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Into the Dark #3
The Immortal Throne
Daphne Raines was not expecting to wind up Queen of the Underrealm. She knew it was risky to enter the underworld to save the love of her life, Haden, who had sacrificed his own honor as an Underlord for her sake. But she could never have predicted that she’d end up betrothed to Haden’s conniving half-brother, Garrick, new King of the Underrealm—and bound to his dark world.
Even worse, Haden is banished to the mortal realm, and has just days to live as poison takes over his body and mind. Only Daphne’s kiss can save him, but how can she escape Garrick and reach Haden in time?
Surprises lurk around every corner in the final chapter of this romance story as Haden and Daphne fight to fulfill their destinies, challenging their fates and confronting the reality that they might die in the process.
Even worse, Haden is banished to the mortal realm, and has just days to live as poison takes over his body and mind. Only Daphne’s kiss can save him, but how can she escape Garrick and reach Haden in time?
Surprises lurk around every corner in the final chapter of this romance story as Haden and Daphne fight to fulfill their destinies, challenging their fates and confronting the reality that they might die in the process.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2016
29 people are currently reading
2242 people want to read
About the author
Bree Despain
17 books2,677 followersThe Short: Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner-city teens from Philadelphia and New York. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah with her husband, two young sons, and her beloved TiVo. The Dark Divine is Bree's debut novel.
The Long: As a kid, Bree would staple folded papers to make her own "novels." As a teen, she wrote stories in notebooks while her friends waited for the next page to be finished. Her teachers told her she should be a writer. But Bree thought only special people could be writers, so as the years past, she settled into the idea of becoming a lawyer or something else just as ordinary.
Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner city teens from Philadelphia and New York. With a renewed passion for story, and the young adult audience, she returned to Brigham Young University, filled her schedule with creative writing and literature classes, and started writing stories again. But regular life kicked in, and she soon found herself married with a new baby, working full-time, and with very little writing done.
That’s when the universe threw a pick-up truck in her path. The car accident left Bree with an understanding that life was too short to not do what you absolutely love. A few days later, her husband brought home a used laptop computer, placed it by her bedside, and said, “You’d better start writing.” Her life has never been the same since.
In a moment of karmic perfection, Bree received the offer to purchase The Dark Divine on the 6th anniversary of the car accident that put her back on the path to becoming an author.
The Long: As a kid, Bree would staple folded papers to make her own "novels." As a teen, she wrote stories in notebooks while her friends waited for the next page to be finished. Her teachers told her she should be a writer. But Bree thought only special people could be writers, so as the years past, she settled into the idea of becoming a lawyer or something else just as ordinary.
Bree rediscovered her childhood love for creating stories when she took a semester off college to write and direct plays for at-risk, inner city teens from Philadelphia and New York. With a renewed passion for story, and the young adult audience, she returned to Brigham Young University, filled her schedule with creative writing and literature classes, and started writing stories again. But regular life kicked in, and she soon found herself married with a new baby, working full-time, and with very little writing done.
That’s when the universe threw a pick-up truck in her path. The car accident left Bree with an understanding that life was too short to not do what you absolutely love. A few days later, her husband brought home a used laptop computer, placed it by her bedside, and said, “You’d better start writing.” Her life has never been the same since.
In a moment of karmic perfection, Bree received the offer to purchase The Dark Divine on the 6th anniversary of the car accident that put her back on the path to becoming an author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
May 29, 2021
I cannot stop gushing over how amazing this whole series is and also sad that this is the last book in the series. I hate saying goodbye especially to my favourite characters and books.
This book is mostly based around Haden and Daphne. The supporting characters didn't have a lot to do in this and that was the only thing that I didn't like. So much happens and it is completely action-packed and nerve-wrecking. I was a little worried that I might not end up liking few things but I didn't have to worry as everything worked out great.
Haden Lord, I absolutely love you. Haden has made this entire series an all time favourite for me, needless to to say that he is my favourite character in the series. I cannot believe that we weren't almost going to get this book published. And for that I'd like to thank the author, Bree Despain and the publishers who made it possible for us fans to read this gem and say tearful goodbye to this great series.
That ending was perfect.
5 stars
This book is mostly based around Haden and Daphne. The supporting characters didn't have a lot to do in this and that was the only thing that I didn't like. So much happens and it is completely action-packed and nerve-wrecking. I was a little worried that I might not end up liking few things but I didn't have to worry as everything worked out great.
Haden Lord, I absolutely love you. Haden has made this entire series an all time favourite for me, needless to to say that he is my favourite character in the series. I cannot believe that we weren't almost going to get this book published. And for that I'd like to thank the author, Bree Despain and the publishers who made it possible for us fans to read this gem and say tearful goodbye to this great series.
That ending was perfect.
5 stars
May 31, 2016
Haden totally makes this book for me -- he's downright delicious :D That plus the lengths Bree goes to in weaving so many myths together in such a complex way is amazing! A great end to the series!
December 24, 2018
I prefer this series a lot more than "The dark divine" trilogy. It's just better in my opinion.
December 17, 2016
5 Stars!!!!!
Really satisfying ending to the Into the Dark trilogy, with the characteristically Bree Despain open end that could lead to another book or just keep reader's minds going back to the characters and thinking "What are they up to now?"
All of the characters are solid in this, but of course, the secondary ones do take a back seat throughout the book, and the main story revolves around Daphne and Haden (to be frank, I'm not sure why the Tobin POV was left in, he only gets a handful of chapters, and whilst he is important, he has faded off from the story in this book compared to the first two). Brim is still my favourite, and I was very happy with her ending (I was worried!!).
The plot was a little slow to build (in my opinion), but from the half-way point, everything started to come together and everything really fell into place. I really enjoyed this book, and read it in practically one sitting! As I mentioned above, I found the ending to be particularly satisfying, although I was sad that overall, a really great ending.
I just really love this series, so please pick it up and give it a go, as this is one of the most interesting Hades/Persephone retellings I've read!
Really satisfying ending to the Into the Dark trilogy, with the characteristically Bree Despain open end that could lead to another book or just keep reader's minds going back to the characters and thinking "What are they up to now?"
All of the characters are solid in this, but of course, the secondary ones do take a back seat throughout the book, and the main story revolves around Daphne and Haden (to be frank, I'm not sure why the Tobin POV was left in, he only gets a handful of chapters, and whilst he is important, he has faded off from the story in this book compared to the first two). Brim is still my favourite, and I was very happy with her ending (I was worried!!).
The plot was a little slow to build (in my opinion), but from the half-way point, everything started to come together and everything really fell into place. I really enjoyed this book, and read it in practically one sitting! As I mentioned above, I found the ending to be particularly satisfying, although I was sad that overall, a really great ending.
I just really love this series, so please pick it up and give it a go, as this is one of the most interesting Hades/Persephone retellings I've read!
June 24, 2018
Great ending!
October 11, 2016
Awesome end to a fun trilogy that takes the Hades/Persephone myth, shakes it all up and sets it in the modern world. Loved it. :)
April 17, 2019
I loved this book series. The first one was great and really pulled me in. I was a little worried with the second one, because it felt as if not a whole lot had happened in it, at least in the first half. The second half is where it got really interesting. But this third book. It was by FAR my favorite. I already love Greek mythology, and giving it a modern twist in this series was truly divine.
The author got the romance down too; I couldn’t put the book down until I knew what had happened to Haden and Daphne.
Favorite character was totally Shady. I did NOT expect that plot twist, but I’m glad it happened.
Also, I was really hoping for some sort of redemption of Rowan. Like, maybe he would turn into a good guy in the very end to help save the world, and that’s exactly what didn’t happen. So Rowan can suck it.
Otherwise, a wonderful series that I could not put down!
The author got the romance down too; I couldn’t put the book down until I knew what had happened to Haden and Daphne.
Favorite character was totally Shady. I did NOT expect that plot twist, but I’m glad it happened.
Also, I was really hoping for some sort of redemption of Rowan. Like, maybe he would turn into a good guy in the very end to help save the world, and that’s exactly what didn’t happen. So Rowan can suck it.
Otherwise, a wonderful series that I could not put down!
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September 28, 2016At the end of The Immortal Throne, Ms. Despain has a note that mentions how, thanks to the closing of her publishing house, the final section of Daphne and Haden’s story may have never been published. I am so thankful for Carolrhoda Lab for picking up the series and allowing the fans to find out what happens. To never find out would have been a tragedy because their story is so much fun.
The Immortal Throne picks up right where the previous book ended. While Ms. Despain does try to connect the two by providing some of the backstory, there is no doubt that this is the continuation of a series with the assumption that the reader has read the first two books. All of the characters from the first two novels are here with minimal reintroduction. The book starts with the action already in progress, further taxing a reader’s memory as they must recall all that happened up to this point. Granted, nothing about the story is very convoluted, but for those who may not have read the previous two books recently before starting the finale, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.
Thankfully, that is really the only issue you will find with the book. Haden and Daphne are just as cute a couple as ever. The story ends with a satisfying and intriguing conclusion that will please the romantics and cause imaginations to run wild. Ms. Despain does a tremendous job utilizing Greek mythology as the basis for her story all the while adding her own spin to create something fresh and exciting. For younger readers, it provides a great introduction to Greek mythology without getting into the weeds. The Immortal Throne is not the most intellectually stimulating ever, but it is a satisfying and creative story that entertains.
The Immortal Throne picks up right where the previous book ended. While Ms. Despain does try to connect the two by providing some of the backstory, there is no doubt that this is the continuation of a series with the assumption that the reader has read the first two books. All of the characters from the first two novels are here with minimal reintroduction. The book starts with the action already in progress, further taxing a reader’s memory as they must recall all that happened up to this point. Granted, nothing about the story is very convoluted, but for those who may not have read the previous two books recently before starting the finale, it can be a bit overwhelming at first.
Thankfully, that is really the only issue you will find with the book. Haden and Daphne are just as cute a couple as ever. The story ends with a satisfying and intriguing conclusion that will please the romantics and cause imaginations to run wild. Ms. Despain does a tremendous job utilizing Greek mythology as the basis for her story all the while adding her own spin to create something fresh and exciting. For younger readers, it provides a great introduction to Greek mythology without getting into the weeds. The Immortal Throne is not the most intellectually stimulating ever, but it is a satisfying and creative story that entertains.
February 5, 2017
What a great book! So hooking! Definitely had some tear-jerking parts but the ending was actually really good! I cannot believe that this series has come to an end! I was really able to connect with the characters and get to know them over this trilogy. Haden Lord is such a wonderful character and has a great personality! Now can I just get a guy like that? Hehe! The chapters were pretty short which made me want to continue reading. I kept telling myself, "Oh just one more chapter" and that turned into reading for 3 hours! I do wish that there was an audiobook for this book. I think it would have saved me a lot of time and given me more of a motivation to read the book. There was a part that reminded me of the ending of Hades and I was concerned that if it ended like that but of course it didn't which made me quite happy! Great read and worth my time! I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
November 2, 2016
Review coming soon!
November 20, 2019
This book picks up right where the last one left off - Daphne is trapped in the Underrealm and Haden, Rowan, and Ren have been exiled to the mortal realm. Haden finds his way back to their friends - Joe, Jonathan, Lexie, and Ethan, and they begin a plot to find Jonathan's bow and rescue Persephone from the Skylord prison. When they arrive, they are not able to find Persephone, but do find the bow and Jonathan's long-lost wife Psyche. Unfortunately, Haden was shot with the black arrow, and is slipping into despair without Daphne having delivered the full cure. Meanwhile, Daphne learns that Garrick's plan all along was to release the Keres, and she makes a plan to escape the castle, warn the others, and save Haden. Along the way, she meets a Shade who helps her and learns that she is a worthy heir of Persephone, able to wield her pomegranate necklace. She is able to get back to and save Haden, and together they will need to figure out a way to save not only the Underrealm but all realms from the terror that is the Keres.
This was actually my least favorite of the trilogy. Adding in Tobin's chapters didn't really add much for me, and I found all 3 narrators indistinguishable from each other. Aside from that, the plot was a little more than a little bit ridiculous, and full of things that pulled me out of the story. For example, after only 2 days in the Underrealm having not eaten anything, Daphne's clothes are already hanging off of her? I have had some gnarly stomach bugs where I don't eat for two days, and that's hardly enough to notice a difference in the way my clothes fit. Also, it was painfully obvious exactly who Shady was, so I don't know how anyone was surprised when Daphne revealed his identity. In addition, I thought the black arrow was supposed to be some sort of metaphor for depression, but if so then it was poorly done and if not it was just laughably dramatic. Finally, it felt like it wrapped up too neatly at the end. The relationship between Haden and his father was very similar to that in another book I recently read - Tarnished Are the Stars - but handled without any of the nuance or depth in that book. The author might as well have written "and they all lived happily ever after" at the end with how saccharine it was. Overall, not my favorite and I would much rather just reread Percy Jackson ad nauseum.
This was actually my least favorite of the trilogy. Adding in Tobin's chapters didn't really add much for me, and I found all 3 narrators indistinguishable from each other. Aside from that, the plot was a little more than a little bit ridiculous, and full of things that pulled me out of the story. For example, after only 2 days in the Underrealm having not eaten anything, Daphne's clothes are already hanging off of her? I have had some gnarly stomach bugs where I don't eat for two days, and that's hardly enough to notice a difference in the way my clothes fit. Also, it was painfully obvious exactly who Shady was, so I don't know how anyone was surprised when Daphne revealed his identity. In addition, I thought the black arrow was supposed to be some sort of metaphor for depression, but if so then it was poorly done and if not it was just laughably dramatic. Finally, it felt like it wrapped up too neatly at the end. The relationship between Haden and his father was very similar to that in another book I recently read - Tarnished Are the Stars - but handled without any of the nuance or depth in that book. The author might as well have written "and they all lived happily ever after" at the end with how saccharine it was. Overall, not my favorite and I would much rather just reread Percy Jackson ad nauseum.
October 7, 2021
Another befitting 5 stars. This series has everything and then some. It is perfect. Except that ending with Rowan, that was a little weird. But it’s just a speck of dust compared to the whole perfection of it. So it can totally be overlooked.
The writing is so captivating. The idea behind the series is magnificent, although admittedly this is my first Greek retelling, so I wouldn’t know if there are better Greek retellings out there. I love how the author incorporates ancient Greek with modern America. I love the characters! I especially love Haden learning to be human and not understanding expressions. That is so cute!
This is one of the better urban fantasies I’ve read, so if you find yourself craving one, pick this up!
The writing is so captivating. The idea behind the series is magnificent, although admittedly this is my first Greek retelling, so I wouldn’t know if there are better Greek retellings out there. I love how the author incorporates ancient Greek with modern America. I love the characters! I especially love Haden learning to be human and not understanding expressions. That is so cute!
This is one of the better urban fantasies I’ve read, so if you find yourself craving one, pick this up!
July 6, 2017
Getting this from Netgalley was exciting. I really enjoyed the first book. I had started it before and didn't get very far. The second time around was the charm. I loved this series and the last book was PERFECT. I couldn't stop reading this. Some things I figured out and somethings were a nice surprise. I loved Brimm. Rowan was a big let down, but what a JERK!!! So many lovely characters. The story line progressed very smartly, and at the conclusion ... it was left open for more in the search for the Queen of the underworld. I would love for there to be more. This was a GREAT final chapter for this trilogy.
June 2, 2024
This book was soooooooooooo AMAZING!!!!!!! I was laughing, squealing, and suffering all the emotions haha. I'm so glad my peeps got there happy ending 😭 I couldn't ask for anything more, other than finding Persephone, but I have a feeling that they do and that Hayden and Daphne will someday get married as well as Dax and Abbie and Toby and Lexie. All these cute couples make my heart squeal with joy!!! I just want a short story of them living there lives, maybe a reunion or something with their friend group of where they all are now. But this book ended well :) I recommend you read this really awesome series :)
July 30, 2018
I really enjoyed the conclusion to this trilogy. The twists and turns of the plot really keep readers engaged while also setting this story apart from many other greek mythology modernizations. I liked the additional POV's used in the second and third book, which allow the readers to see into the minds of more characters. I would've liked a little more development within the relationships (Haden/Daphne)(Lexie/Tobin)(Abbie/Dax) since at times things seem a little more rushed. I really enjoyed the series overall though and would recommend it to anyone who asked.
June 26, 2019
I thought this was a really nice conclusion to the trilogy. However, there were times where it felt like the plot was super rushed and I wasn't able to get a clear image of things. Characters who are important to one another say goodbye in very quick ways, so the reader doesn't get the opportunity to grieve that goodbye. Overall, though, I thought the concept behind the trilogy was unique and interesting. I'm also a sucker for a Greek mythology retelling and this one definitely appeased me.
March 31, 2023
This was easily the best of the three books. It left behind all the hum-drum boring mortal stuff and was an adventure in the Under World and the Sky Realm. There were a couple things that I didn't see coming, so I enjoyed the twistyness.
Overall, I'm glad I read it for June, but I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. Just a little to cheesy and vapid in places. Even with the solid mythology backing it.
I feel like there was actually some unfinished business at the end of the book. There isn't one more, is there?
Overall, I'm glad I read it for June, but I probably wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. Just a little to cheesy and vapid in places. Even with the solid mythology backing it.
I feel like there was actually some unfinished business at the end of the book. There isn't one more, is there?
October 14, 2021
Super fast paced. I saw a huge character reveal coming way ahead of time, but was still unsure. I was satisfied and glad that I was right. I may have finished this book in a day. It's that gripping. Very much a page turner. After the huge lead up and cliffhangers at the end of the first two books in the series it was a little crazy how fast it all wrapped up with a shiny bow at the end, but it left me happy and content. A clean read too other than some hinted and not so hinted goryness.
January 15, 2022
This was a great end to the triology!
What the second book didn’t deliver in action, this one definitely did. We are introduced to new realms and new characters with the greek mythology world continually being expanded.
I was disappointed not to learn more about Dax and Abbie and felt that some of the other characters were not properly developed BUT all the lose ends were neatly tied up and there was a nice twist at the end! I also enjoyed the variety of Greek mythology encompassed within the storyline throughout the trilogy!
What the second book didn’t deliver in action, this one definitely did. We are introduced to new realms and new characters with the greek mythology world continually being expanded.
I was disappointed not to learn more about Dax and Abbie and felt that some of the other characters were not properly developed BUT all the lose ends were neatly tied up and there was a nice twist at the end! I also enjoyed the variety of Greek mythology encompassed within the storyline throughout the trilogy!
November 24, 2016
This was a good conclusion to the series. Everything worked out for the best and all the main characters were still alive at the end. Sure it was a rough ride but at least they all made it. Daphne was in the Underworld most of the time and Haden of course spent the book trying to get to her. My only complaint was the ending could have been a little more exciting. However, since it was a happy ending I won't be too upset about it.
May 11, 2017
A good ending to a fun series. I forget how much I love Greek Mythology until I read a book or series like this one. It's engaging and frankly all the prior knowledge kicks in and makes the story that much more enjoyable. I loved seeing the growth of the characters, especially Daphne. Tell me you didn't love Shady? And then at the end what happens... whoa.
4 stars
4 stars
June 22, 2017
This was a great ending to a great series. I loved the characters in this book. Their love and loyalty, their willingness to give themselves up to save the others. I am going to miss spending time in their world.
September 11, 2017
It was nice and I enjoyed it but it was lacking on some points. On the ending especially. I was expecting something darker, with more fight and flare, more adult we'll say. But still it was a really nice closing book.
March 10, 2018
*sigh* and back together again....but honestly, I wanted more on the Haden and Daphne front. I mean I waited THREE books for something. And I get like a thrown scrap in the last pages. *deep sigh of remorse*
July 23, 2018
Great read
This book is filled with highs, lows, and so much action that it will definitely keep you turning the page. This is definitely a book to read, and Bree Despain, is an author to check out.
This book is filled with highs, lows, and so much action that it will definitely keep you turning the page. This is definitely a book to read, and Bree Despain, is an author to check out.
May 28, 2024
Clean and action packed
Great final book in the saga. Well written with twists and creative ideas of conclusions. Sad to see their story end. Great characters. Not too slow nor too fast.
Great final book in the saga. Well written with twists and creative ideas of conclusions. Sad to see their story end. Great characters. Not too slow nor too fast.
May 9, 2017
loved this book
May 17, 2017
It seemed like she wanted to end the series already, the ending felt like it went by fast when there could have been room for a little more action and whatnot. Maybe it's just me
August 6, 2017
Awesome!
September 7, 2017
Best last line to a book ever
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews