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The Ember War #3
Lies That Blemish
To save her people, Aisling must question everything—even herself.
Blinded by betrayal, Aisling's heart burns for revenge against Kohen, the man she once trusted. But war looms on two fronts—Luska and Imbria—and her people are caught in the crossfire. As battle lines are drawn and alliances tested, Aisling faces an impossible to side with the lesser evil or risk everything for her people’s survival.
Amid the chaos, truths begin to unravel. With every step closer to victory, Aisling is haunted by one Could Kohen have been right all along?
The final book in the pulse pounding trilogy!
Blinded by betrayal, Aisling's heart burns for revenge against Kohen, the man she once trusted. But war looms on two fronts—Luska and Imbria—and her people are caught in the crossfire. As battle lines are drawn and alliances tested, Aisling faces an impossible to side with the lesser evil or risk everything for her people’s survival.
Amid the chaos, truths begin to unravel. With every step closer to victory, Aisling is haunted by one Could Kohen have been right all along?
The final book in the pulse pounding trilogy!
338 pages, Paperback
Published February 26, 2025
360 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Leia Stone
93 books6,561 followersLeia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She's sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
September 6, 2025
4 Stars ✨
YA Fantasy Romance
🔸No Spice
🔸Found Family
🔸Magical Creatures
🔸Dragons
🔸Betrayal
🔸Forbidden Romance
🔸Slow Burn
Book Source
📚 Kindle Unlimited 📚
To save her Kingdom, Aisling must question everything-even herself.
This was a fantastic wrap up for a series. I gobbled it right up. When I started book one, I didn’t think I would end up enjoying this series as much as I did. The characters at first were shallow, cringy and immature- but I really liked the plot- so I stuck with it. I’m so glad that I did because I fell in love with most of these characters over the course of the series as their arcs played out. Even though I knew how things would end up, it didn’t stop me from being on the edge of my seat as they faced each obstacle. It was a fun time and I will miss these characters and their creatures!
August 23, 2025
2.5/5.0
This book would have rated higher if the FMC in the first half wasn’t so stupidly infuriating. Seriously, hair-pulling, nail-scratching, just-throw-the-book-away annoying. It isn’t even sensical. She spends that time destroying an entire country just to get back at the MMC for something she won’t even check into and find the truth over. For some inane reason it seems better to her to just kill everyone rather than even approach her father’s records to see if her assumptions are correct or not.
Once she screws her head on straight (but after a whole lot of needless misery and destruction), things look up and the ending of the trilogy turns into a decent read.
This book would have rated higher if the FMC in the first half wasn’t so stupidly infuriating. Seriously, hair-pulling, nail-scratching, just-throw-the-book-away annoying. It isn’t even sensical. She spends that time destroying an entire country just to get back at the MMC for something she won’t even check into and find the truth over. For some inane reason it seems better to her to just kill everyone rather than even approach her father’s records to see if her assumptions are correct or not.
Once she screws her head on straight (but after a whole lot of needless misery and destruction), things look up and the ending of the trilogy turns into a decent read.
March 5, 2025
My heart is so full😭😭😭😭 I can’t believe the series that made 2024 for me has come to an end. I am so gutted this was suppose to be a 5 book series & Leia had to cut it down to 3 so it easily felt rushed/so quick to end but my gosh the feelings I got reading this last book is exactly how book 1 made me feel🩷
A book like this reminds me why I love reading & why Leia is one of my top go to authors. I love her writing style & the world she creates & having the random quirky side to it is what makes it so enjoyable!
What a series I will never forget💜🩷
A book like this reminds me why I love reading & why Leia is one of my top go to authors. I love her writing style & the world she creates & having the random quirky side to it is what makes it so enjoyable!
What a series I will never forget💜🩷
March 5, 2025
4 ⭐️
Such a beautiful end to this amazing series! This book did feel quite rushed but I know it was meant to be a 5 part series originally but got changed to 3, which you can tell when reading this final installment. I take my hat off to Leia for being able to cram so much plot into so little pages!
I am sad to be leaving this world and characters behind 🥺
Such a beautiful end to this amazing series! This book did feel quite rushed but I know it was meant to be a 5 part series originally but got changed to 3, which you can tell when reading this final installment. I take my hat off to Leia for being able to cram so much plot into so little pages!
I am sad to be leaving this world and characters behind 🥺
September 17, 2025
DNF @ 52%
Pet peeve: when authors add POV/s from side characters to maybe/sometimes make them into a major character.
We seriously did not need Valor's POV, especially if that was just a way to give her her own book/series. The moment I saw her chapter, I wanted to DNF. Then decided to just skip them, and I did.
Kohen may have been correct about Aisling's father, but I still maintain that the way he went about it was wrong. He still betrayed Aisling, lied to her, and even killed her. I hate how righteous he feels about his decisions just because he gets visions about the future. The war with Imbria is his fault, so he has no right to feel sorry for himself and/or blame Aisling.
For some reason, the author decided to make Aisling forget about all that at 50% and have them marry immediately. Huh??? WTF girl? I thought you wanted to kill him for his betrayal?
She started out as a strong character, but I just couldn't keep reading after that complete turnaround in her attitude.
Pet peeve: when authors add POV/s from side characters to maybe/sometimes make them into a major character.
We seriously did not need Valor's POV, especially if that was just a way to give her her own book/series. The moment I saw her chapter, I wanted to DNF. Then decided to just skip them, and I did.
Kohen may have been correct about Aisling's father, but I still maintain that the way he went about it was wrong. He still betrayed Aisling, lied to her, and even killed her. I hate how righteous he feels about his decisions just because he gets visions about the future. The war with Imbria is his fault, so he has no right to feel sorry for himself and/or blame Aisling.
For some reason, the author decided to make Aisling forget about all that at 50% and have them marry immediately. Huh??? WTF girl? I thought you wanted to kill him for his betrayal?
She started out as a strong character, but I just couldn't keep reading after that complete turnaround in her attitude.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2025
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Leia Stone's Lies That Blemish is the third and final installment in the author's The Ember Wars trilogy. The Ember War series blends a fantasy world with modern elements, such as cannons, an imperial fleet, and automobiles, creating a unique setting. This book begins two months after Aisling declared war on Imbria after being betrayed by Kohen Badshah in the worst way possible. As war looms on two fronts—against the nations of Luska and the new leader Maxim, who hangs over this story like a phantom waiting to strike, and Imbria, after they break away and form their own country, Aisling faces impossible choices: align with a lesser evil or risk her people’s survival.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Leia Stone's Lies That Blemish is the third and final installment in the author's The Ember Wars trilogy. The Ember War series blends a fantasy world with modern elements, such as cannons, an imperial fleet, and automobiles, creating a unique setting. This book begins two months after Aisling declared war on Imbria after being betrayed by Kohen Badshah in the worst way possible. As war looms on two fronts—against the nations of Luska and the new leader Maxim, who hangs over this story like a phantom waiting to strike, and Imbria, after they break away and form their own country, Aisling faces impossible choices: align with a lesser evil or risk her people’s survival.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
April 1, 2025
The dual POV with Aisling and her sister Valor threw me off. I understood why the author chose Valor, I would have much rather preferred a POV with Kohen. But in general it was weird to throw a dual POV into a series that has only been single POV.
The ending felt rushed, but overall this series was fun and entertaining.
The ending felt rushed, but overall this series was fun and entertaining.
March 4, 2025
This book series makes me sad. The plot has great promise but unfortunately it's poorly written. Many thoughts and bits of text are repeated multiple times throughout the book. The book moves far too fast, like the author just couldn't wait to have the end scene.
Everything is far too perfect with some big heavy scenes just feeling like they are brushed under the rug. The characters all lacked personality.
Overall, it feels like a first draft, it needs so much more development. I almost DNF'd this series.
Everything is far too perfect with some big heavy scenes just feeling like they are brushed under the rug. The characters all lacked personality.
Overall, it feels like a first draft, it needs so much more development. I almost DNF'd this series.
July 28, 2025
honestly this book really disappointed me. part of it were really confusing and it did not live up to my expectations. the first 2 were so good and idk what happened with this one. still love kohen tho! and aisling
March 3, 2025
“I prayed then that every woman had a love like Kohen Badshah.” me too Aisling, me too.
Another release day binge!! I can’t believe the series is over🥺
As soon as I seen the book was only 244 pages I was NERVOUS because I already felt like the one downfall of the other books in the series was that I wanted more and some things were a bit rushed. For the length of the book it definitely packed a punch and covered all bases - however as with the last two, everything just happened so quick, especially with ending, I wanted more😭 (however I do know this was supposed to be a 5 book series that was cut to 3 so all things considered Leia managed to fit a hell of a story into 3 short books!!)
That said I did still love the book and I have a lot of love for this trilogy, it was great to watch it all come together - the epilogue made my heart so happy🥹
“You are like a ball of sunshine sometimes,” I told him. “And you are like a rain cloud sometimes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another release day binge!! I can’t believe the series is over🥺
As soon as I seen the book was only 244 pages I was NERVOUS because I already felt like the one downfall of the other books in the series was that I wanted more and some things were a bit rushed. For the length of the book it definitely packed a punch and covered all bases - however as with the last two, everything just happened so quick, especially with ending, I wanted more😭 (however I do know this was supposed to be a 5 book series that was cut to 3 so all things considered Leia managed to fit a hell of a story into 3 short books!!)
That said I did still love the book and I have a lot of love for this trilogy, it was great to watch it all come together - the epilogue made my heart so happy🥹
“You are like a ball of sunshine sometimes,” I told him. “And you are like a rain cloud sometimes.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 24, 2025
Omg!! I had no idea what to expect diving into the third installment of the Ember War series but this one was a roller coaster of emotions.
We get two POVs this time, Aisling and Valor, and I loved seeing how strong Valor is at such a young age. I was on the edge of my seat so many times. Buckle up and enjoy the ride because it’s intense, unpredictable, and so worth it! There’s so much I want to say, but go read this series!! So good!!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted arc.
We get two POVs this time, Aisling and Valor, and I loved seeing how strong Valor is at such a young age. I was on the edge of my seat so many times. Buckle up and enjoy the ride because it’s intense, unpredictable, and so worth it! There’s so much I want to say, but go read this series!! So good!!
A very special thanks to the author for the gifted arc.
March 2, 2025
This was the most amazing ending I ever could've possibly asked for! This entire last book in this series was so fast-paced and impossible to put down! I just adore these characters so so so much, and I love that they stay true to who they are through so many trials. This was an emotional read, both SOOOOO happy and SOOOO sad somehow all at once. This is definitely a must read series! Absolutely INCREDIBLE!
March 15, 2025
Epic ending!!
in the United States on March 1, 2025
The conclusion to Aisling and Kohen's story!!!
After Kohen's betrayal Aisling is ready to go to war with him. She is not sure who to trust anymore, and she is ready to kill the man he loves for betraying her trust. When her biggest enemy becomes her biggest ally she finally realizes that everything she thought she knew was a lie.
This story was amazing and you will devour it in one seating!!
in the United States on March 1, 2025
The conclusion to Aisling and Kohen's story!!!
After Kohen's betrayal Aisling is ready to go to war with him. She is not sure who to trust anymore, and she is ready to kill the man he loves for betraying her trust. When her biggest enemy becomes her biggest ally she finally realizes that everything she thought she knew was a lie.
This story was amazing and you will devour it in one seating!!
May 29, 2025
I’m sad to see this series end but what an ending it was. My heart and emotions went on a crazy rollercoaster ride. Aisling and Kohen has been through so much and now it up to Aisling to trust Kohen. Truths were revealed and hearts were broken and mended. This series will definitely have you hooked.
May 4, 2025
This book was constant action. It's a dual POV, which I was hesitant about, but I think it actually made it better. The ending gave me mixed feelings. The happily ever after part was great, but how they got there felt a little bland. Still a satisfying end to the series though.
July 17, 2025
I listened to this series on Audio and absolutely loved it! It was full of betrayal, love and personal growth.
Absolutely a series I will go back to time and time again!
It did feel a little rushed near the end but it was still well done and a fun read.
Absolutely a series I will go back to time and time again!
It did feel a little rushed near the end but it was still well done and a fun read.
May 28, 2025
*3.5-3.75 🌟
June 1, 2025
I found this to be a great ending to this series. Loved it!
July 24, 2025
Obsessed.
May 18, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I also really love Leia’s writing! I thought this book ended off the series really nicely.
I do feel as though this series has so much more potential though. I mean the world and plot are so strong. And we definitely get that in the first book. But, especially in this book, I feel we need to spend a lot more time on certain situations. We also could have a lot more plot twists or betrayals, to really get sucked into the book and not just follow Aisling along. This book could have honestly been expanded to be over two long books to get a more fleshed out story. It still was really good I just feel like it could’ve been more.
The ending also wraps up a little too quickly. It ends the series off nicely but with a little too neat of a bow. I wanted more emotion, high stakes and tension. The first half definitely had that but then it kind of fell flat afterwards. I really loved the first half but then it slowed down. I also wanted Kohen to be a bit more of not letting Aisling go into **spoiler** a certain place. But in general he was still so loving.
Still a really good story and fun read. I’ll definitely be making my way through Leia’s backlist.
3,5 stars.
I do feel as though this series has so much more potential though. I mean the world and plot are so strong. And we definitely get that in the first book. But, especially in this book, I feel we need to spend a lot more time on certain situations. We also could have a lot more plot twists or betrayals, to really get sucked into the book and not just follow Aisling along. This book could have honestly been expanded to be over two long books to get a more fleshed out story. It still was really good I just feel like it could’ve been more.
The ending also wraps up a little too quickly. It ends the series off nicely but with a little too neat of a bow. I wanted more emotion, high stakes and tension. The first half definitely had that but then it kind of fell flat afterwards. I really loved the first half but then it slowed down. I also wanted Kohen to be a bit more of not letting Aisling go into **spoiler** a certain place. But in general he was still so loving.
Still a really good story and fun read. I’ll definitely be making my way through Leia’s backlist.
3,5 stars.
March 13, 2025
cringed the whole time
This hurt, like really hurt to read. What the heck. Everything was spoon fed, or force fed to us. No one had any reactions that made a lick of sense. (SPOILERS) Aisling went from “you killed my dad I hate you” and killing people to “I love you let’s marry in secret and everyone was like oh ok that’s fine I guess? And the uber bad guy dies by a freaking GUN? WHAT?!? They have FREAKING MAGIC AND HES KILLED BY A GUN. Oh and kohen is like I see everything but then I don’t but also I’m a wet rag and will do anything for you? This whole ending and final book was just suck a disappointment. No one was realistic and everything they set up as lore was then taken back.
This hurt, like really hurt to read. What the heck. Everything was spoon fed, or force fed to us. No one had any reactions that made a lick of sense. (SPOILERS) Aisling went from “you killed my dad I hate you” and killing people to “I love you let’s marry in secret and everyone was like oh ok that’s fine I guess? And the uber bad guy dies by a freaking GUN? WHAT?!? They have FREAKING MAGIC AND HES KILLED BY A GUN. Oh and kohen is like I see everything but then I don’t but also I’m a wet rag and will do anything for you? This whole ending and final book was just suck a disappointment. No one was realistic and everything they set up as lore was then taken back.
March 2, 2025
Rating: 4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lies that Blemish by Leia Stone is the last book in the Ember War series and is packed with heartbreaking betrayals 💔 and an emotional journey of love, loss, and redemption.
I absolutely devoured this book! From start to finish, it was a wild, emotional ride that kept me hooked.📖🔥
💌 Thank you to Leia Stone for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The book throws you straight into the action. Aisling’s world is crumbling. Blinded by betrayal and driven by vengeance, she prepares for war on two fronts. But as battle lines are drawn and alliances shift, she begins to question everything—even the choices that have led her here.
And then there’s Kohen. Could he have been right all along?
Meanwhile, as Aisling’s heart still aches 💔 from Kohen’s betrayal, her younger sister, Valor, is sent into the Wilds to bond far earlier than expected.
Aisling is still reeling from Kohen’s actions, and the pain between them is palpable. Every moment they share is laced with tension, love, and a lingering sense of betrayal.
What I Loved ❤️
✔️ Valor’s POV! Aisling’s younger sister, Valor, adds a fresh and compelling perspective to the story. At just 14, she’s thrown into chaos but handles herself incredibly well, proving that bravery isn’t defined by age.
✔️ Aisling & Kohen’s love story—messy, painful, and ultimately beautiful. Their journey was rocky, but their connection was undeniable. 💔💖
✔️ Leia Stone’s ability to balance action, romance, and character growth—this book delivers on all fronts.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me 🤔
⚠️ The pacing was so fast in some sections that I wished we had a few more slower moments to really sink into the emotions.
⚠️ Aisling took way too long to actually question her father. It was frustrating because everyone else seemed to have a different view of him, yet she refused to look deeper. It made her feel stubborn to the point of willful ignorance, even though I understand that she’s still young and has a lot of growing up to do. Doesn’t mean it didn’t annoy me, though! 😆
⚠️ Aisling’s treatment of Alek. I absolutely hated how she kept referring to him as a "puppy dog." He deserved better! 😭
Final Thoughts 💭
This entire trilogy was an emotional rollercoaster, and The Lies That Blemish was a powerful, satisfying conclusion. While I’m sad to say goodbye to this world, I desperately hope Leia revisits it in the future—there are still so many stories to tell!! 📚✨
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with strong heroines, high stakes, and an emotional journey, this series is definitely worth picking up. While some parts frustrated me, it still delivered an engaging and satisfying conclusion ✨📖🔥
Lies that Blemish by Leia Stone is the last book in the Ember War series and is packed with heartbreaking betrayals 💔 and an emotional journey of love, loss, and redemption.
I absolutely devoured this book! From start to finish, it was a wild, emotional ride that kept me hooked.📖🔥
💌 Thank you to Leia Stone for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The book throws you straight into the action. Aisling’s world is crumbling. Blinded by betrayal and driven by vengeance, she prepares for war on two fronts. But as battle lines are drawn and alliances shift, she begins to question everything—even the choices that have led her here.
And then there’s Kohen. Could he have been right all along?
Meanwhile, as Aisling’s heart still aches 💔 from Kohen’s betrayal, her younger sister, Valor, is sent into the Wilds to bond far earlier than expected.
Two months had passed since my sister, Aisling, the empress, declared war on Imbria. Now I stood at the mouth of the Wilds, staring at the smoke in the distance. The smoke of Imbria. Our country was burning. Theirs was, too. For every bomb they sent, we sent three more.Valor’s POV was such a great addition to the story. It added depth, and I loved seeing the war and politics through her eyes.
Aisling is still reeling from Kohen’s actions, and the pain between them is palpable. Every moment they share is laced with tension, love, and a lingering sense of betrayal.
My heart still ached somehow, even though it was currently a pile of ashes inside my chest. Kohen killing my father, admitting it, and then killing me was enough to deaden me inside.Kohen’s regret is raw, but Aisling isn’t ready to forgive—nor should she. Their journey is messy, painful, and ultimately beautiful. Their love story wasn’t easy, but it felt real, and their ending left me satisfied.❤️🔥
“Give me one reason,” I growled, panting against his ear as adrenaline and rage coursed through me. But I knew it was a mistake to get this close to him the second I smelled him.
Ginger, cardamom… home.
“Maybe you should,” he said, his voice filled with agony. “It would end my misery.”
I rolled my eyes. “You don’t get to wallow in any kind of pity, Kohen. You killed my father and me. You disgust me.”
He nodded. “Not as much as I disgust myself.”
What I Loved ❤️
✔️ Valor’s POV! Aisling’s younger sister, Valor, adds a fresh and compelling perspective to the story. At just 14, she’s thrown into chaos but handles herself incredibly well, proving that bravery isn’t defined by age.
✔️ Aisling & Kohen’s love story—messy, painful, and ultimately beautiful. Their journey was rocky, but their connection was undeniable. 💔💖
✔️ Leia Stone’s ability to balance action, romance, and character growth—this book delivers on all fronts.
What Didn’t Quite Work for Me 🤔
⚠️ The pacing was so fast in some sections that I wished we had a few more slower moments to really sink into the emotions.
⚠️ Aisling took way too long to actually question her father. It was frustrating because everyone else seemed to have a different view of him, yet she refused to look deeper. It made her feel stubborn to the point of willful ignorance, even though I understand that she’s still young and has a lot of growing up to do. Doesn’t mean it didn’t annoy me, though! 😆
⚠️ Aisling’s treatment of Alek. I absolutely hated how she kept referring to him as a "puppy dog." He deserved better! 😭
Alek. Sweet and loyal Alek, who was marrying me for the good of our people. He was like a little puppy dog, always there waiting for my affection, which I had no intention of giving him.Alek was kind, loyal, and honestly way too good for how Aisling treated him. I just wanted to shake her sometimes! 😤
Final Thoughts 💭
This entire trilogy was an emotional rollercoaster, and The Lies That Blemish was a powerful, satisfying conclusion. While I’m sad to say goodbye to this world, I desperately hope Leia revisits it in the future—there are still so many stories to tell!! 📚✨
If you enjoy fast-paced romantasy with strong heroines, high stakes, and an emotional journey, this series is definitely worth picking up. While some parts frustrated me, it still delivered an engaging and satisfying conclusion ✨📖🔥
May 24, 2025
I enjoyed most of this book as much as the last two until
SPOILERS
1) AISLING (fmc) BROKE AN ENGAGEMENT AND IMMEDIATELY GOT MARRIED WITHOUT EVEN TELLING HER 1st FIANCÉ (Alek) THAT SHE NO LONGER WISHED TO MARRY HIM. That's a deeply selfish and cowardly thing to do to someone. Aisling straight up used Alek until she didn't need him anymore. That's messed up. Kohen (mmc) is selfish, too -- how are you going to plan to marry someone who's already engaged before she breaks it off with her fiancé?? Dude brought an official with him to their meeting so they could get married immediately. It's disappointing that they chose to act in such a callous and inconsiderate way toward someone who was clearly in love with Aisling and had never been anything but supportive. All she had to do was go home and tell Alek that it wasn't going to work out BEFORE marrying Kohen. That's a reasonable order of operations, it's not difficult, and it's the least they could do if they didn't want to hurt him. They weren't really thinking about that, though. Aisling's friends had to remind her that she needed to talk to Alek when they returned. Then to ask the person who just found out he had been replaced to be happy for her? Seriously, you can f--k right off with that s--t. It's cowardly to do it the way they chose to, and I'm not buying the excuse that it's ok because Alek eventually gets together with Aisling's friend Tetra. It doesn't erase one iota of the disrespect they showed him. Imo, it's wrong to treat friends that way.
2) Kohen's only option was to not tell Aisling anything about the entire dad-killing business because she wouldn't believe him? That's an awfully convenient excuse. Since he didn't have proof, there was no reason she should have believed him, anyway. I have no clue why it's seen as reasonable to believe someone you've been told was your enemy for your entire life over a person who raised you. That's nonsense. He should have produced evidence to support his claim about assassination attempts if he wanted her to believe him, considering that she barely even knew him at the time. That's not a failure on her part, but on his, and he had no reason at all to expect anything different from her.
3) This idea many authors seem to endorse about pain being irrelevant if an injury can eventually be healed is just gross. It's relatively more serious in this book because Kohen had Aisling murdered in a painful way, but it's ok because he believed she'd be alive later. Sure. That's totally rational behavior. Couldn't possibly have handled it any better 🙄.
Anyway, I enjoyed the book except for the aspects discussed above, which are honestly a big deal to me. Three stars.
SPOILERS
1) AISLING (fmc) BROKE AN ENGAGEMENT AND IMMEDIATELY GOT MARRIED WITHOUT EVEN TELLING HER 1st FIANCÉ (Alek) THAT SHE NO LONGER WISHED TO MARRY HIM. That's a deeply selfish and cowardly thing to do to someone. Aisling straight up used Alek until she didn't need him anymore. That's messed up. Kohen (mmc) is selfish, too -- how are you going to plan to marry someone who's already engaged before she breaks it off with her fiancé?? Dude brought an official with him to their meeting so they could get married immediately. It's disappointing that they chose to act in such a callous and inconsiderate way toward someone who was clearly in love with Aisling and had never been anything but supportive. All she had to do was go home and tell Alek that it wasn't going to work out BEFORE marrying Kohen. That's a reasonable order of operations, it's not difficult, and it's the least they could do if they didn't want to hurt him. They weren't really thinking about that, though. Aisling's friends had to remind her that she needed to talk to Alek when they returned. Then to ask the person who just found out he had been replaced to be happy for her? Seriously, you can f--k right off with that s--t. It's cowardly to do it the way they chose to, and I'm not buying the excuse that it's ok because Alek eventually gets together with Aisling's friend Tetra. It doesn't erase one iota of the disrespect they showed him. Imo, it's wrong to treat friends that way.
2) Kohen's only option was to not tell Aisling anything about the entire dad-killing business because she wouldn't believe him? That's an awfully convenient excuse. Since he didn't have proof, there was no reason she should have believed him, anyway. I have no clue why it's seen as reasonable to believe someone you've been told was your enemy for your entire life over a person who raised you. That's nonsense. He should have produced evidence to support his claim about assassination attempts if he wanted her to believe him, considering that she barely even knew him at the time. That's not a failure on her part, but on his, and he had no reason at all to expect anything different from her.
3) This idea many authors seem to endorse about pain being irrelevant if an injury can eventually be healed is just gross. It's relatively more serious in this book because Kohen had Aisling murdered in a painful way, but it's ok because he believed she'd be alive later. Sure. That's totally rational behavior. Couldn't possibly have handled it any better 🙄.
Anyway, I enjoyed the book except for the aspects discussed above, which are honestly a big deal to me. Three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2025
2.4🌟
This truly could've been a great series, but alas I'll forever mourn the potential wasted that is this series 💔
Plus this took me so long to finish, Idk if it was the double pov which threw me off or what but even though I was so tired of being in Aisling head I still struggled. My god was this girl annoying 😭like how do you a character so bad? Instead of character development, she regressed even further than how she was in book 1 and atleast then she was a decent person . She pmo mahn ngl like none of her decisions make sense, why would you burn a whole country because of one man? The supposed love of your life? Seriously what did she think that would accomplish? And what pisses me off even more is everyone in the book making her seem like this great and smart leader especially Valor like omg could you blow any more smoke up her ass? I get her being her idol and stuff but she never did ONE thing for the sake of the country and her people until the very end and even then it was to save her sister. She was just an emotionally stunted teenager cosplaying as a leader. Even Valor was more mature and smarter than her.
Speaking of the another dull character, I present Kohen whatshisface. I hate how they tried to make us believe they (also were in love and not trauma bonding. Like stop trying to make fetch happen!) And on him being bland, why was his whole personality the fact that he could see the future? Seriously take away his power and what do you have? Literally nothing, he had no personality like not even a small character arc regarding his father, who was murdered in cold blood. No all he was was his visions and love bombing Aisling.
Even the story was so meh like nothing about it was memorable bro. And all that hype around Maxim just for him to be a typical sadistic bastard. Like at least make him smart or something. Why would he want to rule over the "world" but at the same time want to set off a nuclear bomb? The math ain't mathing. And don't get me started on his death.. A gun? Really? Ijbol. And the Luskins surrendering was so lazy like these people have been deprived of ember for years and suddenly they want peace with people who killed their leader (maxims dad) and stole their dragons ? I know they wanted to tie the whole thing up in a nice little bow but at least make it believe bruh
Okay I'm done. I know that seems like a harsh review but I can't with these mediocre stories anymore and these authors need to do better fr coz this is time wasted I'll never again get in my life
This truly could've been a great series, but alas I'll forever mourn the potential wasted that is this series 💔
Plus this took me so long to finish, Idk if it was the double pov which threw me off or what but even though I was so tired of being in Aisling head I still struggled. My god was this girl annoying 😭like how do you a character so bad? Instead of character development, she regressed even further than how she was in book 1 and atleast then she was a decent person . She pmo mahn ngl like none of her decisions make sense, why would you burn a whole country because of one man? The supposed love of your life? Seriously what did she think that would accomplish? And what pisses me off even more is everyone in the book making her seem like this great and smart leader especially Valor like omg could you blow any more smoke up her ass? I get her being her idol and stuff but she never did ONE thing for the sake of the country and her people until the very end and even then it was to save her sister. She was just an emotionally stunted teenager cosplaying as a leader. Even Valor was more mature and smarter than her.
Speaking of the another dull character, I present Kohen whatshisface. I hate how they tried to make us believe they (also were in love and not trauma bonding. Like stop trying to make fetch happen!) And on him being bland, why was his whole personality the fact that he could see the future? Seriously take away his power and what do you have? Literally nothing, he had no personality like not even a small character arc regarding his father, who was murdered in cold blood. No all he was was his visions and love bombing Aisling.
Even the story was so meh like nothing about it was memorable bro. And all that hype around Maxim just for him to be a typical sadistic bastard. Like at least make him smart or something. Why would he want to rule over the "world" but at the same time want to set off a nuclear bomb? The math ain't mathing. And don't get me started on his death.. A gun? Really? Ijbol. And the Luskins surrendering was so lazy like these people have been deprived of ember for years and suddenly they want peace with people who killed their leader (maxims dad) and stole their dragons ? I know they wanted to tie the whole thing up in a nice little bow but at least make it believe bruh
Okay I'm done. I know that seems like a harsh review but I can't with these mediocre stories anymore and these authors need to do better fr coz this is time wasted I'll never again get in my life
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
I couldn't stop reading, and when I felt the pace accelerating and realized I was nearly finished I didn't want the story to end.
The book starts about two months after the end if the second one, when Kohen reveals Aisling that he killed her father the Emperor and kills her afterwards. She is enraged by this and hunts him with all her might, bombing Imbria and killing innocent people as a result.
But then Kohen's insistent pleas as well as his brothers' caring of Valor while in the search of her bond in the Wilds make her second guess and actually search for any evidence that her father did indeed try to kill her in several occasions, making Kohen right about her father all along and changing both nations' fate.
She's also preparing to go to war against Maxim so things do not look well when one of her sisters is kidnapped by him and being demanded to marry Maxim as well as to give up Amersea immediately.
It had enough mix of tension, love and hope that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story, I mean... I read 75% of the book in one sitting!
Yes, it felt a little forced a few times and part of the ending felt rushed, especially because there were new backstories thrown in halfway and were concluded just as quickly as they came, but overall I think the author managed it pretty well to make it work and the result in my opinion made justice to the three nations. I just wish it had been longer so we'd have more time to digest those bits and pieces that the author wanted to share ... and also to enjoy the characters, I'm not ready to say goodbye!
The book starts about two months after the end if the second one, when Kohen reveals Aisling that he killed her father the Emperor and kills her afterwards. She is enraged by this and hunts him with all her might, bombing Imbria and killing innocent people as a result.
But then Kohen's insistent pleas as well as his brothers' caring of Valor while in the search of her bond in the Wilds make her second guess and actually search for any evidence that her father did indeed try to kill her in several occasions, making Kohen right about her father all along and changing both nations' fate.
She's also preparing to go to war against Maxim so things do not look well when one of her sisters is kidnapped by him and being demanded to marry Maxim as well as to give up Amersea immediately.
It had enough mix of tension, love and hope that keeps the reader engaged throughout the story, I mean... I read 75% of the book in one sitting!
Yes, it felt a little forced a few times and part of the ending felt rushed, especially because there were new backstories thrown in halfway and were concluded just as quickly as they came, but overall I think the author managed it pretty well to make it work and the result in my opinion made justice to the three nations. I just wish it had been longer so we'd have more time to digest those bits and pieces that the author wanted to share ... and also to enjoy the characters, I'm not ready to say goodbye!
March 9, 2025
This was way better than the last book, though half the chapters are strangely from a new character’s POV. It doesn’t seem like it’s for spin off purposes either, the story just reorients around her instead.
It starts off still bogged down in the past and takes a while for Aisling to get with the program, before rushing off to a last hundred pages that had so much crammed in. The pacing is all over the place. I was reading it wondering when all these anticipated events were going to take place—and they do happen—but the major conflict is quite downplayed and doesn’t really have time to percolate or truly come into fruition. The big bad villain in this is so potently creepy and evil but still manages to be basically PG. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we weren’t played around with in his world for two books of dark depressing content, but he is very wasted potential.
There is some character growth and questions that never really get a chance to be explored beyond a single rushed conversation, and so many elements are left hanging.
Kohen is everything you expect him to be, Aisling is still annoying with her disbelief of facts I thought she already knew (or at the very least suspected) in book one but once she sucks up her pride she’s the character we need in here.
This has one of those bittersweet happy endings, and after everything they went through it was so sappy and saccharine and I loved it.
It starts off still bogged down in the past and takes a while for Aisling to get with the program, before rushing off to a last hundred pages that had so much crammed in. The pacing is all over the place. I was reading it wondering when all these anticipated events were going to take place—and they do happen—but the major conflict is quite downplayed and doesn’t really have time to percolate or truly come into fruition. The big bad villain in this is so potently creepy and evil but still manages to be basically PG. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we weren’t played around with in his world for two books of dark depressing content, but he is very wasted potential.
There is some character growth and questions that never really get a chance to be explored beyond a single rushed conversation, and so many elements are left hanging.
Kohen is everything you expect him to be, Aisling is still annoying with her disbelief of facts I thought she already knew (or at the very least suspected) in book one but once she sucks up her pride she’s the character we need in here.
This has one of those bittersweet happy endings, and after everything they went through it was so sappy and saccharine and I loved it.
March 18, 2025
Absolutely loved this series, so am I even surprised I love this book? Nope. Was it a little anticlimactic in a certain area? Yeah, I expected more. BUT this being with being said. I also remembered the author, and series I am reading. If this was in a different series by say a author who writes darker, maybe more steamy romantasys than I would be frustrated with that. BUT this romantasy is actually overall a lighter feeling romantasy. While obviously there are darker scenes, themes, and topics it really for the most part just scratches the surface of them. The book doesnt really get into the nitty gritty like a darker romantasy would. So this being said that scene is actually perfect for this author, and series. Lol, even if I couldve handled, and even wanted more. I really liked how things were wrapped up nicely, and honestly who doesnt love a HEA?! Even if there’s parts you completely didnt see coming, so your heart hurts a little for the HEA. It really is pretty fast paced, and exciting. I easily remained pulled into the story. I think I wouldve finished it in one sitting if I hadn’t been so tired my Ipad was no joke falling onto my face 😅. While this one is a NA, it does have more of YA feel to it up until the spicy scenes. Then you can feel the NA aspect. Really great series, and this book was a great ending to it!
This Fantasy Romance is book 3 in the Ember War series. The romance is this book is an enemies to lovers, and a pre established relationship from previous books. The book does have mild spice, that is a little descriptive. The book moves at a steady pace as Aisling deals with threats against her people, and a new devastating personal attack against her family. Kohen is still pushing Aisling to discover the truth of her father before the new futures he sees come true. This book is an addictive page turning romantasy you cant help but get sucked into.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
This Fantasy Romance is book 3 in the Ember War series. The romance is this book is an enemies to lovers, and a pre established relationship from previous books. The book does have mild spice, that is a little descriptive. The book moves at a steady pace as Aisling deals with threats against her people, and a new devastating personal attack against her family. Kohen is still pushing Aisling to discover the truth of her father before the new futures he sees come true. This book is an addictive page turning romantasy you cant help but get sucked into.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
March 4, 2025
What a ride!! The first two books grip you and pull you in. They’re impossible to put down and this one isn’t any different. It’s a must read with a fantastic finish!
We left Aisling when everything was falling apart. Trust was broken and heartache surrounded her. Her world was crumbling. We are thrown right back into this explosion in her life. War has once again fallen on her shoulders, threats abound, fear of what the future holds and devastation at how her life was so easily ripped apart- how much more can she take? But what are the truths, the hidden secrets? Things may not be exactly as they seem to be on the surface. Aisling has to balance her people, two wars, threats towards her family, digging for answers and a broken heart. Only the strongest could survive.
It’s a whirlwind ride with the answers you seek revealed. There is darkness and evil, pure light and love and the very best wrap up of a series that could happen. Leia was pure brilliance in not only this book but the entire series.
We left Aisling when everything was falling apart. Trust was broken and heartache surrounded her. Her world was crumbling. We are thrown right back into this explosion in her life. War has once again fallen on her shoulders, threats abound, fear of what the future holds and devastation at how her life was so easily ripped apart- how much more can she take? But what are the truths, the hidden secrets? Things may not be exactly as they seem to be on the surface. Aisling has to balance her people, two wars, threats towards her family, digging for answers and a broken heart. Only the strongest could survive.
It’s a whirlwind ride with the answers you seek revealed. There is darkness and evil, pure light and love and the very best wrap up of a series that could happen. Leia was pure brilliance in not only this book but the entire series.
August 19, 2025
2.75⭐
This series had so much potential. I enjoyed the first book, but the later installments didn’t quite land the same for me. In this one especially, it felt more tell than show. I wanted a stronger focus on the actual villain—he barely appeared until the very end, and the conflict wrapped up quickly. I understand the series was originally planned to be longer before being cut to three books, but unfortunately, it shows.
I really wanted to like Aisling, but she sure tested my patience. She stayed in denial about her father for far too long. Even with people warning her and her own doubts creeping in, she still insisted Kohen was lying. When the truth finally came out, her sudden change of heart felt rushed, and Kohen forgave her a little too easily for all the hostility she threw his way. For someone meant to be an empress, she often came across as immature.
On the brighter side, I really liked Kohen, Valor, and Liana, but I wish we had seen more of Onyx. The romance had some sweet moments, and I loved seeing their family in the epilogue.
This series had so much potential. I enjoyed the first book, but the later installments didn’t quite land the same for me. In this one especially, it felt more tell than show. I wanted a stronger focus on the actual villain—he barely appeared until the very end, and the conflict wrapped up quickly. I understand the series was originally planned to be longer before being cut to three books, but unfortunately, it shows.
I really wanted to like Aisling, but she sure tested my patience. She stayed in denial about her father for far too long. Even with people warning her and her own doubts creeping in, she still insisted Kohen was lying. When the truth finally came out, her sudden change of heart felt rushed, and Kohen forgave her a little too easily for all the hostility she threw his way. For someone meant to be an empress, she often came across as immature.
On the brighter side, I really liked Kohen, Valor, and Liana, but I wish we had seen more of Onyx. The romance had some sweet moments, and I loved seeing their family in the epilogue.
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