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The Oak and Holly Cycle #3
The Raven at the Ash Door
Can love survive an unbreakable curse?
Kierse McKenna’s magic is bound to a man she hates―one who has spent lifetimes fighting the man she loves.
To end this binding, Graves―her winter god, her monster―will stop at nothing. He discovers that the only hope of freeing Kierse is to locate a stone relic of legend, rumored to lift any curse.
The only problem? The stone has been missing for a century.
And the Oak King is on their trail.
Now Kierse is trapped at the heart of a centuries-long battle while the rest of the world comes unraveled. The Fae Killer is hunting. The peace with monsters is fracturing. And as the very rules of their myth start to shift, escaping the Oak King’s hold may demand more than stolen artifacts and clever heists.
For Kierse and Graves, it may mean risking the only thing they have left to lose.
Kierse McKenna’s magic is bound to a man she hates―one who has spent lifetimes fighting the man she loves.
To end this binding, Graves―her winter god, her monster―will stop at nothing. He discovers that the only hope of freeing Kierse is to locate a stone relic of legend, rumored to lift any curse.
The only problem? The stone has been missing for a century.
And the Oak King is on their trail.
Now Kierse is trapped at the heart of a centuries-long battle while the rest of the world comes unraveled. The Fae Killer is hunting. The peace with monsters is fracturing. And as the very rules of their myth start to shift, escaping the Oak King’s hold may demand more than stolen artifacts and clever heists.
For Kierse and Graves, it may mean risking the only thing they have left to lose.
586 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 16, 2026
About the author
K.A. Linde
90 books11.3k 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 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 4, 2026
I was really enjoying this book until I got to about 95% through it and realized that it wasn’t actually the last book in the series anymore. I went in thinking this was the final book in a trilogy, not realizing that the series has now been extended two more books apparently. That honestly feels like the wrong choice to me.
I thought that the character development and relationship growth had been done quite well over these three books and I was ready for the happily ever after. I think plot wise it would have been the stronger choice as well, because alot of the main points could have been easily and believably wrapped up in this book. It kind of feels like we’re dragging it out unnecessarily now. I think if the author wanted to keep writing in this world that would be fine as I can see the potential, but just dragging these characters along in it makes less sense to me.
In terms of my specific thoughts on this book, like I said I was actually enjoying it quite a lot. I liked Kierse’s growth and improvements with her magic and the different heists that they had were entertaining. Seeing Graves open up more to her and the rest of the group was nice, and I liked that he was willing to fight for their relationship even if it took some time for him to believe he deserved it. The vibes were good overall, even if I did feel like we could have use like two or three less sex scenes.
One of the things I didn’t like though was the continued back and forth with Lorcan. I get that the bond makes it hard to cut him off but I just was so ready for him to be gone. His constant interference and justification of his actions because they’re “soulmates” was super annoying and the way he gives zero fucks for what Kierse chooses and has told him she wants is honestly gross, so I didn’t like all the times it felt like the story was trying to push the possibility of them actually being together somehow. Or even worse the potential for some kind of throuple situation, that was hinted at waaay too much for my liking.
My other pet peeve is how Nate and the wolves and his death, which was literally the huge cliffhanger ending of the last book was basically completely glossed over and ignored for most of this book. Like it’s mentioned here and there but there is zero impact or resolution to any of that which honestly felt weird.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed by the ending, with Lorcan being back on his manipulative bullshit, and especially when the answer to Kierse’s problem seemed pretty obvious to me when reading, but I guess we’ll see what happens eventually.
I thought that the character development and relationship growth had been done quite well over these three books and I was ready for the happily ever after. I think plot wise it would have been the stronger choice as well, because alot of the main points could have been easily and believably wrapped up in this book. It kind of feels like we’re dragging it out unnecessarily now. I think if the author wanted to keep writing in this world that would be fine as I can see the potential, but just dragging these characters along in it makes less sense to me.
In terms of my specific thoughts on this book, like I said I was actually enjoying it quite a lot. I liked Kierse’s growth and improvements with her magic and the different heists that they had were entertaining. Seeing Graves open up more to her and the rest of the group was nice, and I liked that he was willing to fight for their relationship even if it took some time for him to believe he deserved it. The vibes were good overall, even if I did feel like we could have use like two or three less sex scenes.
One of the things I didn’t like though was the continued back and forth with Lorcan. I get that the bond makes it hard to cut him off but I just was so ready for him to be gone. His constant interference and justification of his actions because they’re “soulmates” was super annoying and the way he gives zero fucks for what Kierse chooses and has told him she wants is honestly gross, so I didn’t like all the times it felt like the story was trying to push the possibility of them actually being together somehow. Or even worse the potential for some kind of throuple situation, that was hinted at waaay too much for my liking.
My other pet peeve is how Nate and the wolves and his death, which was literally the huge cliffhanger ending of the last book was basically completely glossed over and ignored for most of this book. Like it’s mentioned here and there but there is zero impact or resolution to any of that which honestly felt weird.
I’m honestly kind of annoyed by the ending, with Lorcan being back on his manipulative bullshit, and especially when the answer to Kierse’s problem seemed pretty obvious to me when reading, but I guess we’ll see what happens eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
@authorkalinde What have you done to us?!
✨️ Urban Romantasy
✨️ New Adult
✨️ Heist
✨️ Monsters and magic
✨️ Morally Grey MMC
✨️ Found family
✨️ Irish folklore
✨️ Brilliant LGBTQ+ rep
✨️ Book 3 of the Oak and Holly Cycle (The Wren in the Holly Library is Book 1)
It was so much fun having the gang back together in The Raven at the Ash Door! The new group chat was the best. At the same time, the anguish was real in this instalment. I absolutely sped through it.
I love the diversity in this series. There are so many brilliant LGBTQ+ characters and a visually impaired character too. I also really enjoyed the Irish folktales woven into the story.
The Raven at the Ash Door is full of banter and sizzling romance, while also exploring important and poignant themes of choice, consent, and respecting other's decisions.
@authorkalinde, how could you leave us with that cliff-hanger??? I know you write the best/worst cliff-hangers, but what am I meant to do until the next book? I am excited that we still have two books to come.
✨️ Urban Romantasy
✨️ New Adult
✨️ Heist
✨️ Monsters and magic
✨️ Morally Grey MMC
✨️ Found family
✨️ Irish folklore
✨️ Brilliant LGBTQ+ rep
✨️ Book 3 of the Oak and Holly Cycle (The Wren in the Holly Library is Book 1)
It was so much fun having the gang back together in The Raven at the Ash Door! The new group chat was the best. At the same time, the anguish was real in this instalment. I absolutely sped through it.
I love the diversity in this series. There are so many brilliant LGBTQ+ characters and a visually impaired character too. I also really enjoyed the Irish folktales woven into the story.
The Raven at the Ash Door is full of banter and sizzling romance, while also exploring important and poignant themes of choice, consent, and respecting other's decisions.
@authorkalinde, how could you leave us with that cliff-hanger??? I know you write the best/worst cliff-hangers, but what am I meant to do until the next book? I am excited that we still have two books to come.
June 15, 2026
I did originally think this was going to be a trilogy so imagine my surprise when I find out there are two more books. We continue to get more heists in this third installment. I find that I really do like the character progression of Graves. He has really come out of his shell a lot more, especially since the first book and I love his relationship with Kierse. Now...the only problem I currently have is that the more this story progresses the hard it is fro me to write reviews. Why, well because I try not to write spoilers and when we are in the middle of the series it become more and more difficult to be vague. We still get the constant interruptions to Graves and Kierse time from Lorcan. We have more of the Fae Killer but do have some resolution! And I do like Lorcan more than I did I still am annoyed by him. I find that I did really enjoy more and more background information about the history of Graves and what he tried to do and it really did end up tying in really well with everything. I can't wait to see what happens in book four and exactly how everything ends in book five.
Thank you so much to Entangled for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Thank you so much to Entangled for the complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own
June 17, 2026
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the amazing opportunity of allowing me to read this book early. I am forever thankful and my review will be a honeys reflection of my feelings towards this book.
Ugh this book was so good y’all!
It’s hard to put into words how great this installment was in this on going series that will have 5 books! Girl I knew with this being the third that it would end with a cliffhanger and I was correct!
Graves and Kierse’s romance continues to heat up with this installment as they enter another heist on their quest to end up together. The only annoying part and its minor was how annoying Lorcan is. Man that guy doesn’t know when to quit. I have sympathy towards the man but his antics were getting annoying. He reminds me of Tamlin with his dark path and selfish tendencies.
The way it ended made me wanna screech cause now I need to wait till next year to find out what happened.
Overall an another amazing installment in this series and 100% recommend to all my Romantasy lovers
Ugh this book was so good y’all!
It’s hard to put into words how great this installment was in this on going series that will have 5 books! Girl I knew with this being the third that it would end with a cliffhanger and I was correct!
Graves and Kierse’s romance continues to heat up with this installment as they enter another heist on their quest to end up together. The only annoying part and its minor was how annoying Lorcan is. Man that guy doesn’t know when to quit. I have sympathy towards the man but his antics were getting annoying. He reminds me of Tamlin with his dark path and selfish tendencies.
The way it ended made me wanna screech cause now I need to wait till next year to find out what happened.
Overall an another amazing installment in this series and 100% recommend to all my Romantasy lovers
June 23, 2026
Enjoyed
I really enjoyed this book with more of the relationships, magic, and backstabbings. I love all the characters depths we dig into and the ending I can't wait for the next book
I really enjoyed this book with more of the relationships, magic, and backstabbings. I love all the characters depths we dig into and the ending I can't wait for the next book
June 19, 2026
I thought this was a trilogy so I’m really pissed right now that there are going to be TWO MORE BOOKS. I think I’m done though. I don’t like the plot (I barely even understand the plot let’s be real) and the love triangle thing just isn’t doing it for me. I dunno. I wanted to be into this but it ain’t it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
I was gifted a finished copy of the book from the publisher as part of a social media blog tour. All thoughts are my own.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Oak and Holly cycle I was super excited to get my hands on The Raven at the Ash Door. The cliffhanger ending of the second book had me itching to get back to Kierse, Graves and the other cast of characters to see how the dynamics would change and how they would overcome the unwanted bond between Kierse and Lorcan, all whilst trying to locate the final ancient celtic artifact which will no doubt involved another plans gone to pot, chaotic heist.
I initially gave this a higher rating, but on reflection I’ve dropped this to a 3 star as this reflects my thoughts and enjoyment of the book much more.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far for the humour, the heists, the modern world fantasy and the found family aspects. The Raven at the Ash door starts in the same style - mid heist, in which things inevitably don’t go to plan. It’s chaos in a good way, it’s faced paced and exciting as the story develops with the characters facing unexpected obstacles. It was easy to fall back in to the story, and I like that Linde reminds us of important plot points from the previous books avoiding the need for a reread.
The cast of characters has grown so much however that I did find myself getting a little lost as to who everyone was and what magic they had which made me detach from their side storylines a little. I do think there should have been more scenes with Gem and Ethan especially, and I would have loved more focus on the triskell. I also felt that whilst this book was there for Kierse to learn about her fae/wisp past and develop her new powers we still didn’t see enough of this.
Unfortunately much like the second book I didn’t react positively to the spice scenes and found myself skimming over them. I will always be a less is more kind of spice level reader. I just wish Linde had used other methods to show and develop the connection between Kierse and Graves rather than repetitive spicy scenes that I just didn’t think were necessary. I love them as the doomed couple that they are, there is so much potential there to explore. This book focused on Kierse trying to convince Graves that she will choose him no matter what, but she spent far too long of the book not showing him that was the case. Kierse expected Graves to just know how she felt, despite all the signs and his past history convincing him otherwise.
I strongly believe this series should have been a trilogy, as the overall arching storyline now feels a little dragged out. The Raven at the Ash Door felt like a filler book in the series, as there wasn’t much progression in either the storyline or character development from the beginning of this book to the end. With how long each of these books in the series are I wish there was more backstory and world building with all of the different magical creatures and Irish folklore. It’s the most interesting part of these books and there just isn’t enough of it.
*SPOILERS* The ending, with Kierse’s wiped memories of Graves could have been introduced at the beginning of this book after the bonding ceremony with Lorcan without the main storyline of the series being all that impacted. I’m not 100% keen on the direction of the story that this is now taking, but will trust that this is just another barrier between Kierse and Graves getting their happy ever after and hopefully it will be executed in a way that brings back some of the spark that I enjoyed in the first two books.
I’ve maybe been a little harsh on this in my review as I did enjoy this book for the most part. It had some of the same humour and excitement as in the first two books, but my main takeaway is that this was an unnecessary installment in the series. Assuming this is now a 5 part book series I am still looking forward to continuing, to see what chaos will inevitably happen now that the monster treaty has been revoked. I just hope the plot and character development is just a little meatier in the next book.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in the Oak and Holly cycle I was super excited to get my hands on The Raven at the Ash Door. The cliffhanger ending of the second book had me itching to get back to Kierse, Graves and the other cast of characters to see how the dynamics would change and how they would overcome the unwanted bond between Kierse and Lorcan, all whilst trying to locate the final ancient celtic artifact which will no doubt involved another plans gone to pot, chaotic heist.
I initially gave this a higher rating, but on reflection I’ve dropped this to a 3 star as this reflects my thoughts and enjoyment of the book much more.
I’ve enjoyed this series so far for the humour, the heists, the modern world fantasy and the found family aspects. The Raven at the Ash door starts in the same style - mid heist, in which things inevitably don’t go to plan. It’s chaos in a good way, it’s faced paced and exciting as the story develops with the characters facing unexpected obstacles. It was easy to fall back in to the story, and I like that Linde reminds us of important plot points from the previous books avoiding the need for a reread.
The cast of characters has grown so much however that I did find myself getting a little lost as to who everyone was and what magic they had which made me detach from their side storylines a little. I do think there should have been more scenes with Gem and Ethan especially, and I would have loved more focus on the triskell. I also felt that whilst this book was there for Kierse to learn about her fae/wisp past and develop her new powers we still didn’t see enough of this.
Unfortunately much like the second book I didn’t react positively to the spice scenes and found myself skimming over them. I will always be a less is more kind of spice level reader. I just wish Linde had used other methods to show and develop the connection between Kierse and Graves rather than repetitive spicy scenes that I just didn’t think were necessary. I love them as the doomed couple that they are, there is so much potential there to explore. This book focused on Kierse trying to convince Graves that she will choose him no matter what, but she spent far too long of the book not showing him that was the case. Kierse expected Graves to just know how she felt, despite all the signs and his past history convincing him otherwise.
I strongly believe this series should have been a trilogy, as the overall arching storyline now feels a little dragged out. The Raven at the Ash Door felt like a filler book in the series, as there wasn’t much progression in either the storyline or character development from the beginning of this book to the end. With how long each of these books in the series are I wish there was more backstory and world building with all of the different magical creatures and Irish folklore. It’s the most interesting part of these books and there just isn’t enough of it.
*SPOILERS* The ending, with Kierse’s wiped memories of Graves could have been introduced at the beginning of this book after the bonding ceremony with Lorcan without the main storyline of the series being all that impacted. I’m not 100% keen on the direction of the story that this is now taking, but will trust that this is just another barrier between Kierse and Graves getting their happy ever after and hopefully it will be executed in a way that brings back some of the spark that I enjoyed in the first two books.
I’ve maybe been a little harsh on this in my review as I did enjoy this book for the most part. It had some of the same humour and excitement as in the first two books, but my main takeaway is that this was an unnecessary installment in the series. Assuming this is now a 5 part book series I am still looking forward to continuing, to see what chaos will inevitably happen now that the monster treaty has been revoked. I just hope the plot and character development is just a little meatier in the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. I was in no way compensated for this review.
K.A. Linde's The Raven at the Ash Door was a rollercoaster of emotions! This book grips you tight and doesn't let go until you're freefalling at the very end after that cliffhanger of an ending! Be forewarned, this book had me in a rage and a messy tangle of emotions! It's positively haunting!
When we last left Kierse, she had been forcedly bonded to Lorcan, making them soulmates who are completely entwined with one another. The only problem us, Kierse still loves Graves and would do anything to break this bond that she doesn't want. The rumor is that the magical stone that Graves has been searching for can possibly break the bond. Kierse is determined to chase down any lead that will help rid her of this thing she doesn't want.
But naturally, Lorcan is there to continue to thwart her plans and show her why she should choose him even though her heart belongs to Graves. Now, don't get me wrong. Kierse does admit to some feelings for Lorcan, but it is truly Graves that she loves and wants to be with. Honestly, it was Lorcan forcing the bond on her without her consent that did him in for me. I've been rooting for his death ever since, but thinking he's not a character that will be killed off so easily! Lol. The feminine rage I had throughout this book was intense! Of course, I was sometimes yelling at Kierse too, because there were times I felt like she was leading him on. Yes, her feelings were mixed over the two, she didn't loathe Lorcan like I did. But I felt like she let him get away with too much. There were too many touches she allowed Lorcan to get away with when she kept telling him no, that it was Graves who she wanted. He kept at her and she allowed it.
So yes, even Kierse was driving me nuts with what she allowed him to get away with. And I totally understood about her mixed feelings. The bond somehow brought up feelings she might not have realize she had, but she kept making her choice clear and Lorcan kept ignoring it. I do not like that. To me when anyone says NO, that should be the end of it. But obviously, if that were the way of things, this story would've been a LOT shorter! Lol.
There were other things going on throughout the story as well. We dealt more with the Fae Killer, Kierse exploring her new powers that Lorcan can't control (another reason why I can't stand that man!), learning of new enemies, and seeing some familiar faces and of course, planning more heists! Tons of action and drama and just this mass intensity that kept me on edge until the very end!
The relationship between Kierse and Graves of course had its highs and lows. There was drama, but there was still plenty of heat and some spicy moments. Well, I suppose spicy in my book! Lol. I guess it depends on your preference of spice. There were frequent moments but definitely not as graphic as my last read! Lol.
The ending of this book was what really kills! It was INTENSE and insanity inducing! Yes, I am spiraling into a pit of craziness! Be prepared to shout and yell and scream because omigosh I can't believe I have to wait a whole year until the next book! That is the truly scary part! I can handle cliffhangers--to some extent--it's the waiting until the next book that drives me up the wall! And holy cats I was not expecting THIS kind of cliffhanger at the end and I'm going to go bananas before 2027 finally rolls around! So...be prepared! Take that into consideration for sure! Lol.
The Raven at the Ash Door was an emotional rollercoaster ride! My heartstrings were tugged, my rage flared several times and my heart might have been broken at least twice. K.A. Linde is a mastermind of the emotional minefield and still produces one helluva read with all the paranormal goodness of a dystopic future! This book truly had it all and I highly recommend reading this series as it is mind-blowing!
I need the next book yesterday.
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
The Raven at the Ash Door releases June 16, 2026
K.A. Linde's The Raven at the Ash Door was a rollercoaster of emotions! This book grips you tight and doesn't let go until you're freefalling at the very end after that cliffhanger of an ending! Be forewarned, this book had me in a rage and a messy tangle of emotions! It's positively haunting!
When we last left Kierse, she had been forcedly bonded to Lorcan, making them soulmates who are completely entwined with one another. The only problem us, Kierse still loves Graves and would do anything to break this bond that she doesn't want. The rumor is that the magical stone that Graves has been searching for can possibly break the bond. Kierse is determined to chase down any lead that will help rid her of this thing she doesn't want.
But naturally, Lorcan is there to continue to thwart her plans and show her why she should choose him even though her heart belongs to Graves. Now, don't get me wrong. Kierse does admit to some feelings for Lorcan, but it is truly Graves that she loves and wants to be with. Honestly, it was Lorcan forcing the bond on her without her consent that did him in for me. I've been rooting for his death ever since, but thinking he's not a character that will be killed off so easily! Lol. The feminine rage I had throughout this book was intense! Of course, I was sometimes yelling at Kierse too, because there were times I felt like she was leading him on. Yes, her feelings were mixed over the two, she didn't loathe Lorcan like I did. But I felt like she let him get away with too much. There were too many touches she allowed Lorcan to get away with when she kept telling him no, that it was Graves who she wanted. He kept at her and she allowed it.
So yes, even Kierse was driving me nuts with what she allowed him to get away with. And I totally understood about her mixed feelings. The bond somehow brought up feelings she might not have realize she had, but she kept making her choice clear and Lorcan kept ignoring it. I do not like that. To me when anyone says NO, that should be the end of it. But obviously, if that were the way of things, this story would've been a LOT shorter! Lol.
There were other things going on throughout the story as well. We dealt more with the Fae Killer, Kierse exploring her new powers that Lorcan can't control (another reason why I can't stand that man!), learning of new enemies, and seeing some familiar faces and of course, planning more heists! Tons of action and drama and just this mass intensity that kept me on edge until the very end!
The relationship between Kierse and Graves of course had its highs and lows. There was drama, but there was still plenty of heat and some spicy moments. Well, I suppose spicy in my book! Lol. I guess it depends on your preference of spice. There were frequent moments but definitely not as graphic as my last read! Lol.
The ending of this book was what really kills! It was INTENSE and insanity inducing! Yes, I am spiraling into a pit of craziness! Be prepared to shout and yell and scream because omigosh I can't believe I have to wait a whole year until the next book! That is the truly scary part! I can handle cliffhangers--to some extent--it's the waiting until the next book that drives me up the wall! And holy cats I was not expecting THIS kind of cliffhanger at the end and I'm going to go bananas before 2027 finally rolls around! So...be prepared! Take that into consideration for sure! Lol.
The Raven at the Ash Door was an emotional rollercoaster ride! My heartstrings were tugged, my rage flared several times and my heart might have been broken at least twice. K.A. Linde is a mastermind of the emotional minefield and still produces one helluva read with all the paranormal goodness of a dystopic future! This book truly had it all and I highly recommend reading this series as it is mind-blowing!
I need the next book yesterday.
Overall Rating 5/5 stars
The Raven at the Ash Door releases June 16, 2026
June 26, 2026
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book called, The Raven at the Ash Door. This is book 3 in The Oak and Holly Cycle series, picking up right where book 2 left off with Kierse and Graves. Kierse needs to figure out how to get her magic back and to harness her new abilities. Graves finds out a way to help Kierse, if they get an ancient missing stone relic that is supposed to be able to lift any curse, it might be the key to helping Kierse. So their crew assembles to come up with a plan to find this stone, but just like before Lorcan is hot on their heels. And that's not all, there is also a fae killer on the loose set on killing all the fae, destroying the monster treaty, and starting another war.
I didn't want to give too much away above but wow! This story was jam packed with action, curses, adventure, monsters, heists, twists, suspense, romance, and the best group chat! This is such a fun romantasy series, and after that absolutely insane cliffhanger ending I'm soo eager to see where this story goes! I don't know how I'm supposed to wait for the next book after that ending! ❤️📚
Thank you to K.A. Linde, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Raven at the Ash Door, in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't want to give too much away above but wow! This story was jam packed with action, curses, adventure, monsters, heists, twists, suspense, romance, and the best group chat! This is such a fun romantasy series, and after that absolutely insane cliffhanger ending I'm soo eager to see where this story goes! I don't know how I'm supposed to wait for the next book after that ending! ❤️📚
Thank you to K.A. Linde, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for this ARC of The Raven at the Ash Door, in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2026
I’m pissed. I was really hoping to be proven wrong, but I called the lost memory trope from the beginning; I just had thought that Lorcan would force it rather than Kierse doing it in a move of self-sacrifice. I hate this trope. To me, it’s the equivalent of SA because characters that lose their memory have no way of consenting to what happens, and their significant others ALWAYS get hurt in the process, and the victim is the one indirectly harming the person they love most. It makes it worse because Kierse and Graves have literally been fighting for each other for an entire trilogy now; they and readers that have been rooting for them for 3 books did not deserve this. I just hope that Lorcan isn’t part of the HEA that this series will likely end on. At this point, his actions are inexcusable, and he is beyond redemption in my eyes. If the author does not view him as a villain or if there is spice with KxL, I will definitively be saying goodbye to the author and series. Likewise, if Kierse spends most of the next book without her memories, I will be very irritated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2026
I was so disappointed in this one. The writing got better but the story tanked.
We ended the last book with Kierse basically being magically r*ped by Lorcan and locked out of her powers then Nate got horrifically murdered. I was expecting some bad ass woman shit from this one.
I got none of that. All the feelings of being taken against your will completely gone. "I have feelings for him but I don't want them". Honey, seriously? No magic on Earth could make me be civil to someone who did that to me. She makes a token "ugh I hate you" and then rolls over for him.
And then Nate.....barely even featured in this. She had Nova in front of her at one point and did fuck all.
Kierse gets confusing as a character bouncing between fragile damsel and a killer like whiplash. Almost insufferable at times.
She did her charactistic sharp climax but this time I couldn't care. It felt like a repeat of last book (right down to a death) and I can't trust her to stick the landing.
I won't be continuing this series.
We ended the last book with Kierse basically being magically r*ped by Lorcan and locked out of her powers then Nate got horrifically murdered. I was expecting some bad ass woman shit from this one.
I got none of that. All the feelings of being taken against your will completely gone. "I have feelings for him but I don't want them". Honey, seriously? No magic on Earth could make me be civil to someone who did that to me. She makes a token "ugh I hate you" and then rolls over for him.
And then Nate.....barely even featured in this. She had Nova in front of her at one point and did fuck all.
Kierse gets confusing as a character bouncing between fragile damsel and a killer like whiplash. Almost insufferable at times.
She did her charactistic sharp climax but this time I couldn't care. It felt like a repeat of last book (right down to a death) and I can't trust her to stick the landing.
I won't be continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This is the third book in the Oak and Holly Cycle and I was really excited to see what happens after the cliffhanger in book 2.
I wanted to love this book as much as I did the first two but the plot felt reminiscent of the previous two books and I kind of wondered if we were actually going to see any resolution to the problems.
I did enjoy seeing Kierse and Graves fight through their issues and seeing her powers grow. We love a badass FMC. And honestly, Graves has my whole heart - all of his growth and healing 😭
But at this point, who is the real villain?! Because Lorcan is high on that list!
I am grateful for the Advanced Copy by Red Tower and Entangled Publishing.
I wanted to love this book as much as I did the first two but the plot felt reminiscent of the previous two books and I kind of wondered if we were actually going to see any resolution to the problems.
I did enjoy seeing Kierse and Graves fight through their issues and seeing her powers grow. We love a badass FMC. And honestly, Graves has my whole heart - all of his growth and healing 😭
But at this point, who is the real villain?! Because Lorcan is high on that list!
I am grateful for the Advanced Copy by Red Tower and Entangled Publishing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2026
Holy Guacamole. What just happened????? This is my shocked Pikachu face.
June 22, 2026
Audiobook. Library. THAT ENDING. I really love this series. The pacing here felt more steady and balanced than book 2, with plenty of gasp-worthy moments.
June 24, 2026
I’ve never wanted to slam a book down so hard on the table repeatedly until now OOOOOOOOH I HAVE WORDS
June 21, 2026
Nothing would have ever prepared me for that ending 🤦🏼♀️ I am unwell & I need the next book right now.
June 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW: “To the girls who fell for the villain before the hero.” This series is going to be five books total, and honestly, book three was an incredible midpoint. The love triangle had me completely torn the entire time, some heists and schemes kept me on the edge of my seat, and the sexy, introverted warlock officially stole my whole heart.
Also... Graves is me with “Books give me more joy than people ever have.” -Graves and I fear for you if watching me read turns you on.” -Graves
Also... Graves is me with “Books give me more joy than people ever have.” -Graves and I fear for you if watching me read turns you on.” -Graves
June 19, 2026
The Raven at the Ash Door is the third book in K.A. Linde’s Oak & Holly Cycle series. This is not a standalone read, as it takes place about three months after the events of The Robin on the Oak Throne and builds on what has happened and been learned.
I have no words. The Raven at the Ash Door is probably the BEST book in the series. Team Holly is back for another heist. The found family bond is strong. Kierse and Graves heat things up to habanero levels. Their love for each other runs deep, and there’s absolutely nothing they wouldn't do for each other. Once again, loyalties are tested, and the violence is very much present in this book.
With every book, I just love Graves more and more. He has definitely changed and evolved over the course of this series. Oh, he still has his secrets. But he's opening his heart, and that's a beautiful thing to see.
The Raven at the Ash Door literally left me in shock. I don't think I’ve ever read a book where I was fine with the ending, only to be unable to think or function five minutes later. I looked at my hands and realized they were shaking. K.A. Linde has truly done a phenomenal job with this story and series. She is a master at research, plot building, and writing.
I am obsessed with this series and am looking forward to the next two books. The Oak & Holly Cycle series is definitely going to go down as one of my favorite series.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Books give me more joy than people ever have.”
“Your actions are your actions. You cannot change them after the fact.”
‘You’re strong and brave and wonderful.”
*Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Personally purchased a hardcover edition.**
I have no words. The Raven at the Ash Door is probably the BEST book in the series. Team Holly is back for another heist. The found family bond is strong. Kierse and Graves heat things up to habanero levels. Their love for each other runs deep, and there’s absolutely nothing they wouldn't do for each other. Once again, loyalties are tested, and the violence is very much present in this book.
With every book, I just love Graves more and more. He has definitely changed and evolved over the course of this series. Oh, he still has his secrets. But he's opening his heart, and that's a beautiful thing to see.
The Raven at the Ash Door literally left me in shock. I don't think I’ve ever read a book where I was fine with the ending, only to be unable to think or function five minutes later. I looked at my hands and realized they were shaking. K.A. Linde has truly done a phenomenal job with this story and series. She is a master at research, plot building, and writing.
I am obsessed with this series and am looking forward to the next two books. The Oak & Holly Cycle series is definitely going to go down as one of my favorite series.
~ Favorite Quotes ~
“Books give me more joy than people ever have.”
“Your actions are your actions. You cannot change them after the fact.”
‘You’re strong and brave and wonderful.”
*Received a copy of the book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it. Personally purchased a hardcover edition.**
June 10, 2026
4 chili peppers. Written in 3rd person.
Well..get ready for your heart to be ripped out. I was so anxious the entire time reading because I was worried what may happen. And it was worse. lol.
So much happens. So many twists and turns. It was a ride. Lots of action. Lots of highs and lows. I really enjoy the adventure in it of the quests (heists) they go on. I love how Kierse has to face her fears and trauma, as do others, which makes it more relatable. Graves also is becoming different. He's letting people in, they joke, and the group WANTS to support him. Which is different than the way the felt last two.
These are a group of people trying to do the right thing. But they do the wrong things for the right reason and some do the right things for the wrong reasons. It interesting when they are all somewhat morally grey. But those who say they are "the good guy" typically aren't. And those who think they are the villain are not necessarily. I think it's been written in a way that the group doesn't always judge you on your worst decisions you made in the past but more about what you do daily, now.
The spice is spicy. Like hot. Even I blushed but it was done well and used more to show the trust and love between Kierse and Graves.
The ending will rip out your heart. I've processed so much since ending the book and I continue to have thoughts about it. I don't want to give any spoilers so it's hard to break down everything I feel. What I truly love, which I think is like a beacon in the book, is the value in CHOICE.
Also. I want to Anne Boleyn shirts. Or team graves.
Well..get ready for your heart to be ripped out. I was so anxious the entire time reading because I was worried what may happen. And it was worse. lol.
So much happens. So many twists and turns. It was a ride. Lots of action. Lots of highs and lows. I really enjoy the adventure in it of the quests (heists) they go on. I love how Kierse has to face her fears and trauma, as do others, which makes it more relatable. Graves also is becoming different. He's letting people in, they joke, and the group WANTS to support him. Which is different than the way the felt last two.
These are a group of people trying to do the right thing. But they do the wrong things for the right reason and some do the right things for the wrong reasons. It interesting when they are all somewhat morally grey. But those who say they are "the good guy" typically aren't. And those who think they are the villain are not necessarily. I think it's been written in a way that the group doesn't always judge you on your worst decisions you made in the past but more about what you do daily, now.
The spice is spicy. Like hot. Even I blushed but it was done well and used more to show the trust and love between Kierse and Graves.
The ending will rip out your heart. I've processed so much since ending the book and I continue to have thoughts about it. I don't want to give any spoilers so it's hard to break down everything I feel. What I truly love, which I think is like a beacon in the book, is the value in CHOICE.
Also. I want to Anne Boleyn shirts. Or team graves.
June 25, 2026
That ending will have me in a chokehold until the next book comes out! I just finished so this may be a little scrambled, lol.
I was already not sure what to expect before I read this, but knowing there are two more books made me really unsure. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time! Like with book 2 there is a small time jump, three months this time. Even so it jumps right into the story and the meat of it is addressed right away as well. I just loved it all! The found family aspect, the twists and turns, the reveals, and yeah all of it. The easter egg connections to The Blood Type series were also so great, though that also leaves me wanting more of that story as well. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say this series is just amazing and I cannot wait to see what the next two books bring!
I was already not sure what to expect before I read this, but knowing there are two more books made me really unsure. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time! Like with book 2 there is a small time jump, three months this time. Even so it jumps right into the story and the meat of it is addressed right away as well. I just loved it all! The found family aspect, the twists and turns, the reveals, and yeah all of it. The easter egg connections to The Blood Type series were also so great, though that also leaves me wanting more of that story as well. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say this series is just amazing and I cannot wait to see what the next two books bring!
June 19, 2026
”You slip through my defenses, and I’ve found that I don’t just want you there, I need you there.”
*3.75 rounded up
THERE IS NO WAY THAT IS HOW THIS BOOK ENDED. I AM UTTERLY RUINED.
IF LORCAN DOES NOT DIE A HORRIBLE DEATH WITHIN THE NEXT TWO BOOKS I WILL LITERALLY SUE FOR DEEP EMOTIONAL TRAUMA.
ALSO DO NOT GIVE HIM A REDEMPTION ARC I BEG OF YOU.
I am so unbelievably stressed having now finished this book so that’s cool.
But I do want to note here that the fact that this is supposed to be a five book series does annoy me. I feel like this love triangle crap has been drawn out in order to reach that and I feel like keeping this a trilogy would have been more impactful. I hope the rest of the series goes well but if they are anything like the last 10% of this book, I will be too nauseated to even keep going. (I call that the “Lorcan Effect”)
Also if she has sex with Lorcan at all, I will DNF the series immediately. I’m not even joking.
*3.75 rounded up
THERE IS NO WAY THAT IS HOW THIS BOOK ENDED. I AM UTTERLY RUINED.
IF LORCAN DOES NOT DIE A HORRIBLE DEATH WITHIN THE NEXT TWO BOOKS I WILL LITERALLY SUE FOR DEEP EMOTIONAL TRAUMA.
ALSO DO NOT GIVE HIM A REDEMPTION ARC I BEG OF YOU.
I am so unbelievably stressed having now finished this book so that’s cool.
But I do want to note here that the fact that this is supposed to be a five book series does annoy me. I feel like this love triangle crap has been drawn out in order to reach that and I feel like keeping this a trilogy would have been more impactful. I hope the rest of the series goes well but if they are anything like the last 10% of this book, I will be too nauseated to even keep going. (I call that the “Lorcan Effect”)
Also if she has sex with Lorcan at all, I will DNF the series immediately. I’m not even joking.
June 23, 2026
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via the publisher)
Plus side?? This one did not hurt my feelings (as much...the Maura update did a little though). One chapter in and I was already annoyed at the presence of the Oak King. I had several notes while reading that said something along the lines of "I can't stand this fuck" lmao. I loved the Heist Group Chat even if Walter and Graves didn't. I loved the found family in this one. The merch!! The ending made me rageeeeeee and impressively, made me hate the Oak King even more. I cannot wait for the next one!
Plus side?? This one did not hurt my feelings (as much...the Maura update did a little though). One chapter in and I was already annoyed at the presence of the Oak King. I had several notes while reading that said something along the lines of "I can't stand this fuck" lmao. I loved the Heist Group Chat even if Walter and Graves didn't. I loved the found family in this one. The merch!! The ending made me rageeeeeee and impressively, made me hate the Oak King even more. I cannot wait for the next one!
June 26, 2026
Ugh. I hate Lorcan. This book felt slow and I didn’t find any major improvement arcs except that graves opened himself up more.
I hated the excuses for lorcan.
I hate lorcan.
If this becomes a throuple situation with lorcan I will RIOT because lorcan is a manipulative little twat.
Also, how is this going to be TWO more whole books.
I hated the excuses for lorcan.
I hate lorcan.
If this becomes a throuple situation with lorcan I will RIOT because lorcan is a manipulative little twat.
Also, how is this going to be TWO more whole books.
June 11, 2026
I’m giving this book 3 stars because what was supposed to be the final installment ended up feeling more like a filler book. While the story was still entertaining, very little actually happened to advance the overall plot, and the ending was completely predictable.
Was it a fun read? Yes. Did it move the series forward in any meaningful way? Not really.
With two more books now planned for the series, I’m honestly questioning whether I’ll continue. My biggest frustration is that I can barely remember half of the side characters—their backgrounds, their motivations, or even why they’re important beyond serving as supporting characters. At this point, the cast has become so large that it would be incredibly helpful if the author included a character guide or recap outlining who everyone is and what role they play in the story. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but it felt more like a bridge to future installments than a satisfying continuation of the series.
Was it a fun read? Yes. Did it move the series forward in any meaningful way? Not really.
With two more books now planned for the series, I’m honestly questioning whether I’ll continue. My biggest frustration is that I can barely remember half of the side characters—their backgrounds, their motivations, or even why they’re important beyond serving as supporting characters. At this point, the cast has become so large that it would be incredibly helpful if the author included a character guide or recap outlining who everyone is and what role they play in the story. Overall, this wasn't a bad book, but it felt more like a bridge to future installments than a satisfying continuation of the series.
June 21, 2026
4.25⭐️ Parts will make you laugh. Some of the 🌶️ seemed a little gratuitous. I kind of predicted how it would end, but I am hooked for books 4 and 5.
June 21, 2026
I don’t think I’ve ever had so many audible gasps in a book in a while. FEELING ALL OF THE FEELS 😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️
June 1, 2026
Thank goodness there are 2 more books in this series! I love Kierse and Graves! This is romantasy at its very best! Great twists and turns and that ending broke me!!! I definitely cannot wait for book 4! I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
unreleased-sequels
December 10, 2025soooo, the ending of the second book was something...
I hope The Raven at the Ash Door will make me like everything that's going on a bit more xDD
I hope The Raven at the Ash Door will make me like everything that's going on a bit more xDD
June 22, 2026
I’m writing this on Litha, which feels apt, Lorcan’s strongest night of the year, Grave’s weakest. The pivotal moment when everything changes. A lot like this book.
I received an ARC of this book, and finished it with well over a week to spare leading up to the release… and other than screaming into the internet I’ve had a hard time figuring out how to get the words out to write a review. A lot like the gold dress from book two that I am still attempting to figure out how to make which I wanted done by release day(listen Kierse and I are obviously not the same cup size so structure has been a thing) it is both intimidating and something I didn't want to finish thinking about. Long story short, was it was everything I was hoping for, and more. And now I’m having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that book four is AN. ENTIRE. YEAR. AWAY.
To tell you how excited I was for this book and how serious I was about finishing it in the second sitting of reading it, I got a call from my airline as I was driving back down to fly home after visiting family. They said that my plane was switched due to mechanical issues and they were looking for folks to take a different option, but it meant more flight time and getting home later. Which in my brain meant… I’ll have enough time to finish the book before I get home. So, I for the first time enthusiastically took the offer. Listen we never said my hyper-fixations were healthy. And this series has me in a chokehold.
When I said this was everything and more. I really meant more. More Kierse/Graves/Lorcan bickering. More fun banter. More Celtic folklore. More heists, so many more, we literally start off page one mid-heist. More gorgeous gowns to add to my “to make” pile. More interesting characters added to the mix—including some very fun cameos. More Team Holly. And yes more cliff hangers. The end of the book literally makes it so Kyla can make anything happen in book four and I have a broad idea of where she might go, but at the same time ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA. So here I am volunteering to fall off cliffs, chasing red herrings, and be surprised by plot twists and love every single moment of it. I literally turned on my wifi mid flight to go scream at Kyla.
This book is for the Lorcan lovers. It is. I can admit when I was not the target, and was swept along anyway and enjoyed the heck out of it (don’t worry Graves babes, he’s not lost his edge and I’m still gunning for him). The messy triangle dynamic was so fun, so messy, and so hot. Yes I would 100% take a non cannon ficlet of the triangle deciding to be a triad, but alas we know it won’t ever be cannon. But there will be moments for everyone in this book. I’m just saying feral is a good look on readers.
The character growth was huge, the plot was immense. The possibilities for what comes next are endless. Kyla has said that in her quintuplets she loves to break the world in book three… and lord did she. I am being ooooh so vague, because I will not have spoilers in this review. BUT I am considering doing a good old fashioned Tumblr styled fan-crash out in the near future. If anyone wants that. (It’s me I’m anyone).
I was so delighted when I was able to drive up to one of Kyla’s stops on her book tour. I truly has such a great time, and the fact that Reads & Company hosted it at a local bar was perfect, we grabbed dinner and were able to sip a cocktail and fangirl! I was able to meet up with a friend that picked up the series after I was raving, and I then got to be there for her crash out after she finished the book this week. It was delightful. Mai Corland was a wonderful host and the deep diving into how Kyla writes (roughly 1,000 words an hour for four hours a day) and completes most of her books in approximately 6 weeks had my brain exploding. Them diving into their backgrounds of arts and political science and how it impacted their books, as well as Kyla’s favorite Irish folktale was so wonderful. They also teased out the projects they are working on next and I am so excited, and hope that the publishers snap those stories up ASAP.
So here I am several hundred words of screaming, and asking everyone to please please please go read this series. Then come yell at me. I would delight in a cacophony of theories. Also, I have been told that one of the new characters has a very sexy voice and cannot wait to go listen to this one as a reread at some point this year. Because we know I missed things on my first read because I was feral. So join me in the chaos of this series, I promise it’s a good time and book three meets and exceeds expectations (I truly can’t pick which book is my favorite yet…).
I received an ARC of this book, and finished it with well over a week to spare leading up to the release… and other than screaming into the internet I’ve had a hard time figuring out how to get the words out to write a review. A lot like the gold dress from book two that I am still attempting to figure out how to make which I wanted done by release day(listen Kierse and I are obviously not the same cup size so structure has been a thing) it is both intimidating and something I didn't want to finish thinking about. Long story short, was it was everything I was hoping for, and more. And now I’m having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that book four is AN. ENTIRE. YEAR. AWAY.
To tell you how excited I was for this book and how serious I was about finishing it in the second sitting of reading it, I got a call from my airline as I was driving back down to fly home after visiting family. They said that my plane was switched due to mechanical issues and they were looking for folks to take a different option, but it meant more flight time and getting home later. Which in my brain meant… I’ll have enough time to finish the book before I get home. So, I for the first time enthusiastically took the offer. Listen we never said my hyper-fixations were healthy. And this series has me in a chokehold.
When I said this was everything and more. I really meant more. More Kierse/Graves/Lorcan bickering. More fun banter. More Celtic folklore. More heists, so many more, we literally start off page one mid-heist. More gorgeous gowns to add to my “to make” pile. More interesting characters added to the mix—including some very fun cameos. More Team Holly. And yes more cliff hangers. The end of the book literally makes it so Kyla can make anything happen in book four and I have a broad idea of where she might go, but at the same time ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA. So here I am volunteering to fall off cliffs, chasing red herrings, and be surprised by plot twists and love every single moment of it. I literally turned on my wifi mid flight to go scream at Kyla.
This book is for the Lorcan lovers. It is. I can admit when I was not the target, and was swept along anyway and enjoyed the heck out of it (don’t worry Graves babes, he’s not lost his edge and I’m still gunning for him). The messy triangle dynamic was so fun, so messy, and so hot. Yes I would 100% take a non cannon ficlet of the triangle deciding to be a triad, but alas we know it won’t ever be cannon. But there will be moments for everyone in this book. I’m just saying feral is a good look on readers.
The character growth was huge, the plot was immense. The possibilities for what comes next are endless. Kyla has said that in her quintuplets she loves to break the world in book three… and lord did she. I am being ooooh so vague, because I will not have spoilers in this review. BUT I am considering doing a good old fashioned Tumblr styled fan-crash out in the near future. If anyone wants that. (It’s me I’m anyone).
I was so delighted when I was able to drive up to one of Kyla’s stops on her book tour. I truly has such a great time, and the fact that Reads & Company hosted it at a local bar was perfect, we grabbed dinner and were able to sip a cocktail and fangirl! I was able to meet up with a friend that picked up the series after I was raving, and I then got to be there for her crash out after she finished the book this week. It was delightful. Mai Corland was a wonderful host and the deep diving into how Kyla writes (roughly 1,000 words an hour for four hours a day) and completes most of her books in approximately 6 weeks had my brain exploding. Them diving into their backgrounds of arts and political science and how it impacted their books, as well as Kyla’s favorite Irish folktale was so wonderful. They also teased out the projects they are working on next and I am so excited, and hope that the publishers snap those stories up ASAP.
So here I am several hundred words of screaming, and asking everyone to please please please go read this series. Then come yell at me. I would delight in a cacophony of theories. Also, I have been told that one of the new characters has a very sexy voice and cannot wait to go listen to this one as a reread at some point this year. Because we know I missed things on my first read because I was feral. So join me in the chaos of this series, I promise it’s a good time and book three meets and exceeds expectations (I truly can’t pick which book is my favorite yet…).
June 21, 2026
I dropped everything once The Raven at the Ash Door came in and I have zero regrets! We get to dive into more Celtic mythology, more heists, more fun, and more heartache.
The tension between Kierse and Lorcan (and by extension Graves) is the highest it’s ever been. There’s no getting around the bond she didn’t want, but she’s trying everything she can. Her willpower alone is incredible (because she truly wants to be with Graves, Lorcan 🙄!)
What was really interesting was how much more complex of a character Lorcan became. Obviously I don’t want him with Kierse, but my goodness does he yearn for her on a whole new level. He also works incredibly hard to be respectful of her feelings (for a change). He also helps her when she needs multiple times with no ulterior motive other than loving her. But, at the same time, he can’t help himself from making the most incredibly selfish decision in the end!
Graves also continues to grow individually as well as with Kierse through the whole book. I was a little angry with him at one point, but he righted it 😊 The end just about killed me, but I know he’s going to face the trials and fix it all eventually. I also think that he’s going to be declared the overking once all that happens!
Kierse also grows into her new powers while facing new, devastating challenges. She learns that some she trusted in the past are truly monsters and the knowledge that maybe she is a hero after all. Again, that ending 😭🤯
And, of course, I have to mention the Ocean 11 style team we have here! I love that Niamh was added to the crew this time around, showing just how much Graves has grown. This team became a family and that makes the end so extra hard! I can’t wait for Team Holly to come back together in the end. Also, I want a Team Holly shirt!
The only critique I have is that there is some repetitiveness. Whole paragraphs that will summarize and “remind” the reader of what happened in the last book as well as in this book. I started skipping them because they drag this story down a little. But, otherwise, I truly enjoyed the highs and the heartaches and now I’m crashed out waiting for book 4!
The tension between Kierse and Lorcan (and by extension Graves) is the highest it’s ever been. There’s no getting around the bond she didn’t want, but she’s trying everything she can. Her willpower alone is incredible (because she truly wants to be with Graves, Lorcan 🙄!)
What was really interesting was how much more complex of a character Lorcan became. Obviously I don’t want him with Kierse, but my goodness does he yearn for her on a whole new level. He also works incredibly hard to be respectful of her feelings (for a change). He also helps her when she needs multiple times with no ulterior motive other than loving her. But, at the same time, he can’t help himself from making the most incredibly selfish decision in the end!
Graves also continues to grow individually as well as with Kierse through the whole book. I was a little angry with him at one point, but he righted it 😊 The end just about killed me, but I know he’s going to face the trials and fix it all eventually. I also think that he’s going to be declared the overking once all that happens!
Kierse also grows into her new powers while facing new, devastating challenges. She learns that some she trusted in the past are truly monsters and the knowledge that maybe she is a hero after all. Again, that ending 😭🤯
And, of course, I have to mention the Ocean 11 style team we have here! I love that Niamh was added to the crew this time around, showing just how much Graves has grown. This team became a family and that makes the end so extra hard! I can’t wait for Team Holly to come back together in the end. Also, I want a Team Holly shirt!
The only critique I have is that there is some repetitiveness. Whole paragraphs that will summarize and “remind” the reader of what happened in the last book as well as in this book. I started skipping them because they drag this story down a little. But, otherwise, I truly enjoyed the highs and the heartaches and now I’m crashed out waiting for book 4!
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