characters, but also the development of them individually which was great!
Nathair ranks pretty high in my Duskwalker ranking 👀 I wasn’t sure how Opal was going to handle the part-snake MMC at first, but it became clear really quickly that she had a story in mind for him. I absolutely loved how he would cuddle Linh in his tail and I kicked my feet every time his nest with all his shinies was mentioned 🫶🥰
It makes me so incredibly sad that there is only one Duskwalker Brides book left after this. I really could read 100 more books in the series because I love this world and these characters so much! 😭
I really liked this book in the series. It was less on the action/plot side, and instead focused more on the development of the main two characters which I really appreciated. Both characters had a lot of trauma and things from their past that they needed to heal from and Opal took her time to explore that for each of them. This book not only centered on the romance between the two characters, but also the development of them individually which was great!
Nathair ranks pretty high in my Duskwalker ranking 👀 I wasn’t sure how Opal was going to handle the part-snake MMC at first, but it became clear really quickly that she had a story in mind for him. I absolutely loved how he would cuddle Linh in his tail and I kicked my feet every time his nest with all his shinies was mentioned 🫶🥰
It makes me so incredibly sad that there is only one Duskwalker Brides book left after this. I really could read 100 more books in the series because I love this world and these characters so much! 😭
February 7, 2025
Rating: 3 Stars.
Steam: 0 out of 10.
Triggers: gore and the author has a list
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes
I won't be classifying the steam because I skipped all the sex scenes. I liked this world a lot and read it because of the story.
More detailed review to come
Steam: 0 out of 10.
Triggers: gore and the author has a list
Love Triangle: No
Cheating: No
HEA: Yes
I won't be classifying the steam because I skipped all the sex scenes. I liked this world a lot and read it because of the story.
More detailed review to come
June 25, 2024
5⭐️ - I have yet to read something of this authors that I don’t enjoy and that doesn’t hit me straight in the feels. Nathair and Linh are no exception.
I received an ARC of this book on exchange for an honest review.
Linh is on the run from the bandits that were supposed to protect her village. After being taken by their leader and forced to be his “wife” for the past few months, she attempts to run away again. Getting further than she ever had before, she hopes it’s safe enough to rest, only to wake with them around her. To her surprise, she is not hauled back to him, because an unlikely savior rises from the water to protect her. Thinking it’s a one off, she is even more surprised when he continuously protects her from Demons and other hunters, only to eventually drag her underwater to his cave.
Nathair has wanted nothing but the solitude to deal with his inner demons for the longest time, until the screams of the woman above pulled him to the surface. Deciding she was his to protect, he brings her into his home. When he notices that the voices in his head are lessened by her presence, he is hopeful that she will stay with him, and maybe even come to love him in time. However, it quickly becomes clear that she is nervous in his presence, he just hopes he is able to calm her enough so she has time to heal.
So so good! Love these two, wished we had seen some other Mavka interaction but I’m hopeful that will happen in the next one!
I received an ARC of this book on exchange for an honest review.
Linh is on the run from the bandits that were supposed to protect her village. After being taken by their leader and forced to be his “wife” for the past few months, she attempts to run away again. Getting further than she ever had before, she hopes it’s safe enough to rest, only to wake with them around her. To her surprise, she is not hauled back to him, because an unlikely savior rises from the water to protect her. Thinking it’s a one off, she is even more surprised when he continuously protects her from Demons and other hunters, only to eventually drag her underwater to his cave.
Nathair has wanted nothing but the solitude to deal with his inner demons for the longest time, until the screams of the woman above pulled him to the surface. Deciding she was his to protect, he brings her into his home. When he notices that the voices in his head are lessened by her presence, he is hopeful that she will stay with him, and maybe even come to love him in time. However, it quickly becomes clear that she is nervous in his presence, he just hopes he is able to calm her enough so she has time to heal.
So so good! Love these two, wished we had seen some other Mavka interaction but I’m hopeful that will happen in the next one!
June 25, 2024
that was underwhelming. it started out great i was loving it then idk what happened i mean i liked nathair he’s my baby boy and (forgot her name) she was alright ig. but not one scene for a little siblings reunion? i wanted him to meet his brothers so bad! and i really thought this is gonna be the last book but apparently there’s another book coming?
July 24, 2025
I’m actually quite sad to give a book in the series such a low rating because I adore it sooo much. However, this book was just not it for me.
First, the positive parts of this book. There was a lot of trauma in this book, it was the main focus, but Opal Ryne did it very well. She made sure to have a realistic healing journey for both the characters, with ups and downs. Not all the trauma was gone, but they were still working on it. Also, as always, Ryne is amazing at writing romance stories and smut, this book excelled in that aspect again.
I must say before diving into the part I disliked that this is completely my own opinion. I can totally see how this might be a perfect read for someone else, but it just wasn't for me, and that's fine.
The biggest problem I had with this book is also the part I said was positive, which is a bit contradictory. The trauma was done well, but I felt it was just too much of a trauma dumping and trauma story than a romance book. It is not a trigger of mine, but it was just 500 pages of trauma and healing. If there were any other story plots, it might have been fine, but 85% of this book was spent in a cave with just the two main characters. I got so bored after a while and really struggled to finish the book. Moreover, I think it is a shame that we didn’t see any movement on the overarching story of the series in the last two books. Furthermore, this book did not feature any of the other duskwalkers. Lastly, I felt that the whole village's acceptance of Nathiar and the wedding was too much for me, corny even.
Alas, I still truly really love this series and hope the last one will live up to my expectations.
2,25 stars!
First, the positive parts of this book. There was a lot of trauma in this book, it was the main focus, but Opal Ryne did it very well. She made sure to have a realistic healing journey for both the characters, with ups and downs. Not all the trauma was gone, but they were still working on it. Also, as always, Ryne is amazing at writing romance stories and smut, this book excelled in that aspect again.
I must say before diving into the part I disliked that this is completely my own opinion. I can totally see how this might be a perfect read for someone else, but it just wasn't for me, and that's fine.
The biggest problem I had with this book is also the part I said was positive, which is a bit contradictory. The trauma was done well, but I felt it was just too much of a trauma dumping and trauma story than a romance book. It is not a trigger of mine, but it was just 500 pages of trauma and healing. If there were any other story plots, it might have been fine, but 85% of this book was spent in a cave with just the two main characters. I got so bored after a while and really struggled to finish the book. Moreover, I think it is a shame that we didn’t see any movement on the overarching story of the series in the last two books. Furthermore, this book did not feature any of the other duskwalkers. Lastly, I felt that the whole village's acceptance of Nathiar and the wedding was too much for me, corny even.
Alas, I still truly really love this series and hope the last one will live up to my expectations.
2,25 stars!
September 10, 2024
This installment was difficult.
Both main characters have severe mental health issues and/or physical disabilities. The love story is great but this is a smutty series and the erotic scenes just didn't work. These kids are too broken to be banging this quickly and it be healthy for them.
I couldn't cheerfully overlook the writing in this one. The sentence structure is... a choice. The improper use of several words grated. Well established canon is discarded to the detriment of previous installments. Don't make rules and then break 'em without at least giving me "a wizard did it".
The characters had adorable chemistry. The story was fine, but contained. The overarching plot isn't present. There are few characters in this story and no mavka cameos.
Both main characters have severe mental health issues and/or physical disabilities. The love story is great but this is a smutty series and the erotic scenes just didn't work. These kids are too broken to be banging this quickly and it be healthy for them.
I couldn't cheerfully overlook the writing in this one. The sentence structure is... a choice. The improper use of several words grated. Well established canon is discarded to the detriment of previous installments. Don't make rules and then break 'em without at least giving me "a wizard did it".
The characters had adorable chemistry. The story was fine, but contained. The overarching plot isn't present. There are few characters in this story and no mavka cameos.
July 4, 2024
I'm crying. This book was a little gem and the best in the series. Everything was perfect. Nathair best Mavka among the brothers and Linh was such a beautiful and kind soul.
I absolutely loved how the author dealt with the SA trauma. It's not everyday an author is as delicate and mindful of all aspects of such a traumatic experience. Chapeau to her. Nothing much happened but the emotional journey of both of them was enormous. It was a pleasure to see them heal in their own way.
I absolutely loved how the author dealt with the SA trauma. It's not everyday an author is as delicate and mindful of all aspects of such a traumatic experience. Chapeau to her. Nothing much happened but the emotional journey of both of them was enormous. It was a pleasure to see them heal in their own way.
December 12, 2024
🌟🌟🌟
3.8 🌟
Let me first start off by saying, I love the Duskwalker Brides series. Truly, since the first book A Soul to Keep was first released and was the only book out at the time, I have loved this series. 🖤
With that love comes some attachment, loyalty and sentiment.
Overall, I enjoyed being back in the world. I miss it so much every single time I start and end a book from the series, even though the author, Opal Reyne, consistently feeds me a new book every 6 months or so.
However, I need to be honest. Out of all 7 books currently out, I liked this one the least.
The writing was not on par to all the other books. This was especially surprising to me because the immediate previous book before this, A Soul to Steal, was brilliant and intimately touched my heart.
But it must be noted, Opal Reyne was most likely pregnant while writing this particular book. I am not a mother myself, so I have no idea what she went through and continues to go through now that her beautiful baby is born. Therefore, one cannot discount this fact when it is known. Being pregnant, preparing for a baby, let alone giving birth to one is no easy thing.
So, Opal Reyne, if you ever see this review on your book, don’t worry, I am still very thankful you wrote it. 🖤. I just want to be honest to you and myself on my thoughts on this book.
The MMC Duskwalker for this book, Nathair, was lovely. I like him. He is funny, yet realistic and simply just wants to be left alone (I relate). Nathair is overall a delight. ✨
The FMC, Linh was kind and soft-hearted to me at first. She remained so for most of the book… BUT she has a flaw. She is over dependent on Nathair.
To a certain extent, this was understandable. Linh goes through traumatising events no one should have to go through
(Trigger Warning: The FMC went through rape, domestic violence and emotional abuse.)
However, I am talking about times where even though she does not need to lean on Nathair for emotional support, depending on situation to situation, she spoils herself with him.
This is where it gets tricky and sensitive.
Nathair has an eating disorder and a magic mental disorder, of sorts. He basically has the fragments of souls he ate in the afterlife trapped in his mind. This one of the reasons he prefers to be left alone. His fragile and unstable state can cause him to be in a trance at random times, resulting in self-harm and even unintentional harm to those around him. All without him being in control. His disorder even causes him to almost NEVER sleep.
Linh, KNOWS all this. He has told her. She knows he rarely if ever gains true rest or sleep.
By some miracle of fate, Linh is part Anzúli. What this means is she has the unique ability to coax Nathair out of a trance and even grant him reprieve through sleep by singing. Yes. All she needs to do is sing, which she already enjoys.
There is.. an incident, that lasts three chapters. Chapters 28 to 30. Nathair and Linh recently finish having adult fun times 🌶️ . Linh is tired, so she sleeps. Nathair, being the sweet soul he is, goes to pick her berries to eat for when she wakes up. When he comes back, he is so tired and exhausted that he barely manages to drag himself back to his cave in a lucid state. When he finally coils himself outside of the nest Linh blissfully continues to doze herself to sleep in, he goes into a trance. One of his bad ones where he experiences sharp pain even. What does Linh do once he wakes up? WELL, SHE DECIDES not to bother singing or humming, because even JUST humming helps Nathair’s disorder, to let Nathair sleep.
Nooo… Linh, decides to try to seduce Nathair. She even, flashes her tits at him while he’s stuck paralysed in a trance.
What the f*ck.
At this point, matter of fact even when Nathair just returned from picking berries he had been awake for 36 hours if not more. Yes, he is a Duskwalker so he is much stronger and resilient than the average person or demon but he has suffered his disorder for over 200 years. And he has BARELY slept within these centuries themselves. He is not infallible.
So instead of stopping to think about Nathair rather than herself, because she woke up horny and aching for him, Linh proceeds to touch him, seduce him and finally have sex with him again 🌶️. Yay. Short-term happiness achieved.
But once they finish? Guess what happens? Oh yeah, Nathair proceeds to go in a trance.
He had already felt exhausted before even returning from foraging food for Linh, then goes into a trance where he’s physically stuck and immobile, fucks Linh again cause that’s what she wants, and then goes into another more violent trance from a bad fragment. What does this ultimately lead to? Linh getting accidentally bitten and injected with venom by Nathair to the point he needs to bring her to her village to heal her. Yipee! 😃🔫
I get and can see that this was a plot point to basically move Linh and Nathair away from the cave and to Linh’s village but that was not the best way to do it. It may have been used to move the plot forward but it was a poor scenario to be used, especially on displaykng Linh’s character, or rather lack of one.
This showed Linh didn’t take Nathair’s warnings about his unstable mental state seriously as well as only thinks of herself, or at the very least, doesn’t stop to question what Nathair needs or wants.
Nathair may have said Linh could touch him whenever she wanted but that incident was not the time. He was in pain and paralysed and all she thought of was to drag him out of that state by making him horny for her. Wow.
There were also inconsistencies within these chapters (chapters 28 - 30). One example was that Nathair could not heal Linh and take her injury pertaining to his venom onto himself. This is supposedly because he is immune to his own venom. Fair enough. Logical. Not one page later, we are told he has accidentally paralysed himself by eating prey he ingested with his own venom.
Which is it?
Is he immune to his own venom or not?
The ending was satisfactory but the quality of the writing really deteriorated for this book. I was disappointed when I read chapters 28 onwards honestly. It felt different. The writing just felt different.
This is really sad because I think almost all of the Duskwalker books before this one were so well-written!
Literally, book 1 till 6. Every single one was written well.
Just this particular one… wasn’t .
But like I said, the author was going through great changes in her life while writing this book. She probably tried her best to release it on schedule and while I appreciate it, I wouldn’t have minded waiting to have been given a better book.
Opal Reyne has been released two, even three, books per year for her Duskwalker Brides series. That’s a lot and very fast.
So I for one wouldn’t have complained at all if we had to wait longer for this one.
The last one was released in February or March (2024) for crying out loud.
The book deserved more time and so did the author.
All this to say, I love the series and the author.
This may be my least favourite book from the series but I appreciate it nonetheless because I got to return to the world and meet a new Duskwalker, another brother of the rest I already know and love.
So, thank you Opal Reyne. 🖤
Please take your time being a mother for the first time.
Do not rush the next book. Take your time. I will definitely 💯 read it anyway, because I love your books. Always have and always will. 📚
3.8 🌟
Let me first start off by saying, I love the Duskwalker Brides series. Truly, since the first book A Soul to Keep was first released and was the only book out at the time, I have loved this series. 🖤
With that love comes some attachment, loyalty and sentiment.
Overall, I enjoyed being back in the world. I miss it so much every single time I start and end a book from the series, even though the author, Opal Reyne, consistently feeds me a new book every 6 months or so.
However, I need to be honest. Out of all 7 books currently out, I liked this one the least.
The writing was not on par to all the other books. This was especially surprising to me because the immediate previous book before this, A Soul to Steal, was brilliant and intimately touched my heart.
But it must be noted, Opal Reyne was most likely pregnant while writing this particular book. I am not a mother myself, so I have no idea what she went through and continues to go through now that her beautiful baby is born. Therefore, one cannot discount this fact when it is known. Being pregnant, preparing for a baby, let alone giving birth to one is no easy thing.
So, Opal Reyne, if you ever see this review on your book, don’t worry, I am still very thankful you wrote it. 🖤. I just want to be honest to you and myself on my thoughts on this book.
The MMC Duskwalker for this book, Nathair, was lovely. I like him. He is funny, yet realistic and simply just wants to be left alone (I relate). Nathair is overall a delight. ✨
The FMC, Linh was kind and soft-hearted to me at first. She remained so for most of the book… BUT she has a flaw. She is over dependent on Nathair.
To a certain extent, this was understandable. Linh goes through traumatising events no one should have to go through
(Trigger Warning: The FMC went through rape, domestic violence and emotional abuse.)
However, I am talking about times where even though she does not need to lean on Nathair for emotional support, depending on situation to situation, she spoils herself with him.
This is where it gets tricky and sensitive.
Nathair has an eating disorder and a magic mental disorder, of sorts. He basically has the fragments of souls he ate in the afterlife trapped in his mind. This one of the reasons he prefers to be left alone. His fragile and unstable state can cause him to be in a trance at random times, resulting in self-harm and even unintentional harm to those around him. All without him being in control. His disorder even causes him to almost NEVER sleep.
Linh, KNOWS all this. He has told her. She knows he rarely if ever gains true rest or sleep.
By some miracle of fate, Linh is part Anzúli. What this means is she has the unique ability to coax Nathair out of a trance and even grant him reprieve through sleep by singing. Yes. All she needs to do is sing, which she already enjoys.
There is.. an incident, that lasts three chapters. Chapters 28 to 30. Nathair and Linh recently finish having adult fun times 🌶️ . Linh is tired, so she sleeps. Nathair, being the sweet soul he is, goes to pick her berries to eat for when she wakes up. When he comes back, he is so tired and exhausted that he barely manages to drag himself back to his cave in a lucid state. When he finally coils himself outside of the nest Linh blissfully continues to doze herself to sleep in, he goes into a trance. One of his bad ones where he experiences sharp pain even. What does Linh do once he wakes up? WELL, SHE DECIDES not to bother singing or humming, because even JUST humming helps Nathair’s disorder, to let Nathair sleep.
Nooo… Linh, decides to try to seduce Nathair. She even, flashes her tits at him while he’s stuck paralysed in a trance.
What the f*ck.
At this point, matter of fact even when Nathair just returned from picking berries he had been awake for 36 hours if not more. Yes, he is a Duskwalker so he is much stronger and resilient than the average person or demon but he has suffered his disorder for over 200 years. And he has BARELY slept within these centuries themselves. He is not infallible.
So instead of stopping to think about Nathair rather than herself, because she woke up horny and aching for him, Linh proceeds to touch him, seduce him and finally have sex with him again 🌶️. Yay. Short-term happiness achieved.
But once they finish? Guess what happens? Oh yeah, Nathair proceeds to go in a trance.
He had already felt exhausted before even returning from foraging food for Linh, then goes into a trance where he’s physically stuck and immobile, fucks Linh again cause that’s what she wants, and then goes into another more violent trance from a bad fragment. What does this ultimately lead to? Linh getting accidentally bitten and injected with venom by Nathair to the point he needs to bring her to her village to heal her. Yipee! 😃🔫
I get and can see that this was a plot point to basically move Linh and Nathair away from the cave and to Linh’s village but that was not the best way to do it. It may have been used to move the plot forward but it was a poor scenario to be used, especially on displaykng Linh’s character, or rather lack of one.
This showed Linh didn’t take Nathair’s warnings about his unstable mental state seriously as well as only thinks of herself, or at the very least, doesn’t stop to question what Nathair needs or wants.
Nathair may have said Linh could touch him whenever she wanted but that incident was not the time. He was in pain and paralysed and all she thought of was to drag him out of that state by making him horny for her. Wow.
There were also inconsistencies within these chapters (chapters 28 - 30). One example was that Nathair could not heal Linh and take her injury pertaining to his venom onto himself. This is supposedly because he is immune to his own venom. Fair enough. Logical. Not one page later, we are told he has accidentally paralysed himself by eating prey he ingested with his own venom.
Which is it?
Is he immune to his own venom or not?
The ending was satisfactory but the quality of the writing really deteriorated for this book. I was disappointed when I read chapters 28 onwards honestly. It felt different. The writing just felt different.
This is really sad because I think almost all of the Duskwalker books before this one were so well-written!
Literally, book 1 till 6. Every single one was written well.
Just this particular one… wasn’t .
But like I said, the author was going through great changes in her life while writing this book. She probably tried her best to release it on schedule and while I appreciate it, I wouldn’t have minded waiting to have been given a better book.
Opal Reyne has been released two, even three, books per year for her Duskwalker Brides series. That’s a lot and very fast.
So I for one wouldn’t have complained at all if we had to wait longer for this one.
The last one was released in February or March (2024) for crying out loud.
The book deserved more time and so did the author.
All this to say, I love the series and the author.
This may be my least favourite book from the series but I appreciate it nonetheless because I got to return to the world and meet a new Duskwalker, another brother of the rest I already know and love.
So, thank you Opal Reyne. 🖤
Please take your time being a mother for the first time.
Do not rush the next book. Take your time. I will definitely 💯 read it anyway, because I love your books. Always have and always will. 📚
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2025
I LOVED the first five books and then it became a bit boring for me 😔.
March 15, 2025
This one was very different from the former books imo - unfortunately I didn't like it that much.
So much representation in this book, which I love but I didn't feel comfortable reading a lot of it - Nathair and Linh are both incredible main characters but somehow together they felt so toxic - so much pressure and manipulation - Linh didn't have the choice others had and even when I think that might be more realistic I just don't enjoy reading it.
We're talking about the course of one month, two individuals with SO much trauma and nearly everything is happening in the identical scenery... It feels like it's on a budget when I KNOW she poured all her heart blood into it... But this one just wasn't for me.
So much representation in this book, which I love but I didn't feel comfortable reading a lot of it - Nathair and Linh are both incredible main characters but somehow together they felt so toxic - so much pressure and manipulation - Linh didn't have the choice others had and even when I think that might be more realistic I just don't enjoy reading it.
We're talking about the course of one month, two individuals with SO much trauma and nearly everything is happening in the identical scenery... It feels like it's on a budget when I KNOW she poured all her heart blood into it... But this one just wasn't for me.
April 21, 2025
Ellos son tan lindos 🥺🥺🩷
June 26, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this for the first roughly 50%. Nathair may be one of my fav mmcs in this series. I loved the addition of his ailments (that’s not the right word but you know what I mean) to the overall story line. Unfortunately, I kind of lost interest and I don’t know why. I feel like not a lot happened? Or maybe the pacing was too slow? I’m not sure. Overall, I did enjoy this (more than I thought I would because I’m scared of snakes lol) but it’s not my favorite in the series.
June 18, 2024
I absolutely loved it, and I wish I could give it a higher rating ❤️
June 17, 2024
My favorite of the series, hands down! This entire series is unique and well written, but Nathair is the Dustwalker I have been waiting for. The inner monologues of both Nathair and Linh are so heartfelt and gut wrenching at times. The trauma and mental health concerns that both MC’s live with was spot on accurate representations that I really appreciate as someone who works in the mental health field. The dialogue between them is also well done with the added complications to conversing with each other. The growth of each character is incredible, and it’s not influenced by any other characters. For the good majority of this book, it’s just Linh and Nathair. I also love the inclusivity and diversity that Opal includes in her books, specifically this series because the Dustwalkers are already so different on their own. This book is different in that we’re not in the Veil & we can potentially see a future where the Dustwalkers would be accepted outside of the Veil. I really, really enjoyed this one!
Thank you for the ARC!
Thank you for the ARC!
June 24, 2024
ARC review:
Can I give this more than 5 stars? It deserves a million!
As a person with my own severe SA trauma, I felt very seen and validated through this whole book. The way he was gentle and patient with her but also pushed her a bit was so sweet. And the way she soothed his mental aliments made me tear up more than a few times. I liked how it was never “I have to change this person/monster for my benefit” but rather for their own wellbeing. Watching them heal each other was so touching! I really liked how the human village was integrated into this story! It was very different from the other books and gives me hope that one day, the duskwalkers can walk free outside the veil.
Kai is literally my dad so I think he was my favorite side character lol. Tho idk what my dad would do if I brought a duskwalker home!
So excited for the next book!
Can I give this more than 5 stars? It deserves a million!
As a person with my own severe SA trauma, I felt very seen and validated through this whole book. The way he was gentle and patient with her but also pushed her a bit was so sweet. And the way she soothed his mental aliments made me tear up more than a few times. I liked how it was never “I have to change this person/monster for my benefit” but rather for their own wellbeing. Watching them heal each other was so touching! I really liked how the human village was integrated into this story! It was very different from the other books and gives me hope that one day, the duskwalkers can walk free outside the veil.
Kai is literally my dad so I think he was my favorite side character lol. Tho idk what my dad would do if I brought a duskwalker home!
So excited for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2024
This book turned me to MUSH!!!! I am so utterly in love with our newest Duskwalker Nathair! I felt every feeling under the sun reading this one and had no idea it would be one of my new favorites in the series! Nathair and Linh are so incredibly perfect for each other and it was such a gift to watch their relationship blossom and grow. The patience, the love, the care, EVERYTHING. This book will always hold such a special place in my heart and I am so grateful to have been able to read the arc of it 🥹
June 26, 2024
This is one of my favorite series! I Devourer these when they release! I was a little worried about this one because I HATE 🐍! But I loved this book so much! Kitty is my favorite but he's a very close second! I'm so sad to see the series coming to it's end but very excited to see everything come together.
December 10, 2024
Amé. Mi libro favorito de la saga.
Los personajes son geniales, la construcción de la historia es impecable y aunque no tenemos noticias de personajes anteriores, no nos hacen falta.
La novela es redondita.
Los personajes son geniales, la construcción de la historia es impecable y aunque no tenemos noticias de personajes anteriores, no nos hacen falta.
La novela es redondita.
February 14, 2025
I don't know if I want to give this 4 or 5 stars.
Ever since we found out about Nathair, and especially since we meet him in Aleron and Gideon's story, I knew I wanted to know more about him. I was curious how affected he was by his time in Tenebris, whether he still blamed Merikh and why he lost his voice.
I am glad to report that, despite the hand he's been dealt, Nathair seems very playful and not at all bitter. Sure, there were a few moments he was envious the others got to live and didn't have to deal with the voices, but still, surprisingly playful and optimistic considering everything. Same thing with Linh. She's not as frightened of Nathair as she is of other monsters. The human ones. That only goes to show that human might be the most monstrous creatures on this, and any other, world.
This is a very intriguing story, especially considering Nathair is basically unable to speak except for a few specific times, and that means Linh and him had to rely on other forms of communication, which was harder but perhaps in the end, more fulfilling.
One thing that was perhaps the most surprising of all, even the fact that Linh has had Anzûli ancestors, is how easily her people accepted Nathair. Sure, he saved her, and helped protect them, but considering how humans are, they have been the least judgmental in this book as a whole rather than one person bonding with a Mavka.
I am excited about next book because I can see Jabez is in it, because I always thought there was more to him and his story than was hinted in previous books. As a sidenote, I am a bit disappointed there are no other Mavka in this book as it would have been quite interesting to see them meeting and interacting with Nathair, considering he is essentially their eldest brother.
One last thing, a bit of a spoiler but, It was an interesting factoid to learn, to say the least.
Ever since we found out about Nathair, and especially since we meet him in Aleron and Gideon's story, I knew I wanted to know more about him. I was curious how affected he was by his time in Tenebris, whether he still blamed Merikh and why he lost his voice.
I am glad to report that, despite the hand he's been dealt, Nathair seems very playful and not at all bitter. Sure, there were a few moments he was envious the others got to live and didn't have to deal with the voices, but still, surprisingly playful and optimistic considering everything. Same thing with Linh. She's not as frightened of Nathair as she is of other monsters. The human ones. That only goes to show that human might be the most monstrous creatures on this, and any other, world.
This is a very intriguing story, especially considering Nathair is basically unable to speak except for a few specific times, and that means Linh and him had to rely on other forms of communication, which was harder but perhaps in the end, more fulfilling.
One thing that was perhaps the most surprising of all, even the fact that Linh has had Anzûli ancestors, is how easily her people accepted Nathair. Sure, he saved her, and helped protect them, but considering how humans are, they have been the least judgmental in this book as a whole rather than one person bonding with a Mavka.
I am excited about next book because I can see Jabez is in it, because I always thought there was more to him and his story than was hinted in previous books. As a sidenote, I am a bit disappointed there are no other Mavka in this book as it would have been quite interesting to see them meeting and interacting with Nathair, considering he is essentially their eldest brother.
One last thing, a bit of a spoiler but, It was an interesting factoid to learn, to say the least.
December 17, 2024
This was such an easy 5 star read for me. I was intrigued and sucked in right from the beginning of both Nathair’s and Linh’s stories before their paths even crossed.
Nathair has been dead, and not speaking, for close to 300 years when Weilder brings him back to life. When he is back in the land of the living, he just wanted to wallow away in his cave and hide out while he deals with his inner pain. That is until Linh stumbles upon his pond while on the run from bandits. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to protect her, and they slowly form a relationship while helping each other heal in their own ways.
I absolutely loved Linh and Nathair’s story. It was so playful and fun, since Nathair is a big playful bully, but it also had times of conflict and sorrow. Once again Opal did a fantastic job of writing characters that have complex history, backgrounds.
Nathair has been dead, and not speaking, for close to 300 years when Weilder brings him back to life. When he is back in the land of the living, he just wanted to wallow away in his cave and hide out while he deals with his inner pain. That is until Linh stumbles upon his pond while on the run from bandits. For whatever reason, he felt compelled to protect her, and they slowly form a relationship while helping each other heal in their own ways.
I absolutely loved Linh and Nathair’s story. It was so playful and fun, since Nathair is a big playful bully, but it also had times of conflict and sorrow. Once again Opal did a fantastic job of writing characters that have complex history, backgrounds.
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