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Ritual of Ruin
Rezkin lives, a secret known only to a chosen few. Now, Azeria is one of them. Joining forces, they avoid discovery while seeking the power to stand against Caydean’s demons. A tale of ancient technology draws them to the land of a forgotten people. Can the secret treasure of the infamous Demon War help the rebels turn the tide?
Wesson is determined to find a way to free Caydean’s mages of their oaths. He steps onto a dark path in his bid to free the enslaved, but will the results justify the means? His soul is at stake as he walks the line between savior and executioner.
More people fill the streets of Kaibain than anyone thought possible, but why? Caydean has drawn the entire kingdom to his doorstep, where the demonic king prepares a weapon of untold power. His plan will end with his ascension… and humanity’s destruction. From the shadows Rezkin has hunted the king’s allies, he has plotted to unify the shattered alliance, and now is the hour of his return. The master assassin, the true king, Emperor of the Souelian, stands as the people’s last hope.
Wesson is determined to find a way to free Caydean’s mages of their oaths. He steps onto a dark path in his bid to free the enslaved, but will the results justify the means? His soul is at stake as he walks the line between savior and executioner.
More people fill the streets of Kaibain than anyone thought possible, but why? Caydean has drawn the entire kingdom to his doorstep, where the demonic king prepares a weapon of untold power. His plan will end with his ascension… and humanity’s destruction. From the shadows Rezkin has hunted the king’s allies, he has plotted to unify the shattered alliance, and now is the hour of his return. The master assassin, the true king, Emperor of the Souelian, stands as the people’s last hope.
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Published November 11, 2025
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About the author
Kel Kade
12 books3,505 followersKel Kade lives in Texas and occasionally serves as an adjunct college faculty member, inspiring young minds and introducing them to the fascinating and very real world of geosciences. Thanks to Kade’s enthusiastic readers and the success of the King’s Dark Tidings series, Kade is now able to create universes spanning space and time, develop criminal empires, plot the downfall of tyrannous rulers, and dive into fantastical mysteries full time.
Growing up, Kade lived a military lifestyle of traveling to and living in new places. These experiences with distinctive cultures and geography instilled in Kade a sense of wanderlust and opened a young mind to the knowledge that the Earth is expansive and wild. A deep interest in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality is evidenced by the diversity and richness of the places and cultures depicted in Kade’s writing.
Growing up, Kade lived a military lifestyle of traveling to and living in new places. These experiences with distinctive cultures and geography instilled in Kade a sense of wanderlust and opened a young mind to the knowledge that the Earth is expansive and wild. A deep interest in science, ancient history, cultural anthropology, art, music, languages, and spirituality is evidenced by the diversity and richness of the places and cultures depicted in Kade’s writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 16, 2025
Is it just me or did the writing get worse? The story seemed rushed and stilted. I've enjoyed this series, but this one fell flat. The author should have included a recap. Some sentences were just stupid. Example, "Rezkin and his companions took seats in the sturdy chairs that did not so much as creak under their weight." What? It's stupid filler. There's a lot of boring writing in this book.
November 14, 2025
It’s alright
This series really peaked with the second book. Now there’s just too much going on and all the politics that doesn’t involve Rezkin just have me confused. This whole demon war really took the series on a wild goose chase that it can’t recover from. I’m not sure if I’ll continue following the series.
This series really peaked with the second book. Now there’s just too much going on and all the politics that doesn’t involve Rezkin just have me confused. This whole demon war really took the series on a wild goose chase that it can’t recover from. I’m not sure if I’ll continue following the series.
November 18, 2025
A poor continuation of the story
The story has changed so much from the first books. It takes a big effort to read it. The characters create little emotional attachment and the plot is very slow to move along. A lot of words to say very little. This is a far cry from the first few books in the series.
The story has changed so much from the first books. It takes a big effort to read it. The characters create little emotional attachment and the plot is very slow to move along. A lot of words to say very little. This is a far cry from the first few books in the series.
February 4, 2026
The King’s Dark Tidings series continued to deliver with Ritual of Ruin, the seventh instalment in Kel Kade’s addictive and enjoyable fantasy saga. This book, mostly, maintained the high quality of the previous books in the series by offering a fun mix of action, adventure, intrigue, and character development while expanding the world further and keeping the stakes high.
The King’s Dark Tidings follows Rezkin, a warrior trained from birth to be the ultimate weapon, as he builds a kingdom and defends it from a demonic threat while learning to navigate normal society, a challenge that sometimes proves as difficult as any battle!
The King’s Dark Tidings series probably peaked in the first two books, which had a bit more fun and light-hearted moments thanks to Rezkin adapting to the “Outworld” and the regular folks adapting to him. The last five books have relied less on that early fun dynamic but the series has settled down to a reliable quality and is still quite exciting and readable.
The plot of this seventh book had Rezkin trying to recruit more allies for his war with the demons, reintroducing himself to a lot of his friends who thought him dead, and trying to stop Caydean from implementing his latest plan, the titular ritual of ruin. The bulk of the tale came from Rezkin’s POV but the most notable thing about this latest KDT book was the fact that Wesson’s POV scenes were probably more interesting to read and follow than Rezkin’s were. Wesson was in the capital and working undercover to find a way to break the mages Oaths to Caydean. It ended up a surprisingly engaging story arc.
Outside of Rezkin and Wesson and their immediate companions most of the rest of the cast were absent apart from a few cameos. Which meant we did not see much, or any at all, of the likes of Frisha, Tiernan, Yserria or Malcius. It felt like a tighter tale with more limited POV’s than recent books but I did miss some of the supporting cast. The plot did move quite a bit in the second half of the book and I especially enjoyed learning more about the demons and getting to know a few of them as more than just mindless villains. I see this as a very positive development for the series.
Rezkin’s main companion was Azeria and he definitely developed his relationship with her significantly in this one. I’m still not really feeling the romance but it seems Kade is well and truly committed to it. I don’t dislike Azeria but it feels like she has little agency outside of being Rezkin’s love interest. Which makes her feel a bit bland. Frisha, for all her faults, felt like a more well rounded character who had deeper and more complicated relationship beyond just her ties to Rezkin.
All in all this was another engaging tale set in a fun fantasy world. The series is an indie gem that remains a more enjoyable read than most of the output from the big fantasy publishers. I’ll read more KDT for sure!
Rating: 4 Stars
Audio Note: Nick Podehl gave a fantastic performance of the audio. He is one of the best narrators in the fantasy genre.
The King’s Dark Tidings follows Rezkin, a warrior trained from birth to be the ultimate weapon, as he builds a kingdom and defends it from a demonic threat while learning to navigate normal society, a challenge that sometimes proves as difficult as any battle!
The King’s Dark Tidings series probably peaked in the first two books, which had a bit more fun and light-hearted moments thanks to Rezkin adapting to the “Outworld” and the regular folks adapting to him. The last five books have relied less on that early fun dynamic but the series has settled down to a reliable quality and is still quite exciting and readable.
The plot of this seventh book had Rezkin trying to recruit more allies for his war with the demons, reintroducing himself to a lot of his friends who thought him dead, and trying to stop Caydean from implementing his latest plan, the titular ritual of ruin. The bulk of the tale came from Rezkin’s POV but the most notable thing about this latest KDT book was the fact that Wesson’s POV scenes were probably more interesting to read and follow than Rezkin’s were. Wesson was in the capital and working undercover to find a way to break the mages Oaths to Caydean. It ended up a surprisingly engaging story arc.
Outside of Rezkin and Wesson and their immediate companions most of the rest of the cast were absent apart from a few cameos. Which meant we did not see much, or any at all, of the likes of Frisha, Tiernan, Yserria or Malcius. It felt like a tighter tale with more limited POV’s than recent books but I did miss some of the supporting cast. The plot did move quite a bit in the second half of the book and I especially enjoyed learning more about the demons and getting to know a few of them as more than just mindless villains. I see this as a very positive development for the series.
Rezkin’s main companion was Azeria and he definitely developed his relationship with her significantly in this one. I’m still not really feeling the romance but it seems Kade is well and truly committed to it. I don’t dislike Azeria but it feels like she has little agency outside of being Rezkin’s love interest. Which makes her feel a bit bland. Frisha, for all her faults, felt like a more well rounded character who had deeper and more complicated relationship beyond just her ties to Rezkin.
All in all this was another engaging tale set in a fun fantasy world. The series is an indie gem that remains a more enjoyable read than most of the output from the big fantasy publishers. I’ll read more KDT for sure!
Rating: 4 Stars
Audio Note: Nick Podehl gave a fantastic performance of the audio. He is one of the best narrators in the fantasy genre.
November 28, 2025
Authoress Kel Kade is no closer to ending this saga then she was with book one. In fact, her plots are becoming a bit goofy. Demons against the world. I won't be holding my breath for book eight.
January 16, 2026
Yea I don't know about this one. I enjoyed the last book because it was fun to see Rezkin go it alone and work in the shadows to sow all his seeds and prepare to defeat Cayden, but this book took a different turn that I'm not sure I enjoyed. He goes from trying to assassinate Cayden to hunting for a vimaral spring to training with the elves to revealing he's alive to his subjects to suddenly trying to foil Cayden's nefarious ritual in the capital. Like it just jumps all over the place. It was hard to follow and even harder to feel actually engaged in.
But the thing that bothered me the most was the romance. It felt kind of icky. Like you're telling me the author thought it was a good idea to have the 80 year old immortal elf trick the emotionally-stunted 20 year old human into mating with her? It's just gross that she intentionally had Entris wear Rezkin down until he was in the most emotionally vulnerable state he could possibly be in so that he would want to bond with her. Frankly, it was rather violating. I wouldn't go as far as to say it was rape because Rezkin definitely wanted to fuck her, but when he had been more mentally stable he had resolved not to accept the bond with her because of some pretty valid reasons. So I would definitely say there was some sort of coercion going on. Which isn't how you should go about writing the development of a romance. And while the age-gap isn't the worst I've seen in the fantasy romance genre where it tends to be several hundreds of years, it certainly felt weird because of the nature of Rezkin's upbringing. Him being severely emotionally stunted and entirely ignorant of relationships made him feel like that much more of a child compared to Azeria, so it felt wrong for them to not only be paired up, but for the culmination of their relationship to occur the way it did. Maybe if the author spent a bit more time having Rezkin learn to figure out his emotions before they had him and Azeria get together than the pair up wouldn't seem as icky, but because that didn't really happen I was very uncomfortable with it.
So, all in all, I'm not so sure I want to continue reading. The story has gone off the rails and Rezkin's character arc kind of got a little fucked up during this book, so I don't know I'm all that interested in seeing the next installment. We'll see.
But the thing that bothered me the most was the romance. It felt kind of icky. Like you're telling me the author thought it was a good idea to have the 80 year old immortal elf trick the emotionally-stunted 20 year old human into mating with her? It's just gross that she intentionally had Entris wear Rezkin down until he was in the most emotionally vulnerable state he could possibly be in so that he would want to bond with her. Frankly, it was rather violating. I wouldn't go as far as to say it was rape because Rezkin definitely wanted to fuck her, but when he had been more mentally stable he had resolved not to accept the bond with her because of some pretty valid reasons. So I would definitely say there was some sort of coercion going on. Which isn't how you should go about writing the development of a romance. And while the age-gap isn't the worst I've seen in the fantasy romance genre where it tends to be several hundreds of years, it certainly felt weird because of the nature of Rezkin's upbringing. Him being severely emotionally stunted and entirely ignorant of relationships made him feel like that much more of a child compared to Azeria, so it felt wrong for them to not only be paired up, but for the culmination of their relationship to occur the way it did. Maybe if the author spent a bit more time having Rezkin learn to figure out his emotions before they had him and Azeria get together than the pair up wouldn't seem as icky, but because that didn't really happen I was very uncomfortable with it.
So, all in all, I'm not so sure I want to continue reading. The story has gone off the rails and Rezkin's character arc kind of got a little fucked up during this book, so I don't know I'm all that interested in seeing the next installment. We'll see.
November 18, 2025
Fantastic! Now I have to wait again......
November 20, 2025
wild!!!
November 24, 2025
2 ⭐️. The best thing about this book? That it ended.
If you would like to save your time here’s the plot: Azeria + Rez= horny and there’s more demons.
Rez is an absolute loser now. And Azeria is a manipulative brat. i felt like this whole book I was getting “sold” on Azeria. Every character had to try and convince me that they are perfect for each other. Because I think the author knows that no one cares about this relationship. They’ve known each other for 2 weeks and they are gonna break all of their rules to be together? Oh and let me guess the next book they will probably be fated mates or some bs.
Another point, I don’t even recognize the characters anymore, they all had a personality change and it’s infuriating.
I fell in love with these books because of the characters and Rez just being an overall badass. But somewhere along the way Rez becomes a loser with feelings and everyone else just doesn’t exist and if they do have a cameo (because that’s literally what it is at this point) then they are completely different.
Everything is just to messy now, too many players on the board and not enough time to introduce them and advance the plot.
I would much rather see these books progress than get to know more people because for the last 3 books they have been the exact same: argue with friends ✅ make eyes at Azeria ✅ someone gets captured ✅ fight Caydean and lose ✅ introduce some random new species ✅ someone finds out they aren’t actually human ✅
Anyway, not sure I will continue with the series because it seems to be going no where and I’m truly devastated that it has fallen so far.
If you would like to save your time here’s the plot: Azeria + Rez= horny and there’s more demons.
Rez is an absolute loser now. And Azeria is a manipulative brat. i felt like this whole book I was getting “sold” on Azeria. Every character had to try and convince me that they are perfect for each other. Because I think the author knows that no one cares about this relationship. They’ve known each other for 2 weeks and they are gonna break all of their rules to be together? Oh and let me guess the next book they will probably be fated mates or some bs.
Another point, I don’t even recognize the characters anymore, they all had a personality change and it’s infuriating.
I fell in love with these books because of the characters and Rez just being an overall badass. But somewhere along the way Rez becomes a loser with feelings and everyone else just doesn’t exist and if they do have a cameo (because that’s literally what it is at this point) then they are completely different.
Everything is just to messy now, too many players on the board and not enough time to introduce them and advance the plot.
I would much rather see these books progress than get to know more people because for the last 3 books they have been the exact same: argue with friends ✅ make eyes at Azeria ✅ someone gets captured ✅ fight Caydean and lose ✅ introduce some random new species ✅ someone finds out they aren’t actually human ✅
Anyway, not sure I will continue with the series because it seems to be going no where and I’m truly devastated that it has fallen so far.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2025
Ok, well again I expected this to be the conclusion, but alas, not so! The plot thickens!! Just have to wait for more of Reskin and company.
January 17, 2026
I quite enjoyed this novel. Often, series that make it to a 7th book (8th if you consider Mage of No Renown as part of the series) become stale and go off in too many different directions. Not so with Ritual of Ruin, as it does a great job of staying on point—advancing the characters and main story arc. It held my interest from beginning to end. Some parts took me back to my days of playing Skyrim on the PS3 as I traversed the Dwemer ruins. Kel Kade’s use of descriptions for the surroundings, environments, and battles painted clear pictures in my mind. Pulling me into the world she created and the hearts of the characters. I highly look forward to the next book in this series.
November 24, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! The main character’s growth was such a highlight for me—it’s been amazing to see how far they’ve come and how their relationships have evolved. That part really pulled me in. The story kept me hooked from start to finish, and the world-building is still as strong as ever.
If I’m being honest, I would have loved a little more focus on some of the other characters. There are so many interesting personalities in this series, and I think giving them more time would have made the book even better.
I actually thought this was going to be the last book, so finding out the series is continuing was such a great surprise! I’m really excited to see where things go next.
If I’m being honest, I would have loved a little more focus on some of the other characters. There are so many interesting personalities in this series, and I think giving them more time would have made the book even better.
I actually thought this was going to be the last book, so finding out the series is continuing was such a great surprise! I’m really excited to see where things go next.
November 23, 2025
Rez is almost the GOAT!! Can't wait.
Worthy of the series with nail biting, tender, sad, happy, exciting, scary, chaotic, and action packed moments and so much more.
| tried to make this last, even listening to the entire series before starting on this book, but eventually couldn't resist the pull.
Thank you Kel Kade for your brilliant series and to Nick Podehl's amazing narration. I will be trying to patiently wait for the next book.
Worthy of the series with nail biting, tender, sad, happy, exciting, scary, chaotic, and action packed moments and so much more.
| tried to make this last, even listening to the entire series before starting on this book, but eventually couldn't resist the pull.
Thank you Kel Kade for your brilliant series and to Nick Podehl's amazing narration. I will be trying to patiently wait for the next book.
November 18, 2025
A decent installment in the series. It went way too fast. I already need more.
I'm loyal to the series given how much I loved books 1 and 2. Rezkin getting magic kind of pissed me off the first time, but I've grown to embrace it with a couple rereads (did I already mention how much I love the first 2 books?). This book had some weird writing/phrasing, and it felt like a bit of a filler at times, but it was okay. I just want Rezkin to find peace and be happy!
I'm loyal to the series given how much I loved books 1 and 2. Rezkin getting magic kind of pissed me off the first time, but I've grown to embrace it with a couple rereads (did I already mention how much I love the first 2 books?). This book had some weird writing/phrasing, and it felt like a bit of a filler at times, but it was okay. I just want Rezkin to find peace and be happy!
November 20, 2025
2☆ this once great series has fallen on hard times.
November 16, 2025
Another great book
This was another great book in an amazing series, the wait was long but the story unfolding makes it worth re reading. The characters are well developed and thought out and the action scenes are top notch. If you haven't read any of these books, you really should start at the beginning, you won't be disappointed.... Unless you don't read them.
This was another great book in an amazing series, the wait was long but the story unfolding makes it worth re reading. The characters are well developed and thought out and the action scenes are top notch. If you haven't read any of these books, you really should start at the beginning, you won't be disappointed.... Unless you don't read them.
November 14, 2025
Fantastic Production That Shows this Series’ Best!!!
THE BEST IN THE SERIES SINCE BOOK 4!!!!!!!!!!
This was a prime example of why I fell in love with this series! Finally the perfect balance of adventure, world building, politics, and combat that made Kingdoms and Chaos such a masterpiece. Definitely a top 3 book in the series. Loved the focus on Wes as well as Rezkin’s inner journey! Cant wait for the next installment!!!
THE BEST IN THE SERIES SINCE BOOK 4!!!!!!!!!!
This was a prime example of why I fell in love with this series! Finally the perfect balance of adventure, world building, politics, and combat that made Kingdoms and Chaos such a masterpiece. Definitely a top 3 book in the series. Loved the focus on Wes as well as Rezkin’s inner journey! Cant wait for the next installment!!!
November 26, 2025
This is the final nail in the coffin as far as i'm concerned.
Compared to the previous book this is marginaly better but the lows are even lower. This is especially a shame since the adventure started on a surprisingly good start, back on focus and making the plot moves forward right from page 1.
Alas, that momentum was only used to push us faster towards the cliff. As far as the plot is concerned outside of a very limited number of people, any relevant characters from before book 5 might as well be dead for all they are useful. Entire chunks of the cast, tremendously important people for the core and heart of the main character got Thanos snapped. Remember the queen, the mc's own mother that got back her son back from the dead twice over? Remember Xa, the guy that swore a life oath to protect an important emotional pillar of Rez's life and miserably failed? Remember when we wasted pages upon pages of beastkin side plot to end up with a weird Wolf girl bond?
The author sure dont seem to.
Instead you get more new characters introduction that I have no attachement to since I saw how previous characters get treated and endless snores of elf politics and low quality teenage fantasy romance.
The overall plot finally moves near the end, but I'm way too checked out to care. There's nothing left of what once was and what we get instead is just mediocre.
I'm done with the series, I will likely enjoy going through book 1~5 again in the future and simply stop once Rezkin dies. In the end, he never truly came back.
Compared to the previous book this is marginaly better but the lows are even lower. This is especially a shame since the adventure started on a surprisingly good start, back on focus and making the plot moves forward right from page 1.
Alas, that momentum was only used to push us faster towards the cliff. As far as the plot is concerned outside of a very limited number of people, any relevant characters from before book 5 might as well be dead for all they are useful. Entire chunks of the cast, tremendously important people for the core and heart of the main character got Thanos snapped. Remember the queen, the mc's own mother that got back her son back from the dead twice over? Remember Xa, the guy that swore a life oath to protect an important emotional pillar of Rez's life and miserably failed? Remember when we wasted pages upon pages of beastkin side plot to end up with a weird Wolf girl bond?
The author sure dont seem to.
Instead you get more new characters introduction that I have no attachement to since I saw how previous characters get treated and endless snores of elf politics and low quality teenage fantasy romance.
The overall plot finally moves near the end, but I'm way too checked out to care. There's nothing left of what once was and what we get instead is just mediocre.
I'm done with the series, I will likely enjoy going through book 1~5 again in the future and simply stop once Rezkin dies. In the end, he never truly came back.
December 4, 2025
More Dialogue, Monologue, Improved Magic System and Unexpected Twists
Book 7 does not disappoint! You'll find this one hard to put down. Ritual of Ruin was packed with twists. The ending was suspenseful and the battles exciting. Book 7 can be described in one word - growth! Gone are the youngsters. They all have grown into heroes. The author has grown too. Kade shows off with solid world building and an improved magical system. She found a way to mingle a classic sword play story with magic and mages. Check out "Mage of No Renown" and you'll get what I'm saying. You can tell she spent time creating each character's backstory and the way she used dialogue and internal monologue gave them more depth. For example, Rez's conversation with Farson hit the mark. Look for it! It was corny but like - Finally! I recommend Ritual of Ruin to mature tweens, teens and adults of all ages who are swordplay/fantasy/magic book lovers. Ritual of Ruin is a great xmas stocking stuffer and will make a good winter break read. Enjoy!
Book 7 does not disappoint! You'll find this one hard to put down. Ritual of Ruin was packed with twists. The ending was suspenseful and the battles exciting. Book 7 can be described in one word - growth! Gone are the youngsters. They all have grown into heroes. The author has grown too. Kade shows off with solid world building and an improved magical system. She found a way to mingle a classic sword play story with magic and mages. Check out "Mage of No Renown" and you'll get what I'm saying. You can tell she spent time creating each character's backstory and the way she used dialogue and internal monologue gave them more depth. For example, Rez's conversation with Farson hit the mark. Look for it! It was corny but like - Finally! I recommend Ritual of Ruin to mature tweens, teens and adults of all ages who are swordplay/fantasy/magic book lovers. Ritual of Ruin is a great xmas stocking stuffer and will make a good winter break read. Enjoy!
November 26, 2025
I love this series
Well I for one am so glad Rezkin and Azeira finally got things worked out between them. I I'm a romantic at heart and them together does my soul good. I love seeing Rezkins growth from not trusting anyone to finally admitting he needs friends and that he loves Azeira. I'm also a big fan of dragons so Senna fit in perfectly. Every once in a while I'll find myself reading a book that I just don't want to end because I know it will complete the story and I'm not ready for it to end. That was where I found myself with this book so it is with great relief that I find there will be at least one more book coming.
Well I for one am so glad Rezkin and Azeira finally got things worked out between them. I I'm a romantic at heart and them together does my soul good. I love seeing Rezkins growth from not trusting anyone to finally admitting he needs friends and that he loves Azeira. I'm also a big fan of dragons so Senna fit in perfectly. Every once in a while I'll find myself reading a book that I just don't want to end because I know it will complete the story and I'm not ready for it to end. That was where I found myself with this book so it is with great relief that I find there will be at least one more book coming.
January 26, 2026
This story starts where book 6 left off. Rezkin plans to continue playing dead while pulling the strings from the shadows, trying to ensure that his Empire is in the most advantageous position possible when he rises from the dead. This time around he’s joined by his apparent soulmate, Azeria, as they attempt to gain yet more allies and new technology. Meanwhile, Wesson continues to investigate the mysterious “weapon” that Caydean is supposedly creating in the capitol, while also attempting to come up with a way to break mage oaths.
I felt like this book was maybe only a minor improvement on the previous book in terms of quality of writing and plot lines etc. There is at least some actual plot progression this time around. Unlike the last book, where we got multiple POVs and plot lines, we mostly just get Rezkin and Wesson’s POVs and 2 plotlines that combine for an explosive ending.
Personally, I don’t think the author has ever been able to capture the magic that she created in the first 2 bks. Is it the stupid demons? The obnoxious fairies? The elves? I don’t know, but I DO think the story really suffers when Rezkin doesn’t have his core cast of friends around. Unfortunately, most of those friends have now been relegated to the background, apparently content to continue running Rezkin’s empire for him as if nothing’s changed (even though they all supposedly believe he died a yr ago).
Some of those friends don’t even get a single mention in this book, and aside from from a very brief conversation with Thresson, Rezkin’s family drama continues to go mostly unacknowledged and unaddressed (the mom isn’t even mentioned!). Just more opportunities being squandered, i guess. Instead of juicy family drama or fulfilling reunion scenes, this book is filled with long descriptive passages about unimportant things.
A lot of the elf stuff felt a bit pointless and confusing too. We are to believe that Rezkin is only pretending to be terrible at magic in this book, even though he was in fact pretty terrible at magic in the last 2 books? And this is even though it doesn’t make much sense for him to pretend to be bad at it in the first place considering the elves have never done anything but offer to train him! Ironically, at the very same time, the author also attempts to imply that Rezkin’s “madness” is now completely cured by his new bond with Azeria (even though his behavior has suddenly become more paranoid than ever!!!).
Also Rezkin’s return from the dead? It’s incredibly anticlimactic! It’s unbelievable, literally, the way everyone just accepts that he’s alive! They have every reason to think Rez was dead considering they searched for a Sen to raise him and then finally buried him when they couldn’t find a way to get him back, but they all immediately accept his return with barely any questions. You’d think the fact that these people had a “flesh” golem living with them for 6 months in place of Frisha would make them more wary, but they’re all just like “Rezkin! You’re alive? But how?” and he’s like “Yes, i’m alive, but I don’t have time to explain how,” and everything is just okey dokey.
I felt like this book was maybe only a minor improvement on the previous book in terms of quality of writing and plot lines etc. There is at least some actual plot progression this time around. Unlike the last book, where we got multiple POVs and plot lines, we mostly just get Rezkin and Wesson’s POVs and 2 plotlines that combine for an explosive ending.
Personally, I don’t think the author has ever been able to capture the magic that she created in the first 2 bks. Is it the stupid demons? The obnoxious fairies? The elves? I don’t know, but I DO think the story really suffers when Rezkin doesn’t have his core cast of friends around. Unfortunately, most of those friends have now been relegated to the background, apparently content to continue running Rezkin’s empire for him as if nothing’s changed (even though they all supposedly believe he died a yr ago).
Some of those friends don’t even get a single mention in this book, and aside from from a very brief conversation with Thresson, Rezkin’s family drama continues to go mostly unacknowledged and unaddressed (the mom isn’t even mentioned!). Just more opportunities being squandered, i guess. Instead of juicy family drama or fulfilling reunion scenes, this book is filled with long descriptive passages about unimportant things.
A lot of the elf stuff felt a bit pointless and confusing too. We are to believe that Rezkin is only pretending to be terrible at magic in this book, even though he was in fact pretty terrible at magic in the last 2 books? And this is even though it doesn’t make much sense for him to pretend to be bad at it in the first place considering the elves have never done anything but offer to train him! Ironically, at the very same time, the author also attempts to imply that Rezkin’s “madness” is now completely cured by his new bond with Azeria (even though his behavior has suddenly become more paranoid than ever!!!).
Also Rezkin’s return from the dead? It’s incredibly anticlimactic! It’s unbelievable, literally, the way everyone just accepts that he’s alive! They have every reason to think Rez was dead considering they searched for a Sen to raise him and then finally buried him when they couldn’t find a way to get him back, but they all immediately accept his return with barely any questions. You’d think the fact that these people had a “flesh” golem living with them for 6 months in place of Frisha would make them more wary, but they’re all just like “Rezkin! You’re alive? But how?” and he’s like “Yes, i’m alive, but I don’t have time to explain how,” and everything is just okey dokey.
November 29, 2025
I’ve always been curious about how Rez’s emotions would finally surface. I originally thought Frisha would be the one to bring that out, but once Azeria entered the story, the love arc felt so much more natural and meaningful than continuing with Frisha. But, more so than just being in love, I like how he discovers that his sense of duty and power actually comes from his emotions. It is such a satisfying way to develop the character and do it justice while showing the evolution of his philosophy towards his purpose. His emotions have been building for a while and Azeria was the catalyst. She’s also extremely well written and I love their dynamic. Kel did a great job showing what true love is, and I love that Rezkin finally has someone that loves him for all of him instead of always judging and thinking the worst (something I hated about Frisha). I really hope for a good ending with Rezkin and Azeria.
Rez is just one of the best characters in fiction in my opinion.
The pacing has been quicker too, and I’ve enjoyed it as well as the tight focus on the main characters. Wesson’s storyline throughout it was absolutely insane/amazing and his discovery of himself was really intriguing. I do wish Tam, Tieran, and Frisha were touched on a bit more though.
Rez is just one of the best characters in fiction in my opinion.
The pacing has been quicker too, and I’ve enjoyed it as well as the tight focus on the main characters. Wesson’s storyline throughout it was absolutely insane/amazing and his discovery of himself was really intriguing. I do wish Tam, Tieran, and Frisha were touched on a bit more though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
This book was alright. I was hoping the story would have concluded, as I think the story is getting a little tedious, but that was not to be the case. We seem to have entered an entirely new arc, that I don't see being wrapped up any time soon. Fortunately, Rezkin and friends are still entertaining to read about, so it's not the worst thing to have more content.
I think the pacing of the book is a little odd. At times it really seems to drag, and then the next minute, we have blitzed through progress and storylines so fast I had to go back and reread the events to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Ultimately, the book is an easy fun read, but I don't find it as enjoyable as the earlier books in the series.
I think the pacing of the book is a little odd. At times it really seems to drag, and then the next minute, we have blitzed through progress and storylines so fast I had to go back and reread the events to make sure I didn't miss anything.
Ultimately, the book is an easy fun read, but I don't find it as enjoyable as the earlier books in the series.
February 2, 2026
A solid entry that progressed the story and Rezkin's abilities. Rez's dragon continues to grow stronger, we had a dwarf join his group and a few more elves. We learnt about a new metal that absorbs magic, right in time for it to be used in some massive ritual by Caydean that
December 10, 2025
I liked the book enough - I see all the mixed reviews, but I just love the series so hard for me to hate any of the books. Wessen has always been my favorite character, so I like that he's in this book a ton.
I do worry a bit about the direction on the book, from where it started, to where it's at now, all the plot lines, other characters. Seems like this has to be at least 4 more books to tie everything up properly. I don't love that we are entering the demon war territory. Honestly, the first 4 books were so money - then it seems like it just shifted and it's getting a little out of hand lol.
I do worry a bit about the direction on the book, from where it started, to where it's at now, all the plot lines, other characters. Seems like this has to be at least 4 more books to tie everything up properly. I don't love that we are entering the demon war territory. Honestly, the first 4 books were so money - then it seems like it just shifted and it's getting a little out of hand lol.
January 19, 2026
The third consecutive 2-star outing for Rez. Starting to question why I keep going with this series. Books 1 and 2 were 5-star stories but every book since is a 2-3 star effort. The writing is repetitive, the story is never ending as it continues sprouting new tentacles that don’t quite feel tethered to what made this world so enjoyable in the beginning. The love story bit feels like we needed to join the current romantasy craze akin to Fourth Wing or ACOTAR, instead of being organic for a character like Rez.
Really wish I could say I’m excited to continue but after finishing book 7 I can’t envision expending the effort anymore.
Really wish I could say I’m excited to continue but after finishing book 7 I can’t envision expending the effort anymore.
December 29, 2025
I’m still a huge fan of this series and enjoyed this book. The narrator is still great and I listened on Audible. Nothing has changed about that. The issue for me is that I am ready for it to be over and I thought this book would end it, but it has not ended at all. I listened to an interview of Kel Kade and she said she had a story to tell and there would not be an end to the books until she had written the end of the story. As has happened before, the epilogue neatly sets up book 8 and I can’t wait for it to be written.
December 8, 2025
I would give the book 3.5 stars if I could. I really enjoyed the development the author made with Rezkin and Wesson but I continue to feel frustrated at how the author is constantly opening new plots without resolving old ones. For example all the character he focused on for the last 7 books basically just didn’t exist in this book besides Tam. I love Rezkin as a character and thats what keeps me coming back but the story needs to progress in a more satisfactory rhythm.
January 8, 2026
For any long-term fan of the series like me, I feel like this was a long a waited book. It wrapped up so many things I wanted and I’m excited that we got to explore even more of the world and the belief systems. It’s like an RPG video game where you want to get to know every single thing that’s going on and you never wanna leave. I’m very happy. This is not the last book because I have no idea what I’m going to do when it’s all over.
January 20, 2026
Some plot development, but Rezkin has really had poor character development in the past few books. Overall, things didn't feel like it progressed much. Felt more like a few chapters rather than a whole novel installment.
A lot of plot threads are showing up but the whole tapestry is a gnarled mess. There is a lot of promise and I really enjoyed the early books, but the cool scenes are diminished by sloppy editing.
A lot of plot threads are showing up but the whole tapestry is a gnarled mess. There is a lot of promise and I really enjoyed the early books, but the cool scenes are diminished by sloppy editing.
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