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Beasts of the Briar #6
Stolen by Shadows
The next in Elizabeth Helen's Amazon top 5 and Sunday Times bestselling Beasts of the Briar series, a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally gray characters, a stupidly hot villain, and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All five of them.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Helen
18 books4,398 followersElizabeth Helen is the combined pen name of sister writing duo, Elizabeth and Helen. Elizabeth and Helen write fantasy romance and love creating enchanting adventures for their characters. When they’re not writing, you can find them snuggling their cats, exploring their rainforest home in British Columbia, Canada, or rolling the dice for a game of Dungeons & Dragons. You can connect with them on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
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August 9, 2026OH, SO THE AUTHORS HATE ME? GOT IT 😭😭 rtc
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as the resident Caspian apologist, i will be insufferable about this man until the day i die
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as the resident Caspian apologist, i will be insufferable about this man until the day i die
April 24, 2026
Poor fmc is a complete afterthought in her own story, why not just ctrl+delete her and write a mm romance when that's obviously what you're interested in writing. The mm relationships completely hijacked and ruined the story. Saying "she doesn't have to choose" when the actual romantic focus is on the men and their relationships with each other is foul 🤡
July 24, 2026
I just adore this series. You can’t help but feel a torrent of emotions when you have this many characters at play. The scale of this battle is certainly felt in this book - as the penultimate book, everything is starting to go wrong as we hurtle towards some kind of outcome. But it’s also where some of the hardest personal battles are won, and Elizabeth Helen manages to strike a balance that keeps you turning the pages in turmoil. I had goosebumps towards the end, holding my breath as if that would change the outcome. It felt a little less strong than some of the others in the series, but the grand finale feeling is certainly building up to something huge.
July 11, 2026
YESSSS we get the scene we’ve been dying for *insert maniacal laugh*
This book is another emotional rollercoaster, and it’s a good thing we only have to wait a short period before the final book is released.
I will say, some of the issues that were resolved seemed like they were too easy to fix. And while I have always loved having the POVs from the princes, I think Rosie feels distant to me now. Since we don’t have as much focus on her character, I no longer feel as strong of a connection to her as I used to…
I did enjoy some of the side characters that had a slightly larger role this story, and I think that could be interesting in the next book.
Also I only cried a little bit, but I’d recommend having tissues within reach…
This book is another emotional rollercoaster, and it’s a good thing we only have to wait a short period before the final book is released.
I will say, some of the issues that were resolved seemed like they were too easy to fix. And while I have always loved having the POVs from the princes, I think Rosie feels distant to me now. Since we don’t have as much focus on her character, I no longer feel as strong of a connection to her as I used to…
I did enjoy some of the side characters that had a slightly larger role this story, and I think that could be interesting in the next book.
Also I only cried a little bit, but I’d recommend having tissues within reach…
September 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
EMOTIONAL DAMAGE 100 PERCENT
Going into this book, I knew right away it was going to be a painful start, given where the last book left off. I knew some of my favourite characters were currently not in their right minds, and I was so right. The first 40 percent of the book was a test of my will, and as always, the book was amazingly written. But it's very clear that this series, which started off lighter with thick storylines and side quests to boot, has slowly grown darker and darker, with more emotional pain and trauma than you could shake a stick at.
This book really covered the feeling of powerlessness, being controlled and used, and having no way out in sight. That really had me screaming. I was being thrown from pillar to post and all but pulling my hair out, but by midway, I started to see the light, and I was skipping and twirling and just totally happy that things were starting to pay off. This brilliant story was giving and not only taking from me emotionally. There was a large part of this story where I was giddily happy, like I was seeing rainbows and happiness, and I was enraptured. Things were going my way... for a moment, I was so happy!! Clearly I missed the signs.
This book felt much darker than the others. It felt more draining on my soul. There were some epic moments where I was screaming and groaning, and other moments where I was so light and happy, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer spectacularness of the book, let alone the series.
The characters at this point feel as real as you and me. We know them, we have watched them change and become stronger and smarter, and they are part of us. They make us laugh and cry, and that is one of the reasons this book got me.
I was taking my time reading this book, knowing I had a little while to wait for the last book in the series, and just taking a slow ride through. At some point, the hard start of this book eased into this... beautiful hopefulness, and I was lured... hoodwinked... into a place where I thought I was safe and loved and it was going to be bright and beautiful...
But I was blind.
The story led me into an inferno of pain and grief and did it in such a way that I felt like my own heart was breaking. I was overwhelmed and struggling to take in what was happening and hoping it was a cruel joke. And I can't even be angry or hate it because it worked so well. It gave everything such weight to the story and, most of all, a level of knowing that this is not just bad, this is... life and death. Everyone is standing on a knife edge.
This book is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling that can either hold your hand or push you off the edge of a cliff. Richly detailed, with the story always being the main focus and goal. The book has a mix of love, family, epic story, emotions, and more, but everything has a reason and value, and nothing feels like fluff.
I want to be mad. I want to moan, but I can't due to how well it was done... how much the book cost me, stayed with me, and held me to it.
Overall, a fantastic read that left me broken and hurting. It gave me the world for but a moment, but showed me the cost of battle and to never forget, if things look good before the end... bad things can follow.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice
EMOTIONAL DAMAGE 100 PERCENT
Going into this book, I knew right away it was going to be a painful start, given where the last book left off. I knew some of my favourite characters were currently not in their right minds, and I was so right. The first 40 percent of the book was a test of my will, and as always, the book was amazingly written. But it's very clear that this series, which started off lighter with thick storylines and side quests to boot, has slowly grown darker and darker, with more emotional pain and trauma than you could shake a stick at.
This book really covered the feeling of powerlessness, being controlled and used, and having no way out in sight. That really had me screaming. I was being thrown from pillar to post and all but pulling my hair out, but by midway, I started to see the light, and I was skipping and twirling and just totally happy that things were starting to pay off. This brilliant story was giving and not only taking from me emotionally. There was a large part of this story where I was giddily happy, like I was seeing rainbows and happiness, and I was enraptured. Things were going my way... for a moment, I was so happy!! Clearly I missed the signs.
This book felt much darker than the others. It felt more draining on my soul. There were some epic moments where I was screaming and groaning, and other moments where I was so light and happy, and I was overwhelmed by the sheer spectacularness of the book, let alone the series.
The characters at this point feel as real as you and me. We know them, we have watched them change and become stronger and smarter, and they are part of us. They make us laugh and cry, and that is one of the reasons this book got me.
I was taking my time reading this book, knowing I had a little while to wait for the last book in the series, and just taking a slow ride through. At some point, the hard start of this book eased into this... beautiful hopefulness, and I was lured... hoodwinked... into a place where I thought I was safe and loved and it was going to be bright and beautiful...
But I was blind.
The story led me into an inferno of pain and grief and did it in such a way that I felt like my own heart was breaking. I was overwhelmed and struggling to take in what was happening and hoping it was a cruel joke. And I can't even be angry or hate it because it worked so well. It gave everything such weight to the story and, most of all, a level of knowing that this is not just bad, this is... life and death. Everyone is standing on a knife edge.
This book is a masterpiece of emotional storytelling that can either hold your hand or push you off the edge of a cliff. Richly detailed, with the story always being the main focus and goal. The book has a mix of love, family, epic story, emotions, and more, but everything has a reason and value, and nothing feels like fluff.
I want to be mad. I want to moan, but I can't due to how well it was done... how much the book cost me, stayed with me, and held me to it.
Overall, a fantastic read that left me broken and hurting. It gave me the world for but a moment, but showed me the cost of battle and to never forget, if things look good before the end... bad things can follow.
July 28, 2026
Through every season and every storm.
We'll be woven together forever.
I don't know what Elizabeth and Helen were playing at writing this. But ooooo full on snot cry! This hit me harder than broken by daylight.
There was more detail i feel in this book, there was more character growth, more emotions, alot less smut but what we did have *chef kiss, there was a better understanding to Cas.
I cannot tell how this series will end. I'm not ready for this to be over. But this is an incredible penultimate book!
We'll be woven together forever.
I don't know what Elizabeth and Helen were playing at writing this. But ooooo full on snot cry! This hit me harder than broken by daylight.
There was more detail i feel in this book, there was more character growth, more emotions, alot less smut but what we did have *chef kiss, there was a better understanding to Cas.
I cannot tell how this series will end. I'm not ready for this to be over. But this is an incredible penultimate book!
July 31, 2026
“𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒚 𝒔𝒌𝒚. 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚... 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚.”
I cried more reading this book than I have while reading for a very long time. I think that is a testament to how much Elizabeth & Helen have made me adore these characters and care about their world.
I love this series so much and it was fascinating to focus on Caspian for most of Stolen by Shadows. This book was such a rollercoaster. I’m still reeling from that ending and can’t stop thinking about what might happen next.
I absolutely can’t wait to read Crowned by Roses in October 🥹
July 24, 2026
....what has happened to this series? All the lore, rules of the magic, and plot drivers have gone completely out the freaking window and I'm genuinely pissed.
Books 1-4 IMMACULATE. No notes. Everything adds up. Enter the end of book 5: wtf was that?
Now book 6, the authors seem to be making things up as they go and the plot runs on convenience. Rules about the magic and bargains is getting very muddy and convoluted. You can't use the same type of "twist" multiple times in the same book and get the same emotional reaction. At least the stakes were somewhat raised in this book. The entire plot of the first 5 books (breaking the princes' curses) is not brought up once, nor does it play into the story anymore. Which is insane.
And where was the smut????? There was *the scene* but the other couple scenes were completely unsatisfying and out of character. They didn't feel the same as they have in previous books.
Also, where was Rosalina? She felt like a ghost in this book and not bc she started out thralled to Caspian.
I'm heartbroken. I had a bad feeling this was going to happen. I don't think releasing 3 massive books in the same year was the way to end a 7 book series.
The book is fun to read overall. But this is my favorite series so I'm taking notes, dissecting every chapter. I have done this with all the books. But with this one, I'm finding myself saying, "wtf is going on" and "this doesn't make sense" to myself a lot.
I'm obviously going to finish the series. But my expectations have now lowered a lot. Which makes me very sad.
Books 1-4 IMMACULATE. No notes. Everything adds up. Enter the end of book 5: wtf was that?
Now book 6, the authors seem to be making things up as they go and the plot runs on convenience. Rules about the magic and bargains is getting very muddy and convoluted. You can't use the same type of "twist" multiple times in the same book and get the same emotional reaction. At least the stakes were somewhat raised in this book. The entire plot of the first 5 books (breaking the princes' curses) is not brought up once, nor does it play into the story anymore. Which is insane.
And where was the smut????? There was *the scene* but the other couple scenes were completely unsatisfying and out of character. They didn't feel the same as they have in previous books.
Also, where was Rosalina? She felt like a ghost in this book and not bc she started out thralled to Caspian.
I'm heartbroken. I had a bad feeling this was going to happen. I don't think releasing 3 massive books in the same year was the way to end a 7 book series.
The book is fun to read overall. But this is my favorite series so I'm taking notes, dissecting every chapter. I have done this with all the books. But with this one, I'm finding myself saying, "wtf is going on" and "this doesn't make sense" to myself a lot.
I'm obviously going to finish the series. But my expectations have now lowered a lot. Which makes me very sad.
July 19, 2026
(4.25/5) WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭😫
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: July 21, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Bloom Books
This book was SO bingeable. I rotted on my couch for a day to binge this and finished it in 3 sittings.
It's crazy to think we're 6 books into this series. What began as a close reimagining of Beauty and the Beast has become SO much more. It's wild to think the story began that way because of how much this world and its characters have been developed and shaped beyond its origins.
Beasts of the Briar has quickly become one of my favorite why choose fantasy romance series of all time. I adore each and every one of these characters. It's interesting because I've seen reviews where people think certain characters are annoying—but I actually think them being "annoying" at times makes them a believable character. With the number of main characters in this book, it would be extremely unbelievable for every character to be perfect at all times.
I'm not honestly sure what I expected for the direction of this book, but I was definitely along for the ride Elizabeth Helen took us on. The focus of this book was obviously Caspian, and I wanted to hug his character at so many moments. Rosie truly goes through it with his character...and I'm going to leave it at that to avoid any spoilers with this review.
Like the other books in this series, I'm glad each of our main characters got some spotlight time. I feel like each got the right amount of attention to help push the story along while maintaining their importance in Rosie's life and this overarching story.
My primary reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars comes down to how the side characters and villains were pulled into the story. I'm not sure if the right word is "disruptive," but it didn't feel like a natural progression/introduction? Like the characters would just appear without much context as to how they got to that point. This ultimately created some weird pacing at times for me as a reader.
Nonetheless, I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book. I can't believe we're almost at the end of this series...not sure I'm going to be emotionally prepared to say goodbye to these characters and this word.
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: July 21, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Bloom Books
This book was SO bingeable. I rotted on my couch for a day to binge this and finished it in 3 sittings.
It's crazy to think we're 6 books into this series. What began as a close reimagining of Beauty and the Beast has become SO much more. It's wild to think the story began that way because of how much this world and its characters have been developed and shaped beyond its origins.
Beasts of the Briar has quickly become one of my favorite why choose fantasy romance series of all time. I adore each and every one of these characters. It's interesting because I've seen reviews where people think certain characters are annoying—but I actually think them being "annoying" at times makes them a believable character. With the number of main characters in this book, it would be extremely unbelievable for every character to be perfect at all times.
I'm not honestly sure what I expected for the direction of this book, but I was definitely along for the ride Elizabeth Helen took us on. The focus of this book was obviously Caspian, and I wanted to hug his character at so many moments. Rosie truly goes through it with his character...and I'm going to leave it at that to avoid any spoilers with this review.
Like the other books in this series, I'm glad each of our main characters got some spotlight time. I feel like each got the right amount of attention to help push the story along while maintaining their importance in Rosie's life and this overarching story.
My primary reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars comes down to how the side characters and villains were pulled into the story. I'm not sure if the right word is "disruptive," but it didn't feel like a natural progression/introduction? Like the characters would just appear without much context as to how they got to that point. This ultimately created some weird pacing at times for me as a reader.
Nonetheless, I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book. I can't believe we're almost at the end of this series...not sure I'm going to be emotionally prepared to say goodbye to these characters and this word.
July 24, 2026
This was the most painful book of all. I was so looking forward to it but it was bad. It was messy, boring, zero spice, and felt like a filler. Sorry but I cannot get on board with this book. I don’t even wanna read more. It felt like a different author and a different vibe. You can not read it and still wait for the future book and you would not be lost. So disappointing
July 12, 2026
Me thinking I’d make it through this book without crying 🤡
June 17, 2026
This was one of the most heartbreaking books for the losses and sacrifices, but it was also filled with healing and hope.
I don’t want to give away too much, but the journey that Cas has to go through and then the love that is shared between Rosie and the rest of her mates just shines with absolute certainty in who they are to each other. I can’t wait for the next book…but I’m also not ready for this series to end!
I don’t want to give away too much, but the journey that Cas has to go through and then the love that is shared between Rosie and the rest of her mates just shines with absolute certainty in who they are to each other. I can’t wait for the next book…but I’m also not ready for this series to end!
July 9, 2026
Ladies the utter devastation I was left in was worse then book 4 omg… my heart hurts… I need book 7 like now..
May 31, 2026
First, thank you so so much for this ARC! I have no words for how I felt throughout this book except W.T.F. I have loved Cas from the beginning of the series but getting to see him turn into the man that everyone but himself knew he could be was so heartwarming and heartbreaking! I laughed, cried, cried some more, and laughed again throughout this book and genuinely wanted to throw my kindle across the room a million times. In my heart of hearts I always knew about Farron and Dayton… With all of the curses broken and Sira being the one who can damn them all… I’m so much more excited for the final book!! This was absolutely my favorite book in this series and I am dreading the wait for book seven!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
This was cruel and unusual punnishment, but I cannot wait for the final book to come out in just a few months.
August 19, 2026
2'5/5★
This rating is actually painful for me bc I used to enjoy the series a lot with it's pros and cons but now it's just mess over mess and not in a good way. Like the authors truly have lost the plot bc i don't even think they know what's going on.
Long rant coming ⬇️
The only redeeming parts of this book are literally WRENLY!!!!! EZRYN!!!! and the "high" stakes that happened in the end. The rest is literally a nothing burger bc what has actually happened in this book?? Like seriously? Was this book needed at all???
The magic system is all over the place, before it was simple but effective and it worked bc it was well established but now?? Now Aurelia can turn fae into humans??? That means that she's been playing in Caspian's face all along. You mean to tell me that she saw a traumatized CHILD run away from home and saw him wither in the desert and instead of turning him human she just decided to not intervene knowing the horrors he had to endure??? Wtf???
Speaking of Aurelia she pissed me off BADLY. She's a neglectful and irresponsible queen that dipped and then caused a lot of problems for BOTH of her daughters and the vale bc of her selfishness. In the previous books I could understand why bc she didn't want to lose George and that's valid but then I thought why would you tie George's life to castletree and then cast a curse on the guardians of said place and also dipping meaning that castletree will not receive the energy it needs ergo George's health is compromised. Like how does this make any sense???? What's the reasoning??? And on top of it all to be able to tie his life to castletree you do a bargain with Sira resulting in your daughter having the worst upbringing ever. Like wtf??? Oh and how could I forget how she's still a coward that won't show up to the people of the vale and also compromising Rosalina's life!!! Hello??? If it wasn't for Ezryn she would be DEAD. Like seriously George's death was her karma I can't feel bad I'm sorry.
Going on with Caspian bc he's such a big disappointment this last 2 books. Like wdym he GAVE the rose to Sira??? "He was the prince of thorns" more reasons for him to NOT give it. Like he's the most cunning and strategic character as shown previously and you mean to tell me he just gave the rose??? Also his personality now is just whining and crying for everything??? I get that he's no longer in an emotional blockage and that he's free to feel and show his emotions for the first time ever but where's his charm? His witty comments? Now feel like an echo of what he once was.
So sorry to say this bc I adore him (pre lobotomy) but Farron is literally whatever at this point. If it wasn't bc of his bond with Dayton we wouldn't notice if he's here and that's BAD. He's literally disposable at any point. His entire arc with the green flame is literally nonsense bc it regressed his character badly from his resolution and growth from woven by gold and on top of that it was only used as a plot device. Nothing else happened worth the pain this plot is.
Dayton my poor child is a sad shell of a man (even he thinks this way) and it's really sad. He used to be so full of charm and life and now he's an echo of his past self. Maybe this is intentional but given the fact that he's been resurrected 2 times already this only gets worse. He used to stand on business with Ezryn constantly and suddenly he's tricked by a shadow rose??? Fuck off
Keldarion is true to himself but aside of growling and saying "you're mine" what's his purpose???
Ezryn my only consistent prince omfg. He stands on business constantly and ten toes down for rose or his family. Like I'm so glad he's always outstanding. He really was the only one giving a fuck about rose and mind you she has 5 mates.
The mate thing got out of control. At this point make an MM romance bc Rosalina feels like a third wheel with Kel and Cas and recently with Day and Farron as well. Like she truly only has Ezryn. And don't get me wrong I LOVE that they have each other aside of Rose but it gets to a point where you as a reader start to question why is rose even involved in certain scenes between them bc it feels forced and this is HER harem...
This rating is actually painful for me bc I used to enjoy the series a lot with it's pros and cons but now it's just mess over mess and not in a good way. Like the authors truly have lost the plot bc i don't even think they know what's going on.
Long rant coming ⬇️
The only redeeming parts of this book are literally WRENLY!!!!! EZRYN!!!! and the "high" stakes that happened in the end. The rest is literally a nothing burger bc what has actually happened in this book?? Like seriously? Was this book needed at all???
The magic system is all over the place, before it was simple but effective and it worked bc it was well established but now?? Now Aurelia can turn fae into humans??? That means that she's been playing in Caspian's face all along. You mean to tell me that she saw a traumatized CHILD run away from home and saw him wither in the desert and instead of turning him human she just decided to not intervene knowing the horrors he had to endure??? Wtf???
Speaking of Aurelia she pissed me off BADLY. She's a neglectful and irresponsible queen that dipped and then caused a lot of problems for BOTH of her daughters and the vale bc of her selfishness. In the previous books I could understand why bc she didn't want to lose George and that's valid but then I thought why would you tie George's life to castletree and then cast a curse on the guardians of said place and also dipping meaning that castletree will not receive the energy it needs ergo George's health is compromised. Like how does this make any sense???? What's the reasoning??? And on top of it all to be able to tie his life to castletree you do a bargain with Sira resulting in your daughter having the worst upbringing ever. Like wtf??? Oh and how could I forget how she's still a coward that won't show up to the people of the vale and also compromising Rosalina's life!!! Hello??? If it wasn't for Ezryn she would be DEAD. Like seriously George's death was her karma I can't feel bad I'm sorry.
Going on with Caspian bc he's such a big disappointment this last 2 books. Like wdym he GAVE the rose to Sira??? "He was the prince of thorns" more reasons for him to NOT give it. Like he's the most cunning and strategic character as shown previously and you mean to tell me he just gave the rose??? Also his personality now is just whining and crying for everything??? I get that he's no longer in an emotional blockage and that he's free to feel and show his emotions for the first time ever but where's his charm? His witty comments? Now feel like an echo of what he once was.
So sorry to say this bc I adore him (pre lobotomy) but Farron is literally whatever at this point. If it wasn't bc of his bond with Dayton we wouldn't notice if he's here and that's BAD. He's literally disposable at any point. His entire arc with the green flame is literally nonsense bc it regressed his character badly from his resolution and growth from woven by gold and on top of that it was only used as a plot device. Nothing else happened worth the pain this plot is.
Dayton my poor child is a sad shell of a man (even he thinks this way) and it's really sad. He used to be so full of charm and life and now he's an echo of his past self. Maybe this is intentional but given the fact that he's been resurrected 2 times already this only gets worse. He used to stand on business with Ezryn constantly and suddenly he's tricked by a shadow rose??? Fuck off
Keldarion is true to himself but aside of growling and saying "you're mine" what's his purpose???
Ezryn my only consistent prince omfg. He stands on business constantly and ten toes down for rose or his family. Like I'm so glad he's always outstanding. He really was the only one giving a fuck about rose and mind you she has 5 mates.
The mate thing got out of control. At this point make an MM romance bc Rosalina feels like a third wheel with Kel and Cas and recently with Day and Farron as well. Like she truly only has Ezryn. And don't get me wrong I LOVE that they have each other aside of Rose but it gets to a point where you as a reader start to question why is rose even involved in certain scenes between them bc it feels forced and this is HER harem...
July 21, 2026
Unfortunately, some things felt like they wrapped up so quickly that it felt like we barely got to see Caspian be the prince of thorns. Especially since the first few chapters we were in Rosalina’s thralled pov but he was avoiding her at all costs. I understand we get his reasoning for why he was but to me it kind of defeated the purpose of him having her by his side thralled if he hated her like that anyway. He could have released her from that at any point but chose to engage with her once she had fought it off herself. And yes, I know it’s because it “reflects his inner conflicts with his true self vs green flame” but it still felt pointless because he was back to being Caspian shortly after she was no longer fully thralled. At times Rosalina felt like an afterthought of a character because the other couple dynamics took precedence and Rosalina was just there to watch. The same was felt with Ezyrn because he seemed to be the only one still prioritizing Rosalina. And I think the authors tried to make up for this by writing *that group scene* but in my opinion it didn’t make up for it. I think their other books have done better at balancing everyone’s relationships.
I also felt like the frequent deaths were overused to cause angst and shock. I like the twists at the end that set up the high stakes for the final book but did we really need 2 big deaths and one almost death that was resolved in like 5 pages? By the third death I just thought to myself, “Again?”.
Considering how big other books have been and the fact that this one isn’t short either, somehow I was left feeling that more pages were needed in this one to properly execute some plot points. Hopefully the next one is a big and satisfying conclusion because the ending to this left Alot to be resolved in the next.
I also felt like the frequent deaths were overused to cause angst and shock. I like the twists at the end that set up the high stakes for the final book but did we really need 2 big deaths and one almost death that was resolved in like 5 pages? By the third death I just thought to myself, “Again?”.
Considering how big other books have been and the fact that this one isn’t short either, somehow I was left feeling that more pages were needed in this one to properly execute some plot points. Hopefully the next one is a big and satisfying conclusion because the ending to this left Alot to be resolved in the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2026
So again I cannot believe that I was lucky enough to ARC read this… thank you so much to Elizabeth and Helen for accepting me on the team. This series just takes you through every emotion you can imagine, and I’m so lucky to have fallen upon it and be in this world.
The story follows exactly where we left off from the last one…. Rosalina is down in the below with Caspian as a thrall due to the bargain with Kel. While all our favorite princes are trying to find out a way to get her and Cas back while also dealing with their own demons throughout. And holey hell a lot happens.
The story starts off slow with everything that is happening with Rose being in the thrall but she is in the place where she can learn all about sira and her plans while spending time in the below. But then the journey this book goes on not only the story but the emotions and all the characters too is just incredible throughout.
The romance between them all for me is just perfect and they all fit so well but in so many different ways…. The relationships between them all have their own unique personalities… whether that’s romantic.. or friendly. The spice be spicing…. When you read THAT Scene you will know what I mean …… dam I didn’t think it could get hotter 🥵
I fully enjoyed and died throughout this story… the world draws and keeps me in throughout every little thing works perfectly. The emotions this story brings out in me is crazy…. You are happy, you are hot under the collar… you are sad… you are angry… you fear for what is happening and you also become absolutely devastated and is now added to my short list of books that broke me into tears.
Everything in this book just makes you believe that no matter what life throws at you… the people you have around you and who you are yourself can battle through anything as long as you believe in the bonds you have.
MAGICAL throughout and I’m not ready for this series to end but also need to know how it ends as that ending just I don’t know how to go back from it
The story follows exactly where we left off from the last one…. Rosalina is down in the below with Caspian as a thrall due to the bargain with Kel. While all our favorite princes are trying to find out a way to get her and Cas back while also dealing with their own demons throughout. And holey hell a lot happens.
The story starts off slow with everything that is happening with Rose being in the thrall but she is in the place where she can learn all about sira and her plans while spending time in the below. But then the journey this book goes on not only the story but the emotions and all the characters too is just incredible throughout.
The romance between them all for me is just perfect and they all fit so well but in so many different ways…. The relationships between them all have their own unique personalities… whether that’s romantic.. or friendly. The spice be spicing…. When you read THAT Scene you will know what I mean …… dam I didn’t think it could get hotter 🥵
I fully enjoyed and died throughout this story… the world draws and keeps me in throughout every little thing works perfectly. The emotions this story brings out in me is crazy…. You are happy, you are hot under the collar… you are sad… you are angry… you fear for what is happening and you also become absolutely devastated and is now added to my short list of books that broke me into tears.
Everything in this book just makes you believe that no matter what life throws at you… the people you have around you and who you are yourself can battle through anything as long as you believe in the bonds you have.
MAGICAL throughout and I’m not ready for this series to end but also need to know how it ends as that ending just I don’t know how to go back from it
September 21, 2026
I cried, I felt feels, and I'm mad. Now I want the last book. Give it to me.
July 27, 2026
Not my favorite but not too bad
August 10, 2026
I’m getting a bit tired of the Disney-esque feeling of the whole series (mixed with… so not Disney stuff lolll). From the dialogues to the challenges and the way they’re handled, I’m not sure I enjoy it anymore. This one didn’t really work on me. Last book better be good !
Fortunately, way less smut this time around and that one big scene was enough, the other 2/3 were not needed.
Rosalina : I’m a bit tired of her. She’s not showing any growth anymore.
Keldarion : barely saw him in this book.
Ezryn : barely saw him as well.
Dayton : didn’t see him a lot but the little we saw, I really like him now !
Farron : same, too little but FINALLY!
Caspian : didn’t like how it was resolved but I really really love his character.
Fortunately, way less smut this time around and that one big scene was enough, the other 2/3 were not needed.
Rosalina : I’m a bit tired of her. She’s not showing any growth anymore.
Keldarion : barely saw him in this book.
Ezryn : barely saw him as well.
Dayton : didn’t see him a lot but the little we saw, I really like him now !
Farron : same, too little but FINALLY!
Caspian : didn’t like how it was resolved but I really really love his character.
July 27, 2026
ELIZABETH AND HELEN!!! Y’all are lucky I hadn’t finished my arc for this before I got to your table because I would have CRIED and WAILED about that ending!!
Thank gods I’m on the arc team because I can’t wait until pub day to read Crowned by Roses!! 😩
Thank gods I’m on the arc team because I can’t wait until pub day to read Crowned by Roses!! 😩
July 7, 2026
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for this advanced copy. This is one of my favorite series and I’m so grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book and last book.
This one started a little slow for me but it eventually picked up and I feel like a lot happened. There were some heartbreaking moments, some sweet tender moments, some shocking moments, and of course, some yummy spicy moments.
I love how all these MMCs are so distinct in personality and truly shine each on their own. Cas broke my heart in this book but I loved the ending. And we have a new shadow daddy! I swooned at every “my wife” moment between Rosalina and Keldarion. I do feel like Ezryn didn’t get a lot of page time in this one. And Farron and Dayton’s love continues to be a highlight for me.
Elizabeth Helen are known for their hot spicy group scenes in each book and the one in Stolen was maybe the best one they’ve written 🤤🥵
I really liked how the plot moved forward and a lot of things from previous books came to fruition. I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the final book!
This one started a little slow for me but it eventually picked up and I feel like a lot happened. There were some heartbreaking moments, some sweet tender moments, some shocking moments, and of course, some yummy spicy moments.
I love how all these MMCs are so distinct in personality and truly shine each on their own. Cas broke my heart in this book but I loved the ending. And we have a new shadow daddy! I swooned at every “my wife” moment between Rosalina and Keldarion. I do feel like Ezryn didn’t get a lot of page time in this one. And Farron and Dayton’s love continues to be a highlight for me.
Elizabeth Helen are known for their hot spicy group scenes in each book and the one in Stolen was maybe the best one they’ve written 🤤🥵
I really liked how the plot moved forward and a lot of things from previous books came to fruition. I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the final book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Oh, it’s pissing me off. Because what the fuck are we talking about? Grown ass adults who are supposed to be IN CHARGE of realms and their people, making dumbass decisions like they never learned common sense? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU NEVER CHECKED THE FUCKING ROSE TO MAKE SURE IT WASN’T AN ILLUSION?! Like that wasn’t the most obvious outcome??? that’s ridiculous. I really hate the way that they are forcing these characters to make the dumbest most worst decisions but it’s “for the plot” so it’s fine? WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU LEAVE DAYTON, THE MAN WHO WAS JUST USED AS A THRALL, TO WATCH OVER GEORGE WHEN HE IS FINISHING THE ROSE. Like, they can’t be that stupid?? You’re forcing a fucking railroaded plot in the most nonsensical way possible! There are better ways the create the god damn plot then the shit show that’s formulated now.
I loved this series, it’s what got me to start reading again and I will finish it but by the gods, I am tired of the childish writing that has developed. Or maybe I was just blind to it in the beginning? Who knows. Either way, I’m (clearly) annoyed and just so tired.
I loved this series, it’s what got me to start reading again and I will finish it but by the gods, I am tired of the childish writing that has developed. Or maybe I was just blind to it in the beginning? Who knows. Either way, I’m (clearly) annoyed and just so tired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2026
4.5 stars
My thoughts whilst reading:
I am so thrilled this arrived three days before publication day - I’ve just sped read through the last 100 pages of my book (a reread) so that I can start it, lol.
I was gonna reread frozen by stardust before this arrived, but now I’ve got my hands on it, that will not be happening, lol.
I will be rereading them all before crowned by roses comes out though.
Huh. This is shorter than I was expecting it to be - frozen by stardust was fucking massive.
Okay, so Caspian is still partially in there, he flickers through at times. The Prince of Thorns keeps her at arms length (because Caspian’s awareness stirs more when she’s around?), and Sira seems to be waiting for something to happen.
It’s very Hades and Persephone - the Prince of Thorns having taken the fair maiden connected to flowers into the depths of the underworld, to a world of crystals and gemstones, where no light shines and no flowers grow.
Of course Rosalina manages to make friends with a goblin. She’s charmed Heidi as much as she did Astrid and Marigold. And I like how it gives more depths to the goblins than just being minions of the below.
She’s free!! Of course, it took the Prince of Thorns nearly killing Dayton… after he’d been mind controlled into handing over the reforged rose to him… but she’s free!
I love George, he’s great. He’s genuinely one of my favourite characters.
The love/hate confrontation and sex between Rosalina and the Prince of Thorns was hot and heavy, lol.
Well, shit. Farron attempted to wage war on the briar with only the armies of autumn, and it went very badly wrong… His soldiers trapped by flames, and briars, and goblins; and then the Prince of Thorns arrived and in attempting to resurrect his army using the green flame, Farron gave the Below another undead army to wield… Then everything went further to hell when Kel arrived, and he was pulled down into the Below by the Prince of Thorns.
But Farron and Dayton have reunited. And Farron is finally breaking down, weeping not only for the lives of his soldiers and for Dayton, but also his own.
Yay! Ezryn is officially High Prince of Spring once more.
Ohh okay. There’s the meaning of the title. Sira is using her magic, her shadows, to steal memories from her citizens, feeding them to the Baron as some kind of tether. Like Heidi’s love of the bloomies, and Rosalina’s memory of her wedding.
Of course it was the combination of Rosie and Kel that broke Caspian free from the power of the green flame. His chaining and collaring of Keldarion, and then accidental hurting of Rosie allowed him to shove it back into the box it came from.
I won’t lie, the scene from the artwork they already released, of the Prince of Thorns collaring Keldarion was hot, lol.
And now they’re scheming together to steal back the rose, with the other princes, George, and the twins making their way into the Below to break them out.
Welp. I guess that was the NSFW art that they had as the preorder bonus. Holy shit. Again, it puts ACOTAR to shame (chapter 44).
The exhibitionism, the scheming, the knowledge of being the distraction, that they’re going to destroy all of the revellers, Kel watching from above… oof.
Oh my god, it carried on. Them using the bargain to pass her between them, between throne and cage. All eyes on them.
Is this what the others are going to walk in on?
Oh no… I can’t believe Billy is dead…
Billy wanted to stay and release those trapped in the menagerie when they found out that Kel had been moved elsewhere. They did, and then they were attacked by Farron’s reanimated soldiers, and he fell over the edge of the cliff by Kel’s cage. It was an act of love and compassion that ended in tragedy.
But as he lay dying, Farron was able to send his spirit and the remnants of his soldiers back to through the winds of the autumn realm, and on to wherever they’ll take them…
He’s finally realised that he can’t save everyone, regardless of whatever power might be offered to him. Death comes for everybody eventually… It was a revelation he needed to come to, I just wish it hadn’t been like this…
This is not how I wanted them all to be reunited.
Them getting a magical girl transformation scene in the middle of a fight to the death is so fucking funny, lol.
If they permanently kill Dayton, I will never forgive them. Fuck him going in peace if they win this fight. Absolutely not.
Finally. Caspian has become one with the power of the green flame that runs through his veins. His shadows, his briars, and his flames, writhing and weaving together.
Oh, thank fucking god. Rosalina was able to tie Dayton’s life force to her and Farron’s. And I fucking knew that Farron and Dayton were mates.
I love that Anya and George are finally, properly, reunited again. Able to hold each other, able to be with each other again.
And that they’ve finally all returned to Castletree! We haven’t been there since before they went to the Summer realm. A Castletree where the princes and staff are finally free from the curse, for the first time in over 25 years.
I’m still not convinced that Caspian and Keldarion aren’t mates too.
Is that the end of the Baron then? His tether to the Enchanted Vale broken? Or does Sira have another way of bringing him through?
Chapter 67 onwards. What a delight. Brings back memories of a sauna.
Ahh. So that’s where Wrenley disappeared to. Another rose bush bloomed in the briar, and Wrenley escaped to the human world, to Orca Cove, through it. Hiding in the remnants of Rosalina and George’s life, in their cottage. Entombed in guilt, and anger, and grief, and self-hatred. I really do hope that she’s able to find happiness.
Ah shit. Was the rose they rescued a fake, one of Sira’s illusions, the entire time? Cause when they stole it back, I don’t think they ever opened the jar it was being contained in…
I knew things were going far too well.
Oh fuck. Anya is still bound with her bargain by her bargain with Sira, and she’s just forced her to turn Caspian human. He begged for it for years, so as to be free of the green flame, to be able to live on the surface, but he’s just come to accept each part of himself… And his briars are the only thing that is keeping Castletree standing, since Anya is still so weak. It’s going to come crashing down.
Ohhhh. Well spotted Rosie. A human cannot make a bargain with a fae. And Sira never specified who she wanted Anya to make human, so she was able to turn her magic on herself.
Although I am quite sad that the bargain between Caspian and Keldarion broke - not because they didn’t love each other anymore, but because Cas is now human.
Oh, phew. So he’s not entirely human, just significantly weakened - the bargain, and his thorns fading away. But I wonder what will still be left??
Okay, so Rosalina could save Castletree! She’s held up and reinforced parts of it before. Also, now would be a really good time for Wrenley to show up again as well, with her own briars.
There’s nothing like an army of mind-controlled creatures from the Below and a castle in the midst of falling down to really amp up the tension.
Oh this is very not good. If Castletree falls, so does George, and what happens when the source of the magic in the Vale dies? And the roses are currently losing all magic, and with them, so do the princes…
You’re really going to give Farron all of the trauma surrounding libraries aren’t you? Him not able to save Castletree’s like he was unable to save the Great Scriptorium in Autumn.
Nice timing Wrenley!
Well shit, so Wrenley’s briars are gone as well…
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Wrenley told Rosalina that she’d always dreamed of the father she never knew swooping in like a hero to save her from the Below, and that never happened. And now that they’ve properly met for the first time, with him knowing that she’s his daughter, he’s done just that. Leaped in front of the arrow aimed at her back, and taken it through the heart…
He spent so much of his life searching for Anya, knowing that she hadn’t just left in the very essence of his being, and now that they’ve finally been reunited, he’s been snatched away…
Anya’s bargain with Sira, to find out how to extend his life was about immortality, not invulnerability. Time couldn’t kill him, but a mortal wound still could.
Oh. The underfae let them go? Faking their escape attempt in the briar. A release and a warning all at the same time. Because of one simple kindness, a hand reaching out in the dark, showing empathy to an enemy. A little healing balm and a winged lion loaned for comfort.
And so it’s back to Orca Cove. The one place that Sira won’t care to look for them. Because nowhere in the Enchanted Vale is safe anymore now that Castletree is destroyed and the magic of the Vale is draining away…
Rosalina still has the roses, they just need a new place to take root. But until then, the princes are without magic, with only Caspian’s weakened shadows and flame remaining to them. And now they don’t even have their tokens, or presumably the weapons and armour contained within them. But maybe Justus can find something to do with them.
Awww. Despite his own grief, it’s Caspian that has taken the other’s despair, and grief, and desolation upon his shoulders. He’s known so much pain, known staggering through to make it to the other side. He’s going to help guide the other’s through theirs, to help them find hope again.
Oop. Sira’s going to end up with a rebellion on her hands if even her closest allies are starting to turn against her.
This ending is fucking BLEAK. Holy shit. What a place to end it.
And now I have to wait until October for the conclusion to this honestly, epic, series. Dammit.
My thoughts whilst reading:
I am so thrilled this arrived three days before publication day - I’ve just sped read through the last 100 pages of my book (a reread) so that I can start it, lol.
I was gonna reread frozen by stardust before this arrived, but now I’ve got my hands on it, that will not be happening, lol.
I will be rereading them all before crowned by roses comes out though.
Huh. This is shorter than I was expecting it to be - frozen by stardust was fucking massive.
Okay, so Caspian is still partially in there, he flickers through at times. The Prince of Thorns keeps her at arms length (because Caspian’s awareness stirs more when she’s around?), and Sira seems to be waiting for something to happen.
It’s very Hades and Persephone - the Prince of Thorns having taken the fair maiden connected to flowers into the depths of the underworld, to a world of crystals and gemstones, where no light shines and no flowers grow.
Of course Rosalina manages to make friends with a goblin. She’s charmed Heidi as much as she did Astrid and Marigold. And I like how it gives more depths to the goblins than just being minions of the below.
She’s free!! Of course, it took the Prince of Thorns nearly killing Dayton… after he’d been mind controlled into handing over the reforged rose to him… but she’s free!
I love George, he’s great. He’s genuinely one of my favourite characters.
The love/hate confrontation and sex between Rosalina and the Prince of Thorns was hot and heavy, lol.
Well, shit. Farron attempted to wage war on the briar with only the armies of autumn, and it went very badly wrong… His soldiers trapped by flames, and briars, and goblins; and then the Prince of Thorns arrived and in attempting to resurrect his army using the green flame, Farron gave the Below another undead army to wield… Then everything went further to hell when Kel arrived, and he was pulled down into the Below by the Prince of Thorns.
But Farron and Dayton have reunited. And Farron is finally breaking down, weeping not only for the lives of his soldiers and for Dayton, but also his own.
Yay! Ezryn is officially High Prince of Spring once more.
Ohh okay. There’s the meaning of the title. Sira is using her magic, her shadows, to steal memories from her citizens, feeding them to the Baron as some kind of tether. Like Heidi’s love of the bloomies, and Rosalina’s memory of her wedding.
Of course it was the combination of Rosie and Kel that broke Caspian free from the power of the green flame. His chaining and collaring of Keldarion, and then accidental hurting of Rosie allowed him to shove it back into the box it came from.
I won’t lie, the scene from the artwork they already released, of the Prince of Thorns collaring Keldarion was hot, lol.
And now they’re scheming together to steal back the rose, with the other princes, George, and the twins making their way into the Below to break them out.
Welp. I guess that was the NSFW art that they had as the preorder bonus. Holy shit. Again, it puts ACOTAR to shame (chapter 44).
The exhibitionism, the scheming, the knowledge of being the distraction, that they’re going to destroy all of the revellers, Kel watching from above… oof.
Oh my god, it carried on. Them using the bargain to pass her between them, between throne and cage. All eyes on them.
Is this what the others are going to walk in on?
Oh no… I can’t believe Billy is dead…
Billy wanted to stay and release those trapped in the menagerie when they found out that Kel had been moved elsewhere. They did, and then they were attacked by Farron’s reanimated soldiers, and he fell over the edge of the cliff by Kel’s cage. It was an act of love and compassion that ended in tragedy.
But as he lay dying, Farron was able to send his spirit and the remnants of his soldiers back to through the winds of the autumn realm, and on to wherever they’ll take them…
He’s finally realised that he can’t save everyone, regardless of whatever power might be offered to him. Death comes for everybody eventually… It was a revelation he needed to come to, I just wish it hadn’t been like this…
This is not how I wanted them all to be reunited.
Them getting a magical girl transformation scene in the middle of a fight to the death is so fucking funny, lol.
If they permanently kill Dayton, I will never forgive them. Fuck him going in peace if they win this fight. Absolutely not.
Finally. Caspian has become one with the power of the green flame that runs through his veins. His shadows, his briars, and his flames, writhing and weaving together.
Oh, thank fucking god. Rosalina was able to tie Dayton’s life force to her and Farron’s. And I fucking knew that Farron and Dayton were mates.
I love that Anya and George are finally, properly, reunited again. Able to hold each other, able to be with each other again.
And that they’ve finally all returned to Castletree! We haven’t been there since before they went to the Summer realm. A Castletree where the princes and staff are finally free from the curse, for the first time in over 25 years.
I’m still not convinced that Caspian and Keldarion aren’t mates too.
Is that the end of the Baron then? His tether to the Enchanted Vale broken? Or does Sira have another way of bringing him through?
Chapter 67 onwards. What a delight. Brings back memories of a sauna.
Ahh. So that’s where Wrenley disappeared to. Another rose bush bloomed in the briar, and Wrenley escaped to the human world, to Orca Cove, through it. Hiding in the remnants of Rosalina and George’s life, in their cottage. Entombed in guilt, and anger, and grief, and self-hatred. I really do hope that she’s able to find happiness.
Ah shit. Was the rose they rescued a fake, one of Sira’s illusions, the entire time? Cause when they stole it back, I don’t think they ever opened the jar it was being contained in…
I knew things were going far too well.
Oh fuck. Anya is still bound with her bargain by her bargain with Sira, and she’s just forced her to turn Caspian human. He begged for it for years, so as to be free of the green flame, to be able to live on the surface, but he’s just come to accept each part of himself… And his briars are the only thing that is keeping Castletree standing, since Anya is still so weak. It’s going to come crashing down.
Ohhhh. Well spotted Rosie. A human cannot make a bargain with a fae. And Sira never specified who she wanted Anya to make human, so she was able to turn her magic on herself.
Although I am quite sad that the bargain between Caspian and Keldarion broke - not because they didn’t love each other anymore, but because Cas is now human.
Oh, phew. So he’s not entirely human, just significantly weakened - the bargain, and his thorns fading away. But I wonder what will still be left??
Okay, so Rosalina could save Castletree! She’s held up and reinforced parts of it before. Also, now would be a really good time for Wrenley to show up again as well, with her own briars.
There’s nothing like an army of mind-controlled creatures from the Below and a castle in the midst of falling down to really amp up the tension.
Oh this is very not good. If Castletree falls, so does George, and what happens when the source of the magic in the Vale dies? And the roses are currently losing all magic, and with them, so do the princes…
You’re really going to give Farron all of the trauma surrounding libraries aren’t you? Him not able to save Castletree’s like he was unable to save the Great Scriptorium in Autumn.
Nice timing Wrenley!
Well shit, so Wrenley’s briars are gone as well…
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Wrenley told Rosalina that she’d always dreamed of the father she never knew swooping in like a hero to save her from the Below, and that never happened. And now that they’ve properly met for the first time, with him knowing that she’s his daughter, he’s done just that. Leaped in front of the arrow aimed at her back, and taken it through the heart…
He spent so much of his life searching for Anya, knowing that she hadn’t just left in the very essence of his being, and now that they’ve finally been reunited, he’s been snatched away…
Anya’s bargain with Sira, to find out how to extend his life was about immortality, not invulnerability. Time couldn’t kill him, but a mortal wound still could.
Oh. The underfae let them go? Faking their escape attempt in the briar. A release and a warning all at the same time. Because of one simple kindness, a hand reaching out in the dark, showing empathy to an enemy. A little healing balm and a winged lion loaned for comfort.
And so it’s back to Orca Cove. The one place that Sira won’t care to look for them. Because nowhere in the Enchanted Vale is safe anymore now that Castletree is destroyed and the magic of the Vale is draining away…
Rosalina still has the roses, they just need a new place to take root. But until then, the princes are without magic, with only Caspian’s weakened shadows and flame remaining to them. And now they don’t even have their tokens, or presumably the weapons and armour contained within them. But maybe Justus can find something to do with them.
Awww. Despite his own grief, it’s Caspian that has taken the other’s despair, and grief, and desolation upon his shoulders. He’s known so much pain, known staggering through to make it to the other side. He’s going to help guide the other’s through theirs, to help them find hope again.
Oop. Sira’s going to end up with a rebellion on her hands if even her closest allies are starting to turn against her.
This ending is fucking BLEAK. Holy shit. What a place to end it.
And now I have to wait until October for the conclusion to this honestly, epic, series. Dammit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2026
**ARC review**
Redemption arc? Tragedy? I didn’t realize a book could break my heart, start to heal it, then utterly shatter it. I dont know how I am supposed to wait and survive reading other books until the last book comes out 😭
Redemption arc? Tragedy? I didn’t realize a book could break my heart, start to heal it, then utterly shatter it. I dont know how I am supposed to wait and survive reading other books until the last book comes out 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2026
Warning: The following review contains spoilers from the first five novels in the Beasts of the Briar series.
When we last left the Four Seasonal Princes (Keldarion of Winter, Dayton of Summer, Farron of Autumn, and Ezra of Spring), the Prince of Thorns / the Below Caspian, and their shared mate, Rosalina, Caspian had just sacrificed himself to the malevolent Green Flame, and his father’s dark influence, to protect the other princes.
Rosalina, in turn, used Keldarion’s and Caspian’s bargain with one another to willingly be dragged to the Below, as a vulnerable thrall to the Caspian. Her hope was that, in the Below, she would be able to eventually find her way back to herself, save Caspian from the Flame’s pernicious influence, and also spy on her mortal enemy, Sira, and her evil plans to conquer the realms above.
Meanwhile, Farron and Dayton are also struggling with their respective vulnerabilities to the Green Flame: Farron because he willingly took it into himself to resurrect Dayton from the dead, and Dayton because he was revived by the Flame.
Ezra is grappling with whether he is worthy to retake his position as ruler of the Spring realm, after he was forced to relinquish it, following some tragic past events in past novels.
At the same time, all the princes are working together to reconstruct the Rose, a powerful tool that may be essential in their defeating Sira. But what will happen to their Realm, if the Rose falls into the wrong hands?
I’ll admit that I was hesitant going into this book, especially upon hearing that this already massively large series had not one, but TWO more novels remaining after this one. However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Stolen by Shadows.
At 479 pages, this was a much shorter installment than the novels that preceded it, and I found it to be much more tightly written. The chapters were comparatively shorter and moved the narrative along at a consistent pace. Each character had his / her own narrative journey, but all were tied together by their individual desires to regain control of portions of themselves and autonomy that had been lost. With all the mate bonds finally established and the respective werewolf curses firmly broken, the fivesome felt more like a unified bonded group, all focused on a common enemy.
I liked getting to experience and learn about the Below, its creatures, and how life there differs from the Seasonal Realms of the above. It was also fun to see Caspian finally get his time in the spotlight as one of our heroes, even if he did have to spend large chunks of it partially possessed by a supernaturally evil influence.
Stolen by Shadows was probably Beast of the Briar’s least spicy novel so far. However, I actually appreciated that! I felt as though the authors fell back on sex scenes too often in prior novels, and used them as a crutch to serve as a break in the narrative action. They began to feel superfluous and incongruous with the stakes of the story. In Stolen by Shadows, each spice scene was distinct and important to the narrative. They also made sense, in terms of where they landed in the story. This was especially the case with the long awaited, multi-chapter, intensely acrobatic (if a twinge unrealistic), spice scene toward the final quarter of the novel, which featured ALL of our main characters!
In terms of the overall story, after six novels, I’m glad we finally seem to be moving the story toward its inevitable conclusion. We had some character deaths that added to the narrative stakes and offered up some emotional moments to the tale. We also concluded the novel with some major cliffhanger moments, ones that seem to be setting the story up for the novel’s final major showdown.
I feel like I’ve made it through the story this far. I might as well continue with the series, to see how it all turns out!
When we last left the Four Seasonal Princes (Keldarion of Winter, Dayton of Summer, Farron of Autumn, and Ezra of Spring), the Prince of Thorns / the Below Caspian, and their shared mate, Rosalina, Caspian had just sacrificed himself to the malevolent Green Flame, and his father’s dark influence, to protect the other princes.
Rosalina, in turn, used Keldarion’s and Caspian’s bargain with one another to willingly be dragged to the Below, as a vulnerable thrall to the Caspian. Her hope was that, in the Below, she would be able to eventually find her way back to herself, save Caspian from the Flame’s pernicious influence, and also spy on her mortal enemy, Sira, and her evil plans to conquer the realms above.
Meanwhile, Farron and Dayton are also struggling with their respective vulnerabilities to the Green Flame: Farron because he willingly took it into himself to resurrect Dayton from the dead, and Dayton because he was revived by the Flame.
Ezra is grappling with whether he is worthy to retake his position as ruler of the Spring realm, after he was forced to relinquish it, following some tragic past events in past novels.
At the same time, all the princes are working together to reconstruct the Rose, a powerful tool that may be essential in their defeating Sira. But what will happen to their Realm, if the Rose falls into the wrong hands?
I’ll admit that I was hesitant going into this book, especially upon hearing that this already massively large series had not one, but TWO more novels remaining after this one. However, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Stolen by Shadows.
At 479 pages, this was a much shorter installment than the novels that preceded it, and I found it to be much more tightly written. The chapters were comparatively shorter and moved the narrative along at a consistent pace. Each character had his / her own narrative journey, but all were tied together by their individual desires to regain control of portions of themselves and autonomy that had been lost. With all the mate bonds finally established and the respective werewolf curses firmly broken, the fivesome felt more like a unified bonded group, all focused on a common enemy.
I liked getting to experience and learn about the Below, its creatures, and how life there differs from the Seasonal Realms of the above. It was also fun to see Caspian finally get his time in the spotlight as one of our heroes, even if he did have to spend large chunks of it partially possessed by a supernaturally evil influence.
Stolen by Shadows was probably Beast of the Briar’s least spicy novel so far. However, I actually appreciated that! I felt as though the authors fell back on sex scenes too often in prior novels, and used them as a crutch to serve as a break in the narrative action. They began to feel superfluous and incongruous with the stakes of the story. In Stolen by Shadows, each spice scene was distinct and important to the narrative. They also made sense, in terms of where they landed in the story. This was especially the case with the long awaited, multi-chapter, intensely acrobatic (if a twinge unrealistic), spice scene toward the final quarter of the novel, which featured ALL of our main characters!
In terms of the overall story, after six novels, I’m glad we finally seem to be moving the story toward its inevitable conclusion. We had some character deaths that added to the narrative stakes and offered up some emotional moments to the tale. We also concluded the novel with some major cliffhanger moments, ones that seem to be setting the story up for the novel’s final major showdown.
I feel like I’ve made it through the story this far. I might as well continue with the series, to see how it all turns out!
July 24, 2026
What a freaking book. This was the one of the shorter books in the series, but man does it still pack a punch. I swear I cried at least 5 times over while reading it, but I would still go back and read it all again. The pain was worth it because the story is so damn beautiful.
We pick up with the story again right after the events of book 5. Everyone is in different places, all liking their wounds and trying to clean up, while Rosie is a thrall to Caspian in the Below. But Cas isn't the Cas that we have grown to love. He is fully taken over by the Green Flame, and while I hate it for him, I also kinda loved it at the same time? (Sorry Cas 😅) Seeing Rosie be airheaded and only thinking about Cas kinda threw me, but at the same time it was so rewarding to see her slowly start to remember things. At the same time, we learned more about what Sira was doing and ohhhh boy. The last book is going to hurt I just know it.
Let me tell you, the wait for everyone to get back together was long, but so so worth it. There were many spicy scenes in this book, and things that I have been wanting to happen since the start of the series finally happened. I wish I could tell more about it, but these are scenes I don't want to spoil in the least bit, or give any hints about what spicy things they are getting up to. Just know they are hot, hot hooooot 🥵
While this book broke my heart more than I ever thought it was going to - who am I kidding though, I knew it was going to hurt - I still laughed and cheered as much as I cried. The series is starting to come to an end, and the stakes are higher than they ever have been. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and I couldn't put it down. I will be forever thinking about this book, and this series. From the characters, to the setting, to the adventures we have been on, it's a beautiful ride, and I'm not ready for it to end. 🥺
We pick up with the story again right after the events of book 5. Everyone is in different places, all liking their wounds and trying to clean up, while Rosie is a thrall to Caspian in the Below. But Cas isn't the Cas that we have grown to love. He is fully taken over by the Green Flame, and while I hate it for him, I also kinda loved it at the same time? (Sorry Cas 😅) Seeing Rosie be airheaded and only thinking about Cas kinda threw me, but at the same time it was so rewarding to see her slowly start to remember things. At the same time, we learned more about what Sira was doing and ohhhh boy. The last book is going to hurt I just know it.
Let me tell you, the wait for everyone to get back together was long, but so so worth it. There were many spicy scenes in this book, and things that I have been wanting to happen since the start of the series finally happened. I wish I could tell more about it, but these are scenes I don't want to spoil in the least bit, or give any hints about what spicy things they are getting up to. Just know they are hot, hot hooooot 🥵
While this book broke my heart more than I ever thought it was going to - who am I kidding though, I knew it was going to hurt - I still laughed and cheered as much as I cried. The series is starting to come to an end, and the stakes are higher than they ever have been. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and I couldn't put it down. I will be forever thinking about this book, and this series. From the characters, to the setting, to the adventures we have been on, it's a beautiful ride, and I'm not ready for it to end. 🥺
July 8, 2026
5⭐️ Loved it! A must own book.
Read this if you like sprawling epic fantasy, morally questionable princes, and a world that somehow keeps getting bigger with every book.
📖What’s inside:
🥸 Espionage
Multi POV
Vouyerism 👀
On-page intimacy 🔴
👹Goblins/Magical creatures
Explicit language
“My wife” “mine” they’re all a little (a lot) possessive
Portal world 🕳️
✨Vibes: Lord of the Rings meets Alice in Wonderland but make it BDSM
Book boyfriend meter: ❤️ Would date. (I can fix him)
This book belongs to Cas, and yes—he’s still on the Book Boyfriend Leaderboard. But I’m Team Green, not Team Purple. If you know… you know. 💚😈
💭Thoughts: Every time I come back to this series, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Dangerous, morally questionable friends… but friends nonetheless. Somehow Elizabeth Helen keeps making this world bigger, more complex, and even more addictive. At six books into the series you’ve got to wonder how it could keep going and still be good, yet Elizabeth Helen proves they know exactly what they’re doing.
This isn’t just a spicy, why choose, Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling fantasy romance anymore.
It’s full-blown epic fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, nonstop action, and characters who are allowed to make mistakes and actually grow because of them. From beginning to end I was hooked. My only small criticism is that there’s a little repetition between POVs, but honestly? I barely noticed because I was having too much fun. At this point, I completely trust these authors. With the last book coming out in a few months, we are primed for an incredible finale. Especially after the ending of this one. An easy five stars.
➕Should you add this to your TBR? Absolutely.
This isn’t a series that’s running out of steam.
If anything… It somehow gets better with every single book. You don’t want to miss this installment.
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for an eARC copy of this book. Keeping it real with my honest thoughts as always. 🖤
For my full review + more fantasy book recs, check out my blog here → https://www.abookfortheendoftheworld.com
Read this if you like sprawling epic fantasy, morally questionable princes, and a world that somehow keeps getting bigger with every book.
📖What’s inside:
🥸 Espionage
Multi POV
Vouyerism 👀
On-page intimacy 🔴
👹Goblins/Magical creatures
Explicit language
“My wife” “mine” they’re all a little (a lot) possessive
Portal world 🕳️
✨Vibes: Lord of the Rings meets Alice in Wonderland but make it BDSM
Book boyfriend meter: ❤️ Would date. (I can fix him)
This book belongs to Cas, and yes—he’s still on the Book Boyfriend Leaderboard. But I’m Team Green, not Team Purple. If you know… you know. 💚😈
💭Thoughts: Every time I come back to this series, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Dangerous, morally questionable friends… but friends nonetheless. Somehow Elizabeth Helen keeps making this world bigger, more complex, and even more addictive. At six books into the series you’ve got to wonder how it could keep going and still be good, yet Elizabeth Helen proves they know exactly what they’re doing.
This isn’t just a spicy, why choose, Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling fantasy romance anymore.
It’s full-blown epic fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, nonstop action, and characters who are allowed to make mistakes and actually grow because of them. From beginning to end I was hooked. My only small criticism is that there’s a little repetition between POVs, but honestly? I barely noticed because I was having too much fun. At this point, I completely trust these authors. With the last book coming out in a few months, we are primed for an incredible finale. Especially after the ending of this one. An easy five stars.
➕Should you add this to your TBR? Absolutely.
This isn’t a series that’s running out of steam.
If anything… It somehow gets better with every single book. You don’t want to miss this installment.
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for an eARC copy of this book. Keeping it real with my honest thoughts as always. 🖤
For my full review + more fantasy book recs, check out my blog here → https://www.abookfortheendoftheworld.com
July 16, 2026
Hooooooly crap. What was that? 😱
This series has taken me on the biggest emotional rollercoaster of my life, and now there's only one book left…
My heart shattered into a million pieces more than once during this book, and I cried more times than I can count. I'm scared shitless to see how they'll wrap everything up in book seven, but I'm also beyond excited to read the epic finale.
Because that's exactly what this series is: Epic.
The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing, it all comes together to create something truly unforgettable. It's a story about love, family, friendship, and found family at it’s absolute finest.
Why choose romances can sometimes feel repetitive. With so many characters, they can start to blend together, and if you didn't read their name, you might not even know who was speaking. Thankfully, this series is the complete opposite. Every character has their own distinct voice, personality, and journey. They grow, they make mistakes, they have agency, and they each feel so real, genuine and raw. After spending so much time with them throughout this series, I feel like I truly know them, their strengths, their flaws, their hopes, and their fears. These aren't just characters anymore. They're my people, my friends, and I care so deeply about what happens to them 💔
I have no idea how Elizabeth and Helen is going to tie all of this together in the final book, but if the rest of the series is anything to go by, I'm ready to have my heart broken one last time…
This series has taken me on the biggest emotional rollercoaster of my life, and now there's only one book left…
My heart shattered into a million pieces more than once during this book, and I cried more times than I can count. I'm scared shitless to see how they'll wrap everything up in book seven, but I'm also beyond excited to read the epic finale.
Because that's exactly what this series is: Epic.
The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing, it all comes together to create something truly unforgettable. It's a story about love, family, friendship, and found family at it’s absolute finest.
Why choose romances can sometimes feel repetitive. With so many characters, they can start to blend together, and if you didn't read their name, you might not even know who was speaking. Thankfully, this series is the complete opposite. Every character has their own distinct voice, personality, and journey. They grow, they make mistakes, they have agency, and they each feel so real, genuine and raw. After spending so much time with them throughout this series, I feel like I truly know them, their strengths, their flaws, their hopes, and their fears. These aren't just characters anymore. They're my people, my friends, and I care so deeply about what happens to them 💔
I have no idea how Elizabeth and Helen is going to tie all of this together in the final book, but if the rest of the series is anything to go by, I'm ready to have my heart broken one last time…
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