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Fear the Flames #3
Ashes of the Fallen
Not yet published
Expected 30 Mar 27In the third book of an addictive, New York Times bestselling romantasy series, the war against House Atarah is over, but Elowen and Cayden’s trials have only begun—and the cost for those who remain may be too steep a price.
The once mighty House Veles is crumbling, plunging Ravaryn into chaos. For Elowen and Cayden Veles, defeating their enemies has led to devastating consequences. Elowen is now lost to an unfathomable darkness from which she may never return, and Cayden searches for her with no regard for his own safety or the fallout he leaves behind. He will put his wife before his duty—and kingdoms will bleed for it.
With the fate of their king and queen unknown, Ryder Neredras, Saskia Neredras, and Finnan Eira must carry on through their grief as the throne slips from their grasp, holding the fragile peace together and keeping the truth of Cayden’s whereabouts from the various factions who want to seize power for themselves. As alliances fray and new enemies rise, they will risk everything to save Ravaryn, regardless of the sacrifice.
As the gods awaken and deadly tension mounts across the world, House Veles may rise again—or be lost for all eternity.
The once mighty House Veles is crumbling, plunging Ravaryn into chaos. For Elowen and Cayden Veles, defeating their enemies has led to devastating consequences. Elowen is now lost to an unfathomable darkness from which she may never return, and Cayden searches for her with no regard for his own safety or the fallout he leaves behind. He will put his wife before his duty—and kingdoms will bleed for it.
With the fate of their king and queen unknown, Ryder Neredras, Saskia Neredras, and Finnan Eira must carry on through their grief as the throne slips from their grasp, holding the fragile peace together and keeping the truth of Cayden’s whereabouts from the various factions who want to seize power for themselves. As alliances fray and new enemies rise, they will risk everything to save Ravaryn, regardless of the sacrifice.
As the gods awaken and deadly tension mounts across the world, House Veles may rise again—or be lost for all eternity.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 30, 2027
About the author
Olivia Rose Darling
10 books2,929 followersOlivia split her time growing up between New York and Manchester, VT. She developed a passion for writing from a very young age- always scribbling poems onto napkins and short stories into her school notebooks. She graduated from Pace University and attained a degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. Lord of the Rings were her favorite movies growing up and formed her fantasy obsession. Being an author and living a life filled with words and magic has always been her dream.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Want to Read
August 28, 2025*stares blankly at the wall for months pretending book two didn't end the way it absolutely did*
Want to Read
November 17, 2025I'm fine, it's absolutely fine that I have to wait a FULL YEAR😁. Definitely not going crazy and dying on the floor, in my room from the way book 2 ended🥹🥹
Edit:
GIRL. We got a name and an absolutely stunning cover now???????? Oh gosh I can’t wait.
Edit:
GIRL. We got a name and an absolutely stunning cover now???????? Oh gosh I can’t wait.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Men will raze the world in their hatred of women, and care little for the lives they destroy in the process.”
The best part about part 1 (hah no pun intended) has been Saskia and Ryders POVs. I’m not particularly a massive fan of this particular storyline with Elowen and Cayden but I knew it was coming from the ending of book 2 ofc, and honestly the side characters have been holding it down for me and keeping me very entertained. While the mmcs are following their particular quest, my favorite thing about this series aka the political maneuvering is being continued by the rest of the cast and I find it very engaging.
“Just point the lance at the prick and hope for the best.”
Ryder for the love of all that is holy why are you such a dumb mf??? Why on earth would you ever…? I can’t. As I was just done praising him too 😂
“I don’t care that the poison had already shut down several vital organs; have some respect. Maybe I could bribe one of his siblings to trip him. Nobody would have to pay me if they asked me to trip Ryder or Finnian; I’d happily do it.”
Once everyone dealt with their individual quests and we’re all finally reunited (thankfully), I finally remembered why exactly I loved Cayden and his slutty little glasses so damn much. Honestly the underlying humor he’s written with under his broody asshole persona, 10/10.
There’s a new direction of the plot that this book has started and while I am intrigued and some massive revelations, plot twists and cliffhangers happened, I miss the political intrigue that made me ravenous in the previous installment. Also I’m praying the next one isn’t heading where I think it is just cause that particular plot line is one I terribly hate after already not being a fan of the separation trope from this one. Personal preference tho, no fault of the author.
All in all, I stand by saying this reads like Daenerys fanfic in the best possible way, and we are elevating it even further. But even here, I found so many parallels and I truly love Elowen. Also there was a “if you harm a single hair on her head yours will be on the ground next” scene from Cayden that had me swooning 😮💨🫠
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the arc 💖
The best part about part 1 (hah no pun intended) has been Saskia and Ryders POVs. I’m not particularly a massive fan of this particular storyline with Elowen and Cayden but I knew it was coming from the ending of book 2 ofc, and honestly the side characters have been holding it down for me and keeping me very entertained. While the mmcs are following their particular quest, my favorite thing about this series aka the political maneuvering is being continued by the rest of the cast and I find it very engaging.
“Just point the lance at the prick and hope for the best.”
Ryder for the love of all that is holy why are you such a dumb mf??? Why on earth would you ever…? I can’t. As I was just done praising him too 😂
“I don’t care that the poison had already shut down several vital organs; have some respect. Maybe I could bribe one of his siblings to trip him. Nobody would have to pay me if they asked me to trip Ryder or Finnian; I’d happily do it.”
Once everyone dealt with their individual quests and we’re all finally reunited (thankfully), I finally remembered why exactly I loved Cayden and his slutty little glasses so damn much. Honestly the underlying humor he’s written with under his broody asshole persona, 10/10.
There’s a new direction of the plot that this book has started and while I am intrigued and some massive revelations, plot twists and cliffhangers happened, I miss the political intrigue that made me ravenous in the previous installment. Also I’m praying the next one isn’t heading where I think it is just cause that particular plot line is one I terribly hate after already not being a fan of the separation trope from this one. Personal preference tho, no fault of the author.
All in all, I stand by saying this reads like Daenerys fanfic in the best possible way, and we are elevating it even further. But even here, I found so many parallels and I truly love Elowen. Also there was a “if you harm a single hair on her head yours will be on the ground next” scene from Cayden that had me swooning 😮💨🫠
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the arc 💖
August 15, 2025
I can’t wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 8, 2026
I will forever be a defender of this series and will continue to cry over how criminally underrated y'all make it on this site.
Were some of the twists, turns, and secrets in this book predictable? Yes. DO I CARE? Not one bit. I absolutely love Liv's writing style and the way she unfolds this story. *Ashes of the Fallen* gave me Game of Thrones vibes, but better, with all the backstabbing, power struggles, and everyone fighting to come out on top. The different POVs we get in book three were such a treat, and all I'll say about that is I NEED MORE RYDER, PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
One thing I continue to love about this series is Cayden's unwavering, undying devotion to Elowen. I will never get tired of a man who is so unapologetically devoted to the woman he loves. It's also SO refreshing to have main characters who don't spend half the book fighting, withholding information, or creating unnecessary drama because they can't communicate. Cayden and Elowen genuinely love and trust each other, and I adore that their relationship doesn't have to be built on constant misunderstandings to keep things interesting.
Now, I will say I was a little disappointed with the ending. It wasn't quite like the ending of book two, but it carried a similar feeling of uncertainty that I wasn't entirely in love with. That said, it doesn't take away from how much I enjoyed this book or how invested I am in this series.
I'm already chomping at the bit for the fourth and final book. Liv, I am going to need you to hurry up with that one!
Were some of the twists, turns, and secrets in this book predictable? Yes. DO I CARE? Not one bit. I absolutely love Liv's writing style and the way she unfolds this story. *Ashes of the Fallen* gave me Game of Thrones vibes, but better, with all the backstabbing, power struggles, and everyone fighting to come out on top. The different POVs we get in book three were such a treat, and all I'll say about that is I NEED MORE RYDER, PLEASE AND THANK YOU.
One thing I continue to love about this series is Cayden's unwavering, undying devotion to Elowen. I will never get tired of a man who is so unapologetically devoted to the woman he loves. It's also SO refreshing to have main characters who don't spend half the book fighting, withholding information, or creating unnecessary drama because they can't communicate. Cayden and Elowen genuinely love and trust each other, and I adore that their relationship doesn't have to be built on constant misunderstandings to keep things interesting.
Now, I will say I was a little disappointed with the ending. It wasn't quite like the ending of book two, but it carried a similar feeling of uncertainty that I wasn't entirely in love with. That said, it doesn't take away from how much I enjoyed this book or how invested I am in this series.
I'm already chomping at the bit for the fourth and final book. Liv, I am going to need you to hurry up with that one!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
November 2, 2026
Thank you Ballantine, Netgalley and Olivia Rose Darling for approving me for this arc. I am incredibly grateful.
I loved book 1 and book 2 made me feral and this book took me on a rollercoaster.
I can safely say for about 100 pages I was just fighting for my life trying not to cry every other chapter. And it doesn’t even end there because when you think you’re safe, you’re not. This story will make you cry, laugh, kick your feet giggling, it truly will do it all.
As always I loved the devotion between Cayden and Elowen, they have become an unforgettable book couple. The lengths they would go to for each other are swoon worthy. Also that lore drop??? I can safely say I am stunned. The way they continue to fight for each other and show up for one another throughout the book is one of the anchors of this story and I cannot wait to see more of them in the final book.
Let me tell you, I came for Elowen and Cayden, but Saskia and Ryder's POVs absolutely stole the show. Ryder had me screaming and kicking my feet. I was actively looking forward to his POVs and I was so sad when I realized I didn’t have many more left. Their individual romances had me going bonkers and Miss Darling I cannot believe you left them the way you did because WHYYYYYY. Actual show stoppers these two are and I am DESPERATE to get their POVs in the next book. More more more!
When my babies all reunited… ugh It just felt so right! The humor and light got brought back into the story, reminding me of the beautiful bond in our little group of characters. I missed seeing them all together and having them reunited was a balm to my soul.
The ending wrecked me. I had about 40 pages left when I realized shit was hitting the fan and there was no time to resolve it and I am again left on the edge of my seat with a million questions and hoping my honeys are okay!
I hope the next book doesn’t go where I think it will, every book has seen Cayden and Elowen in some way at odds/apart and they just need some rest! But I look forward to the next installment and I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on this one!
Check your triggers on this one, will add that and safety details upon release.
Other works:
Fear the flame ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Wrath of Dragons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ashes of the Fallen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Info:
1st person multi Pov
Spice:🔥🔥🔥
Romance meter:🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚💚🧡/5
Magic meter:✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️/5
Thank you Ballantine, Netgalley and Olivia Rose Darling for approving me for this arc. I am incredibly grateful.
I loved book 1 and book 2 made me feral and this book took me on a rollercoaster.
I can safely say for about 100 pages I was just fighting for my life trying not to cry every other chapter. And it doesn’t even end there because when you think you’re safe, you’re not. This story will make you cry, laugh, kick your feet giggling, it truly will do it all.
As always I loved the devotion between Cayden and Elowen, they have become an unforgettable book couple. The lengths they would go to for each other are swoon worthy. Also that lore drop??? I can safely say I am stunned. The way they continue to fight for each other and show up for one another throughout the book is one of the anchors of this story and I cannot wait to see more of them in the final book.
Let me tell you, I came for Elowen and Cayden, but Saskia and Ryder's POVs absolutely stole the show. Ryder had me screaming and kicking my feet. I was actively looking forward to his POVs and I was so sad when I realized I didn’t have many more left. Their individual romances had me going bonkers and Miss Darling I cannot believe you left them the way you did because WHYYYYYY. Actual show stoppers these two are and I am DESPERATE to get their POVs in the next book. More more more!
When my babies all reunited… ugh It just felt so right! The humor and light got brought back into the story, reminding me of the beautiful bond in our little group of characters. I missed seeing them all together and having them reunited was a balm to my soul.
The ending wrecked me. I had about 40 pages left when I realized shit was hitting the fan and there was no time to resolve it and I am again left on the edge of my seat with a million questions and hoping my honeys are okay!
I hope the next book doesn’t go where I think it will, every book has seen Cayden and Elowen in some way at odds/apart and they just need some rest! But I look forward to the next installment and I can’t wait for everyone else to get their hands on this one!
Check your triggers on this one, will add that and safety details upon release.
Other works:
Fear the flame ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Wrath of Dragons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ashes of the Fallen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
Info:
1st person multi Pov
Spice:🔥🔥🔥
Romance meter:🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚🧡💚💚🧡/5
Magic meter:✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️/5
November 7, 2026
First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publishers for the ARC of the Ashes of the Fallen.
I love this world and characters and if you’ve gotten this far in the series prepare yourselves for another wild ride.
This book explores much darker topics than the previous ones and we are introduced to new POV’s, which I don’t always enjoy, but I was excited to read from these characters’ perspective, maybe even more than the main characters I must admit!
In this series you never know what’s lurking around the corner and things just keep happening!
Cayden and Elowen will always have a special place in my heart, I love their love story.
Cayden’s humor is 5 stars! My face sometimes hurt from smiling and laughing!
After the ending of this book I’m just wondering what MORE can happen??!!
I love this world and characters and if you’ve gotten this far in the series prepare yourselves for another wild ride.
This book explores much darker topics than the previous ones and we are introduced to new POV’s, which I don’t always enjoy, but I was excited to read from these characters’ perspective, maybe even more than the main characters I must admit!
In this series you never know what’s lurking around the corner and things just keep happening!
Cayden and Elowen will always have a special place in my heart, I love their love story.
Cayden’s humor is 5 stars! My face sometimes hurt from smiling and laughing!
After the ending of this book I’m just wondering what MORE can happen??!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First I need to recover from that cliffhanger ending. This book was full of trauma and emotions. The obsession and undying love Cayden has for his wife and his search for her in the underworld drives him to keep going despite the pain and torture he must endure. The fallout from the war above is felt by everyone. Friends and family grieve while trying to rebuild the kingdoms in the absence of their king and queen. The pain and trauma that the gods have caused Cayden and Elowen have driven both of them to vengeance and won’t stop until they’re all dead. Between the two of them and the dragons they are unstoppable and are determined to exact their revenge. It’ll be a long wait to find out where their story will take them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I wanted to love this book so much. The beginning was slow at first but then I did start to get into it, I really liked some of the storylines being introduced for the side characters but around the halfway mark it just tanked.
The storylines were rushed and predictable, the voice of the characters all felt the same which meant I had to constantly double check whose pov I was in. The main plot started to make no sense and it felt like a mash up of a bunch of different popular tropes, books, and even tv shows.
I am undecided on if I will read the final book or not, if I do it will be to rage read.
The storylines were rushed and predictable, the voice of the characters all felt the same which meant I had to constantly double check whose pov I was in. The main plot started to make no sense and it felt like a mash up of a bunch of different popular tropes, books, and even tv shows.
I am undecided on if I will read the final book or not, if I do it will be to rage read.
November 8, 2026
The way I dropped my life when this entered my inbox ! Thank you to Delacorte Press & Dell Romance for this gifted e-ARC .
The expansion of lore was such a surprise and game changer. I’ve always loved how talented Olivia’s narration is. It feels like a journal entry and deeply intimate which is so beneficial to the readers experience Effortlessly broadening my reach into where the story is taking me. I’ll never know another love quite like Cayden & Elowen’s .
The expansion of lore was such a surprise and game changer. I’ve always loved how talented Olivia’s narration is. It feels like a journal entry and deeply intimate which is so beneficial to the readers experience Effortlessly broadening my reach into where the story is taking me. I’ll never know another love quite like Cayden & Elowen’s .
October 6, 2025
NOW I HAVE TO WAIT A WHOLE OTHER YEAR 😭
November 7, 2026
The fallout from the war is felt by everyone in Ravaryn. Friends and family grieve while trying to rebuild the kingdom in the absence of their king and queen. The pain and trauma that the gods have caused Cayden and Elowen have driven both of them to vengeance…and they won’t stop until they’re all dead.
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
Whooo here we go again!! Back with my Honeys and it’s never felt (or hurt) so gooooood! This series is my roman empire, for real.
Ashes of the Fallen explores much darker topics than the previous two books and we are introduced to some new POV’s as well that help elevate the storyline in a big way, while also showing grief from all angles.
Grief plays a MAJOR role in this book and I feel like Olivia took such care with these topics, but it does get pretty intense. The expansion of the magic, gods and world was so well done and I thought it was so interesting. Very excellently done.
“Within the sea of suffering she is the shore I will seek until I can no longer move. Her absence has its own presence, and I feel it all around me. I keep hold of this small token of her until I can’t fight to stay awake any longer giving into the darkness where I pray to see her.”
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
As always I loved the devotion between Cayden and Elowen and the lore drop??? STUNNING! Love love love it! They’ve been through hell and back (like, literally) and I am forever obsessed with their connection and relationship. They are officially in their revenge era and I am here for it. No one will escape their wrath.
“There is no peace in death when my heart remains in another realm.”
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
It’s bittersweet knowing the next book will be the end of this series. I did really try to take my time with Ashes and soak it all in - I think it took me about a week to read it and really process all of my emotions. I so deeply care for these characters and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to them.
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
This isn't a fantasy where everyone emerges unscathed.
The characters earn every victory, and they pay dearly for them.
Please check your trigger warnings for this one. 🫶🏻
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the arc 💖
The Fear the Flames series:
Fear the flame ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Wrath of Dragons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ashes of the Fallen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
Whooo here we go again!! Back with my Honeys and it’s never felt (or hurt) so gooooood! This series is my roman empire, for real.
Ashes of the Fallen explores much darker topics than the previous two books and we are introduced to some new POV’s as well that help elevate the storyline in a big way, while also showing grief from all angles.
Grief plays a MAJOR role in this book and I feel like Olivia took such care with these topics, but it does get pretty intense. The expansion of the magic, gods and world was so well done and I thought it was so interesting. Very excellently done.
“Within the sea of suffering she is the shore I will seek until I can no longer move. Her absence has its own presence, and I feel it all around me. I keep hold of this small token of her until I can’t fight to stay awake any longer giving into the darkness where I pray to see her.”
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
As always I loved the devotion between Cayden and Elowen and the lore drop??? STUNNING! Love love love it! They’ve been through hell and back (like, literally) and I am forever obsessed with their connection and relationship. They are officially in their revenge era and I am here for it. No one will escape their wrath.
“There is no peace in death when my heart remains in another realm.”
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
It’s bittersweet knowing the next book will be the end of this series. I did really try to take my time with Ashes and soak it all in - I think it took me about a week to read it and really process all of my emotions. I so deeply care for these characters and I am not looking forward to saying goodbye to them.
✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦༺ ༻✦
This isn't a fantasy where everyone emerges unscathed.
The characters earn every victory, and they pay dearly for them.
Please check your trigger warnings for this one. 🫶🏻
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the arc 💖
The Fear the Flames series:
Fear the flame ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Wrath of Dragons ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Ashes of the Fallen ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WHAT DO YOU MEAN THIS IS NOT A TRILOGY??? WHAT. DO. YOU. MEANNNN. I went into this fully prepared to witness the grand finale, thinking this was going to be the last book of the series… only to find out there’s a fourth and final book coming. Thank you for the heart attack, by the way.
A lot was happening in this book, and it was quite literally an emotional rollercoaster. Especially in the beginning, when everyone had their own quests and storylines happening simultaneously. I felt like I had fifteen plates of main dishes served to me and I had to finish them all in one bite (okay, I’m sorry that was a bit dramatic of me). Buuuuut I felt right at home when they all finally gathered and had a fun little found-family reunion. I missed them so, so, so much, you have NO idea. Also, the amount of trauma, grief, pain, angst, and sacrifice in this book was downright sickening. GIVE MY FAMILY A BREAK.
Maybe I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again: I want what Elowen and Cayden have. I love the way they always have each other’s backs regardless of the circumstances or consequences. They’ve been through hell and back (like, literally), Orpheus and Eurydice could never.
Also, Saskia and Ryder’s POVs were lowkey the highlight of this book!!! Getting to know them on a deeper level felt so refreshing, and I genuinely loved seeing more of their perspectives. Now I fear I need more of them in the final book.
I enjoyed all the twists and turns, along with getting more insight into the lore and world-building in this one. Though I have to admit that the political intrigue didn’t feel quite as complex as it did in the previous books, especially book two.
Anyway, that cliffhanger was absolutely foul. Respectfully, what’s your issue? I’m just so tired, and I think book four could heal me. GIVE IT TO ME NOWWWW. Please?🥺
════════════════════════
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!
A lot was happening in this book, and it was quite literally an emotional rollercoaster. Especially in the beginning, when everyone had their own quests and storylines happening simultaneously. I felt like I had fifteen plates of main dishes served to me and I had to finish them all in one bite (okay, I’m sorry that was a bit dramatic of me). Buuuuut I felt right at home when they all finally gathered and had a fun little found-family reunion. I missed them so, so, so much, you have NO idea. Also, the amount of trauma, grief, pain, angst, and sacrifice in this book was downright sickening. GIVE MY FAMILY A BREAK.
Maybe I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again: I want what Elowen and Cayden have. I love the way they always have each other’s backs regardless of the circumstances or consequences. They’ve been through hell and back (like, literally), Orpheus and Eurydice could never.
Also, Saskia and Ryder’s POVs were lowkey the highlight of this book!!! Getting to know them on a deeper level felt so refreshing, and I genuinely loved seeing more of their perspectives. Now I fear I need more of them in the final book.
I enjoyed all the twists and turns, along with getting more insight into the lore and world-building in this one. Though I have to admit that the political intrigue didn’t feel quite as complex as it did in the previous books, especially book two.
Anyway, that cliffhanger was absolutely foul. Respectfully, what’s your issue? I’m just so tired, and I think book four could heal me. GIVE IT TO ME NOWWWW. Please?🥺
════════════════════════
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My love of this series just keep growing. Ashes of the Fallen is an absolutely gut wrenching, beautiful follow-up to Wrath of the Dragons.
After the shell-shocking end to Wrath of the Dragons, I was absolutely dying to get to read this book. The third installment of this absolutely hits all the right marks, and is a triumph.
The way that grief is portrayed in this is excellent. You can feel how much care and sensitivity went into such difficult topics. Without giving any spoilers, anyone who has experienced loss will be able to relate to the beautiful writing that Olivia gives us in this book. I was deeply touched, as someone who recently lost a parent, how much the exploration of grief and anger on page can be so healing.
The introduction of multiple-POVS was fantastic. I loved getting to see into everyone's minds, not just Elowen. I loved the introduction of the Ryder and Saskia chapters. Saskia is one of my favorite supporting characters from any book, so getting more of her was such a treat! The way in which these POV's were woven together was fantastic, and juggling two new romance plotlines was a big undertaking. It was such a success, as I was rooting for Ryder and Saskia to find their own happiness, and was eating up the slow-burn and yearning!!!
For being as long as this book is, the pacing is great, and it doesn't truly feel as long as it is. The last 25% is a mad sprint to the end, and I could not put the book down.
It's a bittersweet feeling knowing that this is the penultimate book in the series, but I am so looking forward to the last installment. There are so many unanswered questions at the end of this, and I am greatly looking forward to seeing where this wild ride takes us next.
A huge thank you to both Netgalley and Ballantine for providing this eARC!
After the shell-shocking end to Wrath of the Dragons, I was absolutely dying to get to read this book. The third installment of this absolutely hits all the right marks, and is a triumph.
The way that grief is portrayed in this is excellent. You can feel how much care and sensitivity went into such difficult topics. Without giving any spoilers, anyone who has experienced loss will be able to relate to the beautiful writing that Olivia gives us in this book. I was deeply touched, as someone who recently lost a parent, how much the exploration of grief and anger on page can be so healing.
The introduction of multiple-POVS was fantastic. I loved getting to see into everyone's minds, not just Elowen. I loved the introduction of the Ryder and Saskia chapters. Saskia is one of my favorite supporting characters from any book, so getting more of her was such a treat! The way in which these POV's were woven together was fantastic, and juggling two new romance plotlines was a big undertaking. It was such a success, as I was rooting for Ryder and Saskia to find their own happiness, and was eating up the slow-burn and yearning!!!
For being as long as this book is, the pacing is great, and it doesn't truly feel as long as it is. The last 25% is a mad sprint to the end, and I could not put the book down.
It's a bittersweet feeling knowing that this is the penultimate book in the series, but I am so looking forward to the last installment. There are so many unanswered questions at the end of this, and I am greatly looking forward to seeing where this wild ride takes us next.
A huge thank you to both Netgalley and Ballantine for providing this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.75 ⭐️
**Initiates starring at a wall**
Wow, just wow! Fair warning to prepare your heart for this one. The amount of emotions I went through while reading about 70% of this made me want to hug all my love ones. The love, the grief, the pain, and everything the characters feel, you feel it all too. This was written so well and really gets you to feel everything. I did have to take some breaks after a few chapters here and there just to help me through it, but it was so beautifully done. We got to see expansion of the world, magic, gods, and our side characters. This book gave us 4 POVs that really added to this story.
The love that is felt through Cayden, Elowen, and their found family is so strong. They all love each other so much, but the love Cayden feels for Elowen is on a higher level that not many can compare to. Watching his journey made my heart ache for him. We got to learn so much more about him. Then through other POVs, we get to see more into Saskia, Ryder, and Finnian! The way they handle everything and support each other through it all is so commendable. The way this book was written helped me feel like I was with these characters as they felt everything.
As I was getting closer to the end of this book, I was getting very nervous! Everything felt too happy and then the rug got pulled out from under me! So much happened so quickly that I don't even know if I have fully processed it all! Was I screaming a lot while reading the last 5 or so chapters...YES! I have so many questions and need so many answers! I need justice and I need quell my anger towards specific characters! Ahh! This series is a must read!
**Initiates starring at a wall**
Wow, just wow! Fair warning to prepare your heart for this one. The amount of emotions I went through while reading about 70% of this made me want to hug all my love ones. The love, the grief, the pain, and everything the characters feel, you feel it all too. This was written so well and really gets you to feel everything. I did have to take some breaks after a few chapters here and there just to help me through it, but it was so beautifully done. We got to see expansion of the world, magic, gods, and our side characters. This book gave us 4 POVs that really added to this story.
The love that is felt through Cayden, Elowen, and their found family is so strong. They all love each other so much, but the love Cayden feels for Elowen is on a higher level that not many can compare to. Watching his journey made my heart ache for him. We got to learn so much more about him. Then through other POVs, we get to see more into Saskia, Ryder, and Finnian! The way they handle everything and support each other through it all is so commendable. The way this book was written helped me feel like I was with these characters as they felt everything.
As I was getting closer to the end of this book, I was getting very nervous! Everything felt too happy and then the rug got pulled out from under me! So much happened so quickly that I don't even know if I have fully processed it all! Was I screaming a lot while reading the last 5 or so chapters...YES! I have so many questions and need so many answers! I need justice and I need quell my anger towards specific characters! Ahh! This series is a must read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This series is my Roman Empire. I literally cannot stop thinking about it.
"Ashes of the Fallen" picks up right where "Wrath of the Dragons" left us. Cayden is on a quest to find his wife, while Saskia, Ryder, and Finnian protect the realm from traitors and try not to lose everything Cayden and Elowen have built. This has multiple POVs, so we get an insight on how Saskia and Ryder fair during their king and queen's absence. I thought their POVs were a highlight, especially Saskia's.
Cayden's devotion to Elowen needs to be studied. That man is the standard for book husbands. I was giggling and kicking my feet one minute and wanting to sob the next. He loves every piece of her in a way that's completely consuming. All I want is for them to get the happy ending they deserve!
I was eager to find out how the gods and goddesses would play a role in this story, and it truly did not disappoint. There's a revelation about halfway through that blew my mind and changes EVERYTHING. My jaw was in the damn Underworld.
I also LOVED seeing Cayden and Elowen in their revenge era, ready to burn down everyone who has made them suffer. They go through a terrible, gut-wrenching loss in this book. Their grief is felt through the pages, but ultimately their love for one another and for their found family perseveres.
I will say that there are content warning at the beginning of the book that should be read thoroughly. I thought Olivia Rose Darling handled sensitive situations very beautifully, but a word of warning for those that these subjects may trigger.
Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Rose Darling, and the publisher for the ARC. <3
"Ashes of the Fallen" picks up right where "Wrath of the Dragons" left us. Cayden is on a quest to find his wife, while Saskia, Ryder, and Finnian protect the realm from traitors and try not to lose everything Cayden and Elowen have built. This has multiple POVs, so we get an insight on how Saskia and Ryder fair during their king and queen's absence. I thought their POVs were a highlight, especially Saskia's.
Cayden's devotion to Elowen needs to be studied. That man is the standard for book husbands. I was giggling and kicking my feet one minute and wanting to sob the next. He loves every piece of her in a way that's completely consuming. All I want is for them to get the happy ending they deserve!
I was eager to find out how the gods and goddesses would play a role in this story, and it truly did not disappoint. There's a revelation about halfway through that blew my mind and changes EVERYTHING. My jaw was in the damn Underworld.
I also LOVED seeing Cayden and Elowen in their revenge era, ready to burn down everyone who has made them suffer. They go through a terrible, gut-wrenching loss in this book. Their grief is felt through the pages, but ultimately their love for one another and for their found family perseveres.
I will say that there are content warning at the beginning of the book that should be read thoroughly. I thought Olivia Rose Darling handled sensitive situations very beautifully, but a word of warning for those that these subjects may trigger.
Thank you to NetGalley, Olivia Rose Darling, and the publisher for the ARC. <3
November 8, 2026
+ 5 🌟
Arc From Netgalley (Thank you very much in advance for this advance)
If I could I would give it more than 5 stars, this third book for me was everything, how everything was built, how the characters evolved. As my Elowen & Cayden suffered, I really hope that at the end of everything they can find that happiness after so much struggle.
And the secondary couples, OMG I didn’t expect one of them to be like this 👀. Of the three books so far, this one is in my top 1.
Maybe I don’t have very good literary criteria, maybe other people will feel that something is missing, or something is wrong, but for me it was such a perfect book, I felt everything, happiness, sadness, anger...
Really this book was so beautiful to read and my Cayden as always is and will be one of the most perfect characters I read, that love he has for his beloved, my God I want something like that in real life.
Now I don’t know what will happen to me until the fourth book comes out.... 😩 I hope this book and this saga reach more people who know how to value it. 🤍
I really would have finished the book much earlier, but the university had me busy, but every time I read I was left with that desire of “what will happen later”
Arc From Netgalley (Thank you very much in advance for this advance)
If I could I would give it more than 5 stars, this third book for me was everything, how everything was built, how the characters evolved. As my Elowen & Cayden suffered, I really hope that at the end of everything they can find that happiness after so much struggle.
And the secondary couples, OMG I didn’t expect one of them to be like this 👀. Of the three books so far, this one is in my top 1.
Maybe I don’t have very good literary criteria, maybe other people will feel that something is missing, or something is wrong, but for me it was such a perfect book, I felt everything, happiness, sadness, anger...
Really this book was so beautiful to read and my Cayden as always is and will be one of the most perfect characters I read, that love he has for his beloved, my God I want something like that in real life.
Now I don’t know what will happen to me until the fourth book comes out.... 😩 I hope this book and this saga reach more people who know how to value it. 🤍
I really would have finished the book much earlier, but the university had me busy, but every time I read I was left with that desire of “what will happen later”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ashes of the Fallen was everything I hoped for as a continuation of this series and more. The story picks up beautifully, expanding on the characters and relationships I've become deeply invested in while delivering some of the most emotional moments of the entire series.
This book completely... I thought Wrath of the Dragons destroyed me, but this one…. I cried more than once, and several chapters absolutely tore me apart. The emotional weight of the characters' journeys felt so real, and there were storylines that resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Those moments made the experience even more impactful and unforgettable.
What I loved most was how the author balanced heartbreak, growth, hope, and devastating loss. Every page kept me invested, and I found myself feeling every triumph and every gut-wrenching setback right alongside the characters.
By the time I reached the final pages, I was emotionally spent and not remotely ready for it to be over. This book reminded me why I fell in love with the series in the first place.
A powerful, emotional continuation that left me heartbroken, reflective, and desperate for more.
This book completely... I thought Wrath of the Dragons destroyed me, but this one…. I cried more than once, and several chapters absolutely tore me apart. The emotional weight of the characters' journeys felt so real, and there were storylines that resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Those moments made the experience even more impactful and unforgettable.
What I loved most was how the author balanced heartbreak, growth, hope, and devastating loss. Every page kept me invested, and I found myself feeling every triumph and every gut-wrenching setback right alongside the characters.
By the time I reached the final pages, I was emotionally spent and not remotely ready for it to be over. This book reminded me why I fell in love with the series in the first place.
A powerful, emotional continuation that left me heartbroken, reflective, and desperate for more.
November 3, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️.5
First of all, thank you NETGALLEY and Olivia for this eARC opportunity. What an absolute blessing.
This book was wow. Just wow.
“Cayden does not simply break, he rages.”
This book faces intense themes of love, loss, grief and perseverance. With such heavy themes this book never felt overwhelming or daunting but a safe place to process your own story.
Cayden did not disappoint as one of the ultimate book boyfriends, if anything he moved several spots up the list. This man loves with his soul. With everything. And knowing that El has finally found the man she deserves is truly a masterpiece.
“We endure so we can live”.
These characters fought this book, with every tooth and nail not only emotionally, but mentally and physically. And the way Olivia brought this to life felt like magic.
I desperately hope the next book does not contain a certain “mind” trope based on that ending but either way I will be counting down the days till book 4!
🌶️🌶️.5
First of all, thank you NETGALLEY and Olivia for this eARC opportunity. What an absolute blessing.
This book was wow. Just wow.
“Cayden does not simply break, he rages.”
This book faces intense themes of love, loss, grief and perseverance. With such heavy themes this book never felt overwhelming or daunting but a safe place to process your own story.
Cayden did not disappoint as one of the ultimate book boyfriends, if anything he moved several spots up the list. This man loves with his soul. With everything. And knowing that El has finally found the man she deserves is truly a masterpiece.
“We endure so we can live”.
These characters fought this book, with every tooth and nail not only emotionally, but mentally and physically. And the way Olivia brought this to life felt like magic.
I desperately hope the next book does not contain a certain “mind” trope based on that ending but either way I will be counting down the days till book 4!
November 3, 2026
this series is seriously everything to me 🥹
after the ending of book two, I knew going into this book would be emotionally devastating. the utter pain, and sacrifice that these characters face in this story is so heartbreaking. the love between cayden and elowen is so heartbreakingly beautiful to see. they will do absolutely anything, and endure absolutely anything for each other. so much love, devotion and yearning. I love them so much 🥹
the added pov’s were the perfect addition to this part of the story and I loved every second of it. the found family aspect is one of my favorite things ever. the world in this story has expanded, and so much new lore is learned. that ending has me so nervous to see where the next book will go but I truly love these characters so much!
one of my most anticipated reads and I’m so thankful to have received the arc! thank you so much to ballantine and netgalley 🩷
after the ending of book two, I knew going into this book would be emotionally devastating. the utter pain, and sacrifice that these characters face in this story is so heartbreaking. the love between cayden and elowen is so heartbreakingly beautiful to see. they will do absolutely anything, and endure absolutely anything for each other. so much love, devotion and yearning. I love them so much 🥹
the added pov’s were the perfect addition to this part of the story and I loved every second of it. the found family aspect is one of my favorite things ever. the world in this story has expanded, and so much new lore is learned. that ending has me so nervous to see where the next book will go but I truly love these characters so much!
one of my most anticipated reads and I’m so thankful to have received the arc! thank you so much to ballantine and netgalley 🩷
November 9, 2026
Thank you Olivia and Ballantine for this eARC!
This was not what I expected and was not a direction I enjoyed for several reasons.
The ending of book two already took an unexpected turn so I can’t say I was shocked but then it just kept snowballing.
I quite frankly am mourning the characters and their personalities I loved in book 2 bc they are no where in sight here. Obviously trauma and grief will affect their decisions but I felt like I was reading an entirely different series. And along those same lines, the writing style changed as well and I wouldn’t say in a good or bad way but it just didn’t match.
None of information learned in this book was shocking or a plot twist. I was rather bored and wanted to skip chapters all together but I pushed through.
I imagine there are many people who will enjoy how this series ends up going but it was not for me, I will most likely not be looking out for the last book.
This was not what I expected and was not a direction I enjoyed for several reasons.
The ending of book two already took an unexpected turn so I can’t say I was shocked but then it just kept snowballing.
I quite frankly am mourning the characters and their personalities I loved in book 2 bc they are no where in sight here. Obviously trauma and grief will affect their decisions but I felt like I was reading an entirely different series. And along those same lines, the writing style changed as well and I wouldn’t say in a good or bad way but it just didn’t match.
None of information learned in this book was shocking or a plot twist. I was rather bored and wanted to skip chapters all together but I pushed through.
I imagine there are many people who will enjoy how this series ends up going but it was not for me, I will most likely not be looking out for the last book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, I want to thank Netgalley, along with Olivia Rose Darling and her publisher. I truly wasn’t sure if I’d receive an ARC for Ashes of the Fallen, but to my utter surprise and sheer joy, I did!
(I’ve decided to remove my full review and post it upon release date: March 30th, 2027. Instead, I will give a smaller one.)
This story will tug on every emotion within you. The tears, the pain, the sheer agony, the laughter, the love, the growth, all of it. These characters go through so much and yet they somehow find themselves on the other side of it, though far from unscathed. An emotional whiplash of story and plot.
(I’ve decided to remove my full review and post it upon release date: March 30th, 2027. Instead, I will give a smaller one.)
This story will tug on every emotion within you. The tears, the pain, the sheer agony, the laughter, the love, the growth, all of it. These characters go through so much and yet they somehow find themselves on the other side of it, though far from unscathed. An emotional whiplash of story and plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There is so much going on in this book.
I loved the trek through hell. All the different torments and surprises. And loved as in it was interesting not as in it was happy lol.
Saskia and Ryder’s chapters might be my favorites. I always loved their characters but this book takes that to new levels. Also they NEED relationship HEAs.
Speaking of relationships…. It’s amazing Elowen and Cayden are still standing. I guess anger is a really good motivator lol. But dang they went through the wringer with this book.
And that ending….. um….. what have you done to us? Book 2s sucked but you knew how it had to turn out but this one…. I don’t think I can wait a long time for book 4 🤣
I loved the trek through hell. All the different torments and surprises. And loved as in it was interesting not as in it was happy lol.
Saskia and Ryder’s chapters might be my favorites. I always loved their characters but this book takes that to new levels. Also they NEED relationship HEAs.
Speaking of relationships…. It’s amazing Elowen and Cayden are still standing. I guess anger is a really good motivator lol. But dang they went through the wringer with this book.
And that ending….. um….. what have you done to us? Book 2s sucked but you knew how it had to turn out but this one…. I don’t think I can wait a long time for book 4 🤣
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.
I did not realize how much I would love the new POVs and side character development this book offered. Seriously I am VERY invested in where Saskia and Ryder’s journeys will go!
With that said, our sweet babies Elowen and Cayden have quite the journey as well. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of swoon-worthy and giddy moments, as well. The amazing tension and plenty of “my wife”s from Cayden are so worth the read. Overall I caution everyone to please read the trigger warnings, there are many heavy topics covered throughout this book.
Overall I am very excited to see where this story goes.
I did not realize how much I would love the new POVs and side character development this book offered. Seriously I am VERY invested in where Saskia and Ryder’s journeys will go!
With that said, our sweet babies Elowen and Cayden have quite the journey as well. Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of swoon-worthy and giddy moments, as well. The amazing tension and plenty of “my wife”s from Cayden are so worth the read. Overall I caution everyone to please read the trigger warnings, there are many heavy topics covered throughout this book.
Overall I am very excited to see where this story goes.
November 5, 2026
I absolutely loved the first two books of this series. Cayden has always been one of my favorite MMCs. I loved learning more about our Elowen and Cayden’s past in this book. I also loved getting more chapters on Ryder and Saskia. I am super excited to see where their stories go. Zarius has definitely become one of my favorite characters in the book and really hoping he gets a happy ending. I am excited and nervous to see what happens to everyone in the next book.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for sending me this ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for sending me this ARC!
November 7, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, and Olivia Rose Darling for giving me an advanced reader copy of Ashes of the Fallen.
I loved having Ryder and Saskia’s POV in this book. I didn’t love the first part with Cayden and Elowen but I knew that’s where we were headed based on how book 2 ended. But Ryder and saskias journeys were so fun to read, I found myself wanting more of them! As always Cayden is incredible and his undying loyalty to elowen is inspiring. We have a new journey that we’re on and I’m excited to see where that goes next.
I loved having Ryder and Saskia’s POV in this book. I didn’t love the first part with Cayden and Elowen but I knew that’s where we were headed based on how book 2 ended. But Ryder and saskias journeys were so fun to read, I found myself wanting more of them! As always Cayden is incredible and his undying loyalty to elowen is inspiring. We have a new journey that we’re on and I’m excited to see where that goes next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for giving me an earc in exchange for review
I loved this book. I thought it was an amazing sequel and I love how we have other characters pov which I love. We're continuing off what happened from book 2. We learn more lore about the gods, a lot more world building. eveything done so well. the characters. what they go through breaks my heart. Elowen and Cayden. I love them so much. So many emotions in this book and I just loved it. I need book 4 rn
I loved this book. I thought it was an amazing sequel and I love how we have other characters pov which I love. We're continuing off what happened from book 2. We learn more lore about the gods, a lot more world building. eveything done so well. the characters. what they go through breaks my heart. Elowen and Cayden. I love them so much. So many emotions in this book and I just loved it. I need book 4 rn
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love each and everyone of these characters but Cayden has my heart. This man has suffered enough! My heart broke for him every chapter.
The only thing I wanted more was for Elowen to fight when she was in the underworld. She just accepted that she had to stay put. I would have loved it more if she wasnt waiting to be rescued but did more to rescue herself.
❤️ Cayden
❤️ The dragons
❤️ The deep love the characters have for each other
😭 Ellowen has also suffered enough!
Overall, loved it!
The only thing I wanted more was for Elowen to fight when she was in the underworld. She just accepted that she had to stay put. I would have loved it more if she wasnt waiting to be rescued but did more to rescue herself.
❤️ Cayden
❤️ The dragons
❤️ The deep love the characters have for each other
😭 Ellowen has also suffered enough!
Overall, loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2026
1000⭐️One of the best books I’ve read this year and maybe ever! So good! Thank you for letting me review this book. I cannot wait until the next one. These characters will live forever in my mind! I was captivated from the beginning until the end and have been since I finished reading it. Please hurry and finish the next one so I can find out what is happening!
November 8, 2026
ARC via NetGalley
Wow. I don’t think I’ve cried at a book this much a long time. Going through my own grief and then reading about the grief written in this story really at home. This series continues to be one of my favorites. This book specifically felt like it was the set up for an epic finale in book 4.
Wow. I don’t think I’ve cried at a book this much a long time. Going through my own grief and then reading about the grief written in this story really at home. This series continues to be one of my favorites. This book specifically felt like it was the set up for an epic finale in book 4.
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