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Rise of the Iliri #5
Tenacity
WAR, HEARTBREAK, MORE WAR…AND A NEW FRIEND
In the fifth epic of the Rise of the Iliri, Auryn Hadley interjects a compelling sci-fi action fantasy with a heart-warming tale of everyday community and the heart-wrenching reality of war—and the loss it mandates. A jarring emotional roller coaster, Tenacity tells the age-old tale of pure love amidst a struggle between good and evil—but with a heaping dose of the light-hearted, cross-cultural birds and bees. This one has plenty of laughs. And plenty of heartbreak.
Slowly, region by region, the Lieutenant Salryc Luxx and her elite Black Blades are pushing forward and liberating an enslaved nation from the emperor’s reign of terror. But the battle’s not without consequence.
While scoping out the quiet remains of a fallen town—too quiet, actually—they discover scores of slaughtered families. But they also discover life: a young girl, locked in a cage below a tavern. No one is certain exactly what she is. She has unusual streaks of red, blonde, and white hair, and two different-colored eyes. She’s fluent in iliri language, and she’s terrified. So terrified that when an officer approaches to unlock her, her fear burns a hole in his armor.
The girl’s name is Shaden. She’s too young to know what exactly her talents are, or how to control them, but she’s powerful. Immediately recognizing Sal as the fabled Kaisae, she trusts only Sal. Meanwhile, as the Black Blades continue their assault on a city thought to be impenetrable, Shaden manages to harness her power to help keep her newfound family of warriors safe. But for Sal’s part, Shaden triggers difficult emotional memories of her own enslavement as a girl. And her longing to free anyone she can.
With every win, Sal is bombarded by the thanks of those she rescued, and the disdain of those whose families she could not save. She can’t sleep, she can’t eat … but she cannot stop fighting, either.
Victory is near. The Emperor is losing. He knows this. He knows Sal’s responsible, and he knows exactly how to destroy her—go after those she loves most.
In the fifth epic of the Rise of the Iliri, Auryn Hadley interjects a compelling sci-fi action fantasy with a heart-warming tale of everyday community and the heart-wrenching reality of war—and the loss it mandates. A jarring emotional roller coaster, Tenacity tells the age-old tale of pure love amidst a struggle between good and evil—but with a heaping dose of the light-hearted, cross-cultural birds and bees. This one has plenty of laughs. And plenty of heartbreak.
Slowly, region by region, the Lieutenant Salryc Luxx and her elite Black Blades are pushing forward and liberating an enslaved nation from the emperor’s reign of terror. But the battle’s not without consequence.
While scoping out the quiet remains of a fallen town—too quiet, actually—they discover scores of slaughtered families. But they also discover life: a young girl, locked in a cage below a tavern. No one is certain exactly what she is. She has unusual streaks of red, blonde, and white hair, and two different-colored eyes. She’s fluent in iliri language, and she’s terrified. So terrified that when an officer approaches to unlock her, her fear burns a hole in his armor.
The girl’s name is Shaden. She’s too young to know what exactly her talents are, or how to control them, but she’s powerful. Immediately recognizing Sal as the fabled Kaisae, she trusts only Sal. Meanwhile, as the Black Blades continue their assault on a city thought to be impenetrable, Shaden manages to harness her power to help keep her newfound family of warriors safe. But for Sal’s part, Shaden triggers difficult emotional memories of her own enslavement as a girl. And her longing to free anyone she can.
With every win, Sal is bombarded by the thanks of those she rescued, and the disdain of those whose families she could not save. She can’t sleep, she can’t eat … but she cannot stop fighting, either.
Victory is near. The Emperor is losing. He knows this. He knows Sal’s responsible, and he knows exactly how to destroy her—go after those she loves most.
Women readers will thrill to the reverse harem idea that pushes the boundaries of epic fantasy in this breathtaking series that may remind some of Avatar without the scary beasts; or even Game Of Thrones, but happier, with more color—plus a dazzling female protagonist and plenty of action. Fans of Anne McCaffrey’s Dragonriders of Pern will find Sal’s planet Ogun a thrilling destination for their next fantasy fix.
Like all the books on this series, Tenacity is a complete novel, not a cliffhanger. And because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.
516 pages, Paperback
First published December 24, 2016
452 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 4, 2023
reread
So, whenever I work too much I get all numb in the head. Something that makes me cry always helps, I know I'm weeping like a child with this book ... so what could be more obvious than to read it again 😭😭😭
He finally looked at her. "I'm going to challenge you. You know that, right?"
She nodded, holding his eyes. "You'll lose, and then you'll try again. It'll make me a better Kaisae. I don't need people to tell me when I'm right. I need the ones who will tell me when I'm wrong." 😍
Writing a review for this book is almost impossible without giving anything away ... The special thing about this part is: we finally get some insight into Sal's past and a few gaps in the plot are filled. Also, we finally get a better understanding of what makes her special and a lot is less cryptic.
In terms of love life, there is also some development, one of my favorite scenes is the first sex between her and her possibly next harem addition. Next to Jase, he's my favorite character. Just so much, when I first read it, it had actually totally surprised me, there was always something in the back of my mind, but I still wouldn't have expected him. One of the best plot developments.
The rest, well, it's brutal, it's insanely bloody, and it fucking hurts, but even that was predictable. I think it's a good solution, even if it requires a lot of tissues. 🤧🤧🤧
I still love this series, even if some things are repeated frequently, more than annoying, or when people appear who you actually already knew, but somehow come across in the dialogues as if they were there for the first time ... 🙄😕😖
So, whenever I work too much I get all numb in the head. Something that makes me cry always helps, I know I'm weeping like a child with this book ... so what could be more obvious than to read it again 😭😭😭
He finally looked at her. "I'm going to challenge you. You know that, right?"
She nodded, holding his eyes. "You'll lose, and then you'll try again. It'll make me a better Kaisae. I don't need people to tell me when I'm right. I need the ones who will tell me when I'm wrong." 😍
Writing a review for this book is almost impossible without giving anything away ... The special thing about this part is: we finally get some insight into Sal's past and a few gaps in the plot are filled. Also, we finally get a better understanding of what makes her special and a lot is less cryptic.
In terms of love life, there is also some development, one of my favorite scenes is the first sex between her and her possibly next harem addition. Next to Jase, he's my favorite character. Just so much, when I first read it, it had actually totally surprised me, there was always something in the back of my mind, but I still wouldn't have expected him. One of the best plot developments.
The rest, well, it's brutal, it's insanely bloody, and it fucking hurts, but even that was predictable. I think it's a good solution, even if it requires a lot of tissues. 🤧🤧🤧
I still love this series, even if some things are repeated frequently, more than annoying, or when people appear who you actually already knew, but somehow come across in the dialogues as if they were there for the first time ... 🙄😕😖
July 17, 2018
Grab a glass of wine, this is going to take awhile.....I'm going to be completely honest, completely transparent and it may not be the opinions that others have. I'm a fan of this series. I've enjoyed it from the very start. I love the feral ways of the iliri, the predators of the grauori and not everyone is as they seem. They define who they are by what's on the inside not on the outside.
I've had problems with this series because Blaec was my favorite from the very beginning. And I HATED the way I saw his character play out. I knew what would happen to him. He was replaceable and now I know why. I'm so disappointed. I can't stress this enough. I can't even think about him or a burst out into ugly tears. I think he deserved better. I love him so much that I'm blaming Sal. Which isn't a good thing. I strongly, strongly, strongly, dislike the way this book played out. If you love LT, then don't even bother with this book. Or you'll be like me, getting angrier and angrier the more you read on.
I will read the next book
Overall: 3/5
I've had problems with this series because Blaec was my favorite from the very beginning. And I HATED the way I saw his character play out. I knew what would happen to him. He was replaceable and now I know why. I'm so disappointed. I can't stress this enough. I can't even think about him or a burst out into ugly tears. I think he deserved better. I love him so much that I'm blaming Sal. Which isn't a good thing. I strongly, strongly, strongly, dislike the way this book played out. If you love LT, then don't even bother with this book. Or you'll be like me, getting angrier and angrier the more you read on.
I will read the next book
Overall: 3/5
June 18, 2023
Ok firstly read this crap at your own risk. Spoilers...big ones. So if you don't enjoy knowing bits and pieces ahead don't read this until after ya read this book. Ok secondly...DAMN YOU HADLEY!!!!! Just just not even cool. I get why he had to die...but I had barely recovered from Zep!! For two hours TWO DAMN hours after I read the initial death scene I cried like a fucking baby. Those ugly sobs to...had my husband rushing in the room thinking something happened lol my answer was "that bitch killed him!!" apparently it's weird to cry over book characters? I normally don't write a review until I read the final book, then I rate the prior books and just add a full review about all in the finale....yeppp couldn't wait this time. Needed to bitch at someone that won't think I am completely insane about being heart broken over a fake person lol. I mean...why Blaec!!!! He was so amazing sometimes. Yeah sure sometimes he was too human and too far up his own arse to realize what he was doing. But the symbol of him, the things he did...it was so powerful. And then ya just gotta take him from me just so not cool. I blame you completely for my ugly sobs, you know this right :P? And then Kolt wtf!!!!!! I am normally really great at predicting how a story goes, at least a couple chapters prior...but nope ya hit me like a damned freight train with that one. Ok..done being mad at you..sorta. I have quite literally forced my best friend to start this series (she hates RH books with a passion) lol told her if she didn't read it that I got to write her book reviews for the next year...a very valid threat if you knew her. She just finished the first and is hooked lol. Well I will save the rest of my review when I finish the others in a day or two. Hopefully I can actually get some sleep once I am done lol.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
Umso... (Spoiler Alert)
I cannot remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Okay I am so upset about this that I can’t forgive you for his loss. Why? I ask you why you would make such a horrible thing happen. You broke my heart for the Blades. Even now I am still crying because Blaec was a favorite of mine. But I now know why he never let Sal in. I’m so sad. I feel the loss and this is all fictional. You know a book is that amazing when it affects like this. Still pissed that you killed off LT.
I cannot remember the last time a book made me cry so much. Okay I am so upset about this that I can’t forgive you for his loss. Why? I ask you why you would make such a horrible thing happen. You broke my heart for the Blades. Even now I am still crying because Blaec was a favorite of mine. But I now know why he never let Sal in. I’m so sad. I feel the loss and this is all fictional. You know a book is that amazing when it affects like this. Still pissed that you killed off LT.
February 22, 2020
It matters
This series just keeps getting better.
There's a lot of destiny/foreshadowing going on here, but what Epic fantasy doesn't feature its share of that? The stakes are getting higher and the feels are getting feelier.
Very highly recommended.
This series just keeps getting better.
There's a lot of destiny/foreshadowing going on here, but what Epic fantasy doesn't feature its share of that? The stakes are getting higher and the feels are getting feelier.
Very highly recommended.
July 27, 2022
REREAD: JULY 2022
Rise of the Iliri is one of my favourite series, and I'm doing a reread after the author released updated versions of all the books. Fair warning, my reviews are probably a little biased.
UMSO! I think it means mercy - and that’s all I want to say about this book. The emotional turmoil is real, and I’d forgotten how hard it went, especially when I’m still reeling from what happened to Zep at the ending of book four.
Tenacity is the fifth book in the Rise of the Iliri series by Auryn Hadley, and this instalment feels very pivotal in the whole story. We’re introduced to new characters, huge aspects of Sal’s past are uncovered, and our Kaisae finally comes face to face with the big bad Emperor himself.
Still, it’s not all high stakes. I adored all of the relaxed moments and friendly banter with each of the three kingdom's citizens as they made their push into enemy territory. Pulling Shade into the group felt like clicking a missing puzzle piece into place, and it’s exciting to see what they’ll do with her Iliri skill. We also finally find out why Kolt and Star Fall were so important after meeting them earlier in the series.
Sal meeting the Emperor is a big part of this book, and it’s so good! Their back and forth, the ways she outsmarts and uses her skills… I loved it. But of course, that all comes at a serious cost (spoilers below!).
Overall, I loved this book and the series altogether so far. There are a lot of characters, and it’s heavy on dialogue. Some parts of the story are more drawn out than others, but you start to realise that a lot of what’s happening is setting up for things to follow - both in this book and later in the series.
SPOILERS BELOW
I feel like a central character dying should be a content warning - so here it is! Have your tissues ready with this book because, UGHHHH, that shit was intense.
It’s not entirely unexpected for Black Blades to lose such an important member of their pack. They’ve made it through so many battles without a hint of loss, that they were really due some bad luck.
I’m surprised by how affected I was by this death. Blaec wasn’t one of my favourite characters, and I think he’d purposely been kept at a distance for this reason. But the descriptions of Sal’s experience and loss, and the emotions that followed, it was a lot. I think it was written really well and just did everything to convey the complete emotional breakdown and heartbreak all the Blades endured.
Now, pass me a tissue!
Rise of the Iliri is one of my favourite series, and I'm doing a reread after the author released updated versions of all the books. Fair warning, my reviews are probably a little biased.
UMSO! I think it means mercy - and that’s all I want to say about this book. The emotional turmoil is real, and I’d forgotten how hard it went, especially when I’m still reeling from what happened to Zep at the ending of book four.
Tenacity is the fifth book in the Rise of the Iliri series by Auryn Hadley, and this instalment feels very pivotal in the whole story. We’re introduced to new characters, huge aspects of Sal’s past are uncovered, and our Kaisae finally comes face to face with the big bad Emperor himself.
Still, it’s not all high stakes. I adored all of the relaxed moments and friendly banter with each of the three kingdom's citizens as they made their push into enemy territory. Pulling Shade into the group felt like clicking a missing puzzle piece into place, and it’s exciting to see what they’ll do with her Iliri skill. We also finally find out why Kolt and Star Fall were so important after meeting them earlier in the series.
Sal meeting the Emperor is a big part of this book, and it’s so good! Their back and forth, the ways she outsmarts and uses her skills… I loved it. But of course, that all comes at a serious cost (spoilers below!).
Overall, I loved this book and the series altogether so far. There are a lot of characters, and it’s heavy on dialogue. Some parts of the story are more drawn out than others, but you start to realise that a lot of what’s happening is setting up for things to follow - both in this book and later in the series.
SPOILERS BELOW
I feel like a central character dying should be a content warning - so here it is! Have your tissues ready with this book because, UGHHHH, that shit was intense.
It’s not entirely unexpected for Black Blades to lose such an important member of their pack. They’ve made it through so many battles without a hint of loss, that they were really due some bad luck.
I’m surprised by how affected I was by this death. Blaec wasn’t one of my favourite characters, and I think he’d purposely been kept at a distance for this reason. But the descriptions of Sal’s experience and loss, and the emotions that followed, it was a lot. I think it was written really well and just did everything to convey the complete emotional breakdown and heartbreak all the Blades endured.
Now, pass me a tissue!
August 19, 2018
#SpoilerWarrior
Holy crap. I read the first four books of the series quite awhile ago, and then just walked away from it one chapter into book 5 and honeybruhs, was that a mistake. This book was amazing. It had emotions and feels and more feels and love and loyalty and although Zep is kind of getting on my nerves, I can’t wait to see where it goes.
Holy crap. I read the first four books of the series quite awhile ago, and then just walked away from it one chapter into book 5 and honeybruhs, was that a mistake. This book was amazing. It had emotions and feels and more feels and love and loyalty and although Zep is kind of getting on my nerves, I can’t wait to see where it goes.
October 22, 2018
My heart will forever be scarred.......
August 19, 2023
This series is getting more and more epic.
Being five books deep means that I’m quite attached to each main character in this book… unfortunately for me that means that when death comes so does the tsunami of tears.
I should have realized when Blaec mentioned that he didn’t want Sal in his head all the way because he didn’t want her to see the future he had seen, that it meant he saw his own death to save her.
I didn’t want to believe that moment really happened and part of me held onto hope that he could come back some how.
I was particularly made final during the gruesome scene where the dogs eat his body…. That was truthfully so unbearable to get through.
He was never the closest to Sal but him being her first love really just hit different and she had such a respect for him that made him a larger-than-life kind of person in her story.
My heart really hurts for her and just seeing how all Blades had to go through that grief and pain made things so much more emotional.
I wasn’t sure about Kolt at first but as soon as he started calling her “babe” and having her back from the moment she got captured it really endeared me to him.
He is an alpha type and I really love that he doesn’t submit to her.
I can see how people would be upset that she slept with him so soon after Blaec died, but I think his history with her goes so far back that she and him have a different kind of connection. One that I really didn’t want to see be ignored.
I was actually really rooting for the guy and all the revelations surrounding his past make him a good fit for the harem.
He is going to have to learn to lean on his Iliri instincts since he hasn’t used them much before and seeing him integrate into the blades has been quite a treat.
I was hoping they would do the dirty and in my opinion, it was perfectly executed. If Sal would have rejected him during the maast I think I would have been upset. It makes it even better knowing that there is more between them even if it takes some time to manifest…I really want him to be a permanent fixture in her harem. He would do her good.
I also like the posturing between him and Zep, it keeps things spicy but I have a feeling Kolt may need to submit to Zep eventually.
Also, clearly Arctic and some of the other blades know something we don’t about him and his relationship with Sal, as they realized it shortly after seeing them together, yet we aren’t given that tidbit of information yet.
I have a feeling we will find out soon and I can’t wait!
It was also cute how he said she would be a good Amma to his kid, whom he had with an iliri woman who never deigned to mate him. He has a lot more to his past I can tell.
Plus, his part in this book makes the sting of Arctic and Shade a little less painful.
I really was convinced eventually he would be part of the harem but then I realized he and Shaden were going to be an official thing.
Good for him, he deserves love but I just adore his dynamic with Sal.
Especially how she opened up to him about her past and he ironically set out to find the guy who changed her life while she was a slave; low and behold, that man was actually Kolt.
Ayati, as they say.
But their conversation about it was so intimate and loving that it makes it hard to let go of thinking about them together.
*sigh*
I guess I have no choice but to accept it and move on.
The politics and the war are as complex as ever and the Iliri and their allies are making good headway.
Meeting the Emperor finally was interesting, especially since he’s part Iliri himself and sired a son who, unbeknownst to the Emperor, has his own plans for the country.
It makes it even more intriguing that his son wants to protect Sal and is also a prophet, whom we find out saw himself having a child with a Blaec’s sister (which we didn’t even know existed and neither did Blaec), and choosing to name his son after the former leader of the Blades.
*cue tears*
That hit the chest.
I can’t wait to see how he fucks shit up and makes the Emperor rue the day he allowed his son into his army.
This entire book was so fast-paced I could barely keep up in the best way.
It was so action-packed as usual, but the romance is definitely ramping up.
I really hope no one else important dies because ugh, I just can’t deal with it.
This series is an entire world in itself and the intricacies and details that keep getting revealed make it so incredibly fantastic.
Overall, I’m loving where this series is headed and so incredibly eager to see what Sal and the gang get up to in the next book and I can’t believe there is still 6 more books to get through.
I can’t even imagine what will happen throughout all that but I’m not waiting to find out!
~5 stars~
Being five books deep means that I’m quite attached to each main character in this book… unfortunately for me that means that when death comes so does the tsunami of tears.
I should have realized when Blaec mentioned that he didn’t want Sal in his head all the way because he didn’t want her to see the future he had seen, that it meant he saw his own death to save her.
I didn’t want to believe that moment really happened and part of me held onto hope that he could come back some how.
I was particularly made final during the gruesome scene where the dogs eat his body…. That was truthfully so unbearable to get through.
He was never the closest to Sal but him being her first love really just hit different and she had such a respect for him that made him a larger-than-life kind of person in her story.
My heart really hurts for her and just seeing how all Blades had to go through that grief and pain made things so much more emotional.
I wasn’t sure about Kolt at first but as soon as he started calling her “babe” and having her back from the moment she got captured it really endeared me to him.
He is an alpha type and I really love that he doesn’t submit to her.
I can see how people would be upset that she slept with him so soon after Blaec died, but I think his history with her goes so far back that she and him have a different kind of connection. One that I really didn’t want to see be ignored.
I was actually really rooting for the guy and all the revelations surrounding his past make him a good fit for the harem.
He is going to have to learn to lean on his Iliri instincts since he hasn’t used them much before and seeing him integrate into the blades has been quite a treat.
I was hoping they would do the dirty and in my opinion, it was perfectly executed. If Sal would have rejected him during the maast I think I would have been upset. It makes it even better knowing that there is more between them even if it takes some time to manifest…I really want him to be a permanent fixture in her harem. He would do her good.
I also like the posturing between him and Zep, it keeps things spicy but I have a feeling Kolt may need to submit to Zep eventually.
Also, clearly Arctic and some of the other blades know something we don’t about him and his relationship with Sal, as they realized it shortly after seeing them together, yet we aren’t given that tidbit of information yet.
I have a feeling we will find out soon and I can’t wait!
It was also cute how he said she would be a good Amma to his kid, whom he had with an iliri woman who never deigned to mate him. He has a lot more to his past I can tell.
Plus, his part in this book makes the sting of Arctic and Shade a little less painful.
I really was convinced eventually he would be part of the harem but then I realized he and Shaden were going to be an official thing.
Good for him, he deserves love but I just adore his dynamic with Sal.
Especially how she opened up to him about her past and he ironically set out to find the guy who changed her life while she was a slave; low and behold, that man was actually Kolt.
Ayati, as they say.
But their conversation about it was so intimate and loving that it makes it hard to let go of thinking about them together.
*sigh*
I guess I have no choice but to accept it and move on.
The politics and the war are as complex as ever and the Iliri and their allies are making good headway.
Meeting the Emperor finally was interesting, especially since he’s part Iliri himself and sired a son who, unbeknownst to the Emperor, has his own plans for the country.
It makes it even more intriguing that his son wants to protect Sal and is also a prophet, whom we find out saw himself having a child with a Blaec’s sister (which we didn’t even know existed and neither did Blaec), and choosing to name his son after the former leader of the Blades.
*cue tears*
That hit the chest.
I can’t wait to see how he fucks shit up and makes the Emperor rue the day he allowed his son into his army.
This entire book was so fast-paced I could barely keep up in the best way.
It was so action-packed as usual, but the romance is definitely ramping up.
I really hope no one else important dies because ugh, I just can’t deal with it.
This series is an entire world in itself and the intricacies and details that keep getting revealed make it so incredibly fantastic.
Overall, I’m loving where this series is headed and so incredibly eager to see what Sal and the gang get up to in the next book and I can’t believe there is still 6 more books to get through.
I can’t even imagine what will happen throughout all that but I’m not waiting to find out!
~5 stars~
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2017
So good
Such an amazing story!!
***SPOILERS***
I'd heard a spoiler about this book, #5, that had me scared. Something really bad happens. I cried a lot. I knew it was coming since book 2. I almost did t keep reading that one, knowing what was coming. This story is just so good and each book gets better.
So yea, I cried, a lot. The story though continues to grow into this lively beautiful thing. An entire continent joining together. People changing and growing. Not just one or two, but entire nations.
So be warned. Have Kleenex, but it's worth it.
Such an amazing story!!
***SPOILERS***
I'd heard a spoiler about this book, #5, that had me scared. Something really bad happens. I cried a lot. I knew it was coming since book 2. I almost did t keep reading that one, knowing what was coming. This story is just so good and each book gets better.
So yea, I cried, a lot. The story though continues to grow into this lively beautiful thing. An entire continent joining together. People changing and growing. Not just one or two, but entire nations.
So be warned. Have Kleenex, but it's worth it.
February 23, 2021
Finally Continuing On
I've read the first four books in this series multiple times and always stopped when I got to this one. Part of that was because I wasn't sure how to feel about another woman being added to the Blades. I ended up liking Shade, though and I like seeing Artic happy. The other part was because with everything that happens in each book, this is not a light series and I knew some heartbreak was coming due to some reviews of later books. That particular scene was still sad as hell despite the foreknowledge and I hate that he got left there. I was pleasantly surprised about Kolt and I'm looking forward to more of that. The Emperor wasn't a huge shock as it was something i had already suspected. Narnx was a total surprise and I rather like him. Marin, too.
As for more members of the harem, part of me wants to see Razor in there, but if not, I hope he gets a good woman. Shift, too. I'm wondering if Audgan will become part of Artic and Shade's thing, but Artic has said before that he doesn't understand the harem thing, so who knows. Then there's Geo. I wonder if he'll end up with a nuvani. There's still a lot to come, so I will keep going.
I've read the first four books in this series multiple times and always stopped when I got to this one. Part of that was because I wasn't sure how to feel about another woman being added to the Blades. I ended up liking Shade, though and I like seeing Artic happy. The other part was because with everything that happens in each book, this is not a light series and I knew some heartbreak was coming due to some reviews of later books. That particular scene was still sad as hell despite the foreknowledge and I hate that he got left there. I was pleasantly surprised about Kolt and I'm looking forward to more of that. The Emperor wasn't a huge shock as it was something i had already suspected. Narnx was a total surprise and I rather like him. Marin, too.
As for more members of the harem, part of me wants to see Razor in there, but if not, I hope he gets a good woman. Shift, too. I'm wondering if Audgan will become part of Artic and Shade's thing, but Artic has said before that he doesn't understand the harem thing, so who knows. Then there's Geo. I wonder if he'll end up with a nuvani. There's still a lot to come, so I will keep going.
April 9, 2019
So, I really did like this book, and it would have gotten an easy four stars from me, if the book wasn't so damn cryptic half the time. There's many times in the book where things are hinted at in conversation, and you're supposed to just know what it means. I'm a bit slow sometimes so I like clarification on things that are happening, rather than a conversation that just sorta drops off and everyone except the reader are clear on what's going on.
Honestly and to be honest, I'm not at all upset about it. I didn't feel at all connected with him anyway, so his loss didn't really bother me. I guess that's why the author always kept him at arms length. What did amaze me, was the way the author portrayed his death. It was super insightful to see how the link impacted the members.
I gotta say, I really am enjoying this series. It's a nice one. Plus, damn. I'm loving Kolt. The males have got to stop measuring dicks tho and just embrace what's happening, lmao.
Honestly and to be honest, I'm not at all upset about it. I didn't feel at all connected with him anyway, so his loss didn't really bother me. I guess that's why the author always kept him at arms length. What did amaze me, was the way the author portrayed his death. It was super insightful to see how the link impacted the members.
I gotta say, I really am enjoying this series. It's a nice one. Plus, damn. I'm loving Kolt. The males have got to stop measuring dicks tho and just embrace what's happening, lmao.
March 22, 2020
Holding on by her teeth, literally
Sal is coming to terms with leading. That tiny, thin circle of resin weights a ton. She might smell like hope, and be gaining powers left and right, but she's still just tiny Sal. And Terric isn't stopping. They've got new tactics, and a plan that could stop her in her tracks. War is never pretty, but this plan? The face of cruelty is a lot different than she pictured.
Spoilers ahead.
Have tissues ready. Lots. Even if that character made you angry, pissed you off and made you want to rip their fangs out, what Sal goes through sucks you in, too. Loss is hard. Loss is devastating. Witnessing it and being unable to stop it, no matter how strong you are, is brutal. So, yeah, be ready. Sal and (not saying) are captured, and it changes the foundation of the war. It's no longer Iliri vs humans, or the free nations vs Terric. It's down to 2 characters and one's desperate desire to rule everything and the other's desire to never be chained again. In the midst of all that an old friend is rediscovered. Someone who showed her the way out. The one that gave her hope. And how they hid in plain sight baffles and amazes her. Oh, I adore these books. Intrigue, betrayal, loss, hope, the 3 species, the continental war, the civil war, rights, pack life, discovery, ... There's so much going on. Even at bare bones it's easily a dozen layers meshing and pulling you in different directions. And no matter how many rereads I'm still finding clues that don't click till later on.
Sal is coming to terms with leading. That tiny, thin circle of resin weights a ton. She might smell like hope, and be gaining powers left and right, but she's still just tiny Sal. And Terric isn't stopping. They've got new tactics, and a plan that could stop her in her tracks. War is never pretty, but this plan? The face of cruelty is a lot different than she pictured.
Spoilers ahead.
Have tissues ready. Lots. Even if that character made you angry, pissed you off and made you want to rip their fangs out, what Sal goes through sucks you in, too. Loss is hard. Loss is devastating. Witnessing it and being unable to stop it, no matter how strong you are, is brutal. So, yeah, be ready. Sal and (not saying) are captured, and it changes the foundation of the war. It's no longer Iliri vs humans, or the free nations vs Terric. It's down to 2 characters and one's desperate desire to rule everything and the other's desire to never be chained again. In the midst of all that an old friend is rediscovered. Someone who showed her the way out. The one that gave her hope. And how they hid in plain sight baffles and amazes her. Oh, I adore these books. Intrigue, betrayal, loss, hope, the 3 species, the continental war, the civil war, rights, pack life, discovery, ... There's so much going on. Even at bare bones it's easily a dozen layers meshing and pulling you in different directions. And no matter how many rereads I'm still finding clues that don't click till later on.
May 28, 2019
Wow. This book really fucked us up.
I can’t believe what happened in this book. I mean I expected something crazy or bad, but never did I dream that this would happen.
What happened?? and while it wasn’t as crazy to me to what happened in the last book I totally expected
I just can’t believe it. Especially since there was that vision in book 1. But something clearly changed.
Gah.
I can’t believe what happened in this book. I mean I expected something crazy or bad, but never did I dream that this would happen.
What happened?? and while it wasn’t as crazy to me to what happened in the last book I totally expected
I just can’t believe it. Especially since there was that vision in book 1. But something clearly changed.
Gah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2024
I 100% recommend this series
I 100% recommend this series
This series is absolutely incredible and I'm kinda glad it was already finished when I started because immediately after finishing a book I had to start the next.
The story is beautiful and runs the whole spectrum of emotions. I absolutely adore the characters. I'm going to miss reading about them but the ending was one of the best I've ever read.
Start to finish this story is amazing and the amount of detail is wonderful.
I 100% recommend this series
This series is absolutely incredible and I'm kinda glad it was already finished when I started because immediately after finishing a book I had to start the next.
The story is beautiful and runs the whole spectrum of emotions. I absolutely adore the characters. I'm going to miss reading about them but the ending was one of the best I've ever read.
Start to finish this story is amazing and the amount of detail is wonderful.
October 24, 2018
I read books 1-8 in quick succession so am giving a review on the series, to date.
The world building is excellent. Humans colonize a distant world, low on metals and with indigenous life. Thousands of years later, the resulting society is one of basically medieval tech, but with ceramics and resin replacing metals. Very clever extrapolation and made more interesting with the integration of the indigenous life.
The series is both a Sci-Fi/Paranormal-esque epic adventure and a romance. The heat level of the romance rises throughout the series, not hitting 'erotic' levels until about Book 7 and starting relatively low, though all well written at the heat levels they're at. I mention this because this switch/transition may surprise some readers. At times, the balance between the epic adventure and the romance is off a bit, throwing off the pacing of the overall story, but not so much as to want you to stop reading - it remains engaging throughout.
The plot, and plot twists, of the epic adventure are well done, creating a well-crafted story that could stand alone, even without the romance. There are some quibbles around how the military is organized, specifically around unit sizes and organization, but unless you have a background in the area or read a lot of military fantasy/historicals you probably won't notice. The fight scenes are well done, even if all in the contexts of small skirmishes.
Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. It's based in a wonderfully crafted world and includes some amazing elements. It's only some nits about how these elements are put together that keeps this from getting 5 stars.
The world building is excellent. Humans colonize a distant world, low on metals and with indigenous life. Thousands of years later, the resulting society is one of basically medieval tech, but with ceramics and resin replacing metals. Very clever extrapolation and made more interesting with the integration of the indigenous life.
The series is both a Sci-Fi/Paranormal-esque epic adventure and a romance. The heat level of the romance rises throughout the series, not hitting 'erotic' levels until about Book 7 and starting relatively low, though all well written at the heat levels they're at. I mention this because this switch/transition may surprise some readers. At times, the balance between the epic adventure and the romance is off a bit, throwing off the pacing of the overall story, but not so much as to want you to stop reading - it remains engaging throughout.
The plot, and plot twists, of the epic adventure are well done, creating a well-crafted story that could stand alone, even without the romance. There are some quibbles around how the military is organized, specifically around unit sizes and organization, but unless you have a background in the area or read a lot of military fantasy/historicals you probably won't notice. The fight scenes are well done, even if all in the contexts of small skirmishes.
Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. It's based in a wonderfully crafted world and includes some amazing elements. It's only some nits about how these elements are put together that keeps this from getting 5 stars.
May 29, 2021
4 Because You Smell Like Wildflowers Stars
Tenacity is the fifth book in the Rise of the Iliri series by Auryn Hadley.
I adored all of the relaxed moments of family fraternization and friendly banter overlaying each of the three kingdoms citizens as they made their push into enemy territory. Pulling Shade into their group was essentially clicking the missing puzzle piece into place.
Syric Enik Kolt finally shows us why StarFall was so important to save previously. When he rescues our seemingly defeated Kaisae and supports until she reaches her awaiting cessivi. I think he will be entirely too important to keep pretending, in much a similar fashion as Zep, that he expects less than he truly desires. And with the new hole in her heart, he’s practically the perfect man to keep her from erring to far to forgive herself, in her grief.
It’s not entirely unexpected, them losing such an important member of their pack. They’ve made it through so many harrowing battles and treacherous obstacles without a hint of loss, since Sal joined their ranks. It not happening any sooner, is more shocking aspect.
The Emperor is in for the best surprise. Anglia is going to decimate his reign, and detox his rhetoric from Terric. I cannot wait to see the future, and the socially acceptable viewpoint shift.
Tenacity is the fifth book in the Rise of the Iliri series by Auryn Hadley.
I adored all of the relaxed moments of family fraternization and friendly banter overlaying each of the three kingdoms citizens as they made their push into enemy territory. Pulling Shade into their group was essentially clicking the missing puzzle piece into place.
Syric Enik Kolt finally shows us why StarFall was so important to save previously. When he rescues our seemingly defeated Kaisae and supports until she reaches her awaiting cessivi. I think he will be entirely too important to keep pretending, in much a similar fashion as Zep, that he expects less than he truly desires. And with the new hole in her heart, he’s practically the perfect man to keep her from erring to far to forgive herself, in her grief.
It’s not entirely unexpected, them losing such an important member of their pack. They’ve made it through so many harrowing battles and treacherous obstacles without a hint of loss, since Sal joined their ranks. It not happening any sooner, is more shocking aspect.
The Emperor is in for the best surprise. Anglia is going to decimate his reign, and detox his rhetoric from Terric. I cannot wait to see the future, and the socially acceptable viewpoint shift.
October 9, 2022
Heartbreaking
This was a difficult book to get through. It was absolutely fabulous, don't get me wrong, but the sorrow could be excruciating at times. It takes an amazing author to write characters so well that they come to life and seem like real people. You form attachments to them and losing them is like losing a piece of yourself. I am with this series until the very last page of the very last book.
This was a difficult book to get through. It was absolutely fabulous, don't get me wrong, but the sorrow could be excruciating at times. It takes an amazing author to write characters so well that they come to life and seem like real people. You form attachments to them and losing them is like losing a piece of yourself. I am with this series until the very last page of the very last book.
June 5, 2025
This book is more on the dramatic side of things and I didn’t make it through without a lot of crying this time either. Even knowing what’s next and how it all ends, it’s just so painful, every single time. I really love this book and not only because Kolt is one of my favourites and Blaz is in there, too.
September 7, 2019
The rollercoaster (light spoilers)
This book broke my heart, made me ugly cry, gasp for breath, belly laugh and fall in love in equal turn. In ever book it just gets better, this book was amazing!
This book broke my heart, made me ugly cry, gasp for breath, belly laugh and fall in love in equal turn. In ever book it just gets better, this book was amazing!
June 3, 2019
I’ve read a lot of shite but this is the first series I truly loved that I couldn’t finish. Once LT dies this series isn’t worth your time. His death just makes no sense. He’s her foundation. Her first. Jase or Zeps death would have been remorseful but not ruined an entire series. What a waste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2022
Wow
Another great addition to the series.
Another great addition to the series.
October 18, 2018
Another 5 stars
If you have been following this series than you know how good this book is. Still one of the all time favs of mine so far
If you have been following this series than you know how good this book is. Still one of the all time favs of mine so far
October 5, 2019
Poor
Except for the death of a main character nothing important happens in this entire book. It is nothing but filler.
Except for the death of a main character nothing important happens in this entire book. It is nothing but filler.
January 2, 2025
Please note that this review is for the SERIES, not the individual book.
Ok. I don't know where to begin. I want to say ALL the things because this series is all kinds of amazing. There is a not zero chance that my excitement may get away with me, so please excuse any seemingly random bits of rambling.
First off, this is an 11 book completed series that absolutely MUST be read in order as a series. You won't make heads nor tails of it if you try to pick and choose. This series is a little similar to the Five Fangs series by Mary Ann Weir. While there is a main character and her harem, this one also has a lot of communal storylines and relationships. It's one of the few 3rd person PoV that I have truly enjoyed, as it gives a better perspective on the entire experience. And this IS an experience.
A.H. Hadley is a master wordsmith. I've read most of her bibliography and enjoyed all of it. I was a bit skeptical about this series as 11 books are a heckuva commitment. I've been it recommended everywhere though, so I finally decided to give it a shot, and I wish I could personally thank every person who suggested it.
Her world building is a skill that most authors could learn from. From the rich history of the land and people to the customs and motives of the people, I was constantly taking information in and assimilating it from one book to the next. The true talent, though, is the fact that I never once felt overwhelmed by it.
The foundation is beautifully laid for the complex web of plotlines that permeates this story. There are plots within plots and plans without plans. Rise of the Iliri is a masterwork of the uncertain. I THOUGHT I knew what I was getting into. At numerous times while reading, I THOUGHT I knew what to expect. I was unprepared, and I loved every moment.
I do disagree with many of my fellow readers, however. This series was recommended as a reverse harem romance, but I'm just not sold on that. Yes, romance plays a part in the story arc. Yes, there are multiple men in a relationship with one woman. So, I guess that technically, they are correct. But it is so much more. The author labels it as "a complete epic science-fantasy story." I personally think it's more of a space opera. There is romance, but also anger and hatred, good verses evil, overcoming adversity, and amazing action sequences, plus plenty more that I can't find the words for. (But for the smut hounds, there are ample shenanigans which are relatively detailed and beautifully written)
The characters are never two dimensional. They start out fully fleshed out, but as the story progresses, they change. Traits become deeper. Thoughts become richer. They grow - as individuals as well as the groups. Especially Sal, the female main character. She has an entire evolution/metamorphosis arc that is without compare. I have never read anything quite like it.
If I could, I would rate this series as an 8 out of 5 stars. It exceeded my expectations in every way. Yes, it is a time commitment, but in all honesty, I didn't realize it. I started reading in book 1 and it consumed my attention until I closed book 11.
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Please stop reading here if spoilers in the form of content warnings are a deal breaker for you. This series has some heavy s#!t in it that I wasn't really prepared for, so I'm going to let you in on it. Mental health matters.
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*
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Expect graphic vi0|ence, gore, a metric crap ton of unaliving, grief & loss, past SA for several characters, extreme prejudice & discrimination as well as humiliation and degradation (and not the kinky fun kind.) The FMC was conscripted into the military from her owner's home. Slavery is all through this story, so be prepared. And this is the one that kinda frakked me up - one of the MCs dies. Usually, I pass on books where that is in the content warning, however, in this instance, it becomes a jumping off point for the continuing progression of the story. I would encourage you to not let that particular TW prevent you from an otherwise truly remarkable reading experience.
Ok. I don't know where to begin. I want to say ALL the things because this series is all kinds of amazing. There is a not zero chance that my excitement may get away with me, so please excuse any seemingly random bits of rambling.
First off, this is an 11 book completed series that absolutely MUST be read in order as a series. You won't make heads nor tails of it if you try to pick and choose. This series is a little similar to the Five Fangs series by Mary Ann Weir. While there is a main character and her harem, this one also has a lot of communal storylines and relationships. It's one of the few 3rd person PoV that I have truly enjoyed, as it gives a better perspective on the entire experience. And this IS an experience.
A.H. Hadley is a master wordsmith. I've read most of her bibliography and enjoyed all of it. I was a bit skeptical about this series as 11 books are a heckuva commitment. I've been it recommended everywhere though, so I finally decided to give it a shot, and I wish I could personally thank every person who suggested it.
Her world building is a skill that most authors could learn from. From the rich history of the land and people to the customs and motives of the people, I was constantly taking information in and assimilating it from one book to the next. The true talent, though, is the fact that I never once felt overwhelmed by it.
The foundation is beautifully laid for the complex web of plotlines that permeates this story. There are plots within plots and plans without plans. Rise of the Iliri is a masterwork of the uncertain. I THOUGHT I knew what I was getting into. At numerous times while reading, I THOUGHT I knew what to expect. I was unprepared, and I loved every moment.
I do disagree with many of my fellow readers, however. This series was recommended as a reverse harem romance, but I'm just not sold on that. Yes, romance plays a part in the story arc. Yes, there are multiple men in a relationship with one woman. So, I guess that technically, they are correct. But it is so much more. The author labels it as "a complete epic science-fantasy story." I personally think it's more of a space opera. There is romance, but also anger and hatred, good verses evil, overcoming adversity, and amazing action sequences, plus plenty more that I can't find the words for. (But for the smut hounds, there are ample shenanigans which are relatively detailed and beautifully written)
The characters are never two dimensional. They start out fully fleshed out, but as the story progresses, they change. Traits become deeper. Thoughts become richer. They grow - as individuals as well as the groups. Especially Sal, the female main character. She has an entire evolution/metamorphosis arc that is without compare. I have never read anything quite like it.
If I could, I would rate this series as an 8 out of 5 stars. It exceeded my expectations in every way. Yes, it is a time commitment, but in all honesty, I didn't realize it. I started reading in book 1 and it consumed my attention until I closed book 11.
**********
Please stop reading here if spoilers in the form of content warnings are a deal breaker for you. This series has some heavy s#!t in it that I wasn't really prepared for, so I'm going to let you in on it. Mental health matters.
**********
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Expect graphic vi0|ence, gore, a metric crap ton of unaliving, grief & loss, past SA for several characters, extreme prejudice & discrimination as well as humiliation and degradation (and not the kinky fun kind.) The FMC was conscripted into the military from her owner's home. Slavery is all through this story, so be prepared. And this is the one that kinda frakked me up - one of the MCs dies. Usually, I pass on books where that is in the content warning, however, in this instance, it becomes a jumping off point for the continuing progression of the story. I would encourage you to not let that particular TW prevent you from an otherwise truly remarkable reading experience.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2023
Keep Tissue Nearby
*****Spoilers*****
Oh this one sucks so badly that I wasn't sure I wanted to continue the series. At the end, it makes a whole lot of sense why Blaec was so tight lipped. I felt that he was finally opening up more and we'd get to experience other sides of him that have been closed off the whole series. But nope, the author decided to stun in the worst way possible. Blaec makes a sacrifice and dies, it seems he probably knew it and understood it would happen so accelerated his demise in the end. He and Sal were captured in their own camp but Terrans. Unbelievable how it occurred. Makes no sense how humans were able to sneak past the iliri and grauori and get in to grab Sal and back out with no one the wiser outside of the blades. With the mind melds and having everyone in a camp, not to mention the iliri senses, it's just not something I would ever believe. Yet it happens, and not only that, but the Terran army had an iliri male help to get Sal out. Something else that made no sense was just prior in another city, assassins from the same Terran army had JUST tried to kill Sal. Now all of a sudden, the emperor wants her captured. They took Blaec as incentive for Sal to cooperate which she does. Along with the chloroform and whatever other poison they gave Blaec to knock him out, they're both taken to the enemy camp and the blades unable to follow. Why the grauori couldn't track them well before they got to enemy camps I don't know. With all of the abilities, I just wasn't buying their capture. At all. It didn't fit and was too easy.
While in the Terran camp, Sal and Blaec are chained to a post and not given any food or water. But it's not long before they're visited by the emperor himself. Turns out, he's iliri, not pure but still on his mission to eradicate all iliri. Hypocrisy always seems to show its ugly head when it comes to those in power and this dude is no different. He also had a son with an iliri woman, the same son who helped the Terran army get to Sal, the same son who's as surprised as anything to learn who his father was. All thanks to Sal. The emperor somehow had powers similar to Sal's but she stripped them all away from him when she was in the enemy camp. He was trying to learn from Sal her abilities but she was able to lock her mind down before he took too much and then took his abilities so he can't remember. Sal finds an ally in his son who helps set her free but not before they kill Blaec in retaliation.
Along for the escape mission is Kolt from that division Blaec told the blades to spare because they'd need them in future. That division infiltrated the Terran army and so were well placed to extract. Except they killed Blaec too fast. Kolt and Sal set off, he in so deep hiding that he's able to mask the fact that he's iliri and came across as human. Kolt is also the officer that showed Sal kindness long ago and chose not to take her enslaved sexual offerings. Kolt pushes Sal in the ways she needs in order to get her back to the blades and the Anglian army safely. What he'll mean to her in future is a toss up. He helped Sal through a maast with sex and she made him a blade as well so there's a lot of connection between them.
Artic finds his mate in the chimera fire chick, can't remember her name. But she's into the fold easily and quickly, she even helps in battle. But when Sal could really the chimera's talents, Sal chooses to put the girl to sleep...instead of letting her roast Sal's kidnappers from the inside out. Nonsensical.
I think I'll take a short break from this series, hopefully the next one is the last book. I've become increasingly disappointed with it, this last one really did it in for me. Not to mention that Jarl is found out to be having sex with one of the grauori, the beings similar in appearance to iliri but more beast like with lolling tongues. Not sure how the three grauori, human, and iliri are going to keep their leaders straight with the human heir hooking up with grauori but guess that's something to be straightened out in future books.
*****Spoilers*****
Oh this one sucks so badly that I wasn't sure I wanted to continue the series. At the end, it makes a whole lot of sense why Blaec was so tight lipped. I felt that he was finally opening up more and we'd get to experience other sides of him that have been closed off the whole series. But nope, the author decided to stun in the worst way possible. Blaec makes a sacrifice and dies, it seems he probably knew it and understood it would happen so accelerated his demise in the end. He and Sal were captured in their own camp but Terrans. Unbelievable how it occurred. Makes no sense how humans were able to sneak past the iliri and grauori and get in to grab Sal and back out with no one the wiser outside of the blades. With the mind melds and having everyone in a camp, not to mention the iliri senses, it's just not something I would ever believe. Yet it happens, and not only that, but the Terran army had an iliri male help to get Sal out. Something else that made no sense was just prior in another city, assassins from the same Terran army had JUST tried to kill Sal. Now all of a sudden, the emperor wants her captured. They took Blaec as incentive for Sal to cooperate which she does. Along with the chloroform and whatever other poison they gave Blaec to knock him out, they're both taken to the enemy camp and the blades unable to follow. Why the grauori couldn't track them well before they got to enemy camps I don't know. With all of the abilities, I just wasn't buying their capture. At all. It didn't fit and was too easy.
While in the Terran camp, Sal and Blaec are chained to a post and not given any food or water. But it's not long before they're visited by the emperor himself. Turns out, he's iliri, not pure but still on his mission to eradicate all iliri. Hypocrisy always seems to show its ugly head when it comes to those in power and this dude is no different. He also had a son with an iliri woman, the same son who helped the Terran army get to Sal, the same son who's as surprised as anything to learn who his father was. All thanks to Sal. The emperor somehow had powers similar to Sal's but she stripped them all away from him when she was in the enemy camp. He was trying to learn from Sal her abilities but she was able to lock her mind down before he took too much and then took his abilities so he can't remember. Sal finds an ally in his son who helps set her free but not before they kill Blaec in retaliation.
Along for the escape mission is Kolt from that division Blaec told the blades to spare because they'd need them in future. That division infiltrated the Terran army and so were well placed to extract. Except they killed Blaec too fast. Kolt and Sal set off, he in so deep hiding that he's able to mask the fact that he's iliri and came across as human. Kolt is also the officer that showed Sal kindness long ago and chose not to take her enslaved sexual offerings. Kolt pushes Sal in the ways she needs in order to get her back to the blades and the Anglian army safely. What he'll mean to her in future is a toss up. He helped Sal through a maast with sex and she made him a blade as well so there's a lot of connection between them.
Artic finds his mate in the chimera fire chick, can't remember her name. But she's into the fold easily and quickly, she even helps in battle. But when Sal could really the chimera's talents, Sal chooses to put the girl to sleep...instead of letting her roast Sal's kidnappers from the inside out. Nonsensical.
I think I'll take a short break from this series, hopefully the next one is the last book. I've become increasingly disappointed with it, this last one really did it in for me. Not to mention that Jarl is found out to be having sex with one of the grauori, the beings similar in appearance to iliri but more beast like with lolling tongues. Not sure how the three grauori, human, and iliri are going to keep their leaders straight with the human heir hooking up with grauori but guess that's something to be straightened out in future books.
October 27, 2023
*NOTE: this review is for the entire series NOT just this book. Minor spoilers ahead*
I'm finally reviewing one of my all-time favourite reverse harem series!!
Rise of The Iliri follows our FMC Sal, the last of the pale-skinned Iliri race, as she collects mates, kicks butt and changes nations.
This series is spectacular, I have yet to find a series that matches this one in world-building, depth of character, and plot twists. I love each of Sal's mates, they all felt individual to me (despite there being a lot of them), and I enjoyed not only their relationship with Sal but how they interacted with the other characters. I couldn't even pick a favourite, they all offer such different things to Sal. I loved that each of their relationships felt different and yet the author was able to pull them in together towards the end of the series into one network. I will warn however there are 'favourites' within the harem, so if this is something that bothers you keep that in mind! I didn't feel that this necessarily detracted from the other members of the harem however.
The storyline kept me pulled in throughout the series despite being so long, with plenty of violence and suspense juxtaposed with loving moments and relationship building. I won't spoil the plot but let me say that Sal finds her power with the help of her mates and other allies throughout the series! I loved her growth throughout the series and I felt that the ending was fitting. Be warned though, it was not an easy journey for the characters and there is a good chance the events of this series will leave you in tears! The ending is worth it though, and there is even an extended epilogue (book 11) to round out the series and give us a taste of what was like for Sal and family following the events of the previous books.
All in all, there is a special place in my heart for this series and I've yet to find one that truly measures up to the experience of reading Sal's story. If you're looking for a series that explores modern themes in a high fantasy world with plenty of why-choose love and violence, this series is for you!
As always, check your trigger warnings because this series gets intense!
Burn: slow-medium (builds throughout series)
Spice: 5/5 (in later books)
Harem size: large (builds throughout series)
M/M: no
I'm finally reviewing one of my all-time favourite reverse harem series!!
Rise of The Iliri follows our FMC Sal, the last of the pale-skinned Iliri race, as she collects mates, kicks butt and changes nations.
This series is spectacular, I have yet to find a series that matches this one in world-building, depth of character, and plot twists. I love each of Sal's mates, they all felt individual to me (despite there being a lot of them), and I enjoyed not only their relationship with Sal but how they interacted with the other characters. I couldn't even pick a favourite, they all offer such different things to Sal. I loved that each of their relationships felt different and yet the author was able to pull them in together towards the end of the series into one network. I will warn however there are 'favourites' within the harem, so if this is something that bothers you keep that in mind! I didn't feel that this necessarily detracted from the other members of the harem however.
The storyline kept me pulled in throughout the series despite being so long, with plenty of violence and suspense juxtaposed with loving moments and relationship building. I won't spoil the plot but let me say that Sal finds her power with the help of her mates and other allies throughout the series! I loved her growth throughout the series and I felt that the ending was fitting. Be warned though, it was not an easy journey for the characters and there is a good chance the events of this series will leave you in tears! The ending is worth it though, and there is even an extended epilogue (book 11) to round out the series and give us a taste of what was like for Sal and family following the events of the previous books.
All in all, there is a special place in my heart for this series and I've yet to find one that truly measures up to the experience of reading Sal's story. If you're looking for a series that explores modern themes in a high fantasy world with plenty of why-choose love and violence, this series is for you!
As always, check your trigger warnings because this series gets intense!
Burn: slow-medium (builds throughout series)
Spice: 5/5 (in later books)
Harem size: large (builds throughout series)
M/M: no
August 12, 2021
I was tempted to give it 2 stars just because of how pissed I got since a certain chapter and it kept increasing as I kept reading. The only reason I didn't is because at least the story is still there in a way... But I honestly did not like this book of the series. It honestly felt like the main characters lost their essence or the author didn't really know what to do...
*MAJOR SPOILERS BECAUSE I HAVE TO RANT*
So my review for the previews book mentioned how much I was mad at the author for how she was treating Blaec. I mentioned that I felt like she had no idea what to do with him, and I WAS FREAKING RIGHT!!!! I mean she KILLED HIM!!!! And it was pretty stupid they way not only that Blaec and Sal where captured in the first place but also how the others never catched up. They have this amazing skills and abilities to do and save everyone else but suddenly they don't work when it's to save them?! It honestly didn't make sense and then add to the fact what happened afterward. Sal is grieving Blaec's death but whatever because Kolt is there to replace him and not only that, but apparently he is more dominant and stronger than Blaec?! *insert sarcasm* REALLY....? Since Kolt was first introduced, it was obvious that there was something more with him but for him to replace Blaec like that?!!! It really showed that the author just didn't know what to do with Blaec and that in a way really didn't like him (I mean she even had dogs eat his body!!! WTH?!) and also how to introduce more men into the harem (which was something else I pointed out in my review of the previous book). Something that also just didnt make sense to me, is Sal. The scenes with Blaec dying even made me shed a tear and everything but the way she interacted with Kolt and made him fit into the pack like a replacement for Blaec just didn't fit with the whole "Illiri love stronger and more completely". It just didn't seem like something that a person grieving as strongly as she supposedly was would do (and being an illiri is not an excuse, Circus was dead for more than a year and Blaec was still mourning him when Sal showed up).
*MAJOR SPOILERS BECAUSE I HAVE TO RANT*
So my review for the previews book mentioned how much I was mad at the author for how she was treating Blaec. I mentioned that I felt like she had no idea what to do with him, and I WAS FREAKING RIGHT!!!! I mean she KILLED HIM!!!! And it was pretty stupid they way not only that Blaec and Sal where captured in the first place but also how the others never catched up. They have this amazing skills and abilities to do and save everyone else but suddenly they don't work when it's to save them?! It honestly didn't make sense and then add to the fact what happened afterward. Sal is grieving Blaec's death but whatever because Kolt is there to replace him and not only that, but apparently he is more dominant and stronger than Blaec?! *insert sarcasm* REALLY....? Since Kolt was first introduced, it was obvious that there was something more with him but for him to replace Blaec like that?!!! It really showed that the author just didn't know what to do with Blaec and that in a way really didn't like him (I mean she even had dogs eat his body!!! WTH?!) and also how to introduce more men into the harem (which was something else I pointed out in my review of the previous book). Something that also just didnt make sense to me, is Sal. The scenes with Blaec dying even made me shed a tear and everything but the way she interacted with Kolt and made him fit into the pack like a replacement for Blaec just didn't fit with the whole "Illiri love stronger and more completely". It just didn't seem like something that a person grieving as strongly as she supposedly was would do (and being an illiri is not an excuse, Circus was dead for more than a year and Blaec was still mourning him when Sal showed up).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
SPOILERS !!!!!!
I am horrible at writing reviews so this one will be a mess, it wont be in any order, but I really had to say my peace :P
Shade is a nice addition to the group and I really cant wait until Artic and her spent there 'first' time together and I know well I hope so bad that will happen.
Staying with Artic , when he and sal had their talk and where sal opened up about the mysterious man who´s name she did not know but smelled like hope, and where he vowed to himself he wanted to find the man, I could not wait to meet him. I could not wait for him to be found and for him to emerge himself in the group , but for some reason I imagined him another friend or some type of father figure just like Ran would be like ) Oh boy was I wrong and I well complain about him a little later)
So Blaec died :( and I cried, His and Sal's last moments where heartbreaking. and I am really sad he is gone. The fact is Blaec never was my favourite , even after finding out why he held back , I liked the other Characters more but his loss I did feel strongly. Also we heard about a link breaking because of Circ but getting to expierience it with the other it was heartbreaking.
Now the venting! I really really really dont like Kolt, and while Blaec cant be replaced and while when Sal was grieving he mentioned he will never be like him I feel like he is the replacement. He pushes the wrong buttons with me , its not the fact that he dominant and will not go down with a fight , its the fact that he gloats about it. I know he is important to the story and his time will come, but the way he acted towards Zep really pissed me off, the way he wont back down and keep fighting. Zep is insecure even with beingt Cessivi and he pushed on that. the fact that he is going to be linked in worries me and I dont see myself liking him in the future, Maybe its because he came to soon after Blaec died, and maybe its because she grieved with Kolt , instead of her pack. And because he is the replacement of Blaec, getting his sword his tent.
I am horrible at writing reviews so this one will be a mess, it wont be in any order, but I really had to say my peace :P
Shade is a nice addition to the group and I really cant wait until Artic and her spent there 'first' time together and I know well I hope so bad that will happen.
Staying with Artic , when he and sal had their talk and where sal opened up about the mysterious man who´s name she did not know but smelled like hope, and where he vowed to himself he wanted to find the man, I could not wait to meet him. I could not wait for him to be found and for him to emerge himself in the group , but for some reason I imagined him another friend or some type of father figure just like Ran would be like ) Oh boy was I wrong and I well complain about him a little later)
So Blaec died :( and I cried, His and Sal's last moments where heartbreaking. and I am really sad he is gone. The fact is Blaec never was my favourite , even after finding out why he held back , I liked the other Characters more but his loss I did feel strongly. Also we heard about a link breaking because of Circ but getting to expierience it with the other it was heartbreaking.
Now the venting! I really really really dont like Kolt, and while Blaec cant be replaced and while when Sal was grieving he mentioned he will never be like him I feel like he is the replacement. He pushes the wrong buttons with me , its not the fact that he dominant and will not go down with a fight , its the fact that he gloats about it. I know he is important to the story and his time will come, but the way he acted towards Zep really pissed me off, the way he wont back down and keep fighting. Zep is insecure even with beingt Cessivi and he pushed on that. the fact that he is going to be linked in worries me and I dont see myself liking him in the future, Maybe its because he came to soon after Blaec died, and maybe its because she grieved with Kolt , instead of her pack. And because he is the replacement of Blaec, getting his sword his tent.
December 9, 2018
A little tedious but I’m enjoying the story line
I feel sort of bad reviewing this, because if I’ve read it up to the fifth book I feel like I should be a devoted follower who is giving the books 5 stars. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I am definitely enjoying the storyline. However, the writing is an always stellar. In many Of the story arcs it seems like the author is beating a dead horse. On the plus side the author continues to introduce new elements that make me want to read the next book.
In this novel, I feel the author made a strategic move to get rid of a main character Who really wasn’t moving the story forward. I don’t want to say she replaced him with someone better, but I feel like she replaced him with someone better. In my opinion, it’s given the interpersonal dynamics of Sal’s pack a boost.
Somethings I struggle with, which is why the three stars, is the world building seems a little inconsistent. Sometimes Sal is a demon who can’t be stopped, while other times she seems weak and helpless. I have a hard time understanding how she can be taken off guard and captured so easily at times.
The maast also seems a little bit weird. The Sexual nature of it almost seems forced at times. It’s at if the author uses mass as a way to bridge or explain relationship between the characters when it’s not necessary.
Even with the areas I don’t really buy into, I am loving the direction the series is moving. The new girl, shade, has captured me. Arctic has become pretty sexy. I’m curious to see where the new Starfall guy fits in As well as the Emperor’s son.
Finally, I want it in with one thing that continues to nag me throughout the series. It’s the superiority of the iliri. Why does one species have to be superior to the other? Can’t each species recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of each other without trying to lord things over another?
I feel sort of bad reviewing this, because if I’ve read it up to the fifth book I feel like I should be a devoted follower who is giving the books 5 stars. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. I am definitely enjoying the storyline. However, the writing is an always stellar. In many Of the story arcs it seems like the author is beating a dead horse. On the plus side the author continues to introduce new elements that make me want to read the next book.
In this novel, I feel the author made a strategic move to get rid of a main character Who really wasn’t moving the story forward. I don’t want to say she replaced him with someone better, but I feel like she replaced him with someone better. In my opinion, it’s given the interpersonal dynamics of Sal’s pack a boost.
Somethings I struggle with, which is why the three stars, is the world building seems a little inconsistent. Sometimes Sal is a demon who can’t be stopped, while other times she seems weak and helpless. I have a hard time understanding how she can be taken off guard and captured so easily at times.
The maast also seems a little bit weird. The Sexual nature of it almost seems forced at times. It’s at if the author uses mass as a way to bridge or explain relationship between the characters when it’s not necessary.
Even with the areas I don’t really buy into, I am loving the direction the series is moving. The new girl, shade, has captured me. Arctic has become pretty sexy. I’m curious to see where the new Starfall guy fits in As well as the Emperor’s son.
Finally, I want it in with one thing that continues to nag me throughout the series. It’s the superiority of the iliri. Why does one species have to be superior to the other? Can’t each species recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of each other without trying to lord things over another?
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