They forged her into a soldier. They never expected her to survive.
When a royal betrothal shatters the fragile trust between Ashe Rebec and Prince Zander Rayne, court alliances begin to crumble—and so does the kingdom. Betrayed by her family, hunted by a secret sect, and framed for treason she didn’t commit, Ashe must navigate deadly secrets hidden within the halls of Warriath… where a crown weighs heavier than chains and loyalty is a weapon.
As her bond with Kaelith begins to fracture, Ashe is thrust into a brutal war of power, prophecy, and blood.
Worse, Ashe's own magic is changing—and the truth of her bloodline could ignite a war that dragons alone cannot stop.
Can she hold her squad together, outwit the traitors among them, and survive the trials ahead or will the sanctuary of legend fall... and the world with it?
Find out what scorches the skies of Warriath by reading A Court of Blood and Ash, the enemy-to lovers, fantasy fiction series readers are comparing to Sarah J. Maas, Stephanie Garber, and Carissa Broadbent.
One click to continue this Fantasy Romance adventure now!
Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of Fantasy, PNR and PWF romance. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.
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The way she ends chapters is like there should be a commercial break in between. So I haven’t given up on this series … yet… mostly because I always finish what I start BUT there are more questions than answers, everything drags on, same scenes over and over again, same arguments over and over, we really don’t know anything new from the last book. King is in the same state. Dragons keep sending the same messages and we forget and do it all over again in the following chapter. I haven’t seen any character …development they have the same personalities they had in book one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The tension in these bold just keeps on going. I received this as an ALC, and there was no pausing, no taking a moment, nothing. I was completely invested. Ashe made my heart hurt when spite found out that Zander had a betrothed. People just wanted to use her for what she could give and what she could do for them. It was never about her. This was a really emotional and intense one. Again, the narrator was great, but this story truly needs dual narration to really give this an amazing feeling.
I swear I feel like I’m crazy. I also feel like I’m an emotional roller coaster reading this book. I’m not even sure which direction is which anymore and I constantly have to pick my job off the floor. A group of friends has become absolutely amazing. The enemies are popping out of every corner. And yet some of our allies has shocked me. The political intrigue is mind blowing. I’m not even quite sure exactly how to explain it because it’s coming from so many different directions. Every time I think I’ve gotten a grass and understand exactly who’s doing what and what’s going on something else happens and I’m like shocked and second-guessing myself. I will say that some answers are starting to come to light, but that just means there’s also more questions popping up just different ones. I can’t wait to see how this continues to grow and twist.
In this installment, Ashe finds out that Prince Zander has a betrothed. She didn’t believe it at first, but, Inderia had proof. Ashe’s dragon, Kaelith, shows the true meaning of ticked off dragon in this one. Whoa, she can be really scary. There are ramifications if Zander breaks the betrothal, and Ashe is heartbroken. Remy once again, tries to console her, but she is still ticked at him for what he did. Honestly, I just want to smack both guys. When she tells her friends in Thrall Squad what happened, they were ticked off as well. In this book we learn even more about her squad and their pasts as well as more about their dragons and there are a bunch of trials for them to pass that were scary. The King is slowly wasting away, and Prince Theron is acting Regent, instead of Prince Dorian who is the Heir. He keeps sending Dorian away on missions and I just don’t understand why Dorian doesn’t just do something. I spent a lot of the book muttering and cursing about this.
Once again, the book’s sex scenes are steamy, I love the playful snark between the squad, as well as the fight scenes which are awesome. There are also some more assassination attempts on Ashe.
The Varnari & Crimson Sigil are causing even more problems, one of which made me angry as all get out- that they want to either kill off the dragons, or pretty much make them slaves. The bond doesn’t work that way, and they will be flambéed if they try. (I want to see it. lol). There is so much upheaval going on that you just get bombarded by it while you read. But, the book is fun, funny, steamy, aggravating, and a bunch of other emotions. I ended up needing my AC on high and chewed on my nails with worry with everything that is going on. Plus, Ashe is being wooed by the enemy, Seraveth, & the Blood Fae. I think the most shocking thing that happened for me was the changes between Ashe and Zander. They are so drawn to each other as well as Remy that the triangle is driving me nuts. I like Remy, but I still want to hurt him for hurting Ashe. Same for Zander. Although, I am soooo team Zander. lol. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I have a funny feeling that finding out the Truth for so many of them is going to be extremely painful. I also have to say, that I can’t leave out the little spy/courier dragon, Siergen. I have been in love with him since the beginning. I have soooo many questions that still need to be answered.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Court of Blood and Ash is the third book in Didmon's The Fourth Guild series. It picks up where the second left off.
As always, there's a lot going on in this series. This book starts with Ashe learning that Prince Zander has been betrothed to a woman named Inderia for three years. This news affects their relationship, even with Zander's assurances that he is actively trying to break the engagement, much to Theron's dismay. Unfortunately for Ashe, this is just the beginning of challenges and betrayals coming her way.
Her squad is sent off on assignment only to be attacked by the Crimson Sigil and have their supposed allies turn on them too. Things in the kingdom aren't any better. There are constant attacks from rivals and the need to be on guard against anyone, friend or foe.
My favourite parts of this installment were the scenes with Siergan. That little dragon quickly captured my heart. You never know where he is going to pop up, or what he is going to say. He is ever the enigma.
Ashe's biggest challenge is that Kaelith doesn't trust her and they haven't fully bonded. The training challenges are designed to siphon out the weak, and an unbonded pair won't make the cut. It looks like Kaelith is so adamant that she might just let Ashe die.
New secrets are revealed, not just for Ashe, but for Zander as well. And Alahathrial reveal their destiny, but of course nothing is ever certain and the possibilities are endless.
This was a wild ride and of course leaves us on a cliffhanger. A Court of Curses and Queens should be coming in March 2026, followed by A Court of Swords and Silver in June, and a Court of Darkness and Dragons in September. In true Didmon fashion, there might be additional installments planned but we will simply have to wait to see. For now, I'll be counting the days until I can get my copy of Swords and Silver to find out what comes next.
Audiobook Review An absolute thrill ride from start to finish! Naomi Rose-Mock brings A Court of Blood and Ash completely to life with her fantastic narration. Her performance adds so much depth to the emotional tension and high-stakes drama of this third installment, and I truly hope she continues to voice the series as it progresses.
The story picks up right where things left off, throwing Ashe and Zander’s relationship into turmoil with the sudden revelation of a three-year betrothal to Inderia.
While Zander insists he is actively trying to break the engagement, Ashe is left navigating a minefield of problems, including a witch of an intended bride, her father Remy, and a steady stream of assassins.
The most gripping part of this installment is Ashe's desperate struggle to bond with Kaelith in a dangerous training environment.
With the training challenges designed to weed out the weak, their lack of a bond might just get her killed. The dynamic between them is fascinating, especially Kaelith’s very loud and clear communication regarding her intentions. Siergen, the little dragon, steals the show once again, bringing a wonderful splash of humor and light to the darker, more suspenseful moments of the story.
The complex magic system, escalating suspense, and new revelations about Ashe and Zander's origins make this world so immersive.
While the tensions with Theron and Dorian's storylines didn't resolve exactly as anticipated, the narrative is perfectly poised for the next book.
Highly recommended for fantasy and dragon lovers!
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There's always Sooo much going on in this series and I end up binge reading them as soon as I get my grubby little hands on it. I have finally have my theories on Remy! But I am second guessing everything five minutes later. Zander is still his broody self but is slowly turning into a cinnamon roll and I am all for it. Definitely team Zander. So why can't I shake the feeling that the betrayals with him aren't over? I hope not. This book really focuses on Ashe and Kaelith and their struggle to finalize the bond. We get more answers as to why it's such a big deal which is helpful in setting the tone for the battles that are only sure to escalate in the next book. Theron is annoying as usual, and I was hoping his brattiness and the kings slow demise would have been nicely wrapped up in this one, but we didn't get there. We didn't really get much else on Dorian which was surprising. There's a lot to follow, and sometimes I feel like I'm lost but most of that feels intentional. There is so much build up happening and I can feel the threads all starting to weave together I just wish I didn't have to sit and wait in my anticipation! I recommend this series to many people for a fun complex magic system filled with many diverse characters, dragons, suspense, and drama. Cannot wait to continue!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a continuation of Ashe's story, so it would be good to read them in order. You wouldn't want to miss any of her life story. She has to deal with a lot of things in this book, betrayal, and not from who you think, trials, some sanctioned and others not. It will make her stronger, especially since she has not bonded with her dragon Kaelith, or get any support from her. She is basically on her own, relying on her strengths and determination. I love that she does get support from her squad. She learns secrets. She has to deal with Seraveth and what she learns from her. There is a splash of humor also. Mostly from? Siergen. I love that "little" dragon. When the world is the darkest for Ashe he seems to bring a little light into it. She also deals with Zander and Remy. her father, and of course assassins. Inderia is also a thorn in her side. I loved the "communication" Kaelith. Her message loud and clear of what would happen to her if she decided to go with her plan about Ashe. And what happens to Kaelith is interesting. I can't wait to see what unfolds next. This is a well written, though out story. POV of Ashe. Zander and her at times are getting closer and then something happens and .....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Alright, we are now 3 books deep into this series and after this book, we haven’t learned a whole lot of new info. But we definitely hate Theron and Indira even more than the previous book.
Theron is basically the cartoon character villain equivalent but the stuff he does makes zero sense. He is essentially just creating a bunch of chaos in the hope it somehow benefits him? I just don’t see any path that leads to this clown being alive at the end.
Remy is still a giant question mark. Kaelith still doesn’t trust Ashe which while we understand that her cousin betrayed this dragon, I don’t think Ashe is the same kind of person. She has fought for Kaelith every step of the way, meanwhile Kaelith treats her like the ultimate villain who is going to be the worst of the worst.
There is a lot going on in the background. Nothing makes much sense. Most of the people not on the thrall or low born squad all suck. Perin is awful. The blood fae are smart but also awful, the other two? That we know of? Factions are awful. Everything is going to shit.
Things are looking bad all around and it’s more and more confusing as to who can be trusted.
Still a great read. It is just the middling book of a series (similar to 4th Wing) It is about you getting to know the characters and how they play together. Zander’s father. 🤷♀️ Ash’s background is becoming clearer. Her relationship with Soleil. Truce. The emotional rollercoaster is whiplash and is crazy. I can’t wait to see where Remy fits into this whole equation. What is it between he and Zander. So many secrets still. I like seeing the relationships between the other riders develop as well as the kinship. Thank god for Hein! 🐉 and the little red dragon. 😘 Of course the frustration with Theron spoiled, jealous indulged princeling. Then Inderia 🤦♀️. Love that smack back! But she needs to go. Hopefully soon. So many twist and turns. Onto the next.
Ashe and Zander are on the outs due to the sudden reveal of his 'intended' bride. That one is a real witch (if you know what I mean). Meanwhile, Kaelith still won't bond with Ashe and that just might get Ashe killed. Things in the kingdom are going from bad to worse. Ashe and Zander find out some disturbing news about their origins. Ashe is still under constant attack from, well, just about everyone, lol. Ends on, you guessed it, a cliffhanger. At least we know Tia will get us a sequel tout de suite! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashe is finally discovering just how bad court intrigue can be...this series only gets more intense with each book, and while Amazon would like to list this as a romance novel, while it some ways it is, I feel like publishers play up romance a bit too much; if you like court politics read this, with a bit of romance on the side; it's there, but seriously. Don't focus on it. Focus on Ashe and her discovery of her powers...that, and the bond between her and Kaelith. The sentinel is one smart, and ancient dragon.
She’s such a witch! I don't know how or if the author can change my mind about this wench! She's made me hate her too much for too long, but the last straw was when she actually actively tried to physically ... Well, I can't say what I want without giving it away.. She hurt Ashlyn though, and I can't forgive her to it. Maybe next life time (next reading if I read the series over again). She hurt her physically though and not through basically not just not healing her. Ok. I think I'm done with my rant.
Zander and Ashe seem to be in the middle of everything, and they have no choice according to the prophecies. But Ashe is determined that she gets to choose which one is going to happen. And her dragon is finally starting to trust her, sort of. But they don't have total control. There are others working for their own outcomes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashe finds out that Prince Zander has a betrothed. Kaelith still has not bonded with Ashe. Meanwhile, things are moving at a good pace, as with life there are ups and downs, that keep things interesting. This is a well written series that you cannot help but enjoy. It is best to read the series in order, as each book builds on what has gone before.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashe's bond with her dragon and prince Zander begins to tear. Not only is she heartbroken over his revelation but it comes at a time where she is continuing to be targeted for death. I am really enjoying her interactions with the dragons and can't wait for more. This was suspenseful and exhilarating to read but the cliffhanger has me anticipating the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love Dragons! This was an Awesome and exciting read! I loved the characters and the storyline. I was hooked back into the characters lives right from the start and couldn’t put it down. This is Book 3 of the Forth Guild series and I can’t wait to read the next one! Awesome read! I love stories from this author, they are always great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m thoroughly enjoying this series! The characters are relatable and heroic, yet flawed and complex. It’s the first series I’ve ever read where I genuinely like the main character more than their dragon. The characters and dragons are both intriguing. The writing is well-crafted, incorporating action, mystery, and intrigue. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves dragons and a strong female perspective.
A Court of Blood and Ash: Throne of the Blood Fae by Tia Didmon is a wonderful dragon rider fae romance. Naomi Rose-Mock did a fantastic job with the narration. The story is entertaining, emotional, enjoyable, interesting, exciting, suspenseful, leaves you on the edge of your seat, and wanting more. A Court of Blood and Ash is the third book in the Forth Guild series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ashe and the rest of the team, are making the dragons be the riders for each one. Kaelith the dragon for Ashe, isn't making it easy for her. Trails and practice kept them busy and not including the exceptional war that is going to happen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is much drama among the characters, that keeps things moving at a good pace. There are ups and downs, just like life. There are so many good things about this story, that held my attention from start to finish! I Loved the relationships and the steam!!! I Highly Recommend!! No spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Action, suspense, secrets, betrayal and so much more. Follow Ashe's story. Zander and Ashe find out about their origins, but can they handle it? So much going on you will not want to put it down. Cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A War college, snarky dragons, love triangles, assassins and mysterious bloodlines and powers this series has it all. From Evil Blood Fae, an uncontrollable storm reaper to even a dark fire shadow daddy prince! If you liked Fourth Wing you’ll love this series and the cute cast of characters and dragons.
I absolutely love this series and recommend you read/listen in order. The book is well written and the narrator is easy to listen to. The book picks up straight from book 2, more secrets, twist and turns and left wanting more with cliffhanger ending. Can’t wait to listen to next book.
I received a copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the series and it follows Ashes character. This whole series is fast paced and I love it. Ashe finds out that Prince Zander has a betrothed. She didn’t believe it at first, but, Inderia had proof. Ashe’s dragon, Kaelith, shows the true meaning of ticked off dragon in this book. It leaves off in another cliffhanger. I can't wait to read the next book.
Book 3 is a part of a series of seven books but I’ve ended up reading out the order. Great storyline, well written the war however that started in book one seems to drag on a bit. Enjoyed this book, love the mystery. The betrayal, however, not so much, Ash should however really sort Zane out, she doesn’t make good decisions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A wonderfully engaging third story in the series which was delightfully entertaining. I loved the drama and intrigue. The suspense was palpable. The scenes drew me in right from the start. Great story.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book 3 holds more mistrust and betrayl!.. Still no answer though to who is directing the assaults against the crown, but plenty of power being displayed and alliances being reformed!