Onyx Cage: Volume II: A Lochlann Feuds Companion Novel

by Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Evander thought he could let her go.
But when Clan Elk has the princess in their grasp once more, he's about to discover just how far he will go for the sake of his clan. His kingdom.
His Lemmikki.

*Onyx Volume II picks up with Evander's side of the story for the final two books in The Lochlann Feuds.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers

604 pages, Paperback

Published January 17, 2025

About the author

Robin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.

When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.

Reviews

[Cyd Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over, tragedy—Evander is here to prove that broody, smitten, and feral might just be our favorite vibe ever. Onyx Cage: Volume II is a whirlwind of loyalty, longing, and sass wrapped in a cloak of fierce determination. It’s the kind of book that grips you by the collar, smirks, and says, “Buckle up, we’re doing this.”

Evander thought he could walk away. LOL, sweetie. No. Enter Clan Elk and their habit of ruining everything. With the princess back in their clutches, Evander realizes that letting her go isn’t an option—because how do you let go of the one person who makes your cold, duty-driven heart actually beat? Spoiler: you don’t. You throw the whole concept of “responsible king” out the window and raise some chaos instead.

This book is Evander’s love letter to his Lemmikki, written in blood, sweat, and some very questionable choices. He’s torn between protecting his kingdom and his desperate, clawing need to protect her. (Spoiler: the “desperate, clawing need” wins. Every. Single. Time.) And honestly? We’re here for it. His devotion is a little messy, a lot extra, and completely unhinged—and it’s exactly why you’ll fall head over heels for this story.

Mahle and Madison don’t just write a romance—they deliver a sharp-edged fairy tale that punches you in the feelings and leaves you laughing through the tears. Evander’s voice is raw and real, peppered with biting humor and those deliciously vulnerable moments where his heart is on full display. His journey is less about being the perfect leader and more about being the imperfect, reckless fool who loves his Lemmikki too much to let her go.

The stakes? High. The quips? Razor-sharp. The chemistry? Off the charts. Onyx Cage: Volume II is for anyone who loves a fierce, hilarious, and heartfelt story about what it means to fight for the people who matter most—even when it costs you everything. And trust us, Evander will make you swoon, laugh, and cheer for his chaos every step of the way.

[Ahana M Rao (Heart’s Content) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can find this review of Onyx Cage on my blog, Heart's Content!

A big shout out and thank you to the authors and to Luna Blooms PA Services for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! As the nature of this book is a companion novel to the main series and reads in the POV of another main character, please expect spoilers for the main series. Do not venture further if you do not wish to be spoiled!

If you’re familiar with my blog, you’re likely aware that this series has a huge chunk of my heart sewed into it. I fell in love with it all over again when I read the first volume of Onyx Cage and my review for it is here, if you’re curious to know what I thought.

From the moment that the first volume ended I’ve been wondering when volume two would appear on my Kindle and when it did, I may or may not have hugged my Kindle for five minutes. Evander and Rowan are unrivalled in my head as a love pair and seeing Van’s side of the story has only further elevated the experience, because of how differently it reads from Rowan’s perspective.

The biggest difference that’s immediately perceived when you switch between both characters’ sides of the story is the emotionality of it. Where Rowan is fire and action, Evander is ice and calculation. It’s both wonderful and an extremely painful journey experiencing Van’s life. There’s not a moment in his life that isn’t deliberately thought out or seeped in order and control and there’s not a moment that’s not filled with agony, the weight of responsibility and threat. Cue Rowan crash landing into his life. I think it’s extremely interesting to watch a character meet someone that makes their life several hundred times harder and how they strive to handle that. Then, then, the fun part? The fun part is watching that whole scenario turn on its head for that character. When suddenly not having that person in their life becomes the hardest thing ever. You can expect Evander coming to realize this in his own confounded way.

I think reading the corresponding books to this companion novel might work greatly in the favour of the reader experiencing this book to its fullest. I’m very lucky to have re-read this series and remember every sharp emotion that Rowan felt during them. To see how starkly different, but at the same time, similar Evander is in those exact moments was such a joy. Especially watching him work out the thoughts and events that lead to his actions that we only now understand and feel the weight of was *chef’s kiss*. I never realized how much more I should’ve appreciated him, given everything he’s done behind the curtains that was only just revealed to us and it’s truly the marvellous nature of the writing to have managed this mammoth project and done it as well as they have.

This book, I would recommend, should be read in two halves. The first half, and then come back for the second. I think the best kind of experience for this book is to be able to take it in for a bit before coming back to it. Or it maaay come off as a lot because many of the scenes are seen-before unlike the previous volume.

The characters of course remain mostly the same, however we get to see them all in the perspective of a different relationship. We get to see who they are with Van, who they were before (Rowan) around him, how they are now and the complexities that get added to all their lives once Rowan is a part of their group. I loved seeing beloved characters as they are to Van and how much they have their own influence on the relationship between our protagonists. The difficult characters remain so, however you see the true depths of their intentions while in Evander’s mind and that makes everything several times more complicated, several times more dangerous. I never realized a lot of it while in Rowan’s mind and realized how true the phrase ignorance is bliss truly is. I also never realized how much Van deliberates before giving Rowan an answer, how many cues he takes into consideration, be it her feelings, her stance and his own truth and how he gets it across.

The pace in this book is even and steady and it’s definitely easy to fly through all the scenes between Rowan and Evander.

Four stars! Please do check trigger warnings as always!

[Jillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Der'mo!! I'm completely ruined for all other stories, for Evander and Rowan completely have my heart. I have been very impatiently looking forward to this for YEARS (the longest book hangover of my life) and it was completely worth the torture of waiting. Being inside Evander's kingdom and inside his thoughts is agonizing, delicious, and so very often hilarious (I laughed out loud SO often at his acerbic with). His side of the story only makes him more endearing - he has sacrificed so much and still his vulnerability and self doubt make him the ultimate hero: remarkably flawed.

Mahle and Madison are a champion duo, a perfect combination of storytelling and skilled writing. They've set a ridiculously high standard for me (who, as a beta reader/editor am extremely difficult to impress). Everything else in this genre that people are raving about falls incredibly short. I appreciate that their romance is hard won and is intertwined with plausible politics, family relationships, and intrigue. While there's plenty of sexual tension, it is not full of gratuitous smut like I feel everything in this genre is offering lately.

I've read the Lochlann series multiple times and each time fall more in love with the characters. They feel like old comrades and bosom friends and for that gift, I'm so incredibly grateful. Thank you for sharing Evander's story with us, team Elbin!!! 🫶🏻 (Now go write Taras'!)

[Idalia Helaena · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Onyx Cage: Volume II” is a The Lochlann Feuds companion novel by Elle Madison and Robin D. Mahle, and I thought it was an intense and gripping read.

Evander has always been one of my favorite morally grey characters, and this book allowed me to better understand him and the way he thinks and feels.

It was also really interesting to see Evander and Rowan’s relationship develop from his POV. Their chemistry is absolutely explosive, and I loved how much depth there was to their feelings for each other.

If you love The Lochlann Feuds series, I highly recommend reading “Onyx Cage: Volume I” and “Onyx Cage: Volume II.” I think it will definitely enhance your reading experience. This was absolutely a 5 star read for me!

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely captivating! From the very beginning, I’ve been captivated by the world of Lochlann, and this book deepened my connection to it even more—particularly with Evander. Seeing Evander and Rowan’s love story unfold from his point of view was such a beautiful experience. The emotion, the intensity, the tenderness—it all came together perfectly. While I’m heartbroken to say goodbye to these beloved characters, I’m already eagerly awaiting my next trip back to Lochlann. Perhaps Avani’s story will be next? I can only hope! Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves rich, immersive fantasy with unforgettable characters.

[Valynda Tegge · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I craved her presence like a lush craved one more drink. Craved her like she was the very air I needed to breathe. She wasn’t just chaos. Or a complication. She was an addiction.

ONYX CAGE volume 2
Lochlann Feuds companion Evanders point of view is an amazing story we fell in love with these characters.. Such a serious possessive Socairian. Fun sassy sarcastic stubborn lochlanian. Perfect pair. They push and pull so much...oh Lemmiki choices choices. I love every piece of this series!!!

[Extraordinary_book_lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. These ladies are constantly blowing me away. Evander is top tier book boyfriend for me and this book just cemented that fact even more. Getting to read these events from his point of view just made me love him more.

[Sera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Evander's POV in this book. I did the tandem read, but it was a bit annoying to keep switching back and forth and reading the same events over and over. I think I'd appreciate it more as a separate book if/when I'll reread it in tbe future.

All in all, a solid series that deserves way more love than it gets!

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most anticipated read of 2025 and it was everything I could have wanted 🩷

[Amanda Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible story absolutely loved reading this story

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally finished. This book was a choker of like over 600 pages. So good! OMG. I loved being back in evanders head.
So good!!!! I wish there was more.

[Georgia Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Submitting myself humbly to be somebodies lemmikki 🧎🏼‍♀️

[Mishay Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the love interest’s point of view that I have been waiting for since I started this series in 2023 so of course I was super excited to get an opportunity to arc read this book. Thank you, Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison for the advance readers copy of this book.

I love getting to experience Evander’s thought process and understand more about his feelings and reasons for his actions. I love how analytical he is and how he thinks so far ahead and such a wide range around everything he sees. He turns over every possibility and plans for every outcome. I also see how some of the things that happened in Rowan’s POV really affected him differently than what we originally thought.

I really enjoyed getting to see how very competitive he is. It was interesting to see how he keeps most of his wants and thoughts locked away, he says one thing then think the entire rest of his answer so I’m glad we got this book so we can see how he actually feels and reacts about most things that happened in Feuds. Seeing the family through Evander’s eyes really made me like them all the more, especially Davin, but I’ve always been a huge Davin fan.

I’m just so happy that these two amazing authors came together to give us the side of the story that we wanted and needed so badly. I’m pretty sad that this series is at an end, I’ve read this series from 1-4 at least 6 times since I first found it in 2023. Now I’ll have to reread Onyx Cage again soon so I can soak every detail up.

Some of my favorite quotes:

“𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯,” 𝘈𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥. “𝘖𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘵.”
-Avani❤️‍🔥🔥❤️‍🔥🔥

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘚𝘰𝘣𝘦𝘳, 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘨𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥. 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
-Davin💗😍💗😍

𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘮, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘨𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘶𝘨 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘧𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘧𝘵.
-Evander😍🖤⚔️

“𝘙𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘺 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘚𝘰 𝘐 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.”
-Evander🖤⚔️🖤⚔️

[Readingintheweehours · Rating 5 out of 5]

*review adapted from my insta post*

Graphic:

800 pages later and I'm still trying to catch my breath.
First, a few things you should know: This is a companion novel, it is Evander's perspective of the Lochlann Feuds series (which is told from Rowan / FMC'S perspective). You need to read that series first. Also, this is a strong PG-13. There is a LOT of fade to black here. This is a dark fantasy series with a lot of grit.
Now: the goods. Evander and Rowan have some of my favorite fantasy character arcs EVER.
They both have deep character development and emotional growth in the most beautiful of ways.
They face darkness together - and learn from when they don't.
The battle scenes are fierce, the relationship intense, and the finish is incredible. Strong romantasy.
——
Caption:


This full series (The Lochlann Feuds + the companions series) has some of the most fantastic world building and scene setting of any series I’ve read. The way that both Rowan and Evander’s characters deepen (independently and as a couple) is just stunning.

You do need to know (and I offer this out of respect to readers that know their limits and comfort level), there is a lot of physical interaction in this book. It is still not explicit, but this husband and wife clearly adore each other. This series admittedly tops out my comfort level as a closed door reader. The D word is used, and there is in-world cursing. However, none of this comes at the expense of plot or character development.

Evander and Rowan are complex and so very human (well…it is a fantasy 🤣) and have responded to recent and far past trauma in varying ways, but the way they fight for each other is just. so. good. Also, Rowan makes me want to let out a female warrior battle cry. 💥❤️

If you love romantasy with incredibly epic world building, complex characters that are far from black and white, and can handle steam (but not spice), I think you’ll enjoy this series.

[Celeste Grayson Seymour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Mahle and Madison for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Onyx Cage: Volume II is a rare book indeed. It is a book that clutches a reader with its emotional intensity and beautifully wrought tension.

Whether the pull is between the enemies-to-lovers (Rowan and Evander) or the neighboring kingdoms of Lochlann and Socair, it felt like every breath of this book is held and released with care. Onyx Cage: Volume II is a beautifully gripping journey.

I've read the entire Lochlann Feuds series by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison. By the time I started Onyx Cage: Volume II, which is the final volume in the Lochlann Feuds companion novel, I already was invested in Lochlann and Socair. These characters felt familiar and are loved. In the first part of this volume, Evander meets Rowan's family in Lochlann. As I watched Evander's reactions to the loud and affectionate royal family, I watched an emotionally complex, distant, alpha male begin to surrender to a love he's never known. He still wants to own and possess, as he continually refers to Rowan as my Lemmikki, but he also begins to understand that loving someone means giving yourself as well.

Evander and Rowan's love story, especially with the addition of this volume, has become one of my favorites. You'd love their story as well if you like:

🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
🖤 Emotionally complex characters
🖤 Morally gray, possessive MMC
🖤 Strong and stubborn FMC
🖤 They each have their own wounds
🖤 Together they are unstoppable

Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison, you shattered me with this book. And then built me back up again.

Onyx Cage: Volume II is, without a shadow of a doubt, a 5-star read. The entire series is phenomenal. Don't miss out on it!

[Lottie (The Disney Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onyx Cage is a fantastic duology that completely flips everything you thought you knew about the Lochlann Feuds. This time, we’re seeing the story through Evander’s eyes—the enemy turned lover of Rowan, the fierce princess we already know and love. The way the authors, Elle Madison and Robin D Mahle, weave emotion into this story is just incredible. It’s a perfect companion to the Lochlann Feuds, but it takes everything up a notch.

Seeing the events from Evander’s POV adds so much depth to the story. Moments that seemed pretty straightforward in Rowan's story (like wearing a kilt or letting Rowan leave) are now seen in a whole new light. You get to understand Evander’s internal struggles, his growth, and the complicated mix of love and loyalty he’s dealing with. It’s like revisiting familiar ground, but everything feels richer and more layered.

Robin and Elle really know how to make you feel ALL the emotions. There’s tension, there’s action, and, as always, there’s so much chemistry between Lord Aalio and Princess Pain-in-the-arse. But what really stands out are the quiet, vulnerable moments between them that hit you right in the feels. Their connection grows in such an organic way, and you can’t help but root for them every step of the way.

One of the best things about Onyx Cage is how it challenges everything we think we know about loyalty, love, and forgiveness. It’s about reconciling the past and figuring out how to move forward, especially when it’s so hard to trust.

If you loved the Lochlann Feuds, Onyx Cage is an absolute must-read. But even if you’re new to the series, this duology would be amazing as an epic, emotional ride of a tandem read. Elle and Robin absolutely nailed it with this one—it’ll stick with you long after you’ve finished.

[Van · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lochlann Feuds is one of my favorite series. I finished Onyx Cage, Volume 1 toward the end of last year and loved it, no surprise there and I’ve finally gotten around to Onyx Cage, Volume 2. This volume is told from Evander’s POV and covers the events of Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne. What I enjoy most about Onyx Cage is getting to revisit favorite scenes from Evander’s perspective, as well as seeing where he was and what he was thinking during moments when he wasn’t present in the original books. What I’ve come to realize, though, is that he’s always thinking about Rowan. Period.

For the most part, I did enjoy Onyx Cage, Volume 2, but it felt far too long. It was significantly longer than Volume 1, almost double in length and, in my opinion, unnecessarily so. Many scenes felt like filler and dragged on without adding much to the story. As I mentioned earlier, Evander is constantly thinking about Rowan, which makes sense, but after 400 pages it started to feel repetitive and redundant. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggling to finish. This wasn’t because I already knew how the story ended, I re-read books all the time but because some parts of the story simply work better when left in Rowan’s POV.

Despite all of that, I’m still grateful the authors gave us the option to experience the series from Evander’s perspective. I don’t regret reading it, and it’s possible my opinion will change on a future re-read. I may have simply read it too close together and too soon. Overall, it was a decent read.

[Chloe Hey · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW!
Onyx Cage, Volume 2 by @mahleandmadison

This is part two of Evander's perspective—the story originally told from Rowan's perspective in The Lochlann Feuds, which starts with Scarlett Princess.

Books two and three of this series, Crimson Cage and Tarnished Crown, are some of my most cherished stories. This second half covers Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne. And I loved it!!

It surprised me how much getting to see these scenes from Evander's perspective moved me. It felt kind of like rereading The Lochlann Feuds (which I'm almost always doing). But randomly, I'd get a little piece of this story that I had wondered about or hadn't quite understood, and it was the BEST feeling ever.

Mahle & Madison's style of political intrigue meets romance, with the most exhilarating fight scenes (and kissing scenes), and every once in a while a hint of magic, is just my cup of tea. I am always invested. Always processing something. These characters live and breathe on these pages in a way that I am so impressed by. The way it's a daggers-and-ballgowns world, AND the characters go through real relationship ups and downs—I just LOVE it.

If you’re just hearing about the world of Lochlann, I started with Scarlett Princess, and that’s where I recommend you start!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

So imma just come up front and say I’m normally not a fan of companion novels. They usually rehash a lot of ground and it feels like a few details are added and viola we rebox it! Tada! BUT as always - these ladies don’t disappoint.
Wanna know what Evander thought of Rowan’s family? You got it! Wanna see different sides to the characters in both Lochlan and Bear? You got it! Wanna see what Evander has to deal with while Rowan is sorting out her feelings? You got it!
While yes the story is “the same” the depth we get is amazing and the behind closed doors scenes that we see in Feuds are expounded on here giving additional meaning emotion and insight to the story and the characters. There were characters I respected and adored more after reading this because of the added details and interactions that we didn’t see before. As always, take a bow ladies. You did it. And readers - don’t miss out on this. Cause like a flavorful spice or a delicious garnish- this book just adds to the deliciousness of a story we already fell in love with. As Meg Ryan once said “Read it. I know you’ll love it”.

[Becky Gordy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought a companion novel could make me feel emotions to the extent the original novels do, but Onyx Cage 2 does just that.

Evander is painted as the villain his whole life but with Rowan, we get to see him go from a deep dark morally grey to the shifting grey of a lightning filled sky. It continues to become apparent the deep love he has for his people and his loyal soldiers, despite the brutality that has been engrained in him. I found my heart racing throughout this novel, the anxiety during battle even more intense than I expected, despite already knowing the outcome. The authors did a fabulous job making me feel everything Evander was feeling as well as justifying the decisions he made. While Rowan lives with her passionate heart, Evander leads with his cunning, calculating mind.

I have to put a little note on the growth Theo goes through as well. Watching him go from the footsteps of his brother to an independently thinking leader was redeeming.

I absolutely loved seeing all of the Lochlann Feuds series from the MMC’s POV. It gave so much back story and additional detail that I always wanted but never thought I would get! Bravo, Robin and Elle, bravo!

[Luckyangel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been on the edge of my seat for months waiting for this second half of Onyx Cage. This is the final installment in the Lochlann Feuds series and I could not recommend it more. Before I continue, if you haven't read the other books in the series, please go and do that first.

When I first heard that Robin and Elle were writing the entire thing from Evander's pov, I was absolutely ecstatic. What I was probably the most excited to read was from Crimson Kingdom because it just brought everything home for me. The first book I ever read of Elle and Robin was the Lochlann Treaty, it's where I completely fell in love with their characters, and to bring this series back to where it all started? To see the original characters that i absolutely fell in love with to begin with? It ended up being everything and more. And seeing them all from Evander's perspective was hilarious and so great.

Then moving into Obsidian Throne had my heart hurting for him but also getting to see such a sadistic/dark side to Iiro that I didn't truly put together in Rowan's pov.

Hands down, this was the perfect end to one of my favorite series.

[Francesca Likes Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

"After years of nothing but death and the looming shadow of my father’s madness haunting my every step, my every move, I thought that was all life had to offer me.

But now, I knew I could carve out an existence that included so much more. And I would be damned before I allowed anything to separate me from this one light I’d found in the darkness."


My prayers were answered with this book!! Since Evander and Rowan are separated a few times we get to see what he was doing and his feelings on the situations. I loved it!

Crimson Kingdom POV

Did he really love her and went to get her back? Was it all just politics? Revenge? We get insight into his complex emotions regarding his proposal to Rowan.
I loved the tension because in his POV he doesn't know what is going through her mind and if she will choose him or not.

Obsidian Throne POV

The four book slow burn is finally over! Lots of adorable happy couple time!! ❤️

This is also when they are separated multiple times, so I really enjoyed reading what Evander was up to. We get the full scope of the castle siege and the dire situation Evander was trying to keep Rowan away from. It made me sympathize more with Evander's decision to send Rowan away than before in her book.


By the end I still loved Evander. I liked getting his POV of how he learns to become more truthful and open about his emotions and feelings. Before we only see it through Rowan's POV, but here you really see what was going through his mind (obsessed with her and totally in love) and the conflicting emotions he was going through.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story SPOKE! I've read Rowan's story, and I love her. Her growth from a silly but fearless princess to a courageous, intelligent, and BOLD woman is beautiful. However, after reading both Onyx Cage 1 and 2, I have to say, I am here for Evander. Life circumstances (and let's be real also some natural personality) make Evander emotionally out-of-touch and untouchable, something that is slowly taking over until Rowan finally smacks him in the face (almost literally). He's forced to wrestle with internal demons -- demons he must slay in order to get what he ultimately wants -- her. then this controlled perfectionist really screws up and risks everything he has fought for; and we see the raw moment where he's willing to face his own humanity and be better. This story will hit a deeper level for anyone who has broken generational chains and had the audacity to want more for their loved ones than they themselves received. Cannot recommend enough.

[Arina Upson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and the companion novels!

This series became a 15/10 for me from book one and I have been obsessed with it ever since. I cannot shut up about this story. The plot, the romance, the characters themselves and most important the world!

Van’s story is so dear to me. Reading how he fell in love despite everything warmed my little heart. Reading how he fought so hard for the small slivers of happiness in a dark world made me feel so much. Being surrounded once again by my comfort characters made me want to read slower but also never want to stop.

I hope you take a chance on this story! Reading from a completely different point of view made it feel like a different story. And it was! Their stories are different but they both wanted and fought for the happy ending they both deserved and most important wanted to give each other.

In conclusion. You will be obsessed, sorry not sorry.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Onyx Cage Vol II continues Evander's side of the Lochlann Feuds, and OMG! I devoured this book! Onyx Cage is literally going to give you all the feels. Every perspective and situation from Rowan's story we're getting from Evander's perspective and when I tell you I loved it...I mean I Loved it!!
Getting to know Evander's feelings in various situations continues to be everything. I couldn't get enough of this book! This volume is huge but when I tell you it's worth it...believe it. There is so much drama, romance, back and forth, and yes, humor packed into this book.
My recommendation? Clear your schedule? Curl up with some snacks and drinks and binge-read this book. You'll thank me later. LOL! Honestly, I didn't even want this book to end. I just wanted it to keep going, because it was just too good.
I think that this book has officially claimed the first spot in my top reads for 2025!

[Cheryl Van Dyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly I will always love this story and this world. The main character in this book is still one of my top book boyfriends, and this particular book is fun because you get to essentially reread the series but from his perspective instead of hers. It sheds a lot of light on why he made certain decisions, which I still don't always agree with but it adds a lot more depth to the character. One of the things that I really like about this series is that the authors have really managed to nail down the character growth and development. The main characters at the beginning of the series are so different from the characters at the end, and it's so satisfying to read and join them on that journey. Parts of this book did get a little bit repetitive for me, if only because in the last book of the original series we already had his perspective, so about a quarter of this book were chapters that were reused from that. More insight and background, but sometimes a bit repetitive.

[Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two phrases for you...My Lemmikki...My wife...

Lochlann Feuds forever holds a special place in my heart. Having Onyx Cage as a complete companion to the series, I truly fall more in love with the characters and the story with each word that I read. Every single page bleeds pure, raw emotion: acceptance, wit, banter, humor, anger, sorrow, desire, angst, sacrifice, love, and so much more. Evander's POV in Onyx Cage Volumes 1 & 2 brings so much depth to his character and more adoration to the overall series. This volume covering the last two books in the series brought me to tears more times than I can count, but I will gladly re-read many times over to experience all those same emotions again and again.

"That I would make every impossible decision over again, would endure a thousand lifetimes with Ava, for the chance of knowing her in every one and having this time together."

[Katelin K · Rating 5 out of 5]

🖤🖤🖤🖤

Oh, my heart. This book was a fantastic conclusion to Lochlann Feuds companion book(s).
Now, I have a love-hate relationship with companion books. Sometimes, it’s almost an identical repeat of the story with a little extra added in. But, not Onyx Cage. It is a fully fleshed out, emotional roller coaster of a book that made me fall even more in love with Evander and Rowan.
I felt allllll the feels. Seeing what Evander went through, and how he thought, and how he felt had me understanding some of the things I got mad at him for while reading CK and OT…. Mostly OT iykyk (and this is why I really recommend reading Lochlann Feuds first, starting with Scarlett Princess. But oh do I absolutely love Evander, even if I want to shake some sense into him sometimes. This ending was so beautiful and emotional and I loved it! 🖤🖤🖤🖤

[Paige Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've seen my other reviews, you'll know I adore every book set in the Lochlann (and Socair) world. This was no exception, despite being a companion novel and quite literally the longest book set in the series! Volume II of Onyx Cage picks up right after where Volume I ends and covers the last two books in the Lochlann Feuds series.

Evander is a man after my own heart - he's a thinker, a planner, and a protector. It was interesting getting to see what he was thinking as the series of events unfolded and how he tried to balance EVERYTHING and occasionally dropping the ball. I especially enjoyed the parts that were "new" to the reader, which were the chapters when Evander and Rowan were separated. I also enjoyed some of the additional information on clan politics in Socair. This book took me for a wild ride, and I sincerely hope the authors continue to expand on the Lochlann world!

[Brooke Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review


I have loved all of the Lochlann books, but having Evander’s POV for this series is everything and more! Evander would do anything for the safety of his clan, but he would burn his clan down for her. Evander is the morally black MMC we all love to swoon over. I wanted to put some quotes in my review but I feel like I highlighted the whole book on my kindle!
I have never wanted to annotate a book more in my life! I wanted to highlight, to write notes, draw hearts, everything!!
Somehow Robin and Elle don’t just make you feel like you’re living in their world they created, but they somehow make you feel like you are in each characters mind. You feel all of their emotions, their thoughts are your thoughts, I dont know how they do it!