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Bornbane #3
The Tower of Wrought Time
The third book in I. A. Takerian’s high-fantasy series brings us to the edge of the abyss, staring into the eyes of the End.
Yvaine has taken her place as Queen of the Odelians, promising to lead the charge in the coming war. They’ve barely scratched the surface of her magick, and time has run out. The darkness inches through the Forgotten Wood, promising to sap the last bit of life from Zenafrost. Yvaine has no choice: The War Party must set out on a desperate quest through the Forests of Galion, following the rumor of a legend. Braving the druids of old, a long-warded curse, and the depths of an ancient library, they search for any means to defeat the forces of the Deceiver.
But the aftermath of their clash with Delinval looms overhead. The factions of Zenafrost move against the Odelians, twisted by dark whispers and unspoken evils. Bound to the destiny of every and all, Yvaine races against the crumbling Dark Gate.
Will she find the power she needs before their fates are sealed?
Yvaine has taken her place as Queen of the Odelians, promising to lead the charge in the coming war. They’ve barely scratched the surface of her magick, and time has run out. The darkness inches through the Forgotten Wood, promising to sap the last bit of life from Zenafrost. Yvaine has no choice: The War Party must set out on a desperate quest through the Forests of Galion, following the rumor of a legend. Braving the druids of old, a long-warded curse, and the depths of an ancient library, they search for any means to defeat the forces of the Deceiver.
But the aftermath of their clash with Delinval looms overhead. The factions of Zenafrost move against the Odelians, twisted by dark whispers and unspoken evils. Bound to the destiny of every and all, Yvaine races against the crumbling Dark Gate.
Will she find the power she needs before their fates are sealed?
Unknown Binding
Published December 31, 2024
88 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
I.A. Takerian
6 books312 followersLocated in the mountains of Lago Vista, TX, Isabeau has spent her life devoted to the written word. Starting early with the classic horrors, she quickly moved on to the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and J.R.R Tolkien. It was deep in the realm of Middle Earth that she discovered her unbridled love for fantasy. A love that was kindled from the very beginning by her incredible parents, Jeffry and Lauraine Hickman. They turned the spark of imagination into a whirlwind of dreams turned truth on the paper.
Much of Isabeau’s life was spent in and out of hospitals due to health complications. She found solace and escape in the pages of books, helping her to eventually create the universe she writes about today. In her fevered passion, Isabeau tells of romances that surpass the limits of life and time itself.
Isabeau is a doting mother to her beautiful baby girl, Aurora, as well as their fur babies, Mojo, Max and Mishka. When she is not submerged in her writings, Isabeau likes to sing with her family, and imagine the next adventures that she’ll bring her readers on.
Much of Isabeau’s life was spent in and out of hospitals due to health complications. She found solace and escape in the pages of books, helping her to eventually create the universe she writes about today. In her fevered passion, Isabeau tells of romances that surpass the limits of life and time itself.
Isabeau is a doting mother to her beautiful baby girl, Aurora, as well as their fur babies, Mojo, Max and Mishka. When she is not submerged in her writings, Isabeau likes to sing with her family, and imagine the next adventures that she’ll bring her readers on.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 26, 2024
*+:｡.｡ 5 stars ｡.｡:+*
Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me 😻💫.
(I'll split this review into two: one without spoilers and one with!)
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
I haven't written a long review in months, but the way I need to process everything I can't- get ready for the ramble:
Y'all, I don't even know where to begin with one 😭. If you know me, you know that this book was my most anticipated read of 2024. So to finally have it in my hands and have finished reading it? It's such a surreal experience. I'm kicking myself for not taking my time with this one.
Literally me rn:
Since I read the first book in this series, I've not been able to shut up about this world 💀 It's such a brilliant and complex story, with crazily thought-out plot points and characters—and this book really delivered in all the ways that I needed it to. I'm genuinely being so serious when I say I loved this.
But also before I begin can I just say that I AM TRAUMATIZED?!?!?!? I feel like I got whiplash when reading this 😭 I cried, I laughed, I stared at the wall in silence- this was just an experience.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Overall this book to me was amazing. I feel if like you haven't started the series, I would highly recommend it, simply because it's SO rare that you'll come across a fantasy world that's as complex as this one.
The vibes that this series brings:
This world in my opinion is high fantasy done right- from the characters to the lore, everything is just insanely good.
If you've read the previous books and liked them, I feel like you're bound to like this one as well. It was such a seamless transition between the previous book and this one, narratively speaking. The length of this book was shorter than the previous ones, but the content gave me life nonetheless.
In terms of the progression of the romance? 😳 I wasn't ready omg. Someone get Cyfrin away from me 💀☝️.
In terms of the fantasy side, not as much happened compared to the previous ones, but the things that did have me shocked. There's still a lot to come, so in that regard, I hope the next book covers it all!
I feel like my only complaint about this book would be its length. It's weird to say, because it's often the other way round with fantasy books, but I felt there should have been more filler content, to even out how intense this read at times.
Each chapter in this book felt really big in the sense that something was always happening- which obviously made it exciting. However, one thing that made me fall absolutely in love with the second book was the smaller moments: whether that was the War party joking around together, to the more subtle scenes and conversations. So although I did love this book, I feel like it was missing more of those types of scenes.
However, I do think that some additional scenes were added to the final book, so I'm definitely interested to see their overall impact on the story! (Trust me when I say I WILL be rereading this book 😭).
Overall, this was an amazing read, and I'm so sad that the next book will be the final one, but I can't wait to read it!
Lots of love and thanks to Isabeau Takerian for the ARC 🖤.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
*+:｡.｡⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️｡.｡:+*
Ok, let me take a minute to just- SJKSJ GUYS WHAT JUST HAPPENED. The way I need more it's not even funny.
Ok, thoughts:
Oh, we were FED.
First and foremost, we need to talk about the romance: Yvaine and Cyfrin were EVERYTHING in this book. The way that the two books' worth of tension finally broke had me on the floor.
This book had everything that I needed from them- the tension, the angst, the confessions and finally them giving in. Their banter was so perfect and I'm just in love with their cute moments. The way that they understand each other is so special. (I'm manifesting I find someone that speaks about me the way that Cyfrin speaks about Yvaine - bc if not then I don't want it 😌).
The engagement was just so unbelievably sweet- and the ring from the tree 🥹.
Also the smut. HELP. Chapter mf 19?!?!?
Listen I've read some really questionable things, but the way that I had to put the book down 😭 it's just different when it's a slow burn. ANYWAYS.
When I tell you my jaw DROPPED when I read the 'one year later'??? Let alone THIRTY 😭 literally nothing could have prepared me. I'm still so shocked.
If you know me, you would know that I'm not the biggest fan of time jumps, with separation- so this was such an interesting experience for me, because I didn't mind in the way that I thought I would?
The main thing that I loved about how it played out was that Yvaine was in such a secure place with her personal feelings for Cyfrin, and that time never changed that.
I also loved how Ax helped her through that time and the things that they learned together. I do wish that Yvainne talked more about her time in the tower with all the other characters, because it was SUCH a big thing considering she was in there longer than she had been alive- and it would've been great to have seen those conversations.
I'm in love with Ax as a character- to see him process everything was just so meaningful knowing what we do from the Lost Tomes. The concept of multiple worlds and gateways to them all is just so fascinating. Also the romance with Milios?!?! I need to know more 😭. I was also gagged when we found out about Friya- that reveal was everything.
I'm so happy with how everything played out with him 🥹 Also the way I ship him with Elise so bad isn't funny.
The scene with her father's body was so tragic- the concept of mourning something that you've never had? And then getting to speak with her mother? Yvaine deserves the world.
To add onto that, the way that Caerani and Drake kept Alora's skull 🥲 I missed them in this book, we need more of them.
I'M TIREDDDD. Literally not a moment of peace- Chapter 25 made ME SICK- that was so twisted don't even 😭 The way I started crying helppp. I'm just glad that we have him back because I would've lost the plot. But the way that he and El can now be together was so worth it- but just know that everything traumatized me I cannot 💀.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Anyways, that's it for my rambling. This was just such an amazing book and I'm obsessed. I genuinely can't believe that the book is over. I am not mentally well rn. Waiting for the next book is going to be torture it's not even funny.
It's okay. I'm fine. Everything will be ok.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
*+:｡.｡ Quotes ｡.｡:+*
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
(Before reading)
THIS IS NOT A DRILL 😭 GUYS I GOT THE ARC SHDJSHJ?!?!
No bc I'm about to become so insufferable- I'm so excited it's not even funny.
-=-
I'M SCREAMING I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS RN 🤠💳💥💳💥💳
Oh I'm going to be so annoying when this book comes out 😭
Did I finish this book, or did this book finish me 😻💫.
(I'll split this review into two: one without spoilers and one with!)
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
I haven't written a long review in months, but the way I need to process everything I can't- get ready for the ramble:
Y'all, I don't even know where to begin with one 😭. If you know me, you know that this book was my most anticipated read of 2024. So to finally have it in my hands and have finished reading it? It's such a surreal experience. I'm kicking myself for not taking my time with this one.
Literally me rn:
Since I read the first book in this series, I've not been able to shut up about this world 💀 It's such a brilliant and complex story, with crazily thought-out plot points and characters—and this book really delivered in all the ways that I needed it to. I'm genuinely being so serious when I say I loved this.
But also before I begin can I just say that I AM TRAUMATIZED?!?!?!? I feel like I got whiplash when reading this 😭 I cried, I laughed, I stared at the wall in silence- this was just an experience.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Overall this book to me was amazing. I feel if like you haven't started the series, I would highly recommend it, simply because it's SO rare that you'll come across a fantasy world that's as complex as this one.
The vibes that this series brings:
※ Slow burn fated romance
※ Extensive history and lore
※ Intense battles
※ Found family (I'm in love)
※Tears for days (both happy and sad 💀)
This world in my opinion is high fantasy done right- from the characters to the lore, everything is just insanely good.
If you've read the previous books and liked them, I feel like you're bound to like this one as well. It was such a seamless transition between the previous book and this one, narratively speaking. The length of this book was shorter than the previous ones, but the content gave me life nonetheless.
In terms of the progression of the romance? 😳 I wasn't ready omg. Someone get Cyfrin away from me 💀☝️.
In terms of the fantasy side, not as much happened compared to the previous ones, but the things that did have me shocked. There's still a lot to come, so in that regard, I hope the next book covers it all!
I feel like my only complaint about this book would be its length. It's weird to say, because it's often the other way round with fantasy books, but I felt there should have been more filler content, to even out how intense this read at times.
Each chapter in this book felt really big in the sense that something was always happening- which obviously made it exciting. However, one thing that made me fall absolutely in love with the second book was the smaller moments: whether that was the War party joking around together, to the more subtle scenes and conversations. So although I did love this book, I feel like it was missing more of those types of scenes.
However, I do think that some additional scenes were added to the final book, so I'm definitely interested to see their overall impact on the story! (Trust me when I say I WILL be rereading this book 😭).
Overall, this was an amazing read, and I'm so sad that the next book will be the final one, but I can't wait to read it!
Lots of love and thanks to Isabeau Takerian for the ARC 🖤.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
*+:｡.｡⚠️ SPOILERS ⚠️｡.｡:+*
Ok, let me take a minute to just- SJKSJ GUYS WHAT JUST HAPPENED. The way I need more it's not even funny.
Ok, thoughts:
※ The romance
Oh, we were FED.
First and foremost, we need to talk about the romance: Yvaine and Cyfrin were EVERYTHING in this book. The way that the two books' worth of tension finally broke had me on the floor.
This book had everything that I needed from them- the tension, the angst, the confessions and finally them giving in. Their banter was so perfect and I'm just in love with their cute moments. The way that they understand each other is so special. (I'm manifesting I find someone that speaks about me the way that Cyfrin speaks about Yvaine - bc if not then I don't want it 😌).
The engagement was just so unbelievably sweet- and the ring from the tree 🥹.
Also the smut. HELP. Chapter mf 19?!?!?
Listen I've read some really questionable things, but the way that I had to put the book down 😭 it's just different when it's a slow burn. ANYWAYS.
※ Yvainne's time at the tower
When I tell you my jaw DROPPED when I read the 'one year later'??? Let alone THIRTY 😭 literally nothing could have prepared me. I'm still so shocked.
If you know me, you would know that I'm not the biggest fan of time jumps, with separation- so this was such an interesting experience for me, because I didn't mind in the way that I thought I would?
The main thing that I loved about how it played out was that Yvaine was in such a secure place with her personal feelings for Cyfrin, and that time never changed that.
I also loved how Ax helped her through that time and the things that they learned together. I do wish that Yvainne talked more about her time in the tower with all the other characters, because it was SUCH a big thing considering she was in there longer than she had been alive- and it would've been great to have seen those conversations.
※ Ax
I'm in love with Ax as a character- to see him process everything was just so meaningful knowing what we do from the Lost Tomes. The concept of multiple worlds and gateways to them all is just so fascinating. Also the romance with Milios?!?! I need to know more 😭. I was also gagged when we found out about Friya- that reveal was everything.
※ Adrian
I'm so happy with how everything played out with him 🥹 Also the way I ship him with Elise so bad isn't funny.
※ Yvaine's mum & dad
The scene with her father's body was so tragic- the concept of mourning something that you've never had? And then getting to speak with her mother? Yvaine deserves the world.
To add onto that, the way that Caerani and Drake kept Alora's skull 🥲 I missed them in this book, we need more of them.
※ Kain
I'M TIREDDDD. Literally not a moment of peace- Chapter 25 made ME SICK- that was so twisted don't even 😭 The way I started crying helppp. I'm just glad that we have him back because I would've lost the plot. But the way that he and El can now be together was so worth it- but just know that everything traumatized me I cannot 💀.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Anyways, that's it for my rambling. This was just such an amazing book and I'm obsessed. I genuinely can't believe that the book is over. I am not mentally well rn. Waiting for the next book is going to be torture it's not even funny.
It's okay. I'm fine. Everything will be ok.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
*+:｡.｡ Quotes ｡.｡:+*
"Cruel, she thought, to look so tempting when I hate you so much."
"I will follow you into the abyss. I will be your shield. I will be your light."
"She recalled poems of love making one feel lost. If this is loss, I wish to never be found again."
"I know what I saw, Eleanora."
"My name is Axoliphim. But you may call me Ax."
"And Zenoth's be, you are beauty. You are everything."
"Be not afraid, starling."
"Destiny could wait a little while longer."
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
(Before reading)
THIS IS NOT A DRILL 😭 GUYS I GOT THE ARC SHDJSHJ?!?!
No bc I'm about to become so insufferable- I'm so excited it's not even funny.
-=-
I'M SCREAMING I NEED THIS BOOK IN MY HANDS RN 🤠💳💥💳💥💳
Oh I'm going to be so annoying when this book comes out 😭
December 21, 2024
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
"You are the most powerful woman I've ever met, my sunshine. But not even your prowess is enough to force me away from you. Nothing ever will be."
STOP this series is everything to me!! And this addition was just too enjoyable - I’ve been looking forward to this book for months and months, counting down the days, and it did not let me down. My favourite characters came back in full force, the plot line was exciting and captivating, and my loves were beyond romantic!! I swooned for like half the book, honestly.
"You are the brightest light in the gathering darkness, Yvaine. No one blames you for the monsters that come from it. We'd sooner scorn the sun for shining."
Now where can I get a Cyfrin. My man pulled out in FULL force in this book - and I was so so happy to see where Yvaine and his relationship led. The THREE BOOK SLOWBURN has been extremely fun to read, but it has been killing me, and this book really brought these two to a gorgeous collision! Cannot wait to get even more of them. And they were not the only couple to finally come together, which made me beyond happy!!
"She is worth more than every life in the Zenafrost to me. She is more beautiful than every star in the fucking cosmos. My soul screams for her, and I cannot bear to look."
But the romance wasn't the only brilliant part of this story. I adored the actual plotline of the book, with the fascinating (and vaguely terrifying) tower of time, which majority of this novel centered around. The concept of a series of challenges that must be completed to gain power is not necessarily a new one, but it's always a fun one, and I loved I.A. Takerian's interpretation of it! While not too much happened with the overall series plotline in this book, it still didn't feel like a filler book, which was wonderful.
Such a satisfying read, so much came together and it all just leaves me even more excited for the final book! I need it yesterday, please 😭🙏🏼.
~~~
pre-read review: I GOT THE ARC I GOT THE ARC
IT’S FINALLY TIMEEEEE I missed these characters so much!!! This series is too underrated!
"You are the most powerful woman I've ever met, my sunshine. But not even your prowess is enough to force me away from you. Nothing ever will be."
STOP this series is everything to me!! And this addition was just too enjoyable - I’ve been looking forward to this book for months and months, counting down the days, and it did not let me down. My favourite characters came back in full force, the plot line was exciting and captivating, and my loves were beyond romantic!! I swooned for like half the book, honestly.
"You are the brightest light in the gathering darkness, Yvaine. No one blames you for the monsters that come from it. We'd sooner scorn the sun for shining."
Now where can I get a Cyfrin. My man pulled out in FULL force in this book - and I was so so happy to see where Yvaine and his relationship led. The THREE BOOK SLOWBURN has been extremely fun to read, but it has been killing me, and this book really brought these two to a gorgeous collision! Cannot wait to get even more of them. And they were not the only couple to finally come together, which made me beyond happy!!
"She is worth more than every life in the Zenafrost to me. She is more beautiful than every star in the fucking cosmos. My soul screams for her, and I cannot bear to look."
But the romance wasn't the only brilliant part of this story. I adored the actual plotline of the book, with the fascinating (and vaguely terrifying) tower of time, which majority of this novel centered around. The concept of a series of challenges that must be completed to gain power is not necessarily a new one, but it's always a fun one, and I loved I.A. Takerian's interpretation of it! While not too much happened with the overall series plotline in this book, it still didn't feel like a filler book, which was wonderful.
Such a satisfying read, so much came together and it all just leaves me even more excited for the final book! I need it yesterday, please 😭🙏🏼.
~~~
pre-read review: I GOT THE ARC I GOT THE ARC
IT’S FINALLY TIMEEEEE I missed these characters so much!!! This series is too underrated!
December 23, 2024
"I will follow you into the abyss. I will be your shield. I will be your light."
Even though I am not the one these words were meant for, I feel like they perfectly summarize my intense love for Isabeau's Bornbane series. I will follow Isabeau's writing style and world-building into the abyss itself; I will shield the characters with everything I have; their devastatingly beautiful story will continue to be my guiding light long after we part ways with Zenafrost.
The Bornbane series is simply indescribably perfect, and I have fallen in love with the story and the characters from day one. The Tower of Wrought Time, Book 3 in the series, was my most anticipated read of 2024. I was stunned when I saw the ARC, and all I could do was thank the Zenoths (and Isabeau) for gifting me the early copy.
The Tower of Wrought Time was everything I wanted and hoped for and so much more. It was dripping with emotions; it was action-packed; it was beautiful, happy, sad, devastating; simply put, it was everything.
"I told you once before: I am a cursed man. More so, I am an undeserving one. And maybe my atonement is to be slowly driven mad by this. By you."
Maybe we are all undeserving of Yvaine, Cyfrin, Milios, Kain, El, and others; still, I am so happy we got to experience it all with them. I cried, oh, how much I cried. I cried tears of happiness, sadness, and anger, glued to the pages, not wanting to miss anything.
"I need to be with her. I cannot be with her. I need to touch her. I cannot stand to be near her. She is worth more than every life in Zenafrost to me. She is more beautiful than every star in the fu*king cosmos. My soul screams for her, and I cannot bear to look."
The slowest of slow-burns, the tension building for more than two books, finally unfolded before our eyes. And the outcome was more than perfect; it was worth all the pain and the sorrow. Poor, poor Cyfrin; he went through so much, and finally, seeing him accept and love to the fullest made me sob.
But The Tower of Wrought Time is more than a love story; it is so much more. It is a masterpiece of high fantasy with rich lore and intricate world-building, a masterpiece of a beautifully executed plot filled with action, mysteries, and prophecies. A story of found family like no other you will read of. A tale of friendship, devotion, the need to protect and the need to fight for a better world.
The stage is set, and we are getting ready for the epic finale of the fourth and final book. Oh, what a finale it will be!
Even though I am not the one these words were meant for, I feel like they perfectly summarize my intense love for Isabeau's Bornbane series. I will follow Isabeau's writing style and world-building into the abyss itself; I will shield the characters with everything I have; their devastatingly beautiful story will continue to be my guiding light long after we part ways with Zenafrost.
The Bornbane series is simply indescribably perfect, and I have fallen in love with the story and the characters from day one. The Tower of Wrought Time, Book 3 in the series, was my most anticipated read of 2024. I was stunned when I saw the ARC, and all I could do was thank the Zenoths (and Isabeau) for gifting me the early copy.
The Tower of Wrought Time was everything I wanted and hoped for and so much more. It was dripping with emotions; it was action-packed; it was beautiful, happy, sad, devastating; simply put, it was everything.
"I told you once before: I am a cursed man. More so, I am an undeserving one. And maybe my atonement is to be slowly driven mad by this. By you."
Maybe we are all undeserving of Yvaine, Cyfrin, Milios, Kain, El, and others; still, I am so happy we got to experience it all with them. I cried, oh, how much I cried. I cried tears of happiness, sadness, and anger, glued to the pages, not wanting to miss anything.
"I need to be with her. I cannot be with her. I need to touch her. I cannot stand to be near her. She is worth more than every life in Zenafrost to me. She is more beautiful than every star in the fu*king cosmos. My soul screams for her, and I cannot bear to look."
The slowest of slow-burns, the tension building for more than two books, finally unfolded before our eyes. And the outcome was more than perfect; it was worth all the pain and the sorrow. Poor, poor Cyfrin; he went through so much, and finally, seeing him accept and love to the fullest made me sob.
But The Tower of Wrought Time is more than a love story; it is so much more. It is a masterpiece of high fantasy with rich lore and intricate world-building, a masterpiece of a beautifully executed plot filled with action, mysteries, and prophecies. A story of found family like no other you will read of. A tale of friendship, devotion, the need to protect and the need to fight for a better world.
The stage is set, and we are getting ready for the epic finale of the fourth and final book. Oh, what a finale it will be!
July 23, 2025
Cyfrin and Yvaine had the slowest burn I’ve ever read in a book but it was so amazingly done. The way tension just kept building and then the PAYOFF.
Everything about this book was really so amazing this series is solidified for me as one of the best series I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t even sure I’d like it much from the start but by the end it’s like really something special. I cannot wait for the final book!
Everything about this book was really so amazing this series is solidified for me as one of the best series I’ve ever read, and I wasn’t even sure I’d like it much from the start but by the end it’s like really something special. I cannot wait for the final book!
April 14, 2025
I wasn’t even this mad when my ex broke up with me the day of my final uni submission but here we are
I’ve never been so thoroughly disappointed in my life
(The two stars is for the first like 30/40% of the book, then it goes to shit)
I’ve never been so thoroughly disappointed in my life
(The two stars is for the first like 30/40% of the book, then it goes to shit)
December 28, 2024
So so so good!! I love the characters and the twists and turns along the action pack journey they are all on. Thank you!
January 12, 2025
a 5 star to start the year and it was one of my fave series!!
WOW! I loved this so much and being back with the whole gang was amazing 😭 the found family in this is truly one of my faves and the slow burn romance FINALLY happened and ate it UPPPP
I can’t wait for book 4 and I just know I’ll be a puddle of emotions when I finish! Pls everyone go read this series!!
WOW! I loved this so much and being back with the whole gang was amazing 😭 the found family in this is truly one of my faves and the slow burn romance FINALLY happened and ate it UPPPP
I can’t wait for book 4 and I just know I’ll be a puddle of emotions when I finish! Pls everyone go read this series!!
December 30, 2024
I’m genuinely upset
Spoilers
RTC
Spoilers
RTC
November 2, 2025
An absolute joy to read! One of my all time favourite series and this books honestly one of the best so happy I got the ARC edition to read I’ve read this series about 5 times this year and absolutely cannot get enough of the characters and amazing world building and this book has it all, made me laugh, made me cry, my favourite of the series yet! Can’t wait for book four!! This is definitely a must read you won’t be disappointed:)
December 28, 2024
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
As a reader who is not traditionally into slow burn the main thing I have to say about this treasure of a book is MIND CHANGED. I cried, I screamed, I threw my kindle, I gasped, I fell in love, all within the comfort of these pages. The payoff of the reunion between Cyfrin and Yvaine had me giggling and kicking my feet. And the spice delivered was so 🤌🤌🤌 Isabeau has perfectly captured the desperation in yearning after someone you may never have but cannot seem to let go. While I have totally fallen in love with this pairing, it is not the crown jewel of this series for me. I have never come across a voice as distinct and unique as isabeau. While her world is one of fantasy the themes it discusses give real insight to the very human notion of good vs evil and standing up for what is right not just for one person but for society as a whole. Zenafrost is vivid with enthralling war history (lost tomes really puts this in perspective) and characters with such incredible depth you can feel the bond of brethren radiating from the page. Add to that intricate landscapes that paint a beautiful and chilling stage to traverse. I physically couldn't put the book down once I started and am already frothing at the mouth for the final installment.
As a reader who is not traditionally into slow burn the main thing I have to say about this treasure of a book is MIND CHANGED. I cried, I screamed, I threw my kindle, I gasped, I fell in love, all within the comfort of these pages. The payoff of the reunion between Cyfrin and Yvaine had me giggling and kicking my feet. And the spice delivered was so 🤌🤌🤌 Isabeau has perfectly captured the desperation in yearning after someone you may never have but cannot seem to let go. While I have totally fallen in love with this pairing, it is not the crown jewel of this series for me. I have never come across a voice as distinct and unique as isabeau. While her world is one of fantasy the themes it discusses give real insight to the very human notion of good vs evil and standing up for what is right not just for one person but for society as a whole. Zenafrost is vivid with enthralling war history (lost tomes really puts this in perspective) and characters with such incredible depth you can feel the bond of brethren radiating from the page. Add to that intricate landscapes that paint a beautiful and chilling stage to traverse. I physically couldn't put the book down once I started and am already frothing at the mouth for the final installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2025
The Tower of Wrought Time marks the third installment in I. A. Takerian’s ambitious fantasy saga, and while it delivers on pulse-pounding action and richly imagined settings, it also stumbles in key areas that hold it back from greatness.
As with the previous books, the pacing is relentless, filled with battles, magical confrontations, and high-stakes twists. Takerian clearly excels at crafting cinematic set-pieces and keeping the tension high. However, the characters — while still engaging — seem to be stuck in a loop of reacting to events rather than driving the narrative forward. There’s a sense of urgency throughout, but it’s undermined by the lack of a coherent, proactive strategy to confront the looming evil once and for all.
By book three, one might expect the heroes to have learned enough to take control of their fate. Instead, they’re constantly playing catch-up, which can be frustrating for readers hoping for meaningful character growth and a stronger sense of agency.
Fans of the series will likely enjoy the continued worldbuilding and action, but The Tower of Wrought Time feels like it’s spinning its wheels when it should be gaining momentum. Here’s hoping the next entry finally sees our heroes step into a leadership role rather than simply surviving the chaos.
As with the previous books, the pacing is relentless, filled with battles, magical confrontations, and high-stakes twists. Takerian clearly excels at crafting cinematic set-pieces and keeping the tension high. However, the characters — while still engaging — seem to be stuck in a loop of reacting to events rather than driving the narrative forward. There’s a sense of urgency throughout, but it’s undermined by the lack of a coherent, proactive strategy to confront the looming evil once and for all.
By book three, one might expect the heroes to have learned enough to take control of their fate. Instead, they’re constantly playing catch-up, which can be frustrating for readers hoping for meaningful character growth and a stronger sense of agency.
Fans of the series will likely enjoy the continued worldbuilding and action, but The Tower of Wrought Time feels like it’s spinning its wheels when it should be gaining momentum. Here’s hoping the next entry finally sees our heroes step into a leadership role rather than simply surviving the chaos.
June 4, 2025
I love this series so much. The first book was good. The second one was better. This one was so good I cried multiple times.
The plot is, as always, fantastic - although I did feel a little lost at the beginning of the book and why they were all looking for the tower in the first place. I even went back to the end of the last book and still couldn’t totally figure it out. The whole thing about how the tower worked and how long Yvaine was trapped in there I also didn’t love, but I guess it was necessary. On the other hand, the found family and War Party aspect is such a highlight in this book, and I was sobbing when it looked like it was the end for some. So much emotion!
The best part for me is still the romance between Cyfrin and Yvaine. The last book there was SO. MUCH. YEARNING. And I was dying for them to finally be together. I am a sucker for a slow burn, but I was getting annoyed with Cyfrin in the beginning and how he was acting. Once Yvaine saw what had happened in the tower though I forgave him and was cheering for them to finally admit how they feel. Love them so much.
Can’t wait for the next one (the final book) but already know I will have the worst book hangover. Read this. You’ll love it
The plot is, as always, fantastic - although I did feel a little lost at the beginning of the book and why they were all looking for the tower in the first place. I even went back to the end of the last book and still couldn’t totally figure it out. The whole thing about how the tower worked and how long Yvaine was trapped in there I also didn’t love, but I guess it was necessary. On the other hand, the found family and War Party aspect is such a highlight in this book, and I was sobbing when it looked like it was the end for some. So much emotion!
The best part for me is still the romance between Cyfrin and Yvaine. The last book there was SO. MUCH. YEARNING. And I was dying for them to finally be together. I am a sucker for a slow burn, but I was getting annoyed with Cyfrin in the beginning and how he was acting. Once Yvaine saw what had happened in the tower though I forgave him and was cheering for them to finally admit how they feel. Love them so much.
Can’t wait for the next one (the final book) but already know I will have the worst book hangover. Read this. You’ll love it
December 28, 2024
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it was everything I hoped and more.
From beginning to end this book is nonstop action, the monsters and the world are of course incredible.
The relationships and friendships are equally as entertaining as the plot. I loved how all the tension and buildup finally paid off, but the slow burn leading up was perfection.
Side note I would totally love a novella about kain and el's relationship. I love them.
My ONLY complaint is i really wish there was a bit more fluffy filler parts that really highlight the friendship/found family dynamics of the group. Especially to offset the constant action.
I loved every second of this book and will be impatiently waiting for the fourth book.
From beginning to end this book is nonstop action, the monsters and the world are of course incredible.
The relationships and friendships are equally as entertaining as the plot. I loved how all the tension and buildup finally paid off, but the slow burn leading up was perfection.
Side note I would totally love a novella about kain and el's relationship. I love them.
My ONLY complaint is i really wish there was a bit more fluffy filler parts that really highlight the friendship/found family dynamics of the group. Especially to offset the constant action.
I loved every second of this book and will be impatiently waiting for the fourth book.
January 10, 2025
I had the amazing opportunity to read this as an ARC reader.
I enjoyed the book a lot. I am still so in love with Cyfrin and I am super excited to see where this all leads.
That being said, the first two books were 100% 5 stars for me. This one felt a little lacking. I still enjoyed it. But I feel like it was rushed and didn't give me all the wonderful magical feels that I felt with the other two.
Do I still love the story? Yes. Will I continue to support this super amazing author? Yes of course!
If you like magical worlds with action and romance and all the things, you HAVE to read this series.
I enjoyed the book a lot. I am still so in love with Cyfrin and I am super excited to see where this all leads.
That being said, the first two books were 100% 5 stars for me. This one felt a little lacking. I still enjoyed it. But I feel like it was rushed and didn't give me all the wonderful magical feels that I felt with the other two.
Do I still love the story? Yes. Will I continue to support this super amazing author? Yes of course!
If you like magical worlds with action and romance and all the things, you HAVE to read this series.
August 18, 2025
Somehow this story lost my interest in the second book and the third wasn't able to make me invested again. Though there is much action, it seems that the story does not really advance toward the final fight against evil. It felt drawn out and at some point I just wished to be finished. I did not care for the characters any more, didn't feel any sympathy in the supposed moments of grief and did't like the cringey declarations of love.
Don't know if I will put myself through reading the final book when it comes out.
Don't know if I will put myself through reading the final book when it comes out.
March 11, 2025
Much better.
The only thing I would have changed was maybe a little refresher chapter. I read the first two books quickly and that had to wait for this one. Cyfrin is another complicated MMC who knows what he wants but thinks he is unworthy. Yvaine was still a little childish in this book but she has definitely grown since the first two books. Filled with adventure and definitely more spice in this one. I enjoyed it.
The only thing I would have changed was maybe a little refresher chapter. I read the first two books quickly and that had to wait for this one. Cyfrin is another complicated MMC who knows what he wants but thinks he is unworthy. Yvaine was still a little childish in this book but she has definitely grown since the first two books. Filled with adventure and definitely more spice in this one. I enjoyed it.
December 27, 2024
I cried at least 3 times
I am not an emotional person or an emotional reader, maybe it’s the time of year? I literally felt the characters emotions throughout this book and cried a couple of times!
Spoilers ahead -
When the slow burn finally comes to fruition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It only took 3 books 😂 that’s the best kind of slow burn. Amazing! Cannot wait for the final book.
I am not an emotional person or an emotional reader, maybe it’s the time of year? I literally felt the characters emotions throughout this book and cried a couple of times!
Spoilers ahead -
When the slow burn finally comes to fruition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It only took 3 books 😂 that’s the best kind of slow burn. Amazing! Cannot wait for the final book.
December 28, 2024
3.75-4 really enjoyed and really well written. While reading I took issue with the pacing only to realize at the end that it WASN’T the final book in the series like I had thought it was the whole time and there is actually a whole other book after this so now I think the pacing was actually totally fine lol
December 29, 2024
i really wish that i liked this more than i did. the beginning was enjoyable and brought me back to the story after so long, but once they got to the tower… it lost me. i did not enjoy the back half nearly as much. and i thought this was the final book but based on the ending there’s going to be another and i hope it’s exceedingly better than this one.
January 3, 2025
Loved this! It may have been a bit more of a love story than j expected but it’s the third in the series so it was time. So happy to have the war party all together again. I didn’t realize how much I missed them til I started reading 🤣 already anticipating the next book.
Thank you to the author for the arc!
Thank you to the author for the arc!
January 19, 2025
I laughed, I cried, I swooned; this book completely swept me off my feet. Being back with the war party felt like coming home. I’m absolutely in love with this world and these characters. The tender moments had me hooked and when you add in the thrilling adventures, it’s just perfect. I couldn’t ask for more.
February 9, 2025
always worth the wait
This series has become one of my favorites. I fell in love with engrossing the very first book released and it’s safe to say with the third I still do. It’d be five stars but some elements felt a little rushed but all in all I’ll still recommend to anyone who will listen to me prattle on.
This series has become one of my favorites. I fell in love with engrossing the very first book released and it’s safe to say with the third I still do. It’d be five stars but some elements felt a little rushed but all in all I’ll still recommend to anyone who will listen to me prattle on.
July 19, 2025
Meh!
Lacks proper editing. Misuse of words (then/than, weary/wary). If you’re going to publish a book, get a decent editor, regardless if you’re an up-and-coming author, or not. This story is great, but it really could have been a 3-book series, even at 350 pages per book. I’m not going to sit on the edge of my seat awaiting the 4th (unnecessary) installment.
Lacks proper editing. Misuse of words (then/than, weary/wary). If you’re going to publish a book, get a decent editor, regardless if you’re an up-and-coming author, or not. This story is great, but it really could have been a 3-book series, even at 350 pages per book. I’m not going to sit on the edge of my seat awaiting the 4th (unnecessary) installment.
October 23, 2025
I thought this was a trilogy and started to panic when my audiobook said 3hrs left. Now I’m both happy I was wrong and ITCHING for the next one to come out!
I’ve been telling all my friends about this series because it feels like a total hidden gem that deserves its day in the sun!
Also, I’m all for a slow burn but the wait was KILLING ME. So glad for the pay off though!
I’ve been telling all my friends about this series because it feels like a total hidden gem that deserves its day in the sun!
Also, I’m all for a slow burn but the wait was KILLING ME. So glad for the pay off though!
November 17, 2025
4.5 stars
This book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, eviscerated it with lightening, then picked it and stitched it back together. I love this found family and I can't wait to see where this goes.
My only issue was the pacing choice wasn't really vibing with me and felt a little jarring, but I do understand why it happened that way.
This book ripped my heart out, stomped on it, eviscerated it with lightening, then picked it and stitched it back together. I love this found family and I can't wait to see where this goes.
My only issue was the pacing choice wasn't really vibing with me and felt a little jarring, but I do understand why it happened that way.
December 12, 2024
This book was IMPOSSIBLE to put down. Without giving out any spoilers I have to say you will thoroughly enjoy the wild ride this next story in this series will take you on. The plot is full of action and there’s NEVER a dull moment.
This series is truly magick 😉✨
This series is truly magick 😉✨
December 27, 2024
* 3.75
January 8, 2025
My babies 😭 I love this series with all my heart and the characters within. Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing this series to life! 🫶🥹 On to battle we all go! 🗡️🏃♀️✨⚡️
January 19, 2025
Blown away yet again
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