Melelea Shadowsdottir risked everything for love once before and was burned. Badly.
Years trapped in an abusive marriage left her scarred and unwilling to risk her heart again. Now, she finds peace and purpose in her divination, serving the kingdom quietly. But when her dreams become visions of a demon bent on annihilation, she realizes her mind is chained to his. Every vision brings her closer to his madness—and she alone can track him before his vengeance consumes them all.
Wodred ka Xonok has always loved Melelea. Always.
From the moment he first saw her in the arms of another, he knew she would be the only one to claim his heart. He grieved when he thought her lost, and he’s stood by her side since her return. When she vows to stop the demon, he swears to guard her with his life. Yet traveling so close to the trolless he’s always desired is its own kind of torment—especially when every stolen glance, every brush of hands, fans a fire he can’t allow himself to feel.
Yet with every step into danger, the walls around Melelea’s heart begin to crack. Desire flares where she least expected it, and attraction blossoms with the one orc who has never failed her.
Will the love that has waited for her all along blossom into a bright future—or will the darkness consume them both?
I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This is the first book that i have read from this Author and really fell in love with this story line. This is the five book in the series and need to go and read the other now! This was a slow burn Romantasy. I need more!!
“Melelea Shadowsdottir risked everything for love once before and was burned. Badly.
Years trapped in an abusive marriage left her scarred and unwilling to risk her heart again. Now, she finds peace and purpose in her divination, serving the kingdom quietly. But when her dreams become visions of a demon bent on annihilation, she realizes her mind is chained to his. Every vision brings her closer to his madness—and she alone can track him before his vengeance consumes them all.”
War Seer is book 5 in the War Brides of Adrik series.
We finally get to read about Melelea and her HEA! We know he backstory from previous books in the series, but reading it from her perspective really brings to light the years she spent so unhappy with Rognar's father. Little did she know, from the moment she met Wodred, he only had eyes for her, but assuming that Melelea and King Rogan were in love, he made a point to avoid visiting court in Ilustan from then on so he would not have to see Melelea. As fate would have it, they are now traveling together to find and defeat the demon Grazrath before he can take over the entire country.
This is such a perfect second chance romance story. Melelea is such a powerful sasari and has unintentionally made a mind connection with Grazrath, so before he can gain his full power back, he must be stopped. Wodred of course, immediately volunteers himself to go with Melelea, still in love with her after all these years, he wants to ensure she is protected. I enjoyed Wodred's backstory, but I also felt sad for him, his unrequited love so strong, and with Orc senses, he couldn't even risk seeing Melelea if he could avoid it, so as not to give his feelings away to King Rogan.
Even though it takes them many years, it seems that fate brings Wodred and Melelea back together right when they need each other. Melelea has been hurt badly from her relationship with King Rogan though, so Wodred has to bide his time and hope that she will love him in return. I also really loved the stone golems in this story, and their magical underground village. It sounds like such a wonderful thing to experience! And of course, the other two traveling partners, Dame Zera and Gunag, and their constant bickering is amusing.
My only complaint is that since Grazrath is a demon, it seemed like it should have been a little harder to defeat him, so that part of the story seems a little rushed. But overall, I really enjoyed it, and really look forward to the next one!
Some fav quotes: "Her shy smile makes my heart race, and I barely stop my thrum from erupting from my throat. Mine, my Mating instinct growls. I have finally seen the female of my dreams, the mate of my heart, and she is already married to my prince and superior officer. F***."
"Underneath it all though, is the scent that is driving me mad, the scent that is hers and hers alone."
"She smells like lemon and ginger, bright and spicy and delicious. I can only imagine that she tastes as good as she smells, and wonder how her pleasure might enhance her mouthwatering scent."
"I will walk until my body is broken and bleeding if it means that she will live through this nightmare."
"I kiss her like an orc possessed. I cannot get enough of her, and when her soft body molds into mine, a sense of rightness slides into my chest."
""I am yours already, love," Wodred says, leaning forward. "Body and soul. Forever and even after death. You are the only female who has ever had my heart. Today, tomorrow, always."
""Run, my bride. Run, and I will catch you. Hide, and I will find you. Until time ends. You will be mine, Lady Melelea.""
Thank you so much to the author for a copy of this book!
I've really become so fond of this series ever since I read War Queen, and I am so pleased that finally Lady Melelea has found her happy ever after in this book. Ms. Jordyn has said in her author notes in the book that Lady Melelea's story hadn't been included when she started this series, but I am incredibly pleased that she's changed her mind and saw to it that this amazing character gets her own story written!
As always, the plot continues to unravel in this fifth book to the War Brides of Adrik. Lady Melelea and General Wodred embark on a perilous journey to go after the archdemon Grazrath, one who is hell-bent on freeing his fellow archdemons so they can rule over Anar'i. The storytelling is riveting, with exciting action sequences and captivating descriptions of Melelea's use of magic.
Moreover, glimpses of the MC's pasts are given to us in this book, allowing us to understand their respective backstories and how these now currently impact their present circumstances. As Melelea and Wodred hunt down Grazrath, their relationship flourishes, and it was so satisfying to see how two mature individuals finally be able to secure the love they long thought improbable for them at their age. When they finally did, you couldn't help but feel genuine happiness for them, knowing all the hardship and suffering they've endured in the past. Their consummated mate bond was definitely something they both immensely deserved.
The book's ending showed us the next focus of the subsequent installment to the series, and as early as now I know that is a book I wouldn't miss for the world.
I was granted a free review copy of this book. I write this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jordyn and the way she kept me captivated from the very beginning was insane! Wodred YEARNING, LONGING, and PINING FOR 30 years is next level. I love them so much.🥹 This was so beautifully written. I felt my heart ache throughout this whole book. No one should suffer any abuse.
Wodred is an honorable man! However, he can be a bit self-righteous and doesn’t indulge in things that don’t bring light or help him fulfill his duties. He’s respectful and wise, often negating his own feelings to put others ahead. I love that we got a dual timeline; it allowed us to see how Wodred felt about Melelea from the very beginning. We see his longing for her, his devotion, the way he speaks life into her, and a positive influence that he had on others around him.
If I could hug anyone from my books, it would be Melelea. I can’t even begin to imagine what she endured at the hands of her husband. She deserved so much better, and it’s heartbreaking that it took so long for her to finally get it. She’s incredibly strong, resilient, brave, wise, smart, and selfless. King Guruk didn’t deserve her, and men like that should get their 🍆 cut off and be held accountable! Is that a bit much? Maybe. But King Guruk did terrible things, and just for the abuse he inflicted on Melelea, I think I’m being a bit generous.
This is a slow burn romance, but soooooo worth it! I’m on the fence about slow-burns, however, this was done really well! I can’t wait to see what happens next. I need Gunag and Zera story asap!
I received this arc and have decided to voluntarily leave my review. All my thoughts are my own.
The War Brides of Adrik #5: War Seer by Jordyn Alexander delivers the epic scope and intrigue fans of the series expect — dark kingdoms, magic, and high-stakes battles abound. The world-building remains vivid and immersive, and Alexander’s writing captures the tension, political maneuvering, and romance with flair.
That said, this installment felt a bit uneven at times. Some plot points seemed rushed, while others lingered longer than necessary. Character arcs were compelling but occasionally confusing for those who aren’t up to date on the previous books. Despite this, there were plenty of moments that kept me engaged and invested in the story.
✨ Tropes you’ll find: 💔 Star-crossed lovers / forbidden romance 🗡️ Political intrigue & war strategy 🌌 Magic & prophecy 🔥 Tense love triangles 🛡️ Heroic sacrifices 🌑 Dark secrets revealed ⚔️ Slow-burn romance amidst chaos
War Seer is a solid addition to the series for fans who love dark romantic fantasy with complex worlds and moral gray characters, but it may leave new or casual readers a little lost or wishing for tighter pacing.
This entire series has me in a chokehold! I have read the previous 4 books in the series and loved them, so I was waiting with bated breath for this book, which was Melelea and Wodred's story. I was so stoked to receive an ARC of this book, because I absolutely love the author's style of writing. I stayed up way too late, just turning page after page to finish this book. The writing is so captivating and intriguing, I devoured this in one sitting, left no crumbs! The beautiful love story, the action, the suspense, the spicy scenes, the world building and the flow of the story just grabs you and does not let you go till the end. I highly recommend this series if you have never read an ORC romance and if you just love a well written plot that holds your attention from start to finish. Each book in the series is a standalone featuring a different couple, but it is an interconnected series and is best enjoyed if you start at Bk 1 (War Queen). Trust me, you will binge the series, the author just draws you in deeper and deeper as you read. You're welcome :)
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and this is a voluntary review.
Jordyn Alexander knows her stuff, and she's done it again with War Seer. This is another standalone, so if this is your first entry into the War Brides of Adrik series have no fear, but truly, I cannot recommend that you read the rest of this series enough.
I love that this is a later life, second chance romance that pulls no punches, and the stakes are getting REALLY high. Melelea is a strong, magical orcess with a Past, and the great warrier Wodred was there for it all, loyal for his whole life to her even as she married their former king. Now that king has been rightfully overthrown, and a new enemy is arising. Together their quest is to root out an archdemon threatening the world using her magic and his might.
As usual, I can't wait for the next book, it's one I've been waiting for! Thank you to the author for facilitating me with a review copy of this book at no cost and with no obligation. I reviewed this book voluntarily, and all opinions are my own.
I was kindly provided with this book (censorship is BS and I hate it but here we are!)
How am I so privileged to get to ARC read ANOTHER book in this series?? Idk but I’m beyond ecstatic. Tropes; Orc romance, bodyguard, royal court, later in life, it’s always been her, healing after abuse. Smut was 2/5 on the spice scale and it’s a HEA in a series of interconnected standalones.
Melelea featured in previous books a lot, being the stable rock and maternal figure we love to see. To get her backstory, Selene into the depths of her suffering and sacrifice was bittersweet cause that woman deserved the world and I’m so glad she found it.
Wodred has also featured in previous books as the stoic all-business orc but the depth of his yearning for one member of court really broke my heart for them both. He deserved so much better, they both did, it just took a while to get there.
This was one of my most anticipated reads and it did not disappoint. I have been waiting for this story to continue especially with everything happening around the demon and it pulled me right back into the world like I never left. Melelea’s story was worth the wait and seeing her finally have her moment after everything she has been through felt right.
Wodred was everything I expected and more. You can feel how much history and emotion sit between them. And Grazarath is the kind of evil that keeps you up at night reading to see what happens next.
The ending left me ready to grab the next book the moment it comes out. Jordyn knows how to build tension and keep you wanting more. I loved every part of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a great continuation of the War Brides of Adrik series. I love a later in life romance and I was so happy for Melelea and Wodred to finally get their HEA!
This book continues the series storyline as they journey to fight the demon trying to take over their lands and rule them all. I really enjoyed the epic quest plot and the way the two main characters slowly come to realise and reveal their feelings. It made for a great read and I can't wait to continue the series!
The plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and solidly drawn. The characters made the story and they were so very appealing and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.
Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have felt nothing but admiration and inspiration since first meeting Melelea in book 1 of the series. I am so happy to see her finally find the happy ending she deserves. And Wodred, sweet stoic Wodred, how refreshing to see a strong orc that had eyes for no other once he met his perfect mate, even when obstacles and grief kept her from him.
I have really enjoyed the War Brides of Adrik series! Book 5 is no exception! I’m so glad we got Melelea’s story! Second chance, later in life romance was so captivating. And I love a HEA! Now anxiously awaiting the next book!
💜 Tropes 💜 ✨ Friends to lovers ✨ Pining ✨Bodyguard ✨ Monster FMC ✨ It’s always been her ✨ Slow burn ✨ Later in life ✨ Overcoming trauma
Favorite Quote:‘I was not your responsibility.’ ‘You were always mine in my heart, Melelea,’ the orc responds solemnly. ‘Mine to protect, mine to love.’ Major swoon.
Tropes -Unique forced Prox -Bodyguard -Second Chance (previously missed opportunity) -Healing -Its always been her -Slow burn
BLURB:
Melelea Shadowsdottir risked everything for love once before and was burned. Badly.
Years trapped in an abusive marriage left her scarred and unwilling to risk her heart again. Now, she finds peace and purpose in her divination, serving the kingdom quietly. But when her dreams become visions of a demon bent on annihilation, she realizes her mind is chained to his.
Wodred ka Xonok has always loved Melelea. Always.
From the moment he first saw her in the arms of another, he knew she would be the only one to claim his heart. He grieved when he thought her lost, and he’s stood by her side since her return. When she vows to stop the demon, he swears to guard her with his life.
Yet with every step into danger, the walls around Melelea’s heart begin to crack. Desire flares where she least expected it, and attraction blossoms with the one orc who has never failed her.
Will the love that has waited for her all along blossom into a bright future—or will the darkness consume them both?
Things I liked:
- I just love Wodred. He is the quiet steamy loyal type. He does everything based on Meleleas happiness. He is patient and so good-willed. He is so easy to fall in love with but like many others, never doesn’t think he is good enough.
- The emotion and love built around the main characters and their relationship is heart warming. There is a steady calmness between them no matter the situation.
- Unique forced proximity situation.
- I can’t wait for Zera and Gunag’s story based on the foundation built in this story (and the last one).
I felt like the fantasy journey plot was missing something, possibly a lack of build up in the pace? Things happen, but the disasters feel very localized to the characters vs wide spread.
Recommend! Read now on KU!
Thank you Jordyn Alexander for sending me this eARC for an honest review.
These characters both deserve the best. I am glad Melelea finally found an Orc that treats her right. Worded held that candle for a long time, but I am glad he was always respectful and maintained boundaries. But dang, did he get some good revenge when he thought she was killed.