Court of Whispers: Realms of Lore: Fae

by Amber Thoma

"It was the greatest gift, to be the center of someone else's everything and to have them be yours."

"I am not her."

Witch City is thriving and so are the witches; however, someone or something wants them gone. The queen of the Day Court slips further into madness, while the rebels are pushed to their limits under new leadership. New bonds are forged while others are broken, and allegiances are tested. The beings of the Fae Realm all search for knowledge, power, or a sense of self, but each is reminded,
Fate gets what fate wants.

Genres: Fantasy

668 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2024

Reviews

[Kristens_korner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author certainly knows how to torture her readers with all the trauma she puts her characters through. Even though there was a lot of pain and grief, there was also love, laughter, and a gloriously triumphant celebration to be had. Fanstatic balance of characters, emotions, and pace with a storyline thay kept me glued to my seat, so much so that I couldn't put the book down and finished it in one setting. I can't wait for the next book.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨“ƒαƭε ωσµℓ∂ ɠεƭ ωɦαƭ ƒαƭε ωαɳƭε∂.”✨

𝙲𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚝 𝚘𝚏 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚜𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Court of Whispers (the third book in the series) completely blew me away! Amber Thoma really turned up the heat in this book! There’s more action, more spice(ⓈⓅⒾⒸⓎ ⓈⒽⒶⒹⓄⓌⓈ), and plenty of twists that had me hooked from the start!! The multiple POVs added so much depth, and the new(ish) characters (and creatures!) fit right in, each bringing something exciting to the plot.

The clues kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had everything figured out, Amber threw in another twist that left me reeling!!!! Fate always wants its balance.

This book focuses on a lot of trauma and healing. I have ugly cried several times 😅. What I love about it, is how real the portrayal of healing is. It’s not just turn the page and they are fixed. It really dives into the process and shows both the wins and losses along the way. 💜

The romance is definitely spicer this time around, and balances perfectly with the suspense and drama. But I have to admit, I am so mad about the 🅲🅻🅸🅵🅵🅷🅰🅽🅶🅴🆁! The ending left me wanting to throw my kindle across the room, and I am dying to know what happens next!

I think this just might be my favorite book in the series now! But I know it’s not the end yet so we shall see! 👀

QOTD: Would you prefer to live in a Night Court, Day Court, or somewhere in between?

#arcreview #courtofwhispers #bookdragon

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: Court of Whispers (Realms of Lore: Fae Book 3)
🏰: Releasing October 31, 2024

“𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩.”

In Court of Whispers, we witness the aftermath of the events from Queen of Light. Our MCs are still recovering from the trauma, separation, and anguish.

Tropes:
👀 Multi POV
🧝 Fae
💞 Fated Mates
🚫 Enemies-to-Lovers
❤️‍🔥 Insta-Love
💫 Magic, curses, prophecies
🔥 Slow Burn

“𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

In this multi-POV installment, Amber does a phenomenal job of balancing the darkness and light and storylines that converge.

I loved witnessing Kes’s comfort, Ciaran’s regret, and Etain’s resolve. Both of our Heirs of Darkness show surprising and heartwarming tenderness towards their mates (and only their mates).

This story deeply explores Anin’s powerful journey of healing. Will she finally embrace her destiny and mate bond?

A surprising new enemy comes to rise. Can the whispers be defeated once and for all? Can there even be redemption for the Blood Queen? I cannot wait to find out in the next book!

Huge thanks to the author for the review opportunity. This is my honest and voluntary review

[Jordynn Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

This is what I believe is the last book to this series. I have read them all but I don’t think you particularly need to read the others to understand what’s going on. Don’t get me wrong it’s helpful though!

Omg yes they finally got my poor girl Anin out of captivity!! I’ve been dying for this!! Since her release I can say I was totally captured by this book and didn’t want to put it down!

The ending…..like really!! Super frustrating 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Mary Breeggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOLY SHEET BALLS!!!! Y’all!!!! I’m absolutely stunned! This book had so many great “oh my lord” moments! What a phenomenal story and yet again I’m anxiously awaiting the next book!! I don’t want to spoil anything but if you haven’t started this series yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! If you enjoy fantasy I highly recommend reading it!

[EP Gazette · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐
2 🌶️ Several open door scenes
2 ☠️ Several triggers apply

Amber is a master of saying so much with so few words. Each book in this series has just gotten better than the last. The character growth is realistic and messy. The way she handles mental health is beautiful. The banter, spice and relationships between characters are impeccably done!

I'm so proud of Anin, I adore her and Kes!
I'm happy for Etain and Ciaran, it's cute seeing him mature.😂
All of our "side" characters perfectly fill the gaps, giving us a broader picture of the Realm.
Tati...😭

Excited and scared to see what's next!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a spoiler free review for the 5th installment in a series is hard, so here's a small spoiler warning just in case I fail 😅 But I will start off by saying that this story keeps getting better and better! What a dramatic roller coaster of emotions this series has taken me on. I'm talking the lowest of lows and the highest of highs!

5/5 ⭐
3/5 🌶

The spice is definitely spicing in this book (omg has the ultimate shadow daddy evolved again 🥵😍), the banter is back to it's lighthearted glory, and although there's still a lot of important work to be done (in this book and the next), I'm so glad that the characters are finally seeing a light at the end of this dark dark tunnel.

I'm so impressed that Amber was able to so gracefully juggle TEN different povs in this book and not feel like we were constantly hopping from one point in the story to another. Everything flowed oh so smoothly 😍 Even though I caught a bad cold right after this ARC dropped and didn't want anything but sleep, I still couldn't stop myself from reading through the pain 😅

The big blue oaf was everything to me in the first book, but as the series progresses I can't help but fall for our darling feather duster too. Consider me Team Switzerland (again) because I just can't choose! Shadow daddy has the best spicy scenes imo, but bird-brains has all the humor, wit, and devotion I crave in my book boyfriends.

Beyond our 2 main couples, the side characters develop their own stories so beautifully and I love ALL the unique relationships that have grown along with this series ❤ A solid found family is key to me feeling a connection to a story and this one GIVES.

Facing the big bad in this book was incredibly bittersweet. Even after SoL I didn't think I could muster an ounce of sympathy for our villian. But somehow Amber brought humanity to the ugliest monster I've ever read about and made me feel just the tiniest amount of sadness for her cruel and unfair existence. *That* moment left me speechless and reeling in the school pickup line 😅 I couldn't decide how I felt about it and I love that feeling while reading. Beautifully written.

That last chapter though 🤯 I knew a wrench was gunna be thrown in when things got a bit too chipper but was still shouting obscenities at my kindle as I finished this read. What a crazy segue into the last book of the series! The chokehold continues, I'm excited and ready for my next dose of Amber torture 🤣😭 Huge thanks to the author for letting me a part of this journey 🖤

[Maxine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I am so invested in these characters that when they are happy and I am happy, when there is a moving moment, I am getting all choked up with them and when they are sad I am right there with them. Now this book of course ends on a cliffhanger, and I am so pumped for the next book and I need it NOW!!!
Now something I really enjoy about this series is how we get the perspective of everyone from all angles of the situation and see how choices can affect another group without them always realizing it. It does mean there are a lot of POV’s and characters to follow but the way Amber writes them is so well done that at no point did I feel overwhelmed or feel like I was having trouble keeping track of everyone and their plot lines. If anything, I am so invested in each character and what is going on in their lives that I couldn’t pick a favorite.
But even as I say that if I am honest, I will always be a shadow daddy girlie and I loved seeing Cirian in this book being happy, smiling and laughing unlike what we have seen in previous books and after knowing what he went through that makes me so happy. I also loved the growth we saw in Kes who had to really step up and be there for his mate Anin in her time of need and healing from her trauma. At no time did he rush her, he was just there for her and supported her and let her move at her own pace and it just really made me appreciate him. Anin was just extraordinary after everything she had been through that she was able to slowly heal and reclaim her life. This was because of the support of her mate, family and friends who let her set the pace of her healing and were just there to support her and it showed that healing takes time and there are mistakes and miss steps and even setbacks but with support you can eventually come out on the other end.
This book is about Anin who has now been rescued from Tatiana and her captivity at the Day Court. She is now home at the Night Court surrounded by her friends and family and is on the long road of recovery. But during this time Tatiana and the day court descend more into madness, the witches and witch city face trouble as there are those that wish they were gone, and new allegiances will form while others will break. All leading to a war between the courts that will change the FAE realm as we know it. Because in the end fate gets what fate wants and too many people thought they could circumvent fate and will be paying the price for their hubris.

I received and ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Court of Whispers by Amber Thoma is book three in the Realms of Lore: Fae. I’ve always enjoyed the books that this author has written. So when I saw this book I was eager to dig into it as I really liked the previous ones in this series. This book gave me the “one more chapter” syndrome, it took me about a day to finish but I just couldn’t put the book down. My heart cracks open so much with how much these characters have gone through. I can’t help but be emotionally invested as some of these feelings are so relatable. The storyline is just getting bigger by adding characters but enhancing what’s already been built. There’s more action in this book with twists, turns that had me stopping and trying to predict what was coming. There was times that the suspense had me literally on the edge of my seat. But one of my favorite things is how the line between hurts and healing is approached. The writing was great with a steady plot that just hooks you. The descriptions are so well done that you can feel these characters' emotions as if they were your own. I will mention this does end on a cliffhanger so I absolutely am looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend this author.

Final review:
4 out of 5 stars

[Crim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont know if its because I have the kindle reader reading this too me or if its the book itself thats making me miss something that other reviews arent.

The story is great in and of itself. At times I felt like it was rushing back to the smut too quickly and then loosing the momentum of the plot as a result. As well as certain portions are still repeating a lead up to in sentences. Which i have to say was improved drastically from book 1 so props to the author on that.

This one does have quite good banter as well as acts like a salve to Queen of Light.

I do want to give praise to how healing from trauma was portrayed here. It wasnt a quick and get over it like some stories have done. This was done as it would be in life. It was slow. There was portions where it got better, portions where it was hidden, and then there were times where something small would trigger it and the spiral back would happen. But even as the years went on it did not dissappear. Even by the end of the story it still wasnt completely gone. Very well portrayed.

Overall well done. Cant wait to see how you complete it.

I want to thank the author for this gift to read early.

[Rebekah Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say this book is a masterpiece, I say that with my whole heart.

This series is my ACOTAR. It forever will be.

Court of Whispers is book 3 in the series, not counting the 2 companion novellas.

You must read them all in the order as the author has released the stories for the best reading experience.

This picks up where book 2 left off and we’re still reeling from that climactic ending. Court politics reach a boiling point. The night court is spread thin putting their attention on too many fires and the unhinged queen of the day court is becoming even more treacherous than we could have imagined.

This story is gripping until the very end, pulls your heart apart, makes you laugh… actually laugh out loud… it’s sexy, there is action, and healing and of course night court rulers with very dirty mouths. 🤭

I will recommend this series forever.
I will read this series again and again.

Book 4 cannot come out soon enough and I’m foaming at the mouth to see how it all ends.

[Alonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this series has evolved is amazing. Prince of Darkness started with a touch of innocence surrounding it, compared to what has happened after. This book, while missing the huge amount of darkness from the last 3 books, it was instead about healing and finding your strength. Characters have developed nicely since the first book, even though I will admit Ciaran's character is starting to feel a bit stuck behind the others, I have faith that he will get there, eventually. The spice was amazing, and each couple was different. One thing i will say, is this series has many different characters, with more being added and it can be a bit difficult to keep up with at some points, but you do weirdly get attached to each one. The ending, well I refused to believe fate is that big of a betch, but I may have been wrong.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has become my MOST favorite fantasy series ever! The characters are superb! The plot is amazing. The twists are twisting. And the suspense... well, it's there to take you for a ride as well. Watching Anin not only heal from her trauma, but come out so much stronger because of it, is heartbreaking yet inspiring at the same time. Kes showed a different side of himself in this book, and made me love him so much more than I had before. He's still a goofball, but that's what makes him loveable at times!
I can't wait to read what happens next in the Realms of Lore and finally discover where these whispers are coming from...

Also, Amber - I'm really hoping we get a novella for Lyra & "Fae-Fae" - because their story is something I'd enjoy reading.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don’t tempt fate

A half-life without you is not a life worth living.

Fate might always get what she wants, but sometimes the rest of them did, too.

Court of Whispers, a Realms of Lore novel by Amber Thoma is going to replay in my mind for a long time! I was hooked from the beginning but I was gutted within the first sixty pages of this story.

Amber took us on a gut wrenching journey of love, faith and loyalty fraught with tests of the heart, the mind and the body. As usual, the banter and the spice between the couples is top notch but the layer upon layer of emotional depth written into scenes and present in the characters just blew me away. I loved the segue that led into the teaser for the final novel and I cannot wait to see what fate has in store for us!

[Hannah The Awkward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before you ask— yes this one made me cry too. 🫣

Court of Whispers picks right up where the series left off. Tensions are high, trauma is trauma-ing, some characters are at their high points, and some are at their lowest. Nevertheless spice is snuck in and GOOD Pearl-clutching-hello-Christ-imma-bout-to-sin-again type of spice. I am ready for the next book, but my eyes thank me for the breather in between lol jk

Tropes/vibes:
🖤 Political intrigue
🖤 Spiceeee
🖤 Fae
🖤 ACOTAR hangover cure
🖤 Trauma (check Triggers!)
🖤 Emotional rollercoaster
🖤 Fated mates

I had the pleasure of ARC reading! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Repaid via bottling my tears for her (🤣😂 JK)

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s multiple POV, and I think it might be the spiciest one in the series!

I absolutely loved all of the character growth shown in this one, and the banter is so good, and from more than one character! This book closed the chapter on a few things, and opened up new ones for some stuff to come! I was left with a few questions and a few theories! I loved how the healing wasn’t “instant”. The author did a great job of showing *her* healing over time and how *he* was so patient and kind with her. There is action and it had me on the edge of my seat to see what would happen!!!

[Jessica James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my this book was a roller coaster!!!! This book has hidden society, unchecked rage, and a good heart. This book goes to show you things aren't as they seem and the tension between lyra and zander(fae fae 🤣) Can they figure it out before its too late? Can the broken still be treated with compassion? Will the rightful queen take her thrown? I so thought this book was over till we meet a new villain. If i could rate this series more than 5 stars i would and the spice is a whole nother level.

[Chelsea Robichaud · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plotting, the rescue, trauma and healing, the battle, the magic, the found family, the spice, the humor. This had so much! My only complaint was I felt it moved slow but I loved getting all sides of the story from the Day and Night courts, the witches, and the rebellion! My brain knew there was one more book but this seemed to be wrapping up so nicely but of course BAM something happens- our core four just can’t seem to catch a damn break!

[Erin Saulpaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It felt like I was on emotional rollercoaster. It had me crying, laughing, yelling, and happy. That ending, though I was not expecting a cliffhanger. Loved the plot twists. I didn't see those coming. I loved that the trauma that the characters went through felt real. There was no quick fix and done. No, it was real they had to work through it. Can't wait to see what happens next.

[Tia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Court of Whispers went a long way to piecing back together what Queen of Light broke. Characters were at their peak selves, as high or low as that may be. New favorites were introduced, while standby favorites delivered like never before. It was packed with action, healing, spice, and destiny. Fate gets what Fate wants and Fate wanted EVERYTHING from Court of Whispers.

[Brittany Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this one was the spiciest one in the series!!!!

I loved that even though I did cry there was a lot more laughter with this one. The author does such a great job of really making you feel all the feels and then when you feel broken, and then she heals you. I won’t reveal any spoilers, but this book was phenomenal and I would recommend this to any Dark Romantasy lover!

[Lauren Squindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful ❤️ I get nervous reading new fantasy books because sometimes authors just can’t pull it off or it’s just not hitting the way I hoped it would. But let me just say Amber hit all the marks! This story was absolutely amazing and i definitely think if I wanted another fantasy read I would reread this book again!! Can’t wait for the next one🥰

[Roxie Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

With each subsequent release, the world Amber Thoma has created becomes more vibrant and intricate. Court of Whispers has quickly become my favorite in the series, just as Queen of Light before it. I'm anxiously awaiting the release of book four and can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.

[Alesha Melville · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore all of these characters and their continued journey. Each couple and their different dynamics is so special. I love that there was more development of all characters and how each person’s story intertwined with the rest. This series is refreshing and unique. Can’t wait to see what Amber had planned next!

[Haley Shina · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reflecting on this book for a bit, I've decided to bump my rating up to 4 stars!
Amber's talent for weaving multiple points of view into a cohesive and compelling story is truly impressive. The way she manages to include so many mini-stories alongside the main plot without losing any depth or clarity is a remarkable feat.

As far as the plot, I had no clue what was around the next corner. It kept me on my toes as I am always prepared for emotional torment with this world! I am so proud that for all the torment we saw Anin go through, her healing journey was given just as much importance and grace. Her journey wasn't rushed to meet the needs of the plot, which I really appreciated. Also, it made me love Kes about a million times more, he was so patient and kind during her journey.

Speaking of patience, Ciaran was given some needed lessons as well. And speaking of Ciaran, the spice (including shadows) it was so good and fun, it gave a light touch to the heaviness. Overall, this book was really balanced.

I never thought I would say this but I felt for Tati by the end, her story is gruesome and sad. She deserves everything she is given, but by the end the only thing I felt for her was sad.

And I still haven't touched base on all the characters or the cliff that we were thrown off at the end! Looking forward to so much more in this world!

Thank you to Amber for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Pricilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! I did not expect that ending at all. Amber really knows how to take you on a ride. I can't wait to see what she does she the next book. I absolutely love this series and all the characters in it. I think Kes is my all time favorite. He never fails to make me smile.

[Cindy Crivellone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words. I don’t even know where to begin! I love character growth and this series and specifically this book has it in spades. The ending, I did not see coming and now I need the last book! Wow!

[Cheryl Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing I would recommend this series to anyone over the age of 18 please check your trigger warnings because it's dark and yummy and just overall an amazing read

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is absolutely fabulous. I’ve loved every book. The trauma and following healing is exceptional. The spice is great in this one and the cliffhanger killed me. 10/10 definitely recommend.

[Brianna Reichley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely AMAZING!! Just like every other book in this series! I loved watching the characters grow and watching Anin become the fae she was meant to become. I cannot wait for the next book!!