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The Aermian Feuds #3
Enemy's Queen
Beauty and perfection come at a price…
Abducted and thrust into a court obsessed with perfection, scarred Sage Ramses’ dream of peace and happiness is no longer a possibility. An ancient creature of darkness rules the land along with a people that are no longer human, and she’s forced to learn how to survive despite her inadequacies.
Caught between his duties to his kingdom and his duties to his heart, Tehl scrambles to discover where Sage has been taken. When deadly secrets are revealed, he finds himself negotiating with the very monsters that threaten Sage and the land of Aermia.
Every choice Tehl makes seems to be the wrong one, leaving Sage close to death and the kingdom at risk of invasion, but help comes from an unexpected ally and a hefty price tag. Peace is never free, and pretty faces can’t always conceal twisted desires. In a warped game with the Scythians only one side can prevail, and this time, Sage might lose.
Two sides. One goal: Save Aermia.
Abducted and thrust into a court obsessed with perfection, scarred Sage Ramses’ dream of peace and happiness is no longer a possibility. An ancient creature of darkness rules the land along with a people that are no longer human, and she’s forced to learn how to survive despite her inadequacies.
Caught between his duties to his kingdom and his duties to his heart, Tehl scrambles to discover where Sage has been taken. When deadly secrets are revealed, he finds himself negotiating with the very monsters that threaten Sage and the land of Aermia.
Every choice Tehl makes seems to be the wrong one, leaving Sage close to death and the kingdom at risk of invasion, but help comes from an unexpected ally and a hefty price tag. Peace is never free, and pretty faces can’t always conceal twisted desires. In a warped game with the Scythians only one side can prevail, and this time, Sage might lose.
Two sides. One goal: Save Aermia.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2018
1048 people are currently reading
1037 people want to read
About the author
Frost Kay
36 books1,398 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay is a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR, and a shoe obsession. If you love bewitching fantasy and sci-fi, epic adventures, dark promises, thrilling action, swoon worthy anti heroes, and slow burning romance; her books are for you!
She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.
Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."
You can find her at www.frostkay.net
You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC
She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.
Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."
You can find her at www.frostkay.net
You can also sign up for a free story here:goo.gl/Z2PkyC
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
June 11, 2021
4 Stars!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!!
Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!!
Book 3-Enemy's Queen- 4 Stars!!
Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!!
I AM ADDICTED. To put this book down - well lets just say, I DIDN'T. This series is fabulous and I really hope that it continues to be!! The characters. the dialogue, the action - not to mention the twists and turns-Im officially....
We get to see a whole NEW side to Sage and Tehl. There were both on a roller coaster of emotions. In this installment, we see misery and hopelessness. Tehl, in my opinion really showed the most growth in this book. He is learning how to communicate and to be patient. Hes also learning how to listen and heed his brothers and councils warnings.
Poor Sage has gotten herself into a mess and she is trying to hold on to figure a way out. Meanwhile her family and her advisers are all working on a way to get her out of it as well. We get new characters in this book and a whole new group of people to learn about. The pacing and plot are constantly growing and changing.
I am really looking forward to the next few books and anxious to see where Kay takes us!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!!
Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!!
Book 3-Enemy's Queen- 4 Stars!!
Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!!
I AM ADDICTED. To put this book down - well lets just say, I DIDN'T. This series is fabulous and I really hope that it continues to be!! The characters. the dialogue, the action - not to mention the twists and turns-Im officially....
We get to see a whole NEW side to Sage and Tehl. There were both on a roller coaster of emotions. In this installment, we see misery and hopelessness. Tehl, in my opinion really showed the most growth in this book. He is learning how to communicate and to be patient. Hes also learning how to listen and heed his brothers and councils warnings.
Poor Sage has gotten herself into a mess and she is trying to hold on to figure a way out. Meanwhile her family and her advisers are all working on a way to get her out of it as well. We get new characters in this book and a whole new group of people to learn about. The pacing and plot are constantly growing and changing.
I am really looking forward to the next few books and anxious to see where Kay takes us!!!
June 12, 2023
#1.) Rebel's Blade: ★
#2.) Crown's Shield: ★
#3.) Enemy's Queen: ★
This is probably the most effed up YA fantasy I've read due to its unashamed infatuation with rape culture.
THE GOOD
I mean, I do want to find out what happens to Sage and Zane was a convincingly psychopathic character.
THE BAD
1) Except Zane was a sick, sick bastard and this entire book series has been full of sick, sick bastards who sexually assault Sage like no big deal. First Rhys, then Rhys again, then Zane for almost the entire book? For heaven's sake this was as twisted as a Pepper Winters book, except this is YA fantasy and the more Sage gets chained and groped and beaten and threatened with rape, you gotta wonder...who writes this kind of subject matter for such gratuitous purposes? And for a YA audience?
2) Sam has made several references to how he'd like to have sex with Sage and how sexually enticing her body is, and then he tells her he doesn't see her as anything more than his sister? What kind of effed up ways does he think of his sisters?
3) Zane and incest. What. The. What. Why are we even handling such deep and scarring topics as sexual abuse, psychological and physical torture, rape, and incest like it's some quaint literary device?
4) The writing has not improved. It's like an overzealous, adolescent fan fiction writer with a limited literary vocabulary and a fetish for getting raped and beaten into submission tried and failed to write a dramatic high fantasy saga.
5) The writer indicates she likes the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, which would explain the Stockholm Stndrome thing going on with Zane and Sage. Homegirl, this guy chained you to a wall for a week by your wrists, licked his way up your collarbone, groped you downstairs, is threatening to rape you until you give him perfect incestual babies...and you want to help ease the pain he feels from childhood incestual experiences? Because the dingo is handsome? Any other normal person would strangle that asshole in his sleep, not feel "sorry" about the genocide he's committed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Stars above, I hate this stupid series. And yes, I'll still probably skim the next book because I want to see the characters torched in flames, the sickos.
#2.) Crown's Shield: ★
#3.) Enemy's Queen: ★
This is probably the most effed up YA fantasy I've read due to its unashamed infatuation with rape culture.
THE GOOD
I mean, I do want to find out what happens to Sage and Zane was a convincingly psychopathic character.
THE BAD
1) Except Zane was a sick, sick bastard and this entire book series has been full of sick, sick bastards who sexually assault Sage like no big deal. First Rhys, then Rhys again, then Zane for almost the entire book? For heaven's sake this was as twisted as a Pepper Winters book, except this is YA fantasy and the more Sage gets chained and groped and beaten and threatened with rape, you gotta wonder...who writes this kind of subject matter for such gratuitous purposes? And for a YA audience?
2) Sam has made several references to how he'd like to have sex with Sage and how sexually enticing her body is, and then he tells her he doesn't see her as anything more than his sister? What kind of effed up ways does he think of his sisters?
3) Zane and incest. What. The. What. Why are we even handling such deep and scarring topics as sexual abuse, psychological and physical torture, rape, and incest like it's some quaint literary device?
4) The writing has not improved. It's like an overzealous, adolescent fan fiction writer with a limited literary vocabulary and a fetish for getting raped and beaten into submission tried and failed to write a dramatic high fantasy saga.
5) The writer indicates she likes the Beauty and the Beast fairytale, which would explain the Stockholm Stndrome thing going on with Zane and Sage. Homegirl, this guy chained you to a wall for a week by your wrists, licked his way up your collarbone, groped you downstairs, is threatening to rape you until you give him perfect incestual babies...and you want to help ease the pain he feels from childhood incestual experiences? Because the dingo is handsome? Any other normal person would strangle that asshole in his sleep, not feel "sorry" about the genocide he's committed.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Stars above, I hate this stupid series. And yes, I'll still probably skim the next book because I want to see the characters torched in flames, the sickos.
March 20, 2018
To see more reviews, considering taking a peek at my first in series YA book blog here
Enemy's Queen was not at ALL what I was expecting the story to be about. Like, oh my god, let's just start with a trigger warning for those who are uncomfortable to rape and violent torture scenes. This book is not for you.
Sage is in the hands of a vicious enemy with only brave Jasmine- who didn't even know her yet risked her life to save her- for company. The warlord of Scythia is not who she predicted and she questions what she has learned about him and his people. But Sage's mind is breaking. She undergoes so much and the torture is almost unbearable, you as a reader wonder what is real and what Sage is just imaging. Meanwhile, Tehl and company are in dire straights between trying to keep the peace but rescue their beloved Sage at the same time.
Sage and Tehl both learn that distance makes the heart grow fonder (or something). Without each other's constant (albeit what they would call barely tolerable) presence, they realize what they valued in the other. Was Tehl really the monster Sage kept making him out to be? Was sage really too stubborn for her in good?
My absolute favorite quote from this book is:
"All that time she spent fighting Tehl, making him the villain, blaming him, and yet wasn't the monster of her story, he was the hero. He'd always been the hero, albeit an awkward one."
So let's get to the parts I wasn't a fan of first so we can end on a positive note.
Everyone in Aermia is still OBSESSED with Sage and how perfect and strong and pretty and wonderful and honorable and strong and courageous and strong and pretty and intelligent and mature and honorable Sage is. Literally, she is the perfect human in their eyes and it drives me absolutely insane. All they do is sing her praises and I kind of just want to shake everyone until their brains fall out, especially Sam. She's not perfect. At all. In fact, she's broken and tortured and stubbrn.
Then there's Tehl who learned to appreciate Sage in book 2, but is suddenly obsessed with getting his darling wife back. They don't really love each other in an all consuming romance...in fact I was of the understanding that they barely had a grudging respect going. Yet, Tehl's need to get Sage back definitely feels like they had some all encompassing romance.
There's also Sage and Jasmine who meet and decide to be Sis' to each other...which in this world means they are family. I mean I get it, but it's just such an immature and plain word that seems childish for what they are to each other.
Okay, so let's get to the good parts now!
Book 3, for the majority of it, takes part in Scythia with Sage and her imprisonment in the warlord's bedroom (yes, DO let your mind run there . ) I kid you not, over half the book take places in his bedroom, but fear not, it's anything other than boring. Frost is an amazing writer and captures the depth of torture and abuse so perfectly, you will question whether she's a spy specialized in the art of mind fracturing. What book 1 and 2 are NOTHING compared to what Sage endures in book 3. What's best is that Frost Kay does NOT make Sage win and come out superior and victorious. She's a survivor, yes. But she is almost completely broken. Sage's mind is dangerously close to shattering into a thousand fractals and you see the strain of torture and isolation on her mind as she hallucinates of one person who gives her comfort and strength in this situation. He is her sanity, her voice of reason...he is also a fictitious amalgamation of Sage's downward spiral into insanity as she is no longer able to endure the torture alone. IT IS BRILLIANT.
The Warlord of Scythia, Zane, is such a complex character you cannot possibly understand the depths of his depravity till you finish the book in its entirety. He is, likely, the most broken character in this entire book. His idea of love is so twisted you can't differentiate between his feelings of tender love and violent nature. The line is completely blurred where one begins and the other ends. His immediate love and obsession for Sage brings out the worst of his violence and cunning. If you thought Rafe was a creep...well, let's just say Rafe is a damn fucking sweet lamb compared to Zane. His violent nature fuels his obsession for Sage in the need to own and possess her completely. You desperately hope there is some shred of good in him. You see that there may be a light buried deep inside him, but he'll make you question each and every time he shows Sage an act of "love".
I thought this series was a trilogy and as I was nearing the last 30 pages, I was about to send Frost Kay a very angry message about how after all that Sage and Tehl misunderstood and endured in book 1 and 2, they don't even get 10 pages together? I was ready to rage and be angry if it was an open ended finale. But fear not there are too be 6 books in the series, THANK GOODNESS. Book 3 definitely feels like an in the middle book and I would have been so disappointed had it entirely taken place with all our beloved characters separated from each other. I cannot WAIT to see everyone reunited and presenting a strong front against Scythia in book 4.
Enemy's Queen was not at ALL what I was expecting the story to be about. Like, oh my god, let's just start with a trigger warning for those who are uncomfortable to rape and violent torture scenes. This book is not for you.
Sage is in the hands of a vicious enemy with only brave Jasmine- who didn't even know her yet risked her life to save her- for company. The warlord of Scythia is not who she predicted and she questions what she has learned about him and his people. But Sage's mind is breaking. She undergoes so much and the torture is almost unbearable, you as a reader wonder what is real and what Sage is just imaging. Meanwhile, Tehl and company are in dire straights between trying to keep the peace but rescue their beloved Sage at the same time.
Sage and Tehl both learn that distance makes the heart grow fonder (or something). Without each other's constant (albeit what they would call barely tolerable) presence, they realize what they valued in the other. Was Tehl really the monster Sage kept making him out to be? Was sage really too stubborn for her in good?
My absolute favorite quote from this book is:
"All that time she spent fighting Tehl, making him the villain, blaming him, and yet wasn't the monster of her story, he was the hero. He'd always been the hero, albeit an awkward one."
So let's get to the parts I wasn't a fan of first so we can end on a positive note.
Everyone in Aermia is still OBSESSED with Sage and how perfect and strong and pretty and wonderful and honorable and strong and courageous and strong and pretty and intelligent and mature and honorable Sage is. Literally, she is the perfect human in their eyes and it drives me absolutely insane. All they do is sing her praises and I kind of just want to shake everyone until their brains fall out, especially Sam. She's not perfect. At all. In fact, she's broken and tortured and stubbrn.
Then there's Tehl who learned to appreciate Sage in book 2, but is suddenly obsessed with getting his darling wife back. They don't really love each other in an all consuming romance...in fact I was of the understanding that they barely had a grudging respect going. Yet, Tehl's need to get Sage back definitely feels like they had some all encompassing romance.
There's also Sage and Jasmine who meet and decide to be Sis' to each other...which in this world means they are family. I mean I get it, but it's just such an immature and plain word that seems childish for what they are to each other.
Okay, so let's get to the good parts now!
Book 3, for the majority of it, takes part in Scythia with Sage and her imprisonment in the warlord's bedroom (yes, DO let your mind run there . ) I kid you not, over half the book take places in his bedroom, but fear not, it's anything other than boring. Frost is an amazing writer and captures the depth of torture and abuse so perfectly, you will question whether she's a spy specialized in the art of mind fracturing. What book 1 and 2 are NOTHING compared to what Sage endures in book 3. What's best is that Frost Kay does NOT make Sage win and come out superior and victorious. She's a survivor, yes. But she is almost completely broken. Sage's mind is dangerously close to shattering into a thousand fractals and you see the strain of torture and isolation on her mind as she hallucinates of one person who gives her comfort and strength in this situation. He is her sanity, her voice of reason...he is also a fictitious amalgamation of Sage's downward spiral into insanity as she is no longer able to endure the torture alone. IT IS BRILLIANT.
The Warlord of Scythia, Zane, is such a complex character you cannot possibly understand the depths of his depravity till you finish the book in its entirety. He is, likely, the most broken character in this entire book. His idea of love is so twisted you can't differentiate between his feelings of tender love and violent nature. The line is completely blurred where one begins and the other ends. His immediate love and obsession for Sage brings out the worst of his violence and cunning. If you thought Rafe was a creep...well, let's just say Rafe is a damn fucking sweet lamb compared to Zane. His violent nature fuels his obsession for Sage in the need to own and possess her completely. You desperately hope there is some shred of good in him. You see that there may be a light buried deep inside him, but he'll make you question each and every time he shows Sage an act of "love".
I thought this series was a trilogy and as I was nearing the last 30 pages, I was about to send Frost Kay a very angry message about how after all that Sage and Tehl misunderstood and endured in book 1 and 2, they don't even get 10 pages together? I was ready to rage and be angry if it was an open ended finale. But fear not there are too be 6 books in the series, THANK GOODNESS. Book 3 definitely feels like an in the middle book and I would have been so disappointed had it entirely taken place with all our beloved characters separated from each other. I cannot WAIT to see everyone reunited and presenting a strong front against Scythia in book 4.
April 17, 2018
This book was amazing!! Hands down! One of the best series I have ever read! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! I would give it more than 5 stars if I could!
And the cover is absolutely beautiful!
And the cover is absolutely beautiful!
April 27, 2018
I read books 1-3 on the same day so can only remember my thoughts of 3. Terrible. Basically the whole story was stockholm syndrome and the same thing/thoughts repeated over and over. The main characters interact in the last couple pages of the book. The plot line could have been condensed down to a quarter of the book to allow the main couple to grow and build their relationship. But no. I really hope book 4 redeems this series as it started off not too bad.
May 31, 2019
UGH!. Just when things are turning out for the better, and all my hopes and dreams for the Crown Prince and now Princess, were fulfilling.....THAT happens.
This whole book....was honestly an exercise in restraint, pain tolerance, and holding out hope.
While most books have their anti-heroes as clear villains. Who are just so genetically evil, even the most purest of saints wouldn't be able to comprehend the intent behind their sins.
But THIS book, was one of the rare few in which the villain....was a victim. A victim of a crime so horrid, that the only way to survive was change. And not for the better.
The Warlord....had so many faces. Spilled so many lies, coated in truth. That I couldn't even pretend to guide Sage's choices. I was too busy trying to discern if the villain all along....was a true villain- or just another scarred and bruised man who has lost his way.
There were moments where I honest to God thought that the horror wouldn't end.
It was only hope that brought from following book title, that helped me pull through from the unadulterated torture...that was this book.
This whole book....was honestly an exercise in restraint, pain tolerance, and holding out hope.
While most books have their anti-heroes as clear villains. Who are just so genetically evil, even the most purest of saints wouldn't be able to comprehend the intent behind their sins.
But THIS book, was one of the rare few in which the villain....was a victim. A victim of a crime so horrid, that the only way to survive was change. And not for the better.
The Warlord....had so many faces. Spilled so many lies, coated in truth. That I couldn't even pretend to guide Sage's choices. I was too busy trying to discern if the villain all along....was a true villain- or just another scarred and bruised man who has lost his way.
There were moments where I honest to God thought that the horror wouldn't end.
It was only hope that brought from following book title, that helped me pull through from the unadulterated torture...that was this book.
January 10, 2020
This book nearly killed me
After the ending of the last book, i immediately picked up this one, and boy oh boy it was rough.
Most of the book is from Sage's pov and her time in Scythia, i must admit that i didnt read the blurb for this cause i was so eager to start after the cliffhanger in book 2, so i kinda went in blind.
So without giving anything away, be prepare that this will be much darker than the previous and get ready for the emotional ride from hell and some unexpected reveals
After the ending of the last book, i immediately picked up this one, and boy oh boy it was rough.
Most of the book is from Sage's pov and her time in Scythia, i must admit that i didnt read the blurb for this cause i was so eager to start after the cliffhanger in book 2, so i kinda went in blind.
So without giving anything away, be prepare that this will be much darker than the previous and get ready for the emotional ride from hell and some unexpected reveals
January 11, 2021
If you told me, after I finished book 1, that I would end up liking this series... I'd say you're insane.
But here I am, head over heels for Tehl & Sage and rating this four stars. If this book was traditionally publishing, I can guarantee you, this would be one of the most talked-about book series among the book community.
But here I am, head over heels for Tehl & Sage and rating this four stars. If this book was traditionally publishing, I can guarantee you, this would be one of the most talked-about book series among the book community.
March 29, 2018
I'm so torn on this book! I love this series, the characters, and the writing. BUT this book fell a little short for me. I liked the beginning and end but, the middle felt like it was just dragging on. I wish we could have gotten more of Tehl and the other characters and less of Sage and her decline. She was so awesome and such a strong character in book one and two and to see her become so easily manipulated was disappointing. I look forward to seeing her back with her friends and family in the next book!
November 22, 2018
Enemy's Queen has so far been my least favourite of the series, which is unfortunate because I liked Siren's Lure and Crown's Shield quite a bit! I felt like Enemy's Queen was a filler book in the series, as it was very slow, not much happened, and the plot disintegrated from what it had been, and how it had progressed in the previous books, to an escape based story, and even then it wasn't so much about how to escape, but the need to.
The tone of the story changed with this book, and that's something that usually happens as series go on and characters develop and age. This book revolves around Stockholm Syndrome and rape culture, so it isn't meant to be a pleasant read. I respect that, and took the book for what it was, but it didn't foster a positive reading experience for me, because I felt uncomfortable for 95% of the book, and didn't agree with some of the themes and issues beyond the previously mentioned ones. I am fine with reading books that make me uncomfortable on purpose in order to highlight a problem or issue with our own society. This book did that, but at the cost of plot, character development, and world building. I guess I just didn't see how it did anything for the series, other than put Sage in another awful situation that she has to recover from physically and mentally.
I noted in reviews of the previous books in this series, that the baddies - Scythians - are dark skinned, and everyone else, so far, has been of lighter skin. I also mentioned that I didn't think this was intentional at all, and that I hoped things would be explained in future books and more diverse characters would be introduced. This happened a little in Siren's Lure with the introduction of Blair, but nothing was really shed about the Scythian culture or history. Enemy's Queen introduced us to the tyrannical warlord of Scythia - Zane - and shed more light on how he had influenced and brainwashed an entire people into adopting his and his father's ideals. It was nice to see Maeve and Blaise, as well as Blair, standing against Zane and his "flawless" ideals and views of how women should be owned and bred. I really want to see more of this in the next book, and for the prejudice between the other continents and Scythia to be resolved and for Scythians to not actually be the "baddies", but rather a people struggling to survive under a tyrant. It would be a good reflection of our own society from a racial prejudice and xenophobic viewpoint. So I'm really hoping this is all resolved in books to come!
How about some good things haha!
- I appreciated Sage's development - she wasn't as immature in this book
- Zane made me very uncomfortable, but he was complex enough in the end to for me to understand a lot of the awful things he did. I appreciate when a villain is complex and a reason is given as to why they're evil.
- The addition of more girls was sorely needed so I was happy with Jasmine, Maeve and Blaise!
I will be reading the next book in this series, and I have my fingers crossed that things pick up! As always, if you loved this book then that's great and I'm very happy for you! I wanted to enjoy Enemy's Queen, and I do see the importance of talking about rape and mental health issues associated with PTSD - I actually love it when books include accurate and well-researched mental health issues. I just don't know how well this one was incorporated - I've very much on the fence.
Anyway, definitely give this series a try if you're interested in it because the author, Frost Kay is lovely and I'm very happy to be reading her books and supporting her in any way I can =D
The tone of the story changed with this book, and that's something that usually happens as series go on and characters develop and age. This book revolves around Stockholm Syndrome and rape culture, so it isn't meant to be a pleasant read. I respect that, and took the book for what it was, but it didn't foster a positive reading experience for me, because I felt uncomfortable for 95% of the book, and didn't agree with some of the themes and issues beyond the previously mentioned ones. I am fine with reading books that make me uncomfortable on purpose in order to highlight a problem or issue with our own society. This book did that, but at the cost of plot, character development, and world building. I guess I just didn't see how it did anything for the series, other than put Sage in another awful situation that she has to recover from physically and mentally.
I noted in reviews of the previous books in this series, that the baddies - Scythians - are dark skinned, and everyone else, so far, has been of lighter skin. I also mentioned that I didn't think this was intentional at all, and that I hoped things would be explained in future books and more diverse characters would be introduced. This happened a little in Siren's Lure with the introduction of Blair, but nothing was really shed about the Scythian culture or history. Enemy's Queen introduced us to the tyrannical warlord of Scythia - Zane - and shed more light on how he had influenced and brainwashed an entire people into adopting his and his father's ideals. It was nice to see Maeve and Blaise, as well as Blair, standing against Zane and his "flawless" ideals and views of how women should be owned and bred. I really want to see more of this in the next book, and for the prejudice between the other continents and Scythia to be resolved and for Scythians to not actually be the "baddies", but rather a people struggling to survive under a tyrant. It would be a good reflection of our own society from a racial prejudice and xenophobic viewpoint. So I'm really hoping this is all resolved in books to come!
How about some good things haha!
- I appreciated Sage's development - she wasn't as immature in this book
- Zane made me very uncomfortable, but he was complex enough in the end to for me to understand a lot of the awful things he did. I appreciate when a villain is complex and a reason is given as to why they're evil.
- The addition of more girls was sorely needed so I was happy with Jasmine, Maeve and Blaise!
I will be reading the next book in this series, and I have my fingers crossed that things pick up! As always, if you loved this book then that's great and I'm very happy for you! I wanted to enjoy Enemy's Queen, and I do see the importance of talking about rape and mental health issues associated with PTSD - I actually love it when books include accurate and well-researched mental health issues. I just don't know how well this one was incorporated - I've very much on the fence.
Anyway, definitely give this series a try if you're interested in it because the author, Frost Kay is lovely and I'm very happy to be reading her books and supporting her in any way I can =D
July 14, 2018
Swamp Monkeys this is a good book
Okay let's get started.
First the villain Zane. So I'll be honest I really thought Rafe was going to be our bad guy. He sorta was in book 2. But color me surprise with a new bady. Zane is all kinds of wrong. He is the worse kind of villain. One I love to hate. With a very sad backstory.
Now our hero's. I'm going to start with Tehl. This book digs alot deeper into his character. Including his true feelings for Sage. I am so swooned over him. 😚😍
Sam is...well Sam. We don't see him alot this time but when do he makes it count.
Rafe surprised me. I seriously did not like him in book 2. But he changes alot while Sage is kidnap.
Now we get to our focus. Just when we think Sage can't story can't get worse. Her kidnapping and imprisonment is a nightmare. The character goes through a Hexx. It is awful and I sobed alot for her. She is still so strong and true warrior. This book really builds a connection to her. Everyone sees her as someone perfect. But she not. She is a broken soul trying to survive!
Now one thing read 2.5 first. Cuz I didn't and plan to start it asap. There is chapter that will make feel as lost as Tehl does.
I tried to keep this review spoilers free. My highlights and notes though are not. Just a warning.
Okay let's get started.
First the villain Zane. So I'll be honest I really thought Rafe was going to be our bad guy. He sorta was in book 2. But color me surprise with a new bady. Zane is all kinds of wrong. He is the worse kind of villain. One I love to hate. With a very sad backstory.
Now our hero's. I'm going to start with Tehl. This book digs alot deeper into his character. Including his true feelings for Sage. I am so swooned over him. 😚😍
Sam is...well Sam. We don't see him alot this time but when do he makes it count.
Rafe surprised me. I seriously did not like him in book 2. But he changes alot while Sage is kidnap.
Now we get to our focus. Just when we think Sage can't story can't get worse. Her kidnapping and imprisonment is a nightmare. The character goes through a Hexx. It is awful and I sobed alot for her. She is still so strong and true warrior. This book really builds a connection to her. Everyone sees her as someone perfect. But she not. She is a broken soul trying to survive!
Now one thing read 2.5 first. Cuz I didn't and plan to start it asap. There is chapter that will make feel as lost as Tehl does.
I tried to keep this review spoilers free. My highlights and notes though are not. Just a warning.
April 25, 2022
Another easy, intriguing read. Frost Kay continues to world build in a way that isn’t expected, but another note for some trigger warnings- PTSD, sexual assault, and some Stockholm Syndrome vibes that left me feeling pretty gross.
The title says it all- ENEMY. We delve into the world of Scythia, what that means for the Aermians. What is truly cruel and terrible as a captive, as a prisoner- and what does abduction mean for those who love the one taken.
We get a lot of clarity on relationships in this story line, some revelations. There is the most at stake than there has ever been, and we get to see how our heroine handles something with a pretty veil shadowing the worst beneath. What is trust? What is survival?
The title says it all- ENEMY. We delve into the world of Scythia, what that means for the Aermians. What is truly cruel and terrible as a captive, as a prisoner- and what does abduction mean for those who love the one taken.
We get a lot of clarity on relationships in this story line, some revelations. There is the most at stake than there has ever been, and we get to see how our heroine handles something with a pretty veil shadowing the worst beneath. What is trust? What is survival?
February 23, 2018
I don't know what I expected from this book based on where the last one ended, but I could have never predicted this.
Just when you think Sage has suffered all the ways a person could possibly be broken, Frost throws more at her. I'd say this novel deserves another trigger warning as it has Sage dealing with her worst nightmare of being captured by the man who tortured her and taken to the Scythians. It isn't pleasant.
This book has less physical action and a lot of psychological actions/drama. The war isn't with weapons, its with words. I really don't want to say too much as a I feel with psychological novels you need to go in blind. Frost does a great job of making you see things from Sage's POV to the point it impacts how you perceive what is happening.
I will say we get to see more of some previously mentioned female characters. I loved their development and I adore that Frost gives female friends and family as much weight and importance as romance.
You may be asking, wait what about Tehl? Or Sam? Or Rafe? Well that's the reason for four stars instead of five. This was incredibly well written, don't get me wrong. The men have their place, but its smaller and mostly searching, worrying, plotting and waiting for the right time. I don't see how Frost could have done it differently, but it left me missing them. Sage's kidnapping does give both Tehl and Sage (and Rafe) a chance to step back and evaluate their situations and feelings and come to some conclusions. Those conclusions along with what happens in this book have me really excited for book 4.
Just when you think Sage has suffered all the ways a person could possibly be broken, Frost throws more at her. I'd say this novel deserves another trigger warning as it has Sage dealing with her worst nightmare of being captured by the man who tortured her and taken to the Scythians. It isn't pleasant.
This book has less physical action and a lot of psychological actions/drama. The war isn't with weapons, its with words. I really don't want to say too much as a I feel with psychological novels you need to go in blind. Frost does a great job of making you see things from Sage's POV to the point it impacts how you perceive what is happening.
I will say we get to see more of some previously mentioned female characters. I loved their development and I adore that Frost gives female friends and family as much weight and importance as romance.
You may be asking, wait what about Tehl? Or Sam? Or Rafe? Well that's the reason for four stars instead of five. This was incredibly well written, don't get me wrong. The men have their place, but its smaller and mostly searching, worrying, plotting and waiting for the right time. I don't see how Frost could have done it differently, but it left me missing them. Sage's kidnapping does give both Tehl and Sage (and Rafe) a chance to step back and evaluate their situations and feelings and come to some conclusions. Those conclusions along with what happens in this book have me really excited for book 4.
July 23, 2025
Maybe I’m bored. Maybe I’m just not a fan of this series…
Nothing happens in this book. We just rehash the same trauma and awful shit over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s awful, I know it takes time to grieve and grow and be able to function properly again, but there’s been so much focus on it that it’s really taking away from the plot of this book.
The romance, if you can call it that? Is also brutal… and confusing. So like… Tehl is suddenly in love with Sage, and I must have missed the point that he decided to stop hating her because I felt like on one page he hated her and resented their marriage and then I turned the page and he was desperately in love with her and would do anything for her. Apparently, all it takes is one conversation without threats and fighting and poof. Soul mates. I’m not convinced, man.
Every relationship in this book is just so shallow. None of the characters feel realistic or relatable, and I’m struggling to connect with anything, characters, and plot included.
Nothing happens in this book. We just rehash the same trauma and awful shit over and over again. Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s awful, I know it takes time to grieve and grow and be able to function properly again, but there’s been so much focus on it that it’s really taking away from the plot of this book.
The romance, if you can call it that? Is also brutal… and confusing. So like… Tehl is suddenly in love with Sage, and I must have missed the point that he decided to stop hating her because I felt like on one page he hated her and resented their marriage and then I turned the page and he was desperately in love with her and would do anything for her. Apparently, all it takes is one conversation without threats and fighting and poof. Soul mates. I’m not convinced, man.
Every relationship in this book is just so shallow. None of the characters feel realistic or relatable, and I’m struggling to connect with anything, characters, and plot included.
February 12, 2019
This book showed a total different side to Sage. She learned to tamp down her temper and emotions to survive. There was so much misery and suffering that I almost couldn't take it.
Sage was abducted by Rhys who turned out to be a Scythian. They captured Jasmine on the border and took her with them, Jasmine is a woman we met in the first book who lost her brother to a Scythian raid and is now raising his twins. Another group of Scythians had joined with Rhys on the border.
They dragged Sage and Jasmine through the jungle. Sage was in her bare feet. Rhys took pleasure in beating and hurting them along the way. But the real nightmare started once they reached the Scythian stronghold when they met the warlord.
I was on edge throughout the book. I am taking a breather for a few hours before I start the next book.
Sage was abducted by Rhys who turned out to be a Scythian. They captured Jasmine on the border and took her with them, Jasmine is a woman we met in the first book who lost her brother to a Scythian raid and is now raising his twins. Another group of Scythians had joined with Rhys on the border.
They dragged Sage and Jasmine through the jungle. Sage was in her bare feet. Rhys took pleasure in beating and hurting them along the way. But the real nightmare started once they reached the Scythian stronghold when they met the warlord.
I was on edge throughout the book. I am taking a breather for a few hours before I start the next book.
March 6, 2019
These characters are so real, and their settings so vivid, that when the words run out, I am jarred back into reality gasping and desperate to return to this world. Take me back and let me fight another day beside Sage. Let my anger surface beside Tehl, my secrets remain cloaked but my loyalty laid utterly bare with Rafe. Let me reunite with my oldest and dearest friends.
May 14, 2018
WONDERFUL
The 3rd in the series. Had a hard time putting it down. Very entertaining. I laughed cried, and got angry! To me, that makes for a good read!
The 3rd in the series. Had a hard time putting it down. Very entertaining. I laughed cried, and got angry! To me, that makes for a good read!
February 17, 2021
3.5 wasnt my favorite in the series
February 21, 2018
Oh my heart! From the prologue I was hooked like never before. To put the book down was like death, even though my eyes couldn't stay open. The 1st two books were awesome, but this one stole my heart. Sage and so many others have gone through so much, but they persevered through it all. We all have battles that change and shape us. This book really emphasized that. Don't be judgemental and you never know who will be your biggest alliance. I hated that it ended. When is book 4????!!!!
May 30, 2018
A must read
Kay has created an imaginative world and character worth falling for. I already crave more. I devoured the first 3 books in two days. I'm only surprised more people aren't raving over this one!
Kay has created an imaginative world and character worth falling for. I already crave more. I devoured the first 3 books in two days. I'm only surprised more people aren't raving over this one!
March 3, 2018
Wow! These books just keep getting better and better! This book has had me up and down! Sad, happy, hopeful, scared, confused, Oh the surprises! I swear I have felt every single emotion you can with this book! It was insane to see such a strong minded warrior fall be pulled apart piece by piece to where you think nothing is left only to see her rise once again! I loved seeing the characters grow, change, and evolve. I love the new friendships and trust where you never thought you would. This book though was for sure a darker side Frost’s writing! The things that happened in this book showed pure evil! The Devil himself! This story though has left me with so many questions! I need to know what happened to certain characters, what happened after certain situations and so much more! Even though the book ended smoothly I’m still at a wonder and wanting so much more! I really hope she address the things going through my head in the next book! This whole series is just beyond amazing! I recommend this series over and over again! Thank you Frost! This was a perfect addition!
July 19, 2021
Well that was disturbing AF, and I still believe that the world building could use much more fluffing up, but damn I cannot put these books down!
April 7, 2018
I was pretty disappointed with this book. I picked up the first two by total happenstance and enjoyed them IMMENSELY. In fact, I read them in one sitting. And then there was THIS book...
A lot of people have put "trigger warnings" in their review and I wholeheartedly second, third, and fourth that. The author has such beautiful and depth-filled writing that I wanted to be okay with what she was doing, but...I just couldn't. I mean, almost 3/4 of the book to took place in the warlord's bedroom. I may or may not have started skipping whole paragraphs to get through it all faster.
I also wasn't a fan of when Sage suddenly decided she loved Tehl. I mean, we all knew it was building up to their love, but...I gotta be honest, I think if you start imagining someone as a hero whilst being held captive by someone else and threatened with rape, you probably going to idolize him in your mind. So...does that mean she doesn't actually love him? Frankly, I don't know that they've really had that many conversations. They spent an entire week locked in a room together and it spanned one paragraph of the last book because they just avoided each other.
Last complaint, in the first two books, I didn't mind so much that both Sage and Tehl are supposed to be these very attractive people. But I'm getting just a little tired of the fact that just about everyone and their dog loves Sage to the point of being obsessed. I don't care how good looking you are, that does not mean that everyone wants to sleep with you. But, hey, maybe I'm just not that good looking enough so I don't know what it feels like to be forever sought after? LOL
I feel like I wrote a lot of complaints, but the thing is, I really did enjoy the first two books. They were well-written and the characters were interesting. The world-building has been solid in that she doesn't waste time explaining too much, but I still feel like I can envision it. There are so many things to love and yet...I kind of wish I'd just skipped this book. Or only read the last couple chapters.
A lot of people have put "trigger warnings" in their review and I wholeheartedly second, third, and fourth that. The author has such beautiful and depth-filled writing that I wanted to be okay with what she was doing, but...I just couldn't. I mean, almost 3/4 of the book to took place in the warlord's bedroom. I may or may not have started skipping whole paragraphs to get through it all faster.
I also wasn't a fan of when Sage suddenly decided she loved Tehl. I mean, we all knew it was building up to their love, but...I gotta be honest, I think if you start imagining someone as a hero whilst being held captive by someone else and threatened with rape, you probably going to idolize him in your mind. So...does that mean she doesn't actually love him? Frankly, I don't know that they've really had that many conversations. They spent an entire week locked in a room together and it spanned one paragraph of the last book because they just avoided each other.
Last complaint, in the first two books, I didn't mind so much that both Sage and Tehl are supposed to be these very attractive people. But I'm getting just a little tired of the fact that just about everyone and their dog loves Sage to the point of being obsessed. I don't care how good looking you are, that does not mean that everyone wants to sleep with you. But, hey, maybe I'm just not that good looking enough so I don't know what it feels like to be forever sought after? LOL
I feel like I wrote a lot of complaints, but the thing is, I really did enjoy the first two books. They were well-written and the characters were interesting. The world-building has been solid in that she doesn't waste time explaining too much, but I still feel like I can envision it. There are so many things to love and yet...I kind of wish I'd just skipped this book. Or only read the last couple chapters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2020
This book series started nice, with strong characters and a believable female lead. The first two books showcased her in a powerful light, with a mild propensity for being dramatic and quite self-centered. While I understand that she believed she was for the people, she could become quite self-focused and entirely self-absorbed. Tehl was going through the same things, emotionally, and not a lot of room was given to him to feel those, he only gets to worry about HER.
Also, the series begins to wrap itself entirely around her needs and all other characters, merely tending to her emotional whims, plots, PTSD and needs. Then, they beg for her forgiveness for acting human. The use of the term/word "sis" here is deplorable and I despise seeing it's used in literature. No one, in all of my years, calls a sibling that - and it points toward a weak ability to strengthen relationships naturally and on merit. She has not anything to deserve the term and yet, it is given freely.
Toward the end of this book, I almost felt inclined to lay it down as the author has decided that whatever made her a "rebellion's blade" is not part of her main character anymore. You never see the author challenge this or use it to strengthen Sage, but instead, she turned her into an emotional bully - which I found shameful and exhausting.
The Warlord plotline is completely out of line with where 1 and 2 began and I am not entirely sure where she is going with it, other than to make Sage into a bigger mental mess and give her justification for being a crappy person and a horrible wife. The author should have made her much more emotionally capable of survival, instead, another woman has to save her.
I did enjoy the descriptions and the entirety to which she breathes life into environments, and I like the fact that she brings in a "man-eater" as a pet familiar to Sage. The rest is just trying to get through a mound of abuse and her attempt to use Stockholm syndrome.
Also, the series begins to wrap itself entirely around her needs and all other characters, merely tending to her emotional whims, plots, PTSD and needs. Then, they beg for her forgiveness for acting human. The use of the term/word "sis" here is deplorable and I despise seeing it's used in literature. No one, in all of my years, calls a sibling that - and it points toward a weak ability to strengthen relationships naturally and on merit. She has not anything to deserve the term and yet, it is given freely.
Toward the end of this book, I almost felt inclined to lay it down as the author has decided that whatever made her a "rebellion's blade" is not part of her main character anymore. You never see the author challenge this or use it to strengthen Sage, but instead, she turned her into an emotional bully - which I found shameful and exhausting.
The Warlord plotline is completely out of line with where 1 and 2 began and I am not entirely sure where she is going with it, other than to make Sage into a bigger mental mess and give her justification for being a crappy person and a horrible wife. The author should have made her much more emotionally capable of survival, instead, another woman has to save her.
I did enjoy the descriptions and the entirety to which she breathes life into environments, and I like the fact that she brings in a "man-eater" as a pet familiar to Sage. The rest is just trying to get through a mound of abuse and her attempt to use Stockholm syndrome.
November 15, 2021
My thoughts l:
1. The writing definitely improved on this one so I appreciate that
2. I HATEEEE Zane, he is literally one of the most disgusting characters I’ve ever seen and I don’t care about his backstory
3. I don’t like that Sage has empathy for him, a part of her even cares about him, but I guess that’s a defense mechanism and a result of her trauma, maybe Stockholm syndrome
4. The Scythians are truly perverse creatures
5. I wanted more of Tehl
6. I still don’t fully believe that Tehl and Sage are in love
7. This book was hard to read at times and made deeply uncomfortable because of the themes present in it, I’m not sure they were handled that well and seemed unnecessary
8. I don’t understand everyone’s obsession with Sage
9. There were some twists I didn’t expect and I liked the new characters
10. There was some interesting world building in this book
I’ll definitely read the fourth book but I am not sure if I’ll finish the series
2,5 (tbh I’m not sure how to rate this book)
1. The writing definitely improved on this one so I appreciate that
2. I HATEEEE Zane, he is literally one of the most disgusting characters I’ve ever seen and I don’t care about his backstory
3. I don’t like that Sage has empathy for him, a part of her even cares about him, but I guess that’s a defense mechanism and a result of her trauma, maybe Stockholm syndrome
4. The Scythians are truly perverse creatures
5. I wanted more of Tehl
6. I still don’t fully believe that Tehl and Sage are in love
7. This book was hard to read at times and made deeply uncomfortable because of the themes present in it, I’m not sure they were handled that well and seemed unnecessary
8. I don’t understand everyone’s obsession with Sage
9. There were some twists I didn’t expect and I liked the new characters
10. There was some interesting world building in this book
I’ll definitely read the fourth book but I am not sure if I’ll finish the series
2,5 (tbh I’m not sure how to rate this book)
May 24, 2018
After the frustrating cliffhanger of the last book, I wasn't sure what to expect of this one. It was fulfilling in some ways, but OH SO FRUSTRATING in others. Still worth reading if you've been keeping up with the series, but prepare to be on edge.
SPOILERS
First, I did not expect Sage to be in another kingdom for most of the story. She was just beginning to make some progress with Tehl, and the romantic in me was hoping to see more of that. While emotional development did continue for them separately, it wasn't quite in the way I hoped. But that's just me injecting my own hopes and expectations into the story.
Second, trigger warning for this book! It was so uncomfortable to read Sage's story. The warlord of Schythia, Zane, is a pretty complex character, but he is ultimately a very disturbed villain, and every time Sage wanted to grant him the benefit of the doubt, or sympathy of any kind, I wanted to shake her. He claims to love her, and fools her initially into believing that they are friends and he cares for her. But just as in many other controlling relationships with a dominating abusive partner, he uses loving gestures to manipulate her. She went through so much mental anguish in the prior two books that I hated to see it continue for her in this book. But more than that, Zane made me feel like Sage was at risk of losing herself and becoming a husk of a person by the end of it. It felt like she was in so much more danger in this book because she wasn't able to be as resistant and defiant to his methods. Frost did an amazing job making me feel Sage's torment
One element I loved was how Sage saw a hallucination of Tehl throughout her imprisonment. It showed how much Sage had grown to care for Tehl, even though she hasn't really admitted it to herself until this book. And from Tehl's perspective, it was clear how much of a loss that he felt by her absence.
We finally got to see more of the mysterious Scythia! Before now, we didn't really understand what a formidable enemy we were up against, but from here on out, the danger will feel so much more palpable.
I will say, I am so worried for how Sage will recover. Another testament to Frost's writing that she made we feel for Sage so acutely.
I was a little disappointed with Sage and Tehl's reunion at the end. I wanted just a little more time with them. But lucky for us, this is not the last of the series! I'm looking forward to book 4, and I'm sure I'll devour it as quickly as I did this one.
SPOILERS
First, I did not expect Sage to be in another kingdom for most of the story. She was just beginning to make some progress with Tehl, and the romantic in me was hoping to see more of that. While emotional development did continue for them separately, it wasn't quite in the way I hoped. But that's just me injecting my own hopes and expectations into the story.
Second, trigger warning for this book! It was so uncomfortable to read Sage's story. The warlord of Schythia, Zane, is a pretty complex character, but he is ultimately a very disturbed villain, and every time Sage wanted to grant him the benefit of the doubt, or sympathy of any kind, I wanted to shake her. He claims to love her, and fools her initially into believing that they are friends and he cares for her. But just as in many other controlling relationships with a dominating abusive partner, he uses loving gestures to manipulate her. She went through so much mental anguish in the prior two books that I hated to see it continue for her in this book. But more than that, Zane made me feel like Sage was at risk of losing herself and becoming a husk of a person by the end of it. It felt like she was in so much more danger in this book because she wasn't able to be as resistant and defiant to his methods. Frost did an amazing job making me feel Sage's torment
One element I loved was how Sage saw a hallucination of Tehl throughout her imprisonment. It showed how much Sage had grown to care for Tehl, even though she hasn't really admitted it to herself until this book. And from Tehl's perspective, it was clear how much of a loss that he felt by her absence.
We finally got to see more of the mysterious Scythia! Before now, we didn't really understand what a formidable enemy we were up against, but from here on out, the danger will feel so much more palpable.
I will say, I am so worried for how Sage will recover. Another testament to Frost's writing that she made we feel for Sage so acutely.
I was a little disappointed with Sage and Tehl's reunion at the end. I wanted just a little more time with them. But lucky for us, this is not the last of the series! I'm looking forward to book 4, and I'm sure I'll devour it as quickly as I did this one.
March 4, 2018
This is my favorite book in the series by far!
I loved the change of scenery that we got in this book. Sage is held captive, and it allows us to see a slightly different side of her. She is still a strong and "wild" woman, but she is severely weakened in this book. It was very interesting to see her try to navigate the situations that keep happening. She still possesses the same wit and determination, but she is wise enough to bide her time. She never comes across as defeated in this book, but she is clearly broken.
One of the things that makes this book really gripping is the villain - Zane the Scythian warlord. He is manipulative and written in such a way that you almost can't help but love him a little. He is the picture of perfection, and he is able to convince Sage that he truly cares for her (maybe he really does. It's entirely possible with a madman like him.)
I actually thought that the amount that Tehl, Sam, and Lilja are in this book is perfect. It actually helps mimic the feeling of isolation that Sage has. I started to forget how amazing Sam and Tehl were. It seems that Sage really does start to develop feelings for Zane although she would never admit it to anyone. I really enjoyed how the author put this book together; I felt very conflicted about Zane just as Sage did.
My single complaint (similar to the first two books) is the regard in which everyone holds Sage. Saying things like "she truly is remarkable" sometimes comes across as artificial to me. However, after reading this book, a thought occurred to me about this issue. The characters keep offhandedly talking about members of Sage's family throughout the book, and at one point Sage mentions that one of the Scythians looks like her mother. Given that she is always presented as essentially perfect, stronger and more beautiful than most, I am starting to wonder about her heritage. I am sure there are more discoveries left to come!
I loved the change of scenery that we got in this book. Sage is held captive, and it allows us to see a slightly different side of her. She is still a strong and "wild" woman, but she is severely weakened in this book. It was very interesting to see her try to navigate the situations that keep happening. She still possesses the same wit and determination, but she is wise enough to bide her time. She never comes across as defeated in this book, but she is clearly broken.
One of the things that makes this book really gripping is the villain - Zane the Scythian warlord. He is manipulative and written in such a way that you almost can't help but love him a little. He is the picture of perfection, and he is able to convince Sage that he truly cares for her (maybe he really does. It's entirely possible with a madman like him.)
I actually thought that the amount that Tehl, Sam, and Lilja are in this book is perfect. It actually helps mimic the feeling of isolation that Sage has. I started to forget how amazing Sam and Tehl were. It seems that Sage really does start to develop feelings for Zane although she would never admit it to anyone. I really enjoyed how the author put this book together; I felt very conflicted about Zane just as Sage did.
My single complaint (similar to the first two books) is the regard in which everyone holds Sage. Saying things like "she truly is remarkable" sometimes comes across as artificial to me. However, after reading this book, a thought occurred to me about this issue. The characters keep offhandedly talking about members of Sage's family throughout the book, and at one point Sage mentions that one of the Scythians looks like her mother. Given that she is always presented as essentially perfect, stronger and more beautiful than most, I am starting to wonder about her heritage. I am sure there are more discoveries left to come!
November 4, 2018
*possible spoilers*
This book was a rough read to say the least. While the "torture" Sage endured wasn't necessarily the physical kind. The emotional and psychological torture she went through in this book was brutal.
Reading this book in the series made me literally cringe on so many occasions. I'll admit I got slightly nervous about reading the section where Sage was escaping with Blaise and Jasmine. My heart was racing worried that she wouldn't make it back to Tehl and her family. I almost put the book down cause I was convinced she was going to get captured by the Warlord again and i'd have to read more about his torture of her.
This was a hard book to sit and read through. It was well written and the author makes you want to cheer and sob for the characters, especially Sage. This book was hard for me to digest. To have this character go through so much in the way of torture is just overwhelming to say the least. I've read many books that have torture and or rape scenes in them, but I think what irked me the most was the almost likable qualities exhibited at certain points from the warlord. The author gave you just enough compassion from him to make you wonder if he could be changed back over to the light. Especially after his childhood was revealed later on in the book. It gives you a small idea of how he became how he did. But he is such an epitome of evil, that even those hints of kindness do nothing to warrant any kind of favor in my eyes. This is probably the first bad guy that I've read in a book that I feel deserves no kindness at all.
This book was good. And so far I love the series. The relationship between Sage and Tehl was just starting to move in a good direction when she was taken. And then all the horrors she faced, makes me wonder if she'll be able to push back from the brink of insanity she seemed to be teetering on at times. As much as I loved this book, it was definitely a tough one to read through.
This book was a rough read to say the least. While the "torture" Sage endured wasn't necessarily the physical kind. The emotional and psychological torture she went through in this book was brutal.
Reading this book in the series made me literally cringe on so many occasions. I'll admit I got slightly nervous about reading the section where Sage was escaping with Blaise and Jasmine. My heart was racing worried that she wouldn't make it back to Tehl and her family. I almost put the book down cause I was convinced she was going to get captured by the Warlord again and i'd have to read more about his torture of her.
This was a hard book to sit and read through. It was well written and the author makes you want to cheer and sob for the characters, especially Sage. This book was hard for me to digest. To have this character go through so much in the way of torture is just overwhelming to say the least. I've read many books that have torture and or rape scenes in them, but I think what irked me the most was the almost likable qualities exhibited at certain points from the warlord. The author gave you just enough compassion from him to make you wonder if he could be changed back over to the light. Especially after his childhood was revealed later on in the book. It gives you a small idea of how he became how he did. But he is such an epitome of evil, that even those hints of kindness do nothing to warrant any kind of favor in my eyes. This is probably the first bad guy that I've read in a book that I feel deserves no kindness at all.
This book was good. And so far I love the series. The relationship between Sage and Tehl was just starting to move in a good direction when she was taken. And then all the horrors she faced, makes me wonder if she'll be able to push back from the brink of insanity she seemed to be teetering on at times. As much as I loved this book, it was definitely a tough one to read through.
January 16, 2021
A lot of questionable choices in this one, the third book in the Aermian Feuds series. Sage is kidnapped and presented to the most villainous villain yet- we've had a lot of villains but this is the worst of the villains. Like look up a villain in the textbook and you get a picture of him he's truly just textbook. But Tehl and all her friends are trying to get her back from this impenetrable fortress and huge swaths of time are going by and it's just very bad for Sage.
This book should probably come with some TWs for abuse and such, this man was manipulating her to new extremes. I'm not a therapist so I can't define it all but I think that the author did a great job of creating something beyond simple physical brutality. It was interesting and much more original than the other books in the series have been. Though I would definitely say that the book exited young adult and is firmly in new adult now- if it was ever YA.
The switches in POV are getting a little annoying though, like what are the standards for giving someone a POV because it feels like just about everyone qualifies for it. That didn't detract too much from the story but I found myself much more eager to read Tehl and Sage's POVs. Also, Tehl has been so much better developed as a character. They have an unconventional relationship built on quite a few struggles and misunderstandings, I think it's only stronger for that. I understand him a lot better and I think it was a great book for him.
I think I can recommend this series a bit more now after reading this. It kind of reminds me of Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. It's kind of long before it gets exciting but I think it's worth it.
This review and all my others can be found at: https://aworldshapedbybooks.blogspot....
April 6, 2018
This series is a surprise for me. It has stuck with me for over a week now. I have found myself going back and reading certain parts over.
There are a lot of problematic tropes in this series. The main character Sage has way too many love interests. There’s the crown prince Tehl, younger prince Sam, their cousin Gavriel, and leader of the rebellion Rafe. That’s all in book one. Gavriel is friend zoned pretty quickly, although I really think he’s the most decent character in the whole series. Sam also doesn’t really have a chance. And in book three we get introduced to Zane.
There’s a lot of flirting with rape culture in this book. It’s edgy for ya although not explicit. There’s not any rape but there’s definite assault. And it’s uncomfortable. Also Sage was physically beaten in book one, but this book takes a whole new edge to physical and psychological torture. There’s Stockholm syndrome big in this one. I don’t know, it’s just messed up the stuff that happens to Sage. I don’t love what the characters have been put through, but the author isn’t shying away from the psychological consequences of trauma and I can respect that.
But I really have enjoyed this book, even though I clearly see flaws. I think the characters are pretty well developed. I really want to know what is going to happen from here.
If you read book one and hated it, you probably won’t like the rest of the series. I don’t love what the characters have been put through, but the author isn’t shying away from the psychological consequences of trauma and I can respect that. And I’m invested enough in the characters to see where book four takes them.
There are a lot of problematic tropes in this series. The main character Sage has way too many love interests. There’s the crown prince Tehl, younger prince Sam, their cousin Gavriel, and leader of the rebellion Rafe. That’s all in book one. Gavriel is friend zoned pretty quickly, although I really think he’s the most decent character in the whole series. Sam also doesn’t really have a chance. And in book three we get introduced to Zane.
There’s a lot of flirting with rape culture in this book. It’s edgy for ya although not explicit. There’s not any rape but there’s definite assault. And it’s uncomfortable. Also Sage was physically beaten in book one, but this book takes a whole new edge to physical and psychological torture. There’s Stockholm syndrome big in this one. I don’t know, it’s just messed up the stuff that happens to Sage. I don’t love what the characters have been put through, but the author isn’t shying away from the psychological consequences of trauma and I can respect that.
But I really have enjoyed this book, even though I clearly see flaws. I think the characters are pretty well developed. I really want to know what is going to happen from here.
If you read book one and hated it, you probably won’t like the rest of the series. I don’t love what the characters have been put through, but the author isn’t shying away from the psychological consequences of trauma and I can respect that. And I’m invested enough in the characters to see where book four takes them.
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