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A Trial of War
Skylar and Daxton stand united as the final war for Valdor unfolds.
Half-human, half-shifter, and champion of the trials, Skylar has spent her life caught between worlds, now marching toward destruction. At her side stands Daxton, High King of the Inner Kingdom, her mate, who once lost her to death, and will go to any lengths to keep her from it again.
Minaeve has crossed the Narrow Sea with the stolen Heart of Valdor, rallying human forces and striking first at the shifters. As High Fae and shifter armies rise to meet her, old grudges flare and loyalties fracture. Not every enemy stands on the battlefield, and betrayal cuts deeper than any blade.
Skylar and Daxton must confront impossible choices to end the war. Victory will demand blood, and the price may be higher than anyone is willing to pay.
When the war ends, Valdor will be forever changed, and so will those who survive it.
The final book in the Valdor Series.
Half-human, half-shifter, and champion of the trials, Skylar has spent her life caught between worlds, now marching toward destruction. At her side stands Daxton, High King of the Inner Kingdom, her mate, who once lost her to death, and will go to any lengths to keep her from it again.
Minaeve has crossed the Narrow Sea with the stolen Heart of Valdor, rallying human forces and striking first at the shifters. As High Fae and shifter armies rise to meet her, old grudges flare and loyalties fracture. Not every enemy stands on the battlefield, and betrayal cuts deeper than any blade.
Skylar and Daxton must confront impossible choices to end the war. Victory will demand blood, and the price may be higher than anyone is willing to pay.
When the war ends, Valdor will be forever changed, and so will those who survive it.
The final book in the Valdor Series.
Paperback
About the author
J.E. Larson
4 books182 followers"Alaska Grown", with a passion for creating my own worlds... which comes in handy when you live in a uniquely beautiful place such as my home state.
I started writing in middle school with a good old-fashioned pencil and paper. Jotting down ideas of characters, adventures, and different worlds.
In my thirties, with the encouragement of my husband, I began writing... and writing... until I finally created my first trilogy(That story is yet to be told).
After the birth of our two daughters and work, I had to find the quiet 5 am mornings and the secluded nights after bedtime to finally give voice to my ideas. My greatest wish was to write my stories and to have others read and enjoy them with me.
So please enjoy what I have created.
And thank you for taking a leap of faith into my world.
I started writing in middle school with a good old-fashioned pencil and paper. Jotting down ideas of characters, adventures, and different worlds.
In my thirties, with the encouragement of my husband, I began writing... and writing... until I finally created my first trilogy(That story is yet to be told).
After the birth of our two daughters and work, I had to find the quiet 5 am mornings and the secluded nights after bedtime to finally give voice to my ideas. My greatest wish was to write my stories and to have others read and enjoy them with me.
So please enjoy what I have created.
And thank you for taking a leap of faith into my world.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 8, 2026
When a series becomes such a part of your life that starting the final book feels impossible because you never want it to end… that’s exactly what happened to me with the Valdor series.
This finale was absolute perfection.
These characters will live in my heart forever. The journey through this series has been filled with twists, battles, secrets, betrayals, and heartbreaking moments, and every single storyline was wrapped up beautifully. Nothing felt forgotten or unfinished.
Was there heartbreak? Absolutely. But it was the kind that makes the story unforgettable and worth every tear.
Every reveal, every victory, every painful moment was perfectly placed. I flew through the pages because I needed to know what happened, while also dreading reaching the end because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. My anxiety was through the roof in the best possible way.
This is the kind of book that has you messaging your book bestie at 2am screaming over theories and emotionally spiraling… or wanting to message the author at 4am just to ask how they managed to destroy and heal you all at once.
A perfect ending to a truly unforgettable series.
This finale was absolute perfection.
These characters will live in my heart forever. The journey through this series has been filled with twists, battles, secrets, betrayals, and heartbreaking moments, and every single storyline was wrapped up beautifully. Nothing felt forgotten or unfinished.
Was there heartbreak? Absolutely. But it was the kind that makes the story unforgettable and worth every tear.
Every reveal, every victory, every painful moment was perfectly placed. I flew through the pages because I needed to know what happened, while also dreading reaching the end because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. My anxiety was through the roof in the best possible way.
This is the kind of book that has you messaging your book bestie at 2am screaming over theories and emotionally spiraling… or wanting to message the author at 4am just to ask how they managed to destroy and heal you all at once.
A perfect ending to a truly unforgettable series.
May 13, 2026
A stunning conclusion to an incredible series. J.E. Larson pulls off what so many fantasy authors attempt and few fully achieve - weaving shifters, fae, political intrigue, found family, mate bonds, and a multi-first-person POV narrative into something that feels completely cohesive and endlessly engaging.
The standout element for me was the recap at the opening of the book. Clever, funny, and genuinely useful - it's one of the most unique choices I've seen from an author, and it made returning to this world feel effortless.
If you love character-driven romantasy with real stakes and serious heart, this series belongs on your TBR. Highly recommend from book one.
The standout element for me was the recap at the opening of the book. Clever, funny, and genuinely useful - it's one of the most unique choices I've seen from an author, and it made returning to this world feel effortless.
If you love character-driven romantasy with real stakes and serious heart, this series belongs on your TBR. Highly recommend from book one.
May 21, 2026
I loved this finale so much. A Trial of War was such a satisfying ending to a series I’ve genuinely loved from the start.
First of all… Castor’s recap at the beginning? Absolutely my favorite part. He’s easily one of my favorite characters in the entire series, and that opening was such a fun way to jump back into the world.
This book delivered everything I want in a final installment with epic battles, plot twists, heartbreak, high stakes, emotional moments, and that bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to characters you’ve grown attached to. I was locked in the entire time.
I also really loved how everything wrapped up. Final books can be hard to land, especially in fantasy series with so many moving parts, but this one felt exciting, emotional, and like a truly worthy conclusion.
If you love epic fantasy with shifters, fae, political tension, found family, romance, and characters you’ll get way too attached to, I will absolutely keep recommending this series.
First of all… Castor’s recap at the beginning? Absolutely my favorite part. He’s easily one of my favorite characters in the entire series, and that opening was such a fun way to jump back into the world.
This book delivered everything I want in a final installment with epic battles, plot twists, heartbreak, high stakes, emotional moments, and that bittersweet feeling of saying goodbye to characters you’ve grown attached to. I was locked in the entire time.
I also really loved how everything wrapped up. Final books can be hard to land, especially in fantasy series with so many moving parts, but this one felt exciting, emotional, and like a truly worthy conclusion.
If you love epic fantasy with shifters, fae, political tension, found family, romance, and characters you’ll get way too attached to, I will absolutely keep recommending this series.
May 5, 2026
A great ending to a series I fell in love with right away! This book was action-packed and had some twists I didn't see coming. 👀 I LOVED a new POV we got in this book! Skylar really came into her power in this one. 👏 The author tied the story up well. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters, but I had the best time reading the conclusion to this series.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
May 12, 2026
What a way to end a fantasy series! I have no notes. I stumbled upon this series on social media and I am forever grateful for that moment. I have been on a this journey since the beginning I’m so sad that it’s now over. But what a journey it has been.
Skylar and Daxon are what began this journey and I absolutely love that they are what finished it. The multiple POVs throughout this book was perfect and I absolutely loved seeing the world through all of the characters. I also loved the fated mates aspect throughout this series but this book especially.
When I tell you this is a series that I will come back to again and again, It’s not even a lie. This series will be reread over like the Sarah J. Maas universe. It’s bloody brilliant and I’m going to miss all the characters, and I’ve only just finished the series.
The book has everything laughters, love, spice, found family, dated mates. You will cry, laugh and fall in love as easily as a snap of fingers. This series is amazing and I recommend this series so much! I cannot wait to see where J.E Larson takes us next but I am excited!!
Skylar and Daxon are what began this journey and I absolutely love that they are what finished it. The multiple POVs throughout this book was perfect and I absolutely loved seeing the world through all of the characters. I also loved the fated mates aspect throughout this series but this book especially.
When I tell you this is a series that I will come back to again and again, It’s not even a lie. This series will be reread over like the Sarah J. Maas universe. It’s bloody brilliant and I’m going to miss all the characters, and I’ve only just finished the series.
The book has everything laughters, love, spice, found family, dated mates. You will cry, laugh and fall in love as easily as a snap of fingers. This series is amazing and I recommend this series so much! I cannot wait to see where J.E Larson takes us next but I am excited!!
May 12, 2026
I finished this amazing epic masterpiece or did it finish me? I was wanting to wait until the last minute to start this one bec I knew it was the last one. This fantasy story was one of my first indie author books and it has become one of my all time favorite series’s!! This book was beautifully written and ended the series perfectly. I absolutely loved the multiple POV. You come to love all the side characters just as much as you do the main ones. Even though Skylar had finished the trials we knew one more war was coming bec of the evil fake queen. This had so much action and the way the characters came together just had me in tears. The way each one would sacrifice for the other just makes me all proud inside. I will forever love this series!!
If you love shifters, magic, found family, fae, humans, war, sacrifice and so much more then you should read this book but you have to start with a trial of fate. ❤️ if i could give this infinite stars i would.
“I will always find you, Spitfire,” he whispered against my lips. I trembled, holding him close as I whispered back, “We will always find each other, Daxton.”
If you love shifters, magic, found family, fae, humans, war, sacrifice and so much more then you should read this book but you have to start with a trial of fate. ❤️ if i could give this infinite stars i would.
“I will always find you, Spitfire,” he whispered against my lips. I trembled, holding him close as I whispered back, “We will always find each other, Daxton.”
May 4, 2026
I have loved this series from book 1, having had the pleasure of receiving an arc of all the books, this was the perfect conclusion to the series.
1st, I love the way we have a recap, Castor is hilarious and one of our favourite side characters for a reason, and using his voice for the recaps is chefs kiss. Start the book with a bang.
We have quite a few PoVs in this one and I loved every single one. I loved being able to see the battles from diferent perspectives in the same timeline.
This conclusion was full of action, not a lot of downtime, which was perfect, in keeping with the emergency of the situation. So many strong bonds, the family relationships here are super strong, and I really feel the love between all the characters.
I would highly recommend this series if you're into romantasy.
1st, I love the way we have a recap, Castor is hilarious and one of our favourite side characters for a reason, and using his voice for the recaps is chefs kiss. Start the book with a bang.
We have quite a few PoVs in this one and I loved every single one. I loved being able to see the battles from diferent perspectives in the same timeline.
This conclusion was full of action, not a lot of downtime, which was perfect, in keeping with the emergency of the situation. So many strong bonds, the family relationships here are super strong, and I really feel the love between all the characters.
I would highly recommend this series if you're into romantasy.
May 5, 2026
My gosh, my gosh!
Where do I even start!
If you loved book 1-3, you’ll love A Trial of War!
This is exactly how the LAST book of a series should be! It’s action packed, fast paced! You have your romance. You have the fights. And finally, readers.. you get all your answers.
The best part of the last book of the series is that “full circle feel.” I do not know why, but the last book always takes me back to the first & how I felt when I read that one.
Our FMC is still a BAD ASS!
Our MMC is still a BAD ASS!
Castor still carry’s secondary character “funny” vibes.
The overall “family feel,” with ALL of our characters.
The SPICE!
The twists! 🙀
Need I say more?
I am sad that this is the end of the Valdor series BUT this is PERFECTION on how to wrap it all up! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you J.E. Larson for allowing me to be part of the ARC team. This has been a EPIC series!
Where do I even start!
If you loved book 1-3, you’ll love A Trial of War!
This is exactly how the LAST book of a series should be! It’s action packed, fast paced! You have your romance. You have the fights. And finally, readers.. you get all your answers.
The best part of the last book of the series is that “full circle feel.” I do not know why, but the last book always takes me back to the first & how I felt when I read that one.
Our FMC is still a BAD ASS!
Our MMC is still a BAD ASS!
Castor still carry’s secondary character “funny” vibes.
The overall “family feel,” with ALL of our characters.
The SPICE!
The twists! 🙀
Need I say more?
I am sad that this is the end of the Valdor series BUT this is PERFECTION on how to wrap it all up! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Thank you J.E. Larson for allowing me to be part of the ARC team. This has been a EPIC series!
May 3, 2026
I could not put this down.
First I love the recap at the beginning, refreshing my brain to what happened before was so perfect.
I also love the multiple pov's. It was nice to see what some of the others were thinking.
There was so much happening and twist near the end had me shocked. I did not expect that at all.
While I'm always sad when a great series reached it end but so happy to finally see how it all played out.
I received an advanced reader copy but these thoughts are my own.
First I love the recap at the beginning, refreshing my brain to what happened before was so perfect.
I also love the multiple pov's. It was nice to see what some of the others were thinking.
There was so much happening and twist near the end had me shocked. I did not expect that at all.
While I'm always sad when a great series reached it end but so happy to finally see how it all played out.
I received an advanced reader copy but these thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2026
OMG! This book was everything a final installment in a series should be. It was packed with heart-pounding moments that had my heart in my throat the entire time. I loved watching these characters continue to grow and evolve throughout the story, and one particular scene gave me complete emotional whiplash … I genuinely felt sick over it. But the ending? Absolutely perfect. This book was perfection from start to finish.
May 7, 2026
Epic!
There is no better word to describe that ending. It was everything I hoped for. There were twists and turns. There was action (so much action!) and so much terror and heartbreak but in the end…well I won’t say because I can’t ruin the ending but let’s just say it doesn’t disappoint! A truly wonderful ending to a truly wonderful story!!
There is no better word to describe that ending. It was everything I hoped for. There were twists and turns. There was action (so much action!) and so much terror and heartbreak but in the end…well I won’t say because I can’t ruin the ending but let’s just say it doesn’t disappoint! A truly wonderful ending to a truly wonderful story!!
May 13, 2026
I was not emotionally ready to say goodbye to this world and these characters. And bittersweet tho it was, I could not have imagined this ending any other way!!! From series start to this last installment, I have loved every page of this journey!! This will absolutely remain one of my top fave series and be forever recommended!!
May 4, 2026
A Trial of War was everything I expected. We got a little of each character’s point of view as they prepared for war. The final battle was epic, and there were unexpected twists that I was not expecting. My racing heart has finally slowed down. Phenomenal story.
Thank you, J. E. Larson, for the arc copy, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
Thank you, J. E. Larson, for the arc copy, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
May 14, 2026
This book was absolutely spectacular! It gave you everything you needed and more, love, attitude and an entire book of snarky banter LOVED it!!!
May 21, 2026
4.5⭐️ (rounded up to 5)
This was the fourth and final book in the Valdor series. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed the series and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys trials, fated mates, court intrigue, shifters, and fae!
First off, I absolutely love that there was a recap of the last book at the beginning. More books need to have that to help set the scene. Castor was the perfect POV for it, his humor was much appreciated before the emotional rollercoaster that was to come!
I enjoyed the additional POVs in this book, especially Shaw’s and Princess Réalta’s. We finally got to learn more about the human realm and the history/bad blood between humans and shifters. There were definitely moments that had me on the edge of my set in this one! The final battle was super intense and well written. We had some really sad moments and also some really happy ones to balance it out. Overall it was a very nice wrap up of an amazing series! I love these characters and will truly miss them! Thank you to J.E. Larson for the ARC copy, you should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished. Looking forward to reading whatever comes next!🩵
This was the fourth and final book in the Valdor series. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed the series and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys trials, fated mates, court intrigue, shifters, and fae!
First off, I absolutely love that there was a recap of the last book at the beginning. More books need to have that to help set the scene. Castor was the perfect POV for it, his humor was much appreciated before the emotional rollercoaster that was to come!
I enjoyed the additional POVs in this book, especially Shaw’s and Princess Réalta’s. We finally got to learn more about the human realm and the history/bad blood between humans and shifters. There were definitely moments that had me on the edge of my set in this one! The final battle was super intense and well written. We had some really sad moments and also some really happy ones to balance it out. Overall it was a very nice wrap up of an amazing series! I love these characters and will truly miss them! Thank you to J.E. Larson for the ARC copy, you should be so proud of what you’ve accomplished. Looking forward to reading whatever comes next!🩵
May 10, 2026
From the start with book one, I was hooked. The final book is everything I thought it would be and more. I connected with Skyler since the start and was so in awe with her. She had been through so much, but Daxon, Skyler, and their family fought for the happiness they deserved to have. The world building, storyline, and pace of the story is perfect. The final book closes out all the problems they had throughout the story. It does not leave you hanging. It is really well written. I love that we got different POV'S from most of the main characters. I was not disappointed at all, I laughed, cried, and was yelling throughout the book. I really hope you pick it up and read the series. It is so worth it, I took my time with the final book because I did not want it to end. Thank you for making such a wonderful series!!
Thank you to J.E. Larson for gifting me with the Arc
Thank you to J.E. Larson for gifting me with the Arc
May 8, 2026
Wow what a final book in the Valdor Series. When the strong FMC who is half human and half shifter has to compete in 3 trials to uncover the Heart of Valdor she becomes her spirit animal the phoenix. The MMC the High Fae Prince also known as the Silver Shadow her mate battle the dark magic of the false High Fae Queen Minaeve, they bring together Shifters, High Fae and Humans with different magic to defeat her. This was beautifully written and has brilliant world building this is an absolute must read for everyone who enjoy escaping into the world of Fae and Shifters. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2026
I blew through this book in one day. And my only regret is now the series is done.
You know a book is good when you dont want to leave the characters behind and that is how i felt about this book. I wanted to know what happened but also wasnt ready to say goodbye yet.
All three books precious to this one have been beautifully written and full of suspense.
This fourth one did not disappoint. Every twist and turn, every surprise, and every squeal of joy. If you haven't started this series go get book 1 and if you have get ready for the amazing finale of the Valor series with this book!
You know a book is good when you dont want to leave the characters behind and that is how i felt about this book. I wanted to know what happened but also wasnt ready to say goodbye yet.
All three books precious to this one have been beautifully written and full of suspense.
This fourth one did not disappoint. Every twist and turn, every surprise, and every squeal of joy. If you haven't started this series go get book 1 and if you have get ready for the amazing finale of the Valor series with this book!
May 13, 2026
I devoured this book...it was a perfect conclusion to a fantastic series. This was incredible...with fae, shifters, political intrigue, battles, mate bonds, multi POVs, found family, magic, twists & turns, and more. The plot, the setting, the characters...all woven together in an epic romantasy series you'll stay up late to finish. If you like plot-driven romantasy with all of the above, then add this series to your tbr today. Highly recommend.
I received an arc of this book and all opinions are my own.
I received an arc of this book and all opinions are my own.
May 16, 2026
This was a great conclusion to the Valdor series. We got action, adventure and of course some love.
This series is all about people from different places coming together to fight and unite their lands once again.
I’m sad the series is finished but I can’t wait to see what J.E has up her sleeve for her next series.
This series is all about people from different places coming together to fight and unite their lands once again.
I’m sad the series is finished but I can’t wait to see what J.E has up her sleeve for her next series.
May 15, 2026
I devoured this in less than 2 days- it's the most epic conclusion to such a unique story. The twists were fun, the ending was so perfect, it left me so satisfied but also I would love to come back to Valdor someday! These characters are unforgettable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews