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Breath of Mist #3

Soul of Carnage

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Some bonds are chosen.
Others are carved into your soul by fate

Ariana never asked to be tied to her enemy.
Erik refuses to bow to a destiny that would take her from him.
And Clause? He wants only two things. Power and Ariana herself.

376 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

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Leona Welch

4 books39 followers

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5 stars
32 (84%)
4 stars
5 (13%)
3 stars
1 (2%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
Profile Image for Leanna Streeter.
516 reviews87 followers
March 27, 2026
I honestly don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved this finale.

Soul of Carnage completely consumed me. The entire time I was reading, I had this constant anxiety of how is this possibly going to end and somehow it delivered in a way that felt both devastating and satisfying.

Ariana is such a strong FMC. I loved her resilience and the way she continues to push forward no matter what’s thrown at her. And Erik who is so Supportive, protective, but still powerful in his own right. Their dynamic just works so well.

But Clause… he absolutely stole the show for me.

He is one of those villains that lingers with you. The kind you understand, even when you don’t agree. You see the why behind everything he does, and part of you can’t help but hope for something different for him. That balance of sympathy and horror was done so well. He never felt over-the-top or cartoonishly evil he’s just painfully real. And honestly, that made everything hit even harder.

The emotional weight of this story is what really stood out. There’s a haunting quality to how everything unfolds, and it sticks with you long after you finish.

And Iver?? Forever my favorite. The banter, the personality, the way he brings life into every scene and I loved every moment with him. The found family in this series is everything, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve been so invested from the start.

This was such a strong, satisfying conclusion, and I already know this is a series I won’t stop thinking about anytime soon.
Profile Image for Alexa ♡.
54 reviews2 followers
March 31, 2026
I was torn the whole time reading this… part of me wanted to devour it like I did with the first two books, and the other part wanted to take it slow and savor it because I knew it was the end.

The choices in this one are messy and heavy, and they stick with you. You can feel how much they change everything for everyone.

I feel emotionally wrecked… but also weirdly happy at the same time. It makes no sense, but it also makes perfect sense.

This trilogy gave me characters that feel like real people… people I’m actually going to miss.

I’m devastated. I’m happy. I’m not okay. And I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Profile Image for Carrie.
149 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 22, 2026
Soul of Carnage? The Carnage was done to my soul 😭 What a breathtaking and heart-wrenching conclusion to a beautiful Trilogy full of characters that feel like family. It is a good reminder that every choice we make affects not only us but everyone around us. May you choose wisely. and may your life be touched with as much love as these characters touched one another's with theirs
Profile Image for Katie.
694 reviews33 followers
May 13, 2026
Oh my goodness… I have genuinely sat here for the past half hour trying to figure out how to even begin this review because no words feel worthy enough for what I just experienced. This book completely consumed me. The emotional depth, the tension, the constant anxiety coursing through every page absolutely tormented my heart …but in the best possible way.

I could not turn the pages fast enough because I needed to know what was going to happen, yet at the same time I was terrified to reach the end of this beautiful trilogy. That balance of desperation and dread is something so few authors can achieve, but this author mastered it effortlessly.

The writing is absolutely top tier. The storytelling is so immersive, so vivid, and so emotionally charged that it genuinely felt like I was inside the world watching everything unfold in real time. Every moment hit with intensity, every emotion felt real, and every character stayed with me long after I finished the final page.

Needless to say, I am feeling every possible emotion right now. What an unforgettable way to end a world and a trilogy. Explosive, heartbreaking, beautiful, and utterly perfect. Five stars without hesitation. Leona, you are a genius!
Profile Image for Melissa Khamchanh.
47 reviews
May 12, 2026
Soul of Carnage is a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion to the Breath of Mist trilogy—one that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. This book isn’t just a finale; it’s a culmination of sacrifice, longing, and the raw cost of destiny.

Arianna, the FMC, is a beautifully complex character—both strong and deeply vulnerable. Her unwavering determination to save her people drives the story forward, but it’s the emotional weight behind her choices that truly makes her stand out. She isn’t fearless—she feels everything—and that’s what makes her strength so compelling. Every decision she makes comes at a cost, and the sacrifices she endures to reach her end goal are nothing short of heartbreaking.

The fated mates trope is executed brilliantly here, layered with tension, history, and emotional conflict. Arianna is bound to a king who has lived for centuries—a man hardened by time, whose heart has turned cold and calculating. His love is not gentle; it’s possessive, manipulative, and at times unsettling. As a narcissistic and deeply flawed character, he will stop at nothing to reclaim Ariana, even if it means stripping away her happiness for his own gain. The dynamic between them is intense, complicated, and at times uncomfortable—but that discomfort serves a purpose. It forces the reader to truly understand Ariana’s journey and the stakes of her choices.

Despite the darkness, the banter between Ariana and her fated mate adds a sharp, engaging edge to their relationship. Their interactions are layered with tension, wit, and unspoken emotion, making every encounter feel significant.

This book doesn’t shy away from difficult themes or uncomfortable moments. Instead, it leans into them, challenging the reader to sit with that discomfort and see the story through Ariana’s eyes. It’s not always easy—but it’s incredibly impactful.

Ultimately, Soul of Carnage is about sacrifice, identity, and the strength it takes to choose your own path—even when destiny tries to dictate otherwise. As Arianna faces not only her enemies but also the man she is bound to, the final question looms: can she truly hold onto herself and fulfill what’s been asked of her?

A gripping, emotional, and unforgettable ending—this is a finale that lingers long after the last page.
Profile Image for MaKayla.
108 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2026
Review of ARC copy.

5 ⭐️

The damage you have done to my heart can never be undone!! I’m devastated while also incredibly happy. No other way to describe it.

I was astonished that the first book was the authors debut but the trilogy as a whole? Even more astonished after finishing this. Severely underrated.

I’m so incredibly broken and don’t think I’ll ever move on from this one.

Please do yourself a favor and read it.
Profile Image for Sarah Stafford.
408 reviews
April 3, 2026
I loved that the decisions made in this story made sense. I don’t know another way to put it. If I was in Ariana’s shoes I would have done the exact same thing but I would have been a little less hesitant with certain things lol. The constant feeling of dread I had in this book had me eating it up and dragging my feet. When I say I hate Clause I mean it with my whole chest he is the worst in my book. I’m not sure I hate any other villain more than him.
This book had me covering my face in disgust, rolling my eyes in exasperation, holding my breath, and kicking my feet in glee.

Open Door Scenes
20 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2026
Okay, wow where do I begin? I’m trying to let this book still marinate because this was one heck of a ride. This ended up being my favorite of the trilogy. There was so much heartbreak, tension and jaw dropping moments. Erik and Arianna have quickly become one of my favorite couples. How is it that this was a debut series?! There’s so much I could say about this book, about this series, but this one is the most important. GO PICK THIS TRILOGY UP!! This was a perfect wrap up to an amazing trilogy and I will be thinking about this for a long time to come. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Profile Image for Rikki Reads  Driver.
9 reviews
April 3, 2026
The emotional journey that this trilogy took me on was the ride of a lifetime. Hearts torn, promised mates, and deception at every turn. Ariana did exactly what she set out to do and she did it well. This book had me feeling every way. From rooting for the villain to being split with the other king, I had no idea the twists and turns that were coming and I ate it up! So sad it’s over but it was such a phenomenal story.
Profile Image for jennifer.
49 reviews21 followers
April 11, 2026
I really appreciated this final book in the trilogy. I loved how everything felt messy and real, and how they actually had to fight to get to where they ended up. It made the journey feel so much more worth it. I grew so attached to the story and the characters, and I’m honestly so sad to see it all come to an end 🥺
Profile Image for April More.
133 reviews21 followers
May 13, 2026
Oh my goodness, that was intense. My heart! This book was amazing and heartbreaking. What a bittersweet ending.
Profile Image for Stephanie Bleckley.
138 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
February 18, 2026
What a privilege it has been to read this trilogy from the very beginning. From the moment I picked up Breath of Mist by Leona Welch, I knew this series was special. Book one gave us witty banter, delicious enemies-to-lovers tension, and that addictive slow burn romantasy feel. Heart of Torment raised the stakes with deeper character development, sharper twists, and emotional revelations that left me reeling.

And then there’s book three.

I don’t say this lightly: this was the best of the series.

The playful undertones and lightness from book one? Gone. Replaced with something heavier. Darker. More unforgiving. The world we’ve grown to love feels sharper now - more dangerous. The emotional cost of every choice is tangible, and you feel it in your chest with every chapter.

This book doesn’t just raise the stakes, it detonates them.

Hard decisions are made. The kind that don’t have clean answers. The kind that leave scars. The kind that forever alter the trajectory of every character involved. There were multiple moments where I had to stop and just sit with what had happened.

And Clause…

I did not expect to feel so conflicted. Somehow, the author crafted a villain who is both devastating and deeply human without being human. You find yourself torn between rooting for him and wanting to rage against everything he’s done. That emotional tug-of-war? Exquisite, painful, and absolutely brilliant.

The character arcs that began in book one reach their full, breathtaking conclusion here. The growth, the sacrifices, the unraveling and rebuilding - it is masterfully done.
Nothing feels wasted. Every moment matters.

This is the kind of finale that leaves you staring at a wall after you turn the last page. The kind that sits with you. That replays in your mind when you’re trying to fall asleep. The kind that makes you want to immediately reread the entire series just to see how masterfully it was all set up from the beginning.

Five stars doesn’t even feel like enough.

This trilogy started with tension and banter, evolved into depth and revelation, and concludes with emotional devastation and hard-earned resolution. It’s bold. It’s heartbreaking. It’s powerful.

What a journey.
Profile Image for Shana.
69 reviews
May 18, 2026
Wow!! This book is beautifully tragic and I couldn't imagine a more perfect conclusion to this breathtaking trilogy. The ending left me sitting on the couch in silence staring at the wall. I think I felt every kind of emotion possible while reading this story.

So far Leona is the only author who has been able to write a villain so full of depth and character that I actually found myself caring for him. Clause might be the best written villain I have read. The way Leona peels back the layers of Clause to make you hate him and simultaneously feel for him is flawlessly executed.

This book dives into some messy and emotional situations that allow you to experience this story through our FMC's eyes and emotions. At the core this story is about sacrifice, love, and difficult choices.

This is a series that will linger with you and live rent free in your head. I absolutely adored the characters in this series so deeply that they began to feel like real life friends and family. I am devastated to say goodbye to them.

If you enjoy slow burn romantasy with phenomenal character development, top tier found family with banter, hilarious and lovable side characters, a badass FMC who will make her own path in life, and a story full of layers and raw emotions, then RUN to grab this series immediately.
Profile Image for InkedSirenXO.
189 reviews17 followers
April 5, 2026
Review of Advanced Copy received from author:


Some bonds are chosen… and others feel like they were written into your bones long before you had a say in them.

This book didn’t just conclude a trilogy, it consumed it. Body, heart, and whatever fragile sanity I had left.

I went into this knowing it would hurt. I did not expect it to rearrange me.

Ariana, Erik, and Clause are not just characters, they are forces colliding. Every decision they make feels like a spark in a room soaked in gasoline, and you feel the burn of every consequence. The tension between love, power, and destiny is relentless, like the story itself refuses to let you breathe until the very last page.

I was completely torn while reading. Part of me wanted to devour it in one sitting, the way I did the earlier books. The other part clung to every chapter, trying to slow time because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. And honestly? I still’m not.

The emotional weight in this finale is staggering. The choices are messy, painful, and achingly human. No easy answers. No clean lines. Just raw, beautiful chaos that lingers long after you finish.

And that ending… it didn’t just break me. It rebuilt me into something softer, something sharper. I’m devastated. I’m full. I’m not okay. And I wouldn’t change a single thing.

This trilogy gave me characters that feel like real people, people I’m genuinely grieving like I’ve lost them. That kind of connection is rare. That kind of storytelling? Unforgettable.

If you want a story that grips your throat and your heart at the same time, this is it. Just… be prepared to walk away a different person than when you started.
Profile Image for Lisa Gainers.
222 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 20, 2026
I absolutely loved the Breath of Mist trilogy, and this final book completely delivered.
From the very first page, it feels like you’re holding your breath alongside the characters. Ariana Bavadrin, Leader Superior, is faced with impossible choices as she fights for her people’s freedom, choices that constantly test who she is at her core. Watching her struggle between duty and identity was gripping.
Erik, the Lysian Leader Superior, is just as compelling, torn between leading his people and choosing the woman he loves. His internal battle adds another layer of tension that never lets up.
And then there’s King Clause, driven by one goal;his mate, no matter the cost.
This book is an emotional rollercoaster packed with layered schemes, shifting loyalties, and constant twists. You’re left questioning everything: who to trust, what’s real, and how it will all end. A fast-paced, high-stakes finale that kept me hooked until the very last page.
Profile Image for Brianne Yeager.
183 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2026
4.75⭐️

Soul of Carnage was such an emotional and intense finale to this trilogy. I absolutely loved Ariana and Erik, but honestly, I couldn’t bring myself to hate Clause either. My heart genuinely hurt for him throughout this book, and I’m so excited that Leona Welch is giving him another story because I am not ready to let his character go yet.

The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars for me was because the middle section dragged a little at times. There were a few repetitive moments where it felt like not much was happening, but once the story picked back up, I was completely locked in again.

And that ending!! Absolutely worth the journey.

The side characters are all chefs kiss. Ivers in my favorite!

Overall, this entire trilogy is a 5-star read for me, and I’ll be recommending it to everyone. This series is criminally underhyped, and I genuinely cannot wait to see what this author writes next!
Profile Image for Haley Law.
35 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 9, 2026
I have no words for this book. I went through so many emotions throughout this book. This book is like nothing I have ever read. If you think something is going to happen, it absolutely is not going to happen the way that you think. As I write this, I currently feel empty inside because I don't know what to do with myself.

You think Ariana went through it in Heart of Torment. No. That was absolutely nothing. My heart absolutely aches for her in this book. The emotional turmoil that both her and Erik must endure in order to make everything right. There is so much maneuvering that must be done to make things happen, whether they like it or not, in order to have the favorable outcome.

I can't say this enough, this is a must read series. It hits you in so many ways that you come out of it a completely different person than when you started.
Profile Image for Tiffany Shivers.
8 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 23, 2026
Review of my first ever ARC read.

Thank you so much to Leona Welch for one of my new favorite series. I can’t wait to read more by her. At no point did I know how this story would end and I loved every second of it. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

Spoilers ahead:


******************






Erik said “I love you” and she said “I wish you didn’t” absolutely WRECKED me. And I’m not going to lie, I kind of started to enjoy Clause just a little bit. I just wish he hadn’t hardened to the point he was incapable of true love.
And Edda, always with the dramatics 😅 but in the end, I somehow wasn’t sure whether or not she would go through with it and sacrifice herself. The ending kept me on my toes and I felt like I was in the room with them. With no knowledge of the plan and, honestly? Top tier writing and plot line. That was possibly my favorite thing I’ve ever read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shannon Duncan.
38 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026
Review of advanced copy from author

Soul of carnage is the last book in the Breath of Mist trilogy. It’s safe to say this book caused carnage on my soul! I loooved this book! It has me hiding under my blanket and screaming!

Ariana is one of the most fierce and resilient FMC’s I have read in a long time and I couldn’t help but love her and her story. Erik’s character was written in a way not to steal the show but to support in living it to new heights and I feel he achieved that in a great way!

This book had me emotionally wrecked and sobbing. The feelings hit and the writing is beautiful. The decisions the characters had to make and the consequences that came with them had me absolutely sobbing!

Profile Image for Kim living life reading books.
170 reviews9 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 12, 2026
Wow! This trilogy consumed me! It is not often I will binge a series. This one I had to know how it ended!

Leona’s writing was amazing and I ate this up!

I loved all the characters good & bad they all had their part.

I felt all the emotions and it pained me at times that I had to stop.

While reading this, I found myself holding my breath anticipating how the situation would turn out. I also felt some very strong emotions towards certain characters that did started in the first book and did not change maybe just a little😂

This is a trilogy you do not want to skip!

Thank you Leona for the e-ARC to read and review!
Profile Image for Ashley Martin.
15 reviews
May 18, 2026
Soul of Carnage was the epic conclusion this trilogy needed. As a reader, I was taken on a wild ride of emotions throughout this book; from happiness, to 🔥🤭, to heartbreak all wrapping up in a satisfying ending. The author does an amazing job showing the good and bad of her characters especially Clause. She will have you hating him while also empathizing with him! Also Ariana’s inner conflict is so relatable throughout this book. She is a great example of how much the choices you make matter! She goes through so much throughout this book & trilogy and it was good to see her moving on after the events with Clause and living her life out. I will 100% be reading the next book by this author!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kaerbare.
16 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 1, 2026
The roller coaster of emotions I had while reading this book was the best. I ate up this whole trilogy, I thought I would take one more night to finish it and ended up crying at 130am having finished the book. I can't express how much I enjoyed this trilogy, and especially this ending.

I did receive an ebook ARC for free, however, I've already preordered the physical copy for when it releases and I cannot wait to get it!

Leona's writing style is detailed and easy to read/follow, her characters are well written, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what she gives us next.
Profile Image for Amber Charpentier.
60 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 13, 2026
This book.... WOW!! I didn't want to put it down but then I also wanted it to last forever. The entire book was so emotional and had me in my feelings. Ariana really will stop at nothing to ensure a better world and life for everyone. Never once did I see the end game for what it was and that ending???!!!! Leona what?? And so was he??? Be still my beating heart. This may be the very first series I've given 5 stars to every book and I will not stop singing it's praises!
15 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 14, 2026
Ughhh this book has me in its clutches! Every book in this series got better and better and by the end I was so hooked I didn’t even put it down while I was brushing my teeth or making dinner. The romance, as always, was subtly done in a way that made it even more powerful. And the ending?! Needless to say I will be reading the next series. Once you get to the end of the series you’ll understand what I mean 😉
Profile Image for Arianna.
66 reviews7 followers
May 18, 2026
I didn’t finish Soul of Carnage - Soul of Carnage finished me. Wow Wow - what a fantastic finish to the Breath of Mist trilogy.

Thank you to Leona for the opportunity to read this as an ARC.

We definitely go through it with Ariana and the struggle, pain and turmoil of one man having her heart and another having her soul.

This is a MUST read for all my Romantasy friends - impossible choices, destiny vs choice, emotional damage, this was always going to end in ruin.
Profile Image for Bri Bonner.
29 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2026
*Review of advanced copy from author*

What does it say about me if Clause was my favorite character? 🚩🤪

I actually jumped into this series without having fully read the first two books and still greatly enjoyed Leona's writing! Totally wasn't expecting the ending!
Profile Image for Samantha Beaver.
17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 16, 2026
I was blessed to be able to Arc read this book and let me tell you, I am devastated! Not the ending i was expecting but i enjoyed the book alot!
7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Well Leona did it again! This book is absolutely amazing, I enjoyed the drama, the back story, the choices and the found family. Her books always have me wanting more!
Profile Image for Chrissy R.
33 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 6, 2026
Such a great ending to a fun story! I thoroughly enjoyed this series! I will now have to start her next series!
3 reviews
May 21, 2026
This. Was. Epic.
So emotional and sticks with you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews