Caged by Fallen Crows: Part One

Of Crows and Thorns Saga #2

by Ava Larksen

Living together? That's a war Graysen was never trained for.

Imprisoned in Graysen's tower, Nelle Wychthorn finds herself ensnared by something far more dangerous than chains.

The sway is awakening. His tamer influence bleeds into her thoughts, seizing hold of her will—and he doesn't even know it.

If he ever discovers the hold he already has… she's lost.

Escape is her only chance. Convince him to open the door, find the hidden tunnel, and run.

Graysen Crowther walks a knife's edge. He defies his family by keeping Nelle in his tower instead of the dungeon. She's a pawn to force her father's hand—surrender the god‑forged weapon, or lose his daughter.

But living together?
He's utterly out of his depth.

Nelle wages war, tormenting him mercilessly, upending his carefully ordered world. Yet within the intimate chaos as roommates, fury and heat collide. Wild. Consuming. Ruinous.

When Graysen is ordered into the catacombs to hunt an elusive beast, long‑buried memories resurface of his mother's secret life—and a mysterious Horned God who may know the truth about her final day.

To right the terrible wrong that haunts him, he must find the Horned God to unlock everything he desperately needs… if his family doesn't uncover his true intentions first.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Enemies To Lovers, Forced Proximity, High Fantasy, Romance

478 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2026

About the author

Ava Larksen is best known for her rather wicked romantasy love stories.

When not writing or reading, she's watching apartment tours and attempting to tame her wild backyard into a charming kitchen garden.

Settled on the rugged coast of Aotearoa, Ava lives in a shambles of a bach with her partner, two boys, a wild cat, and chickens who refuse to believe they don't live in the house.

Reviews

[Simran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything better than opening your inbox and seeing your ARC waiting for you? 🖤

I finally have my hands on Caged by Fallen Crows and I cannot wait to sink back into Ascendria. Living together in the tower. Secrets everywhere. Tension simmering under every interaction.

What I’m most excited for:
🔥 Slow burn with tension
🙃 Roommate chaos
🖤 Morally gray MMC
👑 Princess who refuses to behave
✨ Magic with consequences

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #RomantasyReads #ARCReview #FantasyBooks #EnemiesToLovers #Bookstagram



I finished Caged by Fallen Crows early as an ARC reader and I can finally say it out loud. This book delivers on tension, banter, and forced proximity in a way that had me glued to every chapter. Trapped in a tower, a magical bond awakening, political pressure closing in, and two people who absolutely do not have this under control.

If you love romantasy that builds slowly but hits hard, grab this one now on Kindle Unlimited.

Huge thanks to @literaryinspired for organising the ARC read and to @avalarksen for trusting readers with this story early.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought book one was addictive....book 2, I'm not sure I stopped to blink while reading. I love when an author can double down on an enemies to lovers scenario, especially when there is so much yearning and heated chemistry between the characters as enemies. And despite being kind of magical beings, the characters are all very real. The MCs are still both in situations where they have to make decisions that are impossible, Secrets continue to unfold, and we get a deeper look into the past, especially surrounding the MMC's family. The banter is perfect. The spice...it's another slow burn that is worth the wait...oh man, so so good. I really can't wait for the next book. June is too far away.

[Your_bookish_fantasy Kerri-louise Whitham · Rating 4 out of 5]

**KIND OF 🆂︎🅿︎🅾︎🅸︎🅻︎🅴︎🆁︎🆂︎ AS I DISCUSS WHAT WAS NOT GREAT, I do not give away anything heavy**
𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- Caged by fallen crows

ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣 (out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 5
🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶🌶🌶 / 5
♟️𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹- >>>⚔️<<<
🎃: 𝐶𝑢𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑖𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 🌑: 𝑀𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑦 ⚔️: ᵒᵒᵒʰʰʰ ˢᵗᵃᵇᵇʸ ᵖᵉᵒᵖˡᵉ••• 💀: 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 M̶E̶N̶U̶ 😳 -𝑖 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑊𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠!! ☠️: P͟I͟T͟C͟H͟ F͟C͟u͟K͟I͟N͟G͟ B͟L͟A͟C͟K͟!


𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
•📖#  635 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
•𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝘁? 3 days
•# DUAL 𝗣𝗢𝗩
•𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- 11 February 2026
•𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? A MIX
•𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼-
•𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅
•𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- MEDIUM
•𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? ERM, TOUGH ONE…


●𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
🔮𝔐𝔶𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔦𝔢𝔰
🧭ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕤
🪧Pᴏʟɪᴛɪᴄᴀʟ Iɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇ
☯️ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕠𝕟/𝔻𝕖𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤
🍭𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪 𝕍 𝔾𝕣𝕦𝕞𝕡𝕪
🌡𝕐𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝔸𝕟𝕘𝕤𝕥, 𝕋𝕖𝕟𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟
🧩𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒚
🗡𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 to 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙚𝙨
🧨𝕊𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕪 𝔽𝕄ℂ

IF THIS WAS A NEW AUTHOR TO ME ID HAVE RATED IT JUST ⭐️⭐️ but because i know book one an I’m expectant of part two I’m giving the benefit of the doubt because the writing style is damn good!

>>>First, I know the review sounds negative but I’m frustrated because I need answers and I got none, and I need nelle to kick him in the nuts and tell him he is unworthy of her!!

🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:

Ok so world building was minimal because we’re stuck in one location for the whole book. Sorry- two locations including the side track task. It was all set out in book one so not much to develop.
The pacing was good and held my interest, the writing style was brilliant as ever.

***POSSIBLE SLIGHT SPOILERS FROM HERE***
But, when I finished that last page- it hit me:
NO EVENTS HAPPENED in this book and we learn NOTHING NEW:
- About the Horned Gods
-About the alverac
- About Silas Boon & Children of Harbingers
- Greyson spends the whole book hunting a creature but the book finishes without actually capturing the creature or explaining any hint of the relevance.
- The Uzrek reappears but offers no information or character development
- SHE LIVES WITH THE CROWTHERS but we learn nothing new about the family except for the godly reverence for Tabitha. We don’t even get to know about the family members because fern has disappeared off part planning and the adults have just dropped off the book.

I was annoyed that the book covered just one maybe two weeks and nothing at all happened, it was one big info dump (entertaining and easy to read) without anything helpful or intriguing actually happening.

Nelle is in the keep yet No family secrets are uncovered?? And No interactions between Greyson and Caiden about the scene in the first book where caiden clearly shows he has feelings for Nelles sister and caiden knows that Greyson has feelings for Nelle. I’ve been waiting for this chat since book one!

Worst yet the romance was a so unsatisfying and it angered me. Because everything seems to revolves around making sure the author could "redeem" Greyson enough to shove spicy scenes or god forbid have him turn around and make it all better leading to a happy ending with them both- IT BETTER NOT!
>BUT THERE WAS NO PLOT TO USE to give the MMC the redemption that was needed to remotely deserve her in the slightest... I was so annoyed at this because he’s going to sell her to be used as a whóre or cut up into pieces and yet she lets him get under her skin. I know the bond is strong and I know she is horny and desires him so why couldn’t she have USED HIM or used shmex as a weapon or something. Plus, while he’s getting his rocks off there was no guilt or remorse about the collar around her neck, even though it must be dangling in his face!

I was hooked all the way through though… it was like I was under the sway! I couldn’t put the book down as Ava has this incredibly was of telling a story. I will admit I skim read 1 chapter of Greysons because it felt so out of place and order and I don’t think there was anything important in it anyway but I needed to get to nelles pov again fast to see what was going to happen- on this note I got very confused with Jezz line- “your welcome” for what? At first I thought he was secretly helping, then I thought he was trapping her and then I just got confused…

I can see now why this is called part one not book 2, we clearly needed all of this info to get to the good stuff that part two will hopefully offer.

I must admit I expected a second love interest in this one, or a second option so to speak… so it surprised me that we were not presented with that.


🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
Are pretty much non existent in this book, it’s the nelle and Greyson show.
Greyson was ruling this one, WHERE WAS THE GROVELLING AND BEGGING AND WORSHIPPING?! He mentioned that the family felt bad and let someone go before the last witches ball and yet he doesn’t even feel that same level of guilt for her? The woman he loves…? Has a deep connection with? Has this magical bond with?
He EVEN GETS BENEFITS OF IMPROVED SPEED AND STRENGTH while training but none of this is explored or fleshed out, no hints or info is given about these new improvements.

Nelle has fire then doesn’t, then breaks then Greysons magic cóck seems to fix her and make her want to fight again… but she does bring some interest to the story as she actively works to get herself out, we see her planning and taking notes and at least doing something- not enough to make grey suffer but enough to annoy him.

There is Basically no mentions of Nelle's family after her dad's appearance with Master Sirro at the start- even though a big plot point was for the Crowther need to break him, Evie gets her mysterious Penpal mail to Nelle but doesnt even write a note to her sister? Not even a hang in their kiddo… Evie hasnt shown up at the door to berate Caiden - with whom she has a close relationship - to see her sister or manipulated him in anyway to even get a note or a gift or anything to her?? Then I thought that door was opening as Mela requests help from Evie but yet Evie doesn't leverage to help her save or even see Nelle?

We get a new aunt that arrives to the fortress but get nothing about her. But we get a messenger / butler type character that drops in, drops some hints, offers us a long detour about another aunt who likes to party plan but doesn't add anything of significance apart from dropping a book then dropping out of the story like all the other characters. I got really excited about him too, thinking finally we were going to move the plot forward and get somewhere!


🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Book 1 was my second fave book of 2025, so I did enjoy this -but it left me very confused and dissatisfied yet hungry for the next book, this one is nothing compared to book 1 but I’m hoping it’s the temptation and taster for part two.


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

***********************

𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[Sarah E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the chance to read this as an ARC reader because if I’m honest, I was desperate to read book 2 in this series. It didn’t disappoint! I give this 4.5 stars so rounded up in my ratings. As in book 1, the magic system is unique, the relationships grow in meaningful ways, and the author leaves you wanting (again 😉) to keep reading the next chapter in the series. My preference in books is less descriptive language (places people, inner thoughts, etc.) but when I move through those quickly, I enjoyed the dialogue and action of this book. Bring on book 3!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first ARC ever and I’m not sure I can even explain how excited I was when I realized I was chosen! After reading the first book last year, it had me in a chokehold. I read 160 books last year and Bound in Inked Flame was the only book I wrote a review for 😆 I knew this series would be one of my all time favorites.

This book/series is perfect for those that love:

🖤 Enemies to lovers
🔥 Slow burn tension
🙃 Forced proximity
✨ Magical bond
👑 Feisty princess
🗝 Political intrigue

The pacing was steady throughout. love that this author can add so much into her story without it feeling like fluff. The fact that these long books of hers only cover days/weeks in the storyline is so incredible.


I’m so ready for part 2!!!

Thank you again for choosing me for an ARC!!!

@literaryinspired @avalarksen






#LiteraryInspiredARCs #DarkRomantasy #FantasyRomance #ARCReader #BookstagramFantasy #SlowBurnRomance #IndieAuthorLove

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐
How I love this story!!! Even though this book covers such a short span of time, so much happens. I love that alongside the romance we get to learn more about the world of the Horned Gods, the magic, the magical creatures and monsters, and most importantly my favorite thing, the mysteries of the past, even if we have only just scratched the surface.

Nelle and Gray, oh my god… I was emotionally wrecked right along with them the whole way through! And I am so happy they are finally starting to truly get to know each other. That said, I was definitely expecting more groveling from Gray. I really hope his suffering, and his brothers’ suffering too, is not over yet lol.

I can’t wait for the next book. I am beyond curious to see where this story is going to take us next.

Thanks so much to the author and Literary Inspired for the ARC.

[A Girl Called Crow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Literary Inspired and Ava Larksen for this ARC!

AHHHHHHH!!! I was so lucky to get an ARC for - not just the first book, but the second too!! There might have been some begging involved, I don’t remember 😉 😏

The first book? Amazing. Enthralling. But this book?? Larksen has absolutely stepped up her game! This is so INCREDIBLY written, this was a full engagement and experience of all the senses. This world and the lore and bond between Graysen and Nelle is so rich, lush, and full. I am absolutely entranced.

He is SO weak for her, and my god she HATES him… or wishes she does. And the pranks she pulls on him is SO TOP TIER I was howling!

These books are a must read. Forced marriage, forced proximity, old magic, ultimatums, complicated magic that makes things very… *complicated*, the yearning and the tensionnnNNNNNNN. Nelle is fierce and strong and cunning, and Graysen is vicious, conniving, clever, but absolutely melts for Nelle - but never forcing her beyond what she allows. AHHHHHH I love this mannnnn!!

Also CAN WE TALK ABOUT SAGE?!? This wraith wolf is just the sweetest puppy and I love him and if ANYTHING happens to him, whatever punishment Nelle would dole out will make it seem like a Swedish massage compared to what I would do.

[Megan Cardinal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little disappointed in this one unfortunately. Just didn’t feel like a whole lot happened for it to be as long as it is. Graysen honestly started to irritate me and I found myself dreading his POVs. Nelle deserves so much better. I’ll definitely continue the series cause I do want to know how it ends, but damn do I hope the next book is a little more exciting.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

it’s unclear to me if anything happened in these 650 pages

[Suirene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much for the ARC.

My expectations were high, mostly because I couldn’t stop thinking about the first book, and I really appreciated that this sequel picks up immediately where the first book left off.

Reading this, I genuinely felt like Graysen: torn between his mother and Nelle. While I understand the Crowthers' goal, Nelle is innocent, and watching her fate constantly in someone else's hands, made me angry on her behalf.

Initially, I found this book less dark and angsty than I expected, which threw me off a bit. However, the more I read, the more it made sense. The tone fits Nelle’s character, as well as the way she and Graysen respond to what’s happening around them. Their reactions felt true to who they are.

Overall, I’m excited to see how the story continues, but also a little worried. I want my girl to be free but I know there’s still so much left to uncover.

[Cybercherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME WAIT. PLEASE LET ME BE AN ARC. I'M DESPERATE FOR THIS BOOK.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caged by Fallen Crows, Part One is Book two in the "Of Crows and Thorns” saga by Ava Larksen, where Horned Gods rule mortals by controlling their vices and “others” are exterminated. Allowing herself to be captured for Graysen's family's revenge, Nelle is determined to escape before she's auctioned at the Witches’ Ball. “Saving one dooms the other,” though, and Graysen is running out of time. As Nelle’s 20th birthday nears, so does the Witches' Ball and the reminder that Graysen has to choose. When forgotten memories come to the surface, he knows there's a chance to save them both, but can he survive Nelle long enough to form a plan?

Picking up immediately after the events of Bound in Inked Flame, Nelle spends a lot of this book in a valid crash out. I'm talking: psychological warfare, tactical crafting, and destruction via puppy. I mean she's a captive, so I was sympathetic. I chuckled, gasped, and “oooh”-d a plenty. I completely understood Nelle's crashout!

But this story is a dual POV. I was already sympathetic to Graysen because I understood his pain. Graysen's chapters show us what's going on, his struggle to protect Nelle, and making a choice. I felt bad for him, I wanted Nelle to lay up (just a wee bit) and for them to start scheming early. It was wonderful how Larksen's storytelling volleys readers between each character's emotions so skillfully.

We learn so much early history of the world of the Horned Gods, Wyrms, and Tabitha Crowther (especially in the last 20 pages!!) in this book that, while lore heavy, didn't lessen my enjoyment or my attention to the story. I devoured this read!

Because it's a "part one,” the story arc isn't solved. It doesn't end in a cliffhanger, either; it's more of a “we have our heading” fade to black. There was a lot of background info, mystery solving, and critical emotional junctions that needed to be had before Larksen could send them on a quest in a way that would do justice to this story and their characters. Despite having more questions than I have answers, I didn't mind it. I'm already ready for part two!

[Jasmin E Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for that atmospheric blend of dangerous magic and a romance that slowly unravels your sanity, this dark romantasy hits every mark.

💘 Enemies to Lovers
🏰 Gilded Cage
🙃 Forced Proximity
🏠 Roommate Chaos
⚔️Adventure & Action
✍️Well plotted & strong on characterisation
🔥 Forbidden Love
🐢 Slow Burn Romance with Steamy Moments
💬 Witty Banter and Sexual Tension
🩹 Hurt and Comfort
🖤 Morally Gray MMC
👑 Feisty Wildling FMC
✨ Magic woven through politics

I really enjoyed book one of this series, but I absolutely loved this one! The characterisation is impeccable, engaging & certainly rewarding at every page turn.

Graysen,the primary antagonist, turned love interest is superbly and suspensly written hes that "morally grey" enforcer we want in our corner. Nelle is plucky,powerful & wild she hurtles to the beat of her very own drum. Nelle, a wildling princess I cant get enough off. & being of the "Great House" who is forced into a magical bond with Graysen - making everything highstakes at every suspense step taken.

I'm loving all the "forced proximity chaos" and intense "political danger". Despite their mutual loathing( its approachable and not polarising) and the high-stakes betrayal inherent in their world's power structures, they are physically and magically unable to separate. - The banter around all of the push & pull is A+.These characters ignite.

Im fully entrenched here within this crime syndicate like and darkly magical world.

Huge thanks to literaryinspired for organising the ARC read and to Ava Larksen for trusting readers with this story early.



Jasmin E Reads
I only complete ARC reads, if I have purchased the book.

link to my book 1 review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Reina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bound in Inked Flames was one of my top reads last year, so I didn’t hesitate for a second to dive into Caged by Fallen Crows. First things first, this is part one, and it fully embraces its role as a story builder.

Part 1 focuses on deepening our connection to Nelle and Graysen as they are forced to navigate an impossible situation, learning not only about each other, but about what it truly means to be wyrm and tamer. Their dynamic unfolds slowly and intentionally, with layered tension, trust, and all the unanswered questions.

In bound in inked flames, I struggled with the world building because it didn’t feel quite clear to me what time period I was envisioning. In this book, the world building is rich without being overwhelming, offering carefully placed nuggets of information 👀 that make you feel the bigger picture is taking shape piece by piece.

And Graysen and Nelle? The tension. The longing. The ache (and let’s be real frustration!!) between them was everything.

“She’d branded me with her kiss. Written poetry across my skin. Bitten it into my flesh and scratched it in red sweeping lines. Made me bleed and hurt and want and crave. Fuck, I wanted her.” 🥵

Yeah. That.

I can’t wait for readers to experience this one, and I truly cannot wait to get my hands on part two. 🫣🔥

Thank you Ava and Literary Inspired for the ARC 🙏🏻

[Julia B · Rating 4 out of 5]

It p*sses me off, but I like it

Look. I don’t know WHY I’m so invested in these books, but damn it I AM. I hate every character except Nelle, and I am only hanging on because I want to see her burn this entire world and everyone in it to the ground. The main reason why I seethed the entire way through this book (aside from how pathetic and spineless Graysen was) was the motivations, and the entire Crawley “plan” makes no sense. The entire story of what happened to the mom and why they need to do what they do stinks to high heaven. How is anyone only beginning to question it? Graysen’s family are not only psychopathic, they’re dumb as rocks as well. I just want them all to die, and I know poor Nelle is going to love Greyson and help his family and it makes me want to throw this book at the wall. Lord help me, and I’m going to have to stew in this anger until the next one. And I know I’ll be disappointed because I KNOW Nelle isn’t going to exact the revenge she deserves and that she’s going to feel sorry for everyone and help them.

Good series, convoluted at times. Interesting “world” that doesn’t always make sense to me. I hate everyone. I want Nelle to destroy this entire rotten world. She won’t. I’m mad about it.

[Kristen Vining · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was graciously given an ARC for this book and was so excited to get back into Graysen and Nelle's story! Especially after the end of Bound in Inked Flame 😱! And BOY did it not disappoint. I still have so many questions, but the unraveling of things in this book was so well interwoven into the plot and the will they won't they tension🥵! Both MCs are struggling and pushing through and growing within this book it was actually really pleasant to see that while the book wasn't action packed there was still so much going on! Like I said I'm still like okay where the heck will we go from here and how... and also what in the world is Jett up to bc... bro is SUS. Anyways, if you loved the first one, Caged by Fallen Crows part 1 does not disappoint! And gosh I hope part 2 comes soon!!

[Kerry Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god!! I read book 1 last year and for the passed few months I’ve been trying to remember what this series was so I could find out when this book was out, it was driving me mad but the it arrived on my kindle and here we are! The gods damned longing in this book was thick, I swear I’ve never wanted a couple to sort their shit out as much as nelle and graysen! The sexual tension, the guilt, the female rage! All of it was fucking delicious. I am 100% sure they are mates and how they haven’t figured this out beats me. I honestly can’t understand how this family is ok with what they are gunna do to nelle, Tabitha would be aghast I’m sure. If I was nelle I would point this out and rub it in their faces. I have high hopes for their love to conquer all in the next book.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty solid follow up ya’ll! Love that the author doesn’t sacrifice having a plot just because it’s a romantasy. While there were some spots that moved a little slower as you learned about the Crowthers and company, I anticipate this information will become important in part 2. Love the way that Nelle dealt with her capture and how the characters in this series continue to be complicated instead of flat.

[Samara Olivia Prescott · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE!! This series just continues to keep me on the edge of my seat, and I can’t get enough of it.

If you are the kind of reader who loves tension (enemies to lovers, but they stay STRONG enemies) biting banter, and magic meets politics, Caged by Fallen Crows is out today and waiting for you on KU.

As an ARC reader, I can honestly say this is a character-driven romantasy that leans hard into forced proximity, magical influence, and the slow unraveling of two very stubborn people trapped together.

Reading this series is truly a wild ride.

It’s a binge worthy book, filled with all the the moments I long for in a romantasy. Strong character development (and not just with the mc’s but everyone) — a complex world, but not too complex that you lose the plot, and just overall, great storytelling.

Thank you @literaryinspired for organising the ARC and @avalarksen for this story.

Read if you love:
Slow burn romance
Morally gray MMC
Roommate chaos
Magic with consequences
Strong, defiant FMC
Enemies to lovers

[Pan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry Ava Larksen, I hate to be mean with a bad review but you fumbled badly on this sequel.
Major rant incoming.
WARNING * SPOILERS GALORE BELOW *

Uhm did we all read the same book because what are these 4 and 5* ratings for? This is my first review and I felt compelled because I was soooo disappointed at all the shortcuts the author took to make the story convenient:
Bound by Inked Flames - was such a good fun read I could give it 4.5* and I was excited to see how the story progresses in book 2 and swiftly picked it up as soon as it was released.

The book starts strong with Nelle's pranks BUT deteriorates quickly - UHM WHERE WAS THE PLOT??? I don't care if you call it Part 1 of Book 2 - literally nothing happens in the entire book apart from that apparently Greyson builds Nelles trust by doing the bare fucking minimum and that is enough for the wyrm to be tamed.

IN this book we learn NOTHING NEW:
- About Horned Gods
- About Silas Boon & Children of Harbingers
- Greyson spends the whole book hunting a creature but the book finishes without actually capturing the creature and explaining any hint of the relevance.
- The Uzrek reappears as whispers in Greyson's mind but nothing more actually about the creature.
- SHE LIVES WITH THE CROWTHERS but we learn nothing new about the family except for the godly reverence for Tabitha. No family secrets uncovered?? Nelle is so lovable they couldn't even show any cracks in the siblings to feel remorse - they don't have to want to stop their actions but at least some interactions to make them falter? I MEAN where is Ferne? Does she spending every waking second party planning??? Not even an interaction between Greyson and Caiden who seemed to ship them and let it slip to Nelle in the first book that Greyson has feelings for her AND is alluded to loving her sister.
- Varen and Valeria conveniently disappear from the family fortress for the whole book. (I mean didnt Valeria go to see if the Pellans knew what about what Nelle was?? Which is covered up by the other Crowthers near the start so whats she been doing all this time? Noone text her to let her know?) Even Jett 'terrorizing' Nelle was lackluster.
- Characters brought in just to disappear - the the new aunt arrives to the fortress and nothing about her. But we hear a long detour about another aunt who likes to party plan. The messenger doesn't add anything of significance apart from dropping a book. Wyatt.
- Basically no mentions of Nelle's family after her dad's appearance with Master Sirro at the start- Evie gets her mysterious Penpal mail to Nelle but doesnt even write a note to her sister? Evie hasnt shown up at the door to berate Caiden - with whom she has a close relationship - to see her sister?? At one point Mela requests help from Evie and somehow Evie doesn't leverage this against Mela to use her sway with Greyson as his closest friend to help her save Nelle?
- Nelle finally gets access to roam around but unearths nothing by herself from the library or by spying, or overhearing something useful. Nothing but one book handed to her by a character who conveniently appears and disappears from the storyline.
- NO EVENTS HAPPEN - THIS IS THE AUTHOR'S WORST TRANSGRESSION: The author introduces a new supposedly significant event: the EMPORIUM, which I thought was to leave NELLE'S BIRTHDAY & THE WITCHES BALL to the final book BUT NOT A SINGLE ONE OF THOSE EVENTS OCCUR DURING THIS BOOK. Like give us something / ANYTHING!!!
- Nothing about how Greyson is going to salvage the situation or save Nelle bar a vague conversation with Mela asking for her help with no details - at least show him making an effort instead of working on his car every night or that suddenly unlocking some vague memories while he sleeps that will conveniently hold all the secrets to solving their problems. WHATS THE POINT OF GIVING US HIS POV IF YOURE GOING TO GIVE US NOTHING BUT LUSTING.
- I MEAN DID HE EVEN APOLOGIZE? WHERE WAS THE GROVELLING? SILLY PRANKS WERE SUPPOSED TO BE THE SUFFERING? OR WAS IT SUPPOSED TO BE THAT HE HAD TO FANTASIZE AND JERK OFF INSTEAD OF FUCKING HER FOR A SHORT TIME? He did absolutely fuck all, lost nothing (EVEN GETS BENEFITS OF IMPROVED SPEED AND STRENGTH) and still got Nelle's body and heart and trust in a couple of weeks. FUCK girl... just THROW THE MAN AWAY.
-Was the visit to the Purveyor supposed to be some major cliffhanger??

Honestly the romance was a so unsatisfying. I loved the ending of Book 1 where Nelle declares war against Greyson. But everything revolves around making sure the author could "redeem" Greyson enough to shove spicy scenes in without putting in effort. (UHH I LOVE SPICE but it was the one card that Nelle held and Greyson did nothing to earn it). BECAUSE THERE WAS NO PLOT TO USE to give the MMC the meagre redemption that was needed to deserve her in the slightest... I would have much rathered A BOOK OF WAR AND NO SPICE, rather than this slop. By the end he was just selfish and super annoying, with everything revolving around his cock. Doesn't even bother saving Nelle from even superficial threats. Too busy following a miraculous hunch that has him collecting rocks. I don't think I've ever encountered a worse written MMC and by keeping no mention of Silas Boon besides recapping his Book1 actions, I don't know a meaningful way this "other option" is going to present itself to compete with this lame "connection" between Nelle and Greyson in the final book with a thousand other loose ends that need to come together.
- Greyson does literally nothing except not throw her in the dungeon and keep a glass of water around for Nelle? The bar is on the fucking floor... he had so much potential but author fumbles his character so bad - he even apparently knows how to cook well but doesn't even make her a single fucking meal (even though he knows she cant) except for slicing her up salad which she literally doesn't even have a sharp enough utensil to do so.
- Greyson has the balls to tell Mela to save her lover but it takes Mela nudging him for him to consider finding another way to save his? Pathetic.
- Greyson supposedly feels guilt but none seemingly over enjoying Nelle's body. I mean Nelle with her big mouth doesn't vocalize her indignation at him feeling entitled to her body after what he's put her through (doesn't matter if she is attracted to him)? He even says they couldn't go through with it for someone else 7 years ago and she doesn't throw that in his face? Obviously not because its fucked up - hard for someone to forgive him or to forgive himself when the truths are actually laid bare. I mean all that "talking" and she wouldn't ask WHY NOT THEM BUT WHY AREN'T YOU HESITATING WHEN ITS ME? Nothing of him battling his guilt when he encounters the collar on her neck when they're intimate? Author couldn't even let Nelle pretend to have a tiny spark of torturing Greyson for 10 seconds after their first kiss - no, he had to witness her enjoying it as if it gave him a free pass to enjoy her sexually without remorse.
- Just to include a spanking scene: Greyson is outraged at Nelle's ultimately harmless pranks and messiness AS IF THEY COMPARE TO HIS LIES, BETRAYAL, DRUGGING, KIDNAPPING, COLLARING, AND WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE NELLE. LIKE. WHAT. THE. FUCK????
- When she finally breaks and uses her body as a last resort to try to convince Greyson to free her and HE WONT - (BECAUSE HE CAN "IF HE WANTS TO" DESPITE WHAT HE SAYS) AND THEN SHE STARTS BEGGING AND CRYING WHILE HE FUCKS HER, WHERE THE FUCK IS THE GUILT HERE? NO. INSTEAD HE KEEPS FUCKING HER AND HIS MAGIC DICK SOMEHOW FIXES HER?? Cringe.
- Why did it feel like there is more of a focus on Nelle's guilt than his? And it keeps repeating till the end as she mocks his mother's shitty car. She is apologizing CONSTANTLY. It could have been present because thats who she is BUT for some reason its used to warrant Greyson's forgiveness because supposedly if Nelle was in his shoes she would have done the same for her own mother?? Rolls Eyes... It's repeated a few times as if to convince us, however imo isn't very believable because she's never been shown to willingly do anything so ruthless in her life. E.g. Nelle saving Greyson when the Wyrm attacks - she still chooses him over herself so the statement feels totally contradicting with who she is.
- AND AFTER HE GETS HER UNDER THE SWAY SOMEHOW BY THE END THEY'RE ACTING LIKE A CUTE HAPPY COUPLE AS IF NELLE WOULDN'T BE FUMING HE HAS ANOTHER WAY TO CONTROL HER. No instead they're giggling and fucking again.
SHE HAS A COLLAR. BOUND BY THE ALVARAC. AND NOW TAMED TO DO AS HE BIDS. GROSS. She should have broken his dick at the very least - not like he can't heal it!?

I finished it less than24 hours not because it was good but because I kept waiting for something to happen. Honestly, I have never been so mad to finish a book that lacked so much in substance.

I gave two stars generously - 1* for Nelle's pranks - shes a decent FMC and 1* because even though this book was shit I'll probably still read the final book but really its only because of wanting closure from Book1. (MMC deserves -100* and if I was Tabitha I would rather be tortured forever than find out this is how my kid turned out). Please someone rewrite this book into what it should have been because I'm so bitter. THERE WAS SO MUCH POTENTIAL SQUANDERED.

[K H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book about a year ago and my tastes have somewhat changed during that time so I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy this book as much as I did the first one at the time. I received this as an ARC reader and I was delightfully surprised at how much I enjoyed this book!

The tension between Nelle and Graysen was top notch. I ended book 1 hating Graysen and I really didn’t see a path forward between them. I think this book showed character growth for Graysen and definitely some internal questioning from Nelle on her beliefs/how she was raised as far as seeing people. I absolutely loved the pettiness of Nelle during their time in the tower. I laughed out loud at many parts of this book and the rivalry that was part of book one is alive and well in this book.

I think the part that lost a star for me was the fact that very little time passed during this book. There were very few/if no answers. I really just ended up with more questions. I’m not sure how many books in total this series is supposed to be but for how long these books are I would expect more forward movement of the plot.

Definitely 4/5 stars for me. And I’ll continue on with the series to see how all the mysteries unravel!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything better than opening your inbox and seeing your ARC waiting for you? 🖤

Caged by Fallen Crows just landed and I am so ready to return to the tower, the banter, and the tension between Nelle and Graysen. Forced proximity plus political pressure plus magic that does not stay quiet is a dangerous combination.

Thank you @literaryinspired for running such a smooth ARC experience, and @avalarksen for trusting us with this story.

Tropes I’m diving into:
🖤 Enemies to lovers
✨ Magical bond
🙃 Forced proximity
🔥 Slow burn romance
🗝 Hidden agendas

#LiteraryInspiredARCs #ARCReaderLife #DarkFantasyRomance #FantasyRomanceBooks #IndieRomantasy

[Fruzsina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This definitely topped Bound (even though that seemed impossible)!! It was exciting to see how everything ties together after reading Tabitha’s first book (another 5 star read btw) and to see the inner struggles of the Crowthers, which definitely lead me to understand them more and feel empathetic towards them.
I know that the reading order is changing with the books now being published and that Caged is being split into two parts but I would definitely recommend reading it in the original order once everything has been published because it definitely gives another layer to the story and characters!!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was disappointing after coming off of book one. I feel like this will end up being a situation where book two and three should have been one combined book.

Realistically, very little actually happens in this book. And besides the absolute hilariousness of all of Nelle's pranks, nothing is achieved. She did put up a bit of a fight with all her antics but overall she didn't push very hard. She needed to have a steel spine and a cold heart and that didn't happen. She was so easily swayed by her talk with Penn when Gray is asleep. You can just see that little spark of fight dim after that conversation, and it was so disappointing.

For all we are made to believe at the end of the first book, that being in that house with that family was going to be horrible, it was basically like summer camp. She pulled some pranks, she ran about, and she was alone in the library all those nights. Outside of the beginning when he left and she got ill there was no real danger of anything happening. Even Jett's threats were nothing. He chased her after the brunnie but didn't actually do anything. He closed the door to the tunnel but he doesn't even know her terror of the dark so I don't think that can be considered anything.

Valerie isn't even home this entire book. Like what?? She's the biggest threat and she's the pressure to the others to keep up the hate and she's just gone the whole time. Barely any mention of her at all other than that she won't be pleased Nelle isn't in the dungeon. Same with Varen, he's just gone the whole time. Aren't they supposed to be having some month long family reunion?? Isn't this how they managed to keep her there before her birthday? This book covers more than two weeks and besides the arrival of Dustin Reed and their non-aunt aunt's dog, no other family is there that we know of and no festivities have even started.

The opening part of the book is the strongest. I knew the minute he walked into that tower and she made note that there was no windows that that was going to end up being a problem. I didn't see the hibernation things but I figured at least it would drive her into a deep depression and a bit of madness. She lives with the need to feel the earth with her feet and she was stuck inside a with nothing. It was interesting to see how that all played out and I was honestly surprised that Grayson left her with no natural light. He seemed to pick up on so much of her in the first book that this definitely felt like a huge oversight on his part.

But after that happens, everything else just comes to an end basically. Mela ends up doing most all of the heavy lifting in the search for Yezekael. Sure we know he's going on the searches during the day but we don't know anything that's happening. We don't see much of the bitter rage the brothers have towards Nelle. Even when she unleashed the brunnie... there was just nothing. Jett chasing her was even all that menacing. We don't see much of what Nelle is even doing while roaming about and searching the library. it just that she's throwing all the books around trying to find a lever. She doesn't appear to do much else.

What we do get is pointless moments of sexual tension and spice that was dragged out when it did happen. Most of it was so unneeded when there's so much for them to piece together!! This kind of thing drives me nuts. I don't care about them screwing. I care about what Sirro is up to. I care about the truth of that day 12 years ago. I care about what exactly it means for her to be a wyrm. I care about who tf Silas is, and now this obviously sketchy Wyatt. I care about what it is Gray senses when he's around Sirro. That flickering of magic or glamour or whatever hiding something else. I'm interested in more of Penn's background and what's up with Kenton. I want to know where Jett has stashed his unbroken shard that I am sure he went to visit when he left on the plane.

There's just too much going on to spend as much time as we did with them alone in the tower. So much bickering back and forth simply to cover the fact that Nelle has feelings for him. As if that was something that wasn't already established. Obviously figuring out the influence of the sway was important but I just think there was too much between all that that was dragged out while info was just sitting there to be found.

The spice wasn't the only thing dragged out. The memory he keeps piecing together... like omg get on with it!!! So little was added each time it was ridiculous. He doesn't even know what to do with any of it. The news article he read about the day his mother was taken was read and forgotten. The strange meeting with Wyatt was just forgotten. Silas Boon just felt like an after thought most of the time.



This book turned me off of Grayson. I'm so thoroughly disappointed in everything he's doing in this book. Nelle isn't the only one who doesn't have much of a backbone. I would really like to know more about Silas as an option at this point.

I'm still in love with the series though. I'm fully invested and June cannot get here soon enough. The wheels in my head are spinning and spinning trying to think where this is all going. Most series have a book that is weaker than the rest, so hopefully this can just be it and the rest can be back to 5 stars.

[Brita Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living together? That's a war Graysen was never trained for.

Imprisoned in Graysen's tower, Nelle Wychthorn finds herself ensnared by something far more dangerous than chains.

The sway is awakening. His tamer influence bleeds into her thoughts, seizing hold of her will—and he doesn't even know it.

If he ever discovers the hold he already has… she's lost.

Escape is her only chance. Convince him to open the door, find the hidden tunnel, and run.

Graysen Crowther walks a knife's edge. He defies his family by keeping Nelle in his tower instead of the dungeon. She's a pawn to force her father's hand—surrender the god forged weapon, or lose his daughter.

But living together?
He's utterly out of his depth.

Nelle wages war, tormenting him mercilessly, upending his carefully ordered world. Yet within the intimate chaos as roommates, fury and heat collide. Wild. Consuming. Ruinous.

When Graysen is ordered into the catacombs to hunt an elusive beast, long buried memories resurface of his mother's secret life—and a mysterious Horned God who may know the truth about her final day.

To right the terrible wrong that haunts him, he must find the Horned God to unlock everything he desperately needs… if his family doesn't uncover his true intentions first.

YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that are not suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.

Tropes: Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Magical Bonds, Feisty Princess FMC, Morally Gray MMC, Slow Burn Romance, Tension, Magic with Consequences, Strong/Defiant FMC, Political Intrigue, Magic Woven through Politics, Chaos, Power Struggle, Gilded Cage, Roommate Chaos, Spicy Moments, Witty Banter, Smexual Tension, Hurt and Comfort.

Caged by Fallen Crows Part 1 is the 2nd book in The Thornes Saga by Ava Laksen.

I absolutely loved Bound in Inked Flames so I was thrilled to dive into Caged by Fallen Crows Part 1. And I have to warn you, with this being part 1 of 2, this book leans in and fully embraces its role as a story builder.

In this 1st part of Caged by Fallen Crows we focus on the deepening connection between Nelle and Graysen as we watch as they are forced to navigate the most impossible of situations, learning not only more about each other, but also what it means to be a wrym and a tamer. The dynamic between them is one that is slow to unfold is we can tell that Ava has layered it with tension, trust, and all the unanswered questions we’ve been asking since the 1st book.

In the 1st book the world building was vague about the time period this series was set in. making it hard for me to envision everything and everyone clearly. Especially the clear dialects. Caged by Fallen Crows, Ava gave us this rich world building that’s not overwhelming, giving us all the right nuggets of information at just the right moments. And while it didn’t fully give you a time period, it did help give you the feeling of the bigger picture that was taking shape around you little by little.

And as for Graysen and Nelle? Their tension, longing, and aching (and even their frustration), that was perfectly everything you could ever ask for.

I honestly can’t wait for all readers who love fantasy romance to experience the Of Crows and Thorns Saga and I am so excited to get my hands on the next part of Caged by Fallen Crows.

You really do need to read this series, this is one that I just can’t rate high enough, 5 stars does not do it justice. If you haven’t already read the 1st book Bound in Inked Flames then I don’t know what you’ve been waiting for, you need to read it like yesterday and then you need to read this one as soon as your done that book. Trust me, you’ll be crying out for the next book in the series just like I am.

A couple of my favorite quotes from the book are:

“She’d branded me with her kiss. Written poetry across my skin. Bitten it into my flesh and scratched it in red sweeping lines. Made me bleed and hurt and want and crave. Fuck, I wanted her.”

Nelle asks, “He expected me to go through his things?” Penn replies: “His words, ‘She won’t be able to help herself.”

Grayson tells her, “You’re strong. Stronger than me.” … “Say you’re strong enough to save yourself?” … “You’re going to fight me and win, understand?” … “You’re going to destroy us all to save yourself.”

[Litikate · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

This is the second installment in the Of Crows and Thorns Saga. It immediately begins where Bound in Inked Flame left off, at Nelle’s arrival at the Crowther Keep. After having just a taste of freedom and flight, Nelle has essentially been transferred from one birdcage to another - and despite her wyrm being suppressed by the literal magic rope around her neck - she is full of wyrmfire. 
 
We knew that Grayson was already struggling between his family obligations and their sinister plan to find his mother, and his growing feelings for Nelle. In this book, we really see his desperation and inner turmoil, as he tries to develop a third option. 
 
Throughout the book, Nelle tries hard to loathe Grayson for taking away her freedom, and turning her over (sort of) to his family to use as a pawn at the Witches Ball. But she recognizes Grayson’s position and that she would take the same action to save her own mother if she were in his place. As Part One continues, Nelle and Grayson build trust and learn more about each other. But Grayson already seems to know Nelle at a base level from his years of watching her from afar, and their year together. One of my favorite examples of this is at 15% in (I know because I was compelled to screenshot the page and message the author). On that page, it is described that Nelle is tearing up the tower like a raccoon, and Penn isn’t the slightest bit phased. Nelle asks, “He expected me to go through his things?” Penn replies: “His words, ‘She won’t be able to help herself.” 
 
Nelle does what she can to make Grayson regret bringing her to his tower, bringing levity to the dark situation. The banter throughout the book is top-notch. I will only eat “salads of anger” going forward. The tension between them is also perfection. Though Nelle rightfully holds out for much of the book, when the characters do finally give in to their desires, Ava feeds us (more than a salad ;). 
 
While there is some world building in this book, this installment solidly focuses on character building. We learn more about the brothers, and Jett’s connection with their mother - the visual impact of which has surely made them all the more desperate to find her over the years. We also learn more about their mother and that she was perhaps living a secret life they didn’t know about. However, while Nelle is stuck on the estate, we do get glimpses of more of the catacombs and Ascendria as Grayson hunts for the mysterious creature requested by Sirro, and for further information regarding his mother’s disappearance. This installment makes us wonder more about Sirro, and question who we thought he was. I am also intrigued about the new character we meet at the lake and his potential relationship to different characters. 
 
We also learn more in this installment about the tamer and wyrm bond, and what that might entail. And with it, we get a mouth-watering dose of primal connection on-page. In addition to the tamer, there seems to be a separate, unknown, growling and purring beast in Grayson that speaks to Nelle’s wyrm and its hum. Though they’ve always seemed to be connected by strands, since children, their developing relationship seems to be beyond any bond. 
 
Ultimately, Nelle falls to the “sway” between tamer and wyrm. But she is stronger than the sway and holds onto her free will during it. And Grayson is relieved that she does. As Grayson tells her, “You’re strong. Stronger than me.” … “Say you’re strong enough to save yourself?” … “You’re going to fight me and win, understand?” … “You’re going to destroy us all to save yourself.” 
 
This is the first book I’ve read in 10 months where I felt like I immediately wanted to reread book 1 - to watch again how their relationship and the saga develops. Can’t wait for Part 2!

Grateful for the ARC from Meg Kelly at Literary Inspired but I would have been reading this immediately on release day on merit!

[Warner’s wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

MASTERPIECE SEQUEL - MUST READ for Dark Romance/Fantasy Lovers!

The sequel to Bound in Inked Flame is here and I am BEYOND excited to spread the news and tell you this is a book you MUST read and own!

This is the BEST sequel of a dark romantasy & enemies to lovers series I have EVER READ - and it’s only PART ONE!!!

From the ICONIC characters to the IMMACULATE world building, you WILL NOT be able to put this book down! I cannot get enough of this series and this world. Ava Larksen, you have outdone yourself once again. My heart is slain and on your table for dissection, and I am entirely at your mercy.

These characters have become so dear to me, I cannot explain how much I love them. I said this for the last book and I’ll say it again: there really are NOT enough stars in the universe that I could give to rate my love for this book & series. But alas, I shall settle on 5/5 once more.

The first book was an emotional roller coaster. This one is a WHOLE NEW dimension of adventure, love, pain, and all kinds of feelings I have yearned to find - and in a book no less! You completely forget you’re not actually in the world of Ascendria among all these characters and creatures! The world-building and insanely amazing LORE is above all else! Well, right next to the wicked love story bubbling and brewing between Nelle and Gray!

Ava Larksen has a gift, a spellbinding way of creating such works that go beyond the text in the pages or on the screen. You feel IMMERSED inside the story and never want it to end.

The switch to the Crowthers’ estate is BEAUTIFUL; dark, enthralling, almost foreboding in a way that makes you absolutely CRAVE learning about the story and characters, and diving deeper into their histories and tales, you truly just feel the connection to them and their world. The DEPTH of detail and content is inexplicably immaculate and everything I’ve wanted in terms of building and description.

••• 

You MUST read this book if you love:

• enemies to lovers — (of course you do! That’s why we’re here!)
• forced proximity — (seriously, this book is the BEST for this trope)
• forbidden love — (my heart is ripping to shreds & piecing back together in the best way)
• slow burn romance + steamy scenes — (big emphasis on the STEAM ifykyk)
• delicious banter + TENSION — (so good, you could cut it with a SWORD)
• morally GRAY MMC — (Grayson Crowther is one of my favourite characters of all time)
• feisty & POWERFUL FMC — (Nelle Wychthorn has a CHOCK-HOLD on me forever, she is an absolute BADDIE)
• hurt & comfort — (the tender moments are even better than the steamy ones, I love them so much)
• found family — (I add this trope b/c I love the Crowthers, they are some of the coolest most interesting characters ever)

•••

I’ll say this once more: with Ava’s otherworldly and ethereal writing powers, you will feel as if you are ACTUALLY THERE, among the characters and their world. Nelle and Gary are always with me, and have been for several years now. I’m far beyond grateful for this opportunity, to be able to be part of the ARC team once more, and to see this series come to life. 

I’m excited to own a hard copy of Caged by Fallen Crows: pt 1, alongside my copy of Bound in Inked Flame. And ultimately, to one day own the entire Of Crows and Thorns Saga.

Thank you to @literaryinspired for organizing the ARC!
#LiteraryInspiredARCs

And thank you so much @avalarksen and congrats to you again! You’re awesome! ❤️🎉

P.S. this review is completely voluntary, I just needed to share my love for it and claim my spot as an OG reader once it blows up worldwide. Muahaha.

[Yolanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content Warning: violence, death

Spice - 🌶️🌶️

This is book two in the Of Crows and Thorns Saga, so I’m not sure why this one is called Part One?

~ I gave book one three stars because though I was intrigued with the characters, I thought book two would have more world building which it needed badly in book one. Once again, this story is focused on the characters and there is no new world-building at all. I need world-building. This story mostly stays in the Crowther family fortress or keep. Graysen does leave and we sort of follow him on a mission but again…it needs more world-building.

+~ This is a very character-driven story. Graysen is stuck between a rock and a hard place, either to save his mom, or save Nelle. He knows what he and his family is doing to Nelle is wrong, but he needs to find a way to appease everyone, which sucks. Nelle is a prisoner at the Crowther’s fortress and they plan to auction her off in order to find their mother. I liked learning more about Graysen’s home life, but I need him to step it up big time and do the right thing and let Nelle go. As for Nelle, I wish she was older than 19, because she does act like a teenager. The bickering should be funny, but they were just like two kids fighting at times. So I’m still waiting for Nelle to grow, but I know there isn’t much she can do stuck at the fortress- actually I want to see her carry out her promise and burn the place down but nothing like that happened. I do love her wolf-wraith, Sage.

+~ I can’t believe I’m happy about a book having LESS smut, but yay, it has less smut than book one. Though Graysen and Nelle are forced to be together, there is the issue of him betraying her and her being a prisoner that keeps them apart emotionally and physically for most of the book. There is eventually some spice because she’s a Wyrm and he’s her Tamer and it is a kind of mating bond that is hard for them to deny. I feel like they finally get to know each other better in this book but I still want to see more of an emotional connection between them. And speaking of smut…it felt so comical at times! I think it’s supposed to be funny because these two are always fighting. I was laughing at times but also rolling my eyes at these two – I could not take them seriously.

~ At this rate, I want to learn more about Silas Boone and less about the Crowthers. 😒. The story barely budged forward and this is a 635 page book (but it does read quickly because I kept waiting for something to happen). We learn a lot about Tabitha, Graysen’s mom, but I want to learn more about the Horned Gods – what is their deal? I mean, can Nelle have another romance option, like maybe Silas? I’m open to it because Graysen needs to lose her and hurt about it. 😅

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~ I wanted Graysen to grovel, but he hasn’t even said sorry…it’s the only reason I read this book actually. To see how Nelle would punish the Crowthers…but except for some pranks she pulls on Graysen, there is no punishing happening, except to Nelle. I actually haven’t read a book that’s made me so mad at the characters before 😂.

~ And speaking of lack of world-building…I have no sense of what this world is, but they name drop brand names a little too much.

Final Thoughts:

This book feels like filler, because nothing much happens to move the story forward. I still want more world-building, character growth, and emotional connection in the romance. I want to see Nelle enact her revenge and leave Graysen actually, which I know won’t happen – maybe that’s why I’m mad at the story 😅. She’s going to forgive him and help his family out, isn’t she? I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I read the first book, I had high hopes for this one. But in the end it wasn’t as good. It was only the span of about two weeks making it feel rushed where not much happened and also too much.

We are either stuck in a tower for most of it, or searching for something deep within the catacombs. Hardly much progress other than Nelle’s growing frustration and anger, and Greyson’s annoyance and teeth grinding. Both were frustrating at avoiding the inevitable, but Nelle never stopped fighting, which I admired about her. She stuck to her hatred and determination to escape, even if it never truly worked. Her loathing of the Crowther’s seemed never ending, near cataclysmic! At least she fought, which I can’t say for most of the books I’ve read in the past. I just wished she got one over on Jett.

We learn hardly anything throughout this very long book. Nothing too exciting, or that added to the story. And here I thought Nelle and Caiden would actually have an actual conversation because of Evvie and because he knew about Nelle and Greyson, but nothing. He never talks to her once this entire book. She only ever speaks to three people: Greyson, Penn, and Jett. All in order of priority. I guess it didn’t help she was trapped in a tower for nearly half the book, but nothing when she began wandering the Keep.

And at the end, how could she just give in after being controlled under the sway? As stubborn as she was this entire book she easily sleeps with him after him realising another way of controlling her. He told her to keep being strong, but she melted under him and folded over the tub too easily.

Chapters 30 and 31 stood out to me the most. Mostly chapter 30 because it was all exposition. Being in Greyson’s head, I thought we would learn something new about the story, maybe even about the family that held secrets far below their Keep and deep within the walls. But nothing. Even though he was in the library with his brothers, hardly anyone spoke. Everyone did something else and the authour wrote them moving about, doing whatever while dropping backstory here and there. And don’t get me started on Ferne suddenly popping into the group in 31 as if she were there the whole time, but was only mentioned in chapter 31.

The whole story felt…mundane. Unless that was the point. Too domestic, too…nothing. I thought the Aunt would’ve done something more than be there in the beginning of the book then never showing back up again. Jett making threats but doesn’t really act on them until the very end, but then again, it didn’t feel like enough. This Dustin character that seems important but is only there for one scene before disappearing the rest of the book after secretly giving Nelle a letter from Evvie, whom doesn’t write to her kidnapped and held against her will sister??

I wished there was more, and I hated feeling like the authour didn’t truly know where this story was going, and some things felt more of an after thought to try and progress the story. Many instances felt too convenient and Greyson’s ‘memories’ returning felt out of place and added nothing.

Nothing happens.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Caged By Fallen Crows: Part One✨

Author: Ava Larksen
Release: OUT NOW & on KU
Series: Of Crows and Thorns, book 2: part 1

It was so difficult for me to encompass my feelings about book one that I’m not sure how to fully and adequately do so for book two! A continuation in the fates of Graysen and Nelle, this book was equally unhinged and hilarious while giving us a new setting, SO MANY MORE QUESTIONS, and a new set of hidden agendas accompanied with chaos and burning tension.

*possible gentle spoilers from book one ending below*

Bound in another gilded cage, Nelle is weeks away from being completely owned by her captor, Graysen. After a messy and epic cliffhanger, their relationship is unequivocally strained as Nelle’s trust is broken and Graysen continues to struggle between doing what is right for the wrong reasons, his heart, his mother, and this bond they’ve never been able to explain. Despite what his family wants, Graysen volleys between familial loyalty and that to Nelle, trapping her in his quarters. But the stress doesn’t end outside those walls. No, within Nelle has created a havoc and chaos that aims to drive Gray to insanity because of his choices. This book is wrought with more tension, yearning, and another slow burn. Memories are resurfacing, hidden agendas are being added, plots are thickening, an ancient bond looms, and Gray is torn apart with his need to choose. Or… could he create a third choice?

Once again, I had an utterly delicious time in Ava’s world. I love love love Gray and all that he is (I just want him to fess up and show his light!). Nelle continues to be wild and free despite her cage; her ways of maintains a since of power, hope, and control through her wicked schemes and pranks were hilarious. And the tantrums they threw at each other made me laugh and wish just give in!! For when they do, and they line up… y’all. YALL. ITS GOING TO BE LEGENDARY. I love these two. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS AND NEEDS AND WANTS. June can’t come quick enough with part 2.

Tropes you may find in CBFC are forced proximity, new cage different view, slow burn, medium spice, enemies to lovers, tension/yearning, unhinged MCs, touch her and ☠️, feral roommate, pranks/banter, magical bond, hidden agenda, urban fantasy, hidden agendas, and so much more.

Thank you to Ava and Meg with Literary Inspired for this gifted arc. I am FERAL for part two and beyond!