The gears of destiny have been set in motion. Lark Axton has failed.
Failed to save Flighthaven, the military school she attended before she knew she was a dragoncaller and the descendant of the true royal house of Tirene. Failed to kill King Xenon and stop his army of the drachen, who are taking over the world by stealing the free will of its people at the bidding of the mad god Narc. Worst of all, she failed to save the Crown Prince Knox of Tirene, her perfect match, the cold to her fire, the man she loves…
And now, the enemy who wants to kill her.
With Sterling corrupted by the drachen, Lark—the only dragoncaller in world—will become queen. As the kingdom crumbles, the council is determined to keep Lark safe. However, a thread still connects Lark and Sterling, and she refuses to give up on him. The fate of the world rests on her shoulders, and she must somehow save Sterling, the dragons, and the kingdom before it's too late.
Danger lurks in the shadows, and with enemies closing in and time running out, there’s only one option. She must defeat Narc once and for all, before the vengeful god destroys her first.
Filled with nonstop action, heart-wrenching twists, and a love that defies the odds, Queen of Legends and Lies is the fourth book of best-selling author Nina Frost’s enthralling Dragons of Tirene series.
3.25⭐️ 2🌶️Two things. 1. I received this as an ARC and 2. I rated every book in this series 5⭐️ until now.
TDLR; disappointed. Was it good or was it just the last 100 pages? It was just the last 100 pages. And even then they aren’t even close to as good as books 1-3.
This was honestly so disappointing. I felt like nothing new happened until 70%. Every twist was insanely predictable which would mean this was a vibes read if this was how the first three books were written… but they weren’t. I felt like every time something big happened it was rushed and it left you sitting there like, that’s it? Over in two sentences?
The romance elements, or the spicy scenes felt forced and not necessary in most instances.
The end had me confused as hell… felt like a tv show that should have ended but they are forcing more seasons out of? Like there’s a book after this but I don’t have enough information to understand why I need a book after this.
A great addition to this series. I do love Lark and Sterling. The found family and dragons..... it's all the things I love. I think for me though, I'm still waiting to recapture the feeling I had when reading the first book. perhaps that's a me thing.
Another massive thank you to Nina Frost for the ARC, I'm really enjoying being a part of this journey and I'm loving the pace in which she is releasing these books. I definitely think she has found her niche with romantasy. What next!!!
I hate to say this but I won’t be continuing this series. This book was just pure frustration and I had no interest in it by the end. The FMC just kept saying “ I failed” but there was so little actual plot. I think the smut was over used as a distraction of the lack of plot. I enjoyed the first few books but I am no longer interested anymore. If I could DNF books I would this one.
The surprise that shouldn’t have had me so excited fell flat and I feel like the MMC no longer was a great character. He turned into a golden retriever who just wanted to bang the FMC. 🫤
2.5 🌟I honestly don't know if I'll read the last book in the series. This book did nothing for me. The FMC seemed more whiny in this one and the MMC was kinda boring. Also, these books were giving very much Zodiac Academy vibes. the Drachen reminded me of the Nymphs and the whole Phoenix fire at the end of this one sounded all to familiar.
Nina did it again!! I love this series! I love these characters! I love this world! Lark and Sterling are top tier and you can't help but love all the side characters!! This book had so much tension. So much build up from the previous books and it did not disappoint. I can't wait to see what happens next!
I tried to read this book as slowly as possible cause I didn't know if j was going to get a beautiful conclusion to the story or a horrible cliffhanger and I got a little of both!! I'm so excited to go back to Tirene and see where the next book takes me!!
Thank you Nina Frost for an ARC of this book!
💫prophecies 💫political corruption 💫elemental magic 💫dragons 💫gods vs humans
This was basically a recycled version of books two and three but with a bit more action?
People die, I think we are supposed to care but we don’t really grieve them.
The entire plot that took four books is a joke. It’s so bad. This series has absolutely zero business being 5 books long. 90% of them is just filler really. The majority of the time I spent reading this book was thinking, « is this over yet » or « can we get to the point please » and you don’t really get that until the final chapters. The ending of this book honestly was so far past disappointing it’s not even funny. To subject yourself to rough four tortuously long books where almost nothing happens to end up here? YIKES. Honestly, being subjected to a booby trap from home alone is more appealing than the idea of re-reading this.
Can’t wait for the conclusion of this absolute circus of a shitshow which inevitably will be absolutely terrible.
This whole story was absolutely wonderful. The thing about this series, however, is that there are a lot of holes, gaps where there absolutely could have been more story, more explanation of the things going on. There was also a lot of death, which is to be expected in a story like this, but it just seemed a bit much. It also leaves a lot of unanswered questions in the end. I am glad I read these but also, this was frustrating to read at the same time, because I craved so much more of a story then what we got.
Before I start my review I want to note that I did receive an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first three installments in the series, but this one did not capture my attention as much. The last book left me absolutely heartbroken. Sterling is one of my favorite MMC’s and I was just crushed at the end due to his fate. With how the book ended, I am very curious as to what will come in the next installment.
Book 4 was not my favorite in the series. It may have to do more with personal feelings more than the content of the book. I felt a lot more irritation reading this, but it was directed at the councilors that are supposed to be advising Lark. She is now the Queen of Tirene, and instead of respecting her and guiding her, they are assholes. She is without Sterling and has to navigate being Queen of a land she did not grow up in.
Sterling of course makes a lovely return back to Tirene all corrupted and mean thanks to Celeste (not a fan of her in the book yet). Celeste brings Sterling as a peace offering and sanctuary I guess, but she just gives off slimy vibes and adds irritation to my soul. I am not sure if her actions are more because she wanted to have a relationship with Sterling, or she is just trying to get to the highest position she can. Lark is able to heal him with her tears, and Sterling goes back to being his swoon worthy self. There is a bit of spice that always makes everything more interesting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
We are back! And our girl is back in action throughout this whole book. What I had enjoyed so much from the first book was definitely pulling me in again! We have non stop action, suspense, and mystery. I loved the pacing and how the story never slowed down from the start. I had a feeling a few things were going to happen and knew a certain someone was going to be a traitor but was surprised by a few things I didn’t see coming. Lark has finally embraced the queen she was always meant to be and I can’t wait to read what her and Sterling have to face as the story wraps up in the final book.
The whiplash of emotions I have from this series is unreal. I can’t even begin to describe how attached I am to these characters and how every chapter I fear for their lives. In both a good and bad way. The CHEMISTRY between L & S burns so heavy that I feel like I will die myself if anything happens to them. And NINA FROST, ma’am, I don’t know what your plan is for EORAR, but I’m more than ready for this ARC. So please…save my aching heart from more deprived days without it. I BEG OF YOU. Kindly. Please and thank you.
I am fortunate enough to be apart of the ARC team for Lark and Sterlings journey! this is a good series to read. I do feel though that this book fell flat. the way sterling "came back" wasn't at all dramatic or over the top and I kinda was expecting it to be. I was expecting more of a fight there. it was a bit repetitive on the counsel and Lark parts to me. lark needed constant reassurance on her plans/actions throughout which was a bit annoying when we all know she can be a badass. the fight with king xenon was bland too. the way it ended too was confusing. like, they did what they needed to do and I thought it was done and over with but then a chapter with the gods at the end saying "to be continued"...im not entirely sure where it would go. it appears she rebirthed since she has the phoenix blood in her but still not sure where the next book would go if there is one. the Book overall kind of dragged for me a bit. the series is a decent read but this book did fall flat for me. I was expecting more action/violence for lark to go get her love back and destroy xenon....and it just wasn't there...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a ride! I thought the first part was a bit anticlimactic, however everything made sense along the story continued. At the end, it was pretty epic. That last chapter though... Can't wait to find out what's next!!! *I received an ARC for a honest review*
This was fine. It was about 100 pages too long which makes sense considering the book was 100 pages longer than the others. The romance felt forced here and the main character was so naive it pained me. I’ll definitely read book 5 because the last 50 pages saved this one.
While I’ve really enjoyed being an ARC member for this series, this book just didn’t work for me. It felt like it dragged on, and the constant back-and-forth between Lark and the council became tedious. At times, the bickering was so frustrating it made me want to put the book down. Sterling’s return lacked the drama and emotion I was hoping for, which left me feeling underwhelmed. I’ve liked the series overall, but the chapter with the gods hinting at a fifth book, I’m honestly not sure if I’ll continue. This one just didn’t hit the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
You want a book with depth, plottwists that you did not see coming? A story that comes together and suddenly makes sense when you get all the information? Then this is not the book for you.
Do you want a easy read? With high stakes and a unique bond with dragons? Then this is worth a read.
If you don't expect too much these books are a fun read. Short and with a high pace. The story comes together in this last book and you never know who will survive.
I actually read it twice to see if I was missing something or wasn’t in the mood. 3 ⭐️ I received this as an ARC and I am grateful for this opportunity. Sorry it’s late 🔝but also life got in the way.
I loved seeing Lark’s relationship with her grandfather. Eldor ❤️😢 Alannah also a favorite character ❤️😢 The dragons. I was waiting for more interactions with Dame🐉 🥚 💕 Bastian and Leesa 💞 Agnar made me chuckle and lol 😝 Especially when he was around Lark and Sterling. The god of lost items 😝🤣 Did she remember his name.
Love love Sterling and his ❤️ and support he had for Lark. I loved where he could inject himself into some situations and it didn’t belittle her by giving his opinions. Some of the spice was too much (I am not a prude and love spice🌶️🌶️🌶️.) But it seemed like filler sometimes and I just skipped over it to get back to the story.
The fighting was fierce and I held my breath in those scenes. They were amazingly descriptive and I could see it all in my mind. The underground palace and where the final fight was held also very descriptive.
At this point in the series Lark had been making strides as a person and getting there in her new role as the queen. She wasn’t questioning herself as much and had actually started taking control of her life. But…..One of her annoying ??? was her ability to be sidetracked in her thoughts while in a battle that put people (whom she loves) in danger. At least 3x that I can remember. Bright shiny objects and she was off like a squirrel in her brain. It was acceptable in the first couple of books as she was growing into herself and new role but by now???? It just frustrated the hell out of me. Then the times she said to herself “oh I have to go back to that “ and didn’t. 🤦♀️
A lot of the story was just ho hum. Not bad reading if you are looking for something to fill in some time. If I put it down I wasn’t anxious to get back. It wasn’t bad it just went along.
The way Sterling came back was lackluster and kinda weird. Celeste??? It just lacked the excitement that should have been there. Meh. I was glad to see Helene and Elijah return but also thought there could have been more about them. The story was they just decided to go to Flighthaven to check on others and were never found out in a place crawling with drachen 🦇 and 🧟 zombie’s and then Celeste found them and they rescued Sterling. 🤷♀️🤷♀️ That should have been more imo. Hmmmm also strange that there wasn’t more questions by Lark and her close confidants. Instead it’s the council that questions them and then no follow up. The battle with King Zenon. 🤷♀️ 😳😴 also thought that should have been much more than it was. Very anticlimactic with all of Larks previous comments about her retribution.
I will continue to read the next book because I did enjoy the gods insertion and their snarky humor. It will be interesting to see where Nina takes his series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
⭐ Rating: 3/5⭐ I have so many feelings about this book. On one hand, I still absolutely love this world, these characters, and the energy Nina Frost brings to this series. Lark and Sterling continue to be such a solid, swoony pair, and the side characters always manage to add a ton of charm and heart. The tension that has been building up through the earlier books really comes to a head in this one, and in that sense, it didn’t disappoint.
That said, I did feel a little scattered plot-wise throughout this installment. It felt like we were jumping around a lot without a clear direction at times, and I kept trying to piece everything together while still hanging on to the emotional and political threads that were being pulled. There’s definitely a plot, but the way it’s delivered felt a little uneven for me, like it couldn’t decide what to focus on. I also felt the ending was rushed, which surprised me since there’s another book coming. It left things wide open, but not in a satisfying cliffhanger kind of way. More like I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to be anticipating next.
The romance, though, felt like it got back on track in this one. Lark and Sterling finally had more page time together, which was something I missed in the last book. Their connection felt strong again, and I really appreciated how supportive Sterling is. He doesn’t feel threatened by Lark’s power or leadership, and he continues to be such a green flag love interest. The spice was definitely back, and while some scenes worked, others felt a little rushed or unnecessary.
This book felt more like a character-focused journey than a major world-building one. Lark is still young and navigating huge responsibilities, and her choices definitely reflect that. While I had moments where I questioned her decisions, I also appreciated that they made sense given who she is and where she came from. That emotional layer helped balance out some of the structural confusion I felt with the story.
Overall, this wasn't my favorite installment in the series, but I’m still in it. I care about these characters too much to walk away now, and I’m hopeful the next book will bring everything together in a stronger way.
I won’t say too much here since Queen of Legends and Lies is the fourth book in the Dragons of Tirene series, but I have thoughts.
The story opens with a recap, and while I usually appreciate reminders, this one felt a little heavy-handed. Instead of being woven naturally through Lark’s voice, it read more like a summary that pulled me out of the flow. If we needed it, I would have preferred it at the very start or handled it with more subtlety.
One element I did love was the use of dreams. They added a magical, immersive layer to the worldbuilding, unexpected and deeply atmospheric. Those moments blurred the line between memory and reality, making the story feel richer and more layered.
Court politics are a major theme here, and the council’s interference was as frustrating for me as it was for Lark. They’re supposed to advise her, but instead, they spend the whole book tearing her down. Their motives are murky, their power plays exhausting, and it drove home one of the strongest themes in this series: betrayal and power. Honestly, Lark deserves better advisors.
My biggest frustration, though, was that Lark still doesn’t fully trust her instincts. After everything, I wanted her to lean into her strength rather than question herself so much. That tension did keep me engaged, though, and I found myself physically reacting while reading, shoulders tight, heart pounding, only to relax once I turned the final page.
As for the romance… while I rarely complain about too much spice, here it sometimes felt misplaced. There were scenes where the timing just didn’t make sense, even if the chemistry was undeniable.
And then there’s the ending. The second-to-last chapter felt like the perfect conclusion, neatly wrapping up the story. But the final chapter? It almost reads like the beginning of a whole new arc. I’m curious to see where Nina Frost takes it, but part of me wonders if the series could have ended here and still felt complete.
So, should you read the Dragons of Tirene series? Yes. Book one takes a little warming up to, but the payoff is worth it. If you’re looking for a fantasy book series with dragons and romance, this is a strong contender. It’s an addictive fantasy series, full of dark secrets, betrayals, and powerful monarchs, and while not perfect, it’s the kind of story that keeps you turning the pages late into the night.
Ok, so, A LOT happened in this book and the ending has left me with absolutely no clue what is going to happen in book 5! Also really don’t know if I’m going to be ready for the journey to end when I finish book 5!
So much betrayal, so much loss, so much doubt. But so much learned, so much accomplished and so much strength in true love, kinship and partnership amongst family both by blood and by choice.
Lark should never, ever doubt her instincts, regardless of how new she is to all things leading and reigning. She has such a good judge of character but always shows grace and 2nd chances. To those deserving and those not so much.
I feel that it’s totally not talked enough about amongst the characters about her regular visits from all the gods…but particularly the fact that Hallr seemed to be working against her - WHY??? That doesn’t feel like something that happens all that much in this world.
It’s also really still not clear how/why Xenon wasn’t affected by the drachen despite his ability to absorb them. I get that it’s because he was working WITH Narc, but I don’t think that was enough of an explanation for why he had immunity.
Genuinely had a massive fear and worry about Dame and the other dragons - weirdly like in chapter 37-38 in the last book - when they were under the drachen influence, particularly with the loss of 2 of our kin as a result of dodgy as heck (shocked not shocked) council members and a fox in the hen house…! I couldn’t have coped with anymore loss!!!! Loved Larks quick thinking and how she worked with her team to save them.
Orin, the forgotten things god definitely deserves a special mention for putting Lark on the right path and making her have a “duh!” moment #4isthemagicnumber
Visually, I think this particular story and world building was amazing. The Hall of Gods and the crystalline tunnels and the descent into the tomb at the end as well as the forming of Narc.
And the prophecy. Have we seen the last of that? And what about little Rosie.
Book 4 in the Dragons of Tirene series throws us right back into the chaos but with a bit more depth than previous installments. Lark faces a lover (Sterling) who becomes her nemesis, a kingdom that needs healing, ancient mysteries of merging magics, confusing prophecies, and political intrigue and betrayals. For the first portion of the book, Lark’s relationship with Sterling faces new challenges as she must now save him from corruption. Once that is accomplished, their relationship heats up the pages with some seriously spicy moments (even if some seem rather ill-timed and ridiculous.) I enjoyed catching up with these characters and getting to know them better but this installment is also filled with grief and loss that sometimes doesn’t seem to advance the plot in a meaningful way. It’s just loss for the sake of loss. The stakes are higher than ever and the action will absolutely take you on an epic adventure at times and keep you on the edge of your seat. There are other times though when the battles, both literal and figurative, seemed anticlimactic. There seemed to be a few other plot holes and illogical situations too. For example, if you’re with a big, strong soldier when your wing is injured, why couldn’t he carry you for a short distance? Also, if the monarch has absolute power in Tirene why not make your first order of business appointing a council that supports rather than undermines you? Some things just made no sense to me. The pacing was a little uneven here but I thought that the editing seemed better in this book than previous books in the series. Despite the fact that its flaws keep this from topping my favorites list, I’m totally invested in these characters and their plight at this point and will definitely pick up the finale.
Lark's journey keeps getting more interesting, deadly and adventurous.
The fourth installment of the Dragons of Tirene series is fast paced and filled with action.
Lark faces more challenges and loss throughout the story, while learning to become a queen and trust herself.
The characters are once again lovable, with the found family vibes they bring, each one of them strengthening our main character.
The romance in this particular installment is both steamy and spicy. You'll see both types of encounters throughout the story. In the previous book, Sterling and Lark's relationship was at risk, but in this installment, we see their connection blossom once again as they become the power house Tirene needs.
The world building in this story is concise and easy to follow with an interesting plot that brings more elements of the Gods at play. Leaving us with questions that I am excited to learn the answers to in the next installment.
And yeah, um... Is there another book? I don't know why, but I was sure this was the last book of the series. But, with the ending the author gave us, I'm guessing there is another installment coming?
Thank you Nina Frost for the opportunity of being part of your review team. It's been a journey reading about this world.
Loved it! I cannot wait for more people to read and enjoy this series, such a discovery Nina Frost and Dragons of Tirene series You write a good fantasy/dragon book when you care more for the dragons than maybe some side characters hahaha Dame, Chirean... It ends like a finale but somehow not hahaha sorry I cannot explain it really well without spoiling much but it ended with some questions that we will get answered on next book? Hopefully I really liked this book but somehow the battle and resolutions came all at the end and so fast I would have loved a little more depth into it. I'm now intrigued of Lark and her Phoenix powers if there is something more we are yet to discover. I got an ARC, thanks a lot Nina Frost for the opportunity to read this fourth book in advance!!! but also always always the opinions and all are my personal ones, never influenced.
Spoiler here!! > > > Btw~ I never liked Celeste, everything could had ended way better if Lark questioned her way more, her instincts were right
Plot wise, I felt lost and all over the place this installment. I gave this a 4⭐️ over something lower because I felt like we got back to good romance between Lark and Sterling this book. Last book, it felt like they were barely in the same room together.
I adored books 1 and 2 of this series but have felt it’s taken a slight step back since then. We have a plot but to get there, seems like we jump all over the place. The ending felt pretty rushed as well and knowing there’s another book after this, I was confused reading the end of where it was going to go. The ending chapter leaves it wide open.
I enjoyed the kick back up in spice 🌶️ this time. Multiple scenes, mixing it up.
I felt Sterling has been such a green flag book boyfriend this book. All about supporting Lark and never being jealous or feel less of a man for Lark’s position and power.
I’m not quite sure where the next book is going to go honestly and I’m curious to see.
Pleased to finally post a review for my first ARC!
Solid 3⭐️ from the overall series perspective. Which is not bad. The rating is just based on my story development taste and overall writing style preferences.
Even though I expected more world building, this installment is a character journey. Difficult decisions in contrast with emotional journey.
I kept thinking about Lark’s doubts and decision-making process, but it is evident that she is young, her decisions match her age, upbringing, and circumstances, which really justifies this particular character journey in this book.
📝”A leader’s first responsibility is to define reality” sums up perfectly what a reader can expect.
I can definitely say that this one is better than the previous book, but I think my taste for plot and FMC/MMC dynamic is a bit different.
All in all:
- World building - 2⭐️ - FMC - 3⭐️ - MMC - 3⭐️ - Side Characters 2⭐️ - Pace 4.5⭐️ - Spice 🌶️🌶️ - Cliffhanger 3⭐️
Thank you, Nina Frost for sharing the e-ARC with me.
Did I stay up all night reading this book? Yes! Was every single page worth losing sleep over? Also, yes! Book four of the Dragons of Tirene did not disappoint! From page one, I was pulled back into the world of dragons, elemental magic, and suspense! The world that the author has crafted is well established at this point, yet still has new and important information to give. Even the slower moments are integral to the plot! As Lark continues her journey of self-discovery, can she save the people of Tirene and the man she loves? Will she be able to control her powers? And Sterling. This male can do no wrong in my eyes. What will he go through or have to give to stand with the woman he loves? The build to the climax of this book is filled with tension and twists, and when the big moment hits, hold on tight because it's a stress filled ride! I can not recommend this series enough to anyone who will listen! It's well worth your time!
Thank you to the author for the ARC...So happy to be back in the world of Lark and Sterling! I knew going in that things were going to be a bit tense in the Kingdoms and with Sterling, and Lark has been put under a lot of pressure! I really love her support team though! Agnar is one of my favorites, and her brother, sister, grandfather, and even Sterling's mother have all stepped up their game to help and guide her.
The author was able to expand the magical system in book 4, adding a new layer to things. It was cool to see it unfold as they worked together to figure it out. Lark has had to grow and change in every book, but I feel like she matured and evolved in this one as she had to step into the role of leader, becoming who she was meant to be. Sterling and Lark's relationship has changed too...they feel more grounded and balanced together and I love it! This was a journey for all of them and things are forever changed...and I can't believe the ending...gah!
Lark and Sterling are back, and bringing the spice with them! The dragons and beloved side characters add depth and charm, making the story even more engaging. Love me some Agnar! While some of Lark's choices may initially seem perplexing, their importance becomes evident as the story progresses, particularly when viewed through the lens of her past and the obstacles she faces. By the fourth installment, extensive world-building is less necessary, allowing readers to dive straight into the action. The enhancements to the magic system are exciting, and the character development was on point. Lark and Sterling's chemistry is undeniable. Sterling has my heart. The tension builds beautifully towards a thrilling conclusion, leaving me eager to see what comes next, because this can't be the end right???