I loved a fair boy once… but darkness took him. Darkness kept me warm in the deep, but this is different. I never expected the secret he revealed. I never thought he would break my heart like this.
Everything that held me together is breaking apart. I am falling apart. Moving through the trials and the fancy banquets in the palace, I’m as much a ghost as I was when I arrived here. Who to trust? Who to be wary of? Is there anyone on my side? What games are the gods playing? What do they want from me? Caught between the command of the sea queen and my own emotions, I don’t know which way to turn. Yet I’m still going, the wheel of fate turning and turning. My magic is back. And those I now am suppose to end are the same ones holding my heart, the same ones I wish to save. My wish? To understand, find out the truth at last, so I can see the end of this story. My problem? The man I love is the man I hate, and how am I going to ever win this game without losing my mind? My only chance? Save everyone until I get to the bottom of this, even if it means refusing orders and abandoning my mission. Abandoning prudence and throwing caution to the wind. After all, what does it matter? It’s too late for caution. We’ve come to the end, the bitter end, and I have to know whether I made a haunting mistake or whether my heart spoke true. I hadn’t counted on this mission upending the world, on the truth causing a clash of monsters. Hadn’t counted on a different darkness saving me. On a new family and a new beginning. I’ll always be a thorn, but this thorn has found a way to bloom. Let the light in. It’s time to glow.
* This is the final book in the trilogy. Look inside for content guidance.*
This book was great, I could not put it down! It was the perfect ending to the series and I’m so sad it’s over. I laughed lots and teared up at times. I just loved so much of it, the adventure, relationships, dragon banter, spice, and Phaethon. The only thing that would have made it better: more Phaethon (I think I’m a little bit biased?)!!
Thank you to Mona Archer for providing a free ARC via Booksprout to review.
Whoa!!! The last book in this series and it did not disappoint! It was epic and I loved it. Finally, Rae can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but of course there is a long way to go and the road is VERY bumpy! Going through another round of trials, The third and last trial, and to not survive, is one big obstacle that she must endeavour. Trying to save the other two humans, Mera and Amaryll, in the same trial, leads to many awkward situations. All whilst her true mate/lover, Jai, is determined to make her succeed. Even if she hates him, he needs her hatred to complete his mission. Oh boy, some twists and turns have you sitting on the edge of your seat. I wanted to throw my kindle, as Rae refuses Jai's help in any way, because she hates what he did to her parents, didn't she?? How can you learn to love your one true mate when he did something so terrible?! Loved the Dragon banter, especially between Keres and Remi! They brought a lightness to the story that was needed. It is intense and full of action as both Jai/Phaethon help Rae in her quest to kill the king. An overall great trilogy that ends with a much deserved HEA for Rae and Jai and the Dragons too!
“Summon me, my lord.” I wink at him. “Call my name.” “I’ll make you call my name,” he growls. “Scream it. Loud enough that the Eosphors in the sky will hear it and wonder.” His dark eyes blaze. “Later.“
🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘: I know I’m a strict reviewer but this deserves the full 5 stars with ease and for so many reasons- but first of all let me say that if you don’t like happy endings then I’m pretty sure this book can change your mind because although it’s a happy ending- nothing comes easy, nothing is fully wrapped up in a neat bow, there still room and scope for maybe one more book to follow…? Point is, people who dislike happy endings (like me) will find this one well thought out **Type of ending revealed in this paragraph but no actual spoilers: It’s a great ending that is fed to us gently and slowly, we get to see what happens but not in a “and they all lived hea kind of way, more of a they died, he’s heart broken, that dragon is leaving but this one is staying and having kids, there is still animosity between the races and more fighting and battles may continue and also- what happens next?**
The world building in this one blew up! We got to travel away from the sea palace and in doing so we were treated to multiple new locations and views, scenes and scenarios that we never have before. We got exceptional description of many, many sea creatures- some of which I had to look up as I not heard of them before. We also found ourselves knowing what it was like to go from Rae’s lungs to her gills as we travelled underwater. Visiting these new location really gave the author a chance to shine as she shed us the world they are fighting for.
The book started of steady as Rae tried to battle her love for her parents murderer while preparing herself for the third and final trial. Of which no one has ever entered before because they all died in the first 2. The remaining survivors show us a detailed perspective on what it’s like to NEED to win this trial, even against friends. We are treated to a great level of character depth, description and emotional upheaval throughout the trial and battle against the sea and its mysterious creatures lurking beneath.
After the trial the pacing picks up a lot and it’s then one thing after another making it very difficult to put down, even to nip to the loo! War is on the horizon because someone needs to kill the king and we know who that someone is going to be- even if it takes her life with it. The drama and foreboding levels increase even more, as does the spice, because let me tell you- 🥵🥵🫦👀 was that unexpected! The passion between our main characters explodes and they can’t keep their hands or mouths off each other and what a ride it s to take with them! The ways that the author describes pain and suffering pales in comparison to the way she describes pure LOVE and I mean full on burn the world down, jump in front of a dagger, fcuk you like there won’t be a next time, dive into the deep ocean after you kind of love. Seriously, the quotes in this book are in my top 3 books of ALL TIME (and I’ve read over 150 books this year already).
I think what makes this series so enjoyable is the authors writing style, she creates such detailed lore and histories, character backstories and world building, and it’s all easy to read. We’re shown around this incredible world with kindness and grace and never force fed information.
My only quips with this book are; The very beginning is a little repetitive as the FMC repeats her thoughts and monologues a couple of times to get it through her head that she shouldn’t want her parents mųrderėr. Because of the reason she is repeatedly thinking this, it fits with the story, because in her position I would also have to remind myself of these same things over and over to stop myself from making mistake. But perhaps a little less may have been less repetitive.
The other thing I got stuck on was the audience of the trials, the first book gave us descriptions of this huge arena and this huge amount of fae nobles that had come to watch, and we got to see where they went after the trial. But book 2&3 didn’t give us that. It wasn’t needed for the plot, however it did remind us that the trials were a spectacle with a exclusive/ vip air to them for only the most noble of fae and those closest to the king to attend. It was a good angle to show the reader that even more than the spectacle, these trials were a public sacrifice to the sleeping gods of which no one is meant to survive. I feel that this book could have done with a bit of that especially as passions flared during this trial, but mainly because there was a winner! So what was the crowds thoughts? Where was the fan fare or mockery like in the first book? Where was the gossip and where did everyone go/ what did they do after it finished? It just felt less important without an audience I think. It’s such a small thing but could have created a more serious and urgent atmosphere or perhaps a deadlier one as the fae didn’t want anyone to survive let alone win the trials.
🧝♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤: “Nothing can touch us here, not when we’re folded in together, a seashell cradling the pearl of our bond. Armored love. A star born of dirt, blood and pain. A labor spanning a century and more, turning the rough edges of a jagged stone into a crystal ball, smoothing them into a gleaming shine.”
I loved getting to know more about the dragons in this one, meeting more and more of them and getting to know their sarcastic or grumpy personalities. I especially loved remi- Rae’s little shadow of a darakin - he was so funny that- hand on heart I genuinely laughed out loud uncontrollably even though I was reading IN BED next to what was my very ASLEEP husband!
With the last trial over and everyone’s ind now on battle plans and war strategies we get to know more about the main and side characters. We learn more of their past experiences, memories and traumas along with what makes them tick. I love it when an author gives us real side characters with their own personalities and sub plots and this series is exactly that! From dragons to mermaids fae and even ghosts, we learn more and more as the book goes on!
⏳ 𝕎𝕠𝕦𝕝𝕕 𝕚 𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕 𝕠𝕣 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕠𝕞𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕕? This is obvious because yes to both! If you love epic fantasy then this is right up your street. It’s a complex world with a detailed backstory, its love and hate and secrets and passion and death and so much more.
“Fucking hell, I’m going to come from pleasuring her. That’s never happened to me before, but all my firsts, all my good firsts, are happening with her.”
🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤: Epic fantasy with fated mates that deny each other, a huge scope of creatures and characters, sarcasm, real banter, a why choose-ish trope, deadly trials, war, epic romance and spice and all the while the FMC is plotting her REVENGE! Detailed lore, history and world building wrap this up in one hell of a fantasy series!
⭐️⭐️ I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands
⭐️⭐️.5 It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail] Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!
🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥 This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!
SPICE SCALE: 🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action
🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times
🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities. may Summon me, my lord.” I wink at him. “Call my name.” “I’ll make you call my name,” he growls. “Scream it. Loud enough that the Eosphors in the sky will hear it and wonder.” His dark eyes blaze. “Later.
“Escaping the pain of this world isn’t the answer, I say. Accepting it and turning it into flight is the only answer.”
Nothing can touch us here, not when we’re folded in together, a seashell cradling the pearl of our bond. Armored love. A star born of dirt, blood and pain. A labor spanning a century and more, turning the rough edges of a jagged stone into a crystal ball, smoothing them into a gleaming shine.
Fucking hell, I’m going to come from pleasuring her. That’s never happened to me before, but all my firsts, all my good firsts, are happening with her.
Fucking hell, I’m going to come from pleasuring her. That’s never happened to me before, but all my firsts, all my good firsts, are happening with her.
What a way to end The Thorn and The Shadow series by Mona Archer. This entire series grabbed hold of me with book 1 and didn’t let go until the very end of book 3. Even then, I know this storyline will stay with me for sometime. Mona has upped her writing game with I Wield the World and kept me salivating over what was going to happen next. Ending the series how she does fits with the overall story arch and while it may not be what everyone wants to see, it is written so well.
Rae has come through so much throughout this series. The number of emotions I have felt for her while reading this series definitely took some years off my life. As she continues to battle her way through the trials, now on trial 3, we truly begin to see the toll taken on her and all others and the importance of winning. As she readies herself for this final trial, she is also preparing for an even bigger battle. The twist that book 2 delivers continues to eat away at her, while simultaneously not wanting her feelings to stop.
The last trial proves to be the most treacherous and while no one is expected to win, as the king plans the overall event to not have any survivors, Rae proves her determination, resilience, and grit over and over again. Our MCs constantly reveal layer and layer of what drives them, what pains them, and what haunts them. The emotional depth of being at your utter breaking point, but grabbing on to the reasons to not stop fighting, is woven throughout the entire book.
As fates are rejected and loyalties tested, Mona has pushed herself to deliver an incredible story. A fantasy series that has it all, this entire series is a must read! You also must read these in order to experience everything it has to offer.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect: ⚔️Fated Mates 👑Secrets & Betrayals ⚔️Deadly Trials 👑Sea Monsters ⚔️Prophecies & Mysteries 👑Fierce and Strong FMC
This is the 3rd and final book in the series. You definitely want to read book 1 and 2 before reading this because the three books are more like one big story instead of a trilogy.
This book picks up right where book 2 left off and Rae and Jai / Phaethon are headed into the 3rd and final trial. It's a trial by water and no one is expected to survive. I know Jai is Rae's fated mate, but as protective as Phaethon is in all these books, especially during the trials, he's my hero; and I feel like he's really her mate too.
Can they survive the trials, kill the king, and be together? I recommend reading these three books to find out. All of the books were great with fantasy adventure and romance; and this 3rd book was an epic conclusion to the series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This final book in Archer’s The Thorn and the Shadow series is so addicting, I finished it in less than 24 hours (staying up WAY past bedtime)! In this final push to save their world and consummate their soul bond, Jai and Rae, along with Jai’s additional soul, Phaethon, give us epic battles, epic romance, and epic twists! They defy all odds in the trials, and vow to bring peace and justice to a strangled world, all while fighting their own insecurities and trust issues. Who can say no to unique world building, DRAGONS, unique twists on fae and other mythological beings, as well as love triumphing over centuries old trauma and gifting us with a soulmate triangle? Archer triumphs! Don’t miss this book that pulls your emotions inside out and upside down, all while you witness a love story for the ages, and several battles royale in the cause of justice and freedom.
This was a great end to the series. I loved all of the relationships growing and changing, and the overarching plot was really well thought out. I appreciated the scope, and the way we learned so much more about all of the characters. How tactical parts of the plot were was excellent, it made sense for Rae and Jai to be thinking that way. My only complaint is that the inner dialogue was so epic and descriptive, even profound in several parts, but the dialogue felt very juvenile. It did take me out of the plot and seriousness of what was happening more than once. Overall though, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and I really hope we get to read more about this world in the future, I need to know!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the final book in the Thorn and the Shadows Trilogy and OMG I loved every minute of this romantasy read! Mona really hit this out of the park, there was so much to love. Rae had gone through so much from the start and set on v3ng3nce with the Fae King in her sights. There are so many twists and turns along the way in the Sea Trials but nothing is as it seems and just when you think you have it all worked out...... boom.... another twist you don;t see coming.
Jai/Phaethon were amazing and I have to say the more we got to know Phaethon the more I adored him along with Jae. There were a few times I was literally holding my breath and maybe a bit of yelling.
This book continued seamlessly on from the cliff hanger of book two and flowed well right through to the end.
What a story it was. As Rae and Jai work through the truths revealed at the end of book 2 they must also triumph the final challenge before they take their fight to the king.
I love that we learnt more about their missing pasts and that the book didn’t just end after the final battle, we got to see what they did after.
This was a really nice ending to the series with plenty of action and suspense with abit of romance thrown in.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book three in The Thorn and The Shadow series, and its conclusion. I was initially surprised how much I liked the first book, that I felt compelled in the most excellent way to finish the series, and I’m so glad I did! With the final trial on the horizon, we are sucked back in to a fantastically created world and the deep complexities of the characters. Just when you think you’ve figured out what is going on, another twist takes you by surprise!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent & complex conclusion to a great trilogy! Rae realizes she loves all her males - tho none so much as her fated mate, Jai. Who wouldn't love some spicy magical loving? And such complex loving relationships with beings who have had multiple inter-related existences over a long period of time. The relationships are so rich. Enjoy!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh my days what a corking ending. This book was jaw dropping, it had you gripping to the edge of your seat. The twists and turns that came at you were so out of the blue. I absolutely loved and devoured this book. I’m so sad it came to and end.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed Rae, Jai, and Phaethons stories. They were so good woven together. I might have gotten confused every now and then over the souls, but it didn't make me love it any less. I like how it ended, and I get it, but I still wish there was a little more mention of the 2nd half. I love that it went that way, I just wish he visited more.
Rae, Jai and Phaethon's saga has been a tremendous, hard-to'-put down read. The final trial, changes to the fae hierarchy, loss and gain of allies, and many other adventures and realizations. I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy.
This fascinating conclusion to a great trilogy starts where book 2 left off. Includes action, drama, adventure, challenges, situations, insecurities, battles, obstacles, trials, conflicts, romance, interactions, emotions, banter, and twists.
This is an amazing story that gave me hours of reading pleasure and adventure, as well as romance. It kept me pulled in from start to finish and I loved every page!!! I Highly Recommend!!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I can't believe it's over! I have absoulety loved every second of this journey and wish it never had to end. Everything Rae has been through! So many highs and lows and yet she still keeps fighting. This book has more trials which builds the twists and turns that make this book an incredible story. Rae does not just fall to her knees for her fated mate, how could she, she hates him. Jai tries to do everything he can to help and Rae refuses it all. It will test all of your patience, yet be the wild ride you never knew you needed. I just love how Mona has written and weaved this entire trilogy. It's not the cut and dry you're used to and yet gives you everything that will make you go absolutely feral while reading. It is intense and unforgiving. Full of action and world building that is so incredible you'll feel like you're actually there. Everything is written with such impeccable details that even when you're done, everything just sticks with you and you can never forget. This trilogy is by far one of my top reads of the year!