What do you think?
Rate this book
The Darkest Court #3
The Iron Crown
After the last Faerie Civil War, the leaders of the magickal pantheons stripped the shining Seelie Court of its power and tasked the dark Unseelie Court with maintaining the natural balance of the world.
Ages later, a twisted intrigue throws the balance of all Faerie into ruin and ignites a new civil war.
Discounted by his family and haunted in the Unseelie sidhe, Queen Mab’s youngest son, Lugh, leads the Wild Hunt on quests across the dangerous Wylds. At his side is his best friend, Keiran, a Viking rescued from death centuries earlier. Between Lugh’s uncanny gift for being in the right place at the right time and Keiran’s power of persuasion, they’re revered across the Wylds—as long as Lugh keeps his true identity hidden from the people of the Sluagh.
Keiran and Lugh have loved each other for centuries—as friends and brothers in arms. Lugh has long since put aside his romantic love for Keiran to protect their friendship. But with the looming war in Faerie and the ghosts of the dead dogging Lugh’s every move, Keiran realizes there may be room for romance between them after all, if only they can survive.
Rallying the Sluagh to fight in the looming war between the Seelie and Unseelie seems an impossible task. To achieve it, these childhood best friends will have to free Lugh from the restless souls haunting him and turn the tides threatening not only their growing love, but the balance of life and death itself.
This book is approximately 103,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Ages later, a twisted intrigue throws the balance of all Faerie into ruin and ignites a new civil war.
Discounted by his family and haunted in the Unseelie sidhe, Queen Mab’s youngest son, Lugh, leads the Wild Hunt on quests across the dangerous Wylds. At his side is his best friend, Keiran, a Viking rescued from death centuries earlier. Between Lugh’s uncanny gift for being in the right place at the right time and Keiran’s power of persuasion, they’re revered across the Wylds—as long as Lugh keeps his true identity hidden from the people of the Sluagh.
Keiran and Lugh have loved each other for centuries—as friends and brothers in arms. Lugh has long since put aside his romantic love for Keiran to protect their friendship. But with the looming war in Faerie and the ghosts of the dead dogging Lugh’s every move, Keiran realizes there may be room for romance between them after all, if only they can survive.
Rallying the Sluagh to fight in the looming war between the Seelie and Unseelie seems an impossible task. To achieve it, these childhood best friends will have to free Lugh from the restless souls haunting him and turn the tides threatening not only their growing love, but the balance of life and death itself.
This book is approximately 103,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise : all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
364 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2020
92 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
M.A. Grant
29 books345 followersM.A. Grant fell in love with the romance genre while working at an independent bookstore. She spent a decade in the rugged beauty of Alaska's Kenai Peninsula before moving to the mountains of Eastern Washington. When she’s not calling out to passing ravens or making a cup of tea, she’s writing dark and moving stories.
She is represented by Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency.
She is represented by Deidre Knight of The Knight Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 7, 2020
Winter is coming!
Wait, wrong universe, but I definitely got that same sort of pins-and-needles, action-packed feel from this last installment of "The Darkest Court" series that I did from the last few seasons of "Game of Thrones".
Much like the first two books, a large part of this book was an introduction to one of Queen Mab's three sons, and their eventual love interest, not only discovering who they were now, but also a lot of back-story surrounding events that happened in their pasts.
Here, we met Lugh, the youngest brother, who'd fled the Unseelie sidhe centuries ago, after being (literally) haunted by ghosts of the past, in favor of roaming Slaugh territory as leader of his Wild Hunt, helping the non-Fae caught between the Summer and Winter Courts politics and general fuckery.
By his side was his best friend and most staunch ally, Keiran, a human that he'd rescued from near-death long ago. Saying their relationship was complicated would be a huge understatement, but for all intents and purposes, they'd been platonic partners for centuries.
This was a love story, but I'd say that it was much more of a "fantasy" romance than an "epic" romance, since the story was infinitely more focused on the non-stop action and overcoming the bad guys than sitting around and lovingly braiding one another's hair while talking about their deep, undying feelings for one another.
I mentioned Lugh's ghosts of the past, but the landscape over which the Wild Hunt is dragged for most of this story was *very* directly affected by the ghosts of the present.
Although Queen Mab had charged Lugh to rush to a potential ally to request their assistance in the Winter Court's imminent battle, the aforementioned ghosts continued to pinball Lugh off course along the way, seemingly with little rhyme or reason, but in the end, all of those side trips led Lugh and Keiran to the place where they ultimately needed to be to succeed and save the day. For everyone.
The story fully delivered on its promise of an exciting, arduous ride, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I was hoping for a slightly deeper level of feels than the book possessed. I'm all for intense action, but at my core, I'm mainly an intense romance kinda guy.
All of the angst came completely from external sources, with no real in-fighting between the MC's, for which I was thankful, seeing as how I've had enough "Big Misunderstandings" to last me about a buhjillion goddamn lifetimes, and the steam was about as fade to black as I've read lately.
One of my favorite parts of this story was how the previously-distant and aloof brothers finally began reconnecting, in spite of their cold and seemingly-uncaring mother's attempts to play them against one another. In that regard, the series ended in a very good place as far as I was concerned.
I'd rate this story at around 4.25 stars and recommend it to any fans of M/M Fae fantasy.
-----------------------------------------------
My ARC copy of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
March 5, 2020
Urm. I'm lost for words, which is an unusual place for me to be in given how much I can talk (and write).
But this book stunned me into almost silence, I say almost because you all know I won't be quiet for long.
So, how to review The Iron Crown? Firstly, it's fantasy at its best, drawing on all the ancient skills of storytelling to weave a tale which pulls the reader along.
It begins with Lugh, youngest son of the Unseelie Court, leader of The Wild Hunt and semi-self exiled Winter Court Prince.
At his side is Keiran, the Viking child he rescued from almost death at the hands of the 'Light Ones' the Seelie Fae of the Summer Court. Now grown and protecting him with the power of the berserker.
It's complex, full of threads which wind themselves around to create a twisted narrative that takes some of the lesser known folklore and legends of the British Isles (geographical land mass not political country 😉 ) and morphs them into an adventurous tale anchored on the love of two men.
There were losses on the way, and I felt them keenly, raged against the treachery and destruction, I hurt for the lost souls, betrayed by false hope.
At its heart, this is a fantasy tale. The relationship is the core, but it's not a romance in the typical sense, so don't expect loads of snogging and on page sex or you'll be disappointed.
I wasn't disappointed myself because I am such a folklore and mythology nerd and because the love between Lugh and Keiran bounces off the page in bucket loads.
The twists and new interpretations M.A. Grant brings to the legends of the Fae, the incorporation of Norse ideas and sagas into the mix, crafts an almost Odyssey-like adventure full of secrets and surprises.
The final dramatic moments had me gasping, literally, when I saw where things were going. A triumph of clues laid down way earlier in the previous books and a truly clever conclusion to the series.
That's as much as you'll get from me about the plot itself, it runs parallel to the later events of books one and two and absolutely must be read in order.
On my favourites shelf along with its siblings and all hail The Darkest Court.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
But this book stunned me into almost silence, I say almost because you all know I won't be quiet for long.
So, how to review The Iron Crown? Firstly, it's fantasy at its best, drawing on all the ancient skills of storytelling to weave a tale which pulls the reader along.
It begins with Lugh, youngest son of the Unseelie Court, leader of The Wild Hunt and semi-self exiled Winter Court Prince.
At his side is Keiran, the Viking child he rescued from almost death at the hands of the 'Light Ones' the Seelie Fae of the Summer Court. Now grown and protecting him with the power of the berserker.
It's complex, full of threads which wind themselves around to create a twisted narrative that takes some of the lesser known folklore and legends of the British Isles (geographical land mass not political country 😉 ) and morphs them into an adventurous tale anchored on the love of two men.
There were losses on the way, and I felt them keenly, raged against the treachery and destruction, I hurt for the lost souls, betrayed by false hope.
At its heart, this is a fantasy tale. The relationship is the core, but it's not a romance in the typical sense, so don't expect loads of snogging and on page sex or you'll be disappointed.
I wasn't disappointed myself because I am such a folklore and mythology nerd and because the love between Lugh and Keiran bounces off the page in bucket loads.
The twists and new interpretations M.A. Grant brings to the legends of the Fae, the incorporation of Norse ideas and sagas into the mix, crafts an almost Odyssey-like adventure full of secrets and surprises.
The final dramatic moments had me gasping, literally, when I saw where things were going. A triumph of clues laid down way earlier in the previous books and a truly clever conclusion to the series.
That's as much as you'll get from me about the plot itself, it runs parallel to the later events of books one and two and absolutely must be read in order.
On my favourites shelf along with its siblings and all hail The Darkest Court.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 21, 2025
Awe-Inspiring
What an amazing saga! The the third book is the end of a marvellous cycle, creative characters, all of them, so interesting, so rounded, the plot is spectacular, it grabbed my attention from start to finish, I was at the edge of my seat several times, the action was well displayed, the love scenes, very sweet and the connection between the main characters, superb!
Congratulations to M.A. Grant!!!
I also have this book on audible, high praises to John Solo , incredible acting, fulled committed, the performance was on point!
5⭐️
What an amazing saga! The the third book is the end of a marvellous cycle, creative characters, all of them, so interesting, so rounded, the plot is spectacular, it grabbed my attention from start to finish, I was at the edge of my seat several times, the action was well displayed, the love scenes, very sweet and the connection between the main characters, superb!
Congratulations to M.A. Grant!!!
I also have this book on audible, high praises to John Solo , incredible acting, fulled committed, the performance was on point!
5⭐️
Read
May 10, 2021CONTENT WARNINGS
- descriptions of violent battles and war
- mentions of blood
- intense bodily harm
- mentions of human/fae sacrifice
- out of control bodily sensation and compromised agency
- death and mourning
- descriptions of violent battles and war
- mentions of blood
- intense bodily harm
- mentions of human/fae sacrifice
- out of control bodily sensation and compromised agency
- death and mourning
February 26, 2020
If you like oblivious idiots who have been married for centuries but haven't realized it yet, this is the perfect book for you. And you should definitely read it.
Seeing as this is the third book of a trilogy though, you absolutely have to read the other two books first. Which is great news because they are just as amazing as this one.
The Iron Crown follows the story of the youngest Prince of the Unseelie Court Lugh and his best friend and protector Keiran. Keiran is human and since getting rescued by Lugh after almost dying centuries ago, they've never left each other's sides. They are basically a couple already (but haven't noticed it yet) and diving into this book you see how comfortable they are around each other after having spent all this time together already.
The story runs parallel to the events of the first two books and we finally see what happened after Lugh went off into the Wylds to get the support of the Sluagh for the approaching war. I loved finding out more about Lugh and Keiran, since we've only got to know them through little appearances and mentions in the previous books. I also really liked finding out about their hidden talents, like Lugh's gift with the shades or Keiran's belt.
I'm not sure what more to say about the story without spoiling anything so here are other things I loved about the book:
- Getting to know the Sluagh through Lugh and Keiran's eyes for a change. Their ride through the Wylds with the Wild Hunt, visiting villages and Keiran telling stories of their adventures made me see the Sluagh in a different light. Each book we see the perspective of a different side involved in the war, the Unseelie in Prince of Air and Darkness, the Seelie Court in The Marked Prince and now the Sluagh in TIC. It makes you realize how biased you get while reading each book, forming an opinion on the courts based on the MCs views. I appreciated getting to know everyone's story through the entire series
- Even though I'd call The Iron Crown a romance novel, I'd say the story is pretty plot driven. Which is great since the two main characters already have lots of history together and there was no need adding unnecessary romantic drama. I really liked Lugh and Keiran's development from best friends to lovers (and let's not forget the pining)
- One of my favourite parts: the reunion of the princes. Loved seeing them slowly get back to being a family and fighting together
- Roark (Though I'm probably biased seeing as he's still my fav character). And seeing him with Finny, of course.
- The story of Aage, Breoca and Liv even though it makes me sad thinking about them
- Queen Mab, because she's just such an interesting character
The only 'issue' I prossibly had was that the majority of the story felt a bit too calm. I remember not being able to put the first two books down and while the final installment was never boring, I didnt quite feel the same urgency to constantly keep reading (though maybe I just didn't want the series to end).
Nevertheless, The Darkest Court is one of my favorite series and it deserves so much more attention. You can get the entire series for under 7€ which is crazy, considering you pay so little and get so much in return. Also, I will forever be frustrated that this series isn't available as physical copies. If I had anything to say about it, The Darkest Court series would get Special Hardcover Collecter's Editions with sprayed edges and embossing on the naked cover. I'd gladly pay for that. (Why won't they let me show my support by spending lots of money?)
Even though I'm sad to see this series end, I'm very happy with the ending and I don't feel like I'm left with any unresolved issues. It was a great conclusion to a great series and it's not like I'll have to say goodbye to these characters forever. Knowing me, I'll probably be rereading the series over and over again.
Seeing as this is the third book of a trilogy though, you absolutely have to read the other two books first. Which is great news because they are just as amazing as this one.
The Iron Crown follows the story of the youngest Prince of the Unseelie Court Lugh and his best friend and protector Keiran. Keiran is human and since getting rescued by Lugh after almost dying centuries ago, they've never left each other's sides. They are basically a couple already (but haven't noticed it yet) and diving into this book you see how comfortable they are around each other after having spent all this time together already.
The story runs parallel to the events of the first two books and we finally see what happened after Lugh went off into the Wylds to get the support of the Sluagh for the approaching war. I loved finding out more about Lugh and Keiran, since we've only got to know them through little appearances and mentions in the previous books. I also really liked finding out about their hidden talents, like Lugh's gift with the shades or Keiran's belt.
I'm not sure what more to say about the story without spoiling anything so here are other things I loved about the book:
- Getting to know the Sluagh through Lugh and Keiran's eyes for a change. Their ride through the Wylds with the Wild Hunt, visiting villages and Keiran telling stories of their adventures made me see the Sluagh in a different light. Each book we see the perspective of a different side involved in the war, the Unseelie in Prince of Air and Darkness, the Seelie Court in The Marked Prince and now the Sluagh in TIC. It makes you realize how biased you get while reading each book, forming an opinion on the courts based on the MCs views. I appreciated getting to know everyone's story through the entire series
- Even though I'd call The Iron Crown a romance novel, I'd say the story is pretty plot driven. Which is great since the two main characters already have lots of history together and there was no need adding unnecessary romantic drama. I really liked Lugh and Keiran's development from best friends to lovers (and let's not forget the pining)
- One of my favourite parts: the reunion of the princes. Loved seeing them slowly get back to being a family and fighting together
- Roark (Though I'm probably biased seeing as he's still my fav character). And seeing him with Finny, of course.
- The story of Aage, Breoca and Liv even though it makes me sad thinking about them
- Queen Mab, because she's just such an interesting character
The only 'issue' I prossibly had was that the majority of the story felt a bit too calm. I remember not being able to put the first two books down and while the final installment was never boring, I didnt quite feel the same urgency to constantly keep reading (though maybe I just didn't want the series to end).
Nevertheless, The Darkest Court is one of my favorite series and it deserves so much more attention. You can get the entire series for under 7€ which is crazy, considering you pay so little and get so much in return. Also, I will forever be frustrated that this series isn't available as physical copies. If I had anything to say about it, The Darkest Court series would get Special Hardcover Collecter's Editions with sprayed edges and embossing on the naked cover. I'd gladly pay for that. (Why won't they let me show my support by spending lots of money?)
Even though I'm sad to see this series end, I'm very happy with the ending and I don't feel like I'm left with any unresolved issues. It was a great conclusion to a great series and it's not like I'll have to say goodbye to these characters forever. Knowing me, I'll probably be rereading the series over and over again.
September 5, 2024
Wow! What a heartbreaking but epic ending. If you're like me and wasn't fond of book 1, I ask you to give book 2 and 3 chance. Not only did it redeem Roark for me in Lugh's eyes, but Lugh and Keiran's probably the best pair on this trilogy. Their seemingly unrequited love for each other brought so much longing and a bit of UST but that's the smallest part of what made this a great read. Their adventures as part of the wild hunt, The Horned King and The Poet, their legends and how it came to be was like reading a book inside a book. How they became the key to the war's conclusion and the unity between brothers was a great plot and brought justice to the length of the book.
I have grown an affection for Lugh as the brother who had so much heart, compassion, and faith. With Keiran by his side, they became a force to admire and follow. Keiran was the perfect bestfriend turned lover and his loyalty, dedication, and love for Lugh was epic and romantic and conquers all. Their bond is incomparable. *sigh
❤️❤️❤️
I have grown an affection for Lugh as the brother who had so much heart, compassion, and faith. With Keiran by his side, they became a force to admire and follow. Keiran was the perfect bestfriend turned lover and his loyalty, dedication, and love for Lugh was epic and romantic and conquers all. Their bond is incomparable. *sigh
❤️❤️❤️
April 4, 2020
There aren't many books that make it to my "Epic" shelf but this book more than exceeds the criteria to make it to the shelf. It was THAT good.
The events of this book run concurrently to the events of the previous two books and slowly weaved a tale of adventure, self discovery and undeniable bonds(both familial and forged) that culminated with the battle that had been brewing since the beginning of this series. The writing was impeccable as usual and pulled me right into the Wylds with Lugh, Keiran and The Hunt and I was right there with them as they travelled across the Wylds to help people in need while accomplishing their destined mandates. Though not given individual page time, I really connected to the men of The Hunt and wish we'd get some snippets of them in some sort of "after series shorts" or something. I believe they were too interesting to let go just like that.
Moving on, as much as this book was EPIC in storytelling and world-weaving, I honestly do not think it was much of a romance(or at least in how I view my romance). Yes, I felt the deep, deep connection that existed between Keiran and Lugh. Since they had virtually spent their entire lives together, this was undeniable but I didn't feel that translating into a "romantic" bond. Now, I'm not saying this because there was virtually no sex in this book. I've read other books with absolutely no sex in them which had much better romantic bonds between the protagonists than what existed between Lugh and Keiran. I just wish the romance had been fleshed out more and given more special focus than it had.
Nonetheless, this little niggle of mine didn't take anything away from how great the story was and how the lead up to the finale was nothing short of awesome. I kept trying to piece everything together before the characters did but it was a challenge because this author had her plot on lock and wasn't giving anything away until she was good and ready to! I loved it! I believe it had the perfect ending as well, with all loose ends neatly tied up.
Needless to say, I absolutely enjoyed this book and indeed the entire series and I, for one cannot wait to see what else M.A Grant has in store for us. I'm READY.
eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review
The events of this book run concurrently to the events of the previous two books and slowly weaved a tale of adventure, self discovery and undeniable bonds(both familial and forged) that culminated with the battle that had been brewing since the beginning of this series. The writing was impeccable as usual and pulled me right into the Wylds with Lugh, Keiran and The Hunt and I was right there with them as they travelled across the Wylds to help people in need while accomplishing their destined mandates. Though not given individual page time, I really connected to the men of The Hunt and wish we'd get some snippets of them in some sort of "after series shorts" or something. I believe they were too interesting to let go just like that.
Moving on, as much as this book was EPIC in storytelling and world-weaving, I honestly do not think it was much of a romance(or at least in how I view my romance). Yes, I felt the deep, deep connection that existed between Keiran and Lugh. Since they had virtually spent their entire lives together, this was undeniable but I didn't feel that translating into a "romantic" bond. Now, I'm not saying this because there was virtually no sex in this book. I've read other books with absolutely no sex in them which had much better romantic bonds between the protagonists than what existed between Lugh and Keiran. I just wish the romance had been fleshed out more and given more special focus than it had.
Nonetheless, this little niggle of mine didn't take anything away from how great the story was and how the lead up to the finale was nothing short of awesome. I kept trying to piece everything together before the characters did but it was a challenge because this author had her plot on lock and wasn't giving anything away until she was good and ready to! I loved it! I believe it had the perfect ending as well, with all loose ends neatly tied up.
Needless to say, I absolutely enjoyed this book and indeed the entire series and I, for one cannot wait to see what else M.A Grant has in store for us. I'm READY.
eARC Graciously Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for an Honest, Unbiased Review
July 15, 2023
So good. A must read series.
This is one of my favorite fantasty/UF series. It's a well built world and I love the characters. Each of the three books in the series focuses on a different couple with a main plot running through out. These two were great together and I really loved the romance. You get to see the previous couples in this one too which was a bonus. This would not be a stand alone read. You need to start at book one.
*ARC provided through Netgalley**
This is one of my favorite fantasty/UF series. It's a well built world and I love the characters. Each of the three books in the series focuses on a different couple with a main plot running through out. These two were great together and I really loved the romance. You get to see the previous couples in this one too which was a bonus. This would not be a stand alone read. You need to start at book one.
*ARC provided through Netgalley**
April 3, 2020
In terms of “the heir and the spare,” Prince Lugh of the Unseelie court can only barely be deemed the spare let alone an heir to Queen Mab. Largely dismissed as dispensable, without a clear-cut role to serve behind his older brothers, Prince Sláine and Prince Roarke, Lugh set out to carve his own place in history. He, along with his beloved Keiran, have travelled the Wylds for centuries with the Wild Hunt, building their legend, founding familial bonds and, eventually, creating a dynasty. The Iron Crown is their story as well as the culmination of the Darkest Court trilogy. It is a story built upon want and need and desire and yearning, set against a looming war the likes of which Faerie has never seen, and M.A. Grant weaves this epic tale with skill and a lyricism that only enhances its telling and elevates the beauty of the central relationship between Lugh and Keiran.
The Prince of War and Chaos is a misnomer. Or, at least is hyperbolic. There is no question that Lugh is fierce in battle, when the need arises. But, when all is said and done, he wants nothing more than peace and parity for the people of the Sluagh. His people. The people who know him as their Horned King, their seidhr, the eyes and mouth of the gods. For if they knew him by his true identity—as the son whose own mother was responsible for the deaths of so many in the Wylds—they would only see him as the enemy and the harbinger of conflict. Lugh’s role has not come without its share of secrets, things even Keiran doesn’t know about the man he has sworn to defend and protect since Lugh saved his life centuries before. The burden of the things Lugh sees is part of his magick and figures into the stories Keiran weaves to further Lugh’s legend, even if Keiran isn’t quite sure how Lugh leads the Hunt towards, into, and through their quests.
Keiran’s ascension is essential to the story and to his relationship with Lugh. This book is composed of pining, their mutual pining, and there has been centuries of it on Lugh’s part, which Keiran, as Lugh’s faithful guardian, has not permitted himself to entertain because his fear of losing Lugh is far greater than his belief he could ever be a worthy partner to a prince. There is such a deep and abiding love and commitment between the two of them that their relationship is often indistinguishable from a marriage of hearts and souls. It’s when Keir’s role changes that he begins to allow himself the hope that he and Lugh can be together as something more.
The anticipation of Lugh and Keiran admitting they don’t just love each other but are deeply in love with each other is only outmatched by whether they, and all the other characters who have come to mean so much to readers of this series, will survive the treachery that is visited upon the Unseelie sídhe in the form of the ultimate betrayer, liar, and thief of power. Grant metes out the suspense of the imminent battle for control of Faerie as brilliantly as she choreographs the battle itself, including the revelation of a darkness Lugh has been carrying with him. The final outcome for the Sluagh, which was negotiated to ensure their alliance, is the happiness within the happily ever after for Keiran and Lugh, Roarke and Finny, and Sláine and Seb.
The Iron Crown is every bit as passionate and poetic as the previous two books in this series. It is a journey of love and honor and heroism and sacrifice, building up everything that had come before it into a pure and impeccable consummation of high fantasy and romance and my love of the trilogy.
The Prince of War and Chaos is a misnomer. Or, at least is hyperbolic. There is no question that Lugh is fierce in battle, when the need arises. But, when all is said and done, he wants nothing more than peace and parity for the people of the Sluagh. His people. The people who know him as their Horned King, their seidhr, the eyes and mouth of the gods. For if they knew him by his true identity—as the son whose own mother was responsible for the deaths of so many in the Wylds—they would only see him as the enemy and the harbinger of conflict. Lugh’s role has not come without its share of secrets, things even Keiran doesn’t know about the man he has sworn to defend and protect since Lugh saved his life centuries before. The burden of the things Lugh sees is part of his magick and figures into the stories Keiran weaves to further Lugh’s legend, even if Keiran isn’t quite sure how Lugh leads the Hunt towards, into, and through their quests.
Keiran’s ascension is essential to the story and to his relationship with Lugh. This book is composed of pining, their mutual pining, and there has been centuries of it on Lugh’s part, which Keiran, as Lugh’s faithful guardian, has not permitted himself to entertain because his fear of losing Lugh is far greater than his belief he could ever be a worthy partner to a prince. There is such a deep and abiding love and commitment between the two of them that their relationship is often indistinguishable from a marriage of hearts and souls. It’s when Keir’s role changes that he begins to allow himself the hope that he and Lugh can be together as something more.
The anticipation of Lugh and Keiran admitting they don’t just love each other but are deeply in love with each other is only outmatched by whether they, and all the other characters who have come to mean so much to readers of this series, will survive the treachery that is visited upon the Unseelie sídhe in the form of the ultimate betrayer, liar, and thief of power. Grant metes out the suspense of the imminent battle for control of Faerie as brilliantly as she choreographs the battle itself, including the revelation of a darkness Lugh has been carrying with him. The final outcome for the Sluagh, which was negotiated to ensure their alliance, is the happiness within the happily ever after for Keiran and Lugh, Roarke and Finny, and Sláine and Seb.
The Iron Crown is every bit as passionate and poetic as the previous two books in this series. It is a journey of love and honor and heroism and sacrifice, building up everything that had come before it into a pure and impeccable consummation of high fantasy and romance and my love of the trilogy.
August 5, 2020
One thing I will say about this author is that they have created a very rich world where I can visualize what is going on vividly especially when paired with the narrator. The story did have a tendency to drag just a tad for me but I think that's because it was so very different than the first two. The tone was consistently somber throughout and it was a super slow burn with almost no heat. The payout of the relationship was not that great in the end but that didn't mean I didn't feel their deep connection while it was platonic. I don't think I would classify this as a typical romance because it was was more fantasy and battle in my opinion.
I am a little sad that it's over because I was really immersed in this world but it was still a satisfying ending for me.
Since I made mention of the narrator in the last two books, I wanted to mention that I thought John Solo had a very good performance in this book except that Lugh's voice had a bit of a southern twang at times. I still think his performance in the second book was amazing with this one coming in second.
I am a little sad that it's over because I was really immersed in this world but it was still a satisfying ending for me.
Since I made mention of the narrator in the last two books, I wanted to mention that I thought John Solo had a very good performance in this book except that Lugh's voice had a bit of a southern twang at times. I still think his performance in the second book was amazing with this one coming in second.
August 2, 2020
4.25 stars
That last battle scene alone was worth five stars. A slow start and the constant clutching of pearls by our two protagonists beat it down to 3.75 stars. I'll meet somewhere in the middle.
That last battle scene alone was worth five stars. A slow start and the constant clutching of pearls by our two protagonists beat it down to 3.75 stars. I'll meet somewhere in the middle.
June 7, 2022
Great end to the series. I'm super glad I read the series and look forward to checking out more by the Author.
Do yourself a favor and read Mab's story, free from the Author. It was the perfect dessert, cherry on top to the series.
Sucky review, I know. I finished so long ago I just don't have it in me anymore. Life is crazy good.
Do yourself a favor and read Mab's story, free from the Author. It was the perfect dessert, cherry on top to the series.
Sucky review, I know. I finished so long ago I just don't have it in me anymore. Life is crazy good.
April 10, 2020
Once again, John Solo does a beautiful job narrating. 😍🎧📚
Original Review:
How am I supposed to review the ending of a series that somehow slipped in when I wasn't paying attention and stole my heart without me noticing? I have so many feelings and thoughts and love for Finny, Roark, Seb, Slaine, Lugh, and Keiran. They're all wonderful and complicated disasters and I adore them and their lovely creator so very much. 💖
The Iron Crown is the explosive enchanting finale to The Darkest Court series. The Iron Crown brings everyone's stories together as we race to the brink of a Faerie Civil War and of course I stayed up well past my bedtime a few nights in a row because I had to know what happens to these characters I've come to love. I was immensely satisfied with the ending but I wouldn't object to more stories from this universe. Alas, all good things must come to an end eventually. I still have the TIC audiobook, narrated by the talented John Solo, to look forward to. I highly recommend. All the stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Each book in the series has followed a different set of characters and some of my favorite romance tropes. Without spoiling which is which, though it's not hard to figure out, we get roommates-to-lovers, enemies(rivals)-to-lovers, and bffs-to-lovers, so there's something for everyone or for every Court or something like that. 😉
The Darkest Court is one of the best series I've ever read and it will forever have a spot on my shelves.
I will edit in links to my Spotify playlists for each book after I make one for TIC.
Thank you so incredibly much to Carina Press and M.A. Grant for a series that has brought me so much joy.
Original Review:
How am I supposed to review the ending of a series that somehow slipped in when I wasn't paying attention and stole my heart without me noticing? I have so many feelings and thoughts and love for Finny, Roark, Seb, Slaine, Lugh, and Keiran. They're all wonderful and complicated disasters and I adore them and their lovely creator so very much. 💖
The Iron Crown is the explosive enchanting finale to The Darkest Court series. The Iron Crown brings everyone's stories together as we race to the brink of a Faerie Civil War and of course I stayed up well past my bedtime a few nights in a row because I had to know what happens to these characters I've come to love. I was immensely satisfied with the ending but I wouldn't object to more stories from this universe. Alas, all good things must come to an end eventually. I still have the TIC audiobook, narrated by the talented John Solo, to look forward to. I highly recommend. All the stars. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Each book in the series has followed a different set of characters and some of my favorite romance tropes. Without spoiling which is which, though it's not hard to figure out, we get roommates-to-lovers, enemies(rivals)-to-lovers, and bffs-to-lovers, so there's something for everyone or for every Court or something like that. 😉
The Darkest Court is one of the best series I've ever read and it will forever have a spot on my shelves.
I will edit in links to my Spotify playlists for each book after I make one for TIC.
Thank you so incredibly much to Carina Press and M.A. Grant for a series that has brought me so much joy.
December 22, 2020
**grm**
Well....I was expecting this book to be the most romantic of the series, the pinig between Lugh and Keiran should have been epic, their story with a touch of jealousy, some misunderstanding, some fights and much more, but what we got was a book that in its first half pratically told the story of what happened in the previous books with a different POV. Still, I had great expectations for the second half of the story, but in the end there weren't many scene with Lugh and Keiran as a couple and all the important events happend really too fast. There were some questions that never got an answer, and never will. The romance felt weak, when it should have been the strongest in this book. The big bad villain wasn't so great either, he seemed to have a plan in all the series and then lost in few pages. I didn't see a lot of growing in Lugh or Keiran as characters, they stayed the same in all the story. I still liked this series but for a book this long, the plot really didn't give jus much. I would have rated this 3.5 stars, but there are no half stars, so a 3 it is.
PS= I loved the cover.
Well....I was expecting this book to be the most romantic of the series, the pinig between Lugh and Keiran should have been epic, their story with a touch of jealousy, some misunderstanding, some fights and much more, but what we got was a book that in its first half pratically told the story of what happened in the previous books with a different POV. Still, I had great expectations for the second half of the story, but in the end there weren't many scene with Lugh and Keiran as a couple and all the important events happend really too fast. There were some questions that never got an answer, and never will. The romance felt weak, when it should have been the strongest in this book. The big bad villain wasn't so great either, he seemed to have a plan in all the series and then lost in few pages. I didn't see a lot of growing in Lugh or Keiran as characters, they stayed the same in all the story. I still liked this series but for a book this long, the plot really didn't give jus much. I would have rated this 3.5 stars, but there are no half stars, so a 3 it is.
PS= I loved the cover.
March 15, 2021
ALL THE STARS FOR THIS SERIES!!!
Full review to come shortly, but just know - I am in love. IN LOVE!
5 stars - MORE IF I COULD!! I LOVED this series!! From the first page of The Prince of Air and Darkness to the final page of The Iron Crown, this series had me HOOKED. My only complaint? That it’s over.
This book follows the story of the third and youngest brother, Lugh, and his fight to save his fae family from destruction. It was not at all what I expected, but I still LOVED it! This story is definitely grittier and darker than its predecessors, so be warned. But MA Grant STILL manages to work in all the feels.
ALL the love for this book and series! You’d better believe this is an insta-read author for me now!
Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and author MA Grant for providing me with a free advanced reader’s copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Full review to come shortly, but just know - I am in love. IN LOVE!
5 stars - MORE IF I COULD!! I LOVED this series!! From the first page of The Prince of Air and Darkness to the final page of The Iron Crown, this series had me HOOKED. My only complaint? That it’s over.
This book follows the story of the third and youngest brother, Lugh, and his fight to save his fae family from destruction. It was not at all what I expected, but I still LOVED it! This story is definitely grittier and darker than its predecessors, so be warned. But MA Grant STILL manages to work in all the feels.
ALL the love for this book and series! You’d better believe this is an insta-read author for me now!
Thank you to NetGalley, Carina Press, and author MA Grant for providing me with a free advanced reader’s copy (ARC) in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
March 3, 2020
I was so excited (as always!) to receive an ARC of The Iron Crown by M.A. Grant, so thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for keeping this fantasy & fae lover very happy 😊
So this is the third and final book in The Darkest Court trilogy, with each book based on one of the sons of Queen Mab, and the part they play in an epic battle between good and evil, Seelie and Unseelie, the Slaugh, some longggg living humans, ghosts (aka 'shades'), magic and everything in between.
The Iron Crown focuses on Lugh, the youngest of the three brothers, and his developing relationship with his (initially non-intimate) partner, best friend, loyal side kick (so many feels) Kieren, who is human but with a little (grudging) help from Queen Mab has been around for centuries.
As with the previous books, all of the back stories and loose ends are tied up nicely and this installment finally brings all of the brothers back together again. So good to have lots more Roark action (my definite fave😍). As the youngest brother, Lugh has always seemed somehow 'less' in previous books, but we finally get to find out the weight he has been carrying for centuries and he really comes into his own. As does Kieren. Can't say more for fear of spoilers!
The main action takes place on the road and the battlefield, so not too much angsty romance, but the feels are still there.
Make sure you read the books in order!
Highly recommended 5 ✨✨✨✨✨
So this is the third and final book in The Darkest Court trilogy, with each book based on one of the sons of Queen Mab, and the part they play in an epic battle between good and evil, Seelie and Unseelie, the Slaugh, some longggg living humans, ghosts (aka 'shades'), magic and everything in between.
The Iron Crown focuses on Lugh, the youngest of the three brothers, and his developing relationship with his (initially non-intimate) partner, best friend, loyal side kick (so many feels) Kieren, who is human but with a little (grudging) help from Queen Mab has been around for centuries.
As with the previous books, all of the back stories and loose ends are tied up nicely and this installment finally brings all of the brothers back together again. So good to have lots more Roark action (my definite fave😍). As the youngest brother, Lugh has always seemed somehow 'less' in previous books, but we finally get to find out the weight he has been carrying for centuries and he really comes into his own. As does Kieren. Can't say more for fear of spoilers!
The main action takes place on the road and the battlefield, so not too much angsty romance, but the feels are still there.
Make sure you read the books in order!
Highly recommended 5 ✨✨✨✨✨
April 2, 2021
3.75 Stars
Clearly, I overlooked that cover or I would’ve figured that’s the way the story would go! 😁
I was surprised over how much I liked this story; after all I wasn’t all that impressed when Lugh and Keiran came into the picture on the previous books though I was curious of these best friends’s story. THE IRON CROWN is a wonderful completion to M.A. Grant’s “The Darkest Court” trilogy. The series of incidents that took place in previous books culminated in the final battle in this third installment of the series. Part of the story happened concurrently with those on “Prince of Air and Darkness” and “The Marked Prince” - intertwined to mould a scheme started (off page) on the first book. Which made it clear that the three books need to be read in order to better know who’s who and get the backstory as much as underlying sense of it all.
Similar to the previous entries, this is a moderate pace, dual POVs tale, journaling the adventure of Lugh and Keiran - the first the youngest of Queen Mab’s and the later the human child he saved from the rubble of a village after the Seelie troops razed it to the ground (if you had no idea what I’m referring to with Queen Mab, Seelie, Unseelie fae and such, you really need to backtrack to the first book). As the finale - so to speak - it’s an all encompassing tale; going on revealing the heck’s been going wrong and who’s been behind them yet also - through flashbacks, some detailed and some scattered - glimpsed on the pasts of the major players in this conflict. This illustrated the touching and heartbreaking fact (Lugh with the shades and Keiran with annihilation of his family) not only to our heroes but to the blackguard as well (though their painful upbringing was hardly an excuse for their horrible greed and murderous path). I didn’t particularly relished part of the events that unfurled - it’s obviously necessary for the plot to work but I really hate bad people got an upper hand - yet karma did pay off in the end.
The romance here put slow burn on a new scale - I mean, talk about centuries barely doing anything whilst holding your feeling. Mad!! Although without being an actual couple they already acted - and treated - like old married one! I think couple dynamic wise, theirs was the best over Lugh’s siblings‘s (even when they had their moments of doubting the other’s conviction). Though what I loved about this book was not only the love story between our heroes but the brotherhood love between existing and made family. THE IRON CROWN did a good job in patching things up and concluding the saga in a way that made me happy.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Clearly, I overlooked that cover or I would’ve figured that’s the way the story would go! 😁
I was surprised over how much I liked this story; after all I wasn’t all that impressed when Lugh and Keiran came into the picture on the previous books though I was curious of these best friends’s story. THE IRON CROWN is a wonderful completion to M.A. Grant’s “The Darkest Court” trilogy. The series of incidents that took place in previous books culminated in the final battle in this third installment of the series. Part of the story happened concurrently with those on “Prince of Air and Darkness” and “The Marked Prince” - intertwined to mould a scheme started (off page) on the first book. Which made it clear that the three books need to be read in order to better know who’s who and get the backstory as much as underlying sense of it all.
Similar to the previous entries, this is a moderate pace, dual POVs tale, journaling the adventure of Lugh and Keiran - the first the youngest of Queen Mab’s and the later the human child he saved from the rubble of a village after the Seelie troops razed it to the ground (if you had no idea what I’m referring to with Queen Mab, Seelie, Unseelie fae and such, you really need to backtrack to the first book). As the finale - so to speak - it’s an all encompassing tale; going on revealing the heck’s been going wrong and who’s been behind them yet also - through flashbacks, some detailed and some scattered - glimpsed on the pasts of the major players in this conflict. This illustrated the touching and heartbreaking fact (Lugh with the shades and Keiran with annihilation of his family) not only to our heroes but to the blackguard as well (though their painful upbringing was hardly an excuse for their horrible greed and murderous path). I didn’t particularly relished part of the events that unfurled - it’s obviously necessary for the plot to work but I really hate bad people got an upper hand - yet karma did pay off in the end.
The romance here put slow burn on a new scale - I mean, talk about centuries barely doing anything whilst holding your feeling. Mad!! Although without being an actual couple they already acted - and treated - like old married one! I think couple dynamic wise, theirs was the best over Lugh’s siblings‘s (even when they had their moments of doubting the other’s conviction). Though what I loved about this book was not only the love story between our heroes but the brotherhood love between existing and made family. THE IRON CROWN did a good job in patching things up and concluding the saga in a way that made me happy.
Copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2020
Such an epic of a fae fantasy
This is a trilogy finale in MA Grant's simply stunning fantasy series The Darkest Court.
The trilogy portrays the developments of the 3 Fae Courts seen through different MM love stories. Here it's lived through the third couple, Prince Lugh, the youngest Prince of the Winter Court and his firm other half since they were both very young, Keiran. Lugh has spent ages as The Horned King of the Wild Hunt with Keiran at his side creating a legend in the Sluagh territory. The title continues the saga and finishes it bringing the main couple into a HEA, too, while the two of them first dance around the truth of where their hearts belong to, around each other, deciding both to throw their insecurity to wind and give the other finally a chance to accept them and they realize both that there couldn't be anything that made them happier. There are betrayals, sorrow, enemies to beat and friends and family to bring close back together, too.
Now, oh, what to say? I can't possibly put it all to words. I only wish I could! The finale of the title is stunning. I talked about wishing to give roses to the author last time while reviewing title 2 and that really goes for the whole. I'm standing behind every bit I said for Prince of Air and Darkness as well as The Marked Prince. Each is in its way a different telling of a view of the whole and it all still fits seamlessly.
The gifted storyteller MA Grant proceeds to once again weave us an amagingly told, powerful and colorful epic story. Such a rich fantasy setting. Such story, such vividness, such characters, such intrigue, such storytelling, masterfully crafted. It sure is one heck of a wild ride at the storm's edge as befits to The Wild Hunt. I got all I expected and more. It just left me so hungry for more by them! I cannot wait to see what next.
As it happens I was looking through my favourite fantasy group today and some thread about fantasy caught my eye. Something I'd just read in The Iron Crown simply fit like a glove to describe my favourite fantasy in general as well as this new favourite of favourites I'm utterly, head over heels madly in love with to explain the charm of what we love in fantasy. I was just rereading and this was what the characters were describing:
“It seems everything we do works that way,” he says. “We ride, we find some strange quest, we’re woefully unprepared, we somehow defeat a monster, and we go home to feast and tell stories about it until the next time.”
I certainly fervently hope so and cannot wait.
This is a trilogy finale in MA Grant's simply stunning fantasy series The Darkest Court.
The trilogy portrays the developments of the 3 Fae Courts seen through different MM love stories. Here it's lived through the third couple, Prince Lugh, the youngest Prince of the Winter Court and his firm other half since they were both very young, Keiran. Lugh has spent ages as The Horned King of the Wild Hunt with Keiran at his side creating a legend in the Sluagh territory. The title continues the saga and finishes it bringing the main couple into a HEA, too, while the two of them first dance around the truth of where their hearts belong to, around each other, deciding both to throw their insecurity to wind and give the other finally a chance to accept them and they realize both that there couldn't be anything that made them happier. There are betrayals, sorrow, enemies to beat and friends and family to bring close back together, too.
Now, oh, what to say? I can't possibly put it all to words. I only wish I could! The finale of the title is stunning. I talked about wishing to give roses to the author last time while reviewing title 2 and that really goes for the whole. I'm standing behind every bit I said for Prince of Air and Darkness as well as The Marked Prince. Each is in its way a different telling of a view of the whole and it all still fits seamlessly.
The gifted storyteller MA Grant proceeds to once again weave us an amagingly told, powerful and colorful epic story. Such a rich fantasy setting. Such story, such vividness, such characters, such intrigue, such storytelling, masterfully crafted. It sure is one heck of a wild ride at the storm's edge as befits to The Wild Hunt. I got all I expected and more. It just left me so hungry for more by them! I cannot wait to see what next.
As it happens I was looking through my favourite fantasy group today and some thread about fantasy caught my eye. Something I'd just read in The Iron Crown simply fit like a glove to describe my favourite fantasy in general as well as this new favourite of favourites I'm utterly, head over heels madly in love with to explain the charm of what we love in fantasy. I was just rereading and this was what the characters were describing:
“It seems everything we do works that way,” he says. “We ride, we find some strange quest, we’re woefully unprepared, we somehow defeat a monster, and we go home to feast and tell stories about it until the next time.”
I certainly fervently hope so and cannot wait.
January 8, 2023
4.5 Stars
I just am blown away by this series. I don’t understand why it took so long for it to fall under my radar. This was once a again a series I saw randomly recommended on Reddit and I am so thankful for that.
The romance in this one is not as well-balanced against the overall plot as it was in the first two books. The second book is my favourite, and the first and third are tied for second place and there’s definitely no third place because this series is just that good. This book is a best friends to lovers trope which kind of cracked me up because these two have been besties for something like eight centuries. Regardless, Lugh and Kieran’s absolute devotion to each other is wonderful. It is a testament to the author’s skill that you can feel how these two have been absolutely devoted to each other for centuries. We are shown their connection rather than told, without use of frequent flashbacks even. They’re so warm and protective of each other and play off each other so well and it makes for a delightful story. Their romance does fall a bit under the fantasy plot though, which is tough to avoid in a final book of a series. The spicy scenes are definitely more fade-to-black ish than I typically tolerate as well.
Thankfully, the fantasy plot here and its conclusion was incredible. I was once again glued to the pages, forgetting to eat, forgetting to feed my cat, absolutely engrossed. I loved Lugh’s affinity for the dead and I adored how that helped push the plot forward. The last 30% had me breathless and many moments of teary eyes occurred. There are many moments in the book where I was very emotional and the author allowed her characters to feel their grief and that is something I really appreciate.
This whole series was something special, and I will forever be utterly in love with Roark, Finny, Sebastian, Sláine, Kieran, and Lugh.
I just am blown away by this series. I don’t understand why it took so long for it to fall under my radar. This was once a again a series I saw randomly recommended on Reddit and I am so thankful for that.
The romance in this one is not as well-balanced against the overall plot as it was in the first two books. The second book is my favourite, and the first and third are tied for second place and there’s definitely no third place because this series is just that good. This book is a best friends to lovers trope which kind of cracked me up because these two have been besties for something like eight centuries. Regardless, Lugh and Kieran’s absolute devotion to each other is wonderful. It is a testament to the author’s skill that you can feel how these two have been absolutely devoted to each other for centuries. We are shown their connection rather than told, without use of frequent flashbacks even. They’re so warm and protective of each other and play off each other so well and it makes for a delightful story. Their romance does fall a bit under the fantasy plot though, which is tough to avoid in a final book of a series. The spicy scenes are definitely more fade-to-black ish than I typically tolerate as well.
Thankfully, the fantasy plot here and its conclusion was incredible. I was once again glued to the pages, forgetting to eat, forgetting to feed my cat, absolutely engrossed. I loved Lugh’s affinity for the dead and I adored how that helped push the plot forward. The last 30% had me breathless and many moments of teary eyes occurred. There are many moments in the book where I was very emotional and the author allowed her characters to feel their grief and that is something I really appreciate.
This whole series was something special, and I will forever be utterly in love with Roark, Finny, Sebastian, Sláine, Kieran, and Lugh.
March 4, 2020
Friends to lovers...Lugh and Keiran are the ultimate friends to lovers even tho they were pretty much life partners already
This story is a fitting ending to the series, and I’m sad to see it end. It starts off running along the same timeline as the first two, but then the books collide.
And the action simply doesn’t stop.
Lugh and Keiran and the Hunt are constantly on the move. They have their official mission, but Lugh’s magic leads them astray quite often. And Lugh’s magic is horrifying and amazing and super fucking cool.
Keiran is a rock...but I’d argue that Lugh is a rock as well. Can’t have one without the other.
Highly recommend the entire series.
This story is a fitting ending to the series, and I’m sad to see it end. It starts off running along the same timeline as the first two, but then the books collide.
And the action simply doesn’t stop.
Lugh and Keiran and the Hunt are constantly on the move. They have their official mission, but Lugh’s magic leads them astray quite often. And Lugh’s magic is horrifying and amazing and super fucking cool.
Keiran is a rock...but I’d argue that Lugh is a rock as well. Can’t have one without the other.
Highly recommend the entire series.
December 26, 2020
[7.36/10]
I was liiiiiiving for the tropes in this book:
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ Bodyguard
✅ Secret yearning
✅ Only one bed
✅ Journey across land
All that and it was a really solid wrap on the overall fae fantasy plot that we’ve seen percolate throughout the first two books. We also got to see the MCs from book 1 and 2 play key roles towards the end. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this whole trilogy and I’ll be keeping my eye on whatever Grant writes next!
I was liiiiiiving for the tropes in this book:
✅ Friends to lovers
✅ Bodyguard
✅ Secret yearning
✅ Only one bed
✅ Journey across land
All that and it was a really solid wrap on the overall fae fantasy plot that we’ve seen percolate throughout the first two books. We also got to see the MCs from book 1 and 2 play key roles towards the end. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this whole trilogy and I’ll be keeping my eye on whatever Grant writes next!
March 30, 2020
The excellent closure of an excellent fantasy.
It doesn't leave any plot hole, it's well written and the world building is excellent.
I loved the characters and I'm sad if there won't be any further stories featuring them.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It doesn't leave any plot hole, it's well written and the world building is excellent.
I loved the characters and I'm sad if there won't be any further stories featuring them.
It was an excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
October 20, 2020
4.5 stars
April 8, 2020
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
With each book, this series has become more epic in scope. As the leader of the wild hunt, Lugh’s story feels miles away from the courtly power struggles waged by both Lugh’s brothers. Lugh’s book reads like an epic quest as the hunt moves through the Wylds attempting to protect the Sluagh people. Where book 1 mixed the contemporary world with high fantasy, this book is more like the second, set firmly in the fairy world. Lugh doesn’t have much skill as a courtier so this is a book full of gritty action and bloody battles that culminates in an epic battle that will alter the entire fairy world.
Kieran and Lugh are possibly the most developed characters in the series and I really love the relationship between the prince and his poet. Unlike the first two books, this isn’t a traditional romance. Kieran and Lugh work together, battle together and have enjoyed a platonic partnership for centuries. Both are more pragmatic than romantic and their focus is on the battle they are preparing for, not their changing relationship. I love their rare, awkward emotional moments and the small glimpses of softness under their battle hardened exteriors.
Personally, I enjoy political intrigue more than gory battles so this isn’t necessarily my favourite of the three books. Other readers will enjoy the fast paced action and the escalating tension in this final story. And though I’m still a little confused about how the timelines of the three books match up, all the pieces of the series come together beautifully in the final epic battle at the end of this book. I’ve loved this series from the start and while I can see potential for multiple spinoff books, I feel like this is a satisfying end to the trilogy about Queen Mab’s three very different sons.
With each book, this series has become more epic in scope. As the leader of the wild hunt, Lugh’s story feels miles away from the courtly power struggles waged by both Lugh’s brothers. Lugh’s book reads like an epic quest as the hunt moves through the Wylds attempting to protect the Sluagh people. Where book 1 mixed the contemporary world with high fantasy, this book is more like the second, set firmly in the fairy world. Lugh doesn’t have much skill as a courtier so this is a book full of gritty action and bloody battles that culminates in an epic battle that will alter the entire fairy world.
Kieran and Lugh are possibly the most developed characters in the series and I really love the relationship between the prince and his poet. Unlike the first two books, this isn’t a traditional romance. Kieran and Lugh work together, battle together and have enjoyed a platonic partnership for centuries. Both are more pragmatic than romantic and their focus is on the battle they are preparing for, not their changing relationship. I love their rare, awkward emotional moments and the small glimpses of softness under their battle hardened exteriors.
Personally, I enjoy political intrigue more than gory battles so this isn’t necessarily my favourite of the three books. Other readers will enjoy the fast paced action and the escalating tension in this final story. And though I’m still a little confused about how the timelines of the three books match up, all the pieces of the series come together beautifully in the final epic battle at the end of this book. I’ve loved this series from the start and while I can see potential for multiple spinoff books, I feel like this is a satisfying end to the trilogy about Queen Mab’s three very different sons.
April 30, 2020
Many thanks to NetGalley and Carina Press for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I often have to prep myself for the ending of a series— especially one I’ve enjoyed. By the end, I’ll be saying good bye to these characters and their world. The Iron Crown marks the ending of The Darkest Court trilogy of books by M.A. Grant. It stands to reason that this one would focusing on Lugh, the youngest of Queen Mab’s children. Kieran had been previously also introduced as his right hand, his best friend. And there is a sizable chunk of this book that intersects prior events in the first two.
The final installment of The Darkest Court trilogy felt much more focused on the Slough and their history, which makes sense as they are technically the third party of whole conflict. It rounds out most of what was missing in terms of the 'why' of the war.
Lugh has long been in love with Kieran. There was a single rejection in their past and with that they had settled into a deep friendship instead. Grant has hit me with slow burn after slow burn this series. It doesn't change here. There is a hefty amount of longing for more, but the weight of responsibilities and conflict take precedent.
The actual final battle portion felt slightly rushed. I was starting to almost worry there wouldn't be enough pages left for a resolution- I was wrong by the way; there even is an epilogue I was quite happy with. Actually by that point I was sad to let them all go, I was so fond of all the characters. For me the satisfaction I got from each book was consistent and I was so pleased and happy with it overall.
I often have to prep myself for the ending of a series— especially one I’ve enjoyed. By the end, I’ll be saying good bye to these characters and their world. The Iron Crown marks the ending of The Darkest Court trilogy of books by M.A. Grant. It stands to reason that this one would focusing on Lugh, the youngest of Queen Mab’s children. Kieran had been previously also introduced as his right hand, his best friend. And there is a sizable chunk of this book that intersects prior events in the first two.
The final installment of The Darkest Court trilogy felt much more focused on the Slough and their history, which makes sense as they are technically the third party of whole conflict. It rounds out most of what was missing in terms of the 'why' of the war.
Lugh has long been in love with Kieran. There was a single rejection in their past and with that they had settled into a deep friendship instead. Grant has hit me with slow burn after slow burn this series. It doesn't change here. There is a hefty amount of longing for more, but the weight of responsibilities and conflict take precedent.
The actual final battle portion felt slightly rushed. I was starting to almost worry there wouldn't be enough pages left for a resolution- I was wrong by the way; there even is an epilogue I was quite happy with. Actually by that point I was sad to let them all go, I was so fond of all the characters. For me the satisfaction I got from each book was consistent and I was so pleased and happy with it overall.
April 3, 2020
Oh, my, this last book in the Darkest Court series is something else. Very different from the first two books, but oh, so amazingly good. This author knows how to write characters who draw you in and drag you through the story so you don't want to put it down for even a second. This book about Lugh, the youngest of Queen Mab's sons, has twists and turns I couldn't even imagine and definitely didn't see coming. I love that the story is all about the plot and the relationship and not simply sex. If you're looking for that, you won't find much here. But the emotion and feelings we see between Lugh and Keiran are outstanding and so deeply felt. I hate that this was the last book. I want so much more of this fabulous world! Highly recommend!
Want to read
March 19, 2020A wonderful conclusion to this highly entertaining series. It wraps up the overreaching series story arc in a very satisfying manner, it was all I could have hoped for for this amazing cast of characters. I was hooked on the series from the first chapter of book one and my interest never waned, I highly recommend reading the series in order because not one minute of this wonderfully engaging tale is to be missed.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley*
March 29, 2022
Reread 03/2022 review-3 stars?? I am not too fond of either Lugh or Keiran 😕. Also, I don’t really like them together for some reason 🤷🏻♀️. Additionally, I felt like it just needed more, or I wasn’t 100% satisfied with the ending?? I don’t know.
Original 06/2020 review- 2.5 stars. I didn’t like Keiran.
Original 06/2020 review- 2.5 stars. I didn’t like Keiran.
March 15, 2020
M. A. Grant writes the most interesting characters and stories. I love the world she's built. I think this book is a necessary read if you've loved the previous two books. I just didn't really love this one the same way I adored The Marked Prince.
dnf
April 15, 2020dnf'ing this for now as I'm just not into this right now. But I will definitely come back to it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews