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Of Crows and Thorns Saga #2
Caged by Fallen Crows: Part One
Not yet published
Expected 11 Feb 26Living 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.
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.
- GenresFantasy
Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 11, 2026
14 people are currently reading
1044 people want to read
About the author
Ava Larksen
5 books194 followersAva 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 1, 2026
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.
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.
September 1, 2025
WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME WAIT. PLEASE LET ME BE AN ARC. I'M DESPERATE FOR THIS BOOK.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
February 27, 2025
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 to me understanding them more and feeling empathy 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 a whole another layer to the story and characters!!
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 a whole another layer to the story and characters!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book! I literally couldn’t put it down. It was a an addictive page turner for sure.
It has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year and did not disappoint.
This book picked up right where the first book finished. It’s set mainly within the House of Crowther now that Nelle has been taken by Graysen and his family.
This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. I bounced between feeling rage and despair at Nelle’s situation and laughing at some of her antics! Then I’d be feeling a mix of rage then reluctant sympathy for Graysen’s situation, while laughing out loud at his reactions to some of Nelle’s revenge tactics. The boots and clothes LOL! 😂 And Sage as Nelle’s ever faithful companion 💗
Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions. I absolutely adore these characters and love their chemistry. You can’t help but empathise with them both and feel a bit of heartache. They are in a seemingly impossible situation and can’t seem to find a way around it. But it seems like they are finally starting to understand each other better. Loved the flashbacks with Graysen’s mother and her story. Gray is slowly beginning to put pieces of this mysterious puzzle together.
This book only covers a relatively short amount of time (weeks) but is packed full of information. There is more information about the Horned Gods and more magical creatures within this world. Sirro is a pretty mysterious figure still! Politics are constantly at play with everything that is done. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue behind many of these characters. The twists and turns in the story keep you at the edge of your seat. Big question marks from me about Graysen’s aunt! Or maybe it’s because I just don’t like her! 🤷🏻♀️🫣
Needless to say I cannot wait for book 3! I could read this story over and over again!
Huge thanks to Ava Larksen and LiteraryInspired for the privilege of reading an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily/honestly given.
It has been one of my most anticipated reads for this year and did not disappoint.
This book picked up right where the first book finished. It’s set mainly within the House of Crowther now that Nelle has been taken by Graysen and his family.
This book made me laugh and cry in equal measure. I bounced between feeling rage and despair at Nelle’s situation and laughing at some of her antics! Then I’d be feeling a mix of rage then reluctant sympathy for Graysen’s situation, while laughing out loud at his reactions to some of Nelle’s revenge tactics. The boots and clothes LOL! 😂 And Sage as Nelle’s ever faithful companion 💗
Talk about a rollercoaster of emotions. I absolutely adore these characters and love their chemistry. You can’t help but empathise with them both and feel a bit of heartache. They are in a seemingly impossible situation and can’t seem to find a way around it. But it seems like they are finally starting to understand each other better. Loved the flashbacks with Graysen’s mother and her story. Gray is slowly beginning to put pieces of this mysterious puzzle together.
This book only covers a relatively short amount of time (weeks) but is packed full of information. There is more information about the Horned Gods and more magical creatures within this world. Sirro is a pretty mysterious figure still! Politics are constantly at play with everything that is done. There is a lot of mystery and intrigue behind many of these characters. The twists and turns in the story keep you at the edge of your seat. Big question marks from me about Graysen’s aunt! Or maybe it’s because I just don’t like her! 🤷🏻♀️🫣
Needless to say I cannot wait for book 3! I could read this story over and over again!
Huge thanks to Ava Larksen and LiteraryInspired for the privilege of reading an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own and voluntarily/honestly given.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another great book!! Caged by the Fallen Crown jumps straight in after the aftermath of book one, and honestly, I was happy to be back in this world. One thing I really love about this series is that yes, it’s a romantasy… but it doesn’t stay there. There are so many other layers to this story.
The lore especially deepens here, and I found it really interesting. I also loved the family and court dynamics and how much they matter to the plot. And listen—how can I not mention the ridiculous amount of times I laughed? Those bedazzled shoes LOL!
That said, there were moments where the story lagged for me. Some of the spicy scenes felt a bit long and repetitive, and by the end of the book I didn’t feel much closer to a resolution. But I’m guessing that’s kind of the point, since this is part one.
If you loved book one, you’re almost guaranteed to love book two. I received this ARC in return for a voluntary review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Overall, this was a really good read!
The lore especially deepens here, and I found it really interesting. I also loved the family and court dynamics and how much they matter to the plot. And listen—how can I not mention the ridiculous amount of times I laughed? Those bedazzled shoes LOL!
That said, there were moments where the story lagged for me. Some of the spicy scenes felt a bit long and repetitive, and by the end of the book I didn’t feel much closer to a resolution. But I’m guessing that’s kind of the point, since this is part one.
If you loved book one, you’re almost guaranteed to love book two. I received this ARC in return for a voluntary review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. Overall, this was a really good read!
February 1, 2026
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely marvellous book! I’ve been waiting for this series to be published, and I’m incredibly happy to be part of Nelle and Grayson’s iconic story! The author writes in a way that I wish I was either of the two characters! Butterflies in my stomach at every romantic scene and every fight between the two.
Want to read
July 20, 2025I can’t wait for nelle to get her revenge I’m so mad
Want to read
September 29, 2025So far, this is my most anticipated read of 2026. *grabby hands* The first one deserves hype.
January 30, 2026
I’m so excited that I got an ARC for this series ! I enjoyed it so much and now I can’t wait for part two !
December 19, 2025
Guys we have a release date!!! February 11! Can’t wait 🥹✨
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews