To Bind the Stars

Empire of Ash and Song #3

by D.E. Carlson

Iris has killed the Fire Emperor.The Dragonbloods have declared war.The sun sets on the mightiest empire the world has ever known.But at the heart of it…Darkness lives on.

Iris has done enough. She’s freed the world of the emperor who enslaved and oppressed them. She’s opened the gates of the Fire City and welcomed invading forces in.

She could rest.

But the game is not over.

For though Ahl has been driven back, he is far from dead, and already he has found a new puppet.

How do you win against a demon?

To Bind the Stars is the epic conclusion to the Empire of Ash and Song series! Perfect for fans of the faith themes of the Chronicles of Narnia, the powerful writing style of A Court of Thorns and Roses, and the clean, sweet romance of Caraval!

Genres: Fantasy, Christian Fantasy, Christian

614 pages, Paperback

First published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Maria ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! rtc <333

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhhh!!!!!! I loved it! This is only the second book series I’ve ever completed and the first one was a very different genre. I love fantasy and dragons and so I was immediately drawn to this series! I have gone along the journey with these characters and it’s been an emotional roller coaster. This one is by far my favorite! The authors writing has gotten better and more engaging as the books developed. I can’t wait to read more things that she writes!!

[Madison Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is what made me realize that I really really really enjoy fantasy. And now that it’s over, I’m not sure how to feel… This book did start out quite slower than the first two. I don’t think I was fully invested until around Chapter 44 but then I simply couldn’t put it down. The first thing I will say, I had not noticed a single thing between Jacin and Iris in the first two books. It felt random at first but as the story progressed I grew to care for the two of them together. I will also say, I definitely guessed about Captain Winter and Tabin. There was just something about him… I had a feeling. There were also a few twists throughout that felt rushed. For example, Jacin’s sacrifice. It felt quick and done with. I think if there would’ve been more detail/description there and in a few other places, it would’ve been more memorable. I wish I would’ve reread the first two prior to starting this. I felt a little lost at first as I had forgotten so many of the little details. But as I kept reading things began to fall into place. The last few chapters definitely tugged at my heart strings (was Jacin really dead??? Simply how could that be?? Guess you’ll have to read it and find out!). But THE EPILOGUE I had NO IDEA that more was coming that would tie into this world. So stoked to read more about Jondria! DE Carlson is so talented. I feel like I’ve just watched a movie when I in fact have been reading for hours. This is suchhh a good fantasy trilogy. I also love love love that I never felt like I had to skip any pages for🌶️. This series is truly so clean! That’s hard to find in a good fantasy series. Could not recommend this series enough!

[Maggie McGrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000000000000000000000/5

"It will always be easy with me"

I don't even know where to begin

I absolutely devoured this book.

I have not been obsessed with a book in the way I was obsessed with this since Throne of Glass.

I think my re-read of the first two books was a good idea, and I'm glad I did that since all the information was fresh and I was able to get all the loose ends tied up satisfyingly.

Besaun and Casandra have my heart, always

Jacin is forever and always the best character, I love him so much and I'm so sad we don't get more of him 😭 I could read an entire book of just Jacin. AND I WANT TO AFTER THAT ENDING BECAUSE WHAT???

Allsander and Dox was surprising but I definitely want more – also LOVE that he got the Chaol treatment LOL, I think that's super fitting for his character (very humbling).

I think I read it too fast, the end felt very fast paced but I was ZOOMING through it, so that is definitely on me and I may have missed a few things.

overall though, this book is definitely belongs on the "my favorite book of all time" shelf next to the others (it's amazing how one person can have so many favorites LOL) and I'm gonna go cry now 🫡

Additionally, here is my caption from my TikTok post about this book:

GUYS I AM LITERALY IN TEARS RIGHT NOW

I have been longing for a series that leaves me feeling the same way Throne of Glass does – the same level of adventure, the fact that I think of it all the time, the romantic side plots – after finishing To Bind the Stars (not pictured here, I read the E-ARC) I am confident that the Empire of Ash and Song series is at the same level as Throne of Glass

But better in a lot of ways

It made me think about my faith, it made me think about what I would do if I was Iris, it made me cry, it made me feel in every way a person CAN feel

I don’t know if it can get much better than this

@D. E. Carlson🥀FantasyAuthor📄 thank you so much for sharing your stories with us, I will never be the same

[Annarose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and I am sure glad I got this opportunity to read the book early.

An easy 5 stars for me and easily my favorite book in the series. Below are my takeaways.

Characters to root for, with growth, depth, and struggles. Amazing character development and growth that begins at
• Uncertainty, selfish choices, broken trust, betrayal
• But with hard truth and honesty, taking responsibility, apologies, and willingness to reach out
• Leads to forgiveness, second chances, redemption, being found, and home.

Epic final battle action scene with multiple engaging POVs.

Choice is a major theme. The power to choose what path to take. To make the decision yourself without others pressuring or forcing. In any situation, big or small.

Tear jerking, emotional moments. Things that have been built up from the first two books pack a punch and really leave you cating for these characters. While there is heartbreak, that is not where the story ends. There is hope and peace that rise above the current circumstances.

Powerful themes that showcase connection, unconditional love, being known, and freedom over rules and transactional relationships.

A slow burn romance that has the most beautiful and inspiring payoff. I'm still tearing up and just want to hug my husband. This is going to live rent-free in my head for a very long time. I am not ok, in the very best way possible!!

[Viola Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel so torn about this book. I thought it was well done but I like to read fantasy for the world-building and the adventures rather than the battles against darkness. This book definitely had more action and darkness than the first two. And there was a lot packed into it.

Some things I struggled with:
- It seemed like every character had a secret that was revealed or discovered. It made it feel like we didn't know what was going on at all for the first two books.
- So many things were revealed and there were so many twists. One or two of the big ones would have been enough. Some of the reveals felt rushed and random.
- This book was SO dark. And the amount of destruction that was described didn't feel "real" (obviously fantasy isn't real). But there's no way any of them should have survived. I don't particularly like when characters die, but the survival rate of main characters to everyone else who died felt out of balance.
- Iris has never been my favorite heroine - she didn't really have any defining characteristics that made her memorable for me.

Some things I liked:
- The first 2 books of the series set up the world and conflicts extremely well. And we got enough hints that there was only one reveal/twist in book 3 that I didn't see coming at all.
- Two of my favorite characters "shared" a twist in this book and I loved that. I was so happy to see them both in the capacity that they were. I wish I could talk and gush about it but it would all be too spoiler-y.
- *Mild spoiler*: My favorite scene was when Jacin had is communing. That was epic. And I loved most of his character throughout the entire book.
- I either guessed most of the twists and reveals or was not surprised by them. I don't like when the twists don't make any sense, but the clues leading up to these were done well enough that most of them felt like they "fit". One of them caught me by surprise and it was my favorite reveal...I was waiting to see how that character would evolve and I was not disappointed.

Overall, the darkness of the demons and Khaoss was almost too much for me. At the end of book 2 it started getting darker, but I wasn't expecting book 3 to be quite that much. There was light towards the end but it wasn't enough for me. But, like I said, I prefer worlds and adventures, so this is just a matter of being out of sync with the content...not that the writing or story was bad.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series tucked me in and destroyed me then lifted me. I haven't cried reading a.book in years. I did reading this one! I love this book to my soul! I'm amazed! I already want to read it again!

[Julianna Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book yesterday, and I read the whole thing!! Such an excellent end to the series with a sneak hint into a possible sequel series???

Way more epic than I was expecting, with excellent pacing, and vivid scenes. The battle between good and evil is poignant and strong! And, good wins, of course, but it is not without a cost😭

The faith themes are noticeable if you are a Christian, but if not, they aren’t in your face so much that you can’t enjoy the book.

Put this on your To Read list!

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked To Bind the Court the best of the three, but it's common for me to like the middle books of trilogies best.

**Possible slight spoilers included, but only if you remotely imagine that this series will not end happily, hahaha.

Universe:
The world of the book was just as beautiful as the other two books and nicely consistent throughout. I loved that we got to see a bit more of it and more of the various powers at work.

Characters:
Iris- her character arc is so inspirational and satisfying, though I wish we could have seen a bit more of her strength at the end. She fought hard for it, after all! 💪🏽
Jacin-bro was almost too perfect, so no comment, haha. I think I might be getting too old for these types books. 😂
Besaun-his character arc might be my favorite. The ending ahhhhhh.
Casandra-again, not a very realistic character, but I'm okay with it bc we all need to dream a little. 😍
Allsander-I just want to go on record that my fan theories were correct. 😄
Tabin-I wish we could have seen more of him, and here I need to 🤐 or I will say too much! I'm hoping for a novella. 😅
We saw all our favorite characters from the last two books and saw resolution for so many of them. Exactly what we all want in a fantasy novel. 🤗

Plot/action:
The story felt nicely paced the whole time. The action was fun. The Princess-Bride-esque tangent made me chuckle.
The scenes and descriptions are so beautifully written that I felt like I was watching them on a screen. Chapter 50 may have been my favorite out of the whole book for that exact reason.
The climax did get a little confusing, but I imagine it was for the characters, too, ahaha. I loved reading the multiple povs of the climax! Honestly, Iris's pov was my least favorite. 🙈 Girl, what were you doing??
The ending was quite satisfying. Had some LOTR vibes, which I am not mad about. If you like happy endings with a pretty little bow, then this story is for you. If you like sad endings, well, you've been warned. 😂
Although what in the waterbending--I mean--dragonsinging was that epilogue??? Should be against the law. 🙅🏻‍♀️😅

Anyway, 5/5 stars for the book and 5/5 stars for the overall series. I will read anything Dorothy writes!

[Deneé Arledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book. All opinions stated in this review are my own.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! *Happy Dance and Collapse from Joy*

This book was INCREDIBLE, AMAZING, FABULOUS and HEART WRENCHING!!! This final book of the series had all the epic battle scenes you could want along with all romantic loose ends tied and questions answered.
The theme of how Yahweh gives us the power to choose out of love is very evident. This book is rich with Christian roots. It reminded me so much of the Lord of the Rings and Narnia many times.
This book was a wonderful conclusion to the series. It made my heart so happy to read.

If you are looking for your next Christian fantasy read, not only should you read THIS book, but the entire Empire of Ash and Song series! You won’t regret it.

Note to author: D. E. Carlson, if you ever see this, you are amazing!! Don’t stop writing PLEASE!! We need more authors like you. May Yahweh bless the work of your hands as you serve Him.

[ReeceCaleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

“El would always offer her a choice.”


I sit here in the lingering “hangover” of finishing To Bind the Stars, the final installment in a series I’ve been fortunate enough to follow from the very beginning. I’m amazed. My mind is reeling. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—D. E.’s storytelling effortlessly transports me into each scene, emotion, and character’s mind. Her affection for her craft and the dedication to her passion are unmistakable.

The themes explored throughout the series—identity, duty, burden, hope, sanctification and transformation—are woven with such care that they invite not only reflection but conversation. There’s a beautiful balance of depth and accessibility that leaves a lasting impact. I’m ultimately so satisfied with how Empire of Ash and Song concludes, and I couldn’t be more proud of this accomplishment.

One aspect I especially appreciated was the role of the stars—it was not what I had theorized.
The elemental magic and the accompanying songs were completely original; they tickled my imagination in all the right ways. D. E. didn’t just write another fantasy series—she created something new, something genuinely refreshing in a genre that can often feel oversaturated.

Each character faced their own unique struggles, flaws, and arcs, and thanks to D. E.’s exceptional care, I didn’t just read about them—I felt them. Their voices, their growth, their pain and joy—it drew me in, right off the pages.

I laughed. I cried. I rolled my eyes. I smiled. I was utterly immersed, even amidst the chaos of my everyday life. All of the applause goes to D. E.—her hard work does not go unnoticed.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Iris and Jacin’s endgame? So satisfying. I had my theories as I read, and seeing the beginning of their shared life unfold was beautiful—pure and patient, with a deliciously slow burn that made it all worth it.

Cass and Besaun… oh my heart. I adore them both, but I’m also terrified of what comes next. Still—I can’t wait.

Allsander and Dox grew so dear to me. Their hard-earned happiness, after everything they endured, felt deeply deserved—both their literal and emotional imprisonments made their resolution all the more moving.

Mila—may her noble heart find peace. I truly hope her story gets the ending she deserves.

And Tabin… well, he’s faded to the background for me, but even so, his presence felt necessary. Not every character needs to be loved in order to serve a purpose.

‘Twas good. 5 stars. Haha

[Sierra Rhoades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, that’s really all I can say. I’ve noticed a trend with many book series, that the second book is generally the best (at least in my opinion), but this is not the case for the Empire of Ash and Song because it just gets better every time. This book specifically must be my favorite, not only was it exciting but it was also moving and inspiring. It enraptured me in the storytelling and had me thinking about life. I was on the edge of my seat, I gasped, I laughed and it even brought me to tears but I feel this is important for people to read especially people of faith, and I even feel like I was meant to read it. The writing is so beautifully done and so incredibly powerful, I love how she doesn’t back down from writing the hard things or even the not so pretty details that make the storytelling so real. Even with all the magical elements, dragons and all it’s just so alive, every aspect beautiful and broken. I’ll forever be recommending this series to anyone who will listen!

Now there were a few things I wasn’t a fan of but not many at all, ((SPOILERS BELOW, not specific)) I was upset at the reveal of who Captain Winter turned out to be. I am glad that he came back into the story as I felt that issue needed resolved, both for the story and especially Iris, however I just loved Captain Winter and felt his character was so unique and had such depth on its own that I feel like it should’ve remained that way. I absolutely loved Captain Winter which is probably why I feel so strongly about his character, so well done! I also wasn’t super happy with the ending I guess it felt a big cut short, though it didn’t go easy on my emotions! In fact there were a few things I felt may have been cut short and many questions left unanswered and new questions arising, however more books will come in this exciting universe as it so nicely set up and I’m hopeful they will satisfy those questions!

[Addison Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Avatar the Last Airbender, Narnia, or The Princess Bride? Dragons? Slow-burn romance?
If you said yes, read this book.
If you said no… I strongly suggest you reevaluate your tastes.
This is the third and final book in the YA Christian Fantasy Romance trilogy following the story of Iris, a realistically flawed fireblood girl destined for far more than she ever imagined. This series takes you on a journey not only of Iris’s destiny to help save Jondria, but a journey of faith. It is not linear, it is not easy, but it IS worth the pain, and Carlson spares no heart-wrenching detail as the story unfolds, leaving my heart bleeding as I stare at the acknowledgements page.

I’ve had the privilege and honor of being an ARC reader for all three of Carlson’s books thus far, and I can say without hesitation that she has had me hooked since the first line of To Bind Fire.
Aside from loving the story itself, I gained so much from this series. Watching the journey and growth of Iris’s faith was like revisiting my own, and it is like a balm to the soul. Seeing the struggle of choice of which master you will serve, the pain of losing faith, the joy of finding it again when the world is darkest, this series - this book- has left a long-lasting impression on my heart.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:

It has been a genuine privilege to follow this trilogy from beginning to end and I’ve loved watching Carlson grow both as an author and a person throughout this process.

This is a lovely conclusion, the pacing is very well done to maintain engagement and all loose ends are tired up neatly. I shan’t say much on the ending for obvious reasons but it was a good one.

Themes of identity are scattered throughout the story with characters forced into roles by others and later choosing for themselves. Choice is an integral part of this novel with characters learning to consider the wider consequences of their actions, or lack thereof. It was really lovely seeing characters develop and bonds of friendship blossom between them in ways both realistic and heartwarming.

The only negative is that some of the dialogue was a tad clumsy and didn’t always read smoothly but this is a minor thing that can be easily overlooked especially considering this series is largely aimed at a younger audience who do often value extra explanation over concise sentences.

Overall a wonderful book that really got me engaging with and rooting for the characters - even the slightly shady ones! Especially the slightly shady ones.

Thank you for letting me join your ARC team! Xx

[Meggie Sherriffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHH where to even start?! Dorothy has absolutely outdone herself with TBTS. I laughed, I gasped, I cried, I mourned and I celebrated. I've now read all 3 books and I can honestly say they just get better each time, which is not always the case in a series!

If you're looking for a classic fantasy series with a solid good vs evil plot and some fantastic character development, this series is the one! TBF is a slow start, TBTC picks up with some serious action and TBTS is the perfect ending (for now!) of the series. I was bemoaning Dorothy's pacing in the first book but in this one you really see the power of it. I find a lot of fantasy series rush through the "final battle" story to get to the victory you are expecting. This is not the case in TBTS! The final battle lasts for PAGES and we see every key character and their experience of it, which is just PERFECT.

Fair warning, I cried my way through the last two chapters and the epilogue 😭

I could say so much more but it would just devolve into me rambling so I'm just going to suggest you read this series!

[Nadia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I eagerly anticipated the third installment of this series for months and I was NOT disappointed! So many moments hit me so hard in the feels. I cried, I laughed, I kicked my feet together and giggled. There were some things I guessed early on, but in no way did it ruin any of the book for me!!! And Jacin!!! Jacin, Jacin, Jacin!!! I need 10 more books of Jacin and Iris. Both of their character arcs made me so happy!!! Some parts of this story were so close to home that I was absolutely moved. I don’t even know how to word what I want to say, but I just love, love, love this series!

I just love this series so much and I am so glad I found you and was able to read your stories. Thank you for a much needed distraction during a very difficult time in my life. I need to buy a set for each of my daughters because I know they will love them as well. They much prefer ‘clean’ fantasy stories.

My only criticism is that I would love to know what happened with Bettania and her mother, and a few other side characters. My curiosity knows no bounds. Haha.

[Victoria Purswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Bind the Stars is the thrilling final installment in the Empire of Ash and Song trilogy. It left me simultaneously satisfied and also wanting for more. Dorothy’s writing just gets better and better with each book that she writes, and her talent really shines through in this one. To Bind the Stars tore me apart and then put me back together in all the right ways. It’s as if someone wrote out my story and all my traumas for her and she said “here you go, I know exactly what your inner child needs.” From the bottom of my heart, Dorothy, thank you for bringing this series into existence and keep on doing what you’re doing.

[Riley Perrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love loved To Bind the Stars! I’d say it’s definitely my favorite of the whole series. This book was a hurricane of emotions, and that’s speaking lightly. I was so excited by Iris’s character development (seriously, I’ve been waiting for this for a long time) I greatly enjoyed how the element of choice and morality was portrayed. The epic battles and the culmination of all the characters and lore came together in perfect pacing that kept me turning pages! Carlson did an amazing job tying up all the loose ends and leaving us with an incredible ending to this wonderful series. Seriously, if you haven’t read The Empire of Ash and Song series yet, now is the time!

[Stephen Nyberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic ending to the Empire of Ash and Song Trilogy!
Non-spoiler review:
While this episode in D. E. Carlson's EOAS Saga certainly delivers on the great ending expected of the finale in a trilogy, it also offers some new elements along the way. Themes sprinkled into previous books in the series pay off in ways readers might not expect, but will delight in discovering.
Character arcs continue, and find a satisfying completion. All throughout, the narrative offers mounting tension as forces of good and evil rise up to the final battle.
I read it once, will definitely read it again.

[Katrina N · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHHHHH!! That is a scream of joy, excitement, and sadness all in one. I absolutely loved this book and the whole series. This book was everything I needed and more. The tension building up between 2 characters and their ending was *chefs kiss*. The internal and external struggles between what’s good/right and evil/wrong was so well written that I could really relate to every character and their struggles. I’m so sad that this series is over, but the epilogue!? Makes me excited for other stories that Carlson might have for us!

[Callie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The symbolism and faith themes were absolutely beautiful. Love the concept and love the characters and as always love the writing.
The imagery towards the end from revelation made my heart happy, and the end in general made my heart happy cause my hopes came true. I am however a tiny bit mad at the ending (in a good way).
LIKE WDYM A CHILD IS GONNA FULFIL A TERRIBLE PROPHECY? YOURE GONNA TELL US THAT AND END THE SERIES??? AHHHHH
Anyways love you Dorothy! can't wait to read the novellas coming out!

[Mandi Yurinko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been looking for another series to fall in love with for over 2 years, and I finally found it!

To Bind the Stars and the other books in the Empire of Ash and Song series have given  me the same feeling I got when I read ACOTAR! I love the characters, the plot, and I knew after reading book one that this would be a series that I would read multiple times.

To Bind the Stars has it all and is a must read for anyone who loves enemies to lovers, slow burn romance, dragons, and an epic adventure.

[Naomi the Book Pirate · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about To Bind the Stars except it was amazingly exceptional!

D. E. Carlson has done it again. Gripped me with her storytelling abilities and drawn me into a world she created, immersing me in an experience I won’t likely forget.

I consider myself lucky to read this series, as there are not a lot of Christian Fantasy out there like I wish there was, and I will recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story and world building.

All I can say is read this book! You won’t be disappointed!

[Jessi Cov · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Just wow. I just finished reading and I am so in love with this story. As the finale for the trilogy, it was everything I hoped for but nothing I expected. It kept me on my toes. I am personally an impatient person, so the set up at the beginning took a little longer than I wanted, but it was so worth it! The pain, the love, the fear, the hope. The snarky one liners. This book has it all. A beautiful ending that tied up Iris's story perfectly but left room for more stories in this world.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my…. I’m so sad this series is over - I need more in my life! The third installment brought me to the edge of my seat, made me cry, and made me smile.

I have been blessed to be an ARC reader for each piece of this series and I have loved each tome. Beautiful artwork encases an even more beautiful story.

[Rachel Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review:
This. Was. Epic!!!!! Such a great ending to this wonderful trilogy! I’m honestly sad it’s over and would love to restart it again for this first time ALL OVER AGAIN!! Ugh, this will have you in all the feels and I love how faith plays a part throughout the series. Job well done!! Read it for yourself and find out just how good this is!! 10/10!!

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was my favorite of the series. It took me a few chapters to remember everything that had happened in the previous books, but once I did, it felt like I zoomed through the rest, especially the last 25%. I was happy with how things wrapped up, and it didn't seem to be rushed or confusing. I look forward to what this author writes in the future!

[Camille Beeks wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing finish to the storyline that drew me in from the very first book. The drama and action kept me reading and wanting more. The twists were unexpected but somehow exactly what the story needed. Highly recommend reading this book and all of these books!

[Christal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the last book in, "The Empire of Ash and Song," series. It was very fun to read, as I have enjoyed the Christian elements in this series a whole lot.
It's always nice to read something that honors God. It was, also, nice to reach the last book and get my questions answered that I've held onto, throughout the whole series. I felt a wide range of emotions while reading this book; from happiness, to sadness, to anger, to fear, and even surprise. If a book can make me feel that much then I consider it a, definite, plus. That being said, there were some, slightly, confusing parts in the book. I think it had to do with a mixture of ambiguous phrasing, and my over analytical brain. Even with the slight confusion, I pictured this book, in my head, like a movie and felt every minute. The visuals were, at times, painfully real. The battle between good and evil was brutal and gut-wrenching; and for anyone who knows me, you know that every bit of romance is a sweet cherry 🍒 on top of any book I read. Who doesn't love, love? The major christian theme emphasized in this book was the freedom of choice that people have, and the power of that choice. I wish some things in this book would have went a bit differently; but I still enjoyed the read, and the privilege to be chosen as an ARC reader by a very sweet author.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. The emotions were raw, the story compelling, and the characters relatable. It was an amazing conclusion to an epic series.