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A Trial of War

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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.

Paperback

Published May 24, 2026

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About the author

J.E. Larson

4 books193 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa Gainers.
266 reviews2 followers
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.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
278 reviews34 followers
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.
Profile Image for Leanna Streeter.
598 reviews107 followers
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.
Profile Image for Bree Keith.
194 reviews15 followers
May 24, 2026
A fantastic finish to an amazing shifter Romantasy!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time reading through the Valdor series and this conclusion finished things perfectly.

We have battles, drama, newly found mates, resolution, characters coming around, characters stepping up, secret battle plans, and so much more! I loved watching the characters figure out how to deal with the various twists that happened on the way to the final battle. Skylar has grown so much throughout this novel and I loved watching it happen.

This ending gave just enough drama to make the HEA worth it. If you like trials, hidden identities, fated mates, found family, shifters, magic, and battles then this is the series for you!
Profile Image for Caitlyn Taylor (Caitlyns_Romantasy).
139 reviews118 followers
June 20, 2026
What a great finish to the series! I was turning the pages so fast needed to know what happened. I love how everything wrapped up and really gave us the excitement and closure we needed.

Overall this series, now complete, is such a bingable series. It truly takes you through all the emotions and transports you to a new world. If you’re looking for a slow burn, unique world, page turning series, pick this one up!

Thank you JE for allowing me to ARC read and be on this journey with you. I love these characters and I will never forget them.
Profile Image for Megan Warwick.
115 reviews8 followers
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!
Profile Image for Teela Mostowy .
10 reviews1 follower
May 23, 2026
I received an ARC copy of the fourth and final book in the Valdor Series, A Trial of War, by J.E. Larson (who is an Alaskan author!!). Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this adventure.

Spoilers ahead...

This finale follows the war against Queen Minaeve and her army, and it really feels like everything has been building toward this. There's war, politics, magic, betrayal, romance, sacrifice, but what hit me most was just how attached I became to the characters by the end. I didn't want the series to end.

Skylar's growth in this book really stood out to me. Watching her step fully into who she really is as a PHOENIX (WHAT???), alpha, and leader was honestly so satisfying after every trauma she has been through. And her with Daxton.... I really love them here. We see them joining together and becoming more grounded and fully trusting one another no matter what is happening around them.

But I have to say, one of my favorite parts of this book (I have many favorite parts), is the humor from Castor and his recaps. Also, the other characters. They were not pushed into the background here. The friendships, shifting loyalties, grief, and all those messy in-between moments made everything feel so much bigger and more emotional.

The romance and SPICE were also really well done. The sex scenes are definitely there and graphic, but they still feel connected to the characters and their relationship rather than just being thrown in. I appreciated the trigger warning at the beginning.

The pacing of the book is somewhat chaotic at times, but it fits with the themes. The entire story feels like it's racing toward the final battle, and I never really felt settled while reading it, which is a good thing. The battle scenes were intense and cinematic, with magic, strategy, and shifting alliances all colliding in a way that made the ending feel huge.

At end of the book, we get an epilogue six years later from Skylar. We get to glimpse into the life that Daxton and Skylar have built after everything they survived. It felt emotional, earned, and honestly like the perfect way to close out their journey.

I highly recommend this series...

"I will always find you, Spitfire."

"We will always find each other, Daxton"
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Samantha Sullivan.
329 reviews5 followers
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!!
Profile Image for Cari Rees.
148 reviews20 followers
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.”
Profile Image for Andreia.
432 reviews3 followers
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.
Profile Image for Stefanie H..
168 reviews4 followers
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!
Profile Image for Allison H..
111 reviews26 followers
May 24, 2026
I can't believe this is the final book in this series! We have been through so much with these characters and I think I subconsciously took my time because I didn't want it to end. I went through moments of joy, stress and pain with these characters throughout these books and book 4 was no exception. I love these characters and the dynamic they have together. Each one of them bring something different to the story, just like they bring something different to the friend group and battle scenarios. They are ALL needed!

We met some new characters in this one and I definitely loved one of them lol. This whole story gave use the power of love and support, determination and grit, and belief in one another. I definitely went through moments of shock/surprise, especially in the last 20%. I had my mouth agape several times saying WHAT!?!

I'm so thrilled I was able to experience this beautiful series and I am excited to see what the author has next up her sleeve!
Profile Image for Kaitlyn Marquart.
Author 5 books42 followers
June 22, 2026
What an incredible series!! I loved everything about this book!! The characters are REAL and seriously; I could not put this one down! Just like the first three in the series, it had me in a chokehold!

Don't even hesitate to grab the complete set and prepare to lose yourself in this EPIC series. Even if you think you're not really a fan of romance/fantasy, I assure you, THIS one will surprise you in all the best ways possible.

I'll be watching closely for forthcoming titles from J.E. Larson. There's just something so magical about her writing. 100% hands down HIGHLY RECOMMEND The Valdor Series!!!
Profile Image for Lianne Scheepers.
180 reviews2 followers
May 23, 2026
Yes yes yes! The conclusion to The Valdor series is here! Well…almost here 😉. I have been looking forward to let my mind drift of to Valdor again, and it was everything!

First of, I adored the little recap by Castor! He is funny and also a little aggravating, though I guess that is part of his charm. 😉 We’ll see a lot more from Castor in this book, as there are more chapters from his POV. We also get a POV from a whole new character, which gave the story more layers and complexity. Ofcourse I loved Daxton and Skylar, their love is beautiful and otherworldly. I loved seeing how their bond only grew over time, making them a true powercouple.
The story was very exciting, there was never a dull moment. There is so much battle action, political intrigue, betrayal, plot twists, plotting and scheming. I loved it! Ofcourse the worldbuilding is awe inspiring, just like the rest of the series.

This was the conclusion we were probably all hoping for. An epic ending to an epic series. 💜
Profile Image for Michelle Stewart.
591 reviews17 followers
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.
Profile Image for Katie.
779 reviews43 followers
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.
Profile Image for Jen M.
93 reviews5 followers
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!!
Profile Image for Amber K.
1,371 reviews59 followers
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!!
Profile Image for spellsofthepage.
18 reviews
May 23, 2026
The final book! How can we be at an end! Oh how I will miss my girl, Skylar!
This finale was action-packed. Skylar steps into her queenly role in book 4. I really enjoyed the multi POV chapters, especially getting POVs from my favorite character, Shaw. That sweet romantic scene with Shaw was everything and just perfect. You also get to meet a new character which really helped to close out any loose ends in the plot to bring this story to a close. The action-packed battle scenes were fun!! I can't wait to see what JE writes next for us!
Profile Image for Kaiti Mills.
62 reviews
May 24, 2026
I don't know if you all know this... BUT... I freaking LOVE this series!!!

What a fantastic ending to the series! No spoilers here though 😜.

JE gives us all of the best in this final installment, new POVs (that are amazing btw), the final battle, MORE of Ice Daddy Dax (and I do mean more!) and of course the ending is just everything you will want in a romantasy, promise!

Just read it!!!
Profile Image for Kerrie Lynne.
38 reviews
July 11, 2026
Wow, I am not emotionally ready to let these characters go. 😭
I don't read fantasy, but this series got me into it and had me hanging on every word! I do feel like this book was a little rushed, it could have been split into two books. I would have liked to see the storyline of other characters expanded on, but that would be my only criticism!
I actually can't wait to reread the entire series!
Profile Image for Debra.
944 reviews22 followers
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.
4 reviews1 follower
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!!!
Profile Image for Migeldy Mauri.
1,083 reviews14 followers
June 22, 2026
4/5 ⭐️

This was a solid finale for the Valdor series.
I enjoyed the final battle a lot.
Skylar got the happy ending she deserved and that's all that matters.
12 reviews
May 25, 2026
Bravo!

Well worth the wait. Solid wrap up to a great series! If youre looking for a good read with shifters, fae, romance, a twists. Valdor series is a great choice!
Profile Image for April More.
154 reviews29 followers
May 24, 2026
What a beautiful and intense ending to this series. I just love Spitfire and Dax’s love. And the bond they have with their pack.
Profile Image for Carolyn Fleischer.
11 reviews
May 26, 2026
I was so excited to read this final book and it was totally satisfying I loved how all the characters had closure.
Profile Image for Alex | alexs.magical.library .
232 reviews6 followers
June 1, 2026
📚 ARC REVIEW 📚
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m so sad to see this series come to an end but what a fantastic and unforgettable journey it has been!! This series is forever woven into my fantasy soul and will easily become a re-read Romantasy favorite for me!!

From book 1, A Trial of Fate, I knew this series would be one of my favorites and it never wavered. Each book delivered more action, more steam, more side characters and not only kept my attention but made me eager for more the further and further I dove in. It easily conveyed ALL the fantasy tropes you WANT & CRAVE in this kind of series - fae & shifters, political intrigue, found family, mate bonds, high stakes, villains you hate, major angst, delicious spice- and masterly wove all these aspects into a multi POV cast and adventure you can fall in love with.

The story picks right up after where book 3, A Trial of Two Worlds, ended and the action NEVER stops. As the rag-tag group of shifters and fae rally together and prepare for the final stand against Minaeve, tensions are high, lines will be drawn, everyone clings to the promise of a tomorrow and JE Larson will have you on the edge of your seat and sobbing into your kindle!!

I really enjoyed & appreciated Castor’s re-cap, before the prologue, in the last two books. This was a major feature that helped me re-connect with the story right from the beginning and made me anxious to dive back in. I loved how much of Castor’s personality it portrays as well, since you can NEVER have enough of Castor!!

Although Daxton & Skylar will FOREVER be my favorite couple in this series (rightfully so as the MCs), I LOVED this found family group and really enjoyed seeing so many of the side characters find their mates and happily ever after. The prologue wraps up everyone's lives really well and gives you some insight on how everyone found their peace after the war. I loved this series so much that I never want these characters to disappear and was secretly hoping for some small openings for a spin-off!!
Profile Image for tbrtemptress.
38 reviews1 follower
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!🩵
49 reviews1 follower
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews