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A Path of Wrath and Valor: Three Dragons Trilogy
What would you do if you were destined to save an Empire?
If you were Valesa, you would run away and become a paid mercenary who likes her drink but loves the freedom her life gives her.
Her latest job? To escort a human princess to a politically arranged marriage. Easy coin—until a drunken brawl lands them in a jail cell, a trio of royal guards arrives, and Valesa is summoned back to the imperial court she left decades ago.
Torn between her past and present, Valesa must navigate a brewing storm of political upheaval, ancient rivalries, and a growing attraction to a warrior who might be more than just her escort home. As secrets from the Vila Empire begin to surface and danger lurks just behind them, Valesa must return to a role she never wanted or walk away from a world that may need her now more than ever… or something more.
In a land where loyalty has a perilous cost and love is the most dangerous weapon of all, Valesa's greatest battle may be against herself.
If you were Valesa, you would run away and become a paid mercenary who likes her drink but loves the freedom her life gives her.
Her latest job? To escort a human princess to a politically arranged marriage. Easy coin—until a drunken brawl lands them in a jail cell, a trio of royal guards arrives, and Valesa is summoned back to the imperial court she left decades ago.
Torn between her past and present, Valesa must navigate a brewing storm of political upheaval, ancient rivalries, and a growing attraction to a warrior who might be more than just her escort home. As secrets from the Vila Empire begin to surface and danger lurks just behind them, Valesa must return to a role she never wanted or walk away from a world that may need her now more than ever… or something more.
In a land where loyalty has a perilous cost and love is the most dangerous weapon of all, Valesa's greatest battle may be against herself.
475 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
2 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 25, 2026
This was a really strong epic romantasy that held my attention far more than I expected!!
Path of Wrath & Valor leans heavily into political fantasy, character growth, and slow-building tension rather than immediate romantic payoff. Valesa is a compelling FMC right from the start, shes sharp, guarded, and carrying enough emotional weight to keep the story moving. Her banter was a standout for me and added a spark that kept scenes feeling lively even during heavier plot moments.
The worldbuilding and magical system clearly set the stage for a much larger series arc. There’s betrayal, shifting loyalties, court intrigue, and multiple relationship threads being carefully layered. This is very much a foundation book, and you can feel the bigger story brewing underneath the surface.
Now, as someone whose taste usually runs much darker and much spicier, this is not my typical lane. The romance is more slow-build and emotionally driven than high-heat, and the story prioritizes political movement and character journey over constant tension spikes.
But…
The fact that this is nearly 500 pages and still kept me consistently engaged without relying on heavy spice says a lot about the strength of the writing and the story structure. That alone bumped this up significantly for me.
If you enjoy:
- character-driven romantasy
- political intrigue and court tension
- slow-burn romantic development
- strong, guarded FMC energy
…this will likely land very well for you.
Very solid 4.5 stars for me and I’m definitely excited to see where the trilogy goes next!!
Path of Wrath & Valor leans heavily into political fantasy, character growth, and slow-building tension rather than immediate romantic payoff. Valesa is a compelling FMC right from the start, shes sharp, guarded, and carrying enough emotional weight to keep the story moving. Her banter was a standout for me and added a spark that kept scenes feeling lively even during heavier plot moments.
The worldbuilding and magical system clearly set the stage for a much larger series arc. There’s betrayal, shifting loyalties, court intrigue, and multiple relationship threads being carefully layered. This is very much a foundation book, and you can feel the bigger story brewing underneath the surface.
Now, as someone whose taste usually runs much darker and much spicier, this is not my typical lane. The romance is more slow-build and emotionally driven than high-heat, and the story prioritizes political movement and character journey over constant tension spikes.
But…
The fact that this is nearly 500 pages and still kept me consistently engaged without relying on heavy spice says a lot about the strength of the writing and the story structure. That alone bumped this up significantly for me.
If you enjoy:
- character-driven romantasy
- political intrigue and court tension
- slow-burn romantic development
- strong, guarded FMC energy
…this will likely land very well for you.
Very solid 4.5 stars for me and I’m definitely excited to see where the trilogy goes next!!
February 26, 2026
Review for A Path of Wrath and Valor by Larysa Alexander.
A book filled with so many feelings. It leaves you with questions where you want the answer right now and feels like you can’t read fast enough.
The magic system in this book is so different and I enjoyed the various creatures and Larysa created the characters so well. I love the fact that each Vila has a unique story told in a special way.
The book follows FMC Valesa and her journey through human lands and her interesting road back home. She’s a strong female physically and mentally, with a very straight forward personality. I loved her and how she could stand up for herself and managed to get through so much pain and suffering in various situations.
Our MMC was great, until he wasn’t… but no more on that to prevent spoilers.
The story was easy to follow and had a lot of details. But the writing style was a bit different and I felt the book was a bit too long and that some of the last chapters could have been left for the next book. But overall it was a very enjoyable read.
I will recommend to fantasy readers who enjoys spice - not a YA book.
A book filled with so many feelings. It leaves you with questions where you want the answer right now and feels like you can’t read fast enough.
The magic system in this book is so different and I enjoyed the various creatures and Larysa created the characters so well. I love the fact that each Vila has a unique story told in a special way.
The book follows FMC Valesa and her journey through human lands and her interesting road back home. She’s a strong female physically and mentally, with a very straight forward personality. I loved her and how she could stand up for herself and managed to get through so much pain and suffering in various situations.
Our MMC was great, until he wasn’t… but no more on that to prevent spoilers.
The story was easy to follow and had a lot of details. But the writing style was a bit different and I felt the book was a bit too long and that some of the last chapters could have been left for the next book. But overall it was a very enjoyable read.
I will recommend to fantasy readers who enjoys spice - not a YA book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
What a wild ride of emotions and adrenaline. We meet Valesa, an elf who has been in thr human realms for years doing odd jobs and this time around she is accompanying a princess to her new kingdom to marry the prince. Along the way, she is found by 3 royal Vila guards with an urgent message that thr Queen requests her presence to return home. Well then. Val tells them she has to finish her job then will return. However the one elf Temian will accompany them and there is smtg about him that makes Val take notice. After they drop off the princess they embark back to the Vilan lands and are attacked by orcs. It is quite unusually for them to be in the human lands. Temian tells Val that the orcs are gathering and they are trying to invade. Val along witb her 2 sisters are known as the dragons. A Prophecy was given about the dragons defeating the evil of the land. Val abd her old her sister were adopted by the queen and the youngest is the only birthed princess. The queen tells the girls of what is happening and instructs Val to be a spy in the northern region as things are dire. Val and temian have gotten closer and feelings develop and Val doesn't want temian to know of the mission as he's from the north. Betrayal is afoot and Val is amongst the causality of that betrayal and she jumps off a cliff to save herself. She is rescued by a family who helps Travellers and learns there is a group of beings with special powers to help those in need and to be the eyes and ears of what's happening with the orcs. There is so much more going on in thr kingdom than anyone knows. Secrets, lies, drama and love make this read a must.
What a wild ride of emotions and adrenaline. We meet Valesa, an elf who has been in thr human realms for years doing odd jobs and this time around she is accompanying a princess to her new kingdom to marry the prince. Along the way, she is found by 3 royal Vila guards with an urgent message that thr Queen requests her presence to return home. Well then. Val tells them she has to finish her job then will return. However the one elf Temian will accompany them and there is smtg about him that makes Val take notice. After they drop off the princess they embark back to the Vilan lands and are attacked by orcs. It is quite unusually for them to be in the human lands. Temian tells Val that the orcs are gathering and they are trying to invade. Val along witb her 2 sisters are known as the dragons. A Prophecy was given about the dragons defeating the evil of the land. Val abd her old her sister were adopted by the queen and the youngest is the only birthed princess. The queen tells the girls of what is happening and instructs Val to be a spy in the northern region as things are dire. Val and temian have gotten closer and feelings develop and Val doesn't want temian to know of the mission as he's from the north. Betrayal is afoot and Val is amongst the causality of that betrayal and she jumps off a cliff to save herself. She is rescued by a family who helps Travellers and learns there is a group of beings with special powers to help those in need and to be the eyes and ears of what's happening with the orcs. There is so much more going on in thr kingdom than anyone knows. Secrets, lies, drama and love make this read a must.
February 25, 2026
Larysa Alexander
A Path of Wrath and Valor
This is a spellbinding fantasy romance, that slowly - but powerfully -pulls you into a world filled with danger and some tough choices.
The story follows Valesa, an Imperial princess with a thirst for adventure, who is forced to choose between duty, survival and desire – none of which come easily. Will she survive the betrayal that awaits her, or will Love find its way back to the forefront. But oh, the chemistry she and Tem shares is enough to burn brighter even that the hottest flame. Together they must navigate secrets, loss and heartbreak.
The writing is immersive with a slow building pace that rewards you with powerful moments and what makes this book stand out is the way wrath, loyalty and love are woven together.
This is not a book that holds your hand – it expects you to feel alongside the characters, to question, to struggle and sometimes to hurt with them. It’s a light read, but deeply satisfying.
Rating: ****
Recommended readers: Romantasy
A Path of Wrath and Valor
This is a spellbinding fantasy romance, that slowly - but powerfully -pulls you into a world filled with danger and some tough choices.
The story follows Valesa, an Imperial princess with a thirst for adventure, who is forced to choose between duty, survival and desire – none of which come easily. Will she survive the betrayal that awaits her, or will Love find its way back to the forefront. But oh, the chemistry she and Tem shares is enough to burn brighter even that the hottest flame. Together they must navigate secrets, loss and heartbreak.
The writing is immersive with a slow building pace that rewards you with powerful moments and what makes this book stand out is the way wrath, loyalty and love are woven together.
This is not a book that holds your hand – it expects you to feel alongside the characters, to question, to struggle and sometimes to hurt with them. It’s a light read, but deeply satisfying.
Rating: ****
Recommended readers: Romantasy
January 27, 2026
Arc Review
A Path of Wrath and Valor by Larysa Alexander
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a land where loyalty has a perilous cost and love is the most dangerous weapon of all, Valesa's greatest battle may be against herself.
This book was such a wild rollercoaster of emotions, I just could've put it down!!
In the book We meet Valesa, an elf who has been in the human realms for years doing odd jobs to survive and get by. As she takes a job to escort a princess she is approached by 3 royal guards from her home land.
She must return home as the queen has need of her.
I'm not gonna go into much more detail as I don't want to spoil anything just know this book is full of Secrets, lies, drama and love that makes this book a must read.
I devoured this book in a 6 hour sitting while I was sick and I just wish book two was ready!!
But in this book you'll also find betrayal, an interesting and unique magical system, mates both straight and gay, you also get lovers, to enemies, and back to lovers.
Just please read the book I don't believe you'll regret it!!!
A Path of Wrath and Valor by Larysa Alexander
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
In a land where loyalty has a perilous cost and love is the most dangerous weapon of all, Valesa's greatest battle may be against herself.
This book was such a wild rollercoaster of emotions, I just could've put it down!!
In the book We meet Valesa, an elf who has been in the human realms for years doing odd jobs to survive and get by. As she takes a job to escort a princess she is approached by 3 royal guards from her home land.
She must return home as the queen has need of her.
I'm not gonna go into much more detail as I don't want to spoil anything just know this book is full of Secrets, lies, drama and love that makes this book a must read.
I devoured this book in a 6 hour sitting while I was sick and I just wish book two was ready!!
But in this book you'll also find betrayal, an interesting and unique magical system, mates both straight and gay, you also get lovers, to enemies, and back to lovers.
Just please read the book I don't believe you'll regret it!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really tried to enjoy this book, but unfortunately, it is written poorly. There are so many repetitions in words and sentences, excessive filler, passive use, and a tendency to tell rather than show.
For example, paragraphs often read like this: I think that he really didn't have to do this. 'You really shouldn't have to do this,' I said a bit annoyed.
The book could lose half of its sentences without sacrificing any content, and it would likely be a much better read as a result.
At the halfway point, when he betrayed her, I reached my breaking point. She is a princess of the empire, yet the characters seem oblivious to the identities of the royals in their kingdoms (even if she doesn't know, surely her mother and sisters would know?).
Additionally, the reliance on the miscommunication trope to force separation between the characters, rather than having them communicate openly, is incredibly frustrating.
This book has potential, but it desperately needs editing.
For example, paragraphs often read like this: I think that he really didn't have to do this. 'You really shouldn't have to do this,' I said a bit annoyed.
The book could lose half of its sentences without sacrificing any content, and it would likely be a much better read as a result.
At the halfway point, when he betrayed her, I reached my breaking point. She is a princess of the empire, yet the characters seem oblivious to the identities of the royals in their kingdoms (even if she doesn't know, surely her mother and sisters would know?).
Additionally, the reliance on the miscommunication trope to force separation between the characters, rather than having them communicate openly, is incredibly frustrating.
This book has potential, but it desperately needs editing.
February 10, 2026
Really enjoyed this epic romantic fantasy. If I had to compare it, I'd say it falls somewhere between Throne of Glass and Lord of the Rings. So for fans of either Maas or Tolkien, I would definitely recommend and add this new author's novel. Val is an amazing and relatable FMC for all those girls who have ever wanted freedom and keep their hearts guarded, and the MMC will pull and push you back and forth throughout the chapters. Definitely going to be reading the next one in this trilogy!
Review of advance copy received from Author
the banter from Valessa, our FMC, was told notch!
we have betrayal, an interesting magical system, mates and gay mates. we also have lovers, to enemies, and back to lovers.
really enjoyed this book, particularly the humour, which is refreshing in this genre. but it does not skip on the darkness and betrayal.
we have betrayal, an interesting magical system, mates and gay mates. we also have lovers, to enemies, and back to lovers.
really enjoyed this book, particularly the humour, which is refreshing in this genre. but it does not skip on the darkness and betrayal.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book captures your soul and if you have to put it down you are anxious to get back to it. It puts your imagination in play as to what will happen next. The author has a way of keeping you in suspense and making you feel like you’re in the story as well. It takes you into a world of intrigue, passion and turmoil and I cannot wait for the next book!
January 27, 2026
She left when the life expected of her was laid out for her. She is loving her new life and when her latest job puts them behind bars. They arrive to escort them to the meeting but he seems more than meets the eye. Follow what she may do when a choice is needed
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fantastic read
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a fantastic read
February 9, 2026
Five amazing stars! Awesome story that pulled me in in the first chapter and never let me go. Hot and steamy chemistry. Character interaction were amazing. Well written book that I definitely enjoyed.
February 16, 2026
This is my first book by this author, and it was really good. It held my attention the entire time and it had enough action, adventure, and drama to keep me engaged the entire time.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews