Stricken

The Lost Sovereign #5

by Anna Hawke

Stripped of his magic. Dying behind enemy lines. Forced to trust a woman with secrets of her own.

For centuries, Asher has fought rogues and protected the innocent, knowing that his magic demands a terrible price. His most recent mission is one he doesn't intend to survive: he will either end the madness or become the very thing he hunts.

Estelle has spent centuries resisting the tyrant’s rule, concealing her involvement from allies and enemies alike. When Asher is injured on a mission, she risks everything to save his life—including the secret that could bring ruin to the rebellion.

Hunted through enemy territory, they have no choice but to trust each other. With every mile, they draw closer—and begin to want more than either of them expected.

Some secrets are worth dying for. Others are worth surviving.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 1, 2026

About the author

Anna Hawke is a paranormal romance novelist dedicated to bringing to life the voices inside her head. With a degree in Journalism and a vested interest in grammatical perfection, Anna’s written works contain sarcasm, spark, and sexy alpha males too handsome for their own good.

When she isn’t busy wrangling her three young children, gorgeous husband, and an opinionated grey tabby, Anna enjoys reading romance novels, riding horses, and traveling to places where hiking boots are required. Writing, however, is her favorite pastime, and Anna loves nothing more than pouring herself a 24 oz mug of tea, wrapping herself in a blanket, and giving her imaginary friends a voice.

Reviews

[Neire Albarrán · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This series just keeps hurting my feelings. I finished reading the last chapter and my first thought was: "CAN WE PLEASE HAVE A MOMENT OF PEACE?! 😭" But we readers love it here nonetheless 😌.

I was beyond happy to receive an ARC copy of this book, since I was definitely (not so patiently) waiting for Asher's story ever since I first read about him. He's a favorite of mine in this series, and this book was painful.

The last three or four chapters had me all stressed out and emotional. Stricken was, I would say, considerably darker than the previous books, and in a completely different way than Savaged, which I used to consider the heaviest of them all. I fully encourage readers to consider the author's note regarding the topics of self-harm and suicide before diving into this one.

Now, talking about the main couple: out of all the pairings in the series, I liked the idea of Estelle and Asher more than any of the others (with perhaps only Sola and Quinn coming close 🤭). They were so perfect for each other! And I loved the fact that they had more of a background and history, which made their love even more believable than just the mate bond. As for their development, I was left feeling that I needed to see a bit more of their connection, or just a few more light-hearted moments.

Similarly, I felt like the ending was a bit rushed. That bothered me a bit. However, I would say one of the best aspects of this series is the magnificent job Anna did in crafting her characters, and getting to see all of them, their relationships, and how far they've come since their respective books is a joy. I'll be waiting for the next and final part of this series... The big finale is coming, and I can't wait to see Julian finally defeated! (Please, I can't stand that man!)

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this no spice romantic fantasy. This is book five of six in this paranormal saga and things are on fire! Literally. Our MMC, Asher, is a wolf shifter who also has fire magic. His job is to eliminate those members of society who have literally given up sanity and are beasts whose sole purpose and desire is to kill. However, every time he uses his magic, and every kill he makes, brings him closer to becoming that which he hunts, and the only way prevent himself from turning and hurting those he loves, is to die. He has known Estelle and worked closely with her for four centuries - though he didn’t know who she was until now. When she steps in to save his life, they are trapped behind enemy lines and the stakes continue to mount. This book is the culmination of the prior books and their teasers about Asher and other characters. This book leads me to NEED the next book! Why doesn’t it release for 4 months?! This book brought me to tears and really does tear out your heart at times. There are some heated make out sessions. The romance is fade-to-black, intimacy level 3.

Content Warnings: Attacks, Killing, Blood, Injuries, Suicidal Thoughts, Suicide, Past Death of Brother, Wound Tending (requiring the removal of shirt - undergarments stay on), Self Harm, Mild Language (2 h-)

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Anna truly is an expert in torturing her readers. This entire series has consistently made me experience stomach and chest tightening due to the edge-of-your-seat suspense. In the most crucial and climactic portions of this story, I truly found myself sitting upright with my hand covering my mouth, a sign of my anxiety and alertness over the events I was witnessing as the story progressed. I was truly grateful when I got to the end with the HFN for the main characters because I finally could relax with immense relief.

Not only that, the fated romance drama in this story was just beautiful - I'm always in anticipation of how the fated bond between the characters will present itself. Each time it has - in this book as in the rest of the series - I've always been wholly satisfied. For the MCs in particular in this book, their coming together was centuries in the making, and their bond emerging and finally snapping into place came just in the nick of time. That truly was one of the best climactic moments of the book, and I sure reveled in it.

One more book to come, and part of me is sad that the series ends with that final installment. But I won't think of that yet. I'm sure I'll be having rereads of the series before that final book comes.

I am incredibly grateful to have been amongst the early readers of this book after having been granted an advanced review copy. I write this honest review fully voluntarily.

[Mrs A M Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 of 6 in the Lost Sovereigns series and I've loved them all.

We've met Asher in previous books and I've got to say I was looking forward to more of his story. For centuries Asher has been on the front lines, battling everything that threatens their society. Most people don't see beyond his role - he is feared, shunned, avoided - and they miss the man struggling beneath, who is rapidly coming to the end of himself.

Estelle has lived her life in the shadows, her role in the conflict cutting her off from others. She has watched Asher from the shadows, seeing his struggle. For the first time, someone sees him as more than his terrifying role, but he fears it's too late for him.

I loved this book, I ended up reading until 3am because I was so invested in the characters! And that ending.... it's going to be a long wait for the final instalment!

Content warnings to be aware of : suicide, self harm, eating disorder

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 of the series. The story continues the plans for defeating Julian and bringing back the hidden queen, while also focusing on Asher and Estelle’s journey. It has action, secrets unveiled and a sweet romance.

Asher is fighting against becoming what he’s hunted and has always been treated as an outcast. Estelle has been helping in the rebellion but always in the shadows. For centuries they have been the only ones who they have trusted completely but anonymously (at least for Asher). So their connection has been growing through centuries.

I liked how the MCs through their bond learn more about each other’s fears and feelings, and act upon them in order to support each other. Specially, I loved how Estelle encourages Asher to open and forgive himself.

* This is a closed-door romance
* No language
* Thanks the author for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Tracey Tonkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series never fail to deliver, this time we follow Icarus and the Sentinel - aka Estelle and Asher. As they continue to try to defeat Julian and bring the legions back under the hidden heirs rule, there is all the angst, emotional turmoil and gasp worthy moments you have come to expect from this series.

There is also the painful emotional journey for our MCs as they find each other but one resists the bond for noble reasons - no spoiler, get reading! There are battles, secrets unveiled, lives saved and so much more.

As always it is well written, engaging and absorbing - I had trouble putting it down! I can barely wait for the next book, I am hanging for Julian to meet his demise 😉

[Kim Zamolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart-wrenching, heart-pounding, and so satisfying!

This 5th installment of the Lost Sovereigns series did not disappoint! Asher is battling his inner demons (namely, a berserker trying to turn him rogue) and the only one who can help him is Estelle. When she ties her fate to his, will they make it through?

I loved this story! So much action, sweet romance, and connected stories tying together. It was everything I hoped it would be and more! I was tearing up at the end!

Thank you Anna for the ARC, all opinions are my own.

[__boundbybook__ 🥀Shaunie🥀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it so much!

The story of the mc’s here were so heartbreaking and beautiful I sobbed like a baby at some scenes!
The strength between those two were so admirable and I seriously think so far they are my favorite couple 🤭

If you love books that will be keeping you on your toes and make you start sobbing this is definitely your to go to! This story is filled with trauma healing, learning to embrace yourself and those that want to help you and action!

[Susie nospiceandeverythingnice · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Stricken by Anna Hawke (#5 in The Lost Sovereign Series)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have been following this series for a while now and Asher’s story was one I was SO looking forward to reading! Did I read this in less than 24 hours… why yes, yes I did 🤭

After centuries of protecting his pack, the weight of it all has taken a toll on him, pushing him dangerously close to going rogue. When Asher decides to accept his fate and take matters into his own hands, Estelle unexpectedly comes to his rescue.

And these two?! 🥹❤️ They are beyond precious. Their relationship is such a great example of opposites attract with each of them bringing out the very best in the other. I loved watching their connection develop while they navigated danger, secrets, and everything standing in their way.

If you enjoy paranormal romance with flawed characters, protective heroes, opposites attract, and characters who aren’t afraid to stand up against injustice, I definitely recommend giving this one a try!

This was such a wonderful addition to the series, and I absolutely loved getting Asher’s story. 🖤 And now there is only one more to go before the series ends 😭

I received an ARC copy and these are my honest thoughts.

⚠️Content Warnings
Self harm and suicidal thoughts