Imprisoned on a volcanic island, waiting to be sacrificed to the evil fire god possessing her first love’s body, and being ripped to shreds by her own mate bonds, Rada definitely regrets telling the Goddess to stay out of her life. She didn’t want to be the Goddess’s pet avatar, but being force-mated to a god whose kisses are literally burning hot is definitely a step down.
Rada’s trapped, but she’s not alone. She has her training as a spy, a plucky group of helpful, imprisoned Omegas with anger issues almost as severe as hers, and some very devoted mates prepared to sacrifice their lives to save her.
When fate finally catches up with her, though, her skills as a thief may be what keeps her alive… and kills everyone else.
The Goddess's Thief is the final book of The Lost Lines, a fantasy reverse harem Omegaverse series with different heroines in an interconnected world. For mature readers only. Please read the content advisory inside the book before diving in.
Once upon a time, Merri Bright tucked romance novels behind all her textbooks and read love stories instead of the lessons. Now she writes the same kind of books she’s always loved, dreaming up stories about naughty angels, misunderstood demons, sexy shifters, growly Alpha males, and all sorts of dragons.
She drinks cinnamon tea while she writes, and believes in the power of naps, kitten cuddles, and long walks with her dog. Come watch Merri be socially awkward at Merri’s FB page or Instagram @merribright, or email her at merri@merribright.com.
Five years ago, I published my very first romance, The King’s Omega. I dreamed it up during the pandemic, stuck at home with an overactive imagination and the feeling that no one would ever know what I was up to. I giggled and gasped while writing it more than Vali ever would. Then, with the help of some smut-loving bookish friends, I published it and kept on writing.
I finished three other series in the five years since, but The Lost Lines kept pulling me back. I wrote books and duets for Haven, then Roya, Cilla, Wren…with Ratter sneaking through all of their stories.*
From the moment she popped her tiny, murderous head up in The Queen’s Nest, I knew Ratter was the Goddess’s end game. The Goddess’s Thief is the final chapter of her story and the last book I plan to write in this world.
If you haven’t read any of the others, Ratter/Rada’s duet stands on its own, though I think you’d enjoy reading The Spy’s Solstice novella before diving in.
* If you didn't catch Ratter and Roya's story? Make sure you read The Assassin's Gift, a bonus epilogue novella in the back of the Roya omnibus! https://books2read.com/roya
The Goddess’s Thief by Merri Bright final book in The Lost Lines series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶🌶🌶💀💀 How do say farewell to characters you have come to adore? Unlimited knots, fascinating poisons, and sharp-tongued FMC wielding knives. That's how and so much more. Rada's mission/journey has brought her to Pict. Save the omegas and children, and rid the world of fire god Edan set on burning it all up. But, things aren't that simple. Mate bonds, surviving and setting the balance right leads to things burning. The goddess has maneuvered all her pieces and its tumbling down and its up Goran, the warlord, Skadi, the ice god, Lusca the tentacle Emperor, Kellen and Lachlan selkies, Lex the priest and Serak the vessel to settle the flames. A farewell befitting a thief. All the omegas have little cameos and brings a sense of nostalgia but most of all its a parting of friends and their happily ever afters. Tropes: Tentacle and tail action. Knots. Heats. Mating bonds. Action. Redemption. Beta male best friend. Unrequited love. Obsessed. Forced Proximity. Quotes: “I carry her poisons and weapons, brother. I suppose that makes me her cloak.” The woman stumbled as if she had no strength. He caught her before she fell.
“Sparks,” she murmured into my mouth. “I love the sparks.” Sparks? I opened my eyes to find hers wide and hazy. I tasted her again, my tongue moving on hers. “There aren’t any sparks, Ratter.” “There are always sparks when you kiss me, Serak.” She pressed a hand to her stomach. “Every damned time.”
I understand. Now I feel it. She is the flame. She is the blade. She is the fire that heals.
I’m sad to see this series end but can’t wait to see what Merrick has coming out next. Rada is a strong FMC and of course her mates would have to be the best. Truly an amazing series that just had me wanting to read non stop. Rada and her mates were funny together. Definitely a little emotional with Lex. I loved seeing all the other characters in this series in the ending of this book. Definitely a must read series.
It’s always bittersweet to see a series like this end, but the least I can say is that I loved the road to get here, and I did so from start to finish. We watched this fantasy world become a better place, while seeing the world and its characters evolve and grow. This final book gave us closure on all remaining plot points, but also a chance to see all our favorite omega’s one last time.
But most of all, this final book was Rada’s story. To watch her grow up from a tiny little hellion into a full-grown hellion was so much fun and I absolute adore her personality. One thing I admire about this author is how character growth is never about changing a person, but about embracing who they are while learning how to appreciate others for who they are as well. It’s often about understanding other viewpoints and learning to find common ground, and there is a lot of that present in this final book in the Lost Lines series. This author knows how to show us that nothing in this world is black or white, while Rada shows stabbing can be both a language of love and hate. Let it be a lesson to always look at the message behind the act and never judge too soon…
As usual, this book had a bit of everything: life lessons alongside silly humor, spice accompanied by plot, characters you want to stab and those you want to embrace, world building and plot twists, and so much more. I love this author no matter what, and this book once again proved why that love is deserved.
[ “Remember when I said I loved you as much as any child I could ever have?” A tear drew a line down my cheek. “No.” “Well, I do,” he murmured. “I’m so proud of you, Ratter of Rimholt.” “The Great Ratter of Rimholt,” I corrected, my voice trembling like I was still the little girl he’d found in a cage...]
I cannot believe we are finally here at the end of the road.
When we first met Ratter she was a scrawny child full of fire that through all the series kept popping up and giving us just enough to make us fall in love with her and all her crew and then of her mates, although IMO nobody was worthy of her, Merri was able to find the perfect set for her, I wish we could keep reading about her and her mates and all the adventures they for sure will go on but alas we must say our goodbyes.
It took me so long to finish the book but not because anything to do with this amazing story but because I dreaded the moment I had to read The End.
I probably will have to re read the whole series only to experience it all over again. It is one of those that stay with you as part of your soul.
Out of everyone, Rada truly deserved her HEA. She went through ice and fire, covered land and sea, scrimped and sacrificed, to save her mates and their love.
I have trouble believing that after everything these characters were put through by Edan that he would simply...give up and fade away. All that build up, and the resolution seemed too easy.
But I still thrilled in Rada's journey. I loved her, her mates, and her allies and friends.
This series inspired so much imagination and positivity for me, and though I'm sad to see it end, I'm thankful I can pick it up and re-read it in the future!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This series means SO MUCH to me. I loved all of it. I’m so happy I got to read it and fall into this beautiful world. Merri Bright did such a great job cracking open my heart and leaving this characters. Rada and her guys are so special. I’m so sad it’s over, but what a wild ride.
Such a bittersweet ending - I loved the HEA, but I’m so sad to see the series has reached it’s end.
This book puts you through your emotional paces - you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll kick uour heels in joy, you’ll want to throw the book across the room. But in the end, Ratter gets her seven mates and her HEA. And finally has her heat.
Thus review us a general one of The Lost Lines series. There are no spoilers, just a sincere appreciation for the books, characters and writing quality.
I enjoyed all of the Lost Lines books! They are fun, adventurous, steamy, and satisfying. I especially enjoyed the various main female characters (I have my faves, but they are different enough for everyone to find a fave!), who sought different dreams and ways to fulfill those dreams. The male characters had more weaknesses than the females (as they should), but they, too, were varied in their nature's and expertise.
Of course, one of the main themes is CHOICE. A woman's right to choose. So, even with the violence, sexy men, reverse harem, and wild sex, Merri Bright writes about an essential right that all women should have: choice.
I will say that I was very happily surprised by the quality of the writing. I generally find that, unfortunately, poor grammar, A lot of repetition, and a sometimes limited world building is frequently found in slightly smutty books. This is definitely not the case with the imaginative, creative mind of Ms. Bright. She has penned a series of well-written, fascinating characters living in a connected, comprehensive, and cohesive unique world.
I look forward to reading all if Merry Bright's books and would definitely encourage you to check them out, too!
4.25 stars. This story is octuple POV (mainly female lead), well written and edited, and the second half of a dark-ish, fast-paced, adventurous, reverse harem, erotic fantasy omegaverse romance duet between Rada, the female avatar of the Moon Goddess, and her seven male (mostly alpha) harem, which includes gods/godlings and kings/princes of various principalities and species. I have read the whole series and enjoyed Rada/Ratter as a background character in many of them; it was fantastic that this duet was her story. I enjoyed the story premise and execution, finding it clever and engaging. I enjoyed the personality and temperament variation in the harem. I enjoyed the bonding of the males and their different parts in working together (and playing together). I enjoyed the building intimacy and intimate scenes, though I struggled with how many moving parts there were. Honestly, this harem is a bit too large for me; I felt like I didn’t have a great understanding of many of the male perspectives, though I comfortably understood Rada - if you enjoy large male harem stories, I strongly commend this one to you! I enjoyed the contentment of the ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
I have loved this entire series, and Merri Bright has officially convinced me that the Omegaverse and high fantasy were always meant to collide. She took the tropes, smashed them through a fantasy wall, added gods, mate bonds, magic, betrayal, and enough chaos to keep me turning pages, and I am HERE FOR IT.
Rada is absolutely going through it. Imprisoned on a volcanic island, facing sacrifice to an evil fire god wearing the body of her first love, while her own mate bonds are basically trying to rip her apart? Girl cannot catch a break. But I loved watching her lean into the skills that make her uniquely dangerous. She’s a thief, a spy, a survivor, and she is NOT going quietly.
And the imprisoned Omegas? Give me more of these angry little chaos gremlins immediately. I loved their dynamic and the way they brought some much-needed bite and humor to an otherwise brutal situation.
The worldbuilding continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. It’s wild, imaginative, dark, and somehow keeps getting bigger without losing the addictive Omegaverse elements that hooked me in the first place.
I am absolutely invested in this world, these characters, and whatever unhinged fantasy-Omegaverse madness Merri Bright has planned next. I’m strapped in.
“Her hair is the hue of the night sky above, Her eyes darkened pools, holding magic and pain. But if asked why this beauty’s the goddess I love, ‘It’s her heart,’ I would answer, again and again.”
I didn't want it to end!!! 😭 Loved it so much. 💜🖤 What an absolutely epic story to finish the series!
This story had me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. A tear was definitely shed. It was never going to be a smooth ride for Rada and her merry men.
The book is so full of action! It wouldn't be Rada's story without it. Is there some stabby stabby goodness? Does a bear shit in the woods???? Mate, Rada may have grown up, but she sure as hell didn't lose that spitfire personality in this book.
Alexios, Goran, Kellin, Lachlan, Lusca, Serak, and Skadi cemented their dedication and devotion to Rada in this book. You’ll shiver in your loins with these fine specimens of mmcs. Hubba hubba! 🫠🤤
Shattered that this is the conclusion to an utterly awesome series, but so excited to finally read Rada's (Ratter) HEA. From the moment she graced us with her spunk, hilarity and trusty dagger, I fell in love. Radar is an fmc that will forever be remembered. RATTER 4EVA!
I cannot believe this series is over. Rada aka Ratter has been such a favorite throughout the series. In this one she gets her own HEA.
Now that she is in the grasp of Edan who has haunted her steps for years she must fight. To save not only herself but the other trapped omegas on his cursed island. Her men won't leave her behind. Yes they need to learn to get along a bit better but their shared goal of getting her to safety and ensuring their survival.
There were moments in this one that absolutely broke my heart. The children with their haunted eyes and quietness because no one wants to get the attention of Edan's priests or the alphas allowed on the island.
We finally get a little glimpse at how Rada came to be. I was curious to know about her parents and this one finally answered my questions about them. It was nice to see her finally understanding that the goddess never meant to take her life or choices away from her. For so long a misunderstanding about what exactly was expected from her kept her running from her future.
I would absolutely love to see more stories set in Rimholt with her grown up crew. Maybe one day down the line Merri will revisit these characters. Until then this was absolutely the perfect end for them.
Rada realizes she made a mistake telling the Goddess to stay out of her life, since she's trapped on an island waiting to be sacrificed to a volcano. She didn't want to be the Goddess's stand-in, but there had to be a better way she could have handled things. Now, she hopes that her mates feel the pain of the mate bonds as much as she does, so they will maybe help with her rescue. Until then, she'll need to call on her skills as a thief and spy to get out of this mess,
When this series first started, Ratter was a headstrong, scrawny child getting into trouble but clearly clever, fearless, and invested in her community. She was a hero in the making. She's popped up throughout the series and always steals the scenes she's in. She injects humor and momentum throughout. She became my favorite. So, it was wonderful, rewarding, and bittersweet to finally get her story. This series, and especially Rada (Ratter), deserved this send-off. It was perfect. I would like to give kudos to this series, the women who starred in it, and the woman who created it all. Funny, heartfelt, sexy, and strong.
“Virgin?” I snorted. “If you mean to ask if I have quenched the prodigious knots I carry on my c--- —with some effort, as they are quite large and cumbersome—I have not."
I can't even begin to describe the wild ride that was the ending to both Rada's and the Lost Lines' story. The emotions pulled into this book from beginning to end run the gamut from laugh out loud to "whyyy?!" tears. Rada has been one of my favorite parts of this series from her introduction and although I am not happy to see the end, I am thrilled to have experienced all she had to go through to get her well-deserved happily ever after. Rada's pack of mates have such a variety of personalities, and they are all, at times, funny, sweet, or heartbreakingly romantic, and each exactly what Ratter needed. I hate that this is the close of this chapter for Merri, but I am so excited to see where she takes us next.
"I would keep on stealing every scrap of joy I could find, and saving those who had none, until my very last breath."
We've finally come to the end of The Lost Lines series, and it's kind of bittersweet. And the Omega we've all kind of watched growing up throughout the series is the one who's ending it with a bang! Rada/Ratter... she's been running from this fate, but she's finally ready to let the Goddess in. Only, now that she's at Pict, she's afraid she has turned the Goddess away for good and that she won't be able to free the imprisoned Omegas. As for her Alphas, some of them needs to get their alphaness under control or they won't be of any use to Rada and she'll need all of them to help her make the greatest escape of her life.
I really enjoyed this book, but like I said before, it's a bittersweet feeling. I'm sad the series is coming to an end, but I'm happy at the same time as we finally get to see Rada be who she was supposed to be in her own way, on her own term. It's was always going to be her own way because she had to fight for her life from the start. Great way to end the series!
Rada, since the moment you made the first appearance in The Lost Lines as Ratter, the extremely adorable and adept thief, you basically stole the show. Having you as the FMC of the last of the series is bittersweet. But seeing who you have become, the huge heart you have under that tough exterior, the fierce protector you are and the woman who brings Gods to their knees, is the best ending of all. With the humor of this series, but definitely the darkest tale yet of these "lost" Omegas, Rada and her mates are absolutely perfect. I have adored every tale, I genuinely love these books and have read all of them multiple times, yet The Goddess’s Thief managed to shock and surprise me and give me the most satisfying ending of all. If you have not yet picked up these books then please do now, they are hilarious, sexy, heartbreaking, heart wrenching, cute adorable and dark all at once! Rada/Ratter grown up is so much perfection it hurts!
Only Merri - and specifically Rada - could make me laugh, yell and cry all within the same chapter. Hell sometimes within the same page. I've been along for the ride since 2021 with the Lost Lines series and I can honestly say it's been an incredible journey. This series is one of my all-time favorite omegaverses and getting to see everything come full circle was so so so fun!
While I hope Merri continues to write in the Lost Lines world , if she does not, Rada's story was a fantastic way to round everything out. This world and these characters forever have my heart.
Thank you Merri Bright, for the world, the characters, the adventures, the book and so much more. All thoughts and opinions are my own - so you should definitely read this series (but start at book 1!)
I can’t believe that The Goddess’s Thief is the final book of The Lost Lines series. Merri Bright did a fantastic job of wrapping up Ratter/Rada’s storyline, giving us a page-turner ending to her spectacular series. A bittersweet end as Rada finds her well earned HEA and Merri closes out the richly detailed journey. (She has hinted that she might revisit the world in some other form and I really hope she does.)
Her character and world-building are top tier and I am a huge fan of her humour infused storytelling. I enjoyed everything about this final instalment except for one small teeny tiny part involving Edan’s final scene (it felt a little rushed and not quite true to the character) but that’s just nitpicking at an otherwise brilliant series.
If you’re a fan of romantasy, omegaverse or even just epic fantasy, you’ll love this series, so I highly recommend it!
This was such a satisfying ending for Ratter and her men! It had plenty of small emotional rollercoasters, plenty of little plot twists and kept me glued to the pages the whole time! The character development and relationship development was done really well, pacing was not rushed at all and I felt this book summed up the Lost Lines universe perfectly. I will miss this universe, enjoyed every book in it! Edan's fate was satisfying, didn't see a lot of what happened coming. Really going to miss Ratter and her stabby ways with her men. I love how the relationships even between her mates changed: Lusca and Skadi - loved it!
Can't recommend this duet enough and this universe enough! The whole universe is complete now and can be read as standalones/duets!
A dark PNR Omegaverse packed with action, tension, darkly hilarious moments, and plenty of steam. The story grabs you from the very first page and doesn’t let go until the very end.
This is the book where decisions have to be made, feelings will speak louder than anything else, and where evil has to be faced. It’s fair to say that our MCs don’t have an easy road ahead of them.
The story picks up right where the cliffhanger from the first book left us, and what follows is an emotional rollercoaster. There is so much anger and frustration, but at the same time, there is hope.
Our FMC didn’t come this far to lose or give up. She will give everything she has for those who deserve to be free, and our MMCs will do everything in their power to support her.
And through all of this, the relationship between our MCs evolves into exactly what I’ve been rooting for.
We get plenty of tension and outrage over everything that has been done, but also some very emotional and steamy moments.
What a wild ride! This was such a fantastic series, and this is such a fun and satisfying ending. Rada, or Ratter as we know her, is facing off against an endless enemy, but lucky for her she’s not alone. At least she won’t be once all her mates can get their acts together. This is the epic conclusion to Ratter’s story, so it’s necessary to read the other books in this part of the series. But fret not, because there is never a dull moment. The characters are great, Rada is resourceful, dedicated and not afraid to get her hands dirty. There were several times in this book where I had no idea how our MC would get out of a situation, which I really liked. If you are in the mood for a fairly spicy omegaverse with great characters, action and adventure, this is the series for you.
I have absolutely loved Ratter from the very first moment I met her. She has consistently been my favorite character in the entire series. While I am so happy that she got the ending that she did, I am also so sad to let her go. The humor is top notch and the spice was perfect! I love that Ratter had a large number of MMCs. I feel like her character and personality needed that many men just to be able to keep up with her. She is brave and feisty. One thing that never changes with Merri Bright's books is that the characters are always complex, but not so far away that you can't connect with them. I'm sorry that the story has come to an end, but I can't wait to see what the future has to hold.
OMG! Merri did not disappoint with this one! I could not have imagined a better ending for Rada and her men. Nor a happier beginning for the rest of their lives. As always it was a heck of an emotional roller-coaster, and an absolute thrill ride, and I am so here for it! I have laughed, and I have cried. Man, have I cried. But, it was so worth it! For anyone who has been following along with The Lost Lines series, and the adventures of Rada specifically, I can guarantee that you will you will absolutely love this book, and you will breathe a happy sigh at the end. I certainly did!
Final pieces to the puzzle. Having read this series right from the beginning, it was so satisfying to see how all of the details came together in the end. I did find it took some time to remember who each of the key characters were and their unique abilities/role/previous history with Rada. As details through each interaction were shared, the connections between Rada and particularly the potential mates became more clear. I really enjoyed the mythology/fantasy aspects of the story and how strong themes of love, protection, and self sacrifice were interwoven. It was also quite satisfying seeing so many other characters and situations from previous novels drawn back into the last few chapters. Seeing so much HEA for all involved in this world provided a satisfying ending for me.
I read an ARC and voluntarily and sharing my honest review.
This book made me want to throw away all my responsibilities and just get lost in it. It made me feel so many things and Rada is such an amazing FMC. She is so sweet, intelligent, funny and strong. As far as the guys go it's good she didn't have to pick because they are all amazing in their own way. Skadi really cracked me up though I think he is up there as one of my favorites. There was a time I wanted to throw my kindle though because something happened and I didn't know if there was any coming back from that but of course I had to find out 😂😂😂 I can't tell you though you will just have to read and find out for yourself
The final book in the series, and what an ending! It's so hard to say goodbye to these characters, but it was a wonderful conclusion. Not only do we get the end of Rada's story, but we also get a few pop-ups of some of the other characters in the previous books, which I loved seeing. This entire series has been a pleasure to read, and this final book was no different. Rada has grown so much since we first met her as a child named Ratter. I loved seeing her strength and confidence develop. Overall, I have loved every book in this series, and this book was nonstop exception. I would definitely recommend reading it!
The last book in the Lost Lines series. There is method in the Goddess’s plan but it sure feels like madness and I couldn’t see how there was going to be a happy conclusion. I mean, there is a happy ending but it is hard fought and not without sacrifice. Sorry, sacrifices. The Goddess likes those. My heart broke for Lex and Rada, but the most heartbreaking was the omegas and children of Pict. 💔💔💔 Skadi and Luska’s ‘rivalry’ made me giggle and Skadi remains an 🍑, maybe even an 🍑god. 😉😉🫣😂 The ending made me teary and emotional. Wonderful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rada’s story was everything I knew it would be and more! Merri Bright has a way of making me grin and giggling, even when her characters are stabbing people.
I didn’t know if I would be able to find redemption for all the guys - but never doubt the wicked ways of Merri’s story telling. These guys have you swooning at the end, also ready to stab a few of them. 😂 But what is love without some battle scars?
It’s amazing everything this omega has endured to get to the end, but to end up with 7 wild and needy guys might be her biggest challenge.
This series is how I discovered this author. I've loved reading her books ever since. This book was the perfect conclusion to the series. We've gotten to see Ratter grow into this amazing woman with so many mates. I loved reading it.
The harem is big and that comes with its own issues but they work well together. Even with their different personalities. If you love bigger harms this book is definitely one to give it a shot. Though you do need to have read the other books as they build on each other.