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Chronicles of Arianthem #4

The Rival's Concord

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Raine has always been more of a warrior than a diplomat, but now she must use all of her charisma to bring the rivals of Arianthem together. Her close bonds with the all-female race of the Ha’kan ensure that alliance, but negotiations with the Empire go poorly until they receive an unexpected boost from a sultry ally. The reserved elven leader of the Alfar hints to Raine of cooperation, yet also hints that sexual conquest might be her price.

Events seem to sabotage the alliance as the Alfar leader kidnaps an imperial, the daughter of the wealthiest landholder in Arianthem. Raine is baffled by the strange actions of the elven noblewoman, actions that bring the entire land to the brink of war. The concord truly unravels when Skye, the young leader of the Tavinter, manifests magical abilities and unintentionally attracts monumental evil. Raine’s only hope is that her dragon lover will return from the Empty Land before all is lost and the evil that stalks Skye comes for her.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 4, 2014

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84 people want to read

About the author

Samantha Sabian

18 books139 followers

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5 stars
150 (51%)
4 stars
91 (31%)
3 stars
32 (11%)
2 stars
12 (4%)
1 star
4 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
Profile Image for Dide.
1,489 reviews53 followers
August 29, 2021
4.5 star rating
First book in the series ending with a cliffhanger and I like it. This story had less scenes of sexual exploits compared to its predecessors but still maintained its fascinating tales of it and every other, making it another good story telling overall in the series.
Look forward to what's next.
Profile Image for XR.
1,979 reviews106 followers
July 17, 2021
Triggers: Rape. NO BUENO!

This was great as per usual. I loved Raine's easy demeanor and her special way of diplomacy amongst the different clans. She's so blase it cracks me up. The rape of Kiren was disgusting though, and I hope we never encounter such scenes again in future books. Other than that... I love these group of strong, kick arse and sensual women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Flowerscat.
92 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2016
As much as I enjoyed the initial books in the series, I can't help but be dismayed by the increasing episodes of non-consensual sex, and the implication that the girls being abused (some very young) are convinced that this is an expression of their withheld desires. The books also seem to be getting shorter in length, so the story does not move very far in each book. Lovely to meet some of the old characters from the first book. Would have loved to see some deeper relationship & friendship building instead of
Profile Image for Tony Hisgett.
2,999 reviews37 followers
February 27, 2017
I have really enjoyed this series, but I am beginning to worry about some aspects of the books. They seem to advocate that kidnapping, rape, abuse and blackmail are OK if the abused person eventual comes to like them. I realise I don’t really understand BDSM, but the lack of initial consent and the rewarding of abusers in some of these stories, does make me feel uncomfortable.
Profile Image for Anna Jane.
3 reviews
September 21, 2016
I am concerned by some of the themes starting to grow through this series particularly in relation to lack of consent, it seems to be communicating that rape, date rape, and sex without consent is perfectly fine. It really is quite troubling. This is not okay regardless of the type of relationship- even a dom/sub relationship. I felt quite uncomfortable in the second book and this book #3 in the series seems to have taken it to a very disturbing place. In the world we live in, anything that promotes sex without consent is just not okay. Also, this book seemed to have no storyline at all until around 45% into the book, even at that point there was a real lack of direction. Definitely the worst in the series so far.
Profile Image for Crystal McKinney.
166 reviews5 followers
November 25, 2021
Did not see that one coming

A deeper look into two additional characters Maeva and Kiren.
Yes, there are trigger warnings. Those continue throughout the series. If you cannot comprehend that this is a fictional book, with fictional characters, in a fictional world, then this series and other dark fantasy books are not for you.

Maeva might have thought her encounter with Kiren was a one time thing but Kiren is much more than just a minor character. Not only does she possess Arlanian blood, but she is an absolute genius and the further this series progresses, the more we learn how important Kiren really is.
Profile Image for Kayla.
52 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2025
SPOILER!

I was so excited when Skye and Sena had sex! I was waiting for it! I mean, that kiss in book two....the look Sena gave Skye....it was coming! it made me happy. in this book, we bounced through a lot of people... which was nice....ish. I don't know if I like Feyden's sister, though. The Alfar Ambassador. idk. BUT it was a good book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,186 reviews5 followers
February 16, 2022
Had to mark this down for two reasons. Firstly, like many other reviewers I am not real happy with some of the lack of consent/rape depicted - never good, never. Secondly, books are too short so nothing really happens - the story arc moves at a glacial pace.
Losing enthusiasm for the series
Profile Image for Cori.
232 reviews2 followers
February 16, 2019
Brilliant, stunning, impossible that this even exists in this world.
122 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2023
Just….no

If you want to read about an innocent virgin drugged and raped then go ahead, buy this book. But for me it’s a no.
Profile Image for Oleana Herron.
1 review16 followers
December 31, 2014
Great!

This author has really improved since writing the first book in this series, which I also enjoyed, though not as much as subsequent titles. The Chronicles of Arianthem just keep getting better and better; the writing quality, the depth of the plot, the development of the characters. It's satisfying to witness the skill level just continuously rise. I highly recommend it for anyone who has read the previous books and is looking for a hot and steamy fantasy fix. I eagerly await the next installment! Can't wait to see what happens.
Profile Image for Ms. Cyn.
1,544 reviews
March 28, 2016
Things are starting to converge. Different talented and strong women are coming together and they are realizing that they need to prepare for what is coming. I don't know how they will defeat an evil goddess but I can't wait to read how they'll do it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews

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