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18 days and 19:27:35
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Realm of Four Kingdoms #3
Light Burned
Not yet published
Expected 14 Apr 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
18 days and 19:27:35
100 copies available
U.S. only
Prophecies collide in this explosive finale to USA Today bestselling author Jayci Lee’s epic romantasy series. Can one obstinate fox spirit save the worlds, even if it means destroying her heart?
Through every battle won and enemy defeated, Sunny thought she was the good guy—until now. The eternal darkness has breached the Realm of Four Kingdoms, threatening to consume all life, and her power may be the only hope for salvation. But what if she accidentally destroys the realm instead?
Sunny must return to the Realm of Four Kingdoms and face her destiny—for her friends, for Ethan, for everyone she’s sworn to protect. Though no longer certain she’s the hero they deserve, she will battle the darkness across the kingdoms, except for the one place she’s the Kingdom of Mountains where Ethan rules.
As ancient prophecies unfold and the gods’ buried secrets emerge, Sunny and Ethan find themselves caught between duty and desire. Their fated love could be their greatest strength, or their ultimate downfall.
In this epic conclusion, they must follow destiny’s path, or forge their own way forward—even if it means watching everything they love burn in the flames of their defiance.
Through every battle won and enemy defeated, Sunny thought she was the good guy—until now. The eternal darkness has breached the Realm of Four Kingdoms, threatening to consume all life, and her power may be the only hope for salvation. But what if she accidentally destroys the realm instead?
Sunny must return to the Realm of Four Kingdoms and face her destiny—for her friends, for Ethan, for everyone she’s sworn to protect. Though no longer certain she’s the hero they deserve, she will battle the darkness across the kingdoms, except for the one place she’s the Kingdom of Mountains where Ethan rules.
As ancient prophecies unfold and the gods’ buried secrets emerge, Sunny and Ethan find themselves caught between duty and desire. Their fated love could be their greatest strength, or their ultimate downfall.
In this epic conclusion, they must follow destiny’s path, or forge their own way forward—even if it means watching everything they love burn in the flames of their defiance.
443 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 14, 2026
4 people are currently reading
1176 people want to read
About the author
Jayci Lee
54 books1,281 followersJayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the final installment of the Realm of Four Kingdoms trilogy by Jayci Lee. Both books one and two were five star reads for me. Light Burned is a four star read for me, and the reason is simple - Pacing. Light Burned jumps directly from where we left off in King Foretold and is jam-packed action and adventure. I mean, everyone everywhere has so much coming at them it is slightly overwhelming to read, at least for me.
I think there is still a lot to enjoy about this book, though.
The character development, and particularly Sunny's growth, is remarkable.
I really love the found family relationships between the groups of friends, and the humor is great.
Overall, the Realm of Four Kingdoms series is a 5 star read for me, and I highly enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
Thank you yo the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Light Burned in exchange for an honest review.
I think there is still a lot to enjoy about this book, though.
The character development, and particularly Sunny's growth, is remarkable.
I really love the found family relationships between the groups of friends, and the humor is great.
Overall, the Realm of Four Kingdoms series is a 5 star read for me, and I highly enjoyed it and definitely recommend it.
Thank you yo the author and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Light Burned in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Received the ARC from NetGalley & the publisher Montlake in exchange for an honest review.
I went into Light Burned hoping the final installment would bring everything together, and for me, it absolutely did. This ended up being my favorite of the trilogy, landing at a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
What really stood out this time was how fully the story leaned into its mythology. Jayci Lee has built something ambitious across the series, but here the Korean mythology elements finally feel front and center in a way that’s immersive rather than overwhelming. The stakes feel bigger, the world feels more cohesive, and the emotional tension between duty and personal connection hits harder because of it.
I also appreciated how much faster the pacing felt compared to the earlier books. The first two installments sometimes lingered a bit too long in setup, but this one moves with purpose. It feels like everything is in motion right away, which made it easier to stay engaged and invested in how all the threads would come together.
Across the series as a whole, one of my favorite touches has been the glimpses of Korean culture in the Mortal Realm. Even though that aspect takes a bit more of a backseat here, it still adds richness to the world. The details around food, clothing, and everyday life give the story a grounding that balances out the larger fantasy elements, and I found myself missing it slightly when the focus shifted more heavily to the mythological side.
The biggest challenge for me was the number of characters. This is especially noticeable in this final book, where several new faces are introduced on top of an already established cast. There were definitely moments where I had to flip back to the resource pages just to remind myself who was who. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did pull me out of the story more than I would have liked.
Overall, this felt like a strong and satisfying conclusion. It delivers on the promise of the series with bigger stakes, deeper mythology, and a more engaging pace. Even with some character overload, it’s the book where everything clicks the most, and it left me glad I stayed with the trilogy through to the end.
I went into Light Burned hoping the final installment would bring everything together, and for me, it absolutely did. This ended up being my favorite of the trilogy, landing at a solid 4 out of 5 stars.
What really stood out this time was how fully the story leaned into its mythology. Jayci Lee has built something ambitious across the series, but here the Korean mythology elements finally feel front and center in a way that’s immersive rather than overwhelming. The stakes feel bigger, the world feels more cohesive, and the emotional tension between duty and personal connection hits harder because of it.
I also appreciated how much faster the pacing felt compared to the earlier books. The first two installments sometimes lingered a bit too long in setup, but this one moves with purpose. It feels like everything is in motion right away, which made it easier to stay engaged and invested in how all the threads would come together.
Across the series as a whole, one of my favorite touches has been the glimpses of Korean culture in the Mortal Realm. Even though that aspect takes a bit more of a backseat here, it still adds richness to the world. The details around food, clothing, and everyday life give the story a grounding that balances out the larger fantasy elements, and I found myself missing it slightly when the focus shifted more heavily to the mythological side.
The biggest challenge for me was the number of characters. This is especially noticeable in this final book, where several new faces are introduced on top of an already established cast. There were definitely moments where I had to flip back to the resource pages just to remind myself who was who. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it did pull me out of the story more than I would have liked.
Overall, this felt like a strong and satisfying conclusion. It delivers on the promise of the series with bigger stakes, deeper mythology, and a more engaging pace. Even with some character overload, it’s the book where everything clicks the most, and it left me glad I stayed with the trilogy through to the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐ 4.25/5
🌶️ 2/3
Guys, this was the perfect end to a series that I have held so close to my heart since Nine Tailed became one of my God Tier reads. I just love this fantasy world so much and never wanted it to end. The romance side was done so well throughout the series, and glad we got to see how the relationships blossomed till the end.
Now focusing on this book alone. There is A LOT in this one book, but not necessarily in a bad way. It does finalise everything with a nice, pretty bow, and there were so many gasp moments plot-wise that were absolutely left field (like did not see it coming). I felt like our FMC was a little more unhinged in this one too, but I'm not surprised because she went through A LOT.
I love Ethan with all my heart. I mean, when he said "I merely strive to deserve her", I was W E A K., but through and through, I am a Jihun girly. I yearn for that man so much, which says a lot, as he is one of our side characters. I think that is a testament to Jayci Lee's writing that all the side characters are so distinct and memorable.
I think for me, I actually would have loved this slowed down even more. I don't know whether that's because I am greedy and want Jayci to write this series forever, or I would have liked a bit more information on the gods and their backgrounds in more depth. Including FMC and God of Mountains. That felt like a story, maybe fleshing out more. Again, it could be me being greedy, but overall, fantastic read, a great series and an amazing author who should be absolutely proud of this work of art.
If Jayci Lee writes it, I will read it.
🌶️ 2/3
Guys, this was the perfect end to a series that I have held so close to my heart since Nine Tailed became one of my God Tier reads. I just love this fantasy world so much and never wanted it to end. The romance side was done so well throughout the series, and glad we got to see how the relationships blossomed till the end.
Now focusing on this book alone. There is A LOT in this one book, but not necessarily in a bad way. It does finalise everything with a nice, pretty bow, and there were so many gasp moments plot-wise that were absolutely left field (like did not see it coming). I felt like our FMC was a little more unhinged in this one too, but I'm not surprised because she went through A LOT.
I love Ethan with all my heart. I mean, when he said "I merely strive to deserve her", I was W E A K., but through and through, I am a Jihun girly. I yearn for that man so much, which says a lot, as he is one of our side characters. I think that is a testament to Jayci Lee's writing that all the side characters are so distinct and memorable.
I think for me, I actually would have loved this slowed down even more. I don't know whether that's because I am greedy and want Jayci to write this series forever, or I would have liked a bit more information on the gods and their backgrounds in more depth. Including FMC and God of Mountains. That felt like a story, maybe fleshing out more. Again, it could be me being greedy, but overall, fantastic read, a great series and an amazing author who should be absolutely proud of this work of art.
If Jayci Lee writes it, I will read it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light Burned fully delivers. It feels like a satisfying culmination of the Realm of Four Kingdoms story, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me engaged all the way through. The character work remains a standout, especially through Sunny’s voice. Her grumpy, sarcastic, avoidance-driven personality leads to multiple genuine laugh-out-loud moments, and the humor always feels grounded in who she is rather than forced.
As a series installment, Light Burned is especially satisfying. It raises the emotional and narrative stakes, and brings threads together in a way that feels earned. I’m a devoted fan of this world and have listened to the first two books multiple times, so I went in with high expectations and devoured this book.
The ending in particular lands. It reframes earlier events in a way that made me immediately want to go back and revisit books 1 and 2 (especially the first) just to catch the foreshadowing and clues that book 3 brings into sharper focus. It’s the kind of payoff that rewards loyal readers.
I’ve already pre-ordered the Light Burned audiobook and am especially excited to hear this installment in audio by Michelle H. Lee and Greg Chun. The series’ narration has been excellent and the expanded use of dual narration adds depth to the storytelling. An easy five-star read for me and a must for fans of the series.
As a series installment, Light Burned is especially satisfying. It raises the emotional and narrative stakes, and brings threads together in a way that feels earned. I’m a devoted fan of this world and have listened to the first two books multiple times, so I went in with high expectations and devoured this book.
The ending in particular lands. It reframes earlier events in a way that made me immediately want to go back and revisit books 1 and 2 (especially the first) just to catch the foreshadowing and clues that book 3 brings into sharper focus. It’s the kind of payoff that rewards loyal readers.
I’ve already pre-ordered the Light Burned audiobook and am especially excited to hear this installment in audio by Michelle H. Lee and Greg Chun. The series’ narration has been excellent and the expanded use of dual narration adds depth to the storytelling. An easy five-star read for me and a must for fans of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light Burned by Jayci Lee is the dramatic conclusion to The Realm of the Four Kingdoms and it picks up right where King Foretold left off. As always I enjoyed the aspects of Korean mythology that were woven into the story but I felt like the author tried to cram too much story into this final book, there was so much action that the characters never really had a chance to breathe and neither does the reader, instead we jump from one battle to the next and face off against one foe after another, and while that is fun it does get a little repetitive after a while. My favourite thing about the series as a whole has been the characters, not just Ethan and Sunny but all the other more secondary characters too and that holds true for the series ender. I will say the ending had more of an emotional impact than I was expecting.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own,
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the third book in a fantasy romance trilogy with adult MCs (open door), the books should be read in order as it is one storyline.
I loved books one and two and was so excited to read culmination of this story, to see how the prophecies would come to pass, and how Sunny and Ethan would find their HEA.
Unfortunately the first 75% of this felt like a slog. So much happens that it felt jam-packed with tiny occurrences of mega importance and it did not match the pace of the previous two books at all. I did overall enjoy the mix of humour and life-threatening serious, the myths and the modern, and the final payoff was worth sticking with it.
Thank you to Montlake for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved books one and two and was so excited to read culmination of this story, to see how the prophecies would come to pass, and how Sunny and Ethan would find their HEA.
Unfortunately the first 75% of this felt like a slog. So much happens that it felt jam-packed with tiny occurrences of mega importance and it did not match the pace of the previous two books at all. I did overall enjoy the mix of humour and life-threatening serious, the myths and the modern, and the final payoff was worth sticking with it.
Thank you to Montlake for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I enjoy picking up folklore I haven’t read or heard of before. Working to understand how another culture passes down the origins of the world around them is what kept me reading this trilogy.
For me, the writing felt like either a recipe: A then B; or sections were belabored. I rarely found areas that felt balanced in terms of storytelling and as such, it was not as enjoyable a read as I would’ve liked.
The characters felt like they had their individual personalities — each unique and distinct. I liked every single character, I thought they were all nicely done.
Would I recommend this series? I dunno. Maybe…? Overall, an interesting read revolving around mythology I’m not familiar with.
Thank you To NetGalley and Monlake for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
For me, the writing felt like either a recipe: A then B; or sections were belabored. I rarely found areas that felt balanced in terms of storytelling and as such, it was not as enjoyable a read as I would’ve liked.
The characters felt like they had their individual personalities — each unique and distinct. I liked every single character, I thought they were all nicely done.
Would I recommend this series? I dunno. Maybe…? Overall, an interesting read revolving around mythology I’m not familiar with.
Thank you To NetGalley and Monlake for an e-book in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2026
The epic conclusion to the trilogy; this book was full of action (the fighting kind, but also has a good amount of spice). There are so many beautiful moments in this book. I legit wasn't expecting to be in tears because of the heartfelt moments - not too many though or Sunny would lose her mind. Several surprises shocked me and definitely kept this story interesting.
I think FMC, Sunny, grew a lot as a character; she's maturing emotionally and mentally. I really loved the entire cast, especially the supporting characters. While the author tied up all the loose ends, I'm kind of hoping the author writes more of this world.
Favorite quote: "To protect the one I love, because he is my beating heart. And to save my friends, because they are my family. I will give my life for them, because there is no life without them."
Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I think FMC, Sunny, grew a lot as a character; she's maturing emotionally and mentally. I really loved the entire cast, especially the supporting characters. While the author tied up all the loose ends, I'm kind of hoping the author writes more of this world.
Favorite quote: "To protect the one I love, because he is my beating heart. And to save my friends, because they are my family. I will give my life for them, because there is no life without them."
Thank you Montlake for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book concludes the Reals of Four Kingdoms trilogy. It was great to see how everything tied together at the end. However, even though the story is fast-paced, I found myself wishing there was more room for some scenes to develop. The issues in the story appeared quickly, and the solutions came even quicker, lacking a genuine sense of struggle or challenge. Nonetheless, the plot was interesting, and the twists were something I wouldn’t have expected. Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light Burned by Jayci Lee is the last book in the Realm of the Four Kingdom series, and a great end to the series. For lovers of Korean mythology. This was the most fast-paced book of the series. The thriller element was engaging with several twists. The romance but was also lovely. I also loved the character development, and the end was very satisfying. A great read overall.
I got the ARC from Montlake via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from Montlake via Netgalley. This is my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light Burned concludes the Realm of Four Kingdoms series, weaving the theme of good versus evil from start to finish. The final book in this series dives deeper into the internal battles that shape each character’s choices and relationships.
Light Burned blends romance and Korean folklore in a way that feels true to the series, adding emotional depth as the characters grow, take risks, and confront what matters most.
Light Burned blends romance and Korean folklore in a way that feels true to the series, adding emotional depth as the characters grow, take risks, and confront what matters most.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light Burned is a satisfying conclusion to this modern fantasy trilogy based on Korean folklore. The final book has major plot twists and long-awaited reveals. The story is very emotional and sweet, but also full of gut-wrenching pain and heartbreak. The characters’ journeys are very well thought out, and the reveals add depth. Favorite book in the series, and be prepared for tears at the ending.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have loved the journey of these characters and their growth through each book. Coming to the end of the story was a wild and emotional ride that I could not have enjoyed more. The banter, the jokes, the happiness, and the tears made for an enjoyable ride and the ending could not have been more perfect.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Light burned is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. There are many twists and reveals in the book, but I think they make the story better. There are some slow parts of the book, but the plotline progresses more quickly than in the second book. The ending to the trilogy is emotional, but I think the conclusion is very sweet.
Want to read
February 1, 2026this book was pretty good. the story is interesting and the romance is a really slow burn.
February 15, 2026
Such a great ending to this trilogy! It gave me all the emotions.
Sunny’s character development was fantastic. She had to work through so much. I also love Ethan’s protective nature and trust that she can do anything. The little snippets into the side characters was great too. I love the found family in this series and the conclusions we can gather for them in the epilogue.
And the twist!!!! It was amazing in a horrifying way. All the little bits finally connect together but I never would have imagined something like that. The whole conclusion was fantastic and a little devastating at the same time.
I do wish that there was another chapter that wrapped up the societal consequences that would have occurred with the conclusion.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!
Sunny’s character development was fantastic. She had to work through so much. I also love Ethan’s protective nature and trust that she can do anything. The little snippets into the side characters was great too. I love the found family in this series and the conclusions we can gather for them in the epilogue.
And the twist!!!! It was amazing in a horrifying way. All the little bits finally connect together but I never would have imagined something like that. The whole conclusion was fantastic and a little devastating at the same time.
I do wish that there was another chapter that wrapped up the societal consequences that would have occurred with the conclusion.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews