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Kingdom of Gods #3
A Kingdom of Light and Air
The gods are furious. And war is coming.
To kill a god, Mal Blackburn must first survive Hell. Her path leads her to Allegra—a witch shrouded in myth, madness, and power. But as Mal digs deeper into the magic that could make her a God-Killer, she finds herself once again caught in the web of Thanatos and Hades. And this time, their secrets may be the thing that breaks her.
Ash Acheron is trapped behind the enchanted walls of the Kingdom of Magic, flanked by the fierce Bryn Wynter, a wolverian army, and enigmatic allies; Adriana, Keir, Cronan, and a legion of wyverians. But not all magic is salvation… and not all allies can be trusted.
To the south, Kai Blackburn journeys with the witch Dawn in search of dragons, creatures that may be their only hope against Hagan. But Kai faces another kind of danger entirely: one with burning eyes, a sharp tongue, and the power to undo him with a single kiss.
Kage Blackburn travels north beside the unpredictable Arden Briar, seeking to reunite with Wren Wynter. But when Wren returns… she is not the girl they remember. She is something else. Something more.
In the land of phoenixes, Alina Acheron sharpens herself into a blade of vengeance, cloaking herself in shadow and fire. And as she trains beneath Mareena Noor’s golden wings, she begins to uncover truths that will change everything.
The world is shifting. The gods are watching.
And the truth is coming.
May the shadows guide your way
To kill a god, Mal Blackburn must first survive Hell. Her path leads her to Allegra—a witch shrouded in myth, madness, and power. But as Mal digs deeper into the magic that could make her a God-Killer, she finds herself once again caught in the web of Thanatos and Hades. And this time, their secrets may be the thing that breaks her.
Ash Acheron is trapped behind the enchanted walls of the Kingdom of Magic, flanked by the fierce Bryn Wynter, a wolverian army, and enigmatic allies; Adriana, Keir, Cronan, and a legion of wyverians. But not all magic is salvation… and not all allies can be trusted.
To the south, Kai Blackburn journeys with the witch Dawn in search of dragons, creatures that may be their only hope against Hagan. But Kai faces another kind of danger entirely: one with burning eyes, a sharp tongue, and the power to undo him with a single kiss.
Kage Blackburn travels north beside the unpredictable Arden Briar, seeking to reunite with Wren Wynter. But when Wren returns… she is not the girl they remember. She is something else. Something more.
In the land of phoenixes, Alina Acheron sharpens herself into a blade of vengeance, cloaking herself in shadow and fire. And as she trains beneath Mareena Noor’s golden wings, she begins to uncover truths that will change everything.
The world is shifting. The gods are watching.
And the truth is coming.
May the shadows guide your way
573 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 9, 2026
About the author
J.F. Johns
13 books326 followersJ.F.Johns is 32 years old and was born and raised in Spain. She studied English Literature Creative Writing at ARU in Cambridge, UK.
In 2017, her novel “Eternal Darkness” won the “Indie Book Awards”. It was also a finalist for best cover.
She is an animal lover and spends her free time playing with her adopted dogs and cats, drinking too much coffee and reading.
She believes in the art of dramatic sighing and eye rolling. She works as a ninja at night, but has been told several times that she’s not very good at her job.
You can follow her on Instagram or Tiktok; @jfjohnsbooks
Or visit her website; www.authorjfjohns.com
Email: jfjohnsbooks@gmail.com
UPCOMING BOOKS;
A Kingdom of Sand & Ice(book2): Date to be confirmed.
In 2017, her novel “Eternal Darkness” won the “Indie Book Awards”. It was also a finalist for best cover.
She is an animal lover and spends her free time playing with her adopted dogs and cats, drinking too much coffee and reading.
She believes in the art of dramatic sighing and eye rolling. She works as a ninja at night, but has been told several times that she’s not very good at her job.
You can follow her on Instagram or Tiktok; @jfjohnsbooks
Or visit her website; www.authorjfjohns.com
Email: jfjohnsbooks@gmail.com
UPCOMING BOOKS;
A Kingdom of Sand & Ice(book2): Date to be confirmed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
March 18, 2026
Whoa, I’m speechless at how this ended, and of course it ended in a jaw-dropping way. In the third installment of this series, there are bittersweet reunions, hidden truths unfurling, and unspeakable twists. The amount of tension in this book was unreal. You see new relationships evolving while others begin to question whether they’re even on the same team.
This series is a slow burn of clues that eventually come together into a collective reveal, and I love when a book has me second-guessing myself. This one had me clutching my pearls for dear life. Like I’ve said before, J.F. Johns is not afraid to mess with her characters. So no one is truly safe...
I want to thank Netgalley, J.F. Johns, and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This series is a slow burn of clues that eventually come together into a collective reveal, and I love when a book has me second-guessing myself. This one had me clutching my pearls for dear life. Like I’ve said before, J.F. Johns is not afraid to mess with her characters. So no one is truly safe...
I want to thank Netgalley, J.F. Johns, and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the eARC. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 11, 2026
this series is for sadists, i fear. the ending of this book hurt!!
i am gonna preface by saying have been in a huge fantasy slump… but this book felt a whole lot like filler until the last 20%. not a lot happened, it felt. i understand the necessity of it though, as it will bridge the beginning of this series with the end. i just wish there was a bit more until the craziness ensued.
i love Mal still, i love Kai, and am a lil iffy on Alina rn. i was her biggest fan until this book.
hopefully the next book is a little faster paced. can’t wait to see how we follow up from here.
3.75 stars ⭐️
i am gonna preface by saying have been in a huge fantasy slump… but this book felt a whole lot like filler until the last 20%. not a lot happened, it felt. i understand the necessity of it though, as it will bridge the beginning of this series with the end. i just wish there was a bit more until the craziness ensued.
i love Mal still, i love Kai, and am a lil iffy on Alina rn. i was her biggest fan until this book.
hopefully the next book is a little faster paced. can’t wait to see how we follow up from here.
3.75 stars ⭐️
June 13, 2026
The romance definitely took a backseat in this installment, and this continued to focus on the expansion of the world and plot lines. I think one thing that’s difficult about having so many plot lines that are split pretty evenly between each character (and not like a couple main characters with the occasional side character chapter) is that it can be difficult to to get emotionally invested and end up liking certain plot lines more than others. That being said, though, I’m really enjoying this series. It has so many twists and turns.
I’m worried about the Ash/Mal storyline I’m ngl 😭 I think I’m the most invested in Alina’s storyline—she really shined in the second book, and it continued in this book. I genuinely need something good to happen to her. Overall, trying to keep this short, sweet, and spoiler free bc the plot twists and the way relationships evolve are where this series really shines.
I do appreciate that this author is not afraid to kill off characters—it makes the stakes feel higher bc no one is safe. There’s a couple books I wanna read before I start the arc of book 4 but don’t you worry I will be back
I’m worried about the Ash/Mal storyline I’m ngl 😭 I think I’m the most invested in Alina’s storyline—she really shined in the second book, and it continued in this book. I genuinely need something good to happen to her. Overall, trying to keep this short, sweet, and spoiler free bc the plot twists and the way relationships evolve are where this series really shines.
I do appreciate that this author is not afraid to kill off characters—it makes the stakes feel higher bc no one is safe. There’s a couple books I wanna read before I start the arc of book 4 but don’t you worry I will be back
December 10, 2025
This is an ARC review. I want to thank J.F. Johns and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!
3.5⭐️ Mal & Ash find they must go their own routes and honestly I don’t envy either route. Neither one was easy and as the olives moved forward I found myself in a struggle to wanting the to get back together. I started to question literally everything a few times.
Thanatos I feel like there was a hate to love relationship I had with him throughout the book. He, although is Death himself, started to show more and more humanity at least as it came to Mal. Whereas everyone else I either fully loved or fully hated! No in between there. I have such a great appreciation for being able to follow each character and their storyline. I have been committed to all of their journeys and rooting for them! Most in particular Kai and Dawn!
The tension rising and the heartache that occurs multiple times brings this book to one of my favorite plot driven books. This book brings you into the world and connect with each and every character. I am on pins and needles based on the ending in NEEDING to devour the next book to know what happens next.
3.5⭐️ Mal & Ash find they must go their own routes and honestly I don’t envy either route. Neither one was easy and as the olives moved forward I found myself in a struggle to wanting the to get back together. I started to question literally everything a few times.
Thanatos I feel like there was a hate to love relationship I had with him throughout the book. He, although is Death himself, started to show more and more humanity at least as it came to Mal. Whereas everyone else I either fully loved or fully hated! No in between there. I have such a great appreciation for being able to follow each character and their storyline. I have been committed to all of their journeys and rooting for them! Most in particular Kai and Dawn!
The tension rising and the heartache that occurs multiple times brings this book to one of my favorite plot driven books. This book brings you into the world and connect with each and every character. I am on pins and needles based on the ending in NEEDING to devour the next book to know what happens next.
December 13, 2025
Epic, truly epic. And honestly, why is no one talking about this series? With every chapter, some threads coil tighter while others finally loosen, and the emotional tension never lets up.
All these broken characters are forced to endure more than seems fair—betrayal, vengeance, hate, love—and every choice cuts deeper. There are no innocents only survivors!
The author leans fully into the cruelty and the shades of grey. No one escapes unscathed, least of all my heart. The emotional layering is masterful; the world feels so heavy and lived-in that even the quiet moments ache. Like Ash, I find myself clinging to a single silver lining in a vast ocean of sorrow… and I still can’t look away.
The story-weaving is complex but never convoluted, and the impact lingers. I cannot wait for the conclusion—though I suspect it will ruin me in the best possible way.
Rating: 5 stars: kept me up, kept me thinking, will read the finale the minute it lands
All these broken characters are forced to endure more than seems fair—betrayal, vengeance, hate, love—and every choice cuts deeper. There are no innocents only survivors!
The author leans fully into the cruelty and the shades of grey. No one escapes unscathed, least of all my heart. The emotional layering is masterful; the world feels so heavy and lived-in that even the quiet moments ache. Like Ash, I find myself clinging to a single silver lining in a vast ocean of sorrow… and I still can’t look away.
The story-weaving is complex but never convoluted, and the impact lingers. I cannot wait for the conclusion—though I suspect it will ruin me in the best possible way.
Rating: 5 stars: kept me up, kept me thinking, will read the finale the minute it lands
June 26, 2026
I NEED THE EMOTIONAL DAMAGE TO STOP PLEASE
December 24, 2025
I actually RAN to get this book on Netgalley as soon as it was available. I couldn't wait after book 2, and I enjoyed this one just as much. The further we get into this series, the more intricate the world, politics, stories, characters, and relationships become.
There are many povs and storylines, and even though it is done beautifully, I have to admit that I was sometimes a tiiiiny bit confused since I read book 1-2 couple months ago. It took me a bit of time to get back into it, but once I did though, I DEVOURED the book. The plot twists are 🤌🏽twisting🤌🏽.
I think what I love most about this series is how every relationship and character evolve, and how deep we dive into many complex themes (love, friendship, family, betrayal, vengeance, hate, grief, etc). It makes the whole story feel so real and relatable. Also, I am deeply INVESTED in some of these characters development. To say that I am attached to these characters would be an understatement.
Ill be waiting (not) patiently for book 4 cuz that ending 🫠
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
There are many povs and storylines, and even though it is done beautifully, I have to admit that I was sometimes a tiiiiny bit confused since I read book 1-2 couple months ago. It took me a bit of time to get back into it, but once I did though, I DEVOURED the book. The plot twists are 🤌🏽twisting🤌🏽.
I think what I love most about this series is how every relationship and character evolve, and how deep we dive into many complex themes (love, friendship, family, betrayal, vengeance, hate, grief, etc). It makes the whole story feel so real and relatable. Also, I am deeply INVESTED in some of these characters development. To say that I am attached to these characters would be an understatement.
Ill be waiting (not) patiently for book 4 cuz that ending 🫠
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
December 28, 2025
First and foremost: immense, inexpressible gratitude for the ARC in NetGalley. It was a tremendous privilege and honor to read the book before its release. 😊
As a token of my appreciation, I'll endeavor to provide a comprehensive review that touches on many—if not all—aspects of the work.
I finished the last novel yesterday... and I still haven't recovered. If my intuition is correct, I'll be under its influence for quite some time. While I typically read quickly and long books don't usually slow me down, I find myself progressing slowly through Jazmin's books. They contain great depth and substance, not to mention their emotional impact. Wow. I have high standards when it comes to writing style and substance (I rarely give five-star ratings), but the author has once again exceeded them. 😉
The series' installments build closely upon one another. The first volume lays the foundation for the rest: at its conclusion, I feared the novel had fallen into that typical pitfall where it aims for a dramatic ending but the sequel struggles to handle the sudden twists. Well, I was wrong. First: as it turned out, the events weren't pulled out of thin air; second: the plot continued masterfully, with realistic reactions following the blood-soaked wedding.
From the second book onward, the story unfolds across multiple threads (and the secondary characters aren't merely decorative, present only to support the main storyline!), a structure that the third book carries forward. Not only its architecture, but also its complexity and subject matter strongly evoke Game of Thrones. All this while—and here lies the true artistry—maintaining an original plot and world-building, rather than simply dressing another book in new clothes.
I don't know if anyone has commented on this aspect yet (I'd be surprised if not), but another virtue of the series is how inclusive it is: characters with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals (or at least those with strong neurodivergent traits), different races, and various sexual orientations all appear in the story. Through this, it addresses and explores related issues. Thank you for that. 💛
Jazmin belongs to that category of writers who dare to step outside conventional formulas: when a hero embarks on a dangerous mission, even if unsuccessful, they typically survive. That's not how reality works, and that's not what we encounter with Jazmin either. I had to take several breaks while reading due to the devastating and unsettling passages.
-----spoiler-----
Kage... After we got to know his personality, motivations, and fragile yet strong character increasingly well, this was a tragic turn. When Freya began speaking, alarm bells went off that this could lead to trouble, but it was difficult to accept that it wouldn't just "could" but "would" lead to problems. Not to mention the massacre among the wolverians. It's as if we're glimpsing into history with all its brutality, only in an alternative reality. Yet this doesn't make the horrors any less painful.
Despite the well-constructed world and logical plot development, some questions remain unanswered for me (beyond those the book itself raises). These include: we still haven't received an answer about how Alina survived the fall in the second book; if Mal could take Allegra to the mortal lands, why couldn't this be done with other characters; before Rio's blindness was revealed to the reader, he moved independently and reacted in ways that required sight. An other one: how could Kage find Wren significantly earlier than the Fae troops if they were moving together?
At the book's end, it was revealed that Mal has a greater history than she was aware of: shouldn't Zagreus, Makaria and the kings of hells have recognized her then? Even if this happened, it didn't come across to me.
I'd be interested in explanations for these (if they exist), but overall they didn't affect the main plot (though they do leave a small thorn in the reader while they remain open 🙃).
The appearance and structure of Dante's inferno was a brilliant move. Despite this, during this section, I felt there was a rapid pace in the movement between levels: they only stayed on each long enough to pass through. They weren't comprehensively presented, and it also seemed strong to me that Mal committed such severe atrocities with relatively few consequences.
(If my intuition is correct, the levels of hell will resurface—including those that were only touched upon now.)
The idea of a periodically recurring love triangle is incredibly apt, and so is the exploration of the difficulties arising from it. The book's final sentence and its message make the picture even more nuanced, which was already quite rich on its own.
-----end spoiler-----
My greatest pain is wondering why more people don't know Jazmin and her books, when writings far weaker than her novels enjoy great popularity... Obviously, one reason for this is marketing, and certainly there's also the fact that this series, by its nature, demands considerable thought and reflection from its reader. For someone seeking light, entertaining fantasy, this isn't the most suitable choice, even though it contains plenty of smile-inducing, heartwarming moments and charming character pairings.
I try to promote and recommend it wherever I can, and I hope that one day the wider public will discover this treasure. It provides an immense reading experience. ☺️
This is typically the kind of series worth acquiring in physical book form* as well, because it represents such value that it deserves to be reread multiple times, and contains so many profound thoughts that they need time to settle.
(*Unfortunately, in my case, shipping costs would exceed the book's price, but I still haven't abandoned the idea :") )
Gratitude and thanks for the book =)
Looking forward to the continuation 🤗
As a token of my appreciation, I'll endeavor to provide a comprehensive review that touches on many—if not all—aspects of the work.
I finished the last novel yesterday... and I still haven't recovered. If my intuition is correct, I'll be under its influence for quite some time. While I typically read quickly and long books don't usually slow me down, I find myself progressing slowly through Jazmin's books. They contain great depth and substance, not to mention their emotional impact. Wow. I have high standards when it comes to writing style and substance (I rarely give five-star ratings), but the author has once again exceeded them. 😉
The series' installments build closely upon one another. The first volume lays the foundation for the rest: at its conclusion, I feared the novel had fallen into that typical pitfall where it aims for a dramatic ending but the sequel struggles to handle the sudden twists. Well, I was wrong. First: as it turned out, the events weren't pulled out of thin air; second: the plot continued masterfully, with realistic reactions following the blood-soaked wedding.
From the second book onward, the story unfolds across multiple threads (and the secondary characters aren't merely decorative, present only to support the main storyline!), a structure that the third book carries forward. Not only its architecture, but also its complexity and subject matter strongly evoke Game of Thrones. All this while—and here lies the true artistry—maintaining an original plot and world-building, rather than simply dressing another book in new clothes.
I don't know if anyone has commented on this aspect yet (I'd be surprised if not), but another virtue of the series is how inclusive it is: characters with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals (or at least those with strong neurodivergent traits), different races, and various sexual orientations all appear in the story. Through this, it addresses and explores related issues. Thank you for that. 💛
Jazmin belongs to that category of writers who dare to step outside conventional formulas: when a hero embarks on a dangerous mission, even if unsuccessful, they typically survive. That's not how reality works, and that's not what we encounter with Jazmin either. I had to take several breaks while reading due to the devastating and unsettling passages.
-----spoiler-----
Kage... After we got to know his personality, motivations, and fragile yet strong character increasingly well, this was a tragic turn. When Freya began speaking, alarm bells went off that this could lead to trouble, but it was difficult to accept that it wouldn't just "could" but "would" lead to problems. Not to mention the massacre among the wolverians. It's as if we're glimpsing into history with all its brutality, only in an alternative reality. Yet this doesn't make the horrors any less painful.
Despite the well-constructed world and logical plot development, some questions remain unanswered for me (beyond those the book itself raises). These include: we still haven't received an answer about how Alina survived the fall in the second book; if Mal could take Allegra to the mortal lands, why couldn't this be done with other characters; before Rio's blindness was revealed to the reader, he moved independently and reacted in ways that required sight. An other one: how could Kage find Wren significantly earlier than the Fae troops if they were moving together?
At the book's end, it was revealed that Mal has a greater history than she was aware of: shouldn't Zagreus, Makaria and the kings of hells have recognized her then? Even if this happened, it didn't come across to me.
I'd be interested in explanations for these (if they exist), but overall they didn't affect the main plot (though they do leave a small thorn in the reader while they remain open 🙃).
The appearance and structure of Dante's inferno was a brilliant move. Despite this, during this section, I felt there was a rapid pace in the movement between levels: they only stayed on each long enough to pass through. They weren't comprehensively presented, and it also seemed strong to me that Mal committed such severe atrocities with relatively few consequences.
(If my intuition is correct, the levels of hell will resurface—including those that were only touched upon now.)
The idea of a periodically recurring love triangle is incredibly apt, and so is the exploration of the difficulties arising from it. The book's final sentence and its message make the picture even more nuanced, which was already quite rich on its own.
-----end spoiler-----
My greatest pain is wondering why more people don't know Jazmin and her books, when writings far weaker than her novels enjoy great popularity... Obviously, one reason for this is marketing, and certainly there's also the fact that this series, by its nature, demands considerable thought and reflection from its reader. For someone seeking light, entertaining fantasy, this isn't the most suitable choice, even though it contains plenty of smile-inducing, heartwarming moments and charming character pairings.
I try to promote and recommend it wherever I can, and I hope that one day the wider public will discover this treasure. It provides an immense reading experience. ☺️
This is typically the kind of series worth acquiring in physical book form* as well, because it represents such value that it deserves to be reread multiple times, and contains so many profound thoughts that they need time to settle.
(*Unfortunately, in my case, shipping costs would exceed the book's price, but I still haven't abandoned the idea :") )
Gratitude and thanks for the book =)
Looking forward to the continuation 🤗
April 13, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley l 3.5 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (rounded to 4) | 1.5🌶️
“The gods are furious. And war is coming.”
A Kingdom of Light and Air is an ambitious and expansive continuation of the Kingdom of Gods series, it broadens its scope, deepens its mythology, and follows multiple characters across a world on the brink of war.
And while I truly appreciated the scale and complexity of this third installment… I found myself unexpectedly emotionally distant.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its worldbuilding. The journey through the Underworld with its rings, rulers, and layered structure, was both fascinating and immersive. The addition of mythological elements, including figures such as Hades and Thanatos, adds a compelling depth to the story and elevates the overall universe.
The plot remains intricate and engaging, blending together multiple storylines across kingdoms, alliances, and shifting destinies. Movement is at every chapter: quests, revelations, and mounting tension as the world edges closer to war.
However, for me, the emotional connection didn’t fully land this time.
With so many POVs and detailed plot developments, the story felt more focused on expansion than immersion. I missed the emotional intensity that made the first book so compelling and which made me fall in love with the story: especially the relationship between Mal and Ash, which remains one of my favorite dynamics in the series. I had high expectations for Kai and Dawn, and while the tension and build-up were there, it ultimately didn’t deliver.
Here, the romance takes a clear step back. There are hints of tension, particularly between Kai and Dawn, and Mal and Thanatos, but very little payoff. Kai’s choice to follow Dawn felt meaningful and full of significance, but it remains unresolved, and I couldn’t help but wish for more emotional depth on the page.
Some moments did stand out — but it was at the very end of the book. The final chapters deliver a series of intense revelations that promise major developments ahead.
I ultimately felt that this was more like a transitional book, one that builds and prepares without fully delivering the emotional release I was hoping for.
As a reader who connects deeply through character and emotion, this installment didn’t quite reach me in the way I expected, despite its richness and ambition.
I remain invested in this world and its characters, and I’m genuinely looking forward to book four. But this time, I was left wanting more, not just in anticipation, but in emotional payoff.
My ratings: overall 3.5⭐️
Emotional impact: 3
Character connection: 3
Worldbuilding: 4.5
Plot: 4
Writing: 4.5
Romance: 2
Spice: 1.5 🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, J.F. Johns, for the opportunity to receive this ARC and share my honest review.
“The gods are furious. And war is coming.”
A Kingdom of Light and Air is an ambitious and expansive continuation of the Kingdom of Gods series, it broadens its scope, deepens its mythology, and follows multiple characters across a world on the brink of war.
And while I truly appreciated the scale and complexity of this third installment… I found myself unexpectedly emotionally distant.
One of the strongest aspects of this book is its worldbuilding. The journey through the Underworld with its rings, rulers, and layered structure, was both fascinating and immersive. The addition of mythological elements, including figures such as Hades and Thanatos, adds a compelling depth to the story and elevates the overall universe.
The plot remains intricate and engaging, blending together multiple storylines across kingdoms, alliances, and shifting destinies. Movement is at every chapter: quests, revelations, and mounting tension as the world edges closer to war.
However, for me, the emotional connection didn’t fully land this time.
With so many POVs and detailed plot developments, the story felt more focused on expansion than immersion. I missed the emotional intensity that made the first book so compelling and which made me fall in love with the story: especially the relationship between Mal and Ash, which remains one of my favorite dynamics in the series. I had high expectations for Kai and Dawn, and while the tension and build-up were there, it ultimately didn’t deliver.
Here, the romance takes a clear step back. There are hints of tension, particularly between Kai and Dawn, and Mal and Thanatos, but very little payoff. Kai’s choice to follow Dawn felt meaningful and full of significance, but it remains unresolved, and I couldn’t help but wish for more emotional depth on the page.
Some moments did stand out — but it was at the very end of the book. The final chapters deliver a series of intense revelations that promise major developments ahead.
I ultimately felt that this was more like a transitional book, one that builds and prepares without fully delivering the emotional release I was hoping for.
As a reader who connects deeply through character and emotion, this installment didn’t quite reach me in the way I expected, despite its richness and ambition.
I remain invested in this world and its characters, and I’m genuinely looking forward to book four. But this time, I was left wanting more, not just in anticipation, but in emotional payoff.
My ratings: overall 3.5⭐️
Emotional impact: 3
Character connection: 3
Worldbuilding: 4.5
Plot: 4
Writing: 4.5
Romance: 2
Spice: 1.5 🌶️
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author, J.F. Johns, for the opportunity to receive this ARC and share my honest review.
October 27, 2025
As usual, Jazmin has done it again because this is an absolute masterpiece. 😭 I was absolutely enthralled with this story, the world. the characters. She truly does a third person multi POV story so well, to the point where I don’t even know if I could tell you which storyline I was most excited to follow throughout the book! It’s truly incredible.
The world building was fantastic, I want to keep this review spoiler free but everything was truly so easy to imagine and so unique. I literally had to tear myself away from reading and I flew threw this book while simultaneously trying to savor every word.
The tensionnnn between T-redacted and M-redacted 😭😭😭 wow I was not expecting that dynamic but I absolutely ate it up. I of course was amazed and loving every second of Alina’s journey. It was so raw and authentic, I love her character development so much. I literally cried in chapter 8. 😭 This book had so many powerful messages entangled in it, it was so mesmerizing and heartbreaking to read. Speaking of heartbreakkkk- I may NEVER recover from chapter. 54. 🥲 It was such a work of art bouncing from story to story and character set to character set. Everyone has a vital part in the bigger picture, a tragic and special path to walk, it’s truly special when you connect with and love the stories of all the “side” characters as much as the mains- they literally are all main characters for me.
I love the layers of intricacies that start to play out with the politics and the gods, it’s getting so much more complex than I ever expected and I am absolutely loving it. It’s filled with sneaky motives, lies, deception, trust, found family…and betrayal.
We got the reunions we cravedddd, the spark of romances that we never knew we wanted, the heartbreaks that we never thought would happen. It was truly a masterpiece of a third installment. I am SO excited to continue on in book 4 and follow all of my favorite characters on their converging paths. This book truly has it allll- heartbreak, yearning, hopefulness, complexity, emotion, deception, love, and enthralling darkness. 5 stars again without a doubt.
Thank you so much to J.F. Johns for allowing me to be a part of the beta reading team for the second time. I am so honored to play eve the smallest of parts in what I is one of the most incredible series on my shelf.
The world building was fantastic, I want to keep this review spoiler free but everything was truly so easy to imagine and so unique. I literally had to tear myself away from reading and I flew threw this book while simultaneously trying to savor every word.
The tensionnnn between T-redacted and M-redacted 😭😭😭 wow I was not expecting that dynamic but I absolutely ate it up. I of course was amazed and loving every second of Alina’s journey. It was so raw and authentic, I love her character development so much. I literally cried in chapter 8. 😭 This book had so many powerful messages entangled in it, it was so mesmerizing and heartbreaking to read. Speaking of heartbreakkkk- I may NEVER recover from chapter. 54. 🥲 It was such a work of art bouncing from story to story and character set to character set. Everyone has a vital part in the bigger picture, a tragic and special path to walk, it’s truly special when you connect with and love the stories of all the “side” characters as much as the mains- they literally are all main characters for me.
I love the layers of intricacies that start to play out with the politics and the gods, it’s getting so much more complex than I ever expected and I am absolutely loving it. It’s filled with sneaky motives, lies, deception, trust, found family…and betrayal.
We got the reunions we cravedddd, the spark of romances that we never knew we wanted, the heartbreaks that we never thought would happen. It was truly a masterpiece of a third installment. I am SO excited to continue on in book 4 and follow all of my favorite characters on their converging paths. This book truly has it allll- heartbreak, yearning, hopefulness, complexity, emotion, deception, love, and enthralling darkness. 5 stars again without a doubt.
Thank you so much to J.F. Johns for allowing me to be a part of the beta reading team for the second time. I am so honored to play eve the smallest of parts in what I is one of the most incredible series on my shelf.
January 3, 2026
Another. Five. Star. Read. This entire series is brilliant. It doesn’t hold back on the violence or grief or the many many plot twists. I was sucked in. Sucked in, I tell you!
The evolution of the storyline through this book had me gasping and staring at the wall. The characters are so beautifully written. Their stories are heartbreaking and what they go on to do is even more heartbreaking and beautiful.
It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back to the very beginning and stay there where it’s safe and less upsetting. But I’m going to keep reading. I’m locked in now.
I CANNOT wait for book 4. I am eagerly awaiting it. And the artwork on the covers is stunning. Every single cover, beautiful.
**A thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and J.F. Johns for allowing me a free eARC. This is my honest review**
The evolution of the storyline through this book had me gasping and staring at the wall. The characters are so beautifully written. Their stories are heartbreaking and what they go on to do is even more heartbreaking and beautiful.
It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back to the very beginning and stay there where it’s safe and less upsetting. But I’m going to keep reading. I’m locked in now.
I CANNOT wait for book 4. I am eagerly awaiting it. And the artwork on the covers is stunning. Every single cover, beautiful.
**A thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and J.F. Johns for allowing me a free eARC. This is my honest review**
January 12, 2026
This series has crack in it. Perfection - I need book 4 asap
January 23, 2026
I could read this saga forever. I'm so hooked on every single one of these characters. Favorite fantasy series of all time for sure.
December 16, 2025
THE 👏 PLOT 👏 TWISTS 👏 IN THIS BOOK.
A Kingdom of Light and Air by @jfjohnsbooks
Read on January 9th!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. #netgalley
I love this series so much.
Things I love that I think you’ll love:
-Badass female characters. Really all of them not just the FMC.
-A lot of the plot and big decision-making is done by female characters
-The family and found family dynamics in these books
-The character development and resilience of certain characters (IYKYK)
I can’t wait for the next one. The world building just keeps getting richer and I keep getting more invested in the characters. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, you absolutely need to add it to your TBR
A Kingdom of Light and Air by @jfjohnsbooks
Read on January 9th!
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. #netgalley
I love this series so much.
Things I love that I think you’ll love:
-Badass female characters. Really all of them not just the FMC.
-A lot of the plot and big decision-making is done by female characters
-The family and found family dynamics in these books
-The character development and resilience of certain characters (IYKYK)
I can’t wait for the next one. The world building just keeps getting richer and I keep getting more invested in the characters. If you haven’t checked out this series yet, you absolutely need to add it to your TBR
November 20, 2025
Beta read: October 2025 - Five stars
Wow, wow, wow. Jazmin has done it again! This was easily a five-star read for me. I am completely in love with this series, its characters, and the world that Jazmin continues to build. Even when it breaks my heart, I cannot help but want more.
Every time I think this series has reached its peak, it surprises me again. The world continues to grow in depth and wonder, and each new place we visit adds even more richness to the story. I am completely drawn by the character journeys and the way each one reveals something new about the larger world.
Melinoe’s storyline in particular held me captive from start to finish. Her growth, her challenges, and the tensions she faces kept me fully invested. I also loved the dynamic moments between the characters around her, especially the ones filled with emotional complexity and unspoken layers.
We are three books into the series and with A Kingdom of Light and Air, it dives deeper in a way that feels both natural and rewarding. So much is learned about Melinoe’s history and the decisions that shaped the path she is on now.
Seeing familiar characters reunite was a real highlight for me. Kai and Alina especially stood out. Their development from book one to now feels profound, and watching how they have changed made the experience even more meaningful.
Choosing a favourite moment feels impossible. There were so many scenes that stayed with me. I'm still undecided on whether Thanatos is someone we can truly trust, but I do love his interactions with Melinoe. Equally, I really enjoyed Dawn and Kai’s scenes together. It is so obvious he has developed feelings for her, even if he refuses to acknowledge or understand them.
I also loved seeing Ylva/Wren grow into her abilities. She is starting to dream from a previous life, as Wren, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for her. I especially enjoyed the moment when Arden met Ylva. My heart cannot cope. I will never recover from chapter 54. I genuinely will not survive if anything happens to Arden, or Dawn, or Kai. Arden is so devoted to Wren, and now perhaps to Ylva too. I cannot wait to see how that unfolds.
Overall, I am incredibly curious about the direction the story will take next. The ending leaves so much to think about, and I cannot wait to see how the consequences unfold across the world and among these incredible characters. Lastly, thank you to Jazmin for the opportunity to beta read A Kingdom of Light and Air.
October 2025: so excited and honoured I get to continue beta reading this incredible series! ✨
Wow, wow, wow. Jazmin has done it again! This was easily a five-star read for me. I am completely in love with this series, its characters, and the world that Jazmin continues to build. Even when it breaks my heart, I cannot help but want more.
Every time I think this series has reached its peak, it surprises me again. The world continues to grow in depth and wonder, and each new place we visit adds even more richness to the story. I am completely drawn by the character journeys and the way each one reveals something new about the larger world.
Melinoe’s storyline in particular held me captive from start to finish. Her growth, her challenges, and the tensions she faces kept me fully invested. I also loved the dynamic moments between the characters around her, especially the ones filled with emotional complexity and unspoken layers.
We are three books into the series and with A Kingdom of Light and Air, it dives deeper in a way that feels both natural and rewarding. So much is learned about Melinoe’s history and the decisions that shaped the path she is on now.
Seeing familiar characters reunite was a real highlight for me. Kai and Alina especially stood out. Their development from book one to now feels profound, and watching how they have changed made the experience even more meaningful.
Choosing a favourite moment feels impossible. There were so many scenes that stayed with me. I'm still undecided on whether Thanatos is someone we can truly trust, but I do love his interactions with Melinoe. Equally, I really enjoyed Dawn and Kai’s scenes together. It is so obvious he has developed feelings for her, even if he refuses to acknowledge or understand them.
I also loved seeing Ylva/Wren grow into her abilities. She is starting to dream from a previous life, as Wren, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for her. I especially enjoyed the moment when Arden met Ylva. My heart cannot cope. I will never recover from chapter 54. I genuinely will not survive if anything happens to Arden, or Dawn, or Kai. Arden is so devoted to Wren, and now perhaps to Ylva too. I cannot wait to see how that unfolds.
Overall, I am incredibly curious about the direction the story will take next. The ending leaves so much to think about, and I cannot wait to see how the consequences unfold across the world and among these incredible characters. Lastly, thank you to Jazmin for the opportunity to beta read A Kingdom of Light and Air.
October 2025: so excited and honoured I get to continue beta reading this incredible series! ✨
January 19, 2026
4.5 stars! Book three was a bit slower in tje beginning but the end really picked up! I love how I never know what's going to happen and that no one is safe. I cant wait for the next book! Arc review
December 24, 2025
A Kingdom of Light and Air is an intense and devastating continuation of the Kingdom of Gods series that left me reeling and desperate for what comes next.
Set across multiple kingdoms, the story follows our band of characters as looming divine conflicts, ancient secrets, and shifting alliances push them toward an inevitable reckoning. The threat of war feels closer than ever. Every battle, decision, and quiet moment carries weight, which makes the stakes feel brutally real and the emotional impact hit even harder.
J.F. Johns is not afraid of killing off beloved characters. No one is safe!
This is a rewarding read for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy layered storytelling, multiple POVs, emotionally complex characters, and high stakes magic. It successfully builds toward something much larger, leaving readers eager for what comes next.
Highly recommend for fans of expansive, character driven fantasy series.
Thank you J.F. Johns and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Set across multiple kingdoms, the story follows our band of characters as looming divine conflicts, ancient secrets, and shifting alliances push them toward an inevitable reckoning. The threat of war feels closer than ever. Every battle, decision, and quiet moment carries weight, which makes the stakes feel brutally real and the emotional impact hit even harder.
J.F. Johns is not afraid of killing off beloved characters. No one is safe!
This is a rewarding read for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy layered storytelling, multiple POVs, emotionally complex characters, and high stakes magic. It successfully builds toward something much larger, leaving readers eager for what comes next.
Highly recommend for fans of expansive, character driven fantasy series.
Thank you J.F. Johns and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨ 3.75/5
It was so good to be back with Mal, Ash and Kai - the characters I fell for in book one, and who continue to feel like old friends here.
A Kingdom of Light and Air is epic fantasy more than romantasy. Think multiple storylines, a complex world, Game of Thrones meets Throne of Glass energy. The pacing and editing are superb, as with the rest of the series, and Tabitha’s diary entries continue to be the sizzling heartbeat of this story.
Where I struggled slightly was with the concept of the gods and how that thread unfolds. It didn’t quite land for me in the way the rest of the world-building does.
But this feels like a big step towards the end of a journey. Book four has been set up to deliver something grand, and with the twist JF Johns leaves you with at the very end? I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
Roll on book four. 📚
Thanks to the author for an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
It was so good to be back with Mal, Ash and Kai - the characters I fell for in book one, and who continue to feel like old friends here.
A Kingdom of Light and Air is epic fantasy more than romantasy. Think multiple storylines, a complex world, Game of Thrones meets Throne of Glass energy. The pacing and editing are superb, as with the rest of the series, and Tabitha’s diary entries continue to be the sizzling heartbeat of this story.
Where I struggled slightly was with the concept of the gods and how that thread unfolds. It didn’t quite land for me in the way the rest of the world-building does.
But this feels like a big step towards the end of a journey. Book four has been set up to deliver something grand, and with the twist JF Johns leaves you with at the very end? I genuinely didn’t see it coming.
Roll on book four. 📚
Thanks to the author for an advanced reader copy via NetGalley.
May 31, 2026
The story is unique and the plot is good but I can’t handle the heartbreak. I’m not sure there’s going to be anyone left by the end. I gave it 3.25 stars because I was not having fun. Yes, it’s interesting and has really good plot but I am devastated over some of these characters and I’m angry. I’m mad at Alina, I’m annoyed with Kai and his priorities, I felt bad for Freya but now I hate her, I’m fed up with Ash, I’m starting to root for Thanatos, I’m still sad over Wren but naively hopeful, and where has Hagan been the whole time? Did we completely forget about him? I’m not sure I’ll read the next book. I want to know what happens but I’m not sure I can handle any more losses.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
“We were never heroes of this tale, we were always the villains”.
How do I get book 4 now?
I love love love J. F. Johns world building and the way she writes is exquisite. I love the characters and I want the best for them all. We need some happiness please!!
When I saw this was available on NetGalley I RAN to request it and I’m so glad I got to read it. This is slowly becoming my new Roman Empire, I need to know what happens next.
How do I get book 4 now?
I love love love J. F. Johns world building and the way she writes is exquisite. I love the characters and I want the best for them all. We need some happiness please!!
When I saw this was available on NetGalley I RAN to request it and I’m so glad I got to read it. This is slowly becoming my new Roman Empire, I need to know what happens next.
January 30, 2026
I will never get over the twists and turns that this series takes!!! Book 3 was no different and I loved every second of it!! I’m obsessed with how the story is progressing with the Gods and I was so shocked at the end of this!! Ahhhh I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one!!
January 18, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ read for meeee
Had potential to be 5 ⭐️ but imo was lacking excitement and characters felt stunted with little growth (not all). Easy filler book for the series
Had potential to be 5 ⭐️ but imo was lacking excitement and characters felt stunted with little growth (not all). Easy filler book for the series
February 19, 2026
3.75 ⭐️
I enjoyed reading this and will continue with the series. However it’s become quite confusing. There are so many layers to the story that I had to reread the first two books before reading this. I read this as an arc thanks to netgalley.
I enjoyed reading this and will continue with the series. However it’s become quite confusing. There are so many layers to the story that I had to reread the first two books before reading this. I read this as an arc thanks to netgalley.
March 8, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing for this ebook in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 3 of the Kingdom of Gods series, and this series continues to be a steady form of fantasy entertainment. There are twists and turns, diverse characters, and an intriguing world. We follow several characters through each book which is a nice perspective change. Each storyline is unique and they all fit well together. My only complaint is that every time I find a favorite character, something dramatic happens and I don’t like them anymore. 😅
Overall I would recommend if these are already on your TBR. I’m not sure if I will continue this series or not because there will be two more books and it feels like it takes me forever to read them. TBD!
This is book 3 of the Kingdom of Gods series, and this series continues to be a steady form of fantasy entertainment. There are twists and turns, diverse characters, and an intriguing world. We follow several characters through each book which is a nice perspective change. Each storyline is unique and they all fit well together. My only complaint is that every time I find a favorite character, something dramatic happens and I don’t like them anymore. 😅
Overall I would recommend if these are already on your TBR. I’m not sure if I will continue this series or not because there will be two more books and it feels like it takes me forever to read them. TBD!
April 22, 2026
I’m so emotionally invested in this series, I need the next one asap
January 10, 2026
5 stars ⭐️
the effortlessness of this book is stunning. i have no words. give me book 4
the effortlessness of this book is stunning. i have no words. give me book 4
January 10, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and J.F. Johns for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review. WOW! Just wow! This is probably up there with my all time favorite fantasy series. The emotional TURMOIL I FACED IN THIS BOOk?!? The character growth. The political and court intrigue. How one deals with grief and how grief can be all consuming. The TWIST AT THE END. This is gearing up to be one of the best fantasy series of all time. It truly has everything. Alina’s journey is so powerfully written. You really feel for all these beloved characters. Words aren’t enough to express how much I love this series and I cannot believe I have to wait for book 4. Ugh. Thank you J. F. John’s!
December 24, 2025
After reading 111 books in 2025, I’m proud to say I’m bumping this book and series to my number one spot. Initially, I was torn between this book and another but I have to give Johns credit for serving three consecutively amazing 5-star books.
All of the books in this series are marketed as romantasy but I feel the fantasy/world building element weighs heavier so perhaps 60:40 or even 70:30. Which is the PERFECT ratio for me–I don’t need smut to love a book, I need a GOOD storyteller.
With the multi povs and settings, it’s similar to GoT but a more “romantasified” version. In this book, it focuses more on the fmc and her time in the underworld (10 points for underworld setting bc I love greek mythology). Plus, the supporting characters have equal exciting storylines (another 10 points for not writing a found family for the sake of it). Bottomline, this is a series (PSA it’s still ongoing) worth reading!!
Thank you JF Johns for this arc! I’ve been fortunate to receive my third arc for this series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book! And please please please can someone just do a special edition? I need a fancy book trophy right now.
All of the books in this series are marketed as romantasy but I feel the fantasy/world building element weighs heavier so perhaps 60:40 or even 70:30. Which is the PERFECT ratio for me–I don’t need smut to love a book, I need a GOOD storyteller.
With the multi povs and settings, it’s similar to GoT but a more “romantasified” version. In this book, it focuses more on the fmc and her time in the underworld (10 points for underworld setting bc I love greek mythology). Plus, the supporting characters have equal exciting storylines (another 10 points for not writing a found family for the sake of it). Bottomline, this is a series (PSA it’s still ongoing) worth reading!!
Thank you JF Johns for this arc! I’ve been fortunate to receive my third arc for this series and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book! And please please please can someone just do a special edition? I need a fancy book trophy right now.
December 28, 2025
This is an ARC review.
If you like romantasy series that have elements of religious folklore, this is a great series. It keeps you guessing and interested in what’s going to happen next! Great for lovers of Scarlett St Clair Hades x Persephone series, Blood/Bonds of Hercules, Hurricane Wars, etc.
If you like romantasy series that have elements of religious folklore, this is a great series. It keeps you guessing and interested in what’s going to happen next! Great for lovers of Scarlett St Clair Hades x Persephone series, Blood/Bonds of Hercules, Hurricane Wars, etc.
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