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Collector #4
From Burning Ashes
This war is not being played on a battlefield.
Killed by the man she loves, not even death is kind to Zoey.
Neither life nor her fae powers will let her go in peace.
In this final installment, Zoey’s strength, determination, and trust are put to the ultimate test. In the fight to protect the people she loves and stop DMG from experimenting on fae, humans, and animals to create soldiers, she learns the reality of how far Dr. Rapava will go to achieve his ultimate mission.
Of course, Rapava is not the only one willing to go to extremes. Vadik is hunting Ryker, and there is nothing he won’t do to get back the property he feels is his: both Ryker and the Stone of Destiny.
To end one evil, Zoey might have to make a deal with another. One she won't be able to get out of. And it could be the worst decision she ever made.
Killed by the man she loves, not even death is kind to Zoey.
Neither life nor her fae powers will let her go in peace.
In this final installment, Zoey’s strength, determination, and trust are put to the ultimate test. In the fight to protect the people she loves and stop DMG from experimenting on fae, humans, and animals to create soldiers, she learns the reality of how far Dr. Rapava will go to achieve his ultimate mission.
Of course, Rapava is not the only one willing to go to extremes. Vadik is hunting Ryker, and there is nothing he won’t do to get back the property he feels is his: both Ryker and the Stone of Destiny.
To end one evil, Zoey might have to make a deal with another. One she won't be able to get out of. And it could be the worst decision she ever made.
488 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2016
328 people are currently reading
2366 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
65 books6,356 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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June 21, 2018
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Finally done*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Might contain spoilers.
The final book about Zoey Daniels (23, though she is technically a year older) and a ruthless dark fae, a Wanderer (a jumper; they can blink in and out of time and space, travel anywhere they want in the world in an instant) named Ryker. The couple, a monkey, pirate and an ex are all hunted. This make things hard as Zoey is determent to save the people she cares about who have been captured. She also wants to bring down DMG. And of course, there's the Stone of Destiny who everyone wants... Overall, I was really disappointed in this book, but I'm not so surprised as book #3 didn't go so well with me either. A lot of questions are left unanswered, specially . I wanted more for Ryker. I felt like he deserved way more. I also didn't like how 'wild' and reckless Zoey was. I really didn't like her in this book. Nor did I like her in book #3. I many times wanted to quit the book, but I kept reminding myself that I've gotten so far, might as well finish it. Lars intrigued me a lot though... will he get is how book? Oh and I also don't get why Zoey and Croygen suddenly got close. I feel like I was on the outside looking in, where their friendship got close and we didn't get to see it.
“You could always kiss me again.” Croygen smiled coyly with a wink.
Ryker’s head jerked. “Again?”
“Oh, wow, we really need to get going.”
“What does he mean again?”
“What, Lexie?” I backed up to the bed. “I think she’s waking up.”
Croygen chuckled as he passed, and I punched him lightly in the stomach. He only laughed harder.
Damn pirates.
“Okay, so who’s ready to get stabbed, shot, and possibly tortured? No different from some of my nights out in the Orient.” Croygen clapped his hands, staring down at Lexie’s sleeping form. “You with me, little shark?”
Other characters:
My automatic response of “fine” sat on my tongue ready to be used. But it would be a lie, and I was sick of lying. Instead, I leaned my head against his bicep. “Yeah.” Croygen curled his arm around my shoulder and drew me in. It felt so nice. In his company, I no longer felt alone in this. We could handle whatever threat came our way. The problem was threats came from everywhere…even from within our own group.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (New Adult?) Paranormal Romance.
Series: - Series, Book Four.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Ryker.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Already have.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Book one and two, yes.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 1.5 stars.
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May 30, 2019
★★★To read my full review of 'From Burning Ashes' visit my blog★★★
Rating: 4 Honey-crunch, double-dipped-doughnut, rolled-in-honey, supersprite stars
“We are survivors. We fight. We live. No matter what it takes, it’s who we are. We don’t let things beat us: DMG, an oath, Vadik. You and I are a team, and we will fight against whatever comes our way. Good or bad, we claw, we bite, and battle our way out.”
“Ryker, you ready?”
“I’m with you, human,” His deep voice snaked up through my hair to my ear. “Till the end.”
After a rescue mission gone wrong, a resolute Zoey’s life is a dithering thing when placed in the hands of a Wanderer whose bloodthirsty desire to see Zoey’s death is more than overwhelming…only Zoey’s life doesn’t seem to want to end because even death keeps pushing her farther away from it every time she comes within its vague vicinity.
‘Hate, blame, pain, isolation could turn you into the precise animal they claimed you were.’
‘In usual Zoey style, I didn’t slip peacefully into the quiet darkness.’
‘From Burning Ashes’ is the fourth and final instalment in the ‘Collector’ series, and Zoey is put through the biggest test in this clashing journey of fighting, surviving and loving for the ultimate goal and the ultimate man. After revelations arose, splintering the potholed ground beneath her, Zoey’s reasons for living are flourishing – even if her circumstances aren’t - because the people she loves need her, and as loyal as she is Zoey’s fight has no confines. She has lost so much, raking her defeats, but she grabs the small but immeasurably precious treasures life throws her way: her life, her love, her family.
“Some friendly advice? Your bleeding heart for those humans makes you easy to control, Zoey.”
“Love and hate walk a fine line. Let’s see what side he falls on”
Among the resounding threats following them, many dangers are still present in Zoey’s and Ryker’s tension-filled little group. Zoey and Ryker are bound by an oath, and Ryker is still on the brittle edge of fighting two primal desires: his longing for Zoey and his lust for her blood. Much to his heartache he is still a major threat to the human who somehow found his unforgiving heart and melded it with her own. Keeping Zoey at a safe distance has never been an easy or fair task, nothing with these two has ever been a laidback walk in the park, more like a trek through wild weather in deserted lands.
“I’m not leaving. When will you get it through your thick skull that we are a team? We save each other. And right now I am saving your ass. So shut up and play the damsel in distress like a good boy.”
Guarded hearts are not easy to leave their corrals behind, but barriers can also indeed be shattered with the right impact and the right person, and Zoey and Ryker have learnt the hard way that feelings are unavoidably singular because their hearts fought for each other long before they give in to the temptation. Their first meeting was built on chaos and grief and distrust and their relationships renovated with the same volume of energy into unbounding trust, decided faithfulness and indebted love.
‘It was always there with us. The passion mixed with fierceness, tearing at the seams, breaking me in pieces till I didn’t know which one I wanted more.’
‘Not one bit of me remained hidden from Ryker.’
Stacey Marie Brown has pulled out a lot of stops for this last part of Ryker’s and Zoey’s story. ‘From Burning Ashes’ has plenty of palpitating action scenes, non-stop exploits in every chapter, while I was wondering and praying for my favourite characters to make it through this equally reforming but still volatile world. This being my eighth book of Brown’s, I’ve noticed that while her stories aren’t exactly meticulously, well-written, drawn out or put together, and aren’t always sound in storytelling, she writes with a continual tension and enthusiasm to give us the best characters she can.
“Croygen?” I was at a loss for words. “Thank you.”
“Oh jeez, just say you love me. Make it really dramatic.” The doors started to close.
I grinned. “I love you.”
“Wow” That lacked finesse. He frowned.
“Stay safe, asshole,” Ryker snarled.
“Kiss my honey muncher,” Sprig added.
“See, now those had flare. I believed them.”
I don’t know about you but that part in a story where undying love is declared between the characters is absolutely my Achilles heel, my knees weaken, tears drop, and my life is made…yes, I’m a simple being.
This explosive fest of unceasing action, perilous engagements, raucous skirmishes, misgivings, disloyalty, and fierce love story, ‘From Burning Ashes’ concludes Ryker’s and Zoey’s tale with a heart-stopping ending that had my gut swallowing my stomach, wondering if death really would keep these two apart, and a few tears that found their way onto the page. Ryker has sacrificed for Zoey, and she would do it a million times over for him, and both would suffer worse if only to save the other. Both have played with fire, only strengthening a bond which stands stellar, and after finding each other through a city in embers, colliding through barriers between, crossing divides unforeseen, Ryker and Zoey have made their way from burning ashes to bourgeoning chance and a fire that I know has no intention of leaving them.
‘From the burning ashes a hazy outline of a man appeared. Like a Norse god he strode out of the smoke, a glistening axe strapped to his back.’
“Whatever is ahead of us, I want to be with you. As long as you want me.”
“Is forever good?” he whispered.’
Trigger Warning: Mentions child abuse, swearing, prostitution, drugs, attempted rape, torture, and has sex scenes described in moderate detail and not grossly descriptive
Favourite Quotes:
April 7, 2020
3.5 ⭐⭐⭐✨
“We are survivors. We fight. We live. No matter what it takes, it’s who we are. We don’t let things beat us: DMG, an oath, Vadik. You and I are a team, and we will fight against whatever comes our way. Good or bad, we claw, bite, and battle our way out.”
In the first half of the story my thoughts were like;
“It’s the fourth book already, why can’t you just be together & stop fighting!🙄😩
I know, I know it's part of the plot but its the last book in the series😟”
Then the oath was fulfilled and FINALLY 😍 wish granted.
I also expected a lot from Vadik, I really thought he was the main villain here 😅. There was also the plot regarding the stone, I really felt it was underdeveloped and unfinished. Will there be more🙄? I also wonder what happened to Amara, did she just give up🤨? I felt like there are more unresolved things left and the story did drag at times, good thing I love the Epilogue 😍, more of Croygen & Lexie please 🙏🏻. Overall the entire series was still okay 👌🏻👍🏻😊
“We are survivors. We fight. We live. No matter what it takes, it’s who we are. We don’t let things beat us: DMG, an oath, Vadik. You and I are a team, and we will fight against whatever comes our way. Good or bad, we claw, bite, and battle our way out.”
In the first half of the story my thoughts were like;
“It’s the fourth book already, why can’t you just be together & stop fighting!🙄😩
I know, I know it's part of the plot but its the last book in the series😟”
Then the oath was fulfilled and FINALLY 😍 wish granted.
I also expected a lot from Vadik, I really thought he was the main villain here 😅. There was also the plot regarding the stone, I really felt it was underdeveloped and unfinished. Will there be more🙄? I also wonder what happened to Amara, did she just give up🤨? I felt like there are more unresolved things left and the story did drag at times, good thing I love the Epilogue 😍, more of Croygen & Lexie please 🙏🏻. Overall the entire series was still okay 👌🏻👍🏻😊
June 8, 2020
I liked this series!!
It is a perfect sweet ending after a lot of action-packed books.
There was enough steam to cure my heart & mind.
Also, usually books don't age well, but considering this series is five years old...I really enjoyed it!!
It is a perfect sweet ending after a lot of action-packed books.
There was enough steam to cure my heart & mind.
Also, usually books don't age well, but considering this series is five years old...I really enjoyed it!!
July 8, 2016
Normally my reviews are longer (yes longer than this one lol) because I over think. However, the less I say the more intrigued you will be. The series has ended and I am parts excited by how perfectly written the story played out and sad because these are characters I've grown to love.
When an author can depict an emotion with words that make you feel all of what is being said, then they've not only done their job, but did it well. This is how I feel about SMB's From Burning Ashes. None of the characters had it easy. From the beginning it has been a race to survive. And while reading, all I could say was "can they catch a break?" lol.
FBA is everything I'd hoped it would be and some. It was heart pounding, heartfelt and an adrenaline rush as Zoey, Ryker and Sprig fought to the death against their pursuants.
Stacey once again proves herself in the finale of an amazing series. She had me worried for a moment, but she never seems to disappoint her readers. Even though her cliffhangers have cliffhangers. FBA has become another favorite to be cherished and housed in my heart for life!
When an author can depict an emotion with words that make you feel all of what is being said, then they've not only done their job, but did it well. This is how I feel about SMB's From Burning Ashes. None of the characters had it easy. From the beginning it has been a race to survive. And while reading, all I could say was "can they catch a break?" lol.
FBA is everything I'd hoped it would be and some. It was heart pounding, heartfelt and an adrenaline rush as Zoey, Ryker and Sprig fought to the death against their pursuants.
Stacey once again proves herself in the finale of an amazing series. She had me worried for a moment, but she never seems to disappoint her readers. Even though her cliffhangers have cliffhangers. FBA has become another favorite to be cherished and housed in my heart for life!
November 16, 2020
11/16/2020: Reread!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This book was the perfect, most beautiful ending to this series! I am on such a book high right now! This is now, hands down, one of my all-time favorite book series. My head is such a jumble of thoughts right now that I don't know where to start.
So let's start with the plot. It's insanely good, okay? And the pacing of the story is just perfect. I really love the way that things played out with regard to the plot. The events and obstacles in the plot are spaced out so evenly and everything flows together flawlessly. The plot is full of action and purpose. There are some exciting new developments in the story and some juicy plot twists. Some that I definitely didn't see coming. Some I was generally aware of but did not know how they would play out exactly. I was so happy with how the story ended. The only thing that I would have liked to see was what happened to Amara in the end.
The characters in this book and the series as a whole are so well written. The character growth in this series is astounding. The characters have come so far from what they were at the beginning of the series. They have gone through so many obstacles and have struggled so much that it has changed them and brought out the best in them. I adore the side characters in this series. I think that the side characters compliment the main characters so much. The chemistry between the characters is amazing. I love the dialogues. Sprig's banter and his conversations with Zoey, Ryker, and Croygen brought me so much joy. (And laughter!) I also really liked the Unseelie King. There was something about him that I adored. I think that it was the way he regarded Zoey. He found her intriguing and didn't treat her as inferior. He seemed to really appreciate her personality traits and at times I think he found them amusing. The relationships that are formed throughout this series are so intense and completely heartwarming. I want to keep these characters in my heart forever.
The world-building in this book is just as vivid as the first three books. There are plenty of details that perfectly describe the atmosphere of each scene.
The romance in this book and series is a rollercoaster that you will want to ride. From enemies to allies to friends to lovers...this romance is full of intensity. I felt that the slow burn romance was convincing from the start and incredibly well written. The intimate scenes were hot and the way that the characters regarded and treated each other was beautiful. I will ship Zoey and Ryker hardcore until the end of days.
Overall, this is a fabulous series that you should definitely experience for yourself. If you enjoy stories that are action-packed, with an invigorating plot, and characters that will make you feel every emotion on the Richter scale then you will be jazzed with this series. It has officially become one of my all-time favorite series. I am going to vigorously read through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books and keep her on my auto-buy list from now on!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
This book was the perfect, most beautiful ending to this series! I am on such a book high right now! This is now, hands down, one of my all-time favorite book series. My head is such a jumble of thoughts right now that I don't know where to start.
So let's start with the plot. It's insanely good, okay? And the pacing of the story is just perfect. I really love the way that things played out with regard to the plot. The events and obstacles in the plot are spaced out so evenly and everything flows together flawlessly. The plot is full of action and purpose. There are some exciting new developments in the story and some juicy plot twists. Some that I definitely didn't see coming. Some I was generally aware of but did not know how they would play out exactly. I was so happy with how the story ended. The only thing that I would have liked to see was what happened to Amara in the end.
The characters in this book and the series as a whole are so well written. The character growth in this series is astounding. The characters have come so far from what they were at the beginning of the series. They have gone through so many obstacles and have struggled so much that it has changed them and brought out the best in them. I adore the side characters in this series. I think that the side characters compliment the main characters so much. The chemistry between the characters is amazing. I love the dialogues. Sprig's banter and his conversations with Zoey, Ryker, and Croygen brought me so much joy. (And laughter!) I also really liked the Unseelie King. There was something about him that I adored. I think that it was the way he regarded Zoey. He found her intriguing and didn't treat her as inferior. He seemed to really appreciate her personality traits and at times I think he found them amusing. The relationships that are formed throughout this series are so intense and completely heartwarming. I want to keep these characters in my heart forever.
The world-building in this book is just as vivid as the first three books. There are plenty of details that perfectly describe the atmosphere of each scene.
The romance in this book and series is a rollercoaster that you will want to ride. From enemies to allies to friends to lovers...this romance is full of intensity. I felt that the slow burn romance was convincing from the start and incredibly well written. The intimate scenes were hot and the way that the characters regarded and treated each other was beautiful. I will ship Zoey and Ryker hardcore until the end of days.
Overall, this is a fabulous series that you should definitely experience for yourself. If you enjoy stories that are action-packed, with an invigorating plot, and characters that will make you feel every emotion on the Richter scale then you will be jazzed with this series. It has officially become one of my all-time favorite series. I am going to vigorously read through Stacey Marie Brown's backlist of books and keep her on my auto-buy list from now on!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
September 29, 2016
I honestly didn't even think to connect this series with Brown's other series. They take place in the same world, at nearly the same time. And I didn't realize it until Zoey mentioned a girl with different colored eyes. Didn't even realize it when Lars made an appearance. I'm ashamed of myself :(
Pretty good overall. Loved Ryker. Loved Ryker and Zoey together. Loved Croygen. Zoey was pretty kickass too. Not gonna lie, Ember and Eli will always come first in my heart, but Ryker and Zoey gave them a run for their money.
I thought the ending was okay though. There are several questions left unanswered, several strings left untied. It seemed like a very open ending, just in case Brown decided to write more about them. Which is just fine with me. It's become pretty evident to me that if Stacey Marie Brown writes more books, I will be salivating for them.
Pretty good overall. Loved Ryker. Loved Ryker and Zoey together. Loved Croygen. Zoey was pretty kickass too. Not gonna lie, Ember and Eli will always come first in my heart, but Ryker and Zoey gave them a run for their money.
I thought the ending was okay though. There are several questions left unanswered, several strings left untied. It seemed like a very open ending, just in case Brown decided to write more about them. Which is just fine with me. It's become pretty evident to me that if Stacey Marie Brown writes more books, I will be salivating for them.
July 28, 2017
Ok I loved the Darkness series but I think I loved this one more! Hot damn I need a Ryker of my own! Now on to The Lightness series!
April 26, 2017
Let's start with saying I gave book 1: 5 stars and book 2 and 3: 4 stars.
So this means that in my opinion this conclusion had a HUGE drop.
I'm definitely disappointed.
I think over all this series is a good one but book 4...I'll make points:
1)the writing: I always thought it was a bit dramatic, with a lot of similitudes (really not needed because: Ehi, the reader is not an idiot you can trust me to know basic things thank you). It was also tiring because the time of the story was again and again stretched by long and repetitive description of Zoey's emotions. I'll come back on this but basically: if a book makes me want to skip paragraphs because I can see by the way they start what they are about and I already read something almost identical in the chapter before (and this book has really short chapters so basically every 5 pages I mean) that's useless info. I know it! I just read it! I'm not dumb!
2)mistakes: this is really just one thing but it bothers me beyond reason! Zoey calls The Unseelie King Lars His Highness. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! He is a KING! You can't call him Highness that's reserved for uncrowned royalty like princes and princesses! He is HIS MAJESTY!! Now, either Zoey knows nothing about titles (possible but then she was rude and showed ignorant to the King) or the author did not check her vocabulary and neither did her editor. Either way: NOPE! I'M OUT.
3)the excessive and dramatic EMOTIONS: in the first half it was a chocking and endless angst. in the second Half it was the cringy-horniness. Calm down everyone okay? Thinking back on it the angst was better because honestly I got to the point when the fact that Zoey could AT ALL TIMES FEELS SEX WAVE OFF RYKER WAS INFURIATING ME! Stop being ridiculous, you have shit to do like save everyone and yourself, stop thinking with your vagina! Honestly, when in the last 'mission' they stopped to kiss in the middle of the first assault or when during the sneaking Zoey said things like 'It took everything I had to ignore it (my desire to jump Ryker)' I was so pissed: your sis is probably dying, the other kid is too, Cryogen is somewhere being tortured to death...GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS! Plus Zoey in general was a MESS. I say this as someone that actually really loved her in the rest of the books so calm your horses. She was instable and acting recklessly and she would say 'I hated that I kept acting like that' but also if someone pointed out to her she was being stupid she got angry and did worse. It was horrible. Too much emotion and not well done! I made no sense! BOOOORING too.
4)The action: SO UNNECESSARY!! How many attacks and missions and near death (or actual death even) experiences? We could have done with half of it, the plot would have been easier to follow. Also by the 1929483901487439 time they almost died and then didn't but of course lots of injuries (that in no way stopped the sex, beware the boner power!) I simply had no adrenaline left. I felt no excitement or apprehension...they were gonna live. The author totally spent my emotional potential in this book (and Zoey spent all my patience.)!
4.5) too many antagonists: the DMC, Vadik, Amara, Aro, the stone..omg stop! Stop there!
5)Amara: I had hoped for her. The betrayal over betrayal felt so wrong...I didn't like it because wasting the potential of her redemption over the fact that 'her nature and the trauma made her impossible to save'...after book 3!! I felt lied to, simply.
Also, when she asks why everyone is so taken with Zoey...well in this book I was like: I'm wondering the same thing Amara. I mean you suck, but Zoey is not far behind right now.
5.5) Maria: respect for the woman who tortured you and enslaved and used girls as gladiators? Are you kidding me? Survivors my ass! Save her from slavery and death? SURE! She us a human being and that is the least you can do here, but RESPECT? I am so out of here.
6)Ryker: WHY NO RYKER POV?! After book 3 when that was introduced I EXPECTED IT! I definitely felt the lack of it as a fault here. We needed it especially in the first half when it was Ryker battling his feelings! It could have simply been like in book 3, the first half Ryker and the second one Zoey! The story actually would have followed this perfectly! Now, I'm not the author and I won't say: THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE LIKE THIS! That would be horrible and just No, I won't. BUT! We needed his POV, as readers, I think. another thing: the fact that Ryker doesn't want to get separated by Zoey is a thing and makes total sense, the fact that he voices that in a high stress situation is worth of a high school student with a crush not a centuries old badass super powerful fae. Love makes fool of all of us, but really...I think an InCharacter Ryker would have thought the embarassing bs and not shared it with the class DURING THE LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION.
7)the dialogue: this links back to the emotions being on too high and al over the place. It felt werid and forced, with super long and articulated and "deep" almost monologues that were just OUT OF PLACE! This is not a Shakespear play dude. Bah.
8)Croygen and Lexie: do I ship it (in the future)? Yes. Do I think the going back to DMC together and all that bs was senseless? YES. No plot meaning at all, just a thrown in scene to build up the ship. As ship trash I love it, as a reader with a brain for me is a NOPE. (But really, putting the hot pirate fae with the smart and sweet but sassy disabled girl was A+so don't come to me all ragey, I'm talking about the plot value here okay?).
9)This book desperately needs editing. Merciless editing. Scenes needs to cut and the dialogue could definitely use a radical revision. It felt forced. I know Brown can write funny, witty and natural dialogues...I read it! I hope it comes back. In general with 100 pages less this would probably have worked way better.
10) I loved the epilogue tho. I was smiling like a lunatic and excluding the Chevelle (the car...is that the name?) that was once again a very cringey sexual remark, I would honestly love a novella about Croygen and Lexie. Or a full lenght comapnion (please no series without an actual plot!).
11) Spring was my everything I love him unconditionally! I wouldn't have finished the book if not for Ryker and Spring.
12) Lars. Oh Gosh. I want a series on him pretty please!
Basically this was a 2 star read but the epilogue made me happy so I bumped it to 2.5 in my mind and to 3 stars here...because I'm weak and I loved the series so much up till this one that it made me too sad to give a bad rating. So here, a medium rating.
I'll probably come back and add more things if I come up with them but for now this is it.
Still recommend the series because it really is nice, despite this...fall. ^^
25/12: as I said one more thing!
The stone: I said I didn't like the ALL THE FEELINGS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE for Zoey and I stand by that even knowing about the stone and the 'addiction' Zoey felt for it because honestly for such an important and pivotal plot point it was underdeveloped and I basically FORGOT about it? Like this is a tough thing to talk about but it really felt just another thing thrown in the pot that this book is...so there's that.
So this means that in my opinion this conclusion had a HUGE drop.
I'm definitely disappointed.
I think over all this series is a good one but book 4...I'll make points:
1)the writing: I always thought it was a bit dramatic, with a lot of similitudes (really not needed because: Ehi, the reader is not an idiot you can trust me to know basic things thank you). It was also tiring because the time of the story was again and again stretched by long and repetitive description of Zoey's emotions. I'll come back on this but basically: if a book makes me want to skip paragraphs because I can see by the way they start what they are about and I already read something almost identical in the chapter before (and this book has really short chapters so basically every 5 pages I mean) that's useless info. I know it! I just read it! I'm not dumb!
2)mistakes: this is really just one thing but it bothers me beyond reason! Zoey calls The Unseelie King Lars His Highness. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! He is a KING! You can't call him Highness that's reserved for uncrowned royalty like princes and princesses! He is HIS MAJESTY!! Now, either Zoey knows nothing about titles (possible but then she was rude and showed ignorant to the King) or the author did not check her vocabulary and neither did her editor. Either way: NOPE! I'M OUT.
3)the excessive and dramatic EMOTIONS: in the first half it was a chocking and endless angst. in the second Half it was the cringy-horniness. Calm down everyone okay? Thinking back on it the angst was better because honestly I got to the point when the fact that Zoey could AT ALL TIMES FEELS SEX WAVE OFF RYKER WAS INFURIATING ME! Stop being ridiculous, you have shit to do like save everyone and yourself, stop thinking with your vagina! Honestly, when in the last 'mission' they stopped to kiss in the middle of the first assault or when during the sneaking Zoey said things like 'It took everything I had to ignore it (my desire to jump Ryker)' I was so pissed: your sis is probably dying, the other kid is too, Cryogen is somewhere being tortured to death...GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS! Plus Zoey in general was a MESS. I say this as someone that actually really loved her in the rest of the books so calm your horses. She was instable and acting recklessly and she would say 'I hated that I kept acting like that' but also if someone pointed out to her she was being stupid she got angry and did worse. It was horrible. Too much emotion and not well done! I made no sense! BOOOORING too.
4)The action: SO UNNECESSARY!! How many attacks and missions and near death (or actual death even) experiences? We could have done with half of it, the plot would have been easier to follow. Also by the 1929483901487439 time they almost died and then didn't but of course lots of injuries (that in no way stopped the sex, beware the boner power!) I simply had no adrenaline left. I felt no excitement or apprehension...they were gonna live. The author totally spent my emotional potential in this book (and Zoey spent all my patience.)!
4.5) too many antagonists: the DMC, Vadik, Amara, Aro, the stone..omg stop! Stop there!
5)Amara: I had hoped for her. The betrayal over betrayal felt so wrong...I didn't like it because wasting the potential of her redemption over the fact that 'her nature and the trauma made her impossible to save'...after book 3!! I felt lied to, simply.
Also, when she asks why everyone is so taken with Zoey...well in this book I was like: I'm wondering the same thing Amara. I mean you suck, but Zoey is not far behind right now.
5.5) Maria: respect for the woman who tortured you and enslaved and used girls as gladiators? Are you kidding me? Survivors my ass! Save her from slavery and death? SURE! She us a human being and that is the least you can do here, but RESPECT? I am so out of here.
6)Ryker: WHY NO RYKER POV?! After book 3 when that was introduced I EXPECTED IT! I definitely felt the lack of it as a fault here. We needed it especially in the first half when it was Ryker battling his feelings! It could have simply been like in book 3, the first half Ryker and the second one Zoey! The story actually would have followed this perfectly! Now, I'm not the author and I won't say: THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE LIKE THIS! That would be horrible and just No, I won't. BUT! We needed his POV, as readers, I think. another thing: the fact that Ryker doesn't want to get separated by Zoey is a thing and makes total sense, the fact that he voices that in a high stress situation is worth of a high school student with a crush not a centuries old badass super powerful fae. Love makes fool of all of us, but really...I think an InCharacter Ryker would have thought the embarassing bs and not shared it with the class DURING THE LIFE OR DEATH SITUATION.
7)the dialogue: this links back to the emotions being on too high and al over the place. It felt werid and forced, with super long and articulated and "deep" almost monologues that were just OUT OF PLACE! This is not a Shakespear play dude. Bah.
8)Croygen and Lexie: do I ship it (in the future)? Yes. Do I think the going back to DMC together and all that bs was senseless? YES. No plot meaning at all, just a thrown in scene to build up the ship. As ship trash I love it, as a reader with a brain for me is a NOPE. (But really, putting the hot pirate fae with the smart and sweet but sassy disabled girl was A+so don't come to me all ragey, I'm talking about the plot value here okay?).
9)This book desperately needs editing. Merciless editing. Scenes needs to cut and the dialogue could definitely use a radical revision. It felt forced. I know Brown can write funny, witty and natural dialogues...I read it! I hope it comes back. In general with 100 pages less this would probably have worked way better.
10) I loved the epilogue tho. I was smiling like a lunatic and excluding the Chevelle (the car...is that the name?) that was once again a very cringey sexual remark, I would honestly love a novella about Croygen and Lexie. Or a full lenght comapnion (please no series without an actual plot!).
11) Spring was my everything I love him unconditionally! I wouldn't have finished the book if not for Ryker and Spring.
12) Lars. Oh Gosh. I want a series on him pretty please!
Basically this was a 2 star read but the epilogue made me happy so I bumped it to 2.5 in my mind and to 3 stars here...because I'm weak and I loved the series so much up till this one that it made me too sad to give a bad rating. So here, a medium rating.
I'll probably come back and add more things if I come up with them but for now this is it.
Still recommend the series because it really is nice, despite this...fall. ^^
25/12: as I said one more thing!
The stone: I said I didn't like the ALL THE FEELINGS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE for Zoey and I stand by that even knowing about the stone and the 'addiction' Zoey felt for it because honestly for such an important and pivotal plot point it was underdeveloped and I basically FORGOT about it? Like this is a tough thing to talk about but it really felt just another thing thrown in the pot that this book is...so there's that.
August 13, 2016
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.
Heart-stopping, intense and mind consuming, this book...this series have completely over taken me from the start.
The characters were everything you'd want them to be, plus more. You fell in love with them and hated them. You felt their emotions running through the pages while they went through complete hell.
The plot...amazing!!!! I have never read anything like this before and I loved every single minute of it.
Stacey, you have a new fan. I have fallen in love with your words, your style of writing and your complete ability to take over my life with your books.
I'm not on my own journey to read the rest of your books and then wait (im)patiently for more books to come out.
Heart-stopping, intense and mind consuming, this book...this series have completely over taken me from the start.
The characters were everything you'd want them to be, plus more. You fell in love with them and hated them. You felt their emotions running through the pages while they went through complete hell.
The plot...amazing!!!! I have never read anything like this before and I loved every single minute of it.
Stacey, you have a new fan. I have fallen in love with your words, your style of writing and your complete ability to take over my life with your books.
I'm not on my own journey to read the rest of your books and then wait (im)patiently for more books to come out.
June 28, 2016
That was a magnificent ending and probably one of my favorite epilogues. But also, I love how the author left it open enough so she could revisit the series if she wanted to.
Best book of the series by far.
Best book of the series by far.
April 22, 2019
Can't wait for this book! !!!
September 5, 2016
Read the whole review on English and Croatian here: http://kljuczaknjigu.blogspot.hr/2016/08/reviewrecenzija-stacey-marie-brown.html
The plot of the whole series is unbelievably unpredictable and it doesn't let us rest. We are constantly bombarded with a sexual tension, emotional pain, the funniest and the most bizarre images. Perfect!
The ending leaves me with a few questions and even with a hope of a possible spinoff novel. Hmmm...
The plot of the whole series is unbelievably unpredictable and it doesn't let us rest. We are constantly bombarded with a sexual tension, emotional pain, the funniest and the most bizarre images. Perfect!
The ending leaves me with a few questions and even with a hope of a possible spinoff novel. Hmmm...
March 28, 2017
Loved it!! Amazing ending!! So sad it's over!!!
August 18, 2019
3.5 Stars
Overall, this was a pretty good series. The story did seem to drag at times. I loved Spriggs character. His banter with all of the characters was hilarious and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing him to life.
Overall, this was a pretty good series. The story did seem to drag at times. I loved Spriggs character. His banter with all of the characters was hilarious and the narrator did a fantastic job of bringing him to life.
May 30, 2022
If you're a SMB fan and haven't read this series, you're seriously missing out. So so so good. Disappointing to see how many reviews her earlier series have in comparison to Savage Lands. These need some love, AND they're in the same universe!
June 24, 2018
4.5🌟
It just doesn’t feel finished to me there are some loose ties with the stone I wanted tied up.
It just doesn’t feel finished to me there are some loose ties with the stone I wanted tied up.
March 13, 2025
A great end to a really fun series.
I enjoyed Ryker and Zoey's battle for each other, their unwavering stance when it came to protecting each other.
But as always the found family took the cake for me. I love the unit they built, the banter and genuine love they had for each other. Filled with action, betrayal and scheming this book dotted all the 'i's and crossed all the 't's.
I strongly advise giving the series a try!
I enjoyed Ryker and Zoey's battle for each other, their unwavering stance when it came to protecting each other.
But as always the found family took the cake for me. I love the unit they built, the banter and genuine love they had for each other. Filled with action, betrayal and scheming this book dotted all the 'i's and crossed all the 't's.
I strongly advise giving the series a try!
August 24, 2017
5 From Burning Ashes Stars
I will be a monkey’s aunt!
That was fanfreakingtastic. Everything comes together not in any way I would have thought. I kind of loved that. It wasn’t predictable. And I love how strong Zoey is. But I loved that she wasn’t strong too.
I don’t know if that makes sense but it does to me. So yeah.
Sprig and his goat Pam totally crack me up. I can’t even with this monkey/sprite. He steals the show! I want a monkey.. Ok maybe not because it wouldn’t talk like Sprig.
I think the character that surprised me the most was Kagen (spelling), and his loyalty to Zoey.
I will say the only thing I am still confused about is the stone and how that was kind left but I won’t go into detail. Know this was the final book it just had me wondering why that was left unfinished.
Again praise to Amy for her narration of these incredible books. She brought them to life, I love her voices! Sprig’s especially.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
I will be a monkey’s aunt!
That was fanfreakingtastic. Everything comes together not in any way I would have thought. I kind of loved that. It wasn’t predictable. And I love how strong Zoey is. But I loved that she wasn’t strong too.
I don’t know if that makes sense but it does to me. So yeah.
Sprig and his goat Pam totally crack me up. I can’t even with this monkey/sprite. He steals the show! I want a monkey.. Ok maybe not because it wouldn’t talk like Sprig.
I think the character that surprised me the most was Kagen (spelling), and his loyalty to Zoey.
I will say the only thing I am still confused about is the stone and how that was kind left but I won’t go into detail. Know this was the final book it just had me wondering why that was left unfinished.
Again praise to Amy for her narration of these incredible books. She brought them to life, I love her voices! Sprig’s especially.
*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
August 5, 2016
WOW!! that was a really fun ride!! The whole series was great. I enjoyed the ending very much. There were some minor flaws that happened in all the books but all of them were still great. Despite the fact that Ryker and Zoey turning into a mushy couple, I didn't mind. I really hoped to read more about Zoey and Ryker... as well as other characters like Amara. We were introduced to some interesting casts in this last book like the Unseelie King and the Seelie Queen. I really wanted to read more about them and the war.
Overall a good book and a great series.
4.5 Stars
Overall a good book and a great series.
4.5 Stars
February 26, 2017
I feel like the ADD monkey, trying to get through every word from this book, and almost failing.
There were definitely funny lines, but occurring too much at inopportune moments.
Yeah, ok, Ryker is hot and primal but again, tension occurring at inopportune moments.
I just wanted to skip the unnecessary parts and get to the end.
There were definitely funny lines, but occurring too much at inopportune moments.
Yeah, ok, Ryker is hot and primal but again, tension occurring at inopportune moments.
I just wanted to skip the unnecessary parts and get to the end.
April 28, 2016
Ahhhhh there's finally a cover!! So excited. Plus the guy has short hair? Maybe I'm reading too much into it.
February 17, 2025
I´m deducting a star for Ryker´s behaviour alone, and here´s why.
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Zoey.
I really liked Zoey in this, she was strong and resilient, never gave up and always kept fighting and getting back up no matter how much she was pushed down. Ryker I did not like at all in this. Please don´t ever claim the title book boyfriend because you are not. Tell me why he let his abusive ex girlfriend hang around them, who still wants him, never telling her off and even going as far as silently encouraging her behaviour by taking her on missions and night shifts with him where the two of them are alone!? Even though Zoey said she feels uncomfortable with the ex around. Hell NAH. If I were Zoey´s friend, I´d tell her to dump him.
Regarding side characters I hate Amara with my whole heart. She was the most annoying character out of all of them. I really liked Sprig, he felt like the comedic relief character and often made me chuckle a bit, he´s so cute. I really enjoyed Croygen´s character in this, I feel like there was some character development there. Would really like a book on him.
Plotwise this was okayish. Much of it was overshadowed for me by the ex being in the picture and her just constantly being there and constantly being annoying and trying to interfere with the couple. Not a girl´s girl at all. The pacing overall was okay as well, some parts felt a bit slower but otherwise I felt like the story moved smoothly. You can expect a few light spicy scenes in here, action scenes are well paired with character development for some characters. I feel like some plot twists were predictable and you could see them coming. I also kind of disliked how we never talked about some of the events from the third book (that I felt like were worth discussing).
Overall it was an okay read, that enraged me a little bit.
trigger warnings: attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), mentions of sexual assault, torture, human experiments/mutilation, unconsented retrieval of body parts, attempted murder
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Zoey.
I really liked Zoey in this, she was strong and resilient, never gave up and always kept fighting and getting back up no matter how much she was pushed down. Ryker I did not like at all in this. Please don´t ever claim the title book boyfriend because you are not. Tell me why he let his abusive ex girlfriend hang around them, who still wants him, never telling her off and even going as far as silently encouraging her behaviour by taking her on missions and night shifts with him where the two of them are alone!? Even though Zoey said she feels uncomfortable with the ex around. Hell NAH. If I were Zoey´s friend, I´d tell her to dump him.
Regarding side characters I hate Amara with my whole heart. She was the most annoying character out of all of them. I really liked Sprig, he felt like the comedic relief character and often made me chuckle a bit, he´s so cute. I really enjoyed Croygen´s character in this, I feel like there was some character development there. Would really like a book on him.
Plotwise this was okayish. Much of it was overshadowed for me by the ex being in the picture and her just constantly being there and constantly being annoying and trying to interfere with the couple. Not a girl´s girl at all. The pacing overall was okay as well, some parts felt a bit slower but otherwise I felt like the story moved smoothly. You can expect a few light spicy scenes in here, action scenes are well paired with character development for some characters. I feel like some plot twists were predictable and you could see them coming. I also kind of disliked how we never talked about some of the events from the third book (that I felt like were worth discussing).
Overall it was an okay read, that enraged me a little bit.
trigger warnings: attempted rape (not caused by the love interest), mentions of sexual assault, torture, human experiments/mutilation, unconsented retrieval of body parts, attempted murder
June 9, 2025
This is the kind of book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go and honestly, I loved every second of it!
It raises the stakes in every way: emotionally, physically, magically. The fallout from the first two books hits hard, and the characters are pushed to their absolute limits. Zoey goes from survivor to warrior, and watching her take control of her power while still holding onto her humanity was one of the best parts of the book. Ryker finally lets some of his walls come down, and their dynamic is stronger and steamier than ever. The real scene-stealers? Cryogen and Sprig, they can do no wrong in my eyes. I’m honestly just here for the banter! Every time they showed up, I knew I was going to laugh. The group dynamics in this book are next level, with everyone feeling like a vital piece of the story, not just filler. The pacing is fast and intense, sometimes overwhelmingly so, but it works. The action never lets up, the worldbuilding expands and the emotional payoff is massive. There’s grief, rage, loyalty, and the kind of found family vibes that stick with you long after the final page.
This book is a turning point for the series! If you love sharp dialogue, fierce character growth and side characters that steal the whole damn show this one’s a must-read!
It raises the stakes in every way: emotionally, physically, magically. The fallout from the first two books hits hard, and the characters are pushed to their absolute limits. Zoey goes from survivor to warrior, and watching her take control of her power while still holding onto her humanity was one of the best parts of the book. Ryker finally lets some of his walls come down, and their dynamic is stronger and steamier than ever. The real scene-stealers? Cryogen and Sprig, they can do no wrong in my eyes. I’m honestly just here for the banter! Every time they showed up, I knew I was going to laugh. The group dynamics in this book are next level, with everyone feeling like a vital piece of the story, not just filler. The pacing is fast and intense, sometimes overwhelmingly so, but it works. The action never lets up, the worldbuilding expands and the emotional payoff is massive. There’s grief, rage, loyalty, and the kind of found family vibes that stick with you long after the final page.
This book is a turning point for the series! If you love sharp dialogue, fierce character growth and side characters that steal the whole damn show this one’s a must-read!
June 16, 2022
**4 dark Stars**
This book was a true rollercoaster of emotions and I'm here for that!
The beginning was heart breaking and made me cry. Then I got mad that we were back to the situation in book 1-2. Then I was scarred. Then, happy. Then, furious. Then, terrified, then....
All the emotions I tell you.
Overall, I liked this series a lot. Lots of elements reminded me of books by Jennifer L. Armentrout (whom I love). Events are slow enough that the characters' development feel genuine. The face-offs with the villains are not underwhelming. There are flaws, but I'm always willing to overlook those when I'm carried away by a good story.
This was the first I read of this author and now I need to go read the rest of her books.
This book was a true rollercoaster of emotions and I'm here for that!
The beginning was heart breaking and made me cry. Then I got mad that we were back to the situation in book 1-2. Then I was scarred. Then, happy. Then, furious. Then, terrified, then....
All the emotions I tell you.
Overall, I liked this series a lot. Lots of elements reminded me of books by Jennifer L. Armentrout (whom I love). Events are slow enough that the characters' development feel genuine. The face-offs with the villains are not underwhelming. There are flaws, but I'm always willing to overlook those when I'm carried away by a good story.
This was the first I read of this author and now I need to go read the rest of her books.
December 15, 2017
4.5/5 stars!! Wow I can't believe it's over! I do have to say, I'm a tiny bit disappointed. Many intriguing points and avenues were left for resolution in the epilogue. I honestly think it could have made another book! (And yes, I do want more of this couple). I didn't think I would enjoy this series as much as I did. It has great lessons and some eye opening moments. The characters struggled with some of the same issues as many people have (even in a fictional world). Seeing how they worked through those issues was rejuvenating. Excellent and fantabulous read!
May 11, 2019
*sighs so deeply a freaking tornado forms in front of mouth*
That was....wow. I can't even explain it. From the minute this whole story started, it was so filled with action, drama, disaster and intensity that I would find myself unconsciously speeding ahead the next couple a pages JUST to get a head start on building that wall around my heart that will crumble with the next catastrophe.
This book, was damn near EVERYTHING. It was just the right amount of every necessary element-making it so very, very addicting.
That was....wow. I can't even explain it. From the minute this whole story started, it was so filled with action, drama, disaster and intensity that I would find myself unconsciously speeding ahead the next couple a pages JUST to get a head start on building that wall around my heart that will crumble with the next catastrophe.
This book, was damn near EVERYTHING. It was just the right amount of every necessary element-making it so very, very addicting.
January 18, 2022
This book kept me in suspense the whole way through. Overall, I loved this series and the world the author built. I think Ryker and Zoey just might be my favorite enemies to lovers ❤️
The Darkness Series, Collector Series, Lightness Saga, and Savage Lands are all stand alone series built in the same world are are centered around an event that takes place in the Darkness series. Savage Lands happens 20 or so years after the first three. Either way, I live for set-ups like this!!!!
The Darkness Series, Collector Series, Lightness Saga, and Savage Lands are all stand alone series built in the same world are are centered around an event that takes place in the Darkness series. Savage Lands happens 20 or so years after the first three. Either way, I live for set-ups like this!!!!
October 2, 2023
This series is pretty much on par with Savage Lands in the SMB fae universe. So good! Ryker now reigns supreme for me out of them all. Eli second of course. Warwick can still suck it. 🤣🤣 I’m really interested/nervous to see how and why Croygen is portrayed as the bad guy in his series based off what we’re told in Savage Lands. I’m obsessed with that pirat.. tradesman! This series was never boring. An all around 5 star read!
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