What do you think?
Rate this book
Black Skull Chronicles #3
Of Gold and Chains
“You will not know happiness or love. You will only know the basest and grimmest of human greed, anger, revenge.”
That is the cost of trading your soul. It is a cost Elyse will pay willingly if it means saving her love.
Elyse’s world was shattered in an instant. The person she loves most was ripped from her grasp, and she’ll give anything to bring him back–even her soul.
Stripped of her conscience and fueled by vengeance, Elyse hunts down the demon Lazarus. She’s determined to make him pay for her suffering. That means finding the Blade of Hanael, trapping Lazarus, and ending him for good.
Nothing else matters. Not the kingdom burning in his wake. Not the warnings of her allies. Not the pieces of herself she’s losing with every reckless decision, every step deeper into darkness.
And beneath it all, a question hangs in the
Where do her powers come from?
Even if she learns the answer, will she be able to accept the truth?
Of Gold and Chains is the epic, soul-searing conclusion to Elyse’s story.
That is the cost of trading your soul. It is a cost Elyse will pay willingly if it means saving her love.
Elyse’s world was shattered in an instant. The person she loves most was ripped from her grasp, and she’ll give anything to bring him back–even her soul.
Stripped of her conscience and fueled by vengeance, Elyse hunts down the demon Lazarus. She’s determined to make him pay for her suffering. That means finding the Blade of Hanael, trapping Lazarus, and ending him for good.
Nothing else matters. Not the kingdom burning in his wake. Not the warnings of her allies. Not the pieces of herself she’s losing with every reckless decision, every step deeper into darkness.
And beneath it all, a question hangs in the
Where do her powers come from?
Even if she learns the answer, will she be able to accept the truth?
Of Gold and Chains is the epic, soul-searing conclusion to Elyse’s story.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2025
10 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Ziegler
4 books60 followersSamantha always dreamed of being an author. But the tipping point? Watching Season 8 of Game of Thrones.
That was the start of it all, when Samantha decided she would take charge of her own story, and picked up the pen. She wanted to create characters and worlds as captivating as Westeros, but with far more satisfying endings.
She thought she could, and so she did.
Samantha currently lives in Missouri with her wonderful and supportive boyfriend, and her adorable pit bull, Nathan.
She is an absolute nerd and reads as many nonfiction books as fiction, especially books about writing, marketing, and self-betterment. Her favorite TV show is The Magicians and her favorite band is Manchester Orchestra. She'll try just about anything... except skydiving.
Follow her journey on instagram.
That was the start of it all, when Samantha decided she would take charge of her own story, and picked up the pen. She wanted to create characters and worlds as captivating as Westeros, but with far more satisfying endings.
She thought she could, and so she did.
Samantha currently lives in Missouri with her wonderful and supportive boyfriend, and her adorable pit bull, Nathan.
She is an absolute nerd and reads as many nonfiction books as fiction, especially books about writing, marketing, and self-betterment. Her favorite TV show is The Magicians and her favorite band is Manchester Orchestra. She'll try just about anything... except skydiving.
Follow her journey on instagram.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 27, 2025
4.5☆
This witchy trilogy is dark and atmospheric, with a little cottagecore vibes thrown in. With a cozy apothecary in the woods and a juicy murder mystery, this is the perfect read to get you in the mood for fall and Halloween!
Of Gold and Chains picks up right where Of Blood and Roses ends, and Elyse is forced to make some choices to save those she loves, but is the cost too big?
This book is just as fast paced and action packed as the first two books, with plenty of plot twists and sacrifices I did not see coming. The romantic tension was on point as always, although I do feel like some problems were resolved a little too quickly.
Are you ready to have your heart torn out? This debut trilogy was incredible and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Samantha!
This witchy trilogy is dark and atmospheric, with a little cottagecore vibes thrown in. With a cozy apothecary in the woods and a juicy murder mystery, this is the perfect read to get you in the mood for fall and Halloween!
Of Gold and Chains picks up right where Of Blood and Roses ends, and Elyse is forced to make some choices to save those she loves, but is the cost too big?
This book is just as fast paced and action packed as the first two books, with plenty of plot twists and sacrifices I did not see coming. The romantic tension was on point as always, although I do feel like some problems were resolved a little too quickly.
Are you ready to have your heart torn out? This debut trilogy was incredible and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Samantha!
March 3, 2026
I was given the opportunity to read and review Of Gold and Chains.
This whole series was amazing. I laughed out loud, sat at the edge of my seat, and gasped loudly. The plot twists were unexpected and the flow of the plot was so well done in each book.
Elyse is a powerful and amazing character, Killian is definitely her equal. They both had great growth throughout the series. The action that unfolds is spectacular.
I love how Zubir is described. He might be my favorite character with his quirkiness.
This whole series was amazing. I laughed out loud, sat at the edge of my seat, and gasped loudly. The plot twists were unexpected and the flow of the plot was so well done in each book.
Elyse is a powerful and amazing character, Killian is definitely her equal. They both had great growth throughout the series. The action that unfolds is spectacular.
I love how Zubir is described. He might be my favorite character with his quirkiness.
October 18, 2025
I had the opportunity to read Of Gold and Chains as an ARC, and I’m so grateful I got to experience this incredible conclusion to the Black Skull Chronicles. From the very first page, I was completely hooked, desperate to see whether Elyse could bring Killian back from the dead and finally defeat the Demon Lazarus. The emotional depth in this book was incredible, I felt everything from hope and heartbreak to triumph and grief.
The plot was masterfully done, tying together all the threads from the previous books while keeping me on edge until the very end. I especially loved seeing how much each character had grown throughout the series. Elyse truly shined in this finale, strong, determined, and every bit the badass heroine I hoped she’d be.
This ending was bittersweet in the best way possible, delivering both closure and emotion. It’s one of those stories that will stick with me long after finishing. A phenomenal finale to a series I’ve loved from start to finish.
The plot was masterfully done, tying together all the threads from the previous books while keeping me on edge until the very end. I especially loved seeing how much each character had grown throughout the series. Elyse truly shined in this finale, strong, determined, and every bit the badass heroine I hoped she’d be.
This ending was bittersweet in the best way possible, delivering both closure and emotion. It’s one of those stories that will stick with me long after finishing. A phenomenal finale to a series I’ve loved from start to finish.
October 9, 2025
Elyse and Killian’s story has finally come to an end in the 3rd book of the Black Skull Chronicles, Of Gold and Chains.
We pick right back up on the heels Of Blood and Roses and with Lazarus loose, Elyse will do anything to save those that she loves, even if she loses herself in the process.
Killian will do whatever it takes to bring her back even if that means making a bargain with Death itself. As Elyse, Killian, Manny and Sera fight to stop Lazarus they face many challenges along the way and there is no shortage of heartbreak.
I loved getting to see the gang back together and the fierceness that is Elyse. Elyse is really trying to discover herself in this book and figure out if she can live with the truth of where her powers come from and Killian is with her every step of the way even when she doesn’t want him to be.
I love the love these two have for each other and I am going to miss their story but after the ending of their love story, we only have to say see you later until we see the gang again 😏
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
We pick right back up on the heels Of Blood and Roses and with Lazarus loose, Elyse will do anything to save those that she loves, even if she loses herself in the process.
Killian will do whatever it takes to bring her back even if that means making a bargain with Death itself. As Elyse, Killian, Manny and Sera fight to stop Lazarus they face many challenges along the way and there is no shortage of heartbreak.
I loved getting to see the gang back together and the fierceness that is Elyse. Elyse is really trying to discover herself in this book and figure out if she can live with the truth of where her powers come from and Killian is with her every step of the way even when she doesn’t want him to be.
I love the love these two have for each other and I am going to miss their story but after the ending of their love story, we only have to say see you later until we see the gang again 😏
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
October 11, 2025
Picking right back up where we left off in Of Blood and Roses, we dive straight into the whole mess, and it's a wild ride until the end. This is a wonderful conclusion to the Black Skills Chronicles, and I can't wait to see what plays out in the spin-off series.
Read
October 27, 2025Elyse and Killian’s story has come to a close after a wild ride! This book picks up immediately after the cliffhanger that book 2 left us with, thank goodness. I loved the aspect that Lady Death brought to this story and with Lazarus finally out in the human world the true fight began. I’m so excited to see this trilogy get a spinoff with these side characters we have grown to love so much!
December 21, 2025
3.5 stars and spoilers
Spoilers
This book was a bit emotionally heavy. Usually that's not something I mind much but when sleep deprived with a toddler and baby it can be a lot. That being said it took me a while to get through this book so take my review with whatever grain of seasoning you'd like.
I felt the soul capture and return was rushed and I don't even know why since it didn't happen until about the middle of the book. Everything just felt to convenient. Her needing Killian's help specifically, death being at the games, death offering Ellie's soul, Killian winning while simultaneously coming up with a plan to bargain with death, the threat, the restoration, literally everything relating to it and on.
What was even the point of removing her soul other than her being a total bada** that kicked butt like a pro? Add some empathy to soulless Ellie and you have a more likable character in my opinion.
The demon trap was especially disappointing for me. They spend forever looking up a way to trap and weaken a demon and come up with nothing in any books but Corin walks in and is like "yeah, priests exorcise demons with salt all the time. Let's do that". You're telling me priest exorcisms (which are common enough to need a dedicated priest) aren't written down somewhere? And the author goes with something as simple as modern day entrapment with salt? I was hoping for more oomph. Something interesting and different.
Other than those major issues I liked the book. I love that Killian turned down the guard to basically be Robin Hood and Ellie plans on selling the shop to find out what SHE wants in life. I appreciated the important deaths that stayed dead and major events like the final battle and the interactions with the King.
Unfortunately the first half was so interesting with soulless Ellie that the second half was excruciatingly boring for me. Yeah a few things happened but overall it was a lot of waiting. That's why I can't give this more then 3.5 stars. I just didn't like it enough for that.
Spoilers
This book was a bit emotionally heavy. Usually that's not something I mind much but when sleep deprived with a toddler and baby it can be a lot. That being said it took me a while to get through this book so take my review with whatever grain of seasoning you'd like.
I felt the soul capture and return was rushed and I don't even know why since it didn't happen until about the middle of the book. Everything just felt to convenient. Her needing Killian's help specifically, death being at the games, death offering Ellie's soul, Killian winning while simultaneously coming up with a plan to bargain with death, the threat, the restoration, literally everything relating to it and on.
What was even the point of removing her soul other than her being a total bada** that kicked butt like a pro? Add some empathy to soulless Ellie and you have a more likable character in my opinion.
The demon trap was especially disappointing for me. They spend forever looking up a way to trap and weaken a demon and come up with nothing in any books but Corin walks in and is like "yeah, priests exorcise demons with salt all the time. Let's do that". You're telling me priest exorcisms (which are common enough to need a dedicated priest) aren't written down somewhere? And the author goes with something as simple as modern day entrapment with salt? I was hoping for more oomph. Something interesting and different.
Other than those major issues I liked the book. I love that Killian turned down the guard to basically be Robin Hood and Ellie plans on selling the shop to find out what SHE wants in life. I appreciated the important deaths that stayed dead and major events like the final battle and the interactions with the King.
Unfortunately the first half was so interesting with soulless Ellie that the second half was excruciatingly boring for me. Yeah a few things happened but overall it was a lot of waiting. That's why I can't give this more then 3.5 stars. I just didn't like it enough for that.
January 30, 2026
Thank you, Samantha, for writing this amazing series and sharing it with us. I have loved all the books of the Black Skull Chronicles, an absolute joy to read! (Even with all the emotional damage, lol) The journey these characters went through tore at my heart. Killian’s love for Elyse is endless and how it was put through the trials of hell was overwhelming at times especially with those cliffhangers.
“Elyse raised her chin, reveling in the fire before her. Even the stars burn out, but not this one. Killian would find a way to bring Elyse back to him. His Elyse.”
Elyse’s character growth is golden really and the plot twists are unexpected and perfect! The healing in this book had me crying, I didn’t realize how much I was attached to all the characters until the end reading the last page. I will miss them!
“I love you,” he said, this time loud enough for everyone to hear. “I love you now as you walk into that circle, and I will love whoever comes out.”
But reading the end, as bittersweet as it was, I am happy we will be seeing more of this world with Manny and Sera. This author knows how to write some amazing side characters. Now I’ll go cry my eyes out again with this quote.
“Manny cleared his throat. “As the flower loves the sun, so shall I love you. As the earth loves the rain, so shall I love you. As the bird loves the wind, so shall I love you. As long as I am in this world, my heart is yours.”
So many times I sat stunned, like hit with a spell at the lines I was reading. Shocked at a twist or a revelation in the story and then there are the moments that made me melt.
“Her eyes were pulled to Killian, whose answering gaze was unwavering. He saw her, all of her, and he stood firm, with adoration in his wide smile. Unable to be apart from him, even by only a few feet, Elyse slipped behind the newlyweds and slid her hand into Killian’s.”
5 star trilogy! Samantha, I am eagerly waiting your next book! I’m so excited for what you write in the future!
“Elyse raised her chin, reveling in the fire before her. Even the stars burn out, but not this one. Killian would find a way to bring Elyse back to him. His Elyse.”
Elyse’s character growth is golden really and the plot twists are unexpected and perfect! The healing in this book had me crying, I didn’t realize how much I was attached to all the characters until the end reading the last page. I will miss them!
“I love you,” he said, this time loud enough for everyone to hear. “I love you now as you walk into that circle, and I will love whoever comes out.”
But reading the end, as bittersweet as it was, I am happy we will be seeing more of this world with Manny and Sera. This author knows how to write some amazing side characters. Now I’ll go cry my eyes out again with this quote.
“Manny cleared his throat. “As the flower loves the sun, so shall I love you. As the earth loves the rain, so shall I love you. As the bird loves the wind, so shall I love you. As long as I am in this world, my heart is yours.”
So many times I sat stunned, like hit with a spell at the lines I was reading. Shocked at a twist or a revelation in the story and then there are the moments that made me melt.
“Her eyes were pulled to Killian, whose answering gaze was unwavering. He saw her, all of her, and he stood firm, with adoration in his wide smile. Unable to be apart from him, even by only a few feet, Elyse slipped behind the newlyweds and slid her hand into Killian’s.”
5 star trilogy! Samantha, I am eagerly waiting your next book! I’m so excited for what you write in the future!
December 26, 2025
I loved that this picked up exactly where book 2 ending off without skipping a beat and you hit the ground running. I couldnt get enough of all the new elements of magic!
I really liked that this was kind of a new take on the amnesia trope - the “lack of feelings”. I guess that’s not like amnesia at all but I don’t know how else to describe it. I loved it though. Also love the mystery aspect.
I love all the characters. They each are so unique and so their own person. Even Lazarus is done incredibly well as a villain. Everyone needs a Killian who will fight and outwit Death herself for their soul. Elyse is one of the most badass fmc I have ever read. I love her wit and snark. Manny is just all around loveable. Sera is so sweet and kind. I liked that we got to see her family and where she comes from. Zubir is quirky and I love that we got more of his backstory this book. I liked the reappearance of characters we got to see too. I think this one might be my favorite of the three!
~~
“Because I love you, you idiot. And I’m never going to stop trying to reunite you with your soul-ever.”
“I love you,” he said, this time loud enough for everyone to hear. “I love you now as you walk into that circle, and I will love whoever comes out.”
“You get to decide who you are, regardless of whose blood is in your veins.”
“But you are my heart, my world. You are the star that shines brightest, guiding me home.”
~~
badass fmc, witch fmc, she teaches him, found family, murder mystery, amnesia kinda?
I really liked that this was kind of a new take on the amnesia trope - the “lack of feelings”. I guess that’s not like amnesia at all but I don’t know how else to describe it. I loved it though. Also love the mystery aspect.
I love all the characters. They each are so unique and so their own person. Even Lazarus is done incredibly well as a villain. Everyone needs a Killian who will fight and outwit Death herself for their soul. Elyse is one of the most badass fmc I have ever read. I love her wit and snark. Manny is just all around loveable. Sera is so sweet and kind. I liked that we got to see her family and where she comes from. Zubir is quirky and I love that we got more of his backstory this book. I liked the reappearance of characters we got to see too. I think this one might be my favorite of the three!
~~
“Because I love you, you idiot. And I’m never going to stop trying to reunite you with your soul-ever.”
“I love you,” he said, this time loud enough for everyone to hear. “I love you now as you walk into that circle, and I will love whoever comes out.”
“You get to decide who you are, regardless of whose blood is in your veins.”
“But you are my heart, my world. You are the star that shines brightest, guiding me home.”
~~
badass fmc, witch fmc, she teaches him, found family, murder mystery, amnesia kinda?
October 28, 2025
Of Gold and Chains is the perfect conclusion to this magical series. The story picks up right where Of Blood and Roses left off, and I just love the dynamic between Elyse and Killian, no matter what stage of their relationship they’re in. Strangers who can’t stand each other? I’m in. Fighting unexpected feelings? Swoon. Booed up? Adorable. Mortal enemies? Pass the popcorn.
And I even loved the version of them we got at the start of this book—soulless Elyse and our boy Killian, heartbroken but refusing to give up on her. As much as I live for the angst and tension, it’s just as fun to watch them find their way back to each other because they make such an incredible team.
Even though the stakes are high in this series (my heart literally ached), there’s something undeniably whimsical, cozy, and comforting about it, and I especially love the moments of humor woven throughout. Despite all the heartache, there’s also this beautiful, overarching theme of hope that runs through the story. The supporting characters are all so lovable, and somehow, I ended up loving Manny even more in this one. Somebody hug this man and buy him an ale.
While I'm sad to bid farewell to this series, I take comfort in knowing I will see these characters again, and I can't wait to jump back into this world in the spinoff book!
And I even loved the version of them we got at the start of this book—soulless Elyse and our boy Killian, heartbroken but refusing to give up on her. As much as I live for the angst and tension, it’s just as fun to watch them find their way back to each other because they make such an incredible team.
Even though the stakes are high in this series (my heart literally ached), there’s something undeniably whimsical, cozy, and comforting about it, and I especially love the moments of humor woven throughout. Despite all the heartache, there’s also this beautiful, overarching theme of hope that runs through the story. The supporting characters are all so lovable, and somehow, I ended up loving Manny even more in this one. Somebody hug this man and buy him an ale.
While I'm sad to bid farewell to this series, I take comfort in knowing I will see these characters again, and I can't wait to jump back into this world in the spinoff book!
January 3, 2026
I put off starting Of Gold and Chains because I truly wasn’t ready for this trilogy to end… only to finish it and be left staring at the final page in shock, now desperately praying there will be another book sooner than later.
Just like the first two books, this installment is absolutely amazing. The characters are what truly make this series shine, and in this book they feel deeper, more complex, and more emotionally raw than ever. Watching them evolve through heartbreak, loyalty, love, and impossible choices was both devastating and beautiful. Their flaws make them feel achingly real, and their relationships—whether tender, tense, or explosive; kept me completely invested.
I devoured this book far faster than I intended, unable to put it down even when I knew what awaited me at the end. Samantha Ziegler continues to deliver a gripping, emotionally charged story that builds perfectly on everything that came before. If you’ve loved these characters from the start, Of Gold and Chains will both satisfy you and absolutely ruin you in the best way.
And that ending… I am once again begging for more. I cannot wait for the spin off series 😭
Just like the first two books, this installment is absolutely amazing. The characters are what truly make this series shine, and in this book they feel deeper, more complex, and more emotionally raw than ever. Watching them evolve through heartbreak, loyalty, love, and impossible choices was both devastating and beautiful. Their flaws make them feel achingly real, and their relationships—whether tender, tense, or explosive; kept me completely invested.
I devoured this book far faster than I intended, unable to put it down even when I knew what awaited me at the end. Samantha Ziegler continues to deliver a gripping, emotionally charged story that builds perfectly on everything that came before. If you’ve loved these characters from the start, Of Gold and Chains will both satisfy you and absolutely ruin you in the best way.
And that ending… I am once again begging for more. I cannot wait for the spin off series 😭
October 29, 2025
This is the perfect conclusion to the trilogy! Elyse is a force to be reckoned with. Definitely the FMC we all need. If you’ve read the first two books, you know that Samantha Ziegler has a beautiful and powerful writing style! And you know how skilled she is at breaking her readers’ hearts and putting them back together. Well, this third book will exceed those expectations, and in the best way. It’s dark, heart wrenching, romantic, mysterious, hilarious, and has just the right amount of spice! If your TBR list is super long, don’t worry about it. Push this right to the front and devour it now. You can thank me later.
November 4, 2025
The conclusion! I have loved this series and the characters and I'm a little sad it's over.
This final book in the series was a rollercoaster, with all the twists, and playing with our emotions, but I was completely hooked.
I adore Elise, she's always been my favourite of the series, and she goes through so much to save those she cares for.
The ending wasn't rushed, which I appreciated. It happens too often! Killian and Elise's story was tied up in an epic and emotional way, and I loved it! Can't wait for more from this author.
This final book in the series was a rollercoaster, with all the twists, and playing with our emotions, but I was completely hooked.
I adore Elise, she's always been my favourite of the series, and she goes through so much to save those she cares for.
The ending wasn't rushed, which I appreciated. It happens too often! Killian and Elise's story was tied up in an epic and emotional way, and I loved it! Can't wait for more from this author.
November 2, 2025
When you are screaming "NO! Dont Do it" at your Kindle in Chapter 2...you know this is going to be everything you expected it to be.
The final chapter in Elyse and Killian's epic story is finally here! And I am so grateful to have been able to come along for this ride.
The love story, the journey that our MCs and their sidekicks have been on through these 3 books is something that cannot be put into words!
Samantha Ziegler just knows how to give you everything you need in an FMC, in the development of an unforgettable plot, the world she creates...it is all so masterfully done.
Please RUN to KU and start this series now. I promise you will not be disappointed!
The final chapter in Elyse and Killian's epic story is finally here! And I am so grateful to have been able to come along for this ride.
The love story, the journey that our MCs and their sidekicks have been on through these 3 books is something that cannot be put into words!
Samantha Ziegler just knows how to give you everything you need in an FMC, in the development of an unforgettable plot, the world she creates...it is all so masterfully done.
Please RUN to KU and start this series now. I promise you will not be disappointed!
December 25, 2025
I absolutely loved the ending to this story and its been left open to continue in spin offs which I am excited to hear more about and can not wait to read!
December 26, 2025
I can't believe the end is finally here.
This book series has had a chokehold on me since I opened the very first page. There was so much at stake in this book and the author had so much to juggle and keep balanced.
This book had just as much action, mystery and romance as the first two in the series, and it also threw curveballs at you that I never saw coming. I did think that this book handled the emotional depth just a tad bit better than the previous books and I think that's a testament to the author and her growth through the series. Each of our characters had their own personal arcs to get through within the overall plot and everything meshed well together, with the author doing amazing with the pacing of each individual storyline.
The ending was bittersweet and I can not wait until the spin off comes out because I am not ready to let this world go!
This book series has had a chokehold on me since I opened the very first page. There was so much at stake in this book and the author had so much to juggle and keep balanced.
This book had just as much action, mystery and romance as the first two in the series, and it also threw curveballs at you that I never saw coming. I did think that this book handled the emotional depth just a tad bit better than the previous books and I think that's a testament to the author and her growth through the series. Each of our characters had their own personal arcs to get through within the overall plot and everything meshed well together, with the author doing amazing with the pacing of each individual storyline.
The ending was bittersweet and I can not wait until the spin off comes out because I am not ready to let this world go!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews