The fallout from their visit to the Crux has left Briala’s team scattered and reeling. Whether trying to regain control of the situation, learning to wield newfound power, or planning to rescue a friend left behind, each has their own journey to undertake before they can regather in Jakarth.
What they don’t know is that the druids are heading the same way, and an underground attack on the city is imminent. When the time comes, they’ll have to learn how to reconcile their choices and betrayals with the need to defeat their enemy once and for all… and not everyone may survive the final battle.
Aside from writing, Maria likes to spend her free time traveling, gaming, reading, exploring new spots around town, or attending events like rock concerts, beer fests, and drag shows. She's been to over thirty countries and spent four years living abroad before settling back down in Cleveland and adopting a cat. Her passion for fantasy RPGs led to the creation of her first book series, and she's excited to continue creating new worlds and characters in the future.
If you like your war with a side of romance, you are going to love "A Reckoning of Fates." The epic Volume 3 of the Druid Wars trilogy does not disappoint on either front. We rejoin heir to the throne of Serabat, Briala Romaleon, and her rag tag band of associates as they try to mitigate the disastrous mission to the lair of the vampires, the Crux, in Volume 2. With control of the Elemental seized by anathema Aezrael which way will the war turn? Will she help her friends and allies or is her power available to the highest bidder?
Who is left behind at the Crux ? The vampire scenes are horror genre worthy. I reread the book and was almost tempted to skip those scenes because I knew what was coming.
In Volume 3 we find out what's really up with the Druid, Cyrus.
There are surprising and not so surprising romances. Spicy scenes ensue. The characters have evolved and grown and the romance is real without being overly sentimental.
As the war spreads over the continent, the question is, who will be victorious and at what cost?
A Reckoning of Fates has so many twists and turns, action and great world building but the strength of the whole series lies in the characters. They are brilliantly portrayed, fleshed out, and distinct. Like us they have preferences and moral challenges. I couldn't choose which one I loved the most.
" Face it gorgeous, we're the same. In fact, I'm the one with the high ground, considering my commands were from a demon holding my life in his hands while yours were just an errand for your mother."-Aezrael
"I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.” A reckoning of fates. In the aftermath of their fateful encounter at the Crux, Briala’s companions are left fractured and unmoored. Scattered across the world, each must face a reckoning of their own, whether struggling to reclaim control, learning to master newly awakened power, or risking everything to rescue a friend left behind. Their paths will not converge again until they reach Jakarth. Unbeknownst to them, the druids are moving in the same direction, and the threat they carry is far more insidious than anyone suspects. Beneath the city, an attack is already taking shape, its timing inevitable. When the moment comes, old wounds, difficult choices, and unforgivable betrayals must be confronted if there is any hope of standing united against a common enemy. Victory will demand sacrifice, and not all who begin the journey will live to see its end. This final chapter brings the trilogy to a powerful and deeply moving conclusion, honouring the growth, depth, and emotional stakes that have intensified with each book. It is an ending forged by consequence and courage, one that lingers long after the final page and affirms the series’ ascent from promise to mastery. I love this trilogy from beginning to end. 💛
What a conclusion to an exciting journey! After book two, I did say that I had some predictions, and while some were true, I have to say that book three had so many surprises. At times, it did get a bit slower, but with all the set-up that’s needed for a satisfying unraveling in the end, that was completely understandable. And omg, the ending is finally an ending that does not leave a cleaving wound of unfinished business in its wake. It hurts to know that the journey with our friends has come to an end, but I’m happy that the way it happened was so natural.
During the midsection, I was not the biggest fan of Azrael and not too happy about her being the center of attention. However, my love for her grew with every chapter. In the end, she was as dear to me as my fave Shayle. I’m trying not to spoil too much, but oh, Shayle 🥹. So proud of my sweet girl.
Anyway, it still hasn’t really sunk in that our journey is over, and while I’m trying to process, there are just so many fun moments that come to mind. I just know that I will return to this series in a year to be able to read it all in one go.
Thank you again to the incredible author for inviting me to be an ARC reader. It was a blast! ✨
WOW...what a wonderfully satisfying end to a trilogy! We all know the trauma of starting a series before it's finished....here's looking at you, George. Not only did Maria finish her debut series, but it's AWESOME. My love for these characters grew so much over the past two books (especially for a certain morally ambiguous dark elf). I was so excited to see fresh perspectives in this book and the end POV was brilliant. I still maintain that this series toes the line of romance without being considered "romantasy". The scenes are HOT, don't worry...but they're appropriately placed and not added for filler or because "that's what the people want". To me, it makes the romance more realistic and much more fun to invest in. All those die hard fantasy readers shouldn't have anything to complain about in that area.
I love that we got a deeper look into the vampire world and saw some huge character growth. Sweet baby Shayle...you've come so far. Everyone can find a relatable protagonist in this series and that's a huge feat. I think it's sometimes hard for an author to be inclusive without an "in your face" approach. Maria does an excellent job of weaving different walks of life in a seamless and cohesively natural way. I really believe the artists who are able to achieve this can change the world.
I loved the original two books in this story. And Bo was my favourite character and Shayle. I think Shayle changed a lot throughout these stories, especially in this book. And I didn’t enjoy her character as much in this book, preferring Aezreal instead. This is a really good book, and a good conclusion to the trilogy and the Elemental added an extra cool air to the whole story, I think I still preferred the first two books, but this one is well worth the read. Briala is more likeable in this one too. Still wish she had got together with Az 🤣
I received an ARC from Booksirens and the author and this is my honest review
The story is gripping and very easy to get lost in. My favourite character is Shayle and the writer makes her inner conflict feel genuine especially with Zasheid. Briala close friendship with Nadi, whose humour made me smile. Well, I won't go into each character, suffice to say this tight-knit group is shaped by shared history, betrayal, trauma, loyalty, and love, all operating within a fantasy world where personal relationships and political consequences are deeply intertwined.
Overall, it’s engaging, well-paced, and makes you want to keep turning the page.There are some twists and turns, especially towards the end of the book, but enough said about that.
A thrilling end to a trilogy that just got better and better with each book. The action throughout was non stop, with plot twists perfectly placed to keep you hooked. I feel like this book really stepped up in terms of the emotions at play, and each character was given a perfect ending. As with the first two books the world building was beautifully done, the settings and races imaginative and diverse. Would thoroughly recommend this to anyone who loves a high fantasy story with a found family!
So many emotions reading this. I felt so attached to every character, even ones I thought I didn’t like. The ending was perfect and exactly the right way to end this series. Definitely a few plot twists I didn’t see coming. I’m actually so disappointed that it’s over. 100/10. Highly recommend!