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War and the Throne
Dark alchemy demands feuds be settled in blood.
As Elfur arrives in Fedosia and enemies march through the Narrow, Tsar Regent Lev finds himself in a war of attrition and unknown alchemy. He leans more and more on Aleksei of Red Shield, once his rival but now a friend, and this may cost him dearly in an unexpected way.
Aleksei and Sofia quarrel over the small things, but he always returns to her at the end of the day. When tragedy strikes in the form of dark lightning, he may not have her to return to.
King Black expects an easy victory but he’s in for a surprise. Not all enemies are beyond the Narrow, for some lurk under the dragon banner.
The dver is wide open, death advancing onto the realm of the living. No victors in this war, everyone will lose.
War and the Throne is Book 4 of the Fedosian Wars series and comes with a content advisory for violence and strong language.
As Elfur arrives in Fedosia and enemies march through the Narrow, Tsar Regent Lev finds himself in a war of attrition and unknown alchemy. He leans more and more on Aleksei of Red Shield, once his rival but now a friend, and this may cost him dearly in an unexpected way.
Aleksei and Sofia quarrel over the small things, but he always returns to her at the end of the day. When tragedy strikes in the form of dark lightning, he may not have her to return to.
King Black expects an easy victory but he’s in for a surprise. Not all enemies are beyond the Narrow, for some lurk under the dragon banner.
The dver is wide open, death advancing onto the realm of the living. No victors in this war, everyone will lose.
War and the Throne is Book 4 of the Fedosian Wars series and comes with a content advisory for violence and strong language.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 25, 2025
13 people want to read
About the author
Brien Feathers
25 books218 followersBrien Feathers is a fantasy author living in the land of permanent frost, horses, and Mongols. She likes reading, writing (of course), riding, drinking dark beer, and checking things off a to-do list.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
Although she claims to love everyone equally, she really loves her youngest son the most. He has autism superpowers that allow him to speak all types of rare languages including drumbeats, elevator dings, and police sirens.
Miss Feathers loves grey days, orange cats, and all creatures human or otherwise. And she hopes you will love her world (fantasy) and people (characters) as well.
Connect with the author.
Sign up for the Feathers Newsletter at https://www.brienfeathers.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 26, 2025
At the end of the last book, I was anticipating a showdown with Moriz. I wasn't aware until picking this one up, that there would be another book. I imagine with all the set up there has been with the antagonists, Lothar and Moriz, their story will be the finale. All this to say, the book wasn't what I initially expected. What this installment of the Fedosian Wars did do, was strengthened the relationship between main characters Lev and Aleksei, focused on the war between Fedosia and Elfur, as well as filled in more of Sofia's past.
Previous books needed for the majority of character background. Reasons for the war are decently explained in this book.
Set in a medieval Russia styled environment, it is swords vs magic. It is told from many different characters' point of view, but mainly focuses on Lev and Black; The leaders of each side of the war. It was fairly evenly paced and decently written. Dark for sure. There were lots of bloody fight scenes and gruesome back and forth between the sides.
Although I didn't get what I wanted, I enjoyed the story. Most of the characters went in a direction I didn't exactly expect, but was fitting to their already established personalities. This provided decent twists and turns. Some of the characters' fates were exactly what I wanted, which made me happy. The best, in my opinion, was Arne. Hard to say exactly why without spoilers, but it was satisfying. Most revealing thing I will say, more for content warning, is it does have a relationship between men with a descriptive love scene. There are also a few other minor sexual moments. So, fair warning if not your cup of tea.
The characters are what really drive the story and I believe they are well done. With the change chapter to chapter of narration, it allows for each characters motivations to be understood. That writtng style allowed for reveals to me as the reader that surprised other characters. Some suspense when one needed to catch up to the other.
The story is left open, but I felt has enough content to hold its own. Plenty of action with consequences as well as some conclusion.
There is a lot of light vs dark symbolism throughout the story. It reminded me a lot of what I have currently read of "The Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Liegh Bardugo actually. It plays with the idea that one cannot exist without the other, and that the majority of people are shades of both. That or balanced better when they are opposed. It plays a little with religious concepts and what happens after death. What a soul is. Can be a deeper story beyond the romance, if the details are paid attention to.
I enjoyed, much more than the last story, and looking to read the next with the hope it features more of Moriz.
For disclosure: I was provided an ARC from the author. Although I read a free version, this review is my own and left voluntarily.
Previous books needed for the majority of character background. Reasons for the war are decently explained in this book.
Set in a medieval Russia styled environment, it is swords vs magic. It is told from many different characters' point of view, but mainly focuses on Lev and Black; The leaders of each side of the war. It was fairly evenly paced and decently written. Dark for sure. There were lots of bloody fight scenes and gruesome back and forth between the sides.
Although I didn't get what I wanted, I enjoyed the story. Most of the characters went in a direction I didn't exactly expect, but was fitting to their already established personalities. This provided decent twists and turns. Some of the characters' fates were exactly what I wanted, which made me happy. The best, in my opinion, was Arne. Hard to say exactly why without spoilers, but it was satisfying. Most revealing thing I will say, more for content warning, is it does have a relationship between men with a descriptive love scene. There are also a few other minor sexual moments. So, fair warning if not your cup of tea.
The characters are what really drive the story and I believe they are well done. With the change chapter to chapter of narration, it allows for each characters motivations to be understood. That writtng style allowed for reveals to me as the reader that surprised other characters. Some suspense when one needed to catch up to the other.
The story is left open, but I felt has enough content to hold its own. Plenty of action with consequences as well as some conclusion.
There is a lot of light vs dark symbolism throughout the story. It reminded me a lot of what I have currently read of "The Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Liegh Bardugo actually. It plays with the idea that one cannot exist without the other, and that the majority of people are shades of both. That or balanced better when they are opposed. It plays a little with religious concepts and what happens after death. What a soul is. Can be a deeper story beyond the romance, if the details are paid attention to.
I enjoyed, much more than the last story, and looking to read the next with the hope it features more of Moriz.
For disclosure: I was provided an ARC from the author. Although I read a free version, this review is my own and left voluntarily.
March 17, 2025
This honest review of War and the Throne by Brien Feathers is given in conjunction with having received an ARC copy of the book.
Minor Spoilers**
What a treat it was to have received this ARC the day before I had a five hour flight across continents. I was supposed to be catching up on sleep so I could drive three hours once I landed but I could not peel myself away from this story. Like all of her other books I have read, Ms. Feathers takes us on a whirlwind of adventure with few moments to breathe and always at just the right time.
When the story of Sophia and Aleksie began, I wondered if there would be a war but I had thought it would be more contained within the realm not from an external force. Howdy was I wrong. What we have here is a series that spans realms, deviates from systematic norms, and brings a lot of people back from the dead. And *spoiler* apparently many of them already were that way to begin with.
In this episode of the Fedosian Wars we find ourselves not gallivanting around the realms like we have in the previous books. Instead, we are dropped smack in spot where we stay for most of the entire book. Right at the frontline. And what a frontline it is, filled with fog, bog, and boogie monsters. Monsters of every kind - man, ghoul, ghost, and something altogether creepy crawly.
By following three different main POVs, and people showing up and disappearing from miles and miles along the barricading wall, it makes it reminiscent of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It is very easy to lose track of people during day long battles and to get separated from columns and for those columns, filled with varying types of troops lead by self-serving generals, to get all tangled up into a fine mess of egos and dead bodies.
One thing this series could benefit from is a characters list with the houses and powers attributed to them. I have gotten a little lost on who is related to whom and which alchemy their families are supposed to be in control of.
When the main spook/ antagonist showed up in this volume, I had to go back into the previous book to figure out which of the two brothers he had been. And even then, when he did show up it took a minute to figure out that he was a spook to begin with. Sometimes the author throws things into the mix so quickly and abruptly that it can be missed. It took me until the last book to finally figure out or See what Aleksie’s lash was because the description was so quick and minimal in the first book, if at all.
So the same goes for several of the characters, if they are off-stage for a length of time (considering the Slavic tendency to give a person three or more nicknames - very Tolstoyesque) it can get very confusing if they just show up and we’re just given a name with some dialog. That being said, I do feel like many of the secondary characters do have their individual traits, but all the minor characters sit like set dressing with very little to distinguish themselves from one another.
Without a doubt though, these are not points that would make me stop reading this series. Ms. Feathers’s writing and storytelling; pace, consistency, and voice, keeps me glued to the page as I Feel what is coming through in her words and the characters’ struggles.
I personally do not mind the low ‘spice’ content, that’s not why I’m reading these books. But I love the way in which Sophia thinks about how Aleksie makes love to her, dirty, rough, and all-consuming. It is sexier than the actual sexy times. I do feel a little betrayed though, as there is a certain scene in this story where one might see Aleksie cheating on Sophia, despite it being within his Sentinel character. Though at this point, how she will react when she finds out has yet to be seen. And I really want to see it!
The setup of the main antagonist/villain has been there from the very beginning, page one, and continued to grow steadily throughout all the books up to this point. Many others have come and gone perhaps a little too quickly but certainly all of them have had unique and satisfying farewells, and I greatly appreciate that. None of the plots have felt repetitive or forced. So going into the finale of this series, I am looking forward to seeing a huge huzzah win for our main leads but deep down I know there is going to be some heartbreaking ‘holy shit, no!’s as well.
Minor Spoilers**
What a treat it was to have received this ARC the day before I had a five hour flight across continents. I was supposed to be catching up on sleep so I could drive three hours once I landed but I could not peel myself away from this story. Like all of her other books I have read, Ms. Feathers takes us on a whirlwind of adventure with few moments to breathe and always at just the right time.
When the story of Sophia and Aleksie began, I wondered if there would be a war but I had thought it would be more contained within the realm not from an external force. Howdy was I wrong. What we have here is a series that spans realms, deviates from systematic norms, and brings a lot of people back from the dead. And *spoiler* apparently many of them already were that way to begin with.
In this episode of the Fedosian Wars we find ourselves not gallivanting around the realms like we have in the previous books. Instead, we are dropped smack in spot where we stay for most of the entire book. Right at the frontline. And what a frontline it is, filled with fog, bog, and boogie monsters. Monsters of every kind - man, ghoul, ghost, and something altogether creepy crawly.
By following three different main POVs, and people showing up and disappearing from miles and miles along the barricading wall, it makes it reminiscent of Tolstoy’s War and Peace. It is very easy to lose track of people during day long battles and to get separated from columns and for those columns, filled with varying types of troops lead by self-serving generals, to get all tangled up into a fine mess of egos and dead bodies.
One thing this series could benefit from is a characters list with the houses and powers attributed to them. I have gotten a little lost on who is related to whom and which alchemy their families are supposed to be in control of.
When the main spook/ antagonist showed up in this volume, I had to go back into the previous book to figure out which of the two brothers he had been. And even then, when he did show up it took a minute to figure out that he was a spook to begin with. Sometimes the author throws things into the mix so quickly and abruptly that it can be missed. It took me until the last book to finally figure out or See what Aleksie’s lash was because the description was so quick and minimal in the first book, if at all.
So the same goes for several of the characters, if they are off-stage for a length of time (considering the Slavic tendency to give a person three or more nicknames - very Tolstoyesque) it can get very confusing if they just show up and we’re just given a name with some dialog. That being said, I do feel like many of the secondary characters do have their individual traits, but all the minor characters sit like set dressing with very little to distinguish themselves from one another.
Without a doubt though, these are not points that would make me stop reading this series. Ms. Feathers’s writing and storytelling; pace, consistency, and voice, keeps me glued to the page as I Feel what is coming through in her words and the characters’ struggles.
I personally do not mind the low ‘spice’ content, that’s not why I’m reading these books. But I love the way in which Sophia thinks about how Aleksie makes love to her, dirty, rough, and all-consuming. It is sexier than the actual sexy times. I do feel a little betrayed though, as there is a certain scene in this story where one might see Aleksie cheating on Sophia, despite it being within his Sentinel character. Though at this point, how she will react when she finds out has yet to be seen. And I really want to see it!
The setup of the main antagonist/villain has been there from the very beginning, page one, and continued to grow steadily throughout all the books up to this point. Many others have come and gone perhaps a little too quickly but certainly all of them have had unique and satisfying farewells, and I greatly appreciate that. None of the plots have felt repetitive or forced. So going into the finale of this series, I am looking forward to seeing a huge huzzah win for our main leads but deep down I know there is going to be some heartbreaking ‘holy shit, no!’s as well.
February 22, 2025
@booksirens ARC Review of War and the Throne by @brien_feathers
5/5 stars
0/4 spice
Just when I thought this series couldn’t destroy me any more than it did, Brien said “hold my pen” and cackled while she drank tears from the skulls of her enemies. This book chewed me up and spat me out. She writes the most maddening brilliant plot arcs, and I both love and hate it because I keep coming back for more.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the banter between Lev and Aleskei. Their brotherhood forged in battles and war, but still waters run deep with these two. And I truly do hope to see Lev find his happily ever after with someone in the end; it won’t be the same as Semyon, but Lev deserves peace after all he’s had to endure. I’m secretly hoping it’s a certain sentinel (hint: it’s not Aleskei).
Based on where this book ended (it’s a bit of a doozy), book 5 is going to be even more heartbreaking. #darkfantasy #fantasyromance #brienfeathers #fedosianwarseries #historicalfantasy
5/5 stars
0/4 spice
Just when I thought this series couldn’t destroy me any more than it did, Brien said “hold my pen” and cackled while she drank tears from the skulls of her enemies. This book chewed me up and spat me out. She writes the most maddening brilliant plot arcs, and I both love and hate it because I keep coming back for more.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the banter between Lev and Aleskei. Their brotherhood forged in battles and war, but still waters run deep with these two. And I truly do hope to see Lev find his happily ever after with someone in the end; it won’t be the same as Semyon, but Lev deserves peace after all he’s had to endure. I’m secretly hoping it’s a certain sentinel (hint: it’s not Aleskei).
Based on where this book ended (it’s a bit of a doozy), book 5 is going to be even more heartbreaking. #darkfantasy #fantasyromance #brienfeathers #fedosianwarseries #historicalfantasy
February 27, 2025
Lev is Tsar Regent of Fedosian and Elfur is marching its army through the Narrows. Fortunately, he has come to call Aleksei a friend and is depending on him and his experience of warfare more and more. When Sofia is attacked and on the brink of death Lev is concerned that without Aleksei his army will lose any momentum it has gained. Elfur's King Black is hoping for an easy victory with his far superior number of soldiers when he finds out that not all of his enemies are alive. The dver has been breached and the dead are rising.
Such an exciting read with plenty of magic, bloody battles, and so many twists and turns in the plot I couldn't put this book down. All of the characters in this book are utterly fascinating. They are so well written that their personalities jump right off the page and keep the reader engrossed in their lives. I loved this book, and this entire series is a must-read. I highly recommend this book and series to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC I received from Book Sirens.
Such an exciting read with plenty of magic, bloody battles, and so many twists and turns in the plot I couldn't put this book down. All of the characters in this book are utterly fascinating. They are so well written that their personalities jump right off the page and keep the reader engrossed in their lives. I loved this book, and this entire series is a must-read. I highly recommend this book and series to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC I received from Book Sirens.
June 28, 2025
Brien does such an amazing job at writing this series that I have been hooked on it with every single one of them!!
Now this book helps us understand a bit more about the war that is going on. We get a lot of Lev's POV and Black's POV but worry not we still get Sophia's!!
I absolutely love Lev and Aleskei's relationship they have such a fun banter like brothers, compared to how they started they have come such a long way together and I am glad they are still good. Now we see Black and his kingdom coming in trying to overthrow Lev and his men. The problem is there are monsters neither side knew about including the dead are rising.
We get lots of battles, magic, and plot twists in this book. We also get a lot of back story on characters and also see how characters grow in this book which keeps you hooked. This series just keeps getting better and so much more in depth and interesting that I cant help but go through these books so fast!
I did receive this as an ARC and this is my honest review!!
Now this book helps us understand a bit more about the war that is going on. We get a lot of Lev's POV and Black's POV but worry not we still get Sophia's!!
I absolutely love Lev and Aleskei's relationship they have such a fun banter like brothers, compared to how they started they have come such a long way together and I am glad they are still good. Now we see Black and his kingdom coming in trying to overthrow Lev and his men. The problem is there are monsters neither side knew about including the dead are rising.
We get lots of battles, magic, and plot twists in this book. We also get a lot of back story on characters and also see how characters grow in this book which keeps you hooked. This series just keeps getting better and so much more in depth and interesting that I cant help but go through these books so fast!
I did receive this as an ARC and this is my honest review!!
March 3, 2025
When I started this series, I had my doubts. Book 1 was really a thing. But every chapter appealed to me more and more, the world that was created was beautiful and the protagonists were so lifelike. And now I've arrived at book 4. And I really didn't think it could get any better, but believe me Brien Feathers has created a phenomenal adventure here, which I really think should be made into a film at some point. Sofia/Yeliza, Burkhard, Viktor, Lev and of course Aleksei. Sofia, from House Guard, is now married to Alkesei, but there is still war and the world is really not safe. We get to know Lev better in this book, that he can do a lot more for a drunkard. And then of course the darkling is still targeting the Guards. And we also learn more about Burkhard and Sofia/Yeliza. I really can't wait for the final part of this fantastic, magical series. Highly recommended.
February 21, 2025
‘War has a way of making men out of boys’…and widows out of many a wife
Battles and other traumas don’t always end in physical death:
‘Breathing fire and hoarding gold, [Lev] had become a real dragon.’
The author gives us even more character development as well as provides some in-depth and firsthand backstory so that readers can engage with the storyline at a deeper level.
Some sage survival advice from the author:
‘Don’t argue with drunks in taverns.’
‘Words can be dangerous, like blades.’
Avoid trying to comprehend the mind of darkness.
Fave line:
‘The fog tasted of salt and the winds in the valley sounded like rolling waves’
The next in series (‘Ruin and Throne’) is the finale and I can’t wait to read what Brien comes up with after that.
Battles and other traumas don’t always end in physical death:
‘Breathing fire and hoarding gold, [Lev] had become a real dragon.’
The author gives us even more character development as well as provides some in-depth and firsthand backstory so that readers can engage with the storyline at a deeper level.
Some sage survival advice from the author:
‘Don’t argue with drunks in taverns.’
‘Words can be dangerous, like blades.’
Avoid trying to comprehend the mind of darkness.
Fave line:
‘The fog tasted of salt and the winds in the valley sounded like rolling waves’
The next in series (‘Ruin and Throne’) is the finale and I can’t wait to read what Brien comes up with after that.
February 10, 2025
I enjoyed this series from the first book Serpent and the Throne, this has improved from book to book. It's evolved into a great dark fantasy and had characters that I was invested in. The plot of this book worked with what I was expecting and was invested in the overall adventure. It uses the sword and sorcery perfectly and was glad I read this. Brien Feathers has a strong writing style and I've always enjoyed the story being told.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 2, 2025
A fantastic fourth book in the breathtaking Fedosian Wars series. Just like the other three books before it, I couldn't put this book down and devoured it within a day. The book is extremely gripping and excitingly written. The characters and their development are also fanastically written, so you just have to keep turning the pages. The storytelling and worldbuilding are also incredibly well written. I can only recommend this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 21, 2025
The first book in the «Fedosian Wars» series was a bit hard to get through, and I almost did not finish it because of this.
But, I am very happy I did not give up on this series, as the following books have become better and better. Often I might love the first one or two books of a series, and then the story drags along for too long, and I give up.
I am glad to say it has been the other way around with «Fedosian Wars».
But, I am very happy I did not give up on this series, as the following books have become better and better. Often I might love the first one or two books of a series, and then the story drags along for too long, and I give up.
I am glad to say it has been the other way around with «Fedosian Wars».
February 22, 2025
I read this in one sitting because I didn’t want to put it down, change that, I couldn’t put it down.
Each book in this series is a fantastic addition, and the characters become more like family. Some you love, and some you want to hit with a shovel while others have you shaking your head at their antics. I loved the interactions between Lev and Alexski, their bromance is so endearing.
Cannot wait for the next book!
Each book in this series is a fantastic addition, and the characters become more like family. Some you love, and some you want to hit with a shovel while others have you shaking your head at their antics. I loved the interactions between Lev and Alexski, their bromance is so endearing.
Cannot wait for the next book!
February 26, 2025
Things are heating up in this new story and it had me glued to the end to watch it all play out. Action, drama, intrigue, good and bad guys, alchemy and surprises kept things interesting and entertaining. Had to see how it all went down and ho wit would end this time. Learn more about all the characters as everything unfolds. Just great story and world building.
April 7, 2025
At times i was left with an ache in my heart. The back story this book brings, is unexpected. There is growth, strength and sadness for each of the characters. ANGER is felt by all. I am anxious to read the ending!
August 13, 2025
The conclusion to one of the most engaging, exciting, well developed series I have read!!
This book series has all the agonizing emotions that you have come to expect from this author. Absolutely loved it.
This book series has all the agonizing emotions that you have come to expect from this author. Absolutely loved it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews