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Darkest Dynasty #3
A Fable of Fate: Darkest Dynasty Book Three
She broke her promise, but he will ensure she sees it through.
After slighting Malachi, Dahlia wakes to find herself transformed and trapped in an entirely new world. Determined to outwit her foe, save the luminaries, and return home to Ryken, she begrudgingly accepts Malachi’s offer of mentorship, but not without motive. She plans to observe him and study his weaknesses and strengths until she can surpass him in every way.
Yet as the months stretch into years, the faces of Dahlia’s loved ones begin to blur, and the memories of their time together quickly fade.
Soon, she struggles to remember what she was fighting for in the first place.
Come to think of it, she can’t remember much of anything at all.
And when she and Ryken reunite once more, he is unprepared for what he finds—because Dahlia isn’t Dahlia anymore.
After slighting Malachi, Dahlia wakes to find herself transformed and trapped in an entirely new world. Determined to outwit her foe, save the luminaries, and return home to Ryken, she begrudgingly accepts Malachi’s offer of mentorship, but not without motive. She plans to observe him and study his weaknesses and strengths until she can surpass him in every way.
Yet as the months stretch into years, the faces of Dahlia’s loved ones begin to blur, and the memories of their time together quickly fade.
Soon, she struggles to remember what she was fighting for in the first place.
Come to think of it, she can’t remember much of anything at all.
And when she and Ryken reunite once more, he is unprepared for what he finds—because Dahlia isn’t Dahlia anymore.
406 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 14, 2024
90 people are currently reading
283 people want to read
About the author
Mellie T. Tollem
3 books36 followersMellie T. Tollem is a fantasy romance author who survives on a diet of coffee and cheese. You can find her traveling, fostering cats, or living in an imaginary world when she is not writing.
Mellie firmly believes that the best stories are somewhat tragic, and the most loveable characters are morally grey.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 8, 2024
I am very disappointed with this book. There was so much potential for this series and the last book just ruined it for me. I know I’m not the only one who is team Malachi. For one, the guy would have done ANYTHING for Dahlia. He would’ve literally ripped the world apart for her.. That being said, the story line of the book was not nearly as good as the first two. I skimmed through the book once I realized how the ending would unfold.. Ugh, I wish the author would write an alternative third book for us readers that prefer the villain ends up with the girl. I guess the way the second book ended, I had high hopes for a different outcome.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2024
I struggled hard with this series and especially this book. I read it and only realized after finishing, just how much it pulled from other mainstream series like ACOTAR, TOG, GOT, LOTR, Grishaverse, even a bit of CC, and I’m sure others from books/series I haven’t read. It’s one thing to have a similar magic system or societal structure, but certain events (not spoiling the series) were too similar to the point that as I read I thought it was odd how close it was to another book. Almost a direct rewrite of scenes in some cases. I haven’t read other books by this author, so I can’t say if this is a common thing, but I can’t help but dislike this series for the plagiarism of major scenes/plots of other major book series.
November 24, 2024
series
The first book really drew me in. The second book was a good enough read. However I couldn't make it through the third. I don't know if it was all the POVs but I couldn't seem to push through it. These characters hardly made any growth. It went in the same circle over and over. They mistreated the FMC yet she barely grew. She somehow still "loved" everyone. Maybe if she had more realistic and relatable feelings i could be more into it. However she was more upset with her mate than the male who always mistreated her.
The first book really drew me in. The second book was a good enough read. However I couldn't make it through the third. I don't know if it was all the POVs but I couldn't seem to push through it. These characters hardly made any growth. It went in the same circle over and over. They mistreated the FMC yet she barely grew. She somehow still "loved" everyone. Maybe if she had more realistic and relatable feelings i could be more into it. However she was more upset with her mate than the male who always mistreated her.
June 15, 2024
Wow! What a great ending to this story. I'd been waiting for this book for a long time and it did not disappoint. Tollem is such a skilled writer.
One of the main things that stuck out to me was the passage of time and how smoothly she was able to portray years passing without it interfering with the story. The concept of time moving so quickly in the otherworld, while only days had passed in Faerie was very cool. Without giving too much away, Dahlia spent many years with Malachi so it makes sense how mature and strong she's grown despite her friends and the ones she loves having only gone a few days without her. It was just super cool and it all just made sense. I get her feelings towards Malachi. He was there through her childhood and on top of that, she spent enough time with him to understand where his desires come from and why he is the way that he is. She is full of compassion and empathy and fights with the desire to give chances to those who continue to fail her.
Ryken also grew a lot in this book. In the other ones he had made a lot of mistakes. A lot of them. But he really made up for it. These characters are so real and I feel as though this book really tied a lot of things together and allowed to reader to fully grasp why everyone is the way they are. Even Malachi holds a soft spot in my heart despite how awful he was. Everyone just wants to be loved, but not everyone goes about it the 'proper' way.
The end of the book was wild! I thought I'd figured things out but I was very wrong. It definitely shook me. And even after the little plot twist Malachi didn't act how I thought he might but then it made sense and ugh. Such complex characters. It was delightfully surprising.
I very much look forward to the continuation of the series from the next POV!!! (you'll see what I mean) eeee! very exciting !
One of the main things that stuck out to me was the passage of time and how smoothly she was able to portray years passing without it interfering with the story. The concept of time moving so quickly in the otherworld, while only days had passed in Faerie was very cool. Without giving too much away, Dahlia spent many years with Malachi so it makes sense how mature and strong she's grown despite her friends and the ones she loves having only gone a few days without her. It was just super cool and it all just made sense. I get her feelings towards Malachi. He was there through her childhood and on top of that, she spent enough time with him to understand where his desires come from and why he is the way that he is. She is full of compassion and empathy and fights with the desire to give chances to those who continue to fail her.
Ryken also grew a lot in this book. In the other ones he had made a lot of mistakes. A lot of them. But he really made up for it. These characters are so real and I feel as though this book really tied a lot of things together and allowed to reader to fully grasp why everyone is the way they are. Even Malachi holds a soft spot in my heart despite how awful he was. Everyone just wants to be loved, but not everyone goes about it the 'proper' way.
The end of the book was wild! I thought I'd figured things out but I was very wrong. It definitely shook me. And even after the little plot twist Malachi didn't act how I thought he might but then it made sense and ugh. Such complex characters. It was delightfully surprising.
I very much look forward to the continuation of the series from the next POV!!! (you'll see what I mean) eeee! very exciting !
June 12, 2024
One of the things I like most about Tollem's writing is the way she deals with the passage of time. If you've read the previous book, you'll understand what I mean, I don't want to spoil anything. She is adept at having time pass in such a way that it doesn't interfere with the flow of the book. It isn't jarring even if years have passed, you still feel connected to the characters and invested in the plot.
While this final book in the series didn't grab me as quickly as the previous two did, I was still highly invested in Dahlia and Ryken and their attempts to be together. They have to overcome so much in this book! A few different times I thought I knew how things were going to end and yet, the hits just kept coming and I needed to know what happened next. Tollem keeps you into this book by not giving the usual tropes much credence and therefore this final book was refreshing in its final third, where sometimes you can feel books beginning to wrap up.
Overall I thought this was a great end to the series and I'm sad that we won't get anymore with Dahlia and Ryken. They both have grown so much throughout this series that I would've liked to see their relationship continue to develop and grow through another book or two. 😊
While this final book in the series didn't grab me as quickly as the previous two did, I was still highly invested in Dahlia and Ryken and their attempts to be together. They have to overcome so much in this book! A few different times I thought I knew how things were going to end and yet, the hits just kept coming and I needed to know what happened next. Tollem keeps you into this book by not giving the usual tropes much credence and therefore this final book was refreshing in its final third, where sometimes you can feel books beginning to wrap up.
Overall I thought this was a great end to the series and I'm sad that we won't get anymore with Dahlia and Ryken. They both have grown so much throughout this series that I would've liked to see their relationship continue to develop and grow through another book or two. 😊
July 2, 2024
This series broke my heart, mended it, broke it again, and mended it again in a never-ending cycle. Firstly, I would like to thank the author for giving Malachi a new beginning and his own journey to happiness in a different life.
In the first and second books, it felt as though Dahlia, Ryken, and Malachi were doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. It was quite exhausting and definitely became repetitive. However, if you push through and finish them, it'll be worthwhile in the end.
I think Dahlia and Ryken had the most character development in this book compared to the other two. At the end, we can see how they still struggle with their worst qualities of wanting to protect and control their partner, which I think is very human. I've often struggled with wanting to help and fix the problems of those I love by trying to control their actions, thinking, or behavior. It was much easier to relate to, and the frustration the reader feels when they do this is also very relatable. We often feel frustrated as outsiders when our friends or loved ones make the same mistakes or choices continually, whether it's going back to a toxic ex or staying in a bad relationship.
In the first and second books, it felt as though Dahlia, Ryken, and Malachi were doomed to make the same mistakes over and over again. It was quite exhausting and definitely became repetitive. However, if you push through and finish them, it'll be worthwhile in the end.
I think Dahlia and Ryken had the most character development in this book compared to the other two. At the end, we can see how they still struggle with their worst qualities of wanting to protect and control their partner, which I think is very human. I've often struggled with wanting to help and fix the problems of those I love by trying to control their actions, thinking, or behavior. It was much easier to relate to, and the frustration the reader feels when they do this is also very relatable. We often feel frustrated as outsiders when our friends or loved ones make the same mistakes or choices continually, whether it's going back to a toxic ex or staying in a bad relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
...
I gave up on this. It went downhill with the last book, but it didn't redeem itself.
I was hoping that Dahlia would choose herself.
Neither option was good for her. No one actually cared about her. I know some were hoping for Malachai, but he didn't care about her either. He cared what she could do for him.
I think he could've been slightly redeemed, like actually gave a damn about her, and he'd be the better choice. He never rejected her. He was, however, very toxic.
Ryken was just useless. What an awful POS he was. He never treated her right either.
Dahlia was also sadly useless. I am also tired of the mind wipe plot device. It's lazy and overused.
This book was just entirely too juvenile.
I'm not sure what I was thinking with the first book, I gave it 5 stars, but I barely remembered anything about it when I first started reading this book, so take note, there's not much of a recap. I did piece it together after a while, but I wasn't very invested anymore.
I found myself skimming and then kinda jumped to the end. I didn't miss much.
I gave up on this. It went downhill with the last book, but it didn't redeem itself.
I was hoping that Dahlia would choose herself.
Neither option was good for her. No one actually cared about her. I know some were hoping for Malachai, but he didn't care about her either. He cared what she could do for him.
I think he could've been slightly redeemed, like actually gave a damn about her, and he'd be the better choice. He never rejected her. He was, however, very toxic.
Ryken was just useless. What an awful POS he was. He never treated her right either.
Dahlia was also sadly useless. I am also tired of the mind wipe plot device. It's lazy and overused.
This book was just entirely too juvenile.
I'm not sure what I was thinking with the first book, I gave it 5 stars, but I barely remembered anything about it when I first started reading this book, so take note, there's not much of a recap. I did piece it together after a while, but I wasn't very invested anymore.
I found myself skimming and then kinda jumped to the end. I didn't miss much.
July 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ (Rounded to 5)
Where do I even start….
A Fable or Fates is the 3rd and final installment in the Darkest Dynasty series by Mellie T Tollem.
Just wow, I was so enthralled by all the amazing journeys in this book! The world building was amazing and the characters were all so complex! There were long spans of time that passed within this book, but Tolem made all the transitions feel seamless. The plot was not super complex, but the entire series was engaging enough for me to fall in love with the story!
I am NOT team Malachi! In fact, I had forgotten how utterly wretched he is until I started this book. He is dark, wicked, and morally gray to the nth degree. His possessive over Dahlia (Duana) was unhinged!
There were quite a few twists and unexpected turns throughout the book. When I thought I had some clue as to where the story was going; wrong!!
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and look forward to seeing what Celine and Malice’s story brings for us!
Where do I even start….
A Fable or Fates is the 3rd and final installment in the Darkest Dynasty series by Mellie T Tollem.
Just wow, I was so enthralled by all the amazing journeys in this book! The world building was amazing and the characters were all so complex! There were long spans of time that passed within this book, but Tolem made all the transitions feel seamless. The plot was not super complex, but the entire series was engaging enough for me to fall in love with the story!
I am NOT team Malachi! In fact, I had forgotten how utterly wretched he is until I started this book. He is dark, wicked, and morally gray to the nth degree. His possessive over Dahlia (Duana) was unhinged!
There were quite a few twists and unexpected turns throughout the book. When I thought I had some clue as to where the story was going; wrong!!
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and look forward to seeing what Celine and Malice’s story brings for us!
September 5, 2024
It took some slogging through the beginning of this third installment for the story to click with me where it left off and what our characters have already been through. However, as I got deeper into it I felt extremely immersed in this story. Once Ryker and Dahlia figured out their relationship issues, even more so.
I appreciated Dahlia’s scheming ways, even though it didn’t quite work as she planned. Malachi was a spectacular villain that was given way too many chances by Dahlia, and Ryker might be a bit too understanding of Dahlia’s reckless ways. However, it all makes this story enjoyable.
Hopefully Ryker and Dahlia can get their time to rest with their friends now, as this book was non-stop action for all of them. The ending is definitely a set up for the next POV.
I appreciated Dahlia’s scheming ways, even though it didn’t quite work as she planned. Malachi was a spectacular villain that was given way too many chances by Dahlia, and Ryker might be a bit too understanding of Dahlia’s reckless ways. However, it all makes this story enjoyable.
Hopefully Ryker and Dahlia can get their time to rest with their friends now, as this book was non-stop action for all of them. The ending is definitely a set up for the next POV.
December 23, 2024
Great finale!
Great trilogy and a great ending to a well woven tale.
Love, hate, greed, lust, obsession all here within the lives of Dahlia, Ryken and Malakai.
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, though Dahlia and Ryken got on my nerves at times. I do enjoy a misunderstood and tortured villain, they are a lot more complex character’s than the protagonist.
BD
Great trilogy and a great ending to a well woven tale.
Love, hate, greed, lust, obsession all here within the lives of Dahlia, Ryken and Malakai.
Thoroughly enjoyed this series, though Dahlia and Ryken got on my nerves at times. I do enjoy a misunderstood and tortured villain, they are a lot more complex character’s than the protagonist.
BD
April 14, 2025
Not what I wanted
The first book was amazing and original. The second book was so good that I hated every character at one point.
Spoilers
When it became clear that Ryken was the main love interest, it went down hill. Malachi was the villain I wanted to love and I never found reason to forgive Ryken for his previous actions.
The first book was amazing and original. The second book was so good that I hated every character at one point.
Spoilers
When it became clear that Ryken was the main love interest, it went down hill. Malachi was the villain I wanted to love and I never found reason to forgive Ryken for his previous actions.
July 27, 2024
The hero started to piss me off. Where was the growth? The trust in his mate? She wasn't much better. They kept secrets to the end, despite promises to the contrary. I really missed the assassin from book 1--the mating bond seemed to addle Ryken's brain the way Malachi jacked with hers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2025
This book is so bad lol but luckily it's a very fast read.
Also Ryken is a POS - like really. Like most of the men are because they are meant to be the bad guys but Ryken is meant to be slightly more redeeming than the villains.
Also Ryken is a POS - like really. Like most of the men are because they are meant to be the bad guys but Ryken is meant to be slightly more redeeming than the villains.
June 17, 2024
DFN we wanted malachi
June 28, 2024
This book was not a bad conclusion. I do wish it had turned out slightly different, as I was Team Malachi, but I am glad to see he will get his HEA ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
Took forever to read this one because it stopped being interesting towards the end.
October 12, 2024
So much action, right to the end. I got my HEA, with benefits. A very well written finale to the series. I highly recommend!
February 24, 2025
This book... there were so many emotions!
I cannot wait for Celine and Malice's story
I cannot wait for Celine and Malice's story
July 6, 2024
2.5⭐️ Absolute blaring plot holes throughout the trilogy…but a good enough palette cleanser nonetheless. Zero shame in admitting that I wanted D to end up with M since the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews