What do you think?
Rate this book
Lightness Saga #4
Rise from the Embers
The King has fallen! While Stavros moves to take over Lars’s throne, the war for the entire kingdom begins. However, this is no ordinary war against Seelie or Unseelie. The real enemy is the most powerful object in the world. The Stone of Fail. Lars isn’t the only one the stone wants. Zoey Daniels is next on its list. And the stone will do whatever it takes to finally get the girl. With a battle on all sides and lives of those they love threatened fae, humans, Druids, pixies, and a certain sprite-monkey will have to come together to save the true King, along with the world, from destruction. Out of ashes, true heroes Rise from the Embers. Don’t miss the FINAL installment of the Dark/Light/Collector Series, where your favorite characters unite to try and protect those they love, and the earth from the ultimate opponent. Ember, Zoey, Kennedy, and Fionna lead the fight, but be prepared…Not everyone will make it out alive. *This is the fourth book (Lightness Saga) in a continuing series of both the Darkness & Collector Series. This series is not meant to be read first. *Sexual content and language
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
177 people are currently reading
1377 people want to read
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
65 books6,360 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 5, 2022
"It would not take me long. I am not someone you should mess with."
"Right, Zoey. Because you are fae now."
"No. Because I am the fucking Avenging Angel."
This is a four POV book, told by the POVs of Ember, Kennedy, Fionna and Zoey.
While all previous books in the series always felt like 50/50 between the FMC and the MMC with there being two POVs as well, this book felt like it was truly and only for the strong, independet badass women. And I have to say, I loved every single second of it. The character development all four of them go through, the bravery with which they fight for what they believe in and the bond they all share. Always quick-witted, always strong and unbreakable, they are truely badass.
I have to say, I felt like side characters didn´t really exist in this book anymore. Everybody felt like they were vital and important to the storyline and that it wouldn´t have worked without them. I absolutely loved Piper, even though she feels more like a main character like I said.
I absolutely loved how all the characters came together and this book is for all of them. It felt so fun and big and now I truly understand why you should read the other series before reading this. It felt like a epic crossover and I loved the end battle. It truly felt fantasy book worthy and it really drew me in. It is fast paced and so action packed that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the plot twists, some of which were unexpected to me and I caught myself having to read a few things again just because I was like "no, this didn´t really happen!?". I orginally wanted to be a bit stricter and give this book a 4,5 but because I had such fun reading it, I feel like it deserves the full five stars. Epic fantasy world, amazing characters and an action-packed story that keeps you interested.
Overall it was an amazing and fun read, and with that I am a bit sad to be leaving this world behind.
trigger warnings: sex trafficking/breeding farm, kidnapping, war, suicide attempt (mentioned), torture
"Right, Zoey. Because you are fae now."
"No. Because I am the fucking Avenging Angel."
This is a four POV book, told by the POVs of Ember, Kennedy, Fionna and Zoey.
While all previous books in the series always felt like 50/50 between the FMC and the MMC with there being two POVs as well, this book felt like it was truly and only for the strong, independet badass women. And I have to say, I loved every single second of it. The character development all four of them go through, the bravery with which they fight for what they believe in and the bond they all share. Always quick-witted, always strong and unbreakable, they are truely badass.
I have to say, I felt like side characters didn´t really exist in this book anymore. Everybody felt like they were vital and important to the storyline and that it wouldn´t have worked without them. I absolutely loved Piper, even though she feels more like a main character like I said.
I absolutely loved how all the characters came together and this book is for all of them. It felt so fun and big and now I truly understand why you should read the other series before reading this. It felt like a epic crossover and I loved the end battle. It truly felt fantasy book worthy and it really drew me in. It is fast paced and so action packed that it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the plot twists, some of which were unexpected to me and I caught myself having to read a few things again just because I was like "no, this didn´t really happen!?". I orginally wanted to be a bit stricter and give this book a 4,5 but because I had such fun reading it, I feel like it deserves the full five stars. Epic fantasy world, amazing characters and an action-packed story that keeps you interested.
Overall it was an amazing and fun read, and with that I am a bit sad to be leaving this world behind.
trigger warnings: sex trafficking/breeding farm, kidnapping, war, suicide attempt (mentioned), torture
October 31, 2018
It is a bittersweet thing when you come to the end of a series. And let me tell you that THIS one is such a mind-blowing book. We come to the climax of what everything has been leading up to and everyone from all the other books is back for this final show-down. This book has it all. It is heart-wrenching, breath-taking, beautiful, full of heart stopping rage and sadness. Nobody is safe in this one. I have been a fan of Stacey Marie Brown since I first picked up her series (although I read it backwards at first, starting with the Collectors series instead of Darkness), and I fell in love with the characters. I truly hope this isn't the last we have seen of them and I feel honored and privileged to have been given a glimpse of this world. I loved this book. I couldn't put it down and actually found myself tearing up at times. I was so into the story that I kept reading while walking through my living room and I walked into the wall!! Seriously, the book is that epic!! You're going to laugh, cry, and giggle until your stomach hurts. And with that, there's only one thing left to say: "To Saint Honey Tits!"
December 4, 2020
12/03/2020: Reread!
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Holy nerf-herding crap on ash bark honey tits shite! I can't believe that this journey is at an end. I am so overcome with emotions right now that it feels like the cosmos are breaking apart inside my head and heart. This world that Stacey Marie Brown has created in the Darkness series, the Collector series, and the Lightness Saga is brilliant. Fucking brilliant, okay? The scope of the story arcing over these three series is daunting and invigorating at the same time. It will leave you in awe and I can't help but lust after this breathtaking world with complete admiration.
I loved that this book was told from multiple points of view- the four heroines across all three series. I do like hearing the male point of view as well, but I think that if the male point of view was added to their female mates then it would have been overwhelming to keep track of it all. At least, for most people. I wouldn't have minded though. I love getting inside the mind of the males.
One of the strongest things about all of the series set in this world is the characters. They make an intriguing storyline seem epic. It's like the difference between being satisfied and being in euphoria. The characters are so well developed and bring so much emotion into the story. The chemistry between each of the characters is phenomenal and you can feel the magnitude of it when you read these books. I loved that all of the characters from each series came together in this final book. I feel so attached to these characters that I am already going through withdrawal and suffering from a severe case of book hangover.
The romance has a different feel since the romances have already been established from previous books. The romance between Lars and Fionna and between Ryker and Zoey are more desperate and emotional since the couples are apart and everyone is trying to save Lars and Zoey from the stone. The romance between Eli and Ember and between Lorcan and Kennedy are more relaxed since they have settled into them, but strong nonetheless. I loved seeing all the couples interact. I loved the family aspect throughout as well since their romances bring everyone together.
Brown does an amazing job orchestrating the plot. Not only in this book but with the storyline as a whole. Each book in each of the series in this world has a strong and intriguing plot and each book's plot weaves into the next book with ease. The overall plot is clever and designed beautifully. I have always loved the originality of the premise for this world. Brown is imaginative and has created a story that will imprint on your soul. I really loved the plot twists in this final book. I was pleasantly surprised by several of the big plot twists at the end that I was not expecting.
That ending could not have been any better. It was just perfect and bittersweet. I was so overcome with emotion that I was literally weeping like a child whose pet died. I feel so deeply for these characters that they are a part of me now.
The only fault that this book had was a desperate need for editing. I came across many grammatical and spelling errors. There were some severe spelling errors in regards to proper names from previous books as well as established acronyms from previous books.
Overall, this is such a phenomenal book world! The story contained within the Darkness series, the Collector series, and the Lightness Saga is so captivating that it will sear into your soul and become one with you. This story contains everything you could want in a good story. If you want characters that come alive, an amazingly original paranormal world, high stakes, steamy romance, and a masterful plot then you need to read these books! You will fall in love with this world and will never want to leave. This is a series that I will definitely return to in the future. I will certainly be on the lookout for any new book by Stacey Marie Brown. Thank you, Stacey. You have done us all a great service.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
Holy nerf-herding crap on ash bark honey tits shite! I can't believe that this journey is at an end. I am so overcome with emotions right now that it feels like the cosmos are breaking apart inside my head and heart. This world that Stacey Marie Brown has created in the Darkness series, the Collector series, and the Lightness Saga is brilliant. Fucking brilliant, okay? The scope of the story arcing over these three series is daunting and invigorating at the same time. It will leave you in awe and I can't help but lust after this breathtaking world with complete admiration.
I loved that this book was told from multiple points of view- the four heroines across all three series. I do like hearing the male point of view as well, but I think that if the male point of view was added to their female mates then it would have been overwhelming to keep track of it all. At least, for most people. I wouldn't have minded though. I love getting inside the mind of the males.
One of the strongest things about all of the series set in this world is the characters. They make an intriguing storyline seem epic. It's like the difference between being satisfied and being in euphoria. The characters are so well developed and bring so much emotion into the story. The chemistry between each of the characters is phenomenal and you can feel the magnitude of it when you read these books. I loved that all of the characters from each series came together in this final book. I feel so attached to these characters that I am already going through withdrawal and suffering from a severe case of book hangover.
The romance has a different feel since the romances have already been established from previous books. The romance between Lars and Fionna and between Ryker and Zoey are more desperate and emotional since the couples are apart and everyone is trying to save Lars and Zoey from the stone. The romance between Eli and Ember and between Lorcan and Kennedy are more relaxed since they have settled into them, but strong nonetheless. I loved seeing all the couples interact. I loved the family aspect throughout as well since their romances bring everyone together.
Brown does an amazing job orchestrating the plot. Not only in this book but with the storyline as a whole. Each book in each of the series in this world has a strong and intriguing plot and each book's plot weaves into the next book with ease. The overall plot is clever and designed beautifully. I have always loved the originality of the premise for this world. Brown is imaginative and has created a story that will imprint on your soul. I really loved the plot twists in this final book. I was pleasantly surprised by several of the big plot twists at the end that I was not expecting.
That ending could not have been any better. It was just perfect and bittersweet. I was so overcome with emotion that I was literally weeping like a child whose pet died. I feel so deeply for these characters that they are a part of me now.
The only fault that this book had was a desperate need for editing. I came across many grammatical and spelling errors. There were some severe spelling errors in regards to proper names from previous books as well as established acronyms from previous books.
Overall, this is such a phenomenal book world! The story contained within the Darkness series, the Collector series, and the Lightness Saga is so captivating that it will sear into your soul and become one with you. This story contains everything you could want in a good story. If you want characters that come alive, an amazingly original paranormal world, high stakes, steamy romance, and a masterful plot then you need to read these books! You will fall in love with this world and will never want to leave. This is a series that I will definitely return to in the future. I will certainly be on the lookout for any new book by Stacey Marie Brown. Thank you, Stacey. You have done us all a great service.
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
October 20, 2018
Absolutely amazing!! It's been a complete whirlwind reading through the three different series. This finale was everything I could have hoped for and more! Very few books have evoked as much emotion as this one did for me. I'm sad it's over but enjoyed the ride while it lasted!
September 2, 2018
Where to begin?
I would like to begin with saying it was amazing !! More then amazing.
When the characters where introduced I was screaming like a teenage girl on a Bieber concert.
No kidding , I am deadly serious..
It started with suspense and it did not stop.
It was suspense through and through.
We got some hot Eli and Ember scenes .. Missed those !
We got the sub-fae and I freaking LOVE them !!!
They make the books so much more fun.
There were deaths but you could never have guessed whom ..
loved reading about Ember again.
Honestly , all the darkness , collector and lightness series were of the charts good and I am so sad to not be reading about them anymore. So what do we do? We read again of course !
Trust me , I am gonna re-read and re-read it over and over again until I know the book out of my head.
5 FREAKING AMAZINGLY AWESOME BIGG ASS STARS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would like to begin with saying it was amazing !! More then amazing.
When the characters where introduced I was screaming like a teenage girl on a Bieber concert.
No kidding , I am deadly serious..
It started with suspense and it did not stop.
It was suspense through and through.
We got some hot Eli and Ember scenes .. Missed those !
We got the sub-fae and I freaking LOVE them !!!
They make the books so much more fun.
There were deaths but you could never have guessed whom ..
loved reading about Ember again.
Honestly , all the darkness , collector and lightness series were of the charts good and I am so sad to not be reading about them anymore. So what do we do? We read again of course !
Trust me , I am gonna re-read and re-read it over and over again until I know the book out of my head.
5 FREAKING AMAZINGLY AWESOME BIGG ASS STARS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 3, 2018
This author is amazing
I can not believe how amazing this book was. Also to put 2 series of hers into one that was just a surprise and awesome. I was crying laughing and crying. I loved this! Best book hands down
I can not believe how amazing this book was. Also to put 2 series of hers into one that was just a surprise and awesome. I was crying laughing and crying. I loved this! Best book hands down
August 29, 2018
“Holy nut-cracking nerf-herder!”
Talk about saving the best until last!
In my review for ‘The Fall of The King’ I wrote that this book was going to be “EPIC. UNPREDICTABLE. EXHILARATING; I just hope we can survive it.”
Well... that was an understatement of epic proportions.
I survived...barely. But I survived.
This book was one hell of an ending to an already phenomenal series.
A book that sees all characters from previous series coming together and fighting a fight that will define everyone’s future. Fighting an enemy so formidable you believe they are unbeatable.
...But you should never underestimate the power of strong ass females who will literally stop at nothing to prove they have what it takes to stop them.
From joy, to heartbreak Stacey brought every emotion to the surface.
My heart was left pounding and tears streaming down my face when I finished.
This book is raw and it is brutal. It overtakes your senses and your life.
You hear the clang of swords, the ripping of flesh and the hum of Cal’s and Simmons’ little wings whizzing past.
You smell the blood, the fire, dust from the crumbling buildings and Sprig constantly asking for his beloved honey. And you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Stacey’s writing and world building is genius. And I wish I could live inside her head and experience the stories forming.
I have fallen in love with all these characters over the past two years, and to know that this is the end, breaks my heart, but at the same time leaves me incredibly happy that each character got the stories they deserved!
It wasn’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Death, destruction and heartbreak so agonising it tears your heart out each and every time. But there was also so much love, hope, friendship and family!
We get the answers to so many questions we have accumulated over the previous series, as well as little tidbits into their future.
“But be prepared...not everyone will survive.”
Thank you, Stacey. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving us these stories, these characters and their whole world. They will always hold a special place in my heart, which could never be replaced.
And thank you for putting me through an emotional ringer while reading these books.
My heart has been left well and truly happy and full of love!
Talk about saving the best until last!
In my review for ‘The Fall of The King’ I wrote that this book was going to be “EPIC. UNPREDICTABLE. EXHILARATING; I just hope we can survive it.”
Well... that was an understatement of epic proportions.
I survived...barely. But I survived.
This book was one hell of an ending to an already phenomenal series.
A book that sees all characters from previous series coming together and fighting a fight that will define everyone’s future. Fighting an enemy so formidable you believe they are unbeatable.
...But you should never underestimate the power of strong ass females who will literally stop at nothing to prove they have what it takes to stop them.
From joy, to heartbreak Stacey brought every emotion to the surface.
My heart was left pounding and tears streaming down my face when I finished.
This book is raw and it is brutal. It overtakes your senses and your life.
You hear the clang of swords, the ripping of flesh and the hum of Cal’s and Simmons’ little wings whizzing past.
You smell the blood, the fire, dust from the crumbling buildings and Sprig constantly asking for his beloved honey. And you wouldn’t want it any other way.
Stacey’s writing and world building is genius. And I wish I could live inside her head and experience the stories forming.
I have fallen in love with all these characters over the past two years, and to know that this is the end, breaks my heart, but at the same time leaves me incredibly happy that each character got the stories they deserved!
It wasn’t plain sailing. Not by a long shot. Death, destruction and heartbreak so agonising it tears your heart out each and every time. But there was also so much love, hope, friendship and family!
We get the answers to so many questions we have accumulated over the previous series, as well as little tidbits into their future.
“But be prepared...not everyone will survive.”
Thank you, Stacey. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for giving us these stories, these characters and their whole world. They will always hold a special place in my heart, which could never be replaced.
And thank you for putting me through an emotional ringer while reading these books.
My heart has been left well and truly happy and full of love!
October 11, 2023
I’m a forking sobbing mess. This book. Nay, this world was everything. I loved every second of it. The ending was too sad even though I knew it was coming it still hurt like a bitch. Stacey is an amazing author. And if she writes it, I will read it. Anyone contemplating starting this 21 [and rising] book series. Please don’t be intimidated, it is worth every second.
Overall ratings of the series. Mostly for my future reference and re reads 🤣
FMCs
1. My girl Ember. You have my devotion
2. Zoey what a badass
3. Our amazing Druid Queen
4. Brexley you don’t make the best choices, let’s be honest. But you prevail nonetheless
5. Last but not least. Well okay, least. Fionna. If I didn’t love Kennedy so much you might be third because of Lars only.
MMCs
1. My sexy Viking. Woof. Need I say more
2. Eli and Lorcan totally tied for second. Dark dwellers hello!
3.notable mention our sexy pirate Croygen, you did not deserve that.
4. I don’t even want to mention you Warwick. You can be as sexy as Jason Momoa but you know what you did.
Series
1. Even though the Endgame Rise From the Embers was the best of the world, number one series goes to the Collector by far. I think I enjoyed that series more than most I’ve even read.
2. Savage Lands. Exciting from the very beginning. And all the side characters are just 🤌🏼 perfection
3. Darkness series. Just so sexy let’s be honest. And dark dweller found family is just too tier
4. Lightness doesn’t deserve the worst but there always has to be a least favorite. Even though the final book was phenomenal in every way, the series was great there just always has to be an underdog. And we love an underdog don’t we 😏
My grievances [major spoilers!]
1. Why the actual fuck didn’t they just try to put the stone back in the first place without messing with the cauldron? Good god
2. Finally torin finds happiness but we see like a half a paragraph. And when Ember gets to dream walk THATS what she goes to?! Boo
3. Separating Zoey and Ryker so early we barely see them
Together. Ugh
4. The endgame scene where everyone comes together could’ve been legendary. We barely get any of that too! I was bummed
5. No plans for cooper and annabeths story trying to hunt down longer life for her?! Get on it ms brown I am counting on you
Overall ratings of the series. Mostly for my future reference and re reads 🤣
FMCs
1. My girl Ember. You have my devotion
2. Zoey what a badass
3. Our amazing Druid Queen
4. Brexley you don’t make the best choices, let’s be honest. But you prevail nonetheless
5. Last but not least. Well okay, least. Fionna. If I didn’t love Kennedy so much you might be third because of Lars only.
MMCs
1. My sexy Viking. Woof. Need I say more
2. Eli and Lorcan totally tied for second. Dark dwellers hello!
3.notable mention our sexy pirate Croygen, you did not deserve that.
4. I don’t even want to mention you Warwick. You can be as sexy as Jason Momoa but you know what you did.
Series
1. Even though the Endgame Rise From the Embers was the best of the world, number one series goes to the Collector by far. I think I enjoyed that series more than most I’ve even read.
2. Savage Lands. Exciting from the very beginning. And all the side characters are just 🤌🏼 perfection
3. Darkness series. Just so sexy let’s be honest. And dark dweller found family is just too tier
4. Lightness doesn’t deserve the worst but there always has to be a least favorite. Even though the final book was phenomenal in every way, the series was great there just always has to be an underdog. And we love an underdog don’t we 😏
My grievances [major spoilers!]
1. Why the actual fuck didn’t they just try to put the stone back in the first place without messing with the cauldron? Good god
2. Finally torin finds happiness but we see like a half a paragraph. And when Ember gets to dream walk THATS what she goes to?! Boo
3. Separating Zoey and Ryker so early we barely see them
Together. Ugh
4. The endgame scene where everyone comes together could’ve been legendary. We barely get any of that too! I was bummed
5. No plans for cooper and annabeths story trying to hunt down longer life for her?! Get on it ms brown I am counting on you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
The only reason and I do mean only reason this book is getting one star is because the character of Sprig is still hilariously awesome and I absolutely love Ryker as well. Everything else that took place in this book was just bad. And it honestly does kill me to say this but oh my God was it ever bad. Just a bare few of the reasons why:
- every single character had the personality and speech pattern of a stereotypical high school girl. It just did not make sense that there was no deviation and how from one character to another spoke.
- it honest to God felt like the author was just trying to cram every bad thing that can happen into the book to the point where it just stopped making sense.
- at one point all of the issues got so convoluted I couldn't even keep track of it but then the solution literally took place in the span of one page and you're literally just left staring at the page like what the crap just happened.
- the repetitiveness regarding the romance aspect of how it's faded mates and they just look at each other and they feel it all that crap just got so overdone. All the romance just lost it's appeal at that point. It's like the author used it as a cop out so she wouldn't have to go into deeper detail about relationship development and trials that they've gone through and this started way back in the book before this one with Lars and Fionna's relationship
- about 90% of the jokes just felt completely flat and it's more so because the timing just felt so forced and awkward it just did not work at all. At some points it felt like I was reading a book that was a wannabe avengers.
There are many more reasons why I'm not giving this book more than one star but I'm going to leave it there. This was just so painful to get through and it made me so sad because the collector series was so beautifully well written it just does not make sense how this was done.
- every single character had the personality and speech pattern of a stereotypical high school girl. It just did not make sense that there was no deviation and how from one character to another spoke.
- it honest to God felt like the author was just trying to cram every bad thing that can happen into the book to the point where it just stopped making sense.
- at one point all of the issues got so convoluted I couldn't even keep track of it but then the solution literally took place in the span of one page and you're literally just left staring at the page like what the crap just happened.
- the repetitiveness regarding the romance aspect of how it's faded mates and they just look at each other and they feel it all that crap just got so overdone. All the romance just lost it's appeal at that point. It's like the author used it as a cop out so she wouldn't have to go into deeper detail about relationship development and trials that they've gone through and this started way back in the book before this one with Lars and Fionna's relationship
- about 90% of the jokes just felt completely flat and it's more so because the timing just felt so forced and awkward it just did not work at all. At some points it felt like I was reading a book that was a wannabe avengers.
There are many more reasons why I'm not giving this book more than one star but I'm going to leave it there. This was just so painful to get through and it made me so sad because the collector series was so beautifully well written it just does not make sense how this was done.
September 4, 2018
An epic conclusion to an epic series.
Well for the love of Saint Honey Tits, Holy Nerf-Herder, and Crap on ash bark!!! This. Book. Was. AWETASTICMAZING!! This was an edge of your seat thrill ride of epic proportions from the first sentence until the last. That's it shut it down because there will never be another series to equal this one. Stacey Marie Brown is a mistress of the written word, the Leonardo DaVinci of literature, and a true artist. I mean who else can write a 13 book three series master piece that ended in not a one or two person narrative, but in an incredible four part perspective. This book is told from all four heroine's (Ember, Zoey, Kennedy, and Fionna) point of view without missing a beat or losing anything at all. I mean who does that!!
Rise From The Embers is everything and more than I could have ever imagined. Plus you get all the sexy beasts, a Viking, and a Demon king all in one book!!! I mean Eli, Ryker, Lorcan, Lars, and West all in one book😮 how is a girls ovaries ever to survive. And let's not leave out the paring that has been years in the making.....Cal and Sprig. Those two, plus Simmons and an enabling pirate, caused some very funny pee your pants moments. This book is EVERYTHING!!! I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I yelled, I got all flustered (you know what I'm talking about, hey they are Fae) and I laughed some more. This was the perfect ending and provides great closure to the three series.
Although it's quite bitter sweet, all things must eventually come to an end. On the bright side you can always start over again with Darkness of Light and relive it all over again. And who knows maybe the Gods will see fit to turn theses books into a series or movie franchise, lettuce pray. This book is without a doubt definitely my #1 pick for must read book of 2018. #2018MustReadTopPick
Well for the love of Saint Honey Tits, Holy Nerf-Herder, and Crap on ash bark!!! This. Book. Was. AWETASTICMAZING!! This was an edge of your seat thrill ride of epic proportions from the first sentence until the last. That's it shut it down because there will never be another series to equal this one. Stacey Marie Brown is a mistress of the written word, the Leonardo DaVinci of literature, and a true artist. I mean who else can write a 13 book three series master piece that ended in not a one or two person narrative, but in an incredible four part perspective. This book is told from all four heroine's (Ember, Zoey, Kennedy, and Fionna) point of view without missing a beat or losing anything at all. I mean who does that!!
Rise From The Embers is everything and more than I could have ever imagined. Plus you get all the sexy beasts, a Viking, and a Demon king all in one book!!! I mean Eli, Ryker, Lorcan, Lars, and West all in one book😮 how is a girls ovaries ever to survive. And let's not leave out the paring that has been years in the making.....Cal and Sprig. Those two, plus Simmons and an enabling pirate, caused some very funny pee your pants moments. This book is EVERYTHING!!! I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I yelled, I got all flustered (you know what I'm talking about, hey they are Fae) and I laughed some more. This was the perfect ending and provides great closure to the three series.
Although it's quite bitter sweet, all things must eventually come to an end. On the bright side you can always start over again with Darkness of Light and relive it all over again. And who knows maybe the Gods will see fit to turn theses books into a series or movie franchise, lettuce pray. This book is without a doubt definitely my #1 pick for must read book of 2018. #2018MustReadTopPick
September 6, 2018
Holy nerf-herding honey tits!! what an epic conclusion to this simply phenomenal series! I loved every book in these series with the characters all melding themselves into my heart and you get to see all of them back together in this epic battle.
SMB has outdone herself on this, she has surpassed my expectations and delivered a book filled with so much emotion, passion, hope, darkness, terror, pain, and the strength and loyalty from them all really hits you. She has made these characters feel so real.
I loved that we were given 4 kickass, strong and fierce heroines with equally strong mates who backed them every step, and one seriously strong and cute little girl. She has also given us brilliant humour in the Sprites and Pixes, they were simply brilliant and I loved their honey juniper loving antics, they brought light humour into the darkness.
Even though this is the end I will be re-reading The Collectors, Darkness and Lightness series many times in the years to come.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
SMB has outdone herself on this, she has surpassed my expectations and delivered a book filled with so much emotion, passion, hope, darkness, terror, pain, and the strength and loyalty from them all really hits you. She has made these characters feel so real.
I loved that we were given 4 kickass, strong and fierce heroines with equally strong mates who backed them every step, and one seriously strong and cute little girl. She has also given us brilliant humour in the Sprites and Pixes, they were simply brilliant and I loved their honey juniper loving antics, they brought light humour into the darkness.
Even though this is the end I will be re-reading The Collectors, Darkness and Lightness series many times in the years to come.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author
https://ilovebookreviewscom.wordpress...
September 4, 2018
A phenomenal end.
To say that I’m a fan of these series would be an understatement. Ms. Brown, I hardly have words beyond thank you! You wrote a compelling, emotional roller coaster of a finale with Rise From the Embers and I’m sad that it’s over but I know I’ll find myself back reading them all again.
Ember, Kennedy, Fionna and Zoey are kickass women; strong, intelligent, funny, sarcastic and fierce. They don’t need mates to define them but Eli, Lorcan, Lars And Ryker bring out even more from the ladies. This is something that to me is lacking in a lot of stories. Female characters are simply less before they mate and even then they are subservient to the men. If Eli expected Ember to be submissive and subdued she would have his ass for breakfast.
I won’t give spoilers because I would be quite peeved if someone ruined it for me but I will say; you won’t regret this or any of Ms. Brown’s books.
#teamsimmonscalandsrigforever!!!
To say that I’m a fan of these series would be an understatement. Ms. Brown, I hardly have words beyond thank you! You wrote a compelling, emotional roller coaster of a finale with Rise From the Embers and I’m sad that it’s over but I know I’ll find myself back reading them all again.
Ember, Kennedy, Fionna and Zoey are kickass women; strong, intelligent, funny, sarcastic and fierce. They don’t need mates to define them but Eli, Lorcan, Lars And Ryker bring out even more from the ladies. This is something that to me is lacking in a lot of stories. Female characters are simply less before they mate and even then they are subservient to the men. If Eli expected Ember to be submissive and subdued she would have his ass for breakfast.
I won’t give spoilers because I would be quite peeved if someone ruined it for me but I will say; you won’t regret this or any of Ms. Brown’s books.
#teamsimmonscalandsrigforever!!!
September 6, 2018
Holy nerf-herding, crap on ash bark, honey tits! I anticipated one of my favorite authors to write an epic finale to her three intertwined series, but Brown has once again outdone any expectations I could fathom. This book alone harbored so much emotion, terror, passion, darkness, hope, desolation, strength and fierceness that it enthralled me to my very core. She already made me care about her so-real characters so this finale truly wrenched in those strings. She gave her Four fierce heroines and their strong mates and hilarious sidekick their due endings, all intertwined and working together and still, still throwing in shocking twists and horrors in her extensive magical world. I was bawling by the end, mostly because it was the end and she did such a beautiful job. Although it pains me to say goodbye, Brown gave me another excellent adventure and satisfying closure—not that I won’t be re-reading all three of these series until eternity. But I am also eager to see what world she builds next! Read it! I can’t recommend these stories enough...like Sprig never has enough honey, I’ll never tire of Brown’s darkness, lightness and collectors series.
August 31, 2018
I was beyond excited for this book, when starting reading it was bittersweet knowing that this would be the end of the series. I loved having all the characters come together in such a fantastic conclusion. By far this is my favorite book (even with all the tough parts) of all three series. Stacey definitely saved the best for last when writing this one. She did not hold back as she sends you on an emotional roller coaster that I personally wasn’t ready for – love, torment, passion, terror, heartbreak (more than once) most importantly hope you see the characters you have come to love fight for a better future - although not prepared it made for a fantastic conclusion! Like most of her books you were kept on the edge of your seat trying to figure out all the twists and turns and all the connections to the past books / series. The ending was everything I could have asked for, considering the war that occurred, it has truly been an amazing journey reading all of Stacey’s books in this series and once again she did NOT disappoint!!. P.S. I wish I had my own Sprig
September 3, 2018
I loved the world the author created even though I read the series's out of order. I first found the Collector Series and fell in love with the world and the characters so when I found out that there were more from this world, I devoured the Darkness Saga and loved it even more. I was so glad this finally series brought all the beloved characters together and I fell it was closed nicely. I rarely read books over but I just might read these ones again, in order this time, straight through without having to wait for the next one to get published. I can't figure out who was my favorite, but I going to miss them all.
September 4, 2018
Fantastic ending to a saga!
This was like Avengers (infinity war) where all your favorite and beloved characters came together. This is told from 4 different povs and the storyline flows steady and easy. If you haven't read any other work by this author, go back to the beginning. This book is the end of 3 fantastic series that all exist in the same universe.
There were some grammatical/wording errors in this one. Cooper was called Copper, the DLR was referred to as the DNR. But it still gets 5 super stars!!!
This was like Avengers (infinity war) where all your favorite and beloved characters came together. This is told from 4 different povs and the storyline flows steady and easy. If you haven't read any other work by this author, go back to the beginning. This book is the end of 3 fantastic series that all exist in the same universe.
There were some grammatical/wording errors in this one. Cooper was called Copper, the DLR was referred to as the DNR. But it still gets 5 super stars!!!
September 3, 2018
Oh my wow! I don’t even know what to say than crap on Ash bark! This book was amazing! Make sure to have tissues on had because you will definitely go through a roller coaster ride! I loved having all the characters together in this book! I forgot how much I missed Sprig! Man I’m so sad it’s over but the ending couldn’t have been better! Can’t wait to see what else is in store!
August 31, 2018
WOW! This was an amazing ending to a great series! What I have always loved about the series is how strong the women are and they don’t disappoint from beginning to end along with the amazing men standing beside them.
The unexpected twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I laughed and cried. Family is not necessarily what you are born into but what you create with the people you love. The meshing of all the characters was done so well that you felt they always belonged together.
I am so sad to reach the ending of the series. I hope in the future that Stacey Marie Brown will decide to expand the story but if not I am completely happy where she leaves us. Well done!
The unexpected twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat until the end. I laughed and cried. Family is not necessarily what you are born into but what you create with the people you love. The meshing of all the characters was done so well that you felt they always belonged together.
I am so sad to reach the ending of the series. I hope in the future that Stacey Marie Brown will decide to expand the story but if not I am completely happy where she leaves us. Well done!
August 27, 2018
OMG! This was such a crazy and fantastic ride! Stacey has brought all three series together so seamlessly and I loved every second of it!!
September 2, 2018
Epic!!!!!
This book hands down was my favorite... it was freaking epic....I enjoyed all the POV, but Ember's was my favorite...oh it was never a dull moment went Sprig, Cal and Simmons got together...pure genius ..... I screamed, cried and laughed so hard...job well done SMB
This book hands down was my favorite... it was freaking epic....I enjoyed all the POV, but Ember's was my favorite...oh it was never a dull moment went Sprig, Cal and Simmons got together...pure genius ..... I screamed, cried and laughed so hard...job well done SMB
September 4, 2018
Start from the beginning of the series.
This is the best series i have read in years! I love this book. It's a must read. So sad it's over!
This is the best series i have read in years! I love this book. It's a must read. So sad it's over!
August 27, 2018
The best was saved for last!
Stacey Marie Brown is so talented and has certainly outdone herself with this heart-stopping conclusion of the Dark/Light/Collector series.
Rise from the Embers starts right where The Fall of the King ends and takes off like an E-ride at Disneyland, not letting you off until the very last page. It left me breathless but still wanting more.
This book was outstanding and oh, the feels with this one. It had the perfect mixture of action, drama, humor with twist and turns you never see coming.
I loved that she brought all the characters together for the finale and felt she did an amazing job with different POVs. For the record, I want a Sprig and Cal of my very own.
Im so sad this is the last of the series but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. I will definitely be rereading these again.
I was honored to receive an ARC copy for an honest review
Stacey Marie Brown is so talented and has certainly outdone herself with this heart-stopping conclusion of the Dark/Light/Collector series.
Rise from the Embers starts right where The Fall of the King ends and takes off like an E-ride at Disneyland, not letting you off until the very last page. It left me breathless but still wanting more.
This book was outstanding and oh, the feels with this one. It had the perfect mixture of action, drama, humor with twist and turns you never see coming.
I loved that she brought all the characters together for the finale and felt she did an amazing job with different POVs. For the record, I want a Sprig and Cal of my very own.
Im so sad this is the last of the series but I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. I will definitely be rereading these again.
I was honored to receive an ARC copy for an honest review
September 1, 2018
WOW!!!
What a great ending to a fantastic set of series! It was an emotional rollercoaster but well worth it. I loved when everyone finally met. I couldn’t stop laughing when sprig and the pixies met. I am already missing all the characters but I’m so glad I have all the books so they are never far away. Thank you Stacy Marie Brown for sharing these great stories with us.
What a great ending to a fantastic set of series! It was an emotional rollercoaster but well worth it. I loved when everyone finally met. I couldn’t stop laughing when sprig and the pixies met. I am already missing all the characters but I’m so glad I have all the books so they are never far away. Thank you Stacy Marie Brown for sharing these great stories with us.
September 3, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books. Highly recommend.
August 31, 2018
What an amazing ending!!! Action, love, heartbreak, deceit, betrayal, and a sprite monkey!!! Absolutely worth a read after reading all of her other series of course!!!
So sad to say good bye to my favorite characters. Hopefully we will see some standalone novels in the future!!
So sad to say good bye to my favorite characters. Hopefully we will see some standalone novels in the future!!
September 1, 2018
Best book yet
Brilliant end to the saga. Couldn't put it down till I'd finished the book. Best series ever from start to finish.
Brilliant end to the saga. Couldn't put it down till I'd finished the book. Best series ever from start to finish.
September 2, 2018
4.5 Stars
Definitely a satisfying end to the series. This book picks up right after the the events from the Fall of the King, and finally brings all of our favorite characters together for one hell of a finale. Was it the best of them... almost, but not quite, for me that honor will always go to the collector series and Zoey and Ryker. BUT, this one still had everything I wanted in a series ending - I laughed, cried, worried cheered, and really just didn't want it all to end. We get plenty of time with each couple from the previous 3 series and it was a great way to say goodbye to all of our beloved characters - even Kennedy, who still isn't my favorite, but maybe grew on me a bit more through this one.
SMB has definitely solidified herself as one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to what she comes up with next!
Definitely a satisfying end to the series. This book picks up right after the the events from the Fall of the King, and finally brings all of our favorite characters together for one hell of a finale. Was it the best of them... almost, but not quite, for me that honor will always go to the collector series and Zoey and Ryker. BUT, this one still had everything I wanted in a series ending - I laughed, cried, worried cheered, and really just didn't want it all to end. We get plenty of time with each couple from the previous 3 series and it was a great way to say goodbye to all of our beloved characters - even Kennedy, who still isn't my favorite, but maybe grew on me a bit more through this one.
SMB has definitely solidified herself as one of my favorite authors, and I look forward to what she comes up with next!
September 4, 2018
All hail, to Queen Stacey!
Love, happiness, laughter, sadness, fear, anxiety, animosity... these are just a few things that you will experience in this final, thrilling installement of the Lightness Series, by Stacey Marie Brown.
Never before have I read a final book in a series that wraps everything up in such a masterful way. No thread is left unanswered even if that thread is cut forever. Over the years I've been reading these books, the characters have become more than words written on a page, they are beings that feel enormous love and crippling pain, they are beings capable of tremendous atrocities, yet show absolute loyalty and sacrifice to those they love. They become true entities that will forever live in the minds who have grown to love them, flaws and all... me being one of them.
There have been times over the years where I've read where people write disparaging remarks about paranormal or supernatural books; saying that they not "real" literature, well obviously have never read any of Stacey's books. It takes true talent to create strong, alpha males who are gruff, flawed and oftentimes overbearing, that do wrong when we can all see what they should be doing yet the readers can still connect with and respect them because their unshakable love & loyalty is still there underneath it all. The same can be said with the female characters in each of the three series. They're strong & resilient no matter what obstacles or pain they've endured throughout their lives. They may have scars, visible or not but they stand tall and fight on for a better life. They may stumble along the way, make the wrong choice now and then but they learn and grow from those mistakes and move forward with honour; attributes we should all strive for...
From The Darkness series to the Collector series and into the Lightness Series, the saga you embark on is one that will never leave you. The characters become people you know and enjoy revisiting over and over again. Thank you Stacey for all of your hard work in bringing this amazing tale to life. You are amazing!
Love, happiness, laughter, sadness, fear, anxiety, animosity... these are just a few things that you will experience in this final, thrilling installement of the Lightness Series, by Stacey Marie Brown.
Never before have I read a final book in a series that wraps everything up in such a masterful way. No thread is left unanswered even if that thread is cut forever. Over the years I've been reading these books, the characters have become more than words written on a page, they are beings that feel enormous love and crippling pain, they are beings capable of tremendous atrocities, yet show absolute loyalty and sacrifice to those they love. They become true entities that will forever live in the minds who have grown to love them, flaws and all... me being one of them.
There have been times over the years where I've read where people write disparaging remarks about paranormal or supernatural books; saying that they not "real" literature, well obviously have never read any of Stacey's books. It takes true talent to create strong, alpha males who are gruff, flawed and oftentimes overbearing, that do wrong when we can all see what they should be doing yet the readers can still connect with and respect them because their unshakable love & loyalty is still there underneath it all. The same can be said with the female characters in each of the three series. They're strong & resilient no matter what obstacles or pain they've endured throughout their lives. They may have scars, visible or not but they stand tall and fight on for a better life. They may stumble along the way, make the wrong choice now and then but they learn and grow from those mistakes and move forward with honour; attributes we should all strive for...
From The Darkness series to the Collector series and into the Lightness Series, the saga you embark on is one that will never leave you. The characters become people you know and enjoy revisiting over and over again. Thank you Stacey for all of your hard work in bringing this amazing tale to life. You are amazing!
September 5, 2018
The best of the best
I made sure I paced myself with reading this book because I knew I'd not want it to end, but alas end it did, and boy oh boy what a damn fine conclusion!!
This book was just superb. I loved every word on every page. All the characters being brought together again was just fantastic, and all the "omg" moments were sublime!!
Thank you to Stacey Marie Brown for writing a truly amazing book. I never saw a lot of the omg moments coming but wowee they were awesome. You are awesome!!
I'm really hoping that there will be more, even a novella following Croygen would just be the bees knees.
Also.... I'll miss the Viking but I know I always reread if I need a fix of the Wanderer lol
Highly recommend this to all lovers of romance, action, fantasy and truly superb story telling.
I made sure I paced myself with reading this book because I knew I'd not want it to end, but alas end it did, and boy oh boy what a damn fine conclusion!!
This book was just superb. I loved every word on every page. All the characters being brought together again was just fantastic, and all the "omg" moments were sublime!!
Thank you to Stacey Marie Brown for writing a truly amazing book. I never saw a lot of the omg moments coming but wowee they were awesome. You are awesome!!
I'm really hoping that there will be more, even a novella following Croygen would just be the bees knees.
Also.... I'll miss the Viking but I know I always reread if I need a fix of the Wanderer lol
Highly recommend this to all lovers of romance, action, fantasy and truly superb story telling.
June 17, 2025
I finally got the epic, fiery payoff to a 13-book journey packed with trauma, healing, and unforgettable characters. Everyone shows up here: Ember, Kennedy, Lorcan, Eli, Zoey, Ryker, Rez (with that reveal), Wes, Croygen, and of course our unhinged, hilarious sprites. And let’s not forget Piper, the quiet MVP. I really hope we get more of her story in the future. The emotional growth, the found family bonds, and the satisfying closure made this one of the most rewarding reads in the entire series. If you’re a fan of Zodiac Academy, this gives you that lovable, chaotic cast and I’d recommend. So glad I finally committed to this world!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews