Thrones Of Shadows And Flames

The Five Realms #3

by Jenessa Ren

Who are you willing to become?

Princess Rhea Maxwell's worst fears have come true. Trapped in an all too familiar prison, Rhea trusts that the man she loves will rescue her. But as the weeks pass and she loses more of herself to the torment from her captor, she wonders if fate has other plans. With an impending wedding to a vile monster on the horizon and the powerful magic in her veins no longer her own, Rhea will confront an ugly truth: what happens when you become the villain of your own story?

Leaving the chaos—and the male who holds her heart—back in the Shifter Kingdom, Princess Bahira Daxel has returned home. Except the Mage Kingdom is not the same place she left months prior. Her brother, Prince Nox, is completely distraught, his erratic behavior growing with each passing day. As the council maneuvers to dethrone her family, Bahira focuses her attention on getting answers to the questions that plague her. With secrets revealed and death lingering close at hand, Bahira knows it will take everything she has to hold her family—and her kingdom—together.

The Siren Queendom has always been a dangerous place for Princess Aria Malika, and with the siren queen in pursuit of cruel vindication, that has never been more evident than now. Tasked with a secret mission that, if caught, could end with the death of those she cares about most, it isn’t only the sirens Aria has to look out for. A vicious fae also looms over her, one whose beauty is as dangerous as the blades she wields. Can Aria finally face her fears? Or is she destined to end in ruin?

In the shadows of the Fae Kingdom, Princess Myla Ryuu has come to rely on only two things: herself and the efficiency of her blade. Shunned princess by day and secret vigilante to the capital's most vulnerable by night, Myla is determined to effect change on a larger scale. But in order to do so, she needs a dragon, and one has never bonded with a female before. Under constant scrutiny, Myla’s perseverance will be put to the test. Especially when a softhearted siren threatens to alter her plans.

Each princess must discover just how far they are willing to go to gain freedom, uncover truths, and protect love.

Genres: Fantasy

1221 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 5, 2025

About the author

Writing is something Jenessa never dreamed of doing professionally, but it is a journey that has completely altered the course of her life.
When the vision of a woman locked in a tower, one who longed for freedom, sparked, Jenessa ran with it. Months later, Heir Of Sun And Moon was written, and the entirety of The Five Realms Series was born.

Now Jenessa spends her days writing in the fictional world of Olymazi, creating emotional, character driven romantasies where the men fall first and hard, and the women are strong and capable.

You can catch her hanging out on Instagram at @jenessalikes, where she is likely fangirling over Pedro Pascal edits.

Reviews

[Anita - The.Bookish_Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin?! Thrones of Shadows and Flames is definitely the longest book I’ve read this year, and it’s absolutely incredible!

TOSAF is book 3 in the Five Realms series, and is packed with so much information, heartache, trauma, and emotion. You’ll finish it and be begging for more. Trust me, I was in Jenessa’s DMs within half an hour of finishing 😂

Every single storyline and POV is integral to the book, and the series as a whole. We are also introduced to the final FMC, Myla, a fae princess vigilante filled with feminine rage.

Jenessa makes you feel everything through her written words. The storylines are captivating and you’ll find yourself attached to so many of the characters. The plot develops naturally and seamlessly throughout TOSAT, and I found it a perfect blend of being both character and plot driven. The overarching storyline continues, and each of the character’s arcs begin to merge and weave together. It’s exciting, it’s fast-paced, it’s emotional, and it’s powerful. You’ll have your heart broken, and then built back up again with how raw it is, especially for our poor Rhea.

Thrones of Flames and Shadows is out now, and this is one epic fantasy romance series that you do not want to miss. Please do check the trigger warnings first though.

Thank you to the author for an advanced copy. This review is my own honest opinion.


——

Original thoughts on 05/12/2025:

Off to go stare at a wall. Review to come.

[Brandihreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There may be a list of gods one could pray at the feet of, but the only altar I’ll willingly choose is hers.“

My thoughts:
Okay, this is an infinity star read for me!!! I am OBSESSED! I devoured this THICK book in 3 days and couldn't put it down! I cried, threw my kindle, and was left speechless multiple times!!!😭💔🤯 It was an emotional rollercoaster that
left me needing days to process.

The characters went through so much trauma, and the plot twists and reveals kept me on the edge of my seat! The storylines collided, and I loved every minute of it! It's packed with action, romance, friendships, and so much more. I'm still reeling from the experience and I'm already dying to dive into book 4! It's going to be torture waiting!

[Heathers Lit Voyage · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Heart-Shattering Masterpiece

Thrones of Shadows and Flames by Jenessa Ren is the kind of book that echoes in the mind and heart of the reader long after they have turned the final page. As the third installment in The Five Realms series, it takes everything you’ve come to love about this world, the relationships, friendships, complexities, and these 4 princesses and pushes all of it to its most brutal, breathtaking limits. This story wrecked me in the best way, but it also vividly reminded me of why I fell in love with this series in the first place.

Plot and Setting
This book throws each of the 4 princess into the darkest corners of their personal journeys.
- Rhea comes face to face with her nightmares and the reader can not see a possible escape in sight, her magic has been suppressed and her identity teeters on the edge as the has to perform actions that emotionally wreck her, making her feel like all control is slipping through her fingers. Watching her battle, break, and fight against her reality is both devastating and awe-inspiring.
- Bahira returns to a Mage Kingdom unraveling at the seams, and can not connect to her beloved shifter prince as their connection point has been shattered. She is surrounded by secrets and political treachery and returns home to find that her beloved brother is barely recognizable. Her determination to protect her family and search out solutions while everything crumbles around her is inspiring.
- Aria ventures deeper into danger as the Siren Queendom closes in, forced to confront a mission that could cost her everything she loves. The tension surrounding her every move is relentless, and the tension builds as she makes new discoveries, and works with a soldier to find her power and use her voice for strength.
- Myla stole my heart from her first chapters. Watching her navigate the patriarchal structure of the Fae Kingdom while holding tight to her fierce independence breaks the readers heart and also inspires anyone that has experienced that kind of pain in their lives. Her quest to bond a dragon and training of Aria adds thrilling new dimensions to her storyline, and the risks she willingly takes for her people feels monumental.

Every storyline is rich, layered, and emotionally charged. Intense reveals, long-awaited puzzle pieces, and tension-filled confrontations make this installment gripping. And yes, the cliffhanger at the end of this one is epic! Don't say I didn't warn you.

Characters
Jenessa delivers her most emotionally complex character work yet.
- Rhea’s descent and resilience gutted me.
- Bahira’s loyalty and strength shine even brighter, even as her world crumbles.
- Aria’s journey blends fear, courage, betrayal, and heartbreak to make the reader feel every emotion.
- Myla commands your attention and admiration with her grit, quiet rebellion, small glimmers of vulnerability, and the fire of someone who refuses to be dismissed.

This is a book where no one is safe. A few beloved characters just might not make it to the end, but I've come to trust that those emotional moments will continue to serve the story in a way that amplifies the stakes and the emotional payoff.

Writing Style
Jenessa’s writing continues to evolve beautifully. Her prose is sharp, immersive, and emotionally poignant. The way she balances multiple storylines, interwoven tension, and heavy themes while still giving room for the occasional laugh or tender moment is masterful. As a beta reader, leaving over a thousand notes in a book this powerful felt like a privilege. Watching her growth from book one to now has been pure joy.

Themes
This installment digs into identity, trauma, sacrifice, and the question of who you are when the world tries to remake you. Each princess faces a moment where the line between hero and villain blurs, and their choices shape not only their futures but the fate of the realms.

Conclusion
Thrones of Shadows and Flames is an intense, beautifully crafted, emotionally devastating turning point in The Five Realms series. It’s bold, fearless, and unforgettable. Jenessa Ren has written a story that shatters you then makes you desperate for the next chapter. With one book left, the stakes have never been higher.

I highly recommended this book for readers who love fantasy with heart, depth, and unflinching emotional stakes. 📚✨🔥

[Heather Brickley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.... is a masterclass in storytelling. The rollercoaster of emotions that play throughout this action-packed book will make you sit on the edge of your seat waiting for the next page.

My love for this series continues to grow, but holy cow did this third installment crumple up my heart and then try to smooth out the wrinkles. All of our characters experience exorbitant setbacks that stem self-reflection that either motivates them or causes them to sink deeper into their negative thoughts. Jenessa beautifully portrayed the struggles through her thoughtful words and brought these feelings that we may face daily to light. As someone with anxiety and depression, I felt seen through several characters, and there a few internal conversations captured that I have personally experienced, so the mental-health representation in this book and the series is one I love. Which goes to say, check your trigger warnings for this book.

ToSaF drops us right into the middle of the chaos and turmoil that book 2 ended on. Each of the four princesses is working through their conflicts - Rhea has been kidnapped by her uncle, Bahira returns to the Mage Kingdom and has no way to contact the Shifter Kingdom while navigating the chaos occurring in her own court, Aria is torn with confronting her fears to protect her loved ones from the growing discourse in the Siren Kingdom. We are introduced to Myla and her Fae Kingdom and I have never wanted to be a vigilante more than after following her storyline. A princess by day in a kingdom where she has no privileges, she must fight for any independence in the form of bonding with a dragon to prove that she can. Each princess not only fights to preserve and discover their own identity, but they must make the hard decisions that will either make or break them.

And then there are the leading men... The definition of morally grey man needs to have a picture of Flynn next to it for the depths he travels down to do whatever it takes to get Rhea back home. With all the character art of him, I have a few suggested entries ;) I'm not mad at how many times I cheered him on during his own search for her. Rhea and Flynn are still my favorite pairing in this series, but they all are so well balanced, it's hard to keep one couple at the top of the list. Kai and Bahira not being in the same kingdom made their yearning and self-reflection so important to their motive of trying to reconnect.

All of the storylines weave together in a beautiful and cohesive way that makes you go "I knew it," or "was not expecting that to connect them at all" in the best possible way. The majority of the questions that were building from the first two books are answered and left my jaw on the floor. The emotional depth of each character mixed with the stunning world Jenessa is so well done and I applaud her for taking risks on-page with her themes. While emotionally taxing, the outcomes will surprise you and make you keep going.

Thank you Jenessa for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series hits HARD in the best way possible!! You just have to know going in that it's going to wreck you in the absolute best way. Just know that you're going to cry, laugh, fall in love, and be so inspired!

This one certainly was a tough one. It's the third book in the series, so if you've read the last two, obviously, you know our girl Rhea has been going through it, and this book is the culmination of that. It's hard to read in some parts, but it's knowing that the strongest people come from surviving the bad times. Just know that this book has lofty trigger warnings, and a lot of them probably pertain to Rhea's parts.

Rhea's counterpart, Flynn, also goes through HEAVY times. Okay, basically, a lot of people do this book. But, I swear, there's so much good in it too! Bahira, even though she's missing a certain shifter King (we all were too), is there to be the badass babe she is and keep everyone in line.

Also ARIA, ARIIIIIIAAAA. THE. CHARACTER. GROWTHHHH. Literal chills writing that. Phew, she goes from being scared to step up to anyone for any reason to realizing even one person makes a difference. Almost all of my favorite quotes revolve around her.

I could hide and be the same female everyone around me expects. Or I can choose to do something more. Who am I willing to become? No, a different question stirs in my head, one more pointed. Who have I become?

Speaking of Aria, we meet her love interest, Myla! She's based on Mulan, and she's absolutely fantastic and fierce. I love how the author does her own spin-off of the Disney princesses. She incorporates dragon bonding in an interesting and unique way. Myla hides her identity by becoming The Shadow and seeking vengeance on bad men. And she helps train Aria because of a life debt, and is a huge part of Aria's character arc.

The side characters also made the book what it is. They were a lot of the comedic relief that was truly necessary with some of the heavier themes.

[AC_BadDecisionsBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need a minute, day, month, decade to get over this book... or at least accept it. 😭🖤 This one gets infinity ⭐️s, an ocean of tears, and all of the praise in the world!

****Possible spoilers below!

This book is a heartbreaker, an incredible journey of struggle and trauma and abuse/torture and how characters react and persevere and overcome it. It will break you and build you back up...eventually. You will cry and laugh and rage and cuss and pine and cry some more, but you will love every second of it because the characters are so well developed that you feel like you are going through the hard times along with them. Once again, I am a whoooore for good quotes, and this book is chock full of quotes that make me giggle and sob and scream. If I included all of my highlights, I wouldn't have the space to write a review! Definitely check your trigger warnings before starting the book, as there are ample warnings and a ton of heavy topics that are included in this book. Some parts are difficult to read and get through, but it is also so inspiring and worth every heart-wrenching minute/hour/week you spend on this book. There is political intrigue in this book in spades and so much going on that sometimes you will think you are losing track, but Jenessa has a way of bringing back important information and reminding the reader of things that went down in previous books as well as earlier in this one that isn't spoon feeding information to her readers or feeling like it is being shoved down your throat. It is subtle and gentle and feels like your own thought process when you recall important details as you realize their significance.

Jenessa continues to make her readers care about all of her characters and their POVs and was able to balance that fine line of just enough time before a POV switch that the story doesn't drag and you don't forget relevant information before it is needed again. I love the way the POVs don't 100% line up in the timeline and it gives you Sometimes you question how much time has passed for certain characters and where they fall with actions and events that are happening with others. It adds to the suspense and, in some cases, adds to the characterization of the POV character, adding a sense of haziness and insight into the character's mental state. I think she does a fantastic job with spanning the multiple storylines and adding hints of the fairytale elements for each inspired POV and pacing out the stories but also the emotional aspects for optimum damage. 😌

Rhea. My sweet baby Rhea goes through it in this book. Honestly, they all really do. But this poor girl being the main character and overall central arc of the story has a rough journey in TOSAF. She is given the hardest road to travel and will ultimately be all the better and stronger for it. We see her struggle with the knowledge that she didn't deal with her past traumas as fully as she had thought and with the realization that not training with the full extent of her powers before was to her own detriment. She fights with her instincts to trust other and whether she can trust her own judgement. There is a ton of physical and mental trauma added to the already pretty tall mountain of traumatic events in her lifetime. But her story is so fulfilling by the end and makes me even more invested in what happens next.

The relationships evolve and grow and morph as the story progresses, and we are introduced to new characters and given new POVs to fall in love with. We are introduced to our final badass FMC, Myla, who is fierce and loyal and up to her own vigilante shit (heh heh). She is so fun to get to know as she attempts to bond with her own dragon and fulfills the life debt she owes Aria. Their relationship is another enemies to lovers full of despising each other (sometimes) yet noticing little details about each other and finding themselves thinking about the other at inopportune times. I love them and their progression so much in this book! They learn and grow from one another and see that they aren't as different as they originally thought. Theirs is definitely a slow burn, and it is impeccably done. Aria grows so much in this book! We see her learning to fight, starting to defend herself, and trusting others more. She starts to see that one person can make a difference and stops hiding behind her fear and taking steps to become better and more than she ever thought she could be. I love the effect Myla has on her and the progress we see when things come to light about her sister. She becomes more motivated than ever before, and eventually, she takes steps that her character in COSAT would never have even dreamt of.

We get Bahira questioning herself and her feelings and finding validation through her own actions and beliefs. I really love how much she has grown since HOSAM and how much she has come into her own and come to trust herself. We are given more of her researching the Spell and the new connections she made during COSAT, while also helping Nox and friends with the issues currently transpiring within her kingdom. Through her POVs, we get to see Nox as he struggles with his own hardships and his inability to help Rhea. His path is a hard one to watch, and we get to see him become even more morally grey and get hints at what is to come next for this glorious man! Speaking of glorious men... KAI! *panting* Kai and his pining for Bahira (HAWTTT) and taking control of his kingdom is some of the best work Jenessa has done. The YEARNING is just *chef's kiss* glorious! And Kai's POVs are definitely limited, but we get so much information and development from him and other COSAT side characters that feed into what is going to happen in the finale.

Speaking of side characters, Daje is given his own POVs in this book, and let me tell you, this man has grown on me so much since HOSAM! His redemption journey began in COSAT, and he has only continued to grow and show us his true character throughout this book. He is a beautiful, beautiful man with a heart of gold, and his chapters give us a wonderful comic relief that is absolutely needed in this heavy book.

I could never write enough to portray how much I absolutely love this series. I adore it to no end, and I am so proud of Jenessa for making it through this book and dragging me along with her. This fantasy is epic and the romances are top tier and the characters are so well developed with incredible arcs in each book. Each character is unique and complementary to the others, and I cannot wait to have all of the characters together in a room so they can riff off of each other! There are certain pairings that I am especially excited for and scenes that I hope and pray for that live rent free in my head. The ending of this book is a massive cliffhanger that leaves you with a ton of questions and speculations and hope and fear of what is to come! I cannot wait for the final book!!!

[melissa roy | melissathebookaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘throne of shadows and flames’ is the third book in ‘the five realms’ series. if you’ve read the first two books (hosam & cosat), you know you are about to take a ride on a very emotional rollercoaster! 🎢 i loved being back in the world of olymazi with my fav characters! so much happened and i’m still trying to process everything.

bahira is her same ol’ badass self, and i was so hoping to see her and kai reunited! i miss them together!

rhea was going through it. so much pain, heartbreak, abuse. when she was FINALLY reunited with nox, i actually cried - rhea deserves all the love and happinesss! nox also endured a lot in this book between losing rhea & the council. but honestly…all the characters went through it in this one 💔

aria had so much character growth! i love how strong she’s becoming, and i think her knowing myla and having myla train her had a huge part in that. i was SHOOK at the plot twist with aria, rhea & her father 🤯 like what??? i didn’t see that coming at all!

i loved getting to know myla more! she is such a fierce fmc! myla hides her identity by becoming ‘the shadow’ and seeks revenge on bad men. i’m looking forward to getting to know her more in future books!

i also think i hate simon more than dolian, and that says ALOT.

i was sad that rhea and bella/siyala didn’t get reunited in this book 🥺 and the twist that happened with cassius broke me 💔😭

LASTLY. i need to know what happened with kai at the end! like that can’t be it…right????

thank you so much jenessa for sending me an e-arc of ‘thrones of shadows and flames’! can’t wait to see what you put us through next! 🤪

what to expect:
- fairytale retelling (rapunzel, beauty and the beast, little mermaid, mulan)
- 4 main female pov’s (with a sprinkle of male pov’s)
- enemies to lovers
- feminine rage
- tortured heroes
- epic fantasy
- emotional devastation
- fated love
- storylines colliding
- yearning

[Jenny Lampe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional roller coaster of a book. If there's one thing I will always love about Jenessa's writing is the character growth and development.

Thrones of Shadows and Flames has so many incredible moving pieces, and I love seeing everything start to come together for the final showdown. I love seeing multiple POVs, especially with so many characters in different realms. But my favorite part had to be the additional romance. I could read 500 more pages of Myla and Aria. These two have both had traumatic pasts and upbringing, and seeing them very slowly start to accept and trust one another was stunning. I can't wait to see how their story continues into book 4.

Prepare to get your heart ripped out and for your adrenaline to spike because this book is such an adventure. What a journey these characters have gone on to get to one place and hopefully fight together against the true evils of the world. I can't wait to see how this all wraps up because the way we were left after TOSAF?! I'll just be spiraling for the foreseeable future, thank you.

I received this as an eARC, but this review is honest and voluntary.

[Avery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow there was literally so much going on in this book, but it also felt like nothing was happening for over half the book? I started off super invested as I was eager to see where things picked up after the craziness of the last book, but then it dragggeedddd on until well over 600 pages when I finally started to get re-invested and excited about the plot. I understand having multiple different main character plots going on all at once and alternating storylines every few chapters, but like… 4 main storylines plus additional side characters’ POV chapters became a bit much when - let’s be honest - only 2 main storylines actually mattered and I NEEDED WAYYYY MORE TO HAPPEN FOR ONE OF THEM but guess I’ll have to wait for the next book *sigh* also King Dolian might be one of the most revolting characters ever written and I’ve about had enough of him. All this to say, while I think there was too much going on and not enough resolution in the end for me, I’m definitely excited to see how it all plays out in the next/final book of the series!

[Jackie Mesa - Her Paper Soul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books deserves all the flowers in the world. Each page held the kind of detail only Jenessa can give— every word mattered, every feeling described, every gasp incited.

This was not an easy read in the sense that it was devastatingly emotional & there were parts that made me feel physically ill (check the TW’s, always), there was so much grief & hurt & sadness. Each character going through their own struggles & battling their own demons & facing what felt like an entire armada against them. Individually. Like there just aren’t enough words to describe the way I felt each time a plot thickened & the next thing got in the way of these characters.

In short, this book was everything I needed it to be. The most perfect way to cross the storylines, have every realm meet, connect the characters, & create so much excitement for the final book. I’d recommend this series over & over again.

[Megs: Knee Wall Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the length of this book will seem intimidating at first. Just know when you are finished, you will be asking for more.

Loved seeing more from Myla and Aria and seeing how they were intertwined. Plus Myla's story in the fae kingdom and dragons.

Dang, Rhea has just been through it. And I just want to give her the biggest hug.

Still love Bahira and Kai. Even when they are apart from each other.

Enjoyed getting some bonus POVs to shine a little more light on some events.

This book you can see the pieces that Jenessa laid down over the first two books and how everything is clicking into place. I can't wait for the four and final book in the series.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! WoW! I have NEVER been so invested in a series in the way that I am with what Jenessa has created! I went into this knowing I’d be completely crushed and I trusted the process! Well, I’m going to keep on trusting because the setup for the next one is just utter perfection! I’ll be thinking of these characters every day until book 4, I just know it!

[Rebecca Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASE I am BEGGING you to read this series. This is the third book in this series and each book is better and better!! The storylines & multi POVS are chefs kiss and the fact that I have to wait for the fourth book to finish out the series has me wanting to cry because it’s just SO GOOD! I have grown so attached to all these fmc’s and can’t wait to see how their stories conclude.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had already found my favorite book of 2025 but I just haven't read this book yet. This book is definitely my favorite book of 2025 and I think earns a spot in my top five favorite books of all time. Five stars is not enough for this masterpiece of a book. I feel in love with this series from the very first book and each book just gets better and better.

I feel like if someone were to ask me which books or series best exemplifies my taste in books, then this series would definitely make the cut. I love any sort of fairytale inspired book so I appreciate the fairytale elements sprinkled in although I feel like the first book has more than this book. I feel like the series overall has a good balance of romance and adventure although this one the romance sort of takes the backseat because of everything else going on. Personally, I really enjoy fantasy series with multiple points of view and I like how you get more character points of view as the series goes on. This is the type of book that I find so easy to get equally invested in the characters journey along with the overarching plot.

I will say that this book does get quite a bit darker than the other two books. There were moments that were moments that frustrated me and moments that were a bit uncomfortable to read but I think that just shows how much I was invested in the story. There were moments I cried and moments I laughed and moments that made me an emotional wreck. The author puts these characters through it in this book especially Rhea. I love Rhea's character journey from the very first book to the end of this one and I absolutely can't wait to see where the author will take her character in the next book. Rhea is definitely my favorite character of the series and one of my favorite female characters of all time so as painful as it was to read some of her chapters, her chapters were my favorite.

I love how much this story has grown from the first book and I really feel like the author's writing as also matured a lot as well. This book is long and definitely a journey to get through but it was so worth it in the end, even if I'm a bit frustrated with all the cliffhangers. There's a lot I hope for for the last book in the series but I also don't want it to end because I've fallen so in love with this series. I really would like to see all the main characters working together because in this book, a lot of them were separated for majority of the book. I am excited for the future of this series since I already love it so much!

[Ren Staser · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK. THIS SERIES. I don't think I can adequately tell you just how much I love this, but I'm going to try. (I read the available books all at once, so this is sort of a blanket post for all of them!)

This epic fantasy romance spans 4 different fairytale reimaginings. There's multi-POV, multi-storyline, and multi-romance.

Retelling vibes: Rapunzel, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Mulan

If you loved the later books in the Throne of Glass series (HOF and forward), this is for you.

I LOVE multi-POV books that span across multiple storylines more than ANY other kind of book, but I think they're difficult to do well.

This series does it perfectly. The pacing, the emotional damage, the balance between all the main characters' personalities & growth arcs, and the romance! Infinite star rating from me.

I care about every POV equally; there was no spot throughout the entire series that dragged even for a bit. I devoured 2,346 pages of this series over the course of just a few days because I was so invested, and I already know that I will be doing re-listens/re-reads.

One of my favorite parts of the series is how different all the main FMCs are, and how they display strength and growth in unique ways, but in equal measure.

The romances feel layered and specific to each couple. The chemistry in each relationship is incredible and feels SO authentic- the couples fit together in a way that their specific personalities perfectly complement and challenge each other. None of the characters or romances feel cookie-cutter or trope-y (even when popular tropes come into play).

Speaking of tropes, TOSAF has my favorite "Who did this to you?" moment I've ever read.

The spice feels integral to the plotlines and character arcs (and is 🔥at the same time)

These characters will live rent free in my head as long as Aelin & the rest of the TOG gang have.

Book 1 + 2 audiobooks were incredible and I am SOOO appreciative of the ARC for TOSAF (coming out Dec 5!)

The storylines are all starting to pull together in this one, Aria and Myla are one of my favorite book couples ever. I literally took the day off work to finish reading this one. The ending is epic. Pretty sure this is gonna be a god tier series once it's wrapped up<3

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Thrones of Shadows and Flames✨

Author: Jenessa Ren
Release: 12.05.25
Series: The Five Realms, book 3

I don’t truly know how to put this book into words- moreover, this SERIES. You look at their covers and they’re so beautiful and disarming, then you open the pages and you’re thrust into a world full of intricacy, intention, scheming, suffering, empowerment, and love. I think I have to use a quote from Jen’s acknowledgments to fully encompass it all: “At the core of my storytelling, I have always weaved two threads: one being that hope can arise in the least likely of places and always at the time we need it most, and the other being that strength, as witnessed by our four heroines, can look different for everyone.” She just forgot to add “and I’ll tear your heart out and you’ll love it”. 🤭

TOSAF is book 3 in an epic fantasy romance that follows multiple POVs and romances, storylines that run perfectly parallel and upon convergence, and has such deeply intricate systems of thought, science, and emotional turbulence. These pages have everyone in them that we have loved along the way, others who we meet and add to our love bank, and some who will make us want to fight Jen for creating such devilish fiends. This is a book full of desperation, torture, abuse (PLEASE check TW because it’s on page), real life grief, and suicidal ideations yet Jen also masterfully manifests hope, love, friendship, and empowerment into what becomes a beautifully dark weave. Equal parts character and plot driven, we have less spice but SO MUCH growth, transition, and REVEALS. And when you DO get to the spice. LITERAL PERFECTION. Meaningful, intentional, thoughtful, and just ughhhh so freaking amazing.

You will break. You will mend. You will break a bit more. And yet, when you close the cover, you will sit with yourself processing the fact that you’ve felt every single emotion and it all felt real.

Tropes you may find in TOSAF are enemies to lovers, feminine rage, so much yearning, strong fmcs, fated love, EVILEST of villains, medium spice, storylines collide, deeper world building, political intrigue, SO MUCH REVEALED, and (our favorite) emotional devastation.

Jenn, I’m so grateful to get to arc read for you. This book goes into my top 10 of exquisite torture.

[B Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

In no particular order, these are the quotes that I believe best summarize what this book is about:

"Gods help us against the wills of men who believe they are owed something they aren't."

"Stuffing me into a cage and then asking me to choose between the bread crumbs you toss into it isn't autonomy. It's merely the illusion of it."

"I know who you are, Myla, and your darkness does not scare me."

"You don't need someone like the Shadow to rescue you, Little Siren.. . Not when you can learn how to rescue yourself."

"I'm lost in him, and I never want to be found."

"Hear me when I say that while there are men who believe in the gods and others who worship magic itself, I find my divine holiness in you. You are the only thing with believing in."

This series is one that my thoughts are continuously returning to. I think about it several times a month. I am so invested in these characters and this story. Reading is just such a funny hobby because I was miserable this entire book, but I loved it? I told my sister-in-law at one point that none of the characters were having a good time and it was stressing me out.

All of the main couples/characters were separated. One was being tortured, one was losing his magic, one was trying to save her brother and investigating magic, one was investigating his kingdom for traitors, one was trying to fight against her mother, and one was being abused in the name of religion and was also a secret vigilante.

There was a lot going on and it was so stressful. I just wanted one good thing to happen to someone and then Myla bonded with a dragon, and she's the first female fae to do so, and it made me so happy. The ending was a lot, and I'm so excited for the battles that are going to take place in the final book.

But I'm happy that everyone is all together again.They're just all better when they're together. They all struggle so much when they're separated so they need to be together and combine their strengths, and hopefully have a happily ever after? If they don't Jenessa, I will be sending you my therapy bill.

Honorable mention for devastation points:

"I love you." I whisper to the moon.

[s ⊹ ࣪ ˖₊˚❀༉‧✧˖°. · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just finished this book, and I’m literally still processing it… it was too good, i need the next one asap!

despite writing from eight different perspectives, jenessa ren makes the story so cohesive, and it never feels like the povs were too rushed or too spread out.

the throne of shadows and flames continues with three main couples: rhea and nox (rapunzel), bahria and kai (beauty and the beast), aria and myla (the little mermaid and mulan). although there was not much of my favourite couple, bahira and kai, until the end, i lived for their reunion scene. also, the way nox stays obsessed with rhea is everything to me. seeing the character development arc for aria and myla was also amazing during this book. during book 2, i liked aria a lot, but did not really feel connected to myla. however, the enemies to lovers arc for myla and aria, and how myla goes from being a bit standoffish and selfish with aria to risking her life to save aria was so beautifully written.

finally by the end of the book, the entire group is in one spot! i’m so excited to see how kai and nox interact, and for the reunion between rhea and bella! although kai, aria, and myla are left in precarious situations- i choose optimism and i will pretend that i know they’re going to be saved by rhea. i’m looking forward to see how they take down king dolion and queen amari.

for the side plot, with myla’s brother coming back - i think (or am hoping) the brother is cass! daje and elora don’t see cass’s body, and he went missing near the fae kingdom. maybe cass left during the war, and came to the mage kingdom? or is this wishful thinking…

i will say that this book is heavier than the last two books. however, in my opinion, it has a happier ending, and although there is a cliffhanger, i think all will be good.

overall, loved the book & and I’m looking forward to reading more from this series! book 4 i need you now.

[Rachel Blugrind · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'Just because what is inside of us is dark doesn't mean that it holds less value than something light' She takes a single step towards me, then stops. 'We may be composed of the consequences of other's actions and words against us, but they do not get to define who we are. Only we decide that.'"

Oh wow, what a journey Thrones of Shadows and Flames has taken me on. So many revelations that had me audibly gasping, moments where I felt my heart shatter only for it to be healed chapters later (and vice versa), and endless amounts of incredible storytelling. This series is truly shaping up to be one of the greatest that I have ever read, and we still have one more book in the series remaining.

Rhea x Nox is still my absolute OTP, but Aria x Myla is coming in at a close second place. My heart aches for Rhea's story throughout book three, and there were so many times that I would feel anger, heartbreak, and immense sorrow for what fate is dealing her. Reading through the coup on the beach was a whiplash of emotions, and I can easily say that I cried when I thought we had lost a particular character (iykyk).

Going into this book, I was aware that there would be an MC death, but when it actually happened, I was NOT prepared. I had gone through a list of who it could be, and unfortunately for me, the person it turned out to be had slipped my radar. Their sacrifice was not in vain, but it still hurts knowing that they are physically gone from the world of Olymazi.

I can go on forever about every second that this book had me entralled, but that would make for a terribly long review. Thrones of Shadows and Flames has me in a chokehold that will take me days to recover from. I know the final book in the series will completely shatter me, and I honestly cannot wait.

[Regina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenessa Ren continues to amaze me. Her captivating storytelling and incredible world building have only grown stronger in this latest installment of The Five Realms. The way she weaves these characters stories together is absolutely incredible - this book was *heavy* for sure, but I could not tear my eyes away from it! The way Ren writes trauma, self reflection, and personal growth is unparalleled. The way she writes every scene is so vividly descriptive that even my aphantasia, can’t-even-picture-an-apple-in-my-head brain can almost see it. And the villain? Wow. I love a good villain, the more unhinged the better, and this Big Bad is truly diabolical. There is of course more than one villain in this story, and they alllll made me want to throw my kindle across the room at times because they’re just SO deplorable. I also truly enjoyed the political schemes; it’s sometimes hard for me to enjoy political aspects of romantasy books, but here it is just so incredibly well thought out and executed. Every aspect of this story just flowed so perfectly that I would give my left arm to see inside of Ren’s brain for 5 minutes. Just like with Heir of Sun and Moon and Crowns of Stars and Tides, the minute I finished this book I wanted to go back and read it again. In fact, I might!

I don’t think I could possibly be more attached to fictional characters. Their journeys are all so compelling in such different ways, and each of their personalities are so distinctly unique…I can’t pick a favorite. Even the minor characters in this book pulled extreme emotions from me. I lost count of how many times I cried in this journey, and I am NOT a big crier.

I am so incredibly thankful and grateful to have received this ARC. And I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25-soft 3.5⭐️

I received an ARC and I feel like a proper reader because of it.

I’ll write a spoiler free review, and then add to it once the book is published.

Rhea and Nox, their story line, their pacing, 4.5⭐️ - love them. When our baby Rhea is struggling with being in the Mortal Kingdom and hearing about what’s happening for Nox in the Mage Kingdom - dagger to the heart.

What really dragged the reader experience down for me, is the POV’s and how varied the pacing is. With how long this book is (I thought it was the final), it’s challenging to immerse yourself in.

Aria and Myla are introduced far too late for me to be enthralled by their story, because I’ve had two books of build up of Rhea and Nox, and also want Bahira and Kai’s story. It gives the same vibes as TOG when Chaol and Nesrin have their Tower of Yawn book where the first time reading is a struggle but rereads allow you to get more into the story. That said, I think that this will resolve well in the final book because the characters have finally all come together. But, this genuinely pulled down the reading experience for me because I JUST WANT RHEA AND NOX BACK TOGETHER lol

A few plot holes around blood oaths/what kept Nox from Rhea, some clever twists and turns with families. The world building is easy to understand, the characters are easy to remember and keep track of (and I say this as someone who will not touch unfinished fantasy series for this main reason), and the issues I have with the pacing are reader specific - there are a boatload of readers who will love getting new character POVs and the build up before a story line converges!

[Bev B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there is one thing Jenessa is great at, it is writing jaw-dropping moments! And there were plenty in Thrones of Shadows & Flames. Every revelation, every plot twist, every heart stopping scene had me at the edge of my seat! This book is THICC but there was never a point where I felt bored. I was invested from start to finish because every chapter was just so damn good!

I must tell you that this book was heart-wrenching but in the best possible way. I love seeing the growth of each character, especially Rhea and Aria. This is a multi-POV read which can get challenging if not done well, especially in the fantasy genre with so many factors like world building, character development, etc. However, Jenessa does an impeccable job at highlighting each character and each storyline & bringing everything to fruition.

But please do not ask me which FMC is my favorite cause I could never choose! If there is another thing Jenessa is great at, it’s creating some badass females who are beautiful inside and out.

My reviews will always feel inadequate in showing how amazing this series truly is. I just need you to trust me when I say that you should probably, maybe, most definitely READ THIS SERIES! If you love Romantasy and if Disney Princess retellings are your vibe, then I beg you to read this! You won’t regret it. BET!

I can’t wait for book 4! I can only imagine how epic it’s going to be 😍 For now, I’m going to try my best to emotionally recover from TOSAF until book 4 rips my heart out again…cause Jenessa is great at that, too 🤣

Thank you again for this ARC, Jenessa. Your growth as a writer & all your accomplishments thus far, ceases to amaze me.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrones of Shadows and Flames is the third book in the Five Realms series. It’s nearly impossible not to spoil the other two books when doing a review for this third book so if you have not read books one and two turn away now but know this series is amazing.

This review will be free of spoilers for this book though.

Jenessa has such a way with her words. The writing flows so well and you get lost in the words. But not only is the writing well done, the story is so masterfully planned and executed. We essentially have three converging storylines and when you see how pieces are woven together, it is just so meticulously and craft-fully done.

Rhea and Nox are absolutely tested in this story. There’s not a quick resolution for their separation and what they both go through is agonizing. My heart breaks over and over again for Rhea and what she’s put through and i am still fuming from the manipulation that Nox needs to overcome to get to her.

Bahira remins our steadfast Woman in STEM. I love her scientific thought process and how directly she will fight for her family. I love her and Kai’s storyline and am dying to see more of them in book 4!

In this book we see a lot more of Aria and Myla. Myla is a fae princess who is life debt sworn to teach Aria how to protect herself. Watching their relationship grow was so much fun!

If you’re looking for your next epic fantasy romance this series needs to be on your list!!

[Samantha Bilodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING!! I loved the first two books, and this third one honestly just blew me away. Jenessa has an incredible talent for making you feel ALL THE FEELS. Her main characters have so much depth and heart, and the supporting characters add even more. I love all the many, many twists and turns, ups and downs, and getting turned completely upside down as they beloved characters are put through so much while finding their ways. The way various fairytales are threaded into the story is also masterfully done and I just love it.

This third book has the characters we have come to love, with some additions. In the first two, there was a gradual build-up with first Rhea and Flynn/Nox and then Bahira and Kai, with some Aria. Now, we get Myla, a fae princess who moonlights as a vigilante, is trying to bond with a dragon, and finds herself stuck training Aria. We also get some more POVs from Xander, a guard of the Mortal Kingdom who is leading a rebel group; King Dorian, a truly twisted villain; and Daje.

Each of the kingdoms is experiencing some pretty serious upheaval and this book really starts to connect the main characters more.

I don't want to give too much away, but if you enjoyed the first two books, you are going to love every minute of this one! (And yeah, there are A LOT of minutes as this is a thick book, but they go quickly and never feel like "too much.")

Rapunzel with some Ella Enchanted mixed in
Beauty and the Beast
The Little Mermaid & Mulan

[Rayne Shelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh…this book took me kinder to finish, but holy cow. This was something it makes you feel all the feels…I was like is there going to be any break for the heartbreak I was filling and it wasn’t until the very very end.

Rhea & Nox: they were tested to the brink and had to go through so much but their love for each other was constant and infinite. I was on the brink of my seat waiting for these two to come together and I was predicting that their reunion wasn’t going to happen, but alas I was wrong it just took a min.

Bahira & Kai: while we didn’t get much of them together, from each of their POVs we saw how much they longed and loved each other even though it took them both a min to come to that conclusion, but alas we have yet to see how their story will forge out.

Aria & Myla: my heart goes out to these two bada*** FMC they were truly enemies to lovers and had such a strong bond because they each have their own traumas but were so similar.

But I highly recommend you read this book but like Jenessa says start with Heir of Sun & Moon, Crowns of Stars & Tides, then Thrones of Shadow & Flames because they are each interconnected and Jenessa does such a beautiful job connecting the plot and characters and it’s just such a work or art. I’m dying for Book 4 like I need it now but run and read these books and grab tissues because you will find yourself tearing up and feeling all the feels while reading this series😬😩😭❤️

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

When I say I devoured this book, I mean I DEVOURED it. This is easily my favorite installment in The Five Realms series so far. From the first page, it grabs hold and doesn’t let go. The struggles, the triumphs, the anxiety-inducing build-ups (in the best possible way). Every chapter had me fully invested. You’ll laugh, cry, scream, and probably want to yell at the author more than once.

What makes this book stand out is how deeply personal it feels. Each of the princesses faces impossible choices, and watching them fight, fall, and rise again hit me hard. As a woman who’s had to overcome her own share of adversity, Rhea’s journey especially resonated. Her arc, of refusing to be defined by what’s been done to her, is powerful, heartbreaking, and beautifully written.

The pacing is relentless, the emotions raw, and the storytelling feels more confident and layered than ever. The stakes have never been higher, and every twist keeps you guessing right up to the end. And yes, it ends on a cliffhanger, but it’s the kind that leaves you breathless and desperate for the next book, knowing the finale is going to start with a bang.

This book is everything I want in fantasy: emotion, tension, and characters who feel real. It’s bold, gut-wrenching, and unforgettable.

[ataleoftomesandtropes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenessa’s Five Realms series is gripping, harrowing, beautiful, lush, and obsession-worthy. She isn’t just ticking the boxes for reimagined fairytales: she has truly created her own world and stories that draw you in and (lovingly) reward and hurt you 🥲💕 She doesn’t pull punches when it comes to the danger and the stakes for her characters. Hurts so good 🫠

This third book is a THICC adventure, but it has to be with so many POV’s that are spiraling and interconnecting! We get all 4 of our badass heroines + some of our MMC perspectives which we LOVE. And we’re even rewarded with some looks into the twisted minds of our villains which are deeply shutter-worthy 🫣

Here’s some of the goodness you can expect:
🖤Storylines collide
🔥Feminine rage
🖤Tortured heroes
🔥Rebellion
🖤Forced proximity
🔥Enemies to lovers
🖤Mental health rep
🔥Queer love
🖤”Who did this to you?”
🔥Burn the world to save her

Lastly, let me leave you with the dedication just in case you need one last nudge to add this to your TBR:
“For every woman who has smiled through the pain. Who has screamed in heartache. Who stood up for herself. And for every woman who couldn’t. For every woman who held on to your softness, despite how the world tried to take it, and for every one who let rage fuel her. Sharpen her. This book is for you.” ❤️‍🔥💪❤️‍🔥

[MEP17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, this series remains a 5-star read. Thrones of Shadows and Flames is an excellent edition. If you enjoy lots of character development, angst, and multiple storylines you will be in heaven.

The book is long, but it does not feel like it at all. Personally, I would have liked even more (but I know that would be a ridiculous and unfair ask of the author). Jenessa already gives us more than most authors would.

We continue with Rhea, Bahira, and Aria. We met Myla last book and learn more of her story in this book. In this book, every princess is experiencing difficulties. This is definitely a book about growth and pushing through troubling times. With that said, this book was a lot of tough moments and dark themes. The villians are villians in this book – and I love that! One villain, I love to hate and the other main villain I really do not enjoy at all.

If you’ve read the first two books, make sure to read this as soon as possible. If you have not read the series yet, start now!

I plan to write a more descriptive review once the book is released. 5 star read, probably rate 3.5/4/4.5 on specific elements as part of the bigger review.

I received this as an eARC. My review is honest and voluntary. Thank you Jenessa for the ARC

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of my most anticipated reads of the years and it did not disappoint. i felt everything reading the next installment of this series. getting back into the world at such a pivotal moment and enduring the extremely hard and heavy times with our characters. when reading these heavy scenes, it feels like jenessa is there with you. it’s like she’s holding your hand throughout each scene and hugging you through the hard times. she’s making sure that even though it is hard, that you aren’t alone. i loved getting more of aria, myla and their respective worlds but i will forever be the biggest fan of rhea and nox’s story. i gasped, i was horrified, i cried from both sadness and happiness and have so many theories. this book was everything i needed in the moment and everything that happened is leading us to the next book and the characters growth. so, sure, it may be all those hard things i mentioned but it was done so beautifully, so perfectly and jenessa is there with you each step

[Jenn | bookdragonbrunette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I can even begin to describe how amazing this book was.

There are so many POVs and this is an utter chonker of a book, but it had me gripped the whole time and I never wanted to put it down! Everything is woven together so well and I swear any time the POV changed, I was sick to my stomach at where it was left off.

Everyone goes through so much TRAUMA in this book. I legitimately cried in the PROLOGUE!

The romances, the characters, everything is just absolutely amazing. I want to hug some of the characters and just be there for them after some of the situations.

There are so many fairytale and Disney references in here that I absolutely LOVED seeing. But if you want some dark fairytales, man does this get twisted! I felt like I had a vise around my heart and my stomach the entire time.

This is less spicy than book 2 (for reasons), but still has some great tense and heated moments!

The ending went out with a bang and the party is going to start for the next (and final) book!

Read if you love:
-Fairytale retellings
-Trauma
-Multi POV
-Dragons
-Sirens, shifters, fae, mortals, mages
-Intricate plot weaving

Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.