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Iron Breakers Trilogy #3
The Floodgates
Anik is gone and an army of white and gold approaches. Cornered inside Fort Llyne, Ren is forced to salvage what he can and follow Princess Evalyne's lead in an attempt to save his people and flee the fort.
Left with no other option, Ren travels with Evalyne's army to the one place he thought he'd never go – across the border into Skarlan. Ren does everything he can to prepare for the battle that lies ahead and he must draw on Anik's teachings to help save his country and make his brother king. However, the sickness growing in Ren's lungs may kill him before he gets the chance.
The Floodgates is the final book in the Iron Breakers series.
Left with no other option, Ren travels with Evalyne's army to the one place he thought he'd never go – across the border into Skarlan. Ren does everything he can to prepare for the battle that lies ahead and he must draw on Anik's teachings to help save his country and make his brother king. However, the sickness growing in Ren's lungs may kill him before he gets the chance.
The Floodgates is the final book in the Iron Breakers series.
417 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 23, 2017
24 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
June 9, 2019
3.5 Stars
It was a fitting ending to this series. I was involved because I've grown attached to the characters and so I wanted to see them succeed in their mission. There were a little bit too many battles for my liking, but that's just my personal opinion.
Some things were also a bit too convenient, like for example
We finally found what skahli means and it was so funny to see Ren rub it in Anik's face. I liked how their relationship evolved throughout the series, it felt very organic to the plot.
It was a fitting ending to this series. I was involved because I've grown attached to the characters and so I wanted to see them succeed in their mission. There were a little bit too many battles for my liking, but that's just my personal opinion.
Some things were also a bit too convenient, like for example
We finally found what skahli means and it was so funny to see Ren rub it in Anik's face. I liked how their relationship evolved throughout the series, it felt very organic to the plot.
September 17, 2017
A fitting end to the series. My only problem was that I wish it had been longer
May 10, 2018
This book wasn’t perfect but I have to say I adored it. The ending was a little unbelievable but without a doubt fun as hell. The world building still lacked but my love for the characters overcame even my interest in the plot. When I started this trilogy I never expected to enjoy it as much as I did. Now I’m thankful to have read it.
Full review to come :)
Full review to come :)
February 7, 2019
While I loved all the books from this trilogy, this final installment was by far my favorite! I can’t believe it’s over, Zaya Feli please please please give us an epilogue novella or something- don’t leave us hanging!
February 10, 2022
**grm**
I really liked this 3rd book, but I wished we had a better ending. A lot of people died, there was drama, violence, torture and much more, but there was also romance and happiness. The thing that I didn't like was the fact that Anik and Ren didn't have their wedding, a thing I was expecting since the first book, when that strange woman told them they would have a beautiful wedding. That had sounded like a premonition, something that would happen in the future when they finally grew feelings for each other, but sadly nothing happened. In my opinion, the last chapter and the epilogue were a failure. I still rated this 4 stars, because the world building was good, the story was well written and also if lacking, at least in this book didn't have any stupid sex scenes with random dudes.
I really liked this 3rd book, but I wished we had a better ending. A lot of people died, there was drama, violence, torture and much more, but there was also romance and happiness. The thing that I didn't like was the fact that Anik and Ren didn't have their wedding, a thing I was expecting since the first book, when that strange woman told them they would have a beautiful wedding. That had sounded like a premonition, something that would happen in the future when they finally grew feelings for each other, but sadly nothing happened. In my opinion, the last chapter and the epilogue were a failure. I still rated this 4 stars, because the world building was good, the story was well written and also if lacking, at least in this book didn't have any stupid sex scenes with random dudes.
September 6, 2017
3,5 Stars.
I am very fond of the series and I'm honestly surprised it is not more popular.
It's well written and planned. I really like imperfect characters and strong female ones.
The ending was a bit rushed, and as other readers have mentioned as well- it leaves a sense of incompleteness, but I am hoping Zaya will surprise us with an epilogue :)
P.S. Amazing cover as usual from this author
I am very fond of the series and I'm honestly surprised it is not more popular.
It's well written and planned. I really like imperfect characters and strong female ones.
The ending was a bit rushed, and as other readers have mentioned as well- it leaves a sense of incompleteness, but I am hoping Zaya will surprise us with an epilogue :)
P.S. Amazing cover as usual from this author
April 15, 2018
So yesterday I left Akata Witch, the book I am currently reading at home and this all trilogy - courtesy of Line who pointed out it was free on amazon - was on my kindle.
I started reading on the commute to work and I was hooked. I am in fact half way through book three type of hooked.
I have decided to come back and rate the trilogy when I finish book 3, in the meantime though: this is a highly entertaining series, an easy (as in a well written, easily flowing) read with interesting characters and relentless action. Thoroughly enjoying it!
And here I am as promised: the whole series is a solid 4.5 stars for me and it goes on my favourite shelf.
This trilogy is well written and well planned, high on action and with a narrative which holds attention effortlessly.
The characters were engaging and I cared deeply for all of them - Ren's growth arc was particularly well done and as he grows into himself Anik's arc is more of a reveal than actual growth but it is also very well done. All my love to Evaline and the way the books flip the trope of the knight in shining armour.
There were a couple of issues which took a bit from the enjoyment including the sort of "non closure" ending and like some other reviewers say an epilogue would have perhaps added to overall enjoyment.
I also thought that
All in all I enjoyed this to no end and highly recommend it. Right now book 1 is free on Amazon UK and the next two are 99c or free on KU which makes it even easier to go and spend a few action filled hours with Ren and Anik.
I started reading on the commute to work and I was hooked. I am in fact half way through book three type of hooked.
I have decided to come back and rate the trilogy when I finish book 3, in the meantime though: this is a highly entertaining series, an easy (as in a well written, easily flowing) read with interesting characters and relentless action. Thoroughly enjoying it!
And here I am as promised: the whole series is a solid 4.5 stars for me and it goes on my favourite shelf.
This trilogy is well written and well planned, high on action and with a narrative which holds attention effortlessly.
The characters were engaging and I cared deeply for all of them - Ren's growth arc was particularly well done and as he grows into himself Anik's arc is more of a reveal than actual growth but it is also very well done. All my love to Evaline and the way the books flip the trope of the knight in shining armour.
There were a couple of issues which took a bit from the enjoyment including the sort of "non closure" ending and like some other reviewers say an epilogue would have perhaps added to overall enjoyment.
I also thought that
All in all I enjoyed this to no end and highly recommend it. Right now book 1 is free on Amazon UK and the next two are 99c or free on KU which makes it even easier to go and spend a few action filled hours with Ren and Anik.
June 24, 2017
The Floodgates is the final book in the Iron Breakers Trilogy and it combines everything that makes the first two great and then dials it up yet another notch. There is action, romance, mystery and on the edge of your seat moments that made it hard for me to put down the book.
The hints and foreshadowing in the first two novels were cleverly resolved in this book in the most satisfying of ways. Mysteries that have left me wondering in the first two books were wonderfully answered, leading to a few 'aha moments'!
The characters also really blossom in this book, Anik especially. We see his character really develop and a new side comes out thanks to his developing relationship with Ren. This relationship feels both real and special. I treasured the moments that we got to see their private, sweet shared moments. There's passion too and some lovely scenes between the two of them.
There's also action aplenty, the characters and myself were kept on their toes.
I cried, smiled, gasped and laughed when I read this book and if that isn't a sign of a brilliant book then I don't know what is.
The hints and foreshadowing in the first two novels were cleverly resolved in this book in the most satisfying of ways. Mysteries that have left me wondering in the first two books were wonderfully answered, leading to a few 'aha moments'!
The characters also really blossom in this book, Anik especially. We see his character really develop and a new side comes out thanks to his developing relationship with Ren. This relationship feels both real and special. I treasured the moments that we got to see their private, sweet shared moments. There's passion too and some lovely scenes between the two of them.
There's also action aplenty, the characters and myself were kept on their toes.
I cried, smiled, gasped and laughed when I read this book and if that isn't a sign of a brilliant book then I don't know what is.
April 18, 2019
4.5 ★
This series is by no means perfect, but I really did love every moment of this last volume. Ren and Anik, and Jayce and Ilya are my precious babies and I won’t be forgetting them or their story any time soon. The only downside is that I wish there was more!
If you like MxM fantasy with a slow-burn romance and a lot of good action and interesting plot twists, please, please give this trilogy a try!
This series is by no means perfect, but I really did love every moment of this last volume. Ren and Anik, and Jayce and Ilya are my precious babies and I won’t be forgetting them or their story any time soon. The only downside is that I wish there was more!
If you like MxM fantasy with a slow-burn romance and a lot of good action and interesting plot twists, please, please give this trilogy a try!
August 4, 2017
I did enjoy this book a lot, but it really lacks an epilogue, or any sort of closure.
February 26, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this last addition to the Iron Breakers series. This author is multi-talented given her art skills and I have loved looking at her drawings that accompany the story on her Tumblr.
November 26, 2018
One of the best book series I've ever read. It will always be in my heart.
February 28, 2019
an epilogue would have been nice but it was an entertaining and short read and i’ll probably reread this series sometime in the future :)
August 15, 2019
I got to admit, I am a little disappointed in the ending. I can't put my finger on it exactly but it left me dissatisfied.
September 13, 2019
This concludes the Iron Breakers trilogy and it did it in a pretty decent way
Lots of battles and cunning plans, lots more smushy Anik with actual feelings, rather than bottling them up like he has been
Sad ending to some characters, happy ones for others
All in all a very enjoyable series.
I do still think the covers are stunning!
Lots of battles and cunning plans, lots more smushy Anik with actual feelings, rather than bottling them up like he has been
Sad ending to some characters, happy ones for others
All in all a very enjoyable series.
I do still think the covers are stunning!
June 26, 2017
Loved it - super sad it's over 😔
Also kinda unhappy with the abrupt ending... where's the epilogue when u really need it!!???? 😔
Also kinda unhappy with the abrupt ending... where's the epilogue when u really need it!!???? 😔
December 9, 2019
Con mucha felicidad y tristeza admito que terminé el último libro de esta trilogía.
La trama está mucho mejor desarrollada en comparación con el primer libro (que demuestra el development no solo de los personajes, sino también de tan increíble autora). La crueldad llega a un tope en éste, tenemos el climax, todo acaba aquí.
Además de la unión de todas las etnias y grupos que desean vivir en paz. También están Ren y Anik y sus increíbles evoluciones.
Ren deja de ser un insensible (no lo era tanto), y comienza a comprender a las personas. Sufre terroríficamente todo lo que suceden sus pueblos, pero aún así nunca se rinde o deja de ser el hermoso chicos que todos amamos. ¡Además de domador de leones! (Good friends to have).
Anik finalmente abre nuevamente su corazón a enamorarse, permitiendo que le vuelvan a importar sus seres queridos. El dolor viene con ello, pero es algo que debe aceptar por los que ama.
Me duele un montón sentirlo sufrir. Pero saber que en algunos párrafos pudimos conocer su verdadero ser: playful, full of love and joy... totally worth my crying and crackinh heart to expose at this.
A su vez, hay que aclarar que amo a los Lowlanders por su forma de ser, son los humanos que más abrazan la naturaleza entre los otros grupos, se cuidan entre sí y son un amorcito.
Sakai es todo lo que está bien en este mundo.
Además de que aplaudo la forma en que la autora nunca tuvo problemas en mostrar el mundo como es, con sus horrores y todo. Incluso los detalles de las pesadillas de Ren, traumado por lo sucedido, y lo bien logradas que están las torturas (Dios sabe que lloré, grité y maldije en todas ellas), pero estuvieron muy bien hechas sin necesidad de ser explícitas o llegar a ser groesomes.
Lo único que tengo que decir, como un ligero detalle negativo, es las descripciones de las sneaks en los Fort o en Iskaal. Algunas veces era difícil seguir un mapeo del lugar. Sin embargo eso no alerdaba la lectura, puede que sucediera porque mis ojos iban a mil por hora intentando seguirles el paso a los main characters, esperando que nada malo les esperara a la vuelta de la esquina.
Pdt: quiero que todos hagamos un minuto de silencio por todos aquellos que perecieron y aún siguen en mi corazón como pequeñas astillitas.
La trama está mucho mejor desarrollada en comparación con el primer libro (que demuestra el development no solo de los personajes, sino también de tan increíble autora). La crueldad llega a un tope en éste, tenemos el climax, todo acaba aquí.
Además de la unión de todas las etnias y grupos que desean vivir en paz. También están Ren y Anik y sus increíbles evoluciones.
Ren deja de ser un insensible (no lo era tanto), y comienza a comprender a las personas. Sufre terroríficamente todo lo que suceden sus pueblos, pero aún así nunca se rinde o deja de ser el hermoso chicos que todos amamos. ¡Además de domador de leones! (Good friends to have).
Anik finalmente abre nuevamente su corazón a enamorarse, permitiendo que le vuelvan a importar sus seres queridos. El dolor viene con ello, pero es algo que debe aceptar por los que ama.
Me duele un montón sentirlo sufrir. Pero saber que en algunos párrafos pudimos conocer su verdadero ser: playful, full of love and joy... totally worth my crying and crackinh heart to expose at this.
A su vez, hay que aclarar que amo a los Lowlanders por su forma de ser, son los humanos que más abrazan la naturaleza entre los otros grupos, se cuidan entre sí y son un amorcito.
Sakai es todo lo que está bien en este mundo.
Además de que aplaudo la forma en que la autora nunca tuvo problemas en mostrar el mundo como es, con sus horrores y todo. Incluso los detalles de las pesadillas de Ren, traumado por lo sucedido, y lo bien logradas que están las torturas (Dios sabe que lloré, grité y maldije en todas ellas), pero estuvieron muy bien hechas sin necesidad de ser explícitas o llegar a ser groesomes.
Lo único que tengo que decir, como un ligero detalle negativo, es las descripciones de las sneaks en los Fort o en Iskaal. Algunas veces era difícil seguir un mapeo del lugar. Sin embargo eso no alerdaba la lectura, puede que sucediera porque mis ojos iban a mil por hora intentando seguirles el paso a los main characters, esperando que nada malo les esperara a la vuelta de la esquina.
Pdt: quiero que todos hagamos un minuto de silencio por todos aquellos que perecieron y aún siguen en mi corazón como pequeñas astillitas.
February 14, 2020
Esta es la resolución de la trilogía “Iron breakers”, con la cual tengo sentimientos encontrados. En su mayoría todo me encantó, los dos personajes principales fueron imposibles de no amar, como siempre y la historia continúa con ese ritmo adictivo con el que comenzó. Eso sí, hay que decir las cosas como son: en varias ocaciones se puede percibir una atmósfera muy...ya preparada. Como lo expresé en la reseña del primer libro, sentí que faltaba que la autora trabajase un poco más con la escenas de acción, para poder sentir realmente el peligro que enfrentaba Ren. No es solo cuestión de decir “Oh no, podríamos morir en esta misión” para que los lectores firmen el pacto ficcional y se crean la narrativa.
En otras noticias no tan noticias, los personajes siguen siendo el factor que le da vida a estos libros (los principales, porque algunos de los secundarios son bastante planos, como, no sé, tal vez...cierta princesa Skarlan?) ¿Qué puedo decir? No son perfectos, cometen errores y pasan por situaciones en las cuales no están a la altura, pero finalmente aprenden a vivir con ello y se levantan como pueden. En especial Ren, quien sigue teniendo una mala suerte que da calambre. Repito, reitero, reafirmo hasta la eternidad: que bueno que Anik está a su lado (la mayor parte del tiempo) para evitar que lo maten. Y no solo eso, sino que también para proveerle un poco de felicidad porque en serio, la necesita.
Finalmente...el final, ja. Acá vuelvo al principio, la atmósfera no se sentía del todo bien. El final fue muy conveniente para mi gusto. Demasiado conveniente. Me dejó insatisfecha y creo que eso fue un poco por todo el suspenso que construyó la autora. No es un error poco común en la literatura, pero aún así molesto. Aunque supongo que para gustos no hay nada escrito, a otro tal vez la resolución le parezca satisfactoria. En fin, dentro de todo pasé un muy buen rato y no podía parar de leer, fue una lectura muy amena y me encantaron los personajes!
En otras noticias no tan noticias, los personajes siguen siendo el factor que le da vida a estos libros (los principales, porque algunos de los secundarios son bastante planos, como, no sé, tal vez...cierta princesa Skarlan?) ¿Qué puedo decir? No son perfectos, cometen errores y pasan por situaciones en las cuales no están a la altura, pero finalmente aprenden a vivir con ello y se levantan como pueden. En especial Ren, quien sigue teniendo una mala suerte que da calambre. Repito, reitero, reafirmo hasta la eternidad: que bueno que Anik está a su lado (la mayor parte del tiempo) para evitar que lo maten. Y no solo eso, sino que también para proveerle un poco de felicidad porque en serio, la necesita.
Finalmente...el final, ja. Acá vuelvo al principio, la atmósfera no se sentía del todo bien. El final fue muy conveniente para mi gusto. Demasiado conveniente. Me dejó insatisfecha y creo que eso fue un poco por todo el suspenso que construyó la autora. No es un error poco común en la literatura, pero aún así molesto. Aunque supongo que para gustos no hay nada escrito, a otro tal vez la resolución le parezca satisfactoria. En fin, dentro de todo pasé un muy buen rato y no podía parar de leer, fue una lectura muy amena y me encantaron los personajes!
December 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
I enjoy a lot these books even though they are not perfect or anything.
I was waiting in this book for the built world to develop a little more, and the end left me wanting more, as if it lacked a chapter or two to close things. I do not know, maybe it's because I liked the characters a lot and I wanted to know more about them. I think it could have developed much more everything, but the author keep it simple and short, which I agree sometimes, but as I said before, I liked a lot the characters and stories and I was wanting to know more about the Skarlans and Lowlanders, and how things went on between Anik and Ren because aaaaaaah I love them.
Anyway, I recommend a lot, they were quick to read and entertained.
3.5 estrellas.
Disfrute un montón estos libros a pesar de que no son perfectos ni nada.
Estaba esperando que el mundo construido se desarrollara un poco mas en este libro. Y el final me dejo con ganas de mas, como si le faltara un capitulo o dos para cerrar las cosas. No se, tal vez es porque los personajes me gustaron un montón y quería saber mas de ellos. Creo que podría haber desarrollado muchísimo mas todo, pero la autora lo mantuvo simple y corto, cosa en la que estoy de acuerdo algunas veces, pero como dije antes los personajes y las historias me gustaron un mucho y me quede con muchas ganas de saber mas sobre los Skarlans y Lowlanders, y como siguieron las cosas entre Anik y Ren porque aaaaaaah los ame.
De todas formas, los recomiendo, son rápidos de leer y entretenidos.
I enjoy a lot these books even though they are not perfect or anything.
I was waiting in this book for the built world to develop a little more, and the end left me wanting more, as if it lacked a chapter or two to close things. I do not know, maybe it's because I liked the characters a lot and I wanted to know more about them. I think it could have developed much more everything, but the author keep it simple and short, which I agree sometimes, but as I said before, I liked a lot the characters and stories and I was wanting to know more about the Skarlans and Lowlanders, and how things went on between Anik and Ren because aaaaaaah I love them.
Anyway, I recommend a lot, they were quick to read and entertained.
3.5 estrellas.
Disfrute un montón estos libros a pesar de que no son perfectos ni nada.
Estaba esperando que el mundo construido se desarrollara un poco mas en este libro. Y el final me dejo con ganas de mas, como si le faltara un capitulo o dos para cerrar las cosas. No se, tal vez es porque los personajes me gustaron un montón y quería saber mas de ellos. Creo que podría haber desarrollado muchísimo mas todo, pero la autora lo mantuvo simple y corto, cosa en la que estoy de acuerdo algunas veces, pero como dije antes los personajes y las historias me gustaron un mucho y me quede con muchas ganas de saber mas sobre los Skarlans y Lowlanders, y como siguieron las cosas entre Anik y Ren porque aaaaaaah los ame.
De todas formas, los recomiendo, son rápidos de leer y entretenidos.
March 9, 2019
All in all, really good.
In my opinion, there just isn't enough iron breaking for a series titled Iron Breakers, you know? In the end, it is the quest of a prince to regain his throne. Sure, in the process he comes to realize slavery is a bad thing and he states once his intention of eventually abolishing it. But this is very much in the background of the main story.
Also, I didn't like the way the Thais thing was handled.
You can tell that the first book was reedited and the other two weren't, they need that last polishing. Just a few typos here and there, nothing mayor. The writing is consistently wonderful.
I have to appreciate the casual and constant presence of women in the military, a lot of writers seem to believe this can't be done in a medieval setting, but the thing about creating your own world is that you get to make the rules and historical accuracy is really not required.
Besides all that, the story is great. I fell head over heels in love with all the main characters. Anik and Ren are full on unofficial couple in this book and it's really nice, they're so sweet and solid together, they keep each other going in the toughest times. Even without the epic sex I adored them.
In my opinion, there just isn't enough iron breaking for a series titled Iron Breakers, you know? In the end, it is the quest of a prince to regain his throne. Sure, in the process he comes to realize slavery is a bad thing and he states once his intention of eventually abolishing it. But this is very much in the background of the main story.
Also, I didn't like the way the Thais thing was handled.
You can tell that the first book was reedited and the other two weren't, they need that last polishing. Just a few typos here and there, nothing mayor. The writing is consistently wonderful.
I have to appreciate the casual and constant presence of women in the military, a lot of writers seem to believe this can't be done in a medieval setting, but the thing about creating your own world is that you get to make the rules and historical accuracy is really not required.
Besides all that, the story is great. I fell head over heels in love with all the main characters. Anik and Ren are full on unofficial couple in this book and it's really nice, they're so sweet and solid together, they keep each other going in the toughest times. Even without the epic sex I adored them.
August 30, 2020
3plus stars for the trilogy, down from 4 for a few reasons. On the whole, well written swords and sandals (no sorcery) saga with plenty of character growth by Ren, the bastard prince who is the main character. The action is well paced and a good supporting cast add to the general atmosphere. The is a believable slow burn mm romance underpinning the relationship between the 2 MC’s who should be enemies. My quibbles are:
- there are two many present day colloquialisms. Whilst I don’t want a medieval style speech to accompany what is, after all, a medieval style story setting, too up to date catchphrases cause a bit of friction.
- this should NOT be a trilogy. Luckily I got the first part free from Amazon otherwise I would have been a bit fed up as it was really only a scene setter for the next 2 books. The three books should have been condensed into 1 (or at least 2) and would have been better for it.
- there are a few issues which aren’t treated with much depth I.e. the appearance of Evalyne and her background. Too much tell not enough show.
However, overall, sympathetic characters, plenty of sword fighting and racing across company and fluid and exciting writing. Definitely worth a read.
- there are two many present day colloquialisms. Whilst I don’t want a medieval style speech to accompany what is, after all, a medieval style story setting, too up to date catchphrases cause a bit of friction.
- this should NOT be a trilogy. Luckily I got the first part free from Amazon otherwise I would have been a bit fed up as it was really only a scene setter for the next 2 books. The three books should have been condensed into 1 (or at least 2) and would have been better for it.
- there are a few issues which aren’t treated with much depth I.e. the appearance of Evalyne and her background. Too much tell not enough show.
However, overall, sympathetic characters, plenty of sword fighting and racing across company and fluid and exciting writing. Definitely worth a read.
September 21, 2018
I'm glad I finally picked up the final installment in the series! Everything came to an interesting end, however, I think that it was a little easy. The stakes were high but I feel that the ending came a little abruptly and we could have done with an epilogue or something that took place in the aftermath of the war.
Again, there are quite a few typos that could have been fixed but that didn't take away from the story. What did though was the repetition, not only do characters often repeat the same movements but also the way they say things. You could easily get "he said" about two/three times in a couple of paragraphs. Also, the author often used the character's name in every sentence so it got quite redundant.
Again, there are quite a few typos that could have been fixed but that didn't take away from the story. What did though was the repetition, not only do characters often repeat the same movements but also the way they say things. You could easily get "he said" about two/three times in a couple of paragraphs. Also, the author often used the character's name in every sentence so it got quite redundant.
November 25, 2018
4.5 stars!
I truly LOVED this fantasy series, and I wish more people would give it a try. Is it perfect? Nope. But the characters are amazing and the slow burn is a true one. Zaya Feli's writing improves greatly with each book, and I'm so excited to follow this author and devour all of her other work. I can add this to my favorites shelf and know that I'll revisit this series many times in the future.
Also, PLEASE don't be put off by the ratings of the first book in the series. It's a starting point and a foundation for the rest of the series, and you have to read all three books before you can fully appreciate the story. The three novels read together like one larger novel, so expect lots of cliffhangers! :)
I truly LOVED this fantasy series, and I wish more people would give it a try. Is it perfect? Nope. But the characters are amazing and the slow burn is a true one. Zaya Feli's writing improves greatly with each book, and I'm so excited to follow this author and devour all of her other work. I can add this to my favorites shelf and know that I'll revisit this series many times in the future.
Also, PLEASE don't be put off by the ratings of the first book in the series. It's a starting point and a foundation for the rest of the series, and you have to read all three books before you can fully appreciate the story. The three novels read together like one larger novel, so expect lots of cliffhangers! :)
September 2, 2017
What dramatic chapter ends like tvs with "tune in next week" I WILL READ THE ENTIRE BOOK DURING THIS LUNCH BREAK YOU CAN'T STOP ME WITH CHAPTERS.
I hope the epilogue gets updated in existing kindle versions yooo, I assume it'll be something smutty or ridiculously sweet and nice and cute and I WANT. If it's some plot closure then meh, I thought plans for future were p much implied during the book. Unless it's Ren waiting Anik's return from the LowlANDS LIKE A PUPPY
I loved the relationship between Ren and Anik it was so soft and tender and sweet and AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I only wish
I hope the epilogue gets updated in existing kindle versions yooo, I assume it'll be something smutty or ridiculously sweet and nice and cute and I WANT. If it's some plot closure then meh, I thought plans for future were p much implied during the book. Unless it's Ren waiting Anik's return from the LowlANDS LIKE A PUPPY
I loved the relationship between Ren and Anik it was so soft and tender and sweet and AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I only wish
August 5, 2017
I could've sword I'd already reviewed this wtf. BUT ANYWAY from memory:
There were a few good storylines and twists from the book before, but they just fizzled out in this. The awesome twists ended up not being utilized to their full potential, so the plot lost its pacing and stagnated quite a bit. There wasn't too much driving it and I ended up skimming the second half.
This is such a let down, since it started so well and there's so little good quality m/m fantasies out there! But it was so unremarkable all I can remember is being let down and not much about the plot.
There were a few good storylines and twists from the book before, but they just fizzled out in this. The awesome twists ended up not being utilized to their full potential, so the plot lost its pacing and stagnated quite a bit. There wasn't too much driving it and I ended up skimming the second half.
This is such a let down, since it started so well and there's so little good quality m/m fantasies out there! But it was so unremarkable all I can remember is being let down and not much about the plot.
August 8, 2017
I liked this one much better than the other two, but again, I think it would have benefited had there been more to the other two books. The events in this book would have been more dramatic, more grand, if there had been more for me to invest in before.
This book would have also benefited from an epilogue. There's still so much that has been left undone. What about the lowlanders? How will peace be settled? What about the kingship?
And, pet peeve... I don't think I've ever seen the word "canted" used so much. It feels fan-fiction-y. Whenever I saw it, it was jarring.
This book would have also benefited from an epilogue. There's still so much that has been left undone. What about the lowlanders? How will peace be settled? What about the kingship?
And, pet peeve... I don't think I've ever seen the word "canted" used so much. It feels fan-fiction-y. Whenever I saw it, it was jarring.
October 1, 2017
Lovely
I will admit this genre isn't something I usually read, when it comes to fantasy/medieval fiction it's usually a hit or miss for me, but this was definitely a hit. Never a dull moment. I loved the characters, they felt so real. The character development with Ren was fantastic, watching him grow to a better person was such a nice read and the relationship between Ren and Anik was so beautiful, I honestly can say I can't wait to read Zaya Feli next stories, she was a fantastic writer and story teller
I will admit this genre isn't something I usually read, when it comes to fantasy/medieval fiction it's usually a hit or miss for me, but this was definitely a hit. Never a dull moment. I loved the characters, they felt so real. The character development with Ren was fantastic, watching him grow to a better person was such a nice read and the relationship between Ren and Anik was so beautiful, I honestly can say I can't wait to read Zaya Feli next stories, she was a fantastic writer and story teller
January 27, 2019
A fitting conclusion for a nice trilogy. It kept me guessing until the end!
The last chapter left me wanting more, though. I would have loved to see an epilogue.
This story had lots of good points, but also some weaknesses in its plot.
A few of the character deaths felt like they were only there for shock value and manpain, they didn't resonate at all.
It was also nice to have a strong woman warrior, but she ended being kind of a wallflower, disappointingly.
All in all, it makes me curious and eager to see the author's next work and how they'll improve.
The last chapter left me wanting more, though. I would have loved to see an epilogue.
This story had lots of good points, but also some weaknesses in its plot.
A few of the character deaths felt like they were only there for shock value and manpain, they didn't resonate at all.
It was also nice to have a strong woman warrior, but she ended being kind of a wallflower, disappointingly.
All in all, it makes me curious and eager to see the author's next work and how they'll improve.
May 19, 2020
I reallyyy like this series, it was such a good story, nothing really original or unique yet I loved it. I loved the character growth in almost all characters and also the slowburn romance was written really well. The only problem I had was that their were too many obstacles and events happening and too less words, I usually love a fast paced short novel but I really wished this was longer also because of Ren and Anik. Their relationship was so cute and I really wanted to read more of it. This was a solid 4 stars series for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
April 7, 2023
2.5⭐️
Overall I enjoyed reading this series. It’s not very well written, especially during emotional scenes, but it’s passable. This didn’t seem like a fitting finale, however. They take back the city and the book ends immediately afterward. It was abrupt and I felt there was more to be said. The buildup of Ren and Anik’s relationship also felt disappointing in the end. Stag’s Run and Endurance had a perfect slow burn going, but once they actually acknowledged their love for each other, they became stagnant.
Overall I enjoyed reading this series. It’s not very well written, especially during emotional scenes, but it’s passable. This didn’t seem like a fitting finale, however. They take back the city and the book ends immediately afterward. It was abrupt and I felt there was more to be said. The buildup of Ren and Anik’s relationship also felt disappointing in the end. Stag’s Run and Endurance had a perfect slow burn going, but once they actually acknowledged their love for each other, they became stagnant.
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