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Dark Court Rising #3
Curse of Darkness
The Darkness is coming...
Thiago is gone, and enemies surround me on all sides.
But when the Queen of Ravenal offers me a deal—knowledge of my husband’s true nature in exchange for my pledge to destroy my wicked mother—there’s a glimmer of hope in my world.
I could have him back.
I could return him to life.
All I have to do is venture into the Underworld and barter with the God of Death….
Is my Light enough to counter it?
But when Thiago returns, even though his kiss is as familiar to me as my own breath, there are shadows in his night-dark eyes, and a violent, desperate sense of possession to his touch. It’s like he’s drowning, and my light is the only thing holding his head above the tide of Darkness threatening to consume him.
But with a dark god rising in the north, and my mother threatening war, maybe we need his Darkness in order to vanquish all….
Maybe it’s time we both unleashed the true nature of our powers.
My light. His Darkness.
Together we can burn the world to ashes….
The heart stopping conclusion to the Thiago and Iskvien trilogy!
Forbidden love will consume them in this tale of a pair of fated mates desperate to save each other. Curse of Darkness features a pair of soulmates determined to forge their own fate, and the wicked queen who will stop at nothing to tear them apart.
Read this epic fantasy romance filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!
Thiago is gone, and enemies surround me on all sides.
But when the Queen of Ravenal offers me a deal—knowledge of my husband’s true nature in exchange for my pledge to destroy my wicked mother—there’s a glimmer of hope in my world.
I could have him back.
I could return him to life.
All I have to do is venture into the Underworld and barter with the God of Death….
Is my Light enough to counter it?
But when Thiago returns, even though his kiss is as familiar to me as my own breath, there are shadows in his night-dark eyes, and a violent, desperate sense of possession to his touch. It’s like he’s drowning, and my light is the only thing holding his head above the tide of Darkness threatening to consume him.
But with a dark god rising in the north, and my mother threatening war, maybe we need his Darkness in order to vanquish all….
Maybe it’s time we both unleashed the true nature of our powers.
My light. His Darkness.
Together we can burn the world to ashes….
The heart stopping conclusion to the Thiago and Iskvien trilogy!
Forbidden love will consume them in this tale of a pair of fated mates desperate to save each other. Curse of Darkness features a pair of soulmates determined to forge their own fate, and the wicked queen who will stop at nothing to tear them apart.
Read this epic fantasy romance filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!
541 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
88 people are currently reading
2310 people want to read
About the author
Bec McMaster
64 books3,463 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 6, 2022
A very good Finale for Vi and Thiago’s story!
I liked the story as a whole, but I found annoying Vi's constant doubts for everything! And her inner musings too!
I would have liked the ending more... I don't know... just more! It was too abrupt!
I admit that I just skimmed the sex scenes. They irked me because they interrupted the flow, IMHO... He just had to touch her and she was "wet"!!! Just like that!! And at the most inappropriate moments!
Still many things have been explained, but I feel that there're other things that has een left pending. Maybe for the next book? *wink*
I liked the story as a whole, but I found annoying Vi's constant doubts for everything! And her inner musings too!
I would have liked the ending more... I don't know... just more! It was too abrupt!
I admit that I just skimmed the sex scenes. They irked me because they interrupted the flow, IMHO... He just had to touch her and she was "wet"!!! Just like that!! And at the most inappropriate moments!
Still many things have been explained, but I feel that there're other things that has een left pending. Maybe for the next book? *wink*
July 1, 2023
I'm sorry, you want me to wait a WHOLE YEAR. After an ending like that?! No no no, impossible.
March 27, 2022
**I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
The perfect finale for Vi and Thiago’s journey. I appreciated this book for showing the duality of many characters. A lot of them had character developments or had hidden depths all along.
Vi grew into her power in this book. She was always a little uncertain and wishy-washy. This book, she resolved in getting Thiago back and in winning her fight against her mother. It was nice to see how far she had come since the first book. She embraced her magic. She ruled with decisive actions. I loved her newfound confidence. And I respected that she learned to reconcile her past with her mother, and make peace with someone who was never going to change. Plus, she learned to accept the hopeful, loving part of herself that her mother despised and found weak. Vi ended up finding a good balance between being firm and kind without being a pushover.
Thiago was sweet as always, but he finally confronted the darker side of him that was lurking inside him this whole time. Both he and Vi learned to accept that part of him. Their relationship felt more solid in this one - no more secrets, no more hesitation, just them loving each other and being there for one another as they struggled to defeat their foes.
It was interesting to see them be parents. Amara was nine years old, so it was understandably awkward as they learned to gain her trust, after having just found out about her existence not too long ago.
Death was horrible but he actually had many facets to him. The Death that lived inside Thiago had a sad backstory and wasn’t as bad as he initially seemed. He There was also the Death that lived in Amara who was soft and sweet.
The Mother of Night seemed manipulative and terrible and she was, but Vi and Amara also saw the softer part of her - a mother figure like her name said. It turned out that she cared more about them than just using them as mere pawns.
I loved that Lucere had a redemption arc in this book. She was no longer the petty, spoiled princess who was obsessed with Thiago. She explained why she was jealous of Vi - She had a hard upbringing and she thought Thiago was her hope to get away from that, but Vi was the one who ended up getting everything she wanted. Furthermore, I appreciated that Lucere had a lot of loyalty and strength when it came to protecting her kingdom and her sister. She was a good person overall, and it was awesome that she eventually teamed up with Vi. I was glad it was not another one of those “girl hating on the other girl because of a guy” situations. She was a lonely girl, so it was nice that she formed a somewhat friendship with Vi.
Also, the love-hate relationship between Lucere and Baylor was funny. She was prim and bossy and he was stubborn and grumpy. I loved it and would 100% not mind if they got their own book.
This book seemed to have a lot of possible love triangles/squares with
Grimm being such a grumpy, but helpful cat while he took care of Amara was the cutest thing ever. Those were some of my favorite scenes.
I loved this conclusion to Thiago and VI’s story. It was very satisfying. They had both come a long way and I just adored them. I appreciated this book for showing so much depth in some characters, especially ones you wouldn’t expect, and a good preview at what is to come with other characters. I also can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens with the side characters. I’m hoping there’ll be one book per couple and not a trilogy like Thiago and Vi, but I guess we shall see. 4 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Favorite scenes?
The perfect finale for Vi and Thiago’s journey. I appreciated this book for showing the duality of many characters. A lot of them had character developments or had hidden depths all along.
Vi grew into her power in this book. She was always a little uncertain and wishy-washy. This book, she resolved in getting Thiago back and in winning her fight against her mother. It was nice to see how far she had come since the first book. She embraced her magic. She ruled with decisive actions. I loved her newfound confidence. And I respected that she learned to reconcile her past with her mother, and make peace with someone who was never going to change. Plus, she learned to accept the hopeful, loving part of herself that her mother despised and found weak. Vi ended up finding a good balance between being firm and kind without being a pushover.
Thiago was sweet as always, but he finally confronted the darker side of him that was lurking inside him this whole time. Both he and Vi learned to accept that part of him. Their relationship felt more solid in this one - no more secrets, no more hesitation, just them loving each other and being there for one another as they struggled to defeat their foes.
It was interesting to see them be parents. Amara was nine years old, so it was understandably awkward as they learned to gain her trust, after having just found out about her existence not too long ago.
Death was horrible but he actually had many facets to him. The Death that lived inside Thiago had a sad backstory and wasn’t as bad as he initially seemed. He There was also the Death that lived in Amara who was soft and sweet.
The Mother of Night seemed manipulative and terrible and she was, but Vi and Amara also saw the softer part of her - a mother figure like her name said. It turned out that she cared more about them than just using them as mere pawns.
I loved that Lucere had a redemption arc in this book. She was no longer the petty, spoiled princess who was obsessed with Thiago. She explained why she was jealous of Vi - She had a hard upbringing and she thought Thiago was her hope to get away from that, but Vi was the one who ended up getting everything she wanted. Furthermore, I appreciated that Lucere had a lot of loyalty and strength when it came to protecting her kingdom and her sister. She was a good person overall, and it was awesome that she eventually teamed up with Vi. I was glad it was not another one of those “girl hating on the other girl because of a guy” situations. She was a lonely girl, so it was nice that she formed a somewhat friendship with Vi.
Also, the love-hate relationship between Lucere and Baylor was funny. She was prim and bossy and he was stubborn and grumpy. I loved it and would 100% not mind if they got their own book.
This book seemed to have a lot of possible love triangles/squares with
Grimm being such a grumpy, but helpful cat while he took care of Amara was the cutest thing ever. Those were some of my favorite scenes.
I loved this conclusion to Thiago and VI’s story. It was very satisfying. They had both come a long way and I just adored them. I appreciated this book for showing so much depth in some characters, especially ones you wouldn’t expect, and a good preview at what is to come with other characters. I also can’t wait to read the rest of the series and see what happens with the side characters. I’m hoping there’ll be one book per couple and not a trilogy like Thiago and Vi, but I guess we shall see. 4 stars
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level?
Favorite scenes?
July 5, 2022
"What is fear if not belief." ~
My new favorite quote
from any author ever.
This is the book I was waiting for. The one I'd hoped would come out of the trilogy.
While the first book ended up being a four star read (to me) book two dragged until the end and I had my doubts that book three would deliver. But it did!
Okay, let's dive in:
*beware of spoilers ahead*
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Vi and Thiago - We begin in a moment of loss. Vi sits in life without her other half and realizes how much she was holding back, not just in saying "I love you," but with her self-confidence, her self-assurance, the power she let lay dormant...
The beginning of book three was very important for Vi's character development. (I love how much she hated ruling without Thiago by her side, it was raw, heartwrenching, perfection.)
The scenes where she went to find Thiago in the darkness helped her become a fully realized queen in so many ways. All her previous doubts, all the times she was helpless, every moment she could do nothing but be impetuous and hope for the best crushed her spirit. But in Curse of the Darkness, it all came down to her, alone, in the dark, fighting for the only thing she ever believed in... him.
Thiago - I feel like his character arc was lacking. It took until the very end for him to understand some fundamental truths about himself that Amaya picked up just by listening to a few wise words, (not unrealistic, but also not entirely consistent with his character).
The attempted tension between Thiago and his daughter detracted from the storyline and could have been utilized in a more clever way... (I really think this was due to length constraints? Like maybe McMaster didn't want the book to be too long, or was told to cut stuff by her editor, or idk...) I felt Thiago deserved more than he got on these pages. (Just my opinion, not fact.)
Death, his reality needed to be showcased. It was crammed into this last book and really could have been a deeper, more integral part of the story as a whole. (I wish.)
Baylor... I hope he gets his own love, he and that blue haired girl might be cute together.
Lysander deserves his own happily ever after, he endured too much to not be given the ending he needs. I haven't even seen him be interested in someone though so idk who he'd end up with... (Maybe Raith. 😏)
Eris and Fin... their chapter before the battle was probably the most gripping one in the book! I REALLY want them to get their own trilogy. 🤤
I'm probably not going to be able to stop myself from reading Edane and Andraste's story because they both deserve so much, (unless it becomes a reverse harem sorta thing. I'm really not into sharing... 🤭)
Talia, I'm interested in seeing her happy, but I'd be content if it was woven into someone else's tale.
The Mother - seriously - I knew who she was by book one, I was sad to see her sacrifice, but understood why it was necessary.
The Old Ones... they have some new tricks to learn.
The Boss Battle - I'm gonna be honest. It was a bit of a mess. There was SO MUCH crammed into those scenes... entire conversations were happening between an upraised sword and its downward slash. People were popping in left and right (just to say hello?) and then it was just like "the end now." 😵💫 Once again I'm assuming this was due to word count constraints, or maybe the editor. I guess it could also be a writing style? Idk... aside from that, I still really enjoyed the angst, the love, the friendships-- (my gosh those friendships!) 🥰 and the peril!
This book made it to my favorites list and will likely be revisited time and again in the years to come.
My new favorite quote
from any author ever.
This is the book I was waiting for. The one I'd hoped would come out of the trilogy.
While the first book ended up being a four star read (to me) book two dragged until the end and I had my doubts that book three would deliver. But it did!
Okay, let's dive in:
*beware of spoilers ahead*
🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Vi and Thiago - We begin in a moment of loss. Vi sits in life without her other half and realizes how much she was holding back, not just in saying "I love you," but with her self-confidence, her self-assurance, the power she let lay dormant...
The beginning of book three was very important for Vi's character development. (I love how much she hated ruling without Thiago by her side, it was raw, heartwrenching, perfection.)
The scenes where she went to find Thiago in the darkness helped her become a fully realized queen in so many ways. All her previous doubts, all the times she was helpless, every moment she could do nothing but be impetuous and hope for the best crushed her spirit. But in Curse of the Darkness, it all came down to her, alone, in the dark, fighting for the only thing she ever believed in... him.
Thiago - I feel like his character arc was lacking. It took until the very end for him to understand some fundamental truths about himself that Amaya picked up just by listening to a few wise words, (not unrealistic, but also not entirely consistent with his character).
The attempted tension between Thiago and his daughter detracted from the storyline and could have been utilized in a more clever way... (I really think this was due to length constraints? Like maybe McMaster didn't want the book to be too long, or was told to cut stuff by her editor, or idk...) I felt Thiago deserved more than he got on these pages. (Just my opinion, not fact.)
Death, his reality needed to be showcased. It was crammed into this last book and really could have been a deeper, more integral part of the story as a whole. (I wish.)
Baylor... I hope he gets his own love, he and that blue haired girl might be cute together.
Lysander deserves his own happily ever after, he endured too much to not be given the ending he needs. I haven't even seen him be interested in someone though so idk who he'd end up with... (Maybe Raith. 😏)
Eris and Fin... their chapter before the battle was probably the most gripping one in the book! I REALLY want them to get their own trilogy. 🤤
I'm probably not going to be able to stop myself from reading Edane and Andraste's story because they both deserve so much, (unless it becomes a reverse harem sorta thing. I'm really not into sharing... 🤭)
Talia, I'm interested in seeing her happy, but I'd be content if it was woven into someone else's tale.
The Mother - seriously - I knew who she was by book one, I was sad to see her sacrifice, but understood why it was necessary.
The Old Ones... they have some new tricks to learn.
The Boss Battle - I'm gonna be honest. It was a bit of a mess. There was SO MUCH crammed into those scenes... entire conversations were happening between an upraised sword and its downward slash. People were popping in left and right (just to say hello?) and then it was just like "the end now." 😵💫 Once again I'm assuming this was due to word count constraints, or maybe the editor. I guess it could also be a writing style? Idk... aside from that, I still really enjoyed the angst, the love, the friendships-- (my gosh those friendships!) 🥰 and the peril!
This book made it to my favorites list and will likely be revisited time and again in the years to come.
Read
March 28, 2022CURSE OF DARKNESS is now live and available on all vendors! Here's a sneak peek....
“Where are you?” The wyrm screams, battering its way closer.
Rocks and debris scatter like toys. I manage to crawl two steps before an enormous rock slams into me. I can’t stop a cry.
And the delighted squeal of air behind me tells me it heard me.
The wyrm snakes toward me.
I throw an arm over my face and—
Nothing.
Barely breathing, I risk a look.
The wyrm is frozen in place, black blood dripping down its pale face and violence in its glittering eyes as it rises over me.
But it bares its teeth, clearly hesitant to strike, its gaze settled on something behind me.
And that’s when I hear the first footstep.
Boots crunching over shattered glass. The wisp of a cloak trailing through the dust.
We’re no longer alone.
“Hello, my lady of summer,” whispers a familiar voice. A shadow falls over me, wings draped behind it.
Thiago.
I spin around and there he is, stalking toward us with unhurried steps. Tall, lean, viciously elegant. I’ve seen him move like this in company, in the courts. It’s like he slips into another skin and becomes the savage Prince of Evernight, but the Thiago I loved is a different male. He’s kinder. Softer. Prone to dangerous smiles that steal my breath.
My gaze leaps to his face—to those eyes.
They’re black.
This is not my husband. Not the charmer. Not the rogue who pins me to the bed and laughs against my throat.
This is the Prince of Evernight.
The Master of Darkness.
My heart cursed near bursts in my chest, a strangled sob choking in my throat. He’s back. He’s here. I can’t stop myself from raking my gaze over his face. I’ve tasted those hard lips and felt them soften beneath mine.
I know every inch of my husband.
But the power spilling from within him….
It’s thick enough in the air to choke me. A banked threat. A whispered malice. And the glitter in his eyes as he stares at the wyrm sends a shiver all the way through me….
Thiago slowly smiles as he plucks at the buttons on his wrist, and carefully rolls his sleeve back, like a gentleman preparing for a ball. “Would you care to dance again, Great Enryathan?”
“My territory,” the wyrm hisses. It bares its teeth, its forked tongue flickering between them.
Thiago’s face remains cold and expressionless. “My wife.”
🔥🔥🔥
ALL VENDORS: https://books2read.com/u/mlW7RW
“Where are you?” The wyrm screams, battering its way closer.
Rocks and debris scatter like toys. I manage to crawl two steps before an enormous rock slams into me. I can’t stop a cry.
And the delighted squeal of air behind me tells me it heard me.
The wyrm snakes toward me.
I throw an arm over my face and—
Nothing.
Barely breathing, I risk a look.
The wyrm is frozen in place, black blood dripping down its pale face and violence in its glittering eyes as it rises over me.
But it bares its teeth, clearly hesitant to strike, its gaze settled on something behind me.
And that’s when I hear the first footstep.
Boots crunching over shattered glass. The wisp of a cloak trailing through the dust.
We’re no longer alone.
“Hello, my lady of summer,” whispers a familiar voice. A shadow falls over me, wings draped behind it.
Thiago.
I spin around and there he is, stalking toward us with unhurried steps. Tall, lean, viciously elegant. I’ve seen him move like this in company, in the courts. It’s like he slips into another skin and becomes the savage Prince of Evernight, but the Thiago I loved is a different male. He’s kinder. Softer. Prone to dangerous smiles that steal my breath.
My gaze leaps to his face—to those eyes.
They’re black.
This is not my husband. Not the charmer. Not the rogue who pins me to the bed and laughs against my throat.
This is the Prince of Evernight.
The Master of Darkness.
My heart cursed near bursts in my chest, a strangled sob choking in my throat. He’s back. He’s here. I can’t stop myself from raking my gaze over his face. I’ve tasted those hard lips and felt them soften beneath mine.
I know every inch of my husband.
But the power spilling from within him….
It’s thick enough in the air to choke me. A banked threat. A whispered malice. And the glitter in his eyes as he stares at the wyrm sends a shiver all the way through me….
Thiago slowly smiles as he plucks at the buttons on his wrist, and carefully rolls his sleeve back, like a gentleman preparing for a ball. “Would you care to dance again, Great Enryathan?”
“My territory,” the wyrm hisses. It bares its teeth, its forked tongue flickering between them.
Thiago’s face remains cold and expressionless. “My wife.”
🔥🔥🔥
ALL VENDORS: https://books2read.com/u/mlW7RW
August 15, 2024
#1.) Promise of Darkness: ★★★
#2.) Crown of Darkness: ★★★
#3.) Curse of Darkness: ★★★
I'll have to keep an eye on Bec McMaster for her adult fantasy-romance books moving forward -- she writes good Celtic-fae mythology stories with a pretty good balance between the fantasy/action and the romance.
Her Dark Court Rising series is very underrated and unfairly gets compares to the A Court of Thorns and Roses a lot, whereas I feel like this story merely dips into fae mythology just as much as any other fae fantasy while also going deeper into the mythology. Overall, this series was a blast. My main regret is I took a few weeks off in the middle of the book and when I returned, I forgot a lot of what happened in the first half of the book.
THE GOOD
1) I'm finally understanding now the benefits of continuing a series with a focus on different characters instead of the same main cast through the entire series because oooh, was I done with reading about Iskvien and Thiago by book three. The seemingly sporadic one-off chapter perspectives from Andraste, Finn, Eris, and Edain were actually extremely welcomed and entertaining. I'd read a book featuring Eris and Finn, or Andraste.
2) The stakes are definitely raised by this point with the final showdown between our Big Bads, which include Papa Thiago, Iskvien's mom, and the Horned One.
THE BAD
1) I love me my romance but even I straight-up skipped the sex scenes between Thiago and Iskvien. We get it -- you're having sex.
2) I wasn't aware there's more to this series after this, mainly Andraste's book. I know I just said I'd read a book featuring her but...this means this book ended without finality on where Eris is, what happened between Eris and Finn on the battlefield, what's going on with Andraste/Edain/Goblin King, and any kind of wrap-up for Theron. I mean, I'd read the next spinoff books/series...but I was really hoping for more emotional finality here for those characters.
#2.) Crown of Darkness: ★★★
#3.) Curse of Darkness: ★★★
I'll have to keep an eye on Bec McMaster for her adult fantasy-romance books moving forward -- she writes good Celtic-fae mythology stories with a pretty good balance between the fantasy/action and the romance.
Her Dark Court Rising series is very underrated and unfairly gets compares to the A Court of Thorns and Roses a lot, whereas I feel like this story merely dips into fae mythology just as much as any other fae fantasy while also going deeper into the mythology. Overall, this series was a blast. My main regret is I took a few weeks off in the middle of the book and when I returned, I forgot a lot of what happened in the first half of the book.
THE GOOD
1) I'm finally understanding now the benefits of continuing a series with a focus on different characters instead of the same main cast through the entire series because oooh, was I done with reading about Iskvien and Thiago by book three. The seemingly sporadic one-off chapter perspectives from Andraste, Finn, Eris, and Edain were actually extremely welcomed and entertaining. I'd read a book featuring Eris and Finn, or Andraste.
2) The stakes are definitely raised by this point with the final showdown between our Big Bads, which include Papa Thiago, Iskvien's mom, and the Horned One.
THE BAD
1) I love me my romance but even I straight-up skipped the sex scenes between Thiago and Iskvien. We get it -- you're having sex.
2) I wasn't aware there's more to this series after this, mainly Andraste's book. I know I just said I'd read a book featuring her but...this means this book ended without finality on where Eris is, what happened between Eris and Finn on the battlefield, what's going on with Andraste/Edain/Goblin King, and any kind of wrap-up for Theron. I mean, I'd read the next spinoff books/series...but I was really hoping for more emotional finality here for those characters.
February 21, 2025
There is so much to unpack here...
So, I would first like to say that I loved the story in general. All three books were full of all the elements that -in my opinion make up a great fantasy: enemies to lovers, intrigue, lies, rivalry, manipulation, deception, friendship, love, lots of sex, hope, kindness and tons and tons of action. I liked that the story most of the time did not drag on, and I also liked how the bonds between the characters developed.
With that said, there were some things, especific to this, the last book that I just did not understand and / or just hated:
First and foremost, the unbalanced POV's drove me nuts! You never knew who you were going to read about in the next chapter, and it messed up my expectations, and I would lose the threat of what was happening.
Now on to the characters.
Vi:
1. The incessant need of Vi to overanalize every single detail of everything and then proceed to have an internal monologue of several pages about it.
2. Her complete disregard of EVERYTHING the Mother of Night told her. I would have liked to see that relationship blossom and develop into Vi learning how to be herself from a true mentor, from someone who actually considered her a daughter. Someone who could have nurtured her and helped her come into her own. That did not happen, and instead, I was left waiting and hoping to get a glimpse of this goddess who I thought was badass.
3. The whole Amaya situation was wayyyy over the top and not needed at all! This story did not have room for a child period! There were soooooo many (too many) back stories to pursue to be adding a child to the mix! Especially since the plot did not need it at all!!! Thiago would have died for Vi no matter what proving the great ultimate sacrifice since, you know, that's what he's been doing already from book one!!! Also, Vi not being able to have a child again was such bullshit! So she doesn't get to change diapers, wake up in the middle of the night from a crying baby, experience her child's first steps, first time they taste solid food, speak their first word..and I can go on and on with all the "firsts" they have missed and yet this doesn't seem to be a problem????!!
The whole thing was not necessary. Thiago could have had doubts about touching his friends, and he could have acted weird after he came back with Vi and the others... There was absolutely no need to add a child to this.
Thiago:
I loved Thiago. He was the epitome of a Dark Prince. So sexy, so dark, so dreamy and the sex.....ufff... me likes! The only complaint I have is that from the moment he is brought back, we learn about him and the depths of his internal struggle with Death. We also learn how Death has been as much part of him as he has become part of Death. So imagine my shock when by the last chapters of the book, this super important detail of the plot is reduced to literally one meagre chapter about Death deciding to leave super quick and fast and Thiago being A OK with it , smiling and just saying: "let's go home, my love" after Death is gone from his body....
Sooooooo, how did he feel? Was a part of the real Thiago gone, too? You know, since Death was a part of him as previously established and mentioned like fifty times??? Will he miss it? Will he even remember how to be himself without Death there???? I mean, seriously? How could that be the end of this, that's it??
The friends:
Was the author's intention to give a taste of these characters and just leave us hanging?? That is exactly what happens when you develop too many back stories and then desperately try to tie them all up together at the end somehow. I loved all the characters, some more than others, but overall, all the characters from the Evernight court were cool and deserved better:
1. Baylor:
So he was so awesome, and I was left hungry for more. He sounded sexy, mysterious, and just all-around material for his own story. And yet, I have no clue why there was a need to entice poor Lucere with him and then have him interested in her sister whom he had never seen or talked to before! Creating a super messy relationship between Lucere and her sister and leaving poor Lucere alone (again) and cursed! And we as readers have no clue what happens to her either.
2.Finn (and Eris):
I would like to say that I have read the "From Blood and Ash" series and stopped reading it because of what they did to the characters in The War of Two Queens. Yes, I am one of those people who became suuuuuuper disappointed with the messy trio (or throple?) that Jennifer Armentrout made for no good reason! No, I don't mind threesomes, I mind that she took a super cool character (Kerian) and turned him into a guy who was lusting after his best friend's wife while he was in jail and being tortured, instead of having his own life.
But back to Finn. I make the comparison because I absolutely loved how in this book, true sister/brother bond develops between Finn and Vi and how he is there for her once Thiago is gone. He goes with her - literally to hell and back and is there for her with real support, compassion, and understanding. His character is deep and at the same time charming and funny. So again, I am left wanting more. More of him and his story with Eris. Eris, on the other hand, I liked but did not get much. She was one of those characters that is just there, ok if something happens with her or not. The only time I liked her was when she finally decided to unleash herself, but instead of continuing to kill goblings, she decided to play cat and mouse with Finn!!! Really??! Why though?!
3. Thalia:
So, I really liked Thalia and how she was the sister Vi chose. I liked how fabulous she was, and I loved her comebacks. I would have looooooved to know more about her and Mister Pirate. Ugh!
4. Dark Sinister himself, Grimm:
I loved him, and he made me laugh so much, especially when he insulted Thiago and Finn. When he was introduced in book two, the plot started to drag by that point, so it was such a breath of fresh air, even though the introduction of a new character at that point is something that is really difficult to achieve. But it was welcomed! However, I will stand by my argument that Amaya was not needed, Grimm could have been sent to look after Vi herself, just that he was not allowed to be in her mother's court and so he waited to come to her until the right moment (Mother Night manipulation or something). That, in my opinion, would have worked wayyyy better.
So those were my favourite characters, whom I would have loved to read more about. Instead, I was left knowing things about the underworld, the past, the Old Ones, the Otherkin, and the Darkyn that mount up to a big pile of nothing.
My least favourite characters were Andraste and Edain. Not because she was mean to Vi, but because I found her a little mehh, boring and lacking compared to the aforementioned characters who had so much more potential and "meat on their bones."
So overall, yes, all that was supposed to happen in order to have a satisfactory ending did happen. But the book could have been so much shorter and cooler if some of the internal monologues had been shortened, Amaya hadn't been there at all -as she wasnt needed, and some of the back stories had played a more central role instead since we are left wondering what happens to a lot of these characters.
Not cool 😑 😕
So, I would first like to say that I loved the story in general. All three books were full of all the elements that -in my opinion make up a great fantasy: enemies to lovers, intrigue, lies, rivalry, manipulation, deception, friendship, love, lots of sex, hope, kindness and tons and tons of action. I liked that the story most of the time did not drag on, and I also liked how the bonds between the characters developed.
With that said, there were some things, especific to this, the last book that I just did not understand and / or just hated:
First and foremost, the unbalanced POV's drove me nuts! You never knew who you were going to read about in the next chapter, and it messed up my expectations, and I would lose the threat of what was happening.
Now on to the characters.
Vi:
1. The incessant need of Vi to overanalize every single detail of everything and then proceed to have an internal monologue of several pages about it.
2. Her complete disregard of EVERYTHING the Mother of Night told her. I would have liked to see that relationship blossom and develop into Vi learning how to be herself from a true mentor, from someone who actually considered her a daughter. Someone who could have nurtured her and helped her come into her own. That did not happen, and instead, I was left waiting and hoping to get a glimpse of this goddess who I thought was badass.
3. The whole Amaya situation was wayyyy over the top and not needed at all! This story did not have room for a child period! There were soooooo many (too many) back stories to pursue to be adding a child to the mix! Especially since the plot did not need it at all!!! Thiago would have died for Vi no matter what proving the great ultimate sacrifice since, you know, that's what he's been doing already from book one!!! Also, Vi not being able to have a child again was such bullshit! So she doesn't get to change diapers, wake up in the middle of the night from a crying baby, experience her child's first steps, first time they taste solid food, speak their first word..and I can go on and on with all the "firsts" they have missed and yet this doesn't seem to be a problem????!!
The whole thing was not necessary. Thiago could have had doubts about touching his friends, and he could have acted weird after he came back with Vi and the others... There was absolutely no need to add a child to this.
Thiago:
I loved Thiago. He was the epitome of a Dark Prince. So sexy, so dark, so dreamy and the sex.....ufff... me likes! The only complaint I have is that from the moment he is brought back, we learn about him and the depths of his internal struggle with Death. We also learn how Death has been as much part of him as he has become part of Death. So imagine my shock when by the last chapters of the book, this super important detail of the plot is reduced to literally one meagre chapter about Death deciding to leave super quick and fast and Thiago being A OK with it , smiling and just saying: "let's go home, my love" after Death is gone from his body....
Sooooooo, how did he feel? Was a part of the real Thiago gone, too? You know, since Death was a part of him as previously established and mentioned like fifty times??? Will he miss it? Will he even remember how to be himself without Death there???? I mean, seriously? How could that be the end of this, that's it??
The friends:
Was the author's intention to give a taste of these characters and just leave us hanging?? That is exactly what happens when you develop too many back stories and then desperately try to tie them all up together at the end somehow. I loved all the characters, some more than others, but overall, all the characters from the Evernight court were cool and deserved better:
1. Baylor:
So he was so awesome, and I was left hungry for more. He sounded sexy, mysterious, and just all-around material for his own story. And yet, I have no clue why there was a need to entice poor Lucere with him and then have him interested in her sister whom he had never seen or talked to before! Creating a super messy relationship between Lucere and her sister and leaving poor Lucere alone (again) and cursed! And we as readers have no clue what happens to her either.
2.Finn (and Eris):
I would like to say that I have read the "From Blood and Ash" series and stopped reading it because of what they did to the characters in The War of Two Queens. Yes, I am one of those people who became suuuuuuper disappointed with the messy trio (or throple?) that Jennifer Armentrout made for no good reason! No, I don't mind threesomes, I mind that she took a super cool character (Kerian) and turned him into a guy who was lusting after his best friend's wife while he was in jail and being tortured, instead of having his own life.
But back to Finn. I make the comparison because I absolutely loved how in this book, true sister/brother bond develops between Finn and Vi and how he is there for her once Thiago is gone. He goes with her - literally to hell and back and is there for her with real support, compassion, and understanding. His character is deep and at the same time charming and funny. So again, I am left wanting more. More of him and his story with Eris. Eris, on the other hand, I liked but did not get much. She was one of those characters that is just there, ok if something happens with her or not. The only time I liked her was when she finally decided to unleash herself, but instead of continuing to kill goblings, she decided to play cat and mouse with Finn!!! Really??! Why though?!
3. Thalia:
So, I really liked Thalia and how she was the sister Vi chose. I liked how fabulous she was, and I loved her comebacks. I would have looooooved to know more about her and Mister Pirate. Ugh!
4. Dark Sinister himself, Grimm:
I loved him, and he made me laugh so much, especially when he insulted Thiago and Finn. When he was introduced in book two, the plot started to drag by that point, so it was such a breath of fresh air, even though the introduction of a new character at that point is something that is really difficult to achieve. But it was welcomed! However, I will stand by my argument that Amaya was not needed, Grimm could have been sent to look after Vi herself, just that he was not allowed to be in her mother's court and so he waited to come to her until the right moment (Mother Night manipulation or something). That, in my opinion, would have worked wayyyy better.
So those were my favourite characters, whom I would have loved to read more about. Instead, I was left knowing things about the underworld, the past, the Old Ones, the Otherkin, and the Darkyn that mount up to a big pile of nothing.
My least favourite characters were Andraste and Edain. Not because she was mean to Vi, but because I found her a little mehh, boring and lacking compared to the aforementioned characters who had so much more potential and "meat on their bones."
So overall, yes, all that was supposed to happen in order to have a satisfactory ending did happen. But the book could have been so much shorter and cooler if some of the internal monologues had been shortened, Amaya hadn't been there at all -as she wasnt needed, and some of the back stories had played a more central role instead since we are left wondering what happens to a lot of these characters.
Not cool 😑 😕
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2022
I don’t fear Death.
But as I summon my thorns, one of them circling my waist, I can’t help thinking: Maybe he should fear me.
Curse of Darkness was a stunning conclusion to the Dark Court Rising trilogy! With war, love, sacrifice, friendship, and risks laced throughout the pages, this book was entirely addicting! From start to finish this series has been action packed with romance that was sigh worthy. I fell so deeply in love with these characters and the journeys they went on. If you're looking for a completed adult fantasy to binge, then look no further!
I didn’t get to burn his body.
I didn’t get to say goodbye.
I didn’t get to tell him I loved him one last time….
From that first page, this story sliced my heart open. I was not ready for the heartache that would follow the ending of Crown of Darkness. The tears wouldn't stop coming. But have faith, because there were so many twists and turns in this book that kept me of my edge of my seat! And there were also revelations that blew my mind! As the story kept unfolding, I loved that we got a clear picture of all the players and what was truly going on. The insights we gained kept me holding my breath. Because I was terrified how it would all pan out!
I can’t control the rage that ignites my magic. Where once there was heat and flame, now there’s only ice.
Through it all, we had Vi who was a true queen we could respect! The dangerous games she played, while trying to hold an unfathomable amount of precarious cards, left me feeling nervous and so proud of her. She had come so far from that first moment we met her! And while she prepared for the upcoming war that was looming in the background like a ticking time bomb I got chills with who she fought tooth and nail to align herself with. She was truly unstoppable. Or so I hoped! And if that wasn't enough, she also had to save her husband's soul.
“…We’re family, Vi. Now you need to understand that.”
My heart feels so fucking heavy in my chest. “I know.”
Finn falls back to clap a hand on my shoulder. “You’re not alone, Vi. I just want you to know that. And the weight on your shoulders isn’t your burden to carry alone.”
Hot tears threaten to spill down my cheeks.
Finn, Eris, Thalia, Amaya, Grimm, Baylor and so many more, I adored this found family so much! Together they were a formidable team and at times they left me laughing manically because of how things unfolded. And as they helped Vi on her journey, the bargains that were made, the risks that were taken, and the terrifying plans that played out were mesmerizing! They had to put their trust and faith in those you hoped wouldn't do them wrong. And at times there were unseen consequences and heartbreaking moments but there were also so many that made me laugh and cry happy tears. I definitely cried all the happy tears while reading this story!
“Well, well,” she whispers as her laughter fades. “The little queen of Evernight is learning to play the game.”
Curse of Darkness brimmed with emotions and tensions ran high, making this book impossible to put down. This series is a must read for fantasy lovers! And we're definitely given a HEA for Vi, you know I'm not going to offer more than that lol. But at the same time, there was still so much going on in this world and so many stories that still need to be told. I have a lot of guesses for future love matches *fingers crossed*. So after you read that final page, we're told whose story is up next and I was screaming with excitement! I. Can't. Wait!
Molten eyes lock on mine. “Remind me what it feels like to live.”
I gift him with a dangerous smile. “Done.”
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
July 18, 2022
Curse of darkness was a long awaited book.
It is a fitting end to the arc of Adaiah . The ties were tied. And new paths opened.
The writing flowed well and within the pages, she managed to plot the story well.
I would not have minded a little more elaboration, at many points, but that would have made the book too long.And I am just greedy for more. Bec's writing is as usual good.
The characters we have grown to love ,have their roles which they live upto splendidly.
Vi and Thiago , their journey has been great.
It's hard to pin down anything because the book is full of spoilers.
Suffice it to say.. everyone played their parts well.
And there are new characters to root for.New places and kingdoms and struggles to explore.
And Adaia's ending was a little similar to the Goddess of Deaths death.. in it ridiculousness.
But Bec made it her own .. with her twist.
So , no problems .
I will miss them all.
Their banter and their love.Their family.hood. That warmth and camarderie.. will miss them a lot.
.As we are going someplace different in the next book.
But it will be exciting and a with little and not so little angst, with someone's struggle to come to terms with his regency and their unresolved past ( NOT the main plot).
It is a fitting end to the arc of Adaiah . The ties were tied. And new paths opened.
The writing flowed well and within the pages, she managed to plot the story well.
I would not have minded a little more elaboration, at many points, but that would have made the book too long.And I am just greedy for more. Bec's writing is as usual good.
The characters we have grown to love ,have their roles which they live upto splendidly.
Vi and Thiago , their journey has been great.
It's hard to pin down anything because the book is full of spoilers.
Suffice it to say.. everyone played their parts well.
And there are new characters to root for.New places and kingdoms and struggles to explore.
And Adaia's ending was a little similar to the Goddess of Deaths death.. in it ridiculousness.
But Bec made it her own .. with her twist.
So , no problems .
I will miss them all.
Their banter and their love.Their family.hood. That warmth and camarderie.. will miss them a lot.
.As we are going someplace different in the next book.
But it will be exciting and a with little and not so little angst, with someone's struggle to come to terms with his regency and their unresolved past ( NOT the main plot).
August 21, 2022
Gosh this was long and tedious. Unfortunately, although there’s a lot going on, a bunch of new characters and plot lines are introduced that I cared very little about. The original plot from book 1, which was originally quite straightforward with a memory curse and evil queen mother, suddenly ended up becoming this tale involving trapped gods and eternal beings and literally meeting Death, etc. by book 3. It was way too much and not what I signed up for at all.
The ending is also pretty anticlimatic. I guess the author decided to do a spin off and had to add more characters to continue building the world, but I think it would’ve been better to save that for another book. The whole evil mother thing gets dealt with a little too easily, and it’s disappointing she ends up as more of a B villain who gets dealt with easily.
The ending is also pretty anticlimatic. I guess the author decided to do a spin off and had to add more characters to continue building the world, but I think it would’ve been better to save that for another book. The whole evil mother thing gets dealt with a little too easily, and it’s disappointing she ends up as more of a B villain who gets dealt with easily.
November 2, 2023
Audiobook- I'm glad to be done with this series tbh. This is probably an amazing book for anyone who loves fantasy with a dash of romance and spice. That's not me. Throughout the series, I never became invested in Thiago and Vi. Their romance pretty much took place all off-page. In this one, the tension is all external since their relationship has been pretty much resolved since book one. There are some twists and much fantasy derring-do and loads of world-building but I'm here for swoony romance and a hero I can fall for. Thiago is more like a secondary character in this book and it's very much centered on Vi who is unreliable and pretty annoying at times.
The whole thing is okay and I will promptly forget it. Narration is decent.
🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Marriage in trouble
Secret baby
The whole thing is okay and I will promptly forget it. Narration is decent.
🌟🌟💫/5
🔥🔥/5
Tropes
Marriage in trouble
Secret baby
January 26, 2023
5⭐️. THIS SERIES. I plan to come back and write a separate review for each book in the trilogy and the novella at some stage—but a quick note while the ending is fresh to say: this is the post-ACOTAR series you are looking for. I know people say that a lot (and it makes me not trust them when they do because I’m usually “did we read the same book? It’s good but it isn’t comparable to that” 🧐), but this is the only one that I’ve found that (in my subjective opinion!) genuinely compares in sensibility and format.
The best part is, the plot itself is nothing like ACOTAR—but it has some of the structural elements and beats of fantasy romance that make this feel like coming home. And then you will have your mind blown with the plot twists! It has all the Fae, dark court, found family, epic magic, angsty romance, banter, morally grey characters, tension and spice you need—I promise! (The series ranges from 🌶️ 🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️)
There is A LOT of trauma and dark twisty things so check your triggers—but WOW it’s so good. While I know it’s not perfect—for the overall adult fantasy romance package and the deep feelings this series gave me, I have to rate it 5⭐️.
I love that it’s from an Aussie author, it just makes me so happy! I’m going to read all of her back catalogue as well now, I’m sold.
The last 30% of this book I had GOOSEBUMPS constantly—it was SO EPIC. Smashed by so many big moments and resolutions. The epic battle scenes and everyone coming together was INTENSE and I loved it and teared up several times. It has that crackling cinematic “ASSEMBLE!” energy. Also… FINN AND ERIS ON THE BATTLEFIELD 💀 I almost couldn’t take it. That scene was utterly breathtaking.
Tips/overall observations:
— I think the 90s feel of the cover art is genuinely holding this series back from being huge on fantasy romance booktok. It truly almost stopped me from picking it up, but I did on a whim and wanting to support more Aussie indie’s and I’m so glad I did!
— Read these in publication order, I beg of you! The novella is listed as 1.5, but it accidentally spoilers a big reveal that comes in book 2 with a passing internal thought from a POV character. Not the end of the world, but it did take the emotional punch out of the reveal when it came in fullness in book 2.
—I would even say to read the novella at the end, approach it like going back and reading a prequel (which it is really!). It is SO good, I adore it the most of all 4 books actually (the spice and tension is ELITE), and it will fill the void at the completion of the trilogy for sure.
—I felt in book two some storyline’s were introduced and lots of side character development happened that are 100% set up for spin offs. I’m not mad as I will EAT THEM UP if they come out (all are already filled with angst and sound SO GOOD), but it for sure affected the pacing of book 2 and this issue flowed into the start of book 3. In the end it was all worth it and I’m here for all of those characters and their stories, but I think if you go in in knowing that is what is happening, it might help you embrace seeming diversions from the central plot. It is a big cast, and I dearly love them all! By my calculations there is the potential for 6 spin off standalones—and if they come I’ll be reading them all for sure 🙌
—There are big plot twists that involve tropes and themes that are dark and heartbreaking and will be triggers for some readers. So please look them up before proceeding, but I won’t mention them specifically as I feel they are very spoilery (one I DID NOT see coming which is rare for me, and in hindsight I should have seen it, but the misdirect was really clever and had my attention rapt elsewhere)
—If you haven’t read any blurbs yet STOP. I think they end up inadvertently setting expectations in the reader that you hold and it makes you primed to expect things that actually don’t come until very late in the story. The narrative itself is so well crafted and flows nicely, just read it and trust the process and not be caught up thinking “when is the blurb thing going to happen” 😂 like I did. It’s one of those series that each progression of blurbs has the potential to spoil earlier books too so be careful!
TLDR: this is a gem of an adult fantasy romance series. If you are a devotee of the genre—run don’t walk! Read it!
The best part is, the plot itself is nothing like ACOTAR—but it has some of the structural elements and beats of fantasy romance that make this feel like coming home. And then you will have your mind blown with the plot twists! It has all the Fae, dark court, found family, epic magic, angsty romance, banter, morally grey characters, tension and spice you need—I promise! (The series ranges from 🌶️ 🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️)
There is A LOT of trauma and dark twisty things so check your triggers—but WOW it’s so good. While I know it’s not perfect—for the overall adult fantasy romance package and the deep feelings this series gave me, I have to rate it 5⭐️.
I love that it’s from an Aussie author, it just makes me so happy! I’m going to read all of her back catalogue as well now, I’m sold.
The last 30% of this book I had GOOSEBUMPS constantly—it was SO EPIC. Smashed by so many big moments and resolutions. The epic battle scenes and everyone coming together was INTENSE and I loved it and teared up several times. It has that crackling cinematic “ASSEMBLE!” energy. Also… FINN AND ERIS ON THE BATTLEFIELD 💀 I almost couldn’t take it. That scene was utterly breathtaking.
Tips/overall observations:
— I think the 90s feel of the cover art is genuinely holding this series back from being huge on fantasy romance booktok. It truly almost stopped me from picking it up, but I did on a whim and wanting to support more Aussie indie’s and I’m so glad I did!
— Read these in publication order, I beg of you! The novella is listed as 1.5, but it accidentally spoilers a big reveal that comes in book 2 with a passing internal thought from a POV character. Not the end of the world, but it did take the emotional punch out of the reveal when it came in fullness in book 2.
—I would even say to read the novella at the end, approach it like going back and reading a prequel (which it is really!). It is SO good, I adore it the most of all 4 books actually (the spice and tension is ELITE), and it will fill the void at the completion of the trilogy for sure.
—I felt in book two some storyline’s were introduced and lots of side character development happened that are 100% set up for spin offs. I’m not mad as I will EAT THEM UP if they come out (all are already filled with angst and sound SO GOOD), but it for sure affected the pacing of book 2 and this issue flowed into the start of book 3. In the end it was all worth it and I’m here for all of those characters and their stories, but I think if you go in in knowing that is what is happening, it might help you embrace seeming diversions from the central plot. It is a big cast, and I dearly love them all! By my calculations there is the potential for 6 spin off standalones—and if they come I’ll be reading them all for sure 🙌
—There are big plot twists that involve tropes and themes that are dark and heartbreaking and will be triggers for some readers. So please look them up before proceeding, but I won’t mention them specifically as I feel they are very spoilery (one I DID NOT see coming which is rare for me, and in hindsight I should have seen it, but the misdirect was really clever and had my attention rapt elsewhere)
—If you haven’t read any blurbs yet STOP. I think they end up inadvertently setting expectations in the reader that you hold and it makes you primed to expect things that actually don’t come until very late in the story. The narrative itself is so well crafted and flows nicely, just read it and trust the process and not be caught up thinking “when is the blurb thing going to happen” 😂 like I did. It’s one of those series that each progression of blurbs has the potential to spoil earlier books too so be careful!
TLDR: this is a gem of an adult fantasy romance series. If you are a devotee of the genre—run don’t walk! Read it!
November 19, 2024
I feel like 2 stars might be too harsh of a rating for this, but ya it wasn’t very good 😅😅😅. Lots of telling and not a lot of showing type of narrative with hap hazard world building 😬
I didn’t like how the romance between the leads seemed like a fast burn and that there was no build up. I’m not a fan of having to read a novella to understand how they fell in love with one another 😅
I’m also not a fan of authors forcing all of their characters to have to end up in relationships by the end of the series 😬 Even if it makes sense or not.
I didn’t like how Thiago painted all of the old ones to be evil and they all ended up being kittens except for the Horned One 😅
I don’t know about anyone else, but Death’s description and powers weren’t very clear to me. Especially at the end where somehow he wasn’t all whole bc there was a part of him in his descendants 😅. Then why make a big deal at the final battle about him needing to be “whole” to take on the Horned One? 🫠🫠🫠🫠
I might read the spinoff series about Andraste and her two MMCs (that sounds interesting). But it was supposed to come out last year and it never did. There’s no update on when it might come out either.
Hopefully if the spinoff ever gets published we get a map and a glossary 😅
I didn’t like how the romance between the leads seemed like a fast burn and that there was no build up. I’m not a fan of having to read a novella to understand how they fell in love with one another 😅
I’m also not a fan of authors forcing all of their characters to have to end up in relationships by the end of the series 😬 Even if it makes sense or not.
I didn’t like how Thiago painted all of the old ones to be evil and they all ended up being kittens except for the Horned One 😅
I don’t know about anyone else, but Death’s description and powers weren’t very clear to me. Especially at the end where somehow he wasn’t all whole bc there was a part of him in his descendants 😅. Then why make a big deal at the final battle about him needing to be “whole” to take on the Horned One? 🫠🫠🫠🫠
I might read the spinoff series about Andraste and her two MMCs (that sounds interesting). But it was supposed to come out last year and it never did. There’s no update on when it might come out either.
Hopefully if the spinoff ever gets published we get a map and a glossary 😅
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2022
**Bruh. Tell me why my luck is so bad. I bought a book and it was the third, but I didn’t realize until I finished all 1k pages in the kindle.
I was wondering why there were so many people. I could keep track of the plot but not as much the people. I felt it was just a bit slow at times, but it did have some action which I do appreciate.
**Will read the first book and see if that helps, but I didn’t really find any of the characters relatable. Again, 1,000+pages on my kindle so I did think it would have a bit more. I loved the Steel series (the ones where they’re hunting down killer mythicals) by the author; absolutely great! So I am still down to read other of her works. Just been in a reading slump of late.
I was wondering why there were so many people. I could keep track of the plot but not as much the people. I felt it was just a bit slow at times, but it did have some action which I do appreciate.
**Will read the first book and see if that helps, but I didn’t really find any of the characters relatable. Again, 1,000+pages on my kindle so I did think it would have a bit more. I loved the Steel series (the ones where they’re hunting down killer mythicals) by the author; absolutely great! So I am still down to read other of her works. Just been in a reading slump of late.
April 14, 2022
Well this was an epic conclusion to the story of Iskvien and Thiago, but definitely not the end to seeing them in the next stories with all their friends and family.
Following the tragic events of Crown of Darkness, Iskvien takes on a quest to dangerous lands to save her husband and ultimately face her mother. The character development especially for Vi was handled thoroughly throughout the story and didn't feel like it was rushed or just came about after a couple sparring sessions. I enjoyed her overall story and the growth as she came into her powers and came to accept the past with her mother and her horrible actions. Thiago's growth and acceptance of his dark side was also refreshing to see and the backstory of Death was not something I was expecting, but I liked it. I also enjoyed the fact that Vi and Thiago were grownups in this book and handled their relationship like adults with no more secrets or lying and they were able to love each other and overcome all the huge obstacles that were in their way.
All the side characters in these books were also fascinating to read about although I felt like there are a lot of love traingles that are going to happen and I'm not a fan of that device when reading so I don't know how I feel about that. However, I am fully ready to find out about Eris and Finn. Eris in particular.
I couldn't recommend this series enough and was thouroughly satisfied with Vi and Thiago's conclusion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Following the tragic events of Crown of Darkness, Iskvien takes on a quest to dangerous lands to save her husband and ultimately face her mother. The character development especially for Vi was handled thoroughly throughout the story and didn't feel like it was rushed or just came about after a couple sparring sessions. I enjoyed her overall story and the growth as she came into her powers and came to accept the past with her mother and her horrible actions. Thiago's growth and acceptance of his dark side was also refreshing to see and the backstory of Death was not something I was expecting, but I liked it. I also enjoyed the fact that Vi and Thiago were grownups in this book and handled their relationship like adults with no more secrets or lying and they were able to love each other and overcome all the huge obstacles that were in their way.
All the side characters in these books were also fascinating to read about although I felt like there are a lot of love traingles that are going to happen and I'm not a fan of that device when reading so I don't know how I feel about that. However, I am fully ready to find out about Eris and Finn. Eris in particular.
I couldn't recommend this series enough and was thouroughly satisfied with Vi and Thiago's conclusion.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 26, 2022
Yup, this is my acotar.
I don't know what to write without it just being lines of random letters in all caps intermingled with sounds of gasps and tears... This book DESTROYED me 😍
"Just remember, if this all goes wrong, I will wait for you in the Darkness.”
His fingers catch mine. “You’re not bound for the Darkness, Vi. You’re bound for the Bright Lands.”
I squeeze his hand. “No. I am bound to you. No matter where the winds blow us. No matter where the leylines pull us. You are my heart, my soul, my other half. You are mine, Thiago."
Listen, I could've swallowed this book in one day, I wanted to, but I also wanted to live and breathe with these characters as long as I can... And now it's over and I want them back.
I cried... More than I care to admit. I also laughed like an idiot and gasped and hissed telenovela style. I want to go on in detail about every character but I don't have the emotional strength required for such a task. Gosh, I cant believe it's over.
There was heartache, there was thrill and finally, happiness. And Thiago's and Vi's story may have ended BUT what about Finn and Eris? Baylor and Lucere? Andraste and the goblin king? Kyrian and Thalia? Fuckin' trophy of enemies with benefits that Eidan and Lysander promise to be???! And let us not forget the Erlkonig and his unseelie queen... How am I supposed to wait for all those books??? HOW???! 🙈😭💖
side note: that scene with mother of the night saying goodbye BROKE ME.
side note of a side note: if all those couples listed above arent endgame... if each of them dont ger their own book... imma be so sad. very sad.
another side note: the smut in this was SCHORCHING. absolutely fuckin BLAZING. and then there is the lysander/eidan throat scene khmm 🔥
ALSO
why are the cover models of the 2nd and 3rd book different? also kinda eh not very good..? which is a shame bc the content inside is so MUCH MORE than the the covers would have you believe! 👀
I don't know what to write without it just being lines of random letters in all caps intermingled with sounds of gasps and tears... This book DESTROYED me 😍
"Just remember, if this all goes wrong, I will wait for you in the Darkness.”
His fingers catch mine. “You’re not bound for the Darkness, Vi. You’re bound for the Bright Lands.”
I squeeze his hand. “No. I am bound to you. No matter where the winds blow us. No matter where the leylines pull us. You are my heart, my soul, my other half. You are mine, Thiago."
Listen, I could've swallowed this book in one day, I wanted to, but I also wanted to live and breathe with these characters as long as I can... And now it's over and I want them back.
I cried... More than I care to admit. I also laughed like an idiot and gasped and hissed telenovela style. I want to go on in detail about every character but I don't have the emotional strength required for such a task. Gosh, I cant believe it's over.
There was heartache, there was thrill and finally, happiness. And Thiago's and Vi's story may have ended BUT what about Finn and Eris? Baylor and Lucere? Andraste and the goblin king? Kyrian and Thalia? Fuckin' trophy of enemies with benefits that Eidan and Lysander promise to be???! And let us not forget the Erlkonig and his unseelie queen... How am I supposed to wait for all those books??? HOW???! 🙈😭💖
side note: that scene with mother of the night saying goodbye BROKE ME.
side note of a side note: if all those couples listed above arent endgame... if each of them dont ger their own book... imma be so sad. very sad.
another side note: the smut in this was SCHORCHING. absolutely fuckin BLAZING. and then there is the lysander/eidan throat scene khmm 🔥
ALSO
why are the cover models of the 2nd and 3rd book different? also kinda eh not very good..? which is a shame bc the content inside is so MUCH MORE than the the covers would have you believe! 👀
March 28, 2022
Vi and Thiago have been through so much in the last thirteen years as her mother's wicked magic constantly ripped them apart. Yet even more insidious was her keeping the child they had a secret from the couple ! Now they are all together finally but to be the Queen she's destined to be Vi has to face her mother and this time win !
This long anticipated book covers such a lot that at times whilst reading I wondered why it wasn't split into two books because this couple both have parents from hell ! As if that's not enough to contend with there's the not so tiny matter of a God released who would destroy the world if left unchecked but killing him is seemingly impossible. Then the author adds more twists with Fae characters both ambitious and bloodthirsty. Oh and I cannot fail to mention this is chock full of steam and romance although not everyone gets a happy ending here with happily more to come in this world as we will be catching up with Vi's sister in the next book.
Definitely worth reading this series in order and yes its about the Fae but forget Faerie or Winter and Summer Courts as this author gives a twist that will definitely appeal to fans of fantasy. Absolutely jaw dropping in complexity and hugely entertaining and already I'm desperate to read more.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
This long anticipated book covers such a lot that at times whilst reading I wondered why it wasn't split into two books because this couple both have parents from hell ! As if that's not enough to contend with there's the not so tiny matter of a God released who would destroy the world if left unchecked but killing him is seemingly impossible. Then the author adds more twists with Fae characters both ambitious and bloodthirsty. Oh and I cannot fail to mention this is chock full of steam and romance although not everyone gets a happy ending here with happily more to come in this world as we will be catching up with Vi's sister in the next book.
Definitely worth reading this series in order and yes its about the Fae but forget Faerie or Winter and Summer Courts as this author gives a twist that will definitely appeal to fans of fantasy. Absolutely jaw dropping in complexity and hugely entertaining and already I'm desperate to read more.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
April 2, 2022
I savored this book! I didn't want it to end as this is the finale of Vi and Thiago's first initial arc in this series. I smirked, I cried, and also have something to look forward to with the other characters stories. I can't wait! The cast was great and so many to root for their HEA's. I'll be here for the ride ahead.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
August 29, 2023
I admit this finale isn't as strong as the previous book in the series but it was still a satisfactory conclusion to Thiago's and Iskvien's story. I'd definitely be down for a spin-off series with the side-characters as we still need resolution for their stories so we'll wait and see!
September 28, 2025
“Thiago slowly smiles as he plucks at the buttons on his wrist, and carefully rolls his sleeve back, like a gentleman preparing for a ball.
“Would you care to dance again, Great Enryathan?”
“My territory,” the wyrm hisses. It bares its teeth, its forked tongue flickering between them.
Thiago’s face remains cold and expressionless. “My wife.”
***
“The middle of the night is not the correct time to start playing a game of hide and seek in the parking lot,” he told her. “And if I tell you to come to me, then you damn well come to me. You do not run off, laughing.”
***
“Hush, now.” He traces his piece of charcoal carefully over the marble. “There’s no rushing good art.” By the time he climbs down, Malakhai is sporting a rather ridiculous mustache.”
***
“Every night I dreamed of you. Every day I begged for the chance to see your face one last time. I had nothing of you. No locket. No strand of hair. Nothing but my memories. It wasn’t enough. I’ve been starving for you, Vi. Desperate to taste you again, to kiss you, to hold you in my arms….”
***
“And then I turn to the tree.
“Fuck you, you bitch,” I tell her, hoping she can hear me even as I set the flame to her roots. “You think you’ve won? I will take everything you ever denied me. I will take your throne. I will take your daughter. And I will burn everything you ever touched to the ground.”
“Would you care to dance again, Great Enryathan?”
“My territory,” the wyrm hisses. It bares its teeth, its forked tongue flickering between them.
Thiago’s face remains cold and expressionless. “My wife.”
***
“The middle of the night is not the correct time to start playing a game of hide and seek in the parking lot,” he told her. “And if I tell you to come to me, then you damn well come to me. You do not run off, laughing.”
***
“Hush, now.” He traces his piece of charcoal carefully over the marble. “There’s no rushing good art.” By the time he climbs down, Malakhai is sporting a rather ridiculous mustache.”
***
“Every night I dreamed of you. Every day I begged for the chance to see your face one last time. I had nothing of you. No locket. No strand of hair. Nothing but my memories. It wasn’t enough. I’ve been starving for you, Vi. Desperate to taste you again, to kiss you, to hold you in my arms….”
***
“And then I turn to the tree.
“Fuck you, you bitch,” I tell her, hoping she can hear me even as I set the flame to her roots. “You think you’ve won? I will take everything you ever denied me. I will take your throne. I will take your daughter. And I will burn everything you ever touched to the ground.”
December 31, 2024
Basic plot: Iskvien and Thiago see prophecies fulfilled and the end of a war.
This was a good HEA for these characters. I know there are more stories to tell, though, as McMaster has already announced another book, specifically about Andraste to come. This book was really about bringing all of the story threads together from the previous books, and it did what it had to. There was plenty of action and plenty of steam. The character relationships were at the center of it all, so the book was satisfying.
It did feel a bit draggy at points, and there were LOADS of proofreading errors that really ought to have been caught before publishing. Honestly, that was almost embarrassing. These are relatively minor complaints, though, and I still love McMaster's writing.
This was a good HEA for these characters. I know there are more stories to tell, though, as McMaster has already announced another book, specifically about Andraste to come. This book was really about bringing all of the story threads together from the previous books, and it did what it had to. There was plenty of action and plenty of steam. The character relationships were at the center of it all, so the book was satisfying.
It did feel a bit draggy at points, and there were LOADS of proofreading errors that really ought to have been caught before publishing. Honestly, that was almost embarrassing. These are relatively minor complaints, though, and I still love McMaster's writing.
March 23, 2023
first book was interesting
The latter half of the first book felt repetitive and impossible as they tried to kill her mother and kept making impossible bargains that somehow isn’t that impossible. Too many instances of ‘this is the real Thiago, the darkness and he’s letting me see him.’ It can only be used so many times before it ruined the effect of when he actually was darkness. Actions don’t have permanent consequences if it can be reversed. The mythology or the fantasy world building started getting way too complicated to keep track of that I started skimming just to see what happens in the end.
The latter half of the first book felt repetitive and impossible as they tried to kill her mother and kept making impossible bargains that somehow isn’t that impossible. Too many instances of ‘this is the real Thiago, the darkness and he’s letting me see him.’ It can only be used so many times before it ruined the effect of when he actually was darkness. Actions don’t have permanent consequences if it can be reversed. The mythology or the fantasy world building started getting way too complicated to keep track of that I started skimming just to see what happens in the end.
Want to read
October 9, 2021Hello? Is this thing on? I'm sorry, I haven't heard a peep about this book on BookTok or IG or anything and it's driving me crazy lol. This is one of my highly anticipated reads of 2021! I cannot WAIT to see the fall out from Crown of Darkness. The novella was a beautiful appetizer, but I'm ready for the main course. Just 3 weeks to go! If you haven't started the series yet, here's the push you need lol :)
April 28, 2022
Edit 2: 23/03/22
Anyone have any info on an updated release for this one? Yesterday was the third scheduled release, but no sign of it 😭
—————————
I cannot wait for this! The first two books blew me away!
EDIT: Release date pushed back!? I’m sad about it, but hopefully it’ll have a positive effect on the final result!
Anyone have any info on an updated release for this one? Yesterday was the third scheduled release, but no sign of it 😭
—————————
I cannot wait for this! The first two books blew me away!
EDIT: Release date pushed back!? I’m sad about it, but hopefully it’ll have a positive effect on the final result!
August 26, 2022
" This item will be available on March 8, 2022 "
WELL OK I SHALL WAIT
WELL OK I SHALL WAIT
June 12, 2022
"Well, well," she whispers as her laughter fades. "The little queen of Evernight is learning to play the game."
So many threads have been taken by Bec McMaster and woven expertly through this novel. By this third and final installment, an abundance of plot arcs and characters are in motion, it would have been so easy to let a strand slip. I would check out another book by this author just based on her masterful story-crafting alone.
The book opened up into quite the mess; Vi had a war waging on all fronts, and I don't mean just physical armies either. Vi's growth in this series has been lovely to read - there was no princess hiding in her castle waiting for others to save the day. She had to make hard decisions (and to evaluate her decisions to see if it was actually her making them) and figure out what she could live with at the end of the day.
I'll be honest - I tend to skim a lot of folklore or 'gods and goddesses' content that is created in many fantasy books. It can get so heavy. And this is true of the first two books in this series - I certainly skimmed some of it. But this book, I was hooked on every word. Mcmaster brought all of this folklore she created in the beginning to life by this book, and the colorful array of Old Ones and other characters was wonderful.
He clasps my hand, bringing it to his lips.
"I will wait for you in the Darkness."
We had some epic-love story moments as we reached the finale -
"Nobody is going to be on that field except for me."
Finn pushes forward until we're face-to-face, breath-to-breath. "Did you mistake me" His whisper is rough with fury. "Did you think you had any part in my decision? You go out there and I go too."
One of my favorite parts was the short glimpses into other character's POVs. Eris letting her demon out to play was one of the best scenes in this book for me - and Finn following her onto the battlefield was swoon-worthy.
I see that in 2023, we are expected to get The Uncrowned King to learn more about what happened to Andraste when she was sent to the Goblin King. But I'd love a few novellas to ride out the rest of the characters arcs as well so they don't feel so unfinished (which is the reason my rating remains 4.5/5)
So many threads have been taken by Bec McMaster and woven expertly through this novel. By this third and final installment, an abundance of plot arcs and characters are in motion, it would have been so easy to let a strand slip. I would check out another book by this author just based on her masterful story-crafting alone.
The book opened up into quite the mess; Vi had a war waging on all fronts, and I don't mean just physical armies either. Vi's growth in this series has been lovely to read - there was no princess hiding in her castle waiting for others to save the day. She had to make hard decisions (and to evaluate her decisions to see if it was actually her making them) and figure out what she could live with at the end of the day.
I'll be honest - I tend to skim a lot of folklore or 'gods and goddesses' content that is created in many fantasy books. It can get so heavy. And this is true of the first two books in this series - I certainly skimmed some of it. But this book, I was hooked on every word. Mcmaster brought all of this folklore she created in the beginning to life by this book, and the colorful array of Old Ones and other characters was wonderful.
He clasps my hand, bringing it to his lips.
"I will wait for you in the Darkness."
We had some epic-love story moments as we reached the finale -
"Nobody is going to be on that field except for me."
Finn pushes forward until we're face-to-face, breath-to-breath. "Did you mistake me" His whisper is rough with fury. "Did you think you had any part in my decision? You go out there and I go too."
One of my favorite parts was the short glimpses into other character's POVs. Eris letting her demon out to play was one of the best scenes in this book for me - and Finn following her onto the battlefield was swoon-worthy.
I see that in 2023, we are expected to get The Uncrowned King to learn more about what happened to Andraste when she was sent to the Goblin King. But I'd love a few novellas to ride out the rest of the characters arcs as well so they don't feel so unfinished (which is the reason my rating remains 4.5/5)
March 25, 2022
Iskvien and Thiago forever ❤️❤️❤️ You can feel their love for each other through through the pages. Bec Is an amazing writer if she can make you feel all the emotions between the characters. I can’t wait for Andraste’s story but also I want a Baylor, Lucere, and her sister Imerys story too 💗💗💗
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2023
Solid 4.5
April 23, 2022
WARNING: This review contains spoilers from the previous books.
Curse of Darkness is the long-awaited, highly anticipated third book in the Dark Court Rising fantasy romance series by Bec McMaster. This trilogy of stories must be read in order, and there was a major cliff-hanger at the conclusion of the previous book when hero Thiago sacrificed his life to save is newly discovered daughter, Amaya, and his beloved wife, Iskvien (Vi). Curse of Darkness picks up shortly after those events, with Vi trying to protect her kingdom, bond with her daughter, and save her husband.
I absolutely love the world Ms. McMaster has created. The origin of Vi and Thiago’s romance is unique and made for an entertaining, twisty story. In the second book, we saw the pair grow as a couple and Vi come into her powers. In this third book, the author addresses almost every bit of storyline that was raised in the first two books. I’m not going to lie: it is overwhelming. There are multiple plots and stories within stories. The book tackles Vi’s journey to bring back Thiago, as well as the preparing for war on multiple fronts. There are side alliances, some of which confused me tremendously. There are multiple bad guys and lengthy dissertations on their origins.
I loved the journey Vi makes to save Thiago. I adore their unceasing love that transcends time. I appreciate that they work together and trust one another. Although I was lost at times, I found myself completely engrossed… until I wasn’t. For some reason, I couldn’t stay connected to the characters. Everything is over-the-top dangerous (which it should be with what’s going on), but the constant near-death, death experiences wore on me. Also, the story was overly complex, and either I missed details, or they aren’t written, and I was supposed to infer them. Either way, it left me terribly confused at times, and therefore, I couldn’t always stick with the flow of the story.
In the end, I appreciate that the author brought this story to a close, but honestly, it was too long and complex. I also noticed what seemed to be small inconsistencies, and the OCD in me didn’t like the unbalanced POVs. I am excited that the author is going to write standalone romances for the side characters. The world is amazing, and I really want to see what happens next, so I’ll certainly pick those up.
My Rating: B-
Curse of Darkness is the long-awaited, highly anticipated third book in the Dark Court Rising fantasy romance series by Bec McMaster. This trilogy of stories must be read in order, and there was a major cliff-hanger at the conclusion of the previous book when hero Thiago sacrificed his life to save is newly discovered daughter, Amaya, and his beloved wife, Iskvien (Vi). Curse of Darkness picks up shortly after those events, with Vi trying to protect her kingdom, bond with her daughter, and save her husband.
I absolutely love the world Ms. McMaster has created. The origin of Vi and Thiago’s romance is unique and made for an entertaining, twisty story. In the second book, we saw the pair grow as a couple and Vi come into her powers. In this third book, the author addresses almost every bit of storyline that was raised in the first two books. I’m not going to lie: it is overwhelming. There are multiple plots and stories within stories. The book tackles Vi’s journey to bring back Thiago, as well as the preparing for war on multiple fronts. There are side alliances, some of which confused me tremendously. There are multiple bad guys and lengthy dissertations on their origins.
I loved the journey Vi makes to save Thiago. I adore their unceasing love that transcends time. I appreciate that they work together and trust one another. Although I was lost at times, I found myself completely engrossed… until I wasn’t. For some reason, I couldn’t stay connected to the characters. Everything is over-the-top dangerous (which it should be with what’s going on), but the constant near-death, death experiences wore on me. Also, the story was overly complex, and either I missed details, or they aren’t written, and I was supposed to infer them. Either way, it left me terribly confused at times, and therefore, I couldn’t always stick with the flow of the story.
In the end, I appreciate that the author brought this story to a close, but honestly, it was too long and complex. I also noticed what seemed to be small inconsistencies, and the OCD in me didn’t like the unbalanced POVs. I am excited that the author is going to write standalone romances for the side characters. The world is amazing, and I really want to see what happens next, so I’ll certainly pick those up.
My Rating: B-
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