The Bargain of Dragons

The Aelfyn Archives #4

by Samantha Amstutz

Dragon fire remade them—yet the coming storm may still shatter what remains.

After surviving an encounter with a race long thought extinct, Serenna, Jassyn, Lykor, and their companions rise as druids, bearing a boon powerful enough to tip the balance of a dying world.

To wield it, they must first master the power of Cinderax’s gift before setting their sights on the next imprisoned dragon—Skylash, chained within the Crackling Maw, where lightning devours the sky itself.

But across the world, the king hasn’t been idle. His armies march through the newly uncovered realms, hunting the remaining dragons. If Skylash falls, her elemental might will belong to the crown. Her freedom becomes a desperate race against war, ruin, and a tempest gathering fast enough to imprison them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy

525 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 30, 2026

About the author

Samantha Amstutz is the author of the Aelfyn Archives based in South Carolina with roots in Indiana. She is inspired by Wheel of Time, World of Warcraft, The Elder Scrolls Online, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Stargate, Star Trek, and the entire romantasy genre. In her novels, you can expect (multiple) immersive magic systems, different races, plot and intrigue, slow-burn romance, diversity and inclusion, and believable characters with flaws.

She is honored and beyond thrilled you're reading her work and she hopes something in her created world resonates with yours.

Reviews

[RedFireLady · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶 1/2

First off.. AMAZING!
This series just gets better and better with every new book. The Alefyn Archives is one of my top tier series that I will never stop recommending, and The Bargain of Dragons just solidified that even more.

What's inside:
💔 Emotional Damage
😞 Past Trauma
🐲 Dragons
⚔️ Epic Battles
🔥 Slow Burns start BURNING
💏 Fated Bonds
🔻 Love Triangle
👑 Corrupt King
😆 Banter
👥 Shadow Daddies
🪄 Unique Magic System
🔀 Plot Twists
🏥 Healing
😓 More Trauma
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Multi-POV
🌶 Spice

There was so much to process when I finished this book that I had to wait until then next day to even write this review... I am going to try to do justice to this amazing book.

The Aelfyn Archives is an epic dark fantasy romance that gets darker as it goes. There is so much trauma, past and present, that it really takes time to get through it all with these complex characters and the amazing character development that we experience. The world building is intricate and well done. The storyline is beautiful, painful, well planned and dynamic. I could not put this book down because it had me on the edge of my seat the entire time... and even now, the next day, I am still thinking back to what I just experienced with this book.

With The Bargain of Dragons we get to see some healing - some recovery from everything these characters have gone through. I held onto hope, I laughed and I hurt. I smiled and I gasped... and I cried. I really just stared at the wall for a few minutes when I finished, just trying to take it all in.

Samantha does an amazing job of really highlighting the cost of war and change. The sacrifices that are required, the compromises and tough choices - that sometimes you get the desired outcome but you still dont really "win". She shows how love is a choice we make everyday and sometimes it comes with risk, and that trust is earned.. and sometimes you have to keep earning it over and over to help someone to feel safe.

The progression of the characters and the story from the first book to this fourth book is stellar. This is a complex, epic story like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones or Throne of Glass. It shows that freedom isn't free and that it is earned and comes at a cost. It highlights how doing the right thing and standing up for what is right can sometimes be the hardest thing you've ever done, and that maybe you won't be there to to celebrate what you fought so hard to earn, but you still fight anyway.

READ THIS SERIES.

[Allison Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bargain of Dragons was one of those books I couldn’t put down. I DEVOURED it in 2 days 😅
This story is action packed from start to finish. You can expect fully immersive battles, danger, political tension, romantic tension 🔥 and constant forward momentum throughout the book. There isn’t a boring moment. It is fast paced and I felt like I was there living it all. The dragon scenes were intense and had me sweating at the edge of my seat 😅 I LOVED the dragons in this book and what they can do (no spoilers).
This is a unique why choose romance and tastefully done. The complex dynamic is beautiful in its own way. The relationships felt much more developed and more layers were added on. There was real growth among all the characters, romantic tension, and strengthening bonds. This book is very spicy and unlike anything else I have read 🥵
The magic system in this series was already incredibly developed and unique but it expands so much more in an interesting way throughout this book.
There is also real emotional weight in this book as seen previously as well. No spoilers but the author isn’t afraid to let the story hurt when it needs to which makes it feel more personal and real.
The ending was completely unexpected and beautifully sets up for the last book of the series. This is not your copy and paste romantasy. The romance, plot, world building, and magic system are all beautifully unique and it won’t feel like you have already read this one 🙌🏻

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨The Bargains of Dragons✨

From book one, Sam has taken me through all my emotions and, at book 4, she continues to do so. I’m still sitting here shaking my head after that ending, trying to get my stomach to unknot and my heart to not break.

Book 4 begins right where we left off after book 3, The Shadows of Stars. This far in, I don’t want to give away spoilers, so I’m gonna keep it mostly to vibes! And those vibes are MOVING. Not just in pacing but in healing. We see soooo much growth between our triad (Fenn, Serenna, Vesryn) and my two favorite broody boys (Jassyn & Lykor). Acceptance, empowerment, and self-forgiveness are so bright within these pages and I found myself enjoying the dynamics between our MFM romance but FALLING EVEN MORE IN LOVE with how Jassyn and Lykor revolve around each other. Both with different yet equally deeply tragic trauma, the way these two hold space for each other was so achingly beautiful. They take center stage for me.

I found the story intriguing and intricate as we also continue to grow the world building as well as the magic scale and dragon hierarchy. Chaos REIGNS in this book, each moment on the precipice of erupting and giving in all at the same time. And that ending… Sam… I have FEELINGS and they’re NOT OK. 🙈🙈 my babies. I just don’t know how I’m going to wait!! But I do know that after this book’s setup, it is going to be EPIC.

Tropes you may find in TBOD are fated and chosen bonds, MFM & MM, slow burn finally beginning to 🔥, medium spice, dragons, elemental magic, WINGS, plot twists, FMC and MMC stepping into their power, “breathe”, banter, found family, “I’m here”, and a painful cliffhanger.

Sam, it’s such a joy to continue to arc read for you and this series. Thank you for the opportunity!

[Deirdre · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC directly from the author and this is my honest review.

Favorite quote from the book: “Let me burn for you. Better ash at your side than breath without you.” 😭😭

- 🤩 multiple POVs
- MFM continues 🤩
- ❤️ MM
- dragons 🐉
- 🪄 complex world and magic systems
- trauma 🔪
- 🤜🏻🤛🏻 fighting to do the right thing
- BRUTAL last 15% 😱
- 🤯 So many cliffhangers

Overall, this was a great book and I am excited for the last book!

BEFORE READING THIS BOOK: My biggest recommendation is: read or reread book 3 immediately before starting this book. There is so much world building, magic, different species, and storyline to the series. Picking this series up after a year, I forgot a lot of the nitty gritty details and was super confused in the first two chapters. In order to be updated, I reopened book 3 and read the last few chapters. I also went through the Guide & Summary at the beginning of this book a few times for reminders. I don't remember being confused about the complexities of this series when reading book 3; therefore, I have to note that the amount of world building done in the first three books was well done, I just forgot a bit of it since it's been a year. I remembered a lot of the big details, romances, trauma, etc; yet, I needed a reminder about many of the small details and nuances.

What I loved about this book- the characters and relationships. Samantha creates such depth to the different characters and relationships, keeping them interesting and real.

- Fenn. Oh, Fenn. He is by far one of my favorite characters. I am so glad the author created him, even though he was not planned to be in this series. He stays his witty and his honest self across the books. He is more laid back and fun, and brings lightness, humor, and positivity to the series when all other characters are more serious, reserved, and/or dark. He was direct and blunt, something of which I appreciate in a character. He made Serenna and Vesryn face their relationship issues/avoidance by talking things through. He made them stop being cowards and grow up. He was so supportive of Serenna having complex feelings for someone that was not him. He never shamed her or guilted her for loving Vesryn. He also was not jealous. He really is such a fantastic character. There is a twist with Fenn, Vesryn, and Serenna that I didn't see coming. AND SAMANTHA, REALLY?! SERIOUSLY???!!! Ugh, the author will pull your heart strings THREE different times when it comes to Fenn. That ending…

- This book focused less on Vesryn and Serenna as individuals. There is still a lot of growth for the two, Vesryn being comfortable with Serenna having another partner (Fenn), and Serenna finding her strength as a leader. This book focused more on the overall plot and their role in that plot moving forward. It also focused on the dynamics between Vesryn, Serenna, and Fenn.

- Of note, in general, I am not a huge fan of reverse harem or why choose. However, the author did this quite well and prepared us for this. I love the dynamics between Vesryn, Serenna, and Fenn, as well as how Fenn has another partner. This was done with attention to detail and respectfully, noting there are complexities, and communication and boundaries are needed due to the dynamics of the three.

- Lykor continued to be a complex character, plagued with fear of not being good enough and too weak. He feared failure. Jassyn also continued to be plagued with his trauma. Together they FINALLY started to heal. These characters are complex, messy, and make a ton of mistakes, as well as try to be better, protect others, and make changes after mistakes. I really appreciated the depth written about these two. Chapter 15 when Lykor started to be vulnerable after Jassyn helped heal Lykor’s wings.... Then, when Vesryn walks in on Lykor and Jassyn, Vesryn uses dry humor, I was giggling so much. I loved these scenes. Further, I loved how cautious and honest Jassyn and Lykor were together when they finally had intimate time. Lykor was something akin to a ‘virgin’ and Jassyn was a sexual assault survivor, they were compassionate together. Them together was beautiful and I was so happy this FINALLY happened. They both put their walls down and connected to someone else, for the first time really ever.

AND THAT END! WHAT! I loved how Jassyn was using his strategy mind in that moment. This was proof of how much Jassyn has grown from his trauma. I CANNOT WAIT, I MEAN CANNOT WAIT for Lykor to find out where Jassyn is and COME. FOR. HIM. Those people better WATCH the F**K out.

- The author, again, did an excellent job keeping me on edge. One or two chapters would draw me super into that character's POV and I couldn't wait for what was about to happen, but then the author would end that chapter and go into a whole different POV. Kept me hooked and wanting to read and read to get back to that POV. However, this new POV would be incredibly intriguing, and then I wouldn't want that POV to end. Then, again, bam, the chapter/POV would end and we'd be back to the other POV. Way to keep the reader hooked, Samantha!

- This book is BRUTAL when it comes to how it ended. WOW! I was surprised and shocked. I saw NONE of that happening. Things happen to the world and the people, mind blown.

Why not 5 stars: The plot is quite slow, most of the book. It picks up around 85% and was amazing. My heart was racing and I was so anxious. Then I was scared, sad, and shocked. But, prior to that. I had to push myself to read to get through. It was not like that the whole book, but good chunks of the book I found I was not pulled into the story because a whole lot was not happening.

[Daniela · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOILIES








From the opening, the stakes are both personal and epic: Serenna’s capture and forced participation in the arena highlights the horrifying consequences of power wielded without conscience, while Jassyn and Lykor race to save lives and navigate impossible moral terrain. The dragons, particularly Skylash and Rimeclaw, are treated as fully realized, sentient beings whose rage, grief, and loyalty are as impactful as any human character. Skylash’s scorched-earth freedom, and the subsequent bargain Serenna makes to give her gifts while preserving the dragon’s family, is a gut-wrenching act of sacrifice and empathy that demonstrates the series’ recurring theme: the cost of doing good in a cruel world.

Meanwhile, Jassyn’s arc continues to break your heart: being forced back into the estate that once exploited him physically and magically underscores the cruelty of systems that treat bodies as tools, showing the true human cost behind magical power and political ambition. Lykor’s steadfastness, both in battlefield heroics and in rescuing civilians, balances the story with moments of hope, while the broader narrative, including the chaos caused by dragons, the dangerous bargains with magical artifacts, and the manipulations of power-hungry rulers, keeps the tension high and the consequences brutally real.

Amstutz excels at showing that heroism is never simple, victory is never clean, and sacrifice is inevitable. Every choice has weight, every battle has collateral, and every act of love carries risk. Characters are morally complex, dragons are living forces of nature, and the world is rich, dangerous, and heartbreakingly beautiful. This is a story about the resilience of the human (and dragon) spirit, the price of freedom, and the courage it takes to do the right thing when the system is designed to break you.

[Alina Bădică · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was incredibly lucky to receive The Bargain of Dragons (The Aelfyn Archives #4) by Samantha Amstutz as an ARC, and I need to say this upfront: this review is completely honest and not influenced by receiving the book. I have read all three previous installments, each of them a solid five star read for me, so my expectations were high… and this book delivered.
One thing I really appreciated was the short recap at the beginning of the book. It helped ease back into the story and magic systems without feeling repetitive, which made the reading experience smooth and immersive from the start.
This volume picks up right where the last one left off, and it felt like slipping back into a world I didn’t realize how much I missed. We continue following Lykor and Jassyn, whose connection grows in quiet, vulnerable ways that feel raw and deeply sincere. Their moments together are tender, awkward, intense, and full of unspoken longing. Watching Lykor slowly allow himself to express what he feels, both in words and actions, was one of the most rewarding parts of the book.
We also get more of Serenna, Vesryn, and Fenn, and their dynamic is impossible not to fall for. Vesryn’s jealousy filled tantrums over Fenn are genuinely funny, but they also add layers to a relationship that is far more emotional than it first appears. Serenna’s journey, especially as she struggles to adjust to her transformed body and new powers, is beautifully written and grounded in both wonder and fear.
As the story progresses, the tension tightens, alliances are tested, and the sense of danger grows heavier with every chapter.
The final chapters left me completely stunned, staring at the page and then at the wall, trying to process everything. It’s one of those endings that doesn’t just stop, it detonates. I closed the book already spiraling, wondering what Lykor is going to unleash for Jassyn, because there is no universe where he doesn’t burn the world to get him back. And Vesryn… whatever fury he’s been holding back, it’s about to break loose if it means saving Serenna and Fenn!
The way the book ends plants this heavy, electric sense of what’s coming next. You can feel the storm gathering, the kind that’s driven by devotion, rage, and love pushed past its limits. I was left wide eyed, heart racing, and counting the days until the next book because whatever comes next is going to be brutal, emotional, and absolutely worth it.

[Brittany Boehnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️ARC Review✨️
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Received an ebook ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author for this ARC. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.
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First, I want to mention that I greatly appreciate the recap in the beginning. While I love this story so much, my mind doesn't always like to hold onto all the details between publications. So it's nice to have a refresher prior to diving back into this world.
Now on to the spoilery part!
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I just adore Fenn, y'all. That wraith has my heart. He is the embodiment of golden retriever sprinkled with just enough doberman protection. I love the complexity of the characters in this series. I think Samantha does an incredible job portraying them and all of their differences. Lykor and Aesar especially. I was so happy to see Jassyn and Lykor taking steps forward together in this book! I was also happy that Fenn was able to facilitate Vesryn and Serenna having a real conversation about their relationship. And they finally accepted their bond! The 3 of them are just chef's kiss. I loved how each of their relationships with each other grew in this book.

The battle at the Crackling Maw was WILD. Seeing it all from different POVs was intense. It made me feel like I was right there in the thick of it. But if Samantha doesn't stop trying to kill my boy Fenn, I may riot! We've met all kinds of new dragons. Some a little more hot tempered than others...and some that break your heart.

The final battles scenes were so intense, my heart is still POUNDING from the last few chapters. And that cliffhanger!!!! All of our MCs are at a precipice and I am chomping at the bit to see where we go from here. At the same time, I know I am not ready for it to be over.

Samantha has done it again. Another incredible installment in The Aelfyn Archives Series. I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy, really interesting magic systems, lore that continues to build and unfold with each book in the series, just the right amount of spice, and a cast of characters that are all incredibly unique and compelling to read about. There's also dragons, witty banter, and thrilling action at every turn. You'll laugh, cry, stop breathing, blush, scream, and maybe even fall in love a few times. Thank you again to Samantha for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. I truly loved it.

[Kirareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read enough romantasy to know there’s always a calm before the storm - that fragile moment where things seem to be falling into place. Characters find love, relationships deepen, wounds begin to heal. After the warmth and growth we’ve seen across the previous three books, I was not prepared for what the final 15–20% of this book delivered.

Serenna’s character development is, without question, the standout for me. She is strong, headstrong, and undeniably powerful, and watching her evolution from book one through to book four has been incredibly satisfying. I especially loved that her growth didn’t happen in isolation - it was shaped alongside friendships, loyalty, and love. There’s something deeply rewarding about seeing a female character come into her power while being supported, challenged, and loved.

The magic system continues to impress. The blend of dragon bonds and elemental magic feels distinct and immersive, and the different power dynamics add real weight to the story. The stakes are high, the losses hit hard, and once things start unraveling, it becomes impossible to put the book down.

And the ending… devastating. The cliffhanger leaves your heart in your throat, your stomach hollow, and your emotions completely exposed. The tonal shift in the final stretch is ruthless - there’s no sense of safety, no room to breathe, and that emotional whiplash is very intentional.

That said, I did find the first half of the book slower than expected. Coming back to this world after some time, it took a while for momentum to build, and the story doesn’t fully ignite until the last portion. In hindsight, the groundwork is necessary, but it does require patience.

I also found myself wishing for more intimate, personal moments - particularly between Serenna, Vesyrn, and Fenn. The same goes for Lykor and Jassyn, though their relationship is clearly a long-game slow burn, which I can appreciate even if I wanted more in this installment.

The wait for book five is going to be brutal - but without a doubt, it will be worth it. Samantha has done something heart stopping with this book.

I received an early copy of this book as an ARC reviewer. All opinions are my own.

[Nicole (book_drake on IG) · Rating 5 out of 5]

🔥🐉 ARC REVIEW: The Bargain of Dragons by Samantha Amstutz 🐉🔥
(Aelfyn Archives, Book 4)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

OMG. THAT. ENDING.
I’m kicking my feet. I’m squealing. I’m screaming into the void. I NEED book five in my hands like yesterday… but also? I don’t want this series to end!! 😭💔🔥

✨ The Bargain of Dragons is a five-star FEAST of elemental chaos, dragon lore, and emotional devastation served hot—with a side of lightning storms, ancient secrets, and DRUID POWER UPS! ⚡️🌿

Let’s talk about JASSYN AND LYKOR! 🫠🤭🥰
OH. MY. STARS.
My heart cannot take these two. The tension, the growth, the INTENSITY. Every scene they’re in? 🔥💥💘 Absolute perfection. I’m over here clapping like a seal and giggling like a fool. Is it possible to be emotionally wrecked and healed at the same time?? Because SAME.

And Serenna? Still an icon. Still out here trying to save the world while facing storms that would break lesser mortals. The druids have leveled UP and I am here for it! Their magic is now infused with dragon fire and Cinderax’s gift?? YES PLEASE. 🐲💫

But of course, nothing comes easy. Because the Crackling Maw is a lightning-infested hellscape, the king’s armies are on a dragon-hunting spree, and the clock is ticking to save Skylash before her power is stolen and weaponized. The tension?? IMMACULATE. The pacing?? Chef’s kiss. 👑⚔️⏳

This book is all heart-pounding battles, ancient forces awakening, fated bonds with TEETH, and that perfect mix of romance and epic high stakes that Samantha Amstutz nails every single time. And did I mention I’m not emotionally okay? Because I’m NOT. 🫠🫀🐉

TL;DR:
💥 Epic battles
💘 Swoon-worthy bonds
⚡️ Elemental chaos
🔥 Emotional wreckage (in the best way)
👑 Dragons, druids, destiny

@samantha.amstutz.author has once again raised the bar with The Bargain of Dragons. This book is pure magic, and if you’re not already reading the Aelfyn Archives… FIX THAT IMMEDIATELY. 😤📚

#TheBargainOfDragons #ARCReview #AelfynArchives #SamanthaAmstutz #BookDragonApproved JassynAndLykorForever ILoveBooksThatHurtMe EpicFantasy RomantasyReads GiveMeBookFivePlease 🐉💔✨

[Tiffany Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Spoilers Ahead****

I received this book as an arc. I have loved all of the books in this series so far! I was so excited to get to read this next book!!

Samantha Amstutz has done it again with book 4 of The Aelfyn Archives! Another great 5 star read. I love the complexity of the plot and characters in this storyline.

I could not wait to reunite with my babies (Vesryn, Fenn, Serenna, Jassyn, and Lykor) again!! We started out right where we left off from book 3 in the series.

The character growth was great in this book. I loved the new dynamic growing between Vesryn, Fenn, and Serenna. I am excited to see where that goes in the next book. And sweet babies Jassyn and Lykor!!! I am ready to see more of their blossoming relationship.

One of my favorite moments was Vesryn and Serenna accepting the bond 🔥🔥🔥 and the whole banter between Vesryn and Fenn and specifically the scene where they found out they accidentally tethered themselves together 😅 Also, the tender moments of trust and healing for Lykor and Jassyn.

But... can we talk about that massive cliffhanger!!!!!!!! I was shaking my head no, dreading what they were going through, and felt like I was there with them. I hope there is a quick resolution and they can be reunited early in book 5 😭😭😭 I can't handle them being wrenched apart, especially just as their bonds were strengthening and growing so well. I NEED BOOK 5 like today! 😅

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an ARC (thanks!), and I can happily say this series remains one of my absolute favourites. I’ve rated all the previous instalments between 4 and 5 stars, and this one is no exception.

The Bargain of Dragons is probably the most action-packed book in the series so far. It kept me on the edge of my seat throughout; in fact, there were several moments where I actually had to stop reading just to handle the tension! Whether that’s a "pro" or a "con" depends on the reader, but personally, I love that sense of epic scale.

However, if there was one thing I felt was slightly missing it was the focus on certain character dynamics. While we finally see Lykor and Jassyn relationship explode (wow!), and the bond between Fenn, Serenna and Vesryn is explored further, I really missed the interaction between Vesryn and Jassyn, which I’ve loved in the previous books.

I think I also struggled with the fact that so many events in this book (especially in the second half) are quite bleak for our protagonists. That’s purely because I’ve grown so attached to them over the course of the series, and I really feel their struggles.

That being said, the book is well-written and incredibly entertaining and fun to read. I love all the main characters and they have grown so much from the first book, I feel like I'll think about this book for weeks from now on.

[Catie M | SmuttyCocktails · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I mean honestly I’m almost at a loss for words. I adore this series and this book just blew me away. There’s so much craziness that leads to the start of this book and it just got more intense.
The growth of the characters, their resilience, their love and changes from the start just make you fall in love even more. This book in particular I had you feeling every single emotion. The tight pants prince and the charming wraith had some of the best banter. My god I was cackling at their interactions. And the Serenna trying to wrangle them truly just made me smile. Jassyn though, this was his book! His gentle presence has been my favorite POV and watching his grown in his trust made me want to cry. And don’t get me started on Lykor because I’ll never stop talking.
Now let’s talk about spice because there were some delicious moments! I love the slow burn and tension that’s been built and it’s perfect for this series. It only adds to the story and I never feel like it’s too much or takes anything away.
At its core this is an intense fantasy book, don’t be intimidated by the length of each book because you’ll be scrambling to read faster. The world Samantha has built is one I never want to leave.
5/5 stars 1.5/5 spice
Tropes
Dragons
Slow burn
Tight pants
Slap me like you mean it

[Ash C · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars! I love this series! I am beyond delighted that I got it as an ARC!

Mild spoilers. If you haven't read the first three, this won't make sense.










Where do I start? Jassyn and Lykor are everything! Especially Jassyn. I want to scream and cry and throw up at how the book ends in regards to him. I am not okay. When the tension finally broke so did I. Chapter 30 hit hard and I wish I hadn't started it on my lunch break because how do you go back to sending emails in the middle of all that?!

There is beautiful tension both emotional and romantic between the throuple. Vesryn and Fenn rivaling all the time is killing me, especially with Fenns sense of humor. He ever loses his childishness I will riot.

One of my favorite moments "Slap me like you mean it".

A few spelling or grammar errors scattered about but not enough to ruin anything. That and it is low on physical descriptions of characters. I have completely forgotten what everyone looks like since reading the first 3 books in July. 😅

Dragons are starting to cause problems for the group. I'm excited to see where it goes from here and how they incorporate into the future that everyone is fighting for.

I almost cried in chapter 48. So be prepared for that I guess. And the last two chapters.

[Omnia El-mashad · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The ember hadn't died. Not yet."

WHAT. IS. THIS. ENDING!!!!

This is by far my favorite out of all 4 Aelfyn Archives books. Samantha really outdid herself with this one. The way I was proverbially gripping the edge of my seat (but very delicately holding my kindle) throughout this entire book. The plot was strong and heavy but the romance and emotions still held their ground and didn't give way.

I personally loved that we delved deeper into Lykor's and Jassyn's stories and got to explore more of their psyches. They managed to make me kick my feet in giddiness at times, and absolutely annihilated and wrecked my heart into microscopic smithereens at times.

But we still got a healthy dose of Fenn and his Fenn-ishness. I'd missed baby girl. And best believe the baby girliness was in full effect in this one.

And I can't skip talking about baby girl # 1 aka prince of slap aka Vesryn. The sass was accounted for, but we got glimpses of vulnerability and rawness that made me crave to explore more of his side of things.

All in all, this was a great sequel. Definitely held up and even surpassed my expectations. Now if I may be excused, I'll proceed to go put myself in a coma till book 5 comes out.

[Markie Theophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been eagerly anticipating this book, so receiving an ARC felt like a Christmas miracle. Thank you, Sam, for the opportunity.

Here are some things I loved:
- This is my favorite cover of the series.
- The emotional growth of Vesryn and Lykor. They both have come so far!
- Getting a glimpse of Lykor’s insecurities and how it doesn’t deter him from achieving his goals.
- The development of Lykor’s and Jassyn’s relationship. The yearning, the slow burn… chef’s kiss.
- Vesryn and Fenn - chapter 38 ❤️

However, there were a few things I didn’t enjoy:
- The pacing was a bit slow at times, but I typically find it challenging to engage with world-building. I enjoyed learning about the dragons and all the new powers, but I was also getting bored at times.
- I wished for more Fenn. I love him, and while I thoroughly enjoyed most of his scenes, I always want more of his presence* in the story. *but maybe not in scenes that were causing my heart to stop.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have 51 highlights in this book. 51 quotes or occasions that were got my attention enough for me to highlight. Whether it was humor, yearning, pain or banter... She has to be one of my most highlighted authors.
I absolutely love Jassyn and Lykor. (and... how dare you) 
I want to see what becomes of the Fesryn dynamic. 

Another cliff hanger of an ending!


Some spoiler free highlights: 

“You’re shameless.” “I prefer ‘ferociously devoted.’”

"(redacted) would survive. Crawl out of the wreckage as if it were a challenge. Fate liked to flirt with her, never f**k her proper." 

“The bleeding heart with steady hands. Always reaching. Always fixing. Pretending you’re not just as f-ing broken.”

“He smiles too much. Makes me want to knock it off his face.”

[Marissa Bouvier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series will be the end of me.

Oh my god do I love the way Samantha weaves a story. There are so many moving parts, but she effortlessly pieces them together into such an enchanting tale.

I cannot believe where we went in this book. Each time I think I know where this story is going I end up being corrected, and throughly heartbroken. The last 20% of this book hurt me so deeply but I have absolute faith these characters will prevail. I cannot wait to read the conclusion of this story and encourage everyoneee to read these books as soon as possible. It’s so worth it!!

Thank you Samantha for allowing me early access to read and review!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Puts book down...stares at a wall.... I've probably said this in my review of the previous book, but this series just gets better and better. I devoured this story in two days! The overall plot is the most unique fantasy that I've ever read. Book 4 continues shortly after the events of book 3 and continues with non stop action, detailed battles, political conflicts, and of course tension filled romances. I love the continued character developments of all our main characters, their struggles and triumphs. Now, lets talk about that ending... I need book 5 yesterday.
I received an arc of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Justine Bojarsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READ: thank you to the author for providing an advanced copy!

Book 4 was even more action packed than all the other ones.

One thing I love most about Samantha’s writing is that I have no idea where her story is going to take me, but I’m buckled in and ready! I can never guess the ending (in the best way possible).

Cannot wait for book 5

[Noelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best on yet but I was about to ban you from my life until we turned a corner at the end. This book was incredible and evil. Can’t wait for the next!