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Royal Houses #5
House of Embers: Royal Houses, Book 5
13 hours, 53 minutes
USA Today bestselling author K. A. Linde returns with House of Embers , the finale to the Royal Houses series that Booktok called " Fourth Wing meets Throne of Glass ."
Kerrigan Argon fell home from the land of the gods with nothing but her mate and her mother's bangle.
Now she has to save the world.
Half-Fae and humans are relegated to third class citizens. They're disappearing en masse. And the Red Masks—a terrorist organization now running the dragon Society—are behind it all.
Only Kerrigan can stop them.
She has to light the ember to forge a revolution.
USA Today bestselling author K. A. Linde returns with House of Embers , the finale to the Royal Houses series that Booktok called " Fourth Wing meets Throne of Glass ."
Kerrigan Argon fell home from the land of the gods with nothing but her mate and her mother's bangle.
Now she has to save the world.
Half-Fae and humans are relegated to third class citizens. They're disappearing en masse. And the Red Masks—a terrorist organization now running the dragon Society—are behind it all.
Only Kerrigan can stop them.
She has to light the ember to forge a revolution.
14 pages, Audible Audio
Published October 14, 2025
57 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Linde
89 books11.1k followersK.A. Linde is the New York Times, USA Today, #1 Sunday Times bestselling author of The Wren in the Holly Library. She is prolific in both romance and fantasy and loves the blend of the two.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
She has a Masters degree in political science and bachelors in philosophy from the University of Georgia. In her previous life, she was a head campaign worker for a presidential campaign and the coach of the Duke University dance team. She loves reading fantasy novels, traveling to far-off destinations, and dancing in her spare time.
She currently lives in Lubbock, Texas, with her husband, and son.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 29, 2026
Satisfying, thrilling, and an excellent conclusion to a well done series. Perfectly wrapped up. Throughly enjoyed this series.
🎧 & EBook ✔️
"If the end is hate then it isn't the end."
🎧 & EBook ✔️
"If the end is hate then it isn't the end."
December 31, 2025
UGH SO GOOD IM SO SAD ITS OVER, but great way to end the year!!
January 20, 2026
This was the perfect ending but now I'm depressed because it's over. This series is absolutely everything. It's not just a romantasy tracking an MC and an FMC. This is a high fantasy with a complex government system, unique magic, multiple side characters whose stories MATTER. This was laughter and pain and anger and regret.
Anything specific I say will be a spoiler but PLEASE read this series. You will not regret it
Anything specific I say will be a spoiler but PLEASE read this series. You will not regret it
December 15, 2025
🎧 REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK 🎧
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Length: 13h 53m
Story/plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Dragon presence: 🐉🐉🐉
Spice:🌶️ (as always just a pinch)
Voice cast:
Amy Mcfadden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: ✅
Re-read:✅
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thoughts::
House of Embers is a well paced conclusion to the series The royal Houses.
We get to find out more about the story of the dragon and Fae bond and HOW it fits the fan. And we even get to see a bit more dragon action in this one too.
And I truly thought King of the Dregs would end up with the dragon that her dad bonded with. It would have been cool if he did xD!
This book ties up the story really well and maintains it's wit and close friendship connections that I really enjoyed through the others.
I am glad that the we saw less of the trio lovers in this one though, as I felt they were irrelevant in the last one.
Overall this was a great read and Amy Mcfadden did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and bringing life into the audiobooks.
It would be interesting to see what becomes of the assassin
Overall rating for the series ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- star because I do feel Carrigan was too protected with plot armor from the very begining and that first book was ... 'meh' because of it.
But the series in general progresses in quality, plot and really shines with wit and it's bonds (romantic and friendship alike) the plot was well done too.
There was however not a huge amount of dragon presence in the books, considering they were part of the main plot. Aside from training with Tyrion and a couple of "side quests" they aren't really a huge presence. Topping off at max of 3/5 (being generous)
Well worth the read if you would like a fantasy read that isn't spice heavy (I gave it one pepper because it's not fade to black, but it's not detailed either.)
Id have read this at age 15 without it being too detailed.
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Length: 13h 53m
Story/plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Dragon presence: 🐉🐉🐉
Spice:🌶️ (as always just a pinch)
Voice cast:
Amy Mcfadden ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Series: ✅
Re-read:✅
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thoughts::
House of Embers is a well paced conclusion to the series The royal Houses.
We get to find out more about the story of the dragon and Fae bond and HOW it fits the fan. And we even get to see a bit more dragon action in this one too.
And I truly thought King of the Dregs would end up with the dragon that her dad bonded with. It would have been cool if he did xD!
This book ties up the story really well and maintains it's wit and close friendship connections that I really enjoyed through the others.
I am glad that the we saw less of the trio lovers in this one though, as I felt they were irrelevant in the last one.
Overall this was a great read and Amy Mcfadden did a fantastic job voicing all the characters and bringing life into the audiobooks.
It would be interesting to see what becomes of the assassin
Overall rating for the series ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- star because I do feel Carrigan was too protected with plot armor from the very begining and that first book was ... 'meh' because of it.
But the series in general progresses in quality, plot and really shines with wit and it's bonds (romantic and friendship alike) the plot was well done too.
There was however not a huge amount of dragon presence in the books, considering they were part of the main plot. Aside from training with Tyrion and a couple of "side quests" they aren't really a huge presence. Topping off at max of 3/5 (being generous)
Well worth the read if you would like a fantasy read that isn't spice heavy (I gave it one pepper because it's not fade to black, but it's not detailed either.)
Id have read this at age 15 without it being too detailed.
September 22, 2025
I got into this series this year after the first two books were sitting on my kindle for over a year. I liked the author after reading another one of their books and thought this series sounded interesting. The first two books were on sale.
I finally dove into the series and I was sucked in. After the cliffhanger of the first book, I kept going and read them as fast as I could. I like the world building and the characters. To me they're diverse across the series and we are all working towards a common goal. None of them are perfect and their flaws are always present, something I admire.
However, I really dislike when a a finale book ends with something that leaves things blatantly open as a cliffhanger. Please conclude the story and if something is open as a possibility to write another series or standalone, that would be lovely. I want things to feel final, even if they might not necessarily be, because to me why say it's the final book when it clearly won't be and these characters will be brought up again. Make this story about these characters and if someone else will be a focus in the future, that's ok. Hint at it instead of the ending being about another character.
To me, part of this book was unfinished. We know who Kerrigan's grandfather is and how powerful he truly is. How we didn't explore that more was disappointing. Yes, our main villain was Bastian, but he seemed almost insignificant when another domain is introduced and we find out more of how the divide started- between all of the people, and even the dragons. There was lore that wasn't explored so we're left guessing. Assuming with the way this book ended, we're likely to find out in another adjoining book or series.
I finally dove into the series and I was sucked in. After the cliffhanger of the first book, I kept going and read them as fast as I could. I like the world building and the characters. To me they're diverse across the series and we are all working towards a common goal. None of them are perfect and their flaws are always present, something I admire.
However, I really dislike when a a finale book ends with something that leaves things blatantly open as a cliffhanger. Please conclude the story and if something is open as a possibility to write another series or standalone, that would be lovely. I want things to feel final, even if they might not necessarily be, because to me why say it's the final book when it clearly won't be and these characters will be brought up again. Make this story about these characters and if someone else will be a focus in the future, that's ok. Hint at it instead of the ending being about another character.
To me, part of this book was unfinished. We know who Kerrigan's grandfather is and how powerful he truly is. How we didn't explore that more was disappointing. Yes, our main villain was Bastian, but he seemed almost insignificant when another domain is introduced and we find out more of how the divide started- between all of the people, and even the dragons. There was lore that wasn't explored so we're left guessing. Assuming with the way this book ended, we're likely to find out in another adjoining book or series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2025
This was a solid and entertaining conclusion for the series. It tied up loose ends and I felt Kerrigan got solid HEA with a manageable amount of heartbreak thrown in. It also set up at least 2 new story lines that I really want to know more about.
🎙️ - The quality of production was solid here and flowed well. The narrator was also a solid 4/5. She wasn’t spectacular but she read the book with enough emotion to keep me engaged.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Kerrigan got her freak on and K.A. Linde was explicit, in other words it was hot.
Romantasy
Dragon Riders
Fae, Gods, & Magic
Rebellion (Fighting Bigotry)
Political Machinations & Espionage
Uncovering History
Found Family
🎙️ - The quality of production was solid here and flowed well. The narrator was also a solid 4/5. She wasn’t spectacular but she read the book with enough emotion to keep me engaged.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Kerrigan got her freak on and K.A. Linde was explicit, in other words it was hot.
Romantasy
Dragon Riders
Fae, Gods, & Magic
Rebellion (Fighting Bigotry)
Political Machinations & Espionage
Uncovering History
Found Family
October 1, 2025
The long awaited finale
Overall I enjoyed this final book however I had difficulty getting “lost” in their world due to similarities in what the USA is going through now. Due to my comparisons of this, this book wasn’t as much as an escape for me as other books in the series.
I enjoyed the loose ends being tied up; the HEA of characters; how Kerrigan and Fordham worked seamlessly together-awesome teamwork; what happened with the dragons and their bonds; all good things nicely wrapped up. Many characters perished in the war however that’s to be expected.
Overall I enjoyed this final book however I had difficulty getting “lost” in their world due to similarities in what the USA is going through now. Due to my comparisons of this, this book wasn’t as much as an escape for me as other books in the series.
I enjoyed the loose ends being tied up; the HEA of characters; how Kerrigan and Fordham worked seamlessly together-awesome teamwork; what happened with the dragons and their bonds; all good things nicely wrapped up. Many characters perished in the war however that’s to be expected.
November 2, 2025
🎧audio review🎧
I devoured this series earlier this year and was a little disappointed that the last book was put off a few times. I’m not a patient person and after the cliffhanger of book four I needed the final book. With all that said this book was a great conclusion that tied up loose ends and gave Kerrigan and Ford the HEA they both deserved.
Amy McFadden did a good job voicing this last book. She brought energy and lifer the characters. My only complaint and I’m not sure if it was because of the long space in between books but some of the accents weren’t the same as in the other books. But it didn’t make that big of a difference. It was still enjoyable.
This was an emotional journey fille with heartbreak, triumph and love. I’m sad this series is now done but it was a ride I’d take again.
I devoured this series earlier this year and was a little disappointed that the last book was put off a few times. I’m not a patient person and after the cliffhanger of book four I needed the final book. With all that said this book was a great conclusion that tied up loose ends and gave Kerrigan and Ford the HEA they both deserved.
Amy McFadden did a good job voicing this last book. She brought energy and lifer the characters. My only complaint and I’m not sure if it was because of the long space in between books but some of the accents weren’t the same as in the other books. But it didn’t make that big of a difference. It was still enjoyable.
This was an emotional journey fille with heartbreak, triumph and love. I’m sad this series is now done but it was a ride I’d take again.
September 18, 2025
Compelling
A Demi-god who sympathized with humans and half-fae — basically the underdogs— is the premise of these books. It took five books to right the wrongs of this land— each more compelling than the last. Through them all, Kerrigan and Fordham’s love shone through. With a swoony love story and fully realized world building, this series is a worthy addition to both high fantasy and romantasy shelves.
A Demi-god who sympathized with humans and half-fae — basically the underdogs— is the premise of these books. It took five books to right the wrongs of this land— each more compelling than the last. Through them all, Kerrigan and Fordham’s love shone through. With a swoony love story and fully realized world building, this series is a worthy addition to both high fantasy and romantasy shelves.
January 29, 2026
I was so hooked with the house of dragons but somehow this book felt like it didnt do kerrigan justice. How she struggled to get her power back only for her face off with bastian to be so anticlimactic. Not even an ounce of power was shown to show him what she truly is just words. :) I get that Isa deserved to give him the final blow but her not having a chance to return even the slightest amount of pain he gave her was just disappointing for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2025
I loved the series, but I feel like the last book was rushed :( which is such a bummer bc I love the characters and their story lines and the twists and turns - but Bastian getting sliced in 3 lines? No epic fight scene? I wanted to CRY but I was like… bro that’s it? Sad, it could’ve been so much more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
I don’t care what it says this series was not what I would consider YA. Maybe for 17+ but definitely not your typical closed door YA romance. That aside…this whole series was just what I needed to get through winter break and I’m sad that I didn’t know about it sooner. Dragons, dark & brooding MMC, fierce friends, magic…all the things you want.
January 24, 2026
This one felt a LONG time in the making!!! I’ve waited and waited for the release of this final
instalment of the Royal Houses series. I had to do a re-read of the entire series to make sure I got the most out of it. And boy, it didn’t disappoint. It had everything! Unexpected twists and turns. More bad-assery. More amazing. This book (and series) is EPIC. I LOVED it.
instalment of the Royal Houses series. I had to do a re-read of the entire series to make sure I got the most out of it. And boy, it didn’t disappoint. It had everything! Unexpected twists and turns. More bad-assery. More amazing. This book (and series) is EPIC. I LOVED it.
October 13, 2025
Wonderful long-awaited conclusion to the series!
Kerrigan and Ford make such a fabulous team. Their love and bravery through all of the trials is so inspiring and heart-warming. And her passion to see everyone freed. Just wow! Love the HEA! It was worth waiting for.
Kerrigan and Ford make such a fabulous team. Their love and bravery through all of the trials is so inspiring and heart-warming. And her passion to see everyone freed. Just wow! Love the HEA! It was worth waiting for.
October 21, 2025
i really wanted to finish this book but it is not working for me sooooo dnf
October 22, 2025
I was so invested in this series!! I adored it!!
October 24, 2025
I had so much fun reading this series. The ending was a little underwhelming because there are still some unfinished arcs, but I’m hoping the author plans to write more stories set in this universe!
October 24, 2025
Such a great ending to this series!
November 6, 2025
I loved this series. I enjoyed reading the conclusion to this series. I gave this 4 stars instead of 5 because it felt like some of the storylines were unresolved.
November 6, 2025
tbh felt like we waited a long time for the ending which ended vvvv quick but i do like how the plot meanders
December 1, 2025
Whole series was enjoyable, but not a slam dunk, I think just a little anticlimactic?
January 12, 2026
Amazing series!!
The Royal Houses series was wonderful from start to finish! The more I read, the more drawn in I became. I’m going to definitely miss the characters in the book!
The Royal Houses series was wonderful from start to finish! The more I read, the more drawn in I became. I’m going to definitely miss the characters in the book!
January 22, 2026
The perfect ending to this amazing series!!!! It had me crying a lot at the end. Kerrigan and Fordham are perfect for eachother❤️❤️❤️
December 10, 2025
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The previous book, House of Gods, Kerrigan and Ford go through portals to different worlds, not together, as she is trying to locate her mother for help. Their own world has been taken over by Red Masks who hate humans and half fae. Kerrigan had her magic stolen by the Red Masks and ends up sold as a slave in the new dimension, as does Ford.
Now they are back together in their own dimension, stronger than ever. They have learned about the world and their magics while in another dimension. Kerrigan, of course, is more than she seems. Together they plan to fight the Red Masks. They need more dragons, and more allies against the Red Masks.
Kerrigan leads a group to the Dragon's mountain. She and her dragon have to pass tests to be heard. Kerrigna learns some difficult truths about how the bonds between dragons and fae were forged and is determined to make things better.
Alliances are formed and some are strong and capable, others are treacherous. Both sides learn some details before the attack. Luckily, Kerrigan's new skills with portals and shadows, and her bond with Ford, and her special bond with dragons helps them. That does not mean that there are not losses.
House of Embers is a year later with the series picked up by a traditional publisher in print and two years after House of Gods. I think it was worth the wait.
Narration:
I appreciated having the same narrator continue with the series. I enjoyed the performance and rather different voices for males and females. The voices for Kerrigan and Ford are definitely easy for me to recognize. Kerrigan is the primary point of view. I was able to listen at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
In the Royal Houses series, Kerrigan is a half fae who takes up the cause of the half fae and humans who are degraded and sometimes enslaved by the fae. She managed to win the tournament and get her own dragon, and become a member of the Society. The Society is sort of a law enforcement agency of fae on dragons, to protect the different Houses and their lands. This series needs to be read in order, as most urban fantasy, or be lost missing world and character developments.
The previous book, House of Gods, Kerrigan and Ford go through portals to different worlds, not together, as she is trying to locate her mother for help. Their own world has been taken over by Red Masks who hate humans and half fae. Kerrigan had her magic stolen by the Red Masks and ends up sold as a slave in the new dimension, as does Ford.
Now they are back together in their own dimension, stronger than ever. They have learned about the world and their magics while in another dimension. Kerrigan, of course, is more than she seems. Together they plan to fight the Red Masks. They need more dragons, and more allies against the Red Masks.
Kerrigan leads a group to the Dragon's mountain. She and her dragon have to pass tests to be heard. Kerrigna learns some difficult truths about how the bonds between dragons and fae were forged and is determined to make things better.
Alliances are formed and some are strong and capable, others are treacherous. Both sides learn some details before the attack. Luckily, Kerrigan's new skills with portals and shadows, and her bond with Ford, and her special bond with dragons helps them. That does not mean that there are not losses.
House of Embers is a year later with the series picked up by a traditional publisher in print and two years after House of Gods. I think it was worth the wait.
Narration:
I appreciated having the same narrator continue with the series. I enjoyed the performance and rather different voices for males and females. The voices for Kerrigan and Ford are definitely easy for me to recognize. Kerrigan is the primary point of view. I was able to listen at my newer 1.75x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews