In the final installment of The Curse and the Crown series, Lord Vlerion’s secret has been revealed, the kingdom is in upheaval, and dark forces are scheming for the throne.
Kaylina must learn about her heritage, and the father she never knew she had, so she can help Vlerion save the kingdom. If they fail, neither of them will survive.
Super light fluff, but fun fluff nonetheless. The best part, and reason I keep picking up these books, is the humor. It truly is great and endears the reader to the characters, even when there isn’t a lot else underneath.
Feh. I probably shouldn't have read this one since I was irritated with the last one. Again, the banter is getting old and irritating. The plot has taken a weird turn. The ending was unsatisfying.
I don't know what it is about this story, but I initially went into the series feeling as though it was a fanfic on Wattpad. It was an addicting read.
I will say, before I go into depth, book 2 & 3 felt as though they could have been combined and they were, although not bad, fillers. I was shocked after finishing both of those books as not much had happened yet it was 300+ pages (each). As another review had said, it felt as though the Author didn't know how to lift the curse so it dragged till they could figure it out. Still, not terrible, but just lackluster.
Some dialogue was a bit...strange in a way? I liked the banter, most characters were quick witted and I love that. Though, there were some dialogue that felt forced or unnatural (?). For instance, I know it's a strange thing to pick on but it's the first that came to mind, when the grubby men sexualised Kay, the things they said was just "cringe", for the lack of better words. Like I understand the concept of men being grubby and their bad thoughts about women and such, I understand of course as a women myself, that's a reality, but the things Targon would say just straight about her tits and such was just weird. Not weird as in the things he said, but how they were said. I don't know, it felt like what a 14 year old boy on Fortnite would say to a girl rather than a 40+ year old man would say.
The series has made me want it turned into a movie just so I can see the Taybarri. I imagine them to be blue, smaller Appa's (Last Avatar 😂).
I was disappointed but also at the same time weirdly content that Kay used her sling till the end. The girl never moved onto a bow at least or deadlier rounds than lead. I like the consistency, but girl, you would have saved yourself many times if you had something more lethal 😂 But Kay was great, she was quick witted, strong headed, loyal and didn't back down. She was a great OC and definitely exasperating at times but that's her charm.
Vlerion was also like the perfect man, minus the beast of course. He was a protector, treated her respectfully, took her into consideration and showed her a gentle side other's didn't get to see, kept boundaries with other females and gave into her banter, dropped his walls for her.
Overall, there were very few moments reading this series that I thought, "Huh, that doesn't make sense?" Or "why doesn't/don't she/he/they just do..." And that's what I like in a book/movie. I'm not too crazy about how something is written, I'm more interested in a good plot, and this was a good plot. Which is rare to find these days. Some things were very predictable, but that's also fine, I don't believe this to be classified as a mystery book. Everyone is so focused on pushing agendas, overly complex world-building and the plot is just lost. There were very few to no gaps in the story. Everything tied in nicely. Though, I think the ending did have more potential, I'm still content with it. It wasn't a complicated/ unnecessary world building, and it made sense.
I finished all 4 books within the week, and I'm glad I did.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I felt like there were a lot of unnecessary scenes with the only purpose being to show off Vlerion's fighting prowess and then to be eye screwed by our MC. And her still not having any idea how to break the curse halfway through the last book felt like the author didn't either and was dragging out the book until she could figure it out herself. I do love the banter, tension and relationship between Kay and Vlerion though. Buroker is a master at tension, anticipation and witty dialogue. And man did I live that ending. Battle, loss, happily ever after. Really such a great ending to everything that had happened. I would have liked to know more about the curse overall and I loved the epilogue but would have loved it more of it was further in the future so we could see the prosperity and evolution of the kingdom but I'm thrilled with how everything wrapped up. I even appreciate the death that took place. Too often I feel authors are afraid to kill anyone off but this was done tastefully and aided the story significantly. Overall great ending to a great series.
Ostensibly the last book in the series, there are a few hooks left that Ms Buroker could easily pick up to create another few editions in the story; perhaps focusing on the brother chef and his new helpmeet.
It’s also possible she could continue the adventure as Vlerion settles into his new position, or maybe castle intrigue. Could be all sorts of things.
As always, the people are the heart of the story, and how they react to one another. Buroker is brilliant at the banter, while keeping the personalities separate and their responses suited to their individual characters.
The woman can plot in her sleep by now, and this one holds up to the standard. The thing that most impresses me is the world-building and how much she slips into the spaces between action. There are no long expositions, just story, dialogue and people. Yet, one always learns backstory and the cute (or bloody) things that make the story unique.
One feels like part of the story, in on the jokes … like standing beside one of the rangers, nudging them with a wink and nod toward the main characters, knowing we’re all in this together.
In this fourth and final instalment of Lindsay Buroker’s imaginative and quirky take on The Beauty And The Beast trope Kaylina finally finds success as a mead-maker and Vlerion is thrust into the role he never wanted. But not before having to undergo a number of trials and tribulations, defeating numerous enemies, including bounty hunters and assassins, and managing to overcome a curse that has been putting quite a damper on their personal relationship, not to mention their love life.
As always Buroker delivers an entertaining, exciting, action-packed adventure in a fantastical world with two well-rounded, grounded main-characters and a cast of well-fleshed out, endearing supporting characters (that is, aside from the well-fleshed out villains), all delivered in a distinct narrative voice, full of banter, sometimes slightly awkward and nerdy, and with a sprinkling of sarcasm and a(n easily digestible) helping of social criticism.
I do hope we’ll get Sergeant Zhani’s story. Pretty please!
I really enjoyed this series overall, though I do still think book 3 felt like filler. Kaylina and Vlerion are the kind of couple I enjoy reading about in romantasy -- they may tease and banter with each other but ultimately support and respect each other. Any threats come from outside the couple not due to miscommunication drama or anything like that.
Spice/Steam: We finally get a couple scenes in this book.
Also,
Please write more in this world! I want more of Zhani's story, and would still like more about the Kar'ruk, especially from their side of things (Horde-side rather than Alliance to put it in Warcraft terms.)
It's always such an honor to be on Lindsay Buroker's Patreon Group List! I have already read "Scions of Change" twice! It is an amazing end to a fascinatingly-spun tale of danger, mystery, romance and a bit of nature magic! I heartily recommend the entire series of "The Curse and the Crown!"
The four books currently in this Buroker-created-world will fascinate you and make you think. Lindsay never writes a book that doesn't challenge you to moral questions and observations that bring you perspectives from a world not muddied up with our own social chaos. The fact that her writing seems to do this effortlessly and with great wisdom keeps me always excited to read her next work.
Lindsay Buroker has created a truly enjoyable work of adventure and fantasy fiction that will inspire you. I may become a mead-maker myself!
This series is utterly wonderful and Kaylina and Vlerion's journey together is perfect. When the story picks up, Kaylina is still learning to control her new druid powers, she longs for Vlerion but doesn't think it will happen, however with all that comes next, her wishes might well come true. It's the perfect blend of action and romance, one that tests them all and even has a death in it, but ultimately Vlerion has the ability to change things and his journey is about how he does that. Kaylina's is about controlling her powers and helping to bring that necessary change about. She speaks to her father and she commits to looking after the reserves as well. It is a very satisfying story arc that deals with that part of it all. I really hope there is more to come though, we want mini Kay and Vler's running around too!
Hmmm...I say this as a long term (since Emperors Edge was releasing) fan of Lindsay Buroker and having read every book shes written. I didnt' love this series as a whole. Oh It could be entertaining and I did laugh out loud a few times, but it read more like a harlequin than a fantasy series. My biggest complaint is about the FMC lusting after and being sexually frustrated over the MMC for what seemed like 50% of the book. We get it, you want to bang the MMC...people are dying girl. And this was all four books. I wanted to love this series so badly, but it was just okay to me.
I want to go back to Sicarius and Amaranthe, where they're pining for each other without it being overt and every other sentence. I want to focus on plot more than the MCs wanting to bang each other and not being able to.
A great ending to a great series. Vlerion’s secret is out, Kaylina’s powers are growing and her father is around. The king is dead and both the queen and the prince want Vlerion dead as he also has a claim on the throne. And if Kaylina gets killed as well, it’s a bonus. There are assassins after both Kaylina and Vlerion, mercenaries in the catacombs, threats all around. Kaylina has to embrace more of her druid blood and work with the sentinel plant. The Rangers are torn, not wanting to pledge to either the queen or prince but running out of options. Kaylina is still trying to remove Vlerion’s curse but not having much luck. This book is full of action, the usual great interactions and conversations between all characters. Another great series that I will definitely recommend.
Ms. Buroker has become one of my favorite writers since the day about 6 months when i came across one of her stories in a promotional giveaway. Ibdevoured that series and haven't stopped reading since that day. Like all of her stories there this series is filled with intrigues, romance, magic,and battles. With characters that are fully fleshed and make me absolutely believe in them. The emotions are rich and perfectly tuned to the characters. The truly amazing part is that even though of her books share those same qualities the stories themselves are diverse and completely all their own. I would love more stories about Kaylina and Vlarion. Their shared journey was an amazing experience.
Kaylina and her brother open their Meadery and Restaurant in a cursed castle in the midst of warring factions when the old king dies. Kaylina wants nothing more than to be with Lord Vlerion and to lift the spell that turns him into a beast whenever they get passionate. To this end, she seeks a meeting with her Druid father. But will he support her goal or turn his back on them like his ancestors did to humans long ago? Meanwhile, Vlerion has denied his royal lineage but it becomes clear that he may be the best contender for the throne. Can they solve their problems before the assassins and troops sent after them derail their plans? Another action-packed steamy installment in this delightful series.
I'm so glad I found Lindsays books, I really hope to see more from this series as the new king navigates his new title and responsibilities in the kingdom. I would also like to see Kaylina learning her to use her powers and exploring and learning more about herself and more of the preserves that are to be protected.. I've read 26 of Lindsays books in the 15 days I've been aware of them... I didn't sleep a few nights so gripped by the stories and that is the highest praise I think I could give any author. Not sure where to start next, but really hope to see more of this world in the future!
Novel situations often pervade Lindsay's work and this series is no different. I have tried to read everything that she has published and enjoyed them all. The final book ties up everything that has happened in the previous three very nicely but I believe that there is plenty of scope for future books in this world, background on the kingdom and future for the characters herein so I won't be surprised if she brings us back here in the future. I thoroughly recommend this author to anyone who enjoys fantasy fiction with a great sense of humour.
I really don't like books where the main character/heroine can't breathe if she isn't thinking about how much she is infatuated with/in lust with/ in love with the male main character. This series ended up being that - constantly. Just when I thought something else might change that up, it slid back into angst-mode Also, her use of the slingshot became a joke more than a weapon, I was ready for it to go in Book 1. Maybe that's what other reviewers meant about it being a funny book? Truthfully, there were indeed a few cute comments and actions. The ending did bring it all together and there was quite a battle fought. For me, the Taybarri stole the show, not the other characters.
I was a little underwhelmed and honestly this didn't feel like the end of the story. I don't know where I wanted it to go or how I would have done it differently, but similar to my thoughts of the third book, it felt like there was a lot of repetition in the "bad guys" and I think the 3rd and 4th book could have been one thing for where it ended up.
I do like this world and I think the author does great characters and decent character development, but I think I would have liked more with some of the side characters and definitely wanted to understand the Druid stuff more and more with the ruins and preserve itself.
Such a satisfying conclusion to the series! The meadery crew are on top form, the taybarri are awesome, and the sentient plant is... surprisingly helpful. Lots of questions are answered, and not always in the way you'd expect, but that's what we love so much.
The snarky banter is as on point as always; the peril even more perilous, the risks and rewards greater than ever. I love these characters, and I'm really hoping to see more of them (and a HEA for Zhani) in the future. I adored this series.
I love all of Buroker’s works. I waited until all four novels hit before I delved in binging them all in two days. I’ve warmed up to her protagonists faster in other series, but the writing inevitably earns my loyalty and interest. I’m a sucker for the long burn romance, spunky women, determined underdogs and fierce loyalties that are woven in all the works I’ve read…this series fit the bill. If you like this series, and hadn’t experienced The Emperor’s Edge series, immediately buy and read them. My favorite from Buroker so far.
I loved everything about this series. Kaylina & Frayvar were such wonderful characters extremely well drawn and stay true to their character. Funny, interesting, real people. Vlerion is also written amazingly and his character really grows and in very believable way, that is why I love this writer she keeps things real. No people with insta personality changes. The story was interesting, intriguing and keeps you invested. Had to finish, kept on reading till 6am. I wish it wasn’t over I would love to see it continue.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this entire series cover to cover. I love the witty sharp tongue heroine and the dangerous love of her ranger Velarian. There are adventures at every turn and more Druid schenanigans and of course the Tabari. This particular book in the series offers a lot of plot twists and our heroine finds herself in very unexpected places considering she started out the series in the dungeon. A great read that I highly recommend.
So this finished on maybe a 3.5 stars from me, but I won’t round it up because, consistency. This was a really light read which was still clunky and irritating at times. It was slow and repetitive (I don’t know how many times men ‘ogled’ Kaylina’s impressive rack or she thought about making some honey drops 🙄 or she made ridiculous decisions) but the pacing picked up during the battle at the end, there were some funny moments and thankfully some spice was finally delivered. Was it a complete waste of my time … no. Would I recommend it to others … no.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Nobody tells a story like Lindsay Buroker.. Shape changing humans into ravening beasts, creeping vines which attack those attacking its dwelling place, it's power coming from daily feeds of honey water. This author has an amazing gift in writing these stories which entrap the reader. Yet all through the violence and gore, winds a love story as old as time, which finally reaches a climax in more ways than one. Brilliant again.
Curses, druids, swashbuckling, intrigue, and mead.
This is the last book in the series. I strongly recommend reading them in order. This series is a delightful.: Quirky humor, sword fights, mead, curses, druids, honey drops, sling shots, assassins, more mead, and a slow burn romance. It also has intrigue, plots and counter plots, assassins, hidden passages, spies, royal bastards, betrayal, and romance. A must read series. Have fun!
I really had a hard time getting any sleep because I was so excited to finish this series. In typical Lindsay Buroker style there was never a dull moment. I believe now that I have read all of the books written by Lindsay Buroker. She is my favorite author and I may have a few series that I would like to revisit. Thank you for many hours of entertainment over the last 10-15 years.
Lindsay has a unique talent to weave tales that leave you feeling like the characters are your friends and not just characters in a book. Her delightful irreverence of the characters adds a fun aspect to her writing and always leaves you anxiously awaiting the next book. She has a unique ability to make every series she writes as entertaining as suspenseful and exciting. The Curse and the Crown is certainly no exception.
Lindsay Buroker has already won my loyalty as a reader with other series. While this one was quite different from the urban fantasy, there was still the camaraderie, banter and snark that I love from her characters. I had a hard time finding a place to stop reading when the real world beckoned, as the story lines were well developed and just kept flowing. Overall a very pleasant and entertaining series.
With this book, I've finished The Curse and the Crown series. This series was Beauty and the Beast meets The Hulk in a fantasy setting. It was fun. I did have to roll my eyes a bit about how often the main characters sexual attraction was mentioned but, in the book' s defense, there was a magical reason they were drawn to each other so the sexual attraction served a plot point. The plot was fast paced and I enjoy Ms. Buroker's snarky dialogue. This series was an enjoyable, fast read.
I really enjoyed this series, it was lighthearted yet still “dark” enough for to me to love. It had hints of Quicksilver and Assistant to the Villain, but only enough for me to say if you liked those you will love this series. I was a little sad I had to wait so long for the steamy scenes yet it was also refreshing and made me feel more empathy for the main characters (in that regard).