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Emberquell Academy #4
Shadowborne: Reckoning
This final installment in the explosive dragon romantic fantasy, Emberquell Academy series, is a mythical realms romantasy perfect for fans of the Booktok sensations, Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing, and Sarah J. Maass's ACOTAR series. Do not miss the immersive adventure concluding this epic love story, unfolding amidst dragons, spies, and kings, in which a broken woman soars beyond enemies and traitors, to defeat those who never believed she should fly.
Thrones will fall. So will her chains.
In the final volume of the Emberquell Academy series, Bren Kearney, the first female to achieve the coveted rank of Furyknight, will battle her most harrowing Her own past.
While Donavyn wrestles with his vengeful demons, together they pursue whispers of treachery.
But the threat is far worse than they imagined. And when the mask of betrayal is finally torn away, the lovers learn the truth is not merely treason.
It's personal.
Dive into the final, epic volume of the Emberquell Academy series from Aimee Lynn, author of the Flameborne duet, where secrets lurk in every shadow, and a young woman risks everything, to take back the power that was stolen from her by those who only expected her to fall.
Now a complete series!
Triggers and Tropes A dragon romantic fantasy / romantasy with spice, dragons and dragon rider romance, fated mates, forbidden love, revenge, fantasy secret society romance, touch her and die, who did this to you, strong female lead, age gap, and much, much more!
*****
Genre and Series The Shadowborne duet is the final installment for Bren and Donavyn, and follow Flameborne. This is now a complete series of dragon romantasy books for adults / romantasy with spice. The Emberquell Academy romantic dragon books are brimming with forbidden love storylines, Who did this to you?, Touch her and die vibes, a female lead who grows from weak to strong, secret society, dominant males, and more! If you're looking for beasts, legends, adventures and fantasy dragons in kindle books romantasy, this is the series for you!
Thrones will fall. So will her chains.
In the final volume of the Emberquell Academy series, Bren Kearney, the first female to achieve the coveted rank of Furyknight, will battle her most harrowing Her own past.
While Donavyn wrestles with his vengeful demons, together they pursue whispers of treachery.
But the threat is far worse than they imagined. And when the mask of betrayal is finally torn away, the lovers learn the truth is not merely treason.
It's personal.
Dive into the final, epic volume of the Emberquell Academy series from Aimee Lynn, author of the Flameborne duet, where secrets lurk in every shadow, and a young woman risks everything, to take back the power that was stolen from her by those who only expected her to fall.
Now a complete series!
Triggers and Tropes A dragon romantic fantasy / romantasy with spice, dragons and dragon rider romance, fated mates, forbidden love, revenge, fantasy secret society romance, touch her and die, who did this to you, strong female lead, age gap, and much, much more!
*****
Genre and Series The Shadowborne duet is the final installment for Bren and Donavyn, and follow Flameborne. This is now a complete series of dragon romantasy books for adults / romantasy with spice. The Emberquell Academy romantic dragon books are brimming with forbidden love storylines, Who did this to you?, Touch her and die vibes, a female lead who grows from weak to strong, secret society, dominant males, and more! If you're looking for beasts, legends, adventures and fantasy dragons in kindle books romantasy, this is the series for you!
438 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2026
About the author
Aimee Lynn
26 books170 followersAimee Lynn was born in Oregon and grew up in New Zealand. She dreamed of being a novelist from the age of seven, but as a Gen-Xer, was informed it wasn’t a realistic career. Instead, she went to college to be a journalist and (very realistically) never completed her degree. It wasn’t until her mid-thirties, after a marriage, a corporate career, and a family, that she rediscovered the joy she’d found in writing fiction. Now, she thanks God for giving her a husband whose love inspires romance, and who isn’t threatened by Jason Momoa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
April 23, 2026
Lives Rent Free In My Mind!
**SPOILERS**
Wowza! Sooooo freaking good! My only complaint…I WANT MORE FROM BREN AND DONAVYN!!!!
Bren flees from Ruin who pursues her on Carnage. They make it to a safe house but Ruin follows her and corners her. He taunts her, humiliates her, almost kills her, but Donavyn arrives in time to stop him. Donavyn wants to kill him but restrains himself. They question Ruin, who claims he is on their side (uhhhh yeah, no). He says he is trying to find the mole, and has been basically doing the same thing as Donavyn. When Donavyn steps out with Bren to confer, and they return, he has escaped.
Now…Bren and Donavyn are conflicted. Could Ruin be telling the truth?! Yes he is morally corrupt, but is he also a traitor and a mole? They need more time and answers so they go back to playing the tired court game. Donavyn continues being paraded around as the diplomatic general, and Bren returns to charming the court as his uh, “assistant.” During this time she continues to “play” with the Lord Hanson, who is even more eager to procure her services, both as a Furymaster (one who talks to dragons) and as his bedmate. She recoils at his touch, and loathes him, but she has to play along. They need more information about the feral dragons, how Lord Hanson has so many, where they came from, and his plans for them. Everything becomes more complicated when Ruin shows up in court, taunting and verbally abusing Bren whenever he gets the chance.
Bren and Donavyn call in “her brothers” her squad mates and they intercept Ruin’s letters back to the kingdom. They can’t make head nor tails of them because on the surface they appear to be “innocent” communications back to the King. It’s only later that they realize he has written in code and now need to decipher the code and context.
Time is running out. Lord Hanson has put a deadline on Bren’s decision to join him, and the letters grow more confusing. At the eleventh hour all is revealed and it’s even more chilling than anyone could’ve imagined. The King (who Donavyn has been loyal to and trusted for decades) is behind EVERYTHING. He has promised Ruin Donavyn’s spot, and has ordered Ruin and Carnage to kill Donavyn and his dragon. There are several ways the king has mapped out Donavyn and his dragons destruction. When it becomes clear that the king wants him dead, Bren tells Donavyn she’ll fly ahead, back to the kingdom, pretend that Donavyn and his dragon are dead and she’s suffering from the death of the bond. She’ll speak to the queen (yes the manipulative beyotch that propositioned Donavyn). She believes the queen although ambitious and manipulative truly wants the best for the kingdom, and plays no part in the conspiracy to kill Donavyn, his dragon, and take over the dragons to use them as mindless weapons.
Bren and Donavyn part, and Bren flies to the kingdom. Donavyn is prepared to play his role, but Carnage, Ruin’s dragon attacks him and Donavyn and his dragon must fight for their lives. When it appears that Donavyn and Kgoski are winning, Carnage tears into the minds of the feral dragons, forcing them to follow him, and flies towards the kingdom with Ruin. Donavyn, though injured pursues them.
Bren has convinced the queen, and is headed back to wait when Ruin arrives with Carnage. Ruin tries to play the victim and hero, claiming that Bren got Donavyn killed by feeding information to the enemy, that SHE is the mole! But Bren is no longer the innocent little farm girl, and she fights back fiercely! GO BREN!!! She meets him in a fierce physical battle, and while doing so, she tells her dragon, Arkhane to show all the other dragons in the herd what happened to her. The dragons, are horrified, and will not listen to Ruin and Carnage now. But what’s best of all, Donavyn appears to contradict Ruins asinine claim, showing up with Kgoski. Kgoski challenges Carnage, and is disgusted by just how dark, evil and tainted Carnage is. He kills him. Arkhane takes over for Bren, not allowing her human to sully her hands by killing her tormenter, and burns him alive. The Queen arrives and curtsies to Kygoski, acknowledging his rule. She meets with Donavyn and brings Donavyn and Bren to her husband, the king, who her been imprisoned. He has been crippled and given a truth serum. He spills his nefarious plot, and it’s even more twisted than anyone could’ve imagined! He stole dragon eggs long ago. And the dragons that hatched he subverted them to “his” will by using his people and then Ruin and Carnage. The Queen tells Donavyn that the king is old (lol) and is going to have an unfortunate “accident” and die. She’ll take over, and usher in new reform for the kingdom and Furyknights. Women can now become Furyknights, and the dragons will not be subjects to the crown, they are free. She asks Donavyn to remain as her loyal royal advisor. Donavyn after getting her promise for real reform, agrees. Donavyn and Bren marry (I mean they are already Mates, but hey, let’s party) and the queen gives them a week long honeymoon, and gifts them her dead husband’s hunting lodge. While on their honeymoon their dragons tell them they need some alone time too…Arkhane is going to LAY AN EGG! Whooppppeeee!!! The dragons tell them that one day Donavyn and Bren will also have a child.
Whew, what an exhilarating ride!!!
**THOUGHTS/OPINIONS**
I LOVE THIS SERIES! It’s so much fun!!!! I adore dragon rider books, especially female dragon rider books. Bren is such an awesome character! Fragile, wounded, yet so strong, resilient, such a survivor. She grows sooooo much in these books, she is able to take on her tormenter in this last installment, she can take him on KNOWING HER WORTH!!! She is no longer afraid, and haunted by the memories of what Ruin did to her. She is a Furyknight, and beloved by General Donavyn!!! Donavyn is just…gahhhhh….he’s like my ultimate book boyfriend, lol! Where do I find a loyal, unwavering, kind, strong, and handsome dragon rider general, sign me up, please, lol! Together they are unstoppable!!! Both of them have to face their demons, and although they are mated, they need to learn to trust one another implicitly, and trust their dragons implicitly. The court intrigue is great, and the evil characters are suitably heinous!!! I’d say the traitor was a little obvious…I mean, I knew it was the king pretty early on. However, how deeply the corruption went was well spun by the author, and definitely not only kept the reader on edge, but pulled out some surprises!!! This book has everything you need for a great dragon rider romance fantasy!!! It’ll stay with you long after the last page has been read!!!! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this gem of a series!!! Here’s hoping that we’ll get further Bren and Donavyn novellas in the future, or bonus content! I’d LOVE to meet Arkhane and Kgoski’s dragonlet, and I’d adore seeing Bren pregnant, and meet her child with her beloved mate, Donavyn!!!
**SPOILERS**
Wowza! Sooooo freaking good! My only complaint…I WANT MORE FROM BREN AND DONAVYN!!!!
Bren flees from Ruin who pursues her on Carnage. They make it to a safe house but Ruin follows her and corners her. He taunts her, humiliates her, almost kills her, but Donavyn arrives in time to stop him. Donavyn wants to kill him but restrains himself. They question Ruin, who claims he is on their side (uhhhh yeah, no). He says he is trying to find the mole, and has been basically doing the same thing as Donavyn. When Donavyn steps out with Bren to confer, and they return, he has escaped.
Now…Bren and Donavyn are conflicted. Could Ruin be telling the truth?! Yes he is morally corrupt, but is he also a traitor and a mole? They need more time and answers so they go back to playing the tired court game. Donavyn continues being paraded around as the diplomatic general, and Bren returns to charming the court as his uh, “assistant.” During this time she continues to “play” with the Lord Hanson, who is even more eager to procure her services, both as a Furymaster (one who talks to dragons) and as his bedmate. She recoils at his touch, and loathes him, but she has to play along. They need more information about the feral dragons, how Lord Hanson has so many, where they came from, and his plans for them. Everything becomes more complicated when Ruin shows up in court, taunting and verbally abusing Bren whenever he gets the chance.
Bren and Donavyn call in “her brothers” her squad mates and they intercept Ruin’s letters back to the kingdom. They can’t make head nor tails of them because on the surface they appear to be “innocent” communications back to the King. It’s only later that they realize he has written in code and now need to decipher the code and context.
Time is running out. Lord Hanson has put a deadline on Bren’s decision to join him, and the letters grow more confusing. At the eleventh hour all is revealed and it’s even more chilling than anyone could’ve imagined. The King (who Donavyn has been loyal to and trusted for decades) is behind EVERYTHING. He has promised Ruin Donavyn’s spot, and has ordered Ruin and Carnage to kill Donavyn and his dragon. There are several ways the king has mapped out Donavyn and his dragons destruction. When it becomes clear that the king wants him dead, Bren tells Donavyn she’ll fly ahead, back to the kingdom, pretend that Donavyn and his dragon are dead and she’s suffering from the death of the bond. She’ll speak to the queen (yes the manipulative beyotch that propositioned Donavyn). She believes the queen although ambitious and manipulative truly wants the best for the kingdom, and plays no part in the conspiracy to kill Donavyn, his dragon, and take over the dragons to use them as mindless weapons.
Bren and Donavyn part, and Bren flies to the kingdom. Donavyn is prepared to play his role, but Carnage, Ruin’s dragon attacks him and Donavyn and his dragon must fight for their lives. When it appears that Donavyn and Kgoski are winning, Carnage tears into the minds of the feral dragons, forcing them to follow him, and flies towards the kingdom with Ruin. Donavyn, though injured pursues them.
Bren has convinced the queen, and is headed back to wait when Ruin arrives with Carnage. Ruin tries to play the victim and hero, claiming that Bren got Donavyn killed by feeding information to the enemy, that SHE is the mole! But Bren is no longer the innocent little farm girl, and she fights back fiercely! GO BREN!!! She meets him in a fierce physical battle, and while doing so, she tells her dragon, Arkhane to show all the other dragons in the herd what happened to her. The dragons, are horrified, and will not listen to Ruin and Carnage now. But what’s best of all, Donavyn appears to contradict Ruins asinine claim, showing up with Kgoski. Kgoski challenges Carnage, and is disgusted by just how dark, evil and tainted Carnage is. He kills him. Arkhane takes over for Bren, not allowing her human to sully her hands by killing her tormenter, and burns him alive. The Queen arrives and curtsies to Kygoski, acknowledging his rule. She meets with Donavyn and brings Donavyn and Bren to her husband, the king, who her been imprisoned. He has been crippled and given a truth serum. He spills his nefarious plot, and it’s even more twisted than anyone could’ve imagined! He stole dragon eggs long ago. And the dragons that hatched he subverted them to “his” will by using his people and then Ruin and Carnage. The Queen tells Donavyn that the king is old (lol) and is going to have an unfortunate “accident” and die. She’ll take over, and usher in new reform for the kingdom and Furyknights. Women can now become Furyknights, and the dragons will not be subjects to the crown, they are free. She asks Donavyn to remain as her loyal royal advisor. Donavyn after getting her promise for real reform, agrees. Donavyn and Bren marry (I mean they are already Mates, but hey, let’s party) and the queen gives them a week long honeymoon, and gifts them her dead husband’s hunting lodge. While on their honeymoon their dragons tell them they need some alone time too…Arkhane is going to LAY AN EGG! Whooppppeeee!!! The dragons tell them that one day Donavyn and Bren will also have a child.
Whew, what an exhilarating ride!!!
**THOUGHTS/OPINIONS**
I LOVE THIS SERIES! It’s so much fun!!!! I adore dragon rider books, especially female dragon rider books. Bren is such an awesome character! Fragile, wounded, yet so strong, resilient, such a survivor. She grows sooooo much in these books, she is able to take on her tormenter in this last installment, she can take him on KNOWING HER WORTH!!! She is no longer afraid, and haunted by the memories of what Ruin did to her. She is a Furyknight, and beloved by General Donavyn!!! Donavyn is just…gahhhhh….he’s like my ultimate book boyfriend, lol! Where do I find a loyal, unwavering, kind, strong, and handsome dragon rider general, sign me up, please, lol! Together they are unstoppable!!! Both of them have to face their demons, and although they are mated, they need to learn to trust one another implicitly, and trust their dragons implicitly. The court intrigue is great, and the evil characters are suitably heinous!!! I’d say the traitor was a little obvious…I mean, I knew it was the king pretty early on. However, how deeply the corruption went was well spun by the author, and definitely not only kept the reader on edge, but pulled out some surprises!!! This book has everything you need for a great dragon rider romance fantasy!!! It’ll stay with you long after the last page has been read!!!! I’m so glad I stumbled upon this gem of a series!!! Here’s hoping that we’ll get further Bren and Donavyn novellas in the future, or bonus content! I’d LOVE to meet Arkhane and Kgoski’s dragonlet, and I’d adore seeing Bren pregnant, and meet her child with her beloved mate, Donavyn!!!
May 2, 2026
They really milk the characters traumatic experience and it was ALL the last book was about and bleeding into this one…. I don’t think it is worth reading.
May 6, 2026
Ok, honest review: although it is supposedly a duology, let's call a cat a cat, and say it actually is a 4-book series. And it is an OK-series, not excellent; the plot is nice, but there is a LOT of vanilla spice, the training is never really explained, we don't get to actually see what she is learning, it raises too much questions about her development, how she got there, the effort that was put on her training, and also the basics for a dragonriders academy, like combat training, flight training, blades, strategy, battle/war history... what is she really doing there? The second book is so full vanilla spice and has almost zero plot, MMC completely lost his appeal, becoming some sort of needy puppy instead of the grounded man on book 1, MFC got uninteresting, and don't get me started on the dragons... you get to the third book and you just keep going on hopes it gets better, and it does!... on the LAST chapter. You start book 4 and yay! Finally we got some action! So, apparently she train in the previous books, more than it was talked about. Ruin and thicks the plot, it gives MFC the opportunity to face her fears and also shakes the story, and tests the new resolutions from MMC.
The book still has of vanilla spice, at this point I seriously can't take it anymore, it brings nothing to the plot. But around 50% into the book, there action, and it is fast paced ! The plot just appeared, we get a small thrill, we have mistery, and around 70% in, I just could not put the book down! All in all, it is an ok book, but nowhere near Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yarros.
The book still has of vanilla spice, at this point I seriously can't take it anymore, it brings nothing to the plot. But around 50% into the book, there action, and it is fast paced ! The plot just appeared, we get a small thrill, we have mistery, and around 70% in, I just could not put the book down! All in all, it is an ok book, but nowhere near Sarah J Maas or Rebecca Yarros.
April 24, 2026
somewhat repetitive but good.
This book was very Trauma informed, and I wish all men were like the MMC. That being said this book could be very triggering to SA victims. It also started to feel rather repetitive. This was a nice ending to the series.
TW: frequent grape flashbacks of MC with PTSD and gaslighting
2 🌶️
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks.
This book was very Trauma informed, and I wish all men were like the MMC. That being said this book could be very triggering to SA victims. It also started to feel rather repetitive. This was a nice ending to the series.
TW: frequent grape flashbacks of MC with PTSD and gaslighting
2 🌶️
* please disregard grammatical errors due to accessible voice texting. Thanks.
April 24, 2026
Solid Finish
I really enjoyed this series and the characters were so distinct and memorable. I have mixed feeling about staying to help the Queen and wonder if Benji will be a future enemy. Some parts dragged like I was watching an extra long "life lesson" scene at the end of a Full House episode and was mentally waving my hand in a, "yeah, yeah, we get it. Let's move this along," way.
I really enjoyed this series and the characters were so distinct and memorable. I have mixed feeling about staying to help the Queen and wonder if Benji will be a future enemy. Some parts dragged like I was watching an extra long "life lesson" scene at the end of a Full House episode and was mentally waving my hand in a, "yeah, yeah, we get it. Let's move this along," way.
May 12, 2026
All questions are FINALLY answered!! A lot of anticipation through most of the book made it faster paced than the others, which I enjoyed. Loved the several epilogues and the whisper of what’s to come for the dragons and their bonded.
April 30, 2026
So happy to see the depth and growth of the characters. A few twists I didn’t see coming!
May 19, 2026
This story wrapped up exactly how it needed to 👏🏼 The twists and plot reveals may not have completely shocked me, but the WAY everything unraveled?? Absolute perfection. Every detail hit exactly the way it was supposed to and had me glued from beginning to end 😩🔥
Breeennn babygirl 🥺 I am SO proud of you. I questioned your growth in the beginning, I’m not even gonna lie, but watching you finally face your fears and take your power back had my chest TIGHT. Your trauma was dark, painful, and genuinely heartbreaking, but the woman you became by the end?? Yeah, that growth was BEAUTIFUL. You fought through every scar life handed you and came out stronger, softer, wiser… I applauded every second of it 🖤
Now DONAVYNNNNN 😮💨 sirrrrrr… my man, my man, MY MAN. The way you stood ten toes down for Bren the entire time??? Your patience, your obsession, your protectiveness, your love — all of it was intense, unapologetic, and downright breathtaking. THAT is how you love a woman with trauma. Had me over here side-eyeing my own man like “you lucky this fictional because whewwww” 🤨😂
And the SPICEEEEE??? BABYYYY 🌊🌊 Niagara Falls, okay?! Every scene was giving heat, tension, passion, and obsession in the BEST way possible 🥵🔥 Y’all chemistry was insane and I ate up every single crumb.
The ending was PERFECT. Everything came full circle beautifully, and if another book comes from this world?? Just know I will be seated immediately 👏🏼 This series truly had EVERYTHING — pain, healing, suspense, love, obsession, spice, loyalty, heartbreak, and redemption. Completely captivating from all angles.
A DEFINITE must-read 5/5⭐️
📚✨
Breeennn babygirl 🥺 I am SO proud of you. I questioned your growth in the beginning, I’m not even gonna lie, but watching you finally face your fears and take your power back had my chest TIGHT. Your trauma was dark, painful, and genuinely heartbreaking, but the woman you became by the end?? Yeah, that growth was BEAUTIFUL. You fought through every scar life handed you and came out stronger, softer, wiser… I applauded every second of it 🖤
Now DONAVYNNNNN 😮💨 sirrrrrr… my man, my man, MY MAN. The way you stood ten toes down for Bren the entire time??? Your patience, your obsession, your protectiveness, your love — all of it was intense, unapologetic, and downright breathtaking. THAT is how you love a woman with trauma. Had me over here side-eyeing my own man like “you lucky this fictional because whewwww” 🤨😂
And the SPICEEEEE??? BABYYYY 🌊🌊 Niagara Falls, okay?! Every scene was giving heat, tension, passion, and obsession in the BEST way possible 🥵🔥 Y’all chemistry was insane and I ate up every single crumb.
The ending was PERFECT. Everything came full circle beautifully, and if another book comes from this world?? Just know I will be seated immediately 👏🏼 This series truly had EVERYTHING — pain, healing, suspense, love, obsession, spice, loyalty, heartbreak, and redemption. Completely captivating from all angles.
A DEFINITE must-read 5/5⭐️
📚✨
April 26, 2026
These are happy tears.
What a beautiful adventure in love and journey of self worth. Well I personally love Karma and and the aspect of Vengeance, seeing Bren forgive for the sake of her own happiness and leaving the rest to a higher power was very moving. I have always believed those who have been burned are touched by their past and usually show it. I don't normally see inner strength that retains such gentleness. To see Bren grow through through love and find her own self worth was incredibly powerful and truly opened my eyes to a new form of strength. I've read other books by this Author and have always favored the more jaded "anti hero" but Bren is a character whose story I could read again and again for years! 5 stars for a truly powerful and moving telling of love and the true definition of Powerful Females! And Kgosi may just remain the character I agreed with the most. Well done Aimee well done.
What a beautiful adventure in love and journey of self worth. Well I personally love Karma and and the aspect of Vengeance, seeing Bren forgive for the sake of her own happiness and leaving the rest to a higher power was very moving. I have always believed those who have been burned are touched by their past and usually show it. I don't normally see inner strength that retains such gentleness. To see Bren grow through through love and find her own self worth was incredibly powerful and truly opened my eyes to a new form of strength. I've read other books by this Author and have always favored the more jaded "anti hero" but Bren is a character whose story I could read again and again for years! 5 stars for a truly powerful and moving telling of love and the true definition of Powerful Females! And Kgosi may just remain the character I agreed with the most. Well done Aimee well done.
April 26, 2026
This book had me in absolutely all of my feels.
There were so many plot twists that I did not seem to coming. Bren has finally found where she belongs and she's owning it. Donavyn is trusting her more and more and a spy. He is facing his own demons in this book. His bond with Kgosi is so strong and true and he challenges him to face his demons WITH his mate Bren.
Akhane is growing in her place as Kgosi the Primarch's mate, and also in her bond with Bren. She is a blessed support for both her mate and bonded rider.
So much evil is faced and the theme of
"something being taken against your will" prevails on so many levels in this series and so much in this book.
There's so much tension and conflict and it was fantastic! Loved the ending!
There were so many plot twists that I did not seem to coming. Bren has finally found where she belongs and she's owning it. Donavyn is trusting her more and more and a spy. He is facing his own demons in this book. His bond with Kgosi is so strong and true and he challenges him to face his demons WITH his mate Bren.
Akhane is growing in her place as Kgosi the Primarch's mate, and also in her bond with Bren. She is a blessed support for both her mate and bonded rider.
So much evil is faced and the theme of
"something being taken against your will" prevails on so many levels in this series and so much in this book.
There's so much tension and conflict and it was fantastic! Loved the ending!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2026
I really enjoyed book 4! I still have a few questions..
What happened to Grace? Is Benji ok and just living his life as our Lionheart? I NEED to know why Voski was unsettled.
I'm so glad that Bren finally got that closure she needed for her trauma! But also.. I wish we would've been able to see more of her coming to terms w the fact that she had a miscarriage and how Akhane was able to heal her?
Anyhow! Good book!! I read this one super fast too, I will say the spice was a tad annoying, but again easily skippable. I did LOVE the intimacy between Donavyn and Bren when she was shaken and that instead of having sex while feeling big emotions she took the time (and he let her) to process those big emotions and simply held her through it.
What happened to Grace? Is Benji ok and just living his life as our Lionheart? I NEED to know why Voski was unsettled.
I'm so glad that Bren finally got that closure she needed for her trauma! But also.. I wish we would've been able to see more of her coming to terms w the fact that she had a miscarriage and how Akhane was able to heal her?
Anyhow! Good book!! I read this one super fast too, I will say the spice was a tad annoying, but again easily skippable. I did LOVE the intimacy between Donavyn and Bren when she was shaken and that instead of having sex while feeling big emotions she took the time (and he let her) to process those big emotions and simply held her through it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
A Beautiful Ending
A fantastic series with a beautiful ending! No cliffhangers and no obvious or frustrating set up for a spin off series, although it is hinted.
Bren’s growth throughout the series is realistic in the struggle and her self doubt. Donavyn is a little too perfect in his devotion to her, but I enjoyed his character and I can appreciate that he needed to be rock steady to allow our FMC to grow.
Although I was aware of the trigger warnings at the beginning of the series, the despair that was written into the pages of Bren’s experience cut a lot deeper and was so realistic, that I found myself really struggling to continue (in a good way). I applaud the author for handling the topic with care.
A fantastic series with a beautiful ending! No cliffhangers and no obvious or frustrating set up for a spin off series, although it is hinted.
Bren’s growth throughout the series is realistic in the struggle and her self doubt. Donavyn is a little too perfect in his devotion to her, but I enjoyed his character and I can appreciate that he needed to be rock steady to allow our FMC to grow.
Although I was aware of the trigger warnings at the beginning of the series, the despair that was written into the pages of Bren’s experience cut a lot deeper and was so realistic, that I found myself really struggling to continue (in a good way). I applaud the author for handling the topic with care.
May 17, 2026
For fans of Fourth Wing and…. The Bible?
The number of times God was mentioned, prayed to, or given control of the plot was a bit much. The creator at this point should’ve been where the author writes their name.
Anyway
Bren and Donavyn, along with their merry band of misfits, Voski, Benji, the dragons, and even the queen, solve the mystery of the evil king and Ruin- who gets burned alive while Kgosi literally explodes the head off his dragon Carnage.
The action stayed interesting and Bren’s growth was satisfying. I wish Grace made another entrance. But
Most things were tied up.
My guess is she will create a story for Benji and Voski probably has a bond with Grace.
Probably won’t read though.
The number of times God was mentioned, prayed to, or given control of the plot was a bit much. The creator at this point should’ve been where the author writes their name.
Anyway
Bren and Donavyn, along with their merry band of misfits, Voski, Benji, the dragons, and even the queen, solve the mystery of the evil king and Ruin- who gets burned alive while Kgosi literally explodes the head off his dragon Carnage.
The action stayed interesting and Bren’s growth was satisfying. I wish Grace made another entrance. But
Most things were tied up.
My guess is she will create a story for Benji and Voski probably has a bond with Grace.
Probably won’t read though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2026
Review on both books and this one alone
I really feel like Shadownborne could have easily been one book. Remove the indecisive fluff from boom 3 and paragraphs long flashbacks from both books and the plot arc would have made a great story. I really did enjoy the conclusion to this story from the plot arc perspective. I will say that Bren continuing to try and fist fight the bad guy after making her name in capture the flag as a strategist and even acknowledging that she could night fight a grown man felt like a step backwards for her.
Donovan also really ready like a women at times, because man does he like to talk about feelings.
I really feel like Shadownborne could have easily been one book. Remove the indecisive fluff from boom 3 and paragraphs long flashbacks from both books and the plot arc would have made a great story. I really did enjoy the conclusion to this story from the plot arc perspective. I will say that Bren continuing to try and fist fight the bad guy after making her name in capture the flag as a strategist and even acknowledging that she could night fight a grown man felt like a step backwards for her.
Donovan also really ready like a women at times, because man does he like to talk about feelings.
June 1, 2026
Enjoyed the storyline, but author needs an editor
I don't believe I've ever come across longer sex scenes. One sex scene should not take up multiple chapters. The story was very long-winded. She genuinely could have shrunk it down to two books, added more chapters development (especially with side characters) if she just learned to be succinct, not to repeat herself, and omit unnecessary flashbacks. The characters in this particular book were poorly written, and the action was not great. The series just went downhill each book, as if the author became less and less interested in it herself.
I don't believe I've ever come across longer sex scenes. One sex scene should not take up multiple chapters. The story was very long-winded. She genuinely could have shrunk it down to two books, added more chapters development (especially with side characters) if she just learned to be succinct, not to repeat herself, and omit unnecessary flashbacks. The characters in this particular book were poorly written, and the action was not great. The series just went downhill each book, as if the author became less and less interested in it herself.
May 6, 2026
Redeemed in the 4th book
After a dull second book I almost couldn't bring myself to read the 3rd. But I am who I am and didn't want to leave a series unfinished. The 3rd book has way too much "god" references for my liking mixed with the romance portion but in the end of the 3rd I was interested again. The 4th carried on the god and rape recovery themes but overall was better than the 2nd or 3rd. There was some actual story. Some of that just kinda got lost towards the end but...still readable. Just a meh overall. Kills time, probably better choices.
After a dull second book I almost couldn't bring myself to read the 3rd. But I am who I am and didn't want to leave a series unfinished. The 3rd book has way too much "god" references for my liking mixed with the romance portion but in the end of the 3rd I was interested again. The 4th carried on the god and rape recovery themes but overall was better than the 2nd or 3rd. There was some actual story. Some of that just kinda got lost towards the end but...still readable. Just a meh overall. Kills time, probably better choices.
May 24, 2026
Victory
A very satisfying ending to My favorite couples, Bren and Donavyn and Khoi and Arkham’s our very interesting and intelligent dragons
The banter between Khoi and Danavyn brought some levity to the story
I enjoyed these books so much, read straight through because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next
There was so much action, suspense and romance throughout all the books
Aimee kept us in suspense and trying to figure out who was the true villain
Great job Aimee and I am looking forward to a book about Benji and some of the other characters in the stories
A very satisfying ending to My favorite couples, Bren and Donavyn and Khoi and Arkham’s our very interesting and intelligent dragons
The banter between Khoi and Danavyn brought some levity to the story
I enjoyed these books so much, read straight through because I couldn’t wait to find out what happened next
There was so much action, suspense and romance throughout all the books
Aimee kept us in suspense and trying to figure out who was the true villain
Great job Aimee and I am looking forward to a book about Benji and some of the other characters in the stories
May 28, 2026
Great finish!
Once again the action picks up where the previous book ended and never stopped. Trying to make sense of the dragon situation is hard enough and now you have the added pressure of finding out why Ruin has unexpectedly arrived. Plus figuring out how he is connected to the rumored herds of wild dragons supposedly owned by the suspicious Lord.
The amount of betrayal and those involved were staggering to Donavyn and Bren.
This was a riveting finish to a great series!
Once again the action picks up where the previous book ended and never stopped. Trying to make sense of the dragon situation is hard enough and now you have the added pressure of finding out why Ruin has unexpectedly arrived. Plus figuring out how he is connected to the rumored herds of wild dragons supposedly owned by the suspicious Lord.
The amount of betrayal and those involved were staggering to Donavyn and Bren.
This was a riveting finish to a great series!
April 24, 2026
yeah it deserves the 5 star this time
Queen this was a great way to finish this part of the series but I NEED Voski and Benji’s books RIGHT NOW. I really love how this book bleeds into their character and souls from the first book and ties all loose ends in their story. I felt compelled to read this book in one sitting and it truly deserves a five star ending! This book was also a master class on how to trust the creator with everything in your life, bless it be!
Queen this was a great way to finish this part of the series but I NEED Voski and Benji’s books RIGHT NOW. I really love how this book bleeds into their character and souls from the first book and ties all loose ends in their story. I felt compelled to read this book in one sitting and it truly deserves a five star ending! This book was also a master class on how to trust the creator with everything in your life, bless it be!
April 25, 2026
obsessed with the story!
This story has come the closest to my fourth wing tier standards. I honestly can’t decide which one I like more. I LOVE the forbidden romance and he’s her commander. I LOVE how much he’s obsessed with her and the spice content Aimee provides in unmatched! In so sad for Donavyn and Bren’s story to come to an end but I’m so happy I was here for the ride!
This story has come the closest to my fourth wing tier standards. I honestly can’t decide which one I like more. I LOVE the forbidden romance and he’s her commander. I LOVE how much he’s obsessed with her and the spice content Aimee provides in unmatched! In so sad for Donavyn and Bren’s story to come to an end but I’m so happy I was here for the ride!
April 25, 2026
This was such a good conclusion to this series. Beautifully written with little additions that could lead to spin off series. Some subjects some do in series would be women's vs men's roles and religion; and while Aimee did those but they were in such a lighter, less abrasive way that was refreshing. Intrigue combined with dragons and a mate bond made for a lovely series! I would recommend this to anyone and everyone and will continue to read anything that Aimee writes in the future!
April 25, 2026
Mixed feelings
When the last book finished I was in fear, terror. I don't want to feel that. It unsettled me. I found this full of pace & secrets & plot. Sometimes the scenes are a bit long & repetitive. I didn't like the Ruin scenes & the rape depiction & found triggering. I'm not sure I would read this author again even though I completed the 4 books. I was hooked on the story though & wanted to see how it would end. Still some things unanswered though.
When the last book finished I was in fear, terror. I don't want to feel that. It unsettled me. I found this full of pace & secrets & plot. Sometimes the scenes are a bit long & repetitive. I didn't like the Ruin scenes & the rape depiction & found triggering. I'm not sure I would read this author again even though I completed the 4 books. I was hooked on the story though & wanted to see how it would end. Still some things unanswered though.
May 21, 2026
fantastic last book!
Oh my what a book. Twists and turns and spicy scenes that were so romantic and erotic at the same time. The entire scene of them separating was so emotional and gripping, I felt like I was there and experiencing that absolute terror of thinking this was the last time they would see each other. And that ending, absolutely perfect. I absolutely loved every second of this.
Oh my what a book. Twists and turns and spicy scenes that were so romantic and erotic at the same time. The entire scene of them separating was so emotional and gripping, I felt like I was there and experiencing that absolute terror of thinking this was the last time they would see each other. And that ending, absolutely perfect. I absolutely loved every second of this.
May 26, 2026
Strong Finish
I really enjoyed the last book for this storyline. It was a little slow to start, I feel like a lot of it was gratuitous sex scenes and conversation that only minimally progressed the story. The first 5 chapters and the last 15 chapters were rock solid though. I love that we finally got some violence and vengeance. If there are more in the same world I will definitely sign in to read them!
Storyline 4/5
Smut 5/5
I really enjoyed the last book for this storyline. It was a little slow to start, I feel like a lot of it was gratuitous sex scenes and conversation that only minimally progressed the story. The first 5 chapters and the last 15 chapters were rock solid though. I love that we finally got some violence and vengeance. If there are more in the same world I will definitely sign in to read them!
Storyline 4/5
Smut 5/5
May 27, 2026
Too religious
Would have given five stars for plot and character development, but the constant preaching and sermons were very, very, very off putting. I found it distracted from the character development it was weakening their strength. Really disturbing and I struggled to finish the book, but I skimmed through to get to the end. Also the author got a bit of a potty mouth as the series developed. If the F bomb bothers you, you've been warned.
Would have given five stars for plot and character development, but the constant preaching and sermons were very, very, very off putting. I found it distracted from the character development it was weakening their strength. Really disturbing and I struggled to finish the book, but I skimmed through to get to the end. Also the author got a bit of a potty mouth as the series developed. If the F bomb bothers you, you've been warned.
May 30, 2026
Great series
This series is amazing if your a fan of fourth wing this is a great series to read. I flew thru the first 3 books like they were nothing. This final book had a lot of filler in it and did take me quite a lot longer to read i just couldn't get into it fully. But after I hit a certain spot it was like the rest of the series that mad you not want to put it down. So if you get the same feeling as i did definitely dont give up it does get back to the action.
This series is amazing if your a fan of fourth wing this is a great series to read. I flew thru the first 3 books like they were nothing. This final book had a lot of filler in it and did take me quite a lot longer to read i just couldn't get into it fully. But after I hit a certain spot it was like the rest of the series that mad you not want to put it down. So if you get the same feeling as i did definitely dont give up it does get back to the action.
April 24, 2026
I wish I could rate this higher
This series is amazing. I started out reading the first two, not realizing that there would be more. I am so thankful that there were two more, to finalize the story and show the justice of the dragons and their love for their humans. A woman’s strength under adversity helped to save a kingdom.
This series is amazing. I started out reading the first two, not realizing that there would be more. I am so thankful that there were two more, to finalize the story and show the justice of the dragons and their love for their humans. A woman’s strength under adversity helped to save a kingdom.
April 25, 2026
100 STARS 🌟 🌟
This series is now one of my all time favorites! It bypassed my love of Fourth Wing! Watching Bren grow into her flame was by far OUTSTANDING!!! I laughed, cried, and cheered!!! Bravo Aimee Lynn!!! Thanks for creating such a wild and soul filling series so far!!!! ❤️
This series is now one of my all time favorites! It bypassed my love of Fourth Wing! Watching Bren grow into her flame was by far OUTSTANDING!!! I laughed, cried, and cheered!!! Bravo Aimee Lynn!!! Thanks for creating such a wild and soul filling series so far!!!! ❤️
April 26, 2026
Shadowborne Reckoning - Absolutely loved it!!!
It’s a fantastic ending to a great series. Donavyn and Bren working together to find out if there is war brewing or is there treason involved. Their mission is full of danger adding Bren past haunting her. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Love to hear more of Grace or Benji future. There is some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and a good HEA even for Kgosi and Akhane.
It’s a fantastic ending to a great series. Donavyn and Bren working together to find out if there is war brewing or is there treason involved. Their mission is full of danger adding Bren past haunting her. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Love to hear more of Grace or Benji future. There is some spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and a good HEA even for Kgosi and Akhane.
May 6, 2026
Epic
What an epic ending to the series! The mastery of Aimee Lynn’s storytelling is one of the finest I’ve ever read. It was so hard to not read thru the night; I wanted to keep experiencing the twists and turns, the passion of Bren and Donavyn, the nobility of the dragons and see how it all ended. Probably one of my favorite series, of the hundred’s I’ve read.
What an epic ending to the series! The mastery of Aimee Lynn’s storytelling is one of the finest I’ve ever read. It was so hard to not read thru the night; I wanted to keep experiencing the twists and turns, the passion of Bren and Donavyn, the nobility of the dragons and see how it all ended. Probably one of my favorite series, of the hundred’s I’ve read.
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