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Sons of Rome #4
Golden Eagle
In 1942, Chekist Captain Nikita Baskin led his elite group of Soviet Secret Police into the wilds of Siberia on a mission to retrieve a “volunteer.” Sasha Kashnikov, Tomsk University student and trapper’s son, became a werewolf, an intended weapon against the Nazis. But in truth, he was meant to be the Familiar of the vampire Rasputin. In a clearing north of Stalingrad, amid blood-stained snow, Rasputin died, the pack burned, and Nikita and Sasha set off toward eternity together, bound by tragedy, and trust, and a tenderness neither would name. In modern day New York, their pack of two has grown to include two detectives, an artist, and the former tsarevich of Russia. And after what occurred in Virginia, Nikita and Sasha have reached a breaking point. Sasha, an unusually strong alpha wolf, remains unbound, and the forces on all sides of the looming war will want a chance to claim him – to make him a weapon again. All Nik has ever wanted to do was protect his precious Sashka. And all Sasha wants is to be more than a friend and little brother to the man – the vampire – he loves most. Book four of the Sons of Rome series is all about pack. About lovers, and friends, and found family. About learning how to be honest, and to let go of guilt, and about finding the courage to love without reservation. There’s a Wallachian prince in town, enemies old and new, and a world to save. But first, Nikita has a confession to make. One that’s been seventy-seven years in the making.
661 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2019
20 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 10, 2021
It may have been my own fault for reading books three and four back-to-back, after having put some space between the first three, but this is easily my least favourite of the series. Nothing awful, and certainly not worth giving up on, nor even a reason to not consider the series if you haven't yet, but.. not my favourite.
In complete contrast to book three, in GOLDEN EAGLE we spend all our time in present day and reunite with.. well, pretty much everyone we've met across this series. We also got some payoff I was hoping for as far back as book one. But it left me with some pretty mixed feelings because I felt a lot of the characters, or maybe just moments, felt so out of character. Which was frustrating because there are so many characters in this world in general and many that I can pretty definitively say I do not like -- or only tolerate. So to be stuck with everyone and to have the ones I do love.. feel strange? Mixed bag.
This was the most romance heavy of the series which I definitely would've loved had my precious beans felt a little more like themselves but it wasn't all bad. Some moments? Pure swoon, pure loveliness, pure steam. But it does give the reader a bit of whiplash going from very different tones in each book. It keeps it interesting, that's for sure, particularly considering the wordcount. Just something to keep in mind, though.
That said, even with the few typos or missed punctuation marks, something I noticed started to occur in book three and we had a few more of them in this book, considering the aforementioned wordcount, considering all the history and reference points, everything that goes into this, and what the author is listing them for on amazon? Ridiculous. A steal. There is definitely a lot of good in this world, in these books, and I'm keen to still read on -- but now that I've caught up I am in for a wait as who knows when book five is due to come out! Shucks.
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
In complete contrast to book three, in GOLDEN EAGLE we spend all our time in present day and reunite with.. well, pretty much everyone we've met across this series. We also got some payoff I was hoping for as far back as book one. But it left me with some pretty mixed feelings because I felt a lot of the characters, or maybe just moments, felt so out of character. Which was frustrating because there are so many characters in this world in general and many that I can pretty definitively say I do not like -- or only tolerate. So to be stuck with everyone and to have the ones I do love.. feel strange? Mixed bag.
This was the most romance heavy of the series which I definitely would've loved had my precious beans felt a little more like themselves but it wasn't all bad. Some moments? Pure swoon, pure loveliness, pure steam. But it does give the reader a bit of whiplash going from very different tones in each book. It keeps it interesting, that's for sure, particularly considering the wordcount. Just something to keep in mind, though.
That said, even with the few typos or missed punctuation marks, something I noticed started to occur in book three and we had a few more of them in this book, considering the aforementioned wordcount, considering all the history and reference points, everything that goes into this, and what the author is listing them for on amazon? Ridiculous. A steal. There is definitely a lot of good in this world, in these books, and I'm keen to still read on -- but now that I've caught up I am in for a wait as who knows when book five is due to come out! Shucks.
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This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
April 26, 2020
I didn’t do my homework before starting this series. I originally thought it was just 3 books. Then I found this one and realised it’s still an ongoing series.
Despite loving vampires, werewolves, Russian history and this author. The first 2 books weren’t the run away 5* reads I’d expected. Good but not great.
The third book changed all this. It started slow but once it got going I couldn’t put it down.
I moved straight onto this, the forth one. My expectations were high, maybe too high.
It just didn’t move fast enough for me. This is more of a relationship book. In fact around the half way mark I found I was skimming. It wasn’t going anywhere fast and I was losing my patience. It all ended well and I’m looking forward to Lionheart.
But in the interests of writing an honest and fair review. In my opinion this book was too long, too dragged out and just didn’t have enough plot for pages.
Despite loving vampires, werewolves, Russian history and this author. The first 2 books weren’t the run away 5* reads I’d expected. Good but not great.
The third book changed all this. It started slow but once it got going I couldn’t put it down.
I moved straight onto this, the forth one. My expectations were high, maybe too high.
It just didn’t move fast enough for me. This is more of a relationship book. In fact around the half way mark I found I was skimming. It wasn’t going anywhere fast and I was losing my patience. It all ended well and I’m looking forward to Lionheart.
But in the interests of writing an honest and fair review. In my opinion this book was too long, too dragged out and just didn’t have enough plot for pages.
July 31, 2021
I love this series. But where’s the fifth book? 😩 I want more of these guys, this wonderful pack; and I don’t want to leave this universe that Gilley had so skillfully created… 2,5k pages just weren’t enough. 😭
I enjoyed this fourth installment very much. It was fast-paced and action-packed, and Nikita and Sasha’s story was as good as I’d expected. After seventy-odd years of mutual pining, they finally got their HEA, and it was so lovely. That ending just about made me melt. So sweet and romantic, but these boys deserve all the happiness in the world. Especially Nikita with his ever-persisting guilt about everything… I loved seeing all the positive changes in him after his union with Sasha, that darling, precious boy. ❤️ The way he finally allowed himself to be happy, for the first time in his life.
I loved all the scenes with Val, of course, he’s still my fave character here. Reading about him finally enjoying his life as a free man was so bittersweet. His interactions with his wolves, especially the prickly Fulk, were so adorable. It’s good to know he has their unconditional love and emotional support (as well as Mia’s, I suppose…). That talk with Nik on the rooftop, though! 😳 God, I love this guy.
There’s no cliffie, and that’s great, because I’ve become so attached to some of these characters that I’d be climbing the walls waiting for the next installment. As it is, I knew this was an ongoing series, but I just couldn’t resist…
Lionheart is going to be amazing, I can feel it. And I want Alexei, Dante and Severin’s story, asap! I have the feeling it’s the poly that we’d been promised~ 😏
I enjoyed this fourth installment very much. It was fast-paced and action-packed, and Nikita and Sasha’s story was as good as I’d expected. After seventy-odd years of mutual pining, they finally got their HEA, and it was so lovely. That ending just about made me melt. So sweet and romantic, but these boys deserve all the happiness in the world. Especially Nikita with his ever-persisting guilt about everything… I loved seeing all the positive changes in him after his union with Sasha, that darling, precious boy. ❤️ The way he finally allowed himself to be happy, for the first time in his life.
I loved all the scenes with Val, of course, he’s still my fave character here. Reading about him finally enjoying his life as a free man was so bittersweet. His interactions with his wolves, especially the prickly Fulk, were so adorable. It’s good to know he has their unconditional love and emotional support (as well as Mia’s, I suppose…). That talk with Nik on the rooftop, though! 😳 God, I love this guy.
There’s no cliffie, and that’s great, because I’ve become so attached to some of these characters that I’d be climbing the walls waiting for the next installment. As it is, I knew this was an ongoing series, but I just couldn’t resist…
Lionheart is going to be amazing, I can feel it. And I want Alexei, Dante and Severin’s story, asap! I have the feeling it’s the poly that we’d been promised~ 😏
January 2, 2020
I started of 2020 with an amazing book! Lauren Gilley is so underrated as an author. This series is so epic. I love the characters. This one was action packed and filled with emotion.
January 4, 2020
12 stars
Absolutely one of the best authors I've encountered in my almost 7 decades! I worry that Trina needs some immortality. Great adventures.
Absolutely one of the best authors I've encountered in my almost 7 decades! I worry that Trina needs some immortality. Great adventures.
April 26, 2025
I am vastly annoyed. Vastly!
Too many characters. I don't care about them!! And so many more books (with many years since the last book with no end to the hiatus in sight) before I get to (possibly) Vlad's book.
But I don't even pine for Vlad's book because for all I know he ends with Adela, whom I don't care much for at all. Vlad needs someone UBER special, and it's not Adela.
Arrgggghhhhh get to the point and kill Romulus already! But no! there are supposedly MANY more books but none has been written!
If not for the relatively good writing I'd give this 2 stars.
Too many characters. I don't care about them!! And so many more books (with many years since the last book with no end to the hiatus in sight) before I get to (possibly) Vlad's book.
But I don't even pine for Vlad's book because for all I know he ends with Adela, whom I don't care much for at all. Vlad needs someone UBER special, and it's not Adela.
Arrgggghhhhh get to the point and kill Romulus already! But no! there are supposedly MANY more books but none has been written!
If not for the relatively good writing I'd give this 2 stars.
December 30, 2019
Every book gets better!
This has been my favorite book of the series so far! I can’t wait for the next book In this series!
This has been my favorite book of the series so far! I can’t wait for the next book In this series!
May 9, 2020
Man I love this series and this writer! Hands down most underrated writer out there. I wish everyone would pick up one of her books. Golden Eagle is special because it’s all Nikita and Sasha. Fell in love with those two in White Wolf and it makes my little heart overflow with love to read more about their story. Loved the Alexei storyline as well and super excited to be getting more info on Robin and his crew in the next installment. Time to start scouring the net to see when bk 5 Lionheart will drop because somehow Golden Eagles release got past me! 4.5
December 31, 2019
The best so far
The story continues and is awesome - so many characters and plotlines that Lauren keeps straight and keeps expanding. I am so looking forward to the next book.
The story continues and is awesome - so many characters and plotlines that Lauren keeps straight and keeps expanding. I am so looking forward to the next book.
December 29, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed
I love that Sasha and Nikita got their HEA. I wonder when/if Trina will become a vampire too. I ADORE the idea of Pack.
Only one complaint, I really think the organization of this wonderful series is unwieldy. There's a lot of info, a lot of back story, a lot of characters, action, storyline and it all just SO much to take in.
That said, I LOVE that it's so epic, I love the story and I love all the characters.
I love that Sasha and Nikita got their HEA. I wonder when/if Trina will become a vampire too. I ADORE the idea of Pack.
Only one complaint, I really think the organization of this wonderful series is unwieldy. There's a lot of info, a lot of back story, a lot of characters, action, storyline and it all just SO much to take in.
That said, I LOVE that it's so epic, I love the story and I love all the characters.
December 29, 2019
Another excellent installment in this genre bending series. All the characters make an appearance in this one and some new characters are introduced. Relationships evolve and Nik finally gets out of his own way in regard to his feelings for Sasha. And that ending...wow. If you've enjoyed the other books in the series, dive into this one because the slow burn pays off in this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2020
Golden Eagle came out over the holiday period, and with all the craziness that holidays entail I had read it piecemeal. A few minutes here, half an hour there, reading while my family were watching a movie. I went back last weekend, when I had a completely free weekend; no one to see and nowhere to be. But still. This is my favourite of the series, in fact, to make a very big call – I think Golden Eagle is the best book that Lauren Gilley has ever written.
The story is meant to be Alexei Romanov’s story. (Yes, that Alexei Romanov), but in reality, this seems like a pack story. And the growth of the pack as well! We witness Lanny and Trina’s relationship beginning – the comfort of a decades-old relationship between Nik and Sasha, the familiar relationship between the Vamps and the Wolves and everything in between. We even have new characters coming into the story which is amazing, considering we are now on book 4. Truly Lauren’s genius is characters that are no way near perfect, and I don’t think you want them to be, but they are characters that I just can’t help but love.
The story itself is interesting, all set in the current time, and I still don’t know where the story is going. I have a rough idea, and I’m pretty sure I know who ‘the big bad’ is, but as to how they get there, I as a reader am left guessing. The big bad of this book is once again the Ingraham Institute – seriously, these guys have a lot to answer for. This book feels more like a “romance” than the rest of the series has. And I found myself shedding tears of happiness at the end. It’s about as close to perfect as I have ever read.
The story is meant to be Alexei Romanov’s story. (Yes, that Alexei Romanov), but in reality, this seems like a pack story. And the growth of the pack as well! We witness Lanny and Trina’s relationship beginning – the comfort of a decades-old relationship between Nik and Sasha, the familiar relationship between the Vamps and the Wolves and everything in between. We even have new characters coming into the story which is amazing, considering we are now on book 4. Truly Lauren’s genius is characters that are no way near perfect, and I don’t think you want them to be, but they are characters that I just can’t help but love.
The story itself is interesting, all set in the current time, and I still don’t know where the story is going. I have a rough idea, and I’m pretty sure I know who ‘the big bad’ is, but as to how they get there, I as a reader am left guessing. The big bad of this book is once again the Ingraham Institute – seriously, these guys have a lot to answer for. This book feels more like a “romance” than the rest of the series has. And I found myself shedding tears of happiness at the end. It’s about as close to perfect as I have ever read.
January 10, 2020
This book is a love letter to historical fiction readers.
The most romantic so far in the series, Golden Eagle reunites you with beloved characters from White Wolf (Book One) and explores more of the real time dark and shady hi jinx the pack finds themselves in.
Golden Eagle resonated on many levels with me, as I’m very attached to this core of “pack mates”. Every time they feel pain, discomfort, happiness, loss, elation, betrayal; I feel it too. And what makes me feel these things? What makes me so attached to them? It’s Lauren Gilley’s writing.
Anyone can write great stories and memorable characters. But never before has someone written both within a world that has existed with touches that haven’t existed. Never before has someone written a series that has inspired me to seek out the characters that exist in our history and devour all the information I can find out about them. Never before has someone surprised me so much in a book four plot point that I literally sit staring at my kindle. Never before has someone made me want to be able to pull characters physically from the pages and exist along side them.
This is what Ms. Gilley does and I’ll be here waiting for the next installment, dreaming of snowy hills in Russia and equally as snowy trails in Buffalo, NY.
The most romantic so far in the series, Golden Eagle reunites you with beloved characters from White Wolf (Book One) and explores more of the real time dark and shady hi jinx the pack finds themselves in.
Golden Eagle resonated on many levels with me, as I’m very attached to this core of “pack mates”. Every time they feel pain, discomfort, happiness, loss, elation, betrayal; I feel it too. And what makes me feel these things? What makes me so attached to them? It’s Lauren Gilley’s writing.
Anyone can write great stories and memorable characters. But never before has someone written both within a world that has existed with touches that haven’t existed. Never before has someone written a series that has inspired me to seek out the characters that exist in our history and devour all the information I can find out about them. Never before has someone surprised me so much in a book four plot point that I literally sit staring at my kindle. Never before has someone made me want to be able to pull characters physically from the pages and exist along side them.
This is what Ms. Gilley does and I’ll be here waiting for the next installment, dreaming of snowy hills in Russia and equally as snowy trails in Buffalo, NY.
May 9, 2020
5 stars! Another amazing installment in an equally amazing series. On paper, a paranormal romance that includes characters from history and fiction (maybe?) sounds kind of weird, right? But let me tell you, it is such a crazy ride, and I am all in. Ms Gilley manages to create the a world that is totally believable, and characters that are almost instantly loved or hated, and she does it through showing and not telling. There are a lot of characters to keep up with, but she manages to give them so much personality that you never get lost. Her female characters are equally as strong and likable, but let me tell you, she can make you fall in love with one of her guys so damn hard. These are nice, fat, long books. You can get lost in them, and POOF, hours have gone by. I want to compare it to something, so you can get a feel for it, but, honestly, I can't think of anything. It's just really unique story telling. Vampires, werewolves, and mages, oh my! I have a Pinterest folder just for the characters. Val and Sasha are HAWT. Oh hell, they are all hot. READ THIS SERIES. If you are a true paranormal fan, it's a must read.
December 26, 2019
Golden Eagle, is quite simply perfect, one of the best books I have ever read.
I am a fan of Lauren Gilley, and have read all of her other work. I have always loved the way that she writes such complex characters, who have such depth, who aren’t perfect but who are so alive that they stay with you long after you finish the book. The way she weaves the plot with moments of action, sadness, family and hope. But, Golden Eagle is the best she has ever written.
I can’t say much about the plot, too much happens, I can simply say read it! you will not be disappointed. There is action and character development but above all there is family and love. Even though I know the characters face war, and Golden Eagle is definitely a big step closer to that war, and there are still so many unanswered questions, and big decisions and uncertainty for some characters, the book has an ending that has left me crying happy tears, and with a stupid smile on my face.
Golden Eagle is a truly brilliant book, and I can hardly wait for Lionheart.
I am a fan of Lauren Gilley, and have read all of her other work. I have always loved the way that she writes such complex characters, who have such depth, who aren’t perfect but who are so alive that they stay with you long after you finish the book. The way she weaves the plot with moments of action, sadness, family and hope. But, Golden Eagle is the best she has ever written.
I can’t say much about the plot, too much happens, I can simply say read it! you will not be disappointed. There is action and character development but above all there is family and love. Even though I know the characters face war, and Golden Eagle is definitely a big step closer to that war, and there are still so many unanswered questions, and big decisions and uncertainty for some characters, the book has an ending that has left me crying happy tears, and with a stupid smile on my face.
Golden Eagle is a truly brilliant book, and I can hardly wait for Lionheart.
June 4, 2024
“Do you know who I am? I am the blood of Byzantium, and Muscovy. I am the double-headed eagle of East and West. I am the snows that turned back Napoleon. I am the sword that checked the Ottoman sultans. I am the wrath of an entire empire winnowed down to one bleeding, furious child with a grudge against the world.“
I never wrote a review for this monster of a book!
A friend of mine is reading book 1 for the first time and she's loving it.
And that's making me reminisce my experience with the whole saga.
Years later, this is still one of the BEST stories I've ever read in the genre!
This is a story of found family, of pack, of romance, of monsters and heroes.
Apart from Lestat, these vampires are maybe the best version I could find in books.
really, to anyone reading this lines, add these books to your TBR.
I never wrote a review for this monster of a book!
A friend of mine is reading book 1 for the first time and she's loving it.
And that's making me reminisce my experience with the whole saga.
Years later, this is still one of the BEST stories I've ever read in the genre!
This is a story of found family, of pack, of romance, of monsters and heroes.
Apart from Lestat, these vampires are maybe the best version I could find in books.
really, to anyone reading this lines, add these books to your TBR.
December 29, 2019
Absolutely brilliant. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Golden Eagle. There is so much love in this book. Friends, family, lovers…
« That was when he felt it. A surge of peace, and love, and trust, and every good, warm emotion describable. There was a click. A locking together. A binding – he understood it now. Not like chains and collars, not manacles. It was unification. A perfect understanding ; an ecstasy like the best sex, like reaching the peak together. A soul bound. »
Annnnnnnnd… « That’s some real Walking Dead shit, man. »
« Then all eyes swung toward Val. He laughed, and threw his arms wide. « Darlings, I’ve been chained up for centuries ! Of course I want revenge ! »
The Pack will return in the next Sons of Rome adventure, Lionheart, coming soon… I cannot wait.
« That was when he felt it. A surge of peace, and love, and trust, and every good, warm emotion describable. There was a click. A locking together. A binding – he understood it now. Not like chains and collars, not manacles. It was unification. A perfect understanding ; an ecstasy like the best sex, like reaching the peak together. A soul bound. »
Annnnnnnnd… « That’s some real Walking Dead shit, man. »
« Then all eyes swung toward Val. He laughed, and threw his arms wide. « Darlings, I’ve been chained up for centuries ! Of course I want revenge ! »
The Pack will return in the next Sons of Rome adventure, Lionheart, coming soon… I cannot wait.
Read
October 28, 2024Lauren Gilley has become one of my favorite authors and this series is exceptional. Her characters are always well developed, as she takes her time developing intricate histories for each character so that when she brings the storylines together it does not feel forced or artificial.
Each book that comes out builds on the previous, so it is important to start at the beginning (White Wolf), but they are such a pleasure to read that you will enjoy every minute.
Well done! I am looking forward to Lionheart.
Each book that comes out builds on the previous, so it is important to start at the beginning (White Wolf), but they are such a pleasure to read that you will enjoy every minute.
Well done! I am looking forward to Lionheart.
January 15, 2020
Yay! Sasha and Nikita ❤️
This was such a great continuation of the series, and I loved that we got a little bit of everyone in this book. The author writes such great characters that are all vital to the story in some way.
I adored seeing this side of Nikita, both bad ass and romantic.
I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here!
This was such a great continuation of the series, and I loved that we got a little bit of everyone in this book. The author writes such great characters that are all vital to the story in some way.
I adored seeing this side of Nikita, both bad ass and romantic.
I cannot wait to see where the story goes from here!
January 6, 2020
Loved this book! Love the Pack... please do not make us wait too long for the next one!
April 6, 2020
SASHA KASHNIKOV I LOVE YOU
April 2, 2020
Just as good as the rest of the series!! The last 10% of the book (and it's a long book) was non-stop action and my heart was in my throat! So happy for Nik and Sasha, and Val and Mia, and Lanny and Trina. Would have liked a little more Vlad to be honest but loved the scenes where Val visited him - put a huge smile on my face. I'm not that fond of Dante, but am hoping he will grow on me, and I'm super intrigued by Severin. I hope the next book is coming out soon because I was able to read books 2-4 back to back and I can't wait too long to continue this story while it's so fresh in my mind. I am absolutely obsessed with this series right now!
March 26, 2020
I picked up this series and ripped through them all back to back, and that might be my problem with Golden Eagle.
It was all just a bit much, the characters have sort of all blended into one and there are too many side stories to care as much about them all.
The actual storyline didn't go very far in this one, it was all very romance driven and felt so out of character for most it. Skimmed the last half, heavy eye roll at the ending - hoping the next one is more story and less everyone being called 'darling'.
It was all just a bit much, the characters have sort of all blended into one and there are too many side stories to care as much about them all.
The actual storyline didn't go very far in this one, it was all very romance driven and felt so out of character for most it. Skimmed the last half, heavy eye roll at the ending - hoping the next one is more story and less everyone being called 'darling'.
September 18, 2020
This series is a dream for history nerds and vampire lovers. There is so much going on and it's so well executed. I can't wait for Lionheart.
January 16, 2020
Finally !!!!!!!!
Love this series. Nice long book that wasn't over in a second. This author can write a story and make it so good. And once you have read it you will understand....... Finally !!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! And hopefully in an up coming book, Vlad will be lucky and have someone fall in his lap (literally) that knocks him off his feet.
Love this series. Nice long book that wasn't over in a second. This author can write a story and make it so good. And once you have read it you will understand....... Finally !!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! And hopefully in an up coming book, Vlad will be lucky and have someone fall in his lap (literally) that knocks him off his feet.
January 29, 2020
I devoured this series. I can’t believe more people haven’t heard of LG. Her talent and ability to bring characters to life is nothing short of brilliant. I absolutely love Val, he makes me smile and his resplendent self pops on the page. I cannot wait for Lionheart, I have come to love these characters. Well done miss gilley, 👏👏
January 16, 2020
Oh, this pack. Lauren Gilley is a fabulous writer, I am always amazed by the FEELS she yanks right out of me. I loved every single second of this book. All the characters that I love and a couple I'm not too sure about. I cannot wait for more.
January 21, 2020
This book was so good. The entire series is just amazing!!! The scenes between Sasha & Nik...what a love story!!! You get so involved with the characters that you don't want to let them go!!! It's the same with her Dartmoor series!!! She's an instant One Click for me. Such rich storytelling!!!!
January 3, 2020
Amazing
January 17, 2020
Fantastic
I loved every single thing about this book,the characters are growing stronger and the plot keeps building with every page,can't wait for the next installment
I loved every single thing about this book,the characters are growing stronger and the plot keeps building with every page,can't wait for the next installment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews