Realms of Swords and Storms

Empire of Vengeance #3

by Elizabeth Blackthorne

Five hearts. One empire. No mercy.

I never meant to love them all.

Septimus—the fierce childhood friend turned gladiator.
Tarshi—the half-Talfen warrior burning to belong in a world that hates him.
Marcus—the battle-hardened trainer who helped us escape the arena.
Jalend—the brilliant scholar hiding truths behind gentle eyes.
And Sirrax—the dragon shifter whose ancient power stirs something wild in me.

Our bond was forged in blood and fire—but desire is more dangerous than any blade. I thought my biggest challenge was choosing between them. I was wrong.

Some of them are falling for each other.

In an empire that forbids love between species, where betrayal blooms in gilded halls and loyalty is a currency no one can afford, our tangled passions could get us killed. When an assassination plot pulls us into the empire’s darkest secrets, we have to save ourselves, or stop a conspiracy that could destroy thousands.

The city burns. Factions rise. And with every step, I risk losing the men I love—to war, to politics, to each other.

Revolution has a price.
Freedom always does.
But I never expected to pay with my heart.

380 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

Reviews

[marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! The world-building and the main characters were so interesting. I really liked that there was more direct and honest communication between the main characters in this book, but I feel like there is no way for Septimus to redeem himself, in my opinion. His behaviour is still shaped by prejudices and for the most part of the story, he ignores his romantic feelings for Tarshi. I loved that Livia got new love interests, and I can’t wait to see how her relationship with Jalend develops in the next book.

[Ines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating this book was hard... On the one hand, I love the worldbuilding and everything that comes with it: the people, the struggles they face, the rebellion, the dragons, the gap between slaves and nobility, the training academy, ... This world fascinates me and I love exploring it, meeting new people along the way and watch them try and find a way to better their lives. On the other hand, I just can't deal with Septimus anymore. For me, he reached the point of no return and I just can't find it in me to forgive him. The fact that all these other characters seem to just brush it off and keep on giving him chance after chance is taking away my joy of reading this series. I understand where he's coming from, in some way, but his behavior is triggering something in me and I can't brush it off anymore. As I said, I love the worldbuilding and I might give another series in the same world another chance, but book four won't be for me anymore.

[Milena Foxy · Rating 5 out of 5]

D@mn girl what are you doing to me. I just couldn't put it down. It took me 4 days to finish it and I have to say you did an amazing job. You left me in tears at the end😭😭😭. I really hope of some kind of miracle for Tarshi & Septimus. This book is a reverse harrem story and was extremely spicy (5/5🌶). How can Livia keep up with all that test@sterone🤔, is beyond my imagination. I need more of course, of that😅🤭.
The story is quite emotional and has a lot of action and it ended in a cliffhanger 😳.

Lot of love💖💓💕,
Milena

[Shannon's Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sorry.. what was that ending?! My god i actually am suffering from shock!

I actually need to know how this series keeps getting better and better! I felt every single emotion, I didnt breathe for pages on end and I literally can't stop thinking about the last few chapters.

I love how this book has everyone thinking completely different, I honestly love Septimus, Tarshi and Livia so much. Every single character adds another layer and the depth of their actions just hits me!

book 4 is going to be dramatic, i can feel it already 💖

[MaCayla Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't stopped crying since I finished this. I need book 4 now, more like yesterday. This was way to good. If you haven't checked this series out yet, what are you waiting for??!! I did NOT see those twist coming. I screamed, laughed and bawled my eyes out. You seriously have to read this to understand. This is the best romantacy I have ever read.

I would give a bigger star rating and a longer review but I emotionally can't. Highly recommend this book series and author.

[Becca (book_lover_xoxo_) Hofmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so freaking obsessed with this series! All of the characters are freaking amazing. The plot is great, there’s tension and conflict that are just everything a girl needs! The character dynamics are also impeccable; you can just really feel the depths of their emotions and their connections. I would definitely recommend this series if you’re a fan of gladiators, dragons, and a great plot!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of my seat

If you haven't yet read this seres you need to. Awesome plot with characters that just grow and grow. I'm praying for Septimus and Tarshi and also that book 4 comes quickly. I can't wait for ATTA 25 to come around then I can meet this brilliant author and get the signed books.

[Elitta Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livia has fallen for Septimus, Tarshi, Marcus, Jalend, and Sirrax. She tried to keep her distance. Love between different species is forbidden. They discover an assassination plot that leads them to make a choice: they can either save themselves, or stop a conspiracy. Which will they choose? 

[K Huskić · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This series is one that I'm thoroughly enjoying. This is book three in the series, it's a rollercoaster ride, for sure!

There's plots and schemes, plenty of drama. Relationships change, new ones begin. There was a big revelation at the end of book two, so we find out more that and a certain dragon. The rebels enact a plan they'd been preparing for,with unexpected results.

The end of this book was another crazy, emotional cliffhanger. I can't wait to see how this series continues.

[Katherine Elley · Rating 5 out of 5]

We start after the end of book 2.
Shocking revelation. Livia is now mated to Sirrax.
Septimus is confused about his ‘relationship’ with Tarshi.
More training is happening at the academy.
Livia feels like she is losing her men.
Tarshi finds out what he really is. He’s not the monster people think that he is.
Tarshi and Livia are finally mated.
There is resistance against the Empire.
Another cliffhanger to make you want to read more.