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The Venatrix Chronicles #7
Crown of Nightmares
Who will live?
Who will die?
Who will be changed . . . forever?
Separated from the Evanderians, Ayleth finds herself alone in the malevolent Witchwood.
Or perhaps not entirely alone . . .
Confronted with the reality of her living grandmother, Ayleth soon learns that the horrors once ascribed to Dread Odile’s name and legend may not be entirely true. But what is the truth? Could the infamous Witch Queen be a freedom fighter providing hope for those oppressed under Saint Evander’s law? Is she the loving family Ayleth thought she’d lost forever? Or is she the greatest threat the world has ever known?
While battling to save their loved ones, Ayleth, Terryn, and Gerard must each face the lies that have influenced their lives since childhood. The final battle is upon them, and the decisions they make will shape the course of destiny.
Don’t miss the explosive finale of the acclaimed Venatrix Chronicles!
Who will die?
Who will be changed . . . forever?
Separated from the Evanderians, Ayleth finds herself alone in the malevolent Witchwood.
Or perhaps not entirely alone . . .
Confronted with the reality of her living grandmother, Ayleth soon learns that the horrors once ascribed to Dread Odile’s name and legend may not be entirely true. But what is the truth? Could the infamous Witch Queen be a freedom fighter providing hope for those oppressed under Saint Evander’s law? Is she the loving family Ayleth thought she’d lost forever? Or is she the greatest threat the world has ever known?
While battling to save their loved ones, Ayleth, Terryn, and Gerard must each face the lies that have influenced their lives since childhood. The final battle is upon them, and the decisions they make will shape the course of destiny.
Don’t miss the explosive finale of the acclaimed Venatrix Chronicles!
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2020
211 people are currently reading
676 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,259 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 19, 2021
This series is so insanely good and addictive. Very rarely does a book series come along that hooks me from the beginning until the end. I typically get bored or lose interest along the way. But this series is an exception. Loved the characters, loved the world, loved the magic system. Loved Ayleth and Terryn. I am supremely sad that this is the end of their story, but I loved every minute spent in their world, even through all the tears I shed while reading this series. One for the favorites shelf!
July 10, 2020
I can't believe this series is over. I should probably allow myself time before leaving this review, but here I am.
First, may I say no one--and I repeat, no one--writes action like Sylvia Mercedes. Everyone has a genre they love, something that really touches a spark inside of them. For me, well-written action/adventure with a side dash of romance is my 'spark'. Sylvia has filled my action tank up with every book in this series, yet this grand finale... Whew! I almost felt a bit numb by the end. In an amazing way.
Then, there are her characters. Alive. Vibrant. Feeling. Distinct. You hate them or you love them. Or maybe you'll become conflicted as to what you think about them. Either way, the characters in this story made me FEEL, from humans to shades.
Don't even get me started on the plot. So much planning had to have been put into this series. I loved that I was clueless as to how it would wrap up, and the complexity as a whole.
And this ending. GUYS! I cried. I don't cry easily over fiction books. Just not me. But I shed a few tears and felt happy about it. Say, what? Yeah. Sylvia does that to me.
If you enjoy gritty, high-action stories with vivid characters and knock-your-socks-off plots, then you will like this series.
First, may I say no one--and I repeat, no one--writes action like Sylvia Mercedes. Everyone has a genre they love, something that really touches a spark inside of them. For me, well-written action/adventure with a side dash of romance is my 'spark'. Sylvia has filled my action tank up with every book in this series, yet this grand finale... Whew! I almost felt a bit numb by the end. In an amazing way.
Then, there are her characters. Alive. Vibrant. Feeling. Distinct. You hate them or you love them. Or maybe you'll become conflicted as to what you think about them. Either way, the characters in this story made me FEEL, from humans to shades.
Don't even get me started on the plot. So much planning had to have been put into this series. I loved that I was clueless as to how it would wrap up, and the complexity as a whole.
And this ending. GUYS! I cried. I don't cry easily over fiction books. Just not me. But I shed a few tears and felt happy about it. Say, what? Yeah. Sylvia does that to me.
If you enjoy gritty, high-action stories with vivid characters and knock-your-socks-off plots, then you will like this series.
March 11, 2021
Amazing. I was completely taken with this one. I’m devastated about Laranta and definitely didn’t expect that to happen. I thought it would be Terryn and his shade although I’m sooo happy it wasn’t. Nothing made me happier than Terryn’s shade loving and protecting him.
The ending for our lovable main characters all turned out fairly happy considering. I just love Gerard and Cerine and how they took in the little inborn girl. It was too sweet.
Hollis might have went about things wrong in the beginning but I feel bad for her and what she’s suffering. She lost her beloved Fendrel and in a way Ayleth.
5 stars because I absolutely fell in love with these characters and the story.
The ending for our lovable main characters all turned out fairly happy considering. I just love Gerard and Cerine and how they took in the little inborn girl. It was too sweet.
Hollis might have went about things wrong in the beginning but I feel bad for her and what she’s suffering. She lost her beloved Fendrel and in a way Ayleth.
5 stars because I absolutely fell in love with these characters and the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
I was going to wait till the final book in this series to write a nice long thoughtful review; but my brain is currently both toasted and fully baked, so you'll have to put up with some brief incoherent ramblings.
The final book of the Venatrix Chronicles is just as strong as the rest, full of action, danger, and a bit of romance. If you've been following the series this far, it ends pretty much perfectly, with just the right balance of tragedy and triumph. I particularly loved the resolution, which was longer than just a few pages at the end of the book and really elevated the story. The romantic resolution in particular was delightful: maybe a bit understated and unusual, but so much more resonant and perfect because of it.
In case my more recent reviews of this series didn't make it clear, this is a story with some great thematic meat on its bones. I love how this series wrestles with questions of faith, doctrine, tradition and reform, without becoming cynical or dismissive of any of them. While there were definitely times when I wished for more interiority for the characters, I LOVED how none of them were clear-cut good or bad.
I'll almost certainly re-read this series at some point, to pick up nuances I missed. But in the meantime, thanks to Sylvia Mercedes for a wonderful story, and I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
The final book of the Venatrix Chronicles is just as strong as the rest, full of action, danger, and a bit of romance. If you've been following the series this far, it ends pretty much perfectly, with just the right balance of tragedy and triumph. I particularly loved the resolution, which was longer than just a few pages at the end of the book and really elevated the story. The romantic resolution in particular was delightful: maybe a bit understated and unusual, but so much more resonant and perfect because of it.
In case my more recent reviews of this series didn't make it clear, this is a story with some great thematic meat on its bones. I love how this series wrestles with questions of faith, doctrine, tradition and reform, without becoming cynical or dismissive of any of them. While there were definitely times when I wished for more interiority for the characters, I LOVED how none of them were clear-cut good or bad.
I'll almost certainly re-read this series at some point, to pick up nuances I missed. But in the meantime, thanks to Sylvia Mercedes for a wonderful story, and I look forward to seeing what she writes next!
November 25, 2020
Alright well, that was a disappointing finale. Too much was lost in exposition, repeating the same thing from a bunch of different characters. So many threads were never tied up. For one, the lore: WHAT happened with Saint Evander? Cerine was working on figuring that out, and we never got a conclusion. One measly "mistranslation" that got burned and that's it? What is this prophesy idea and why is there a prophesy at all? Who is this goddess, what are shades really? None of this was explained. I feel extremely dissatisfied.
I am glad though that Dread Odile's story was finally told. A little bit was explained in the previous book and a lot more was added to it in this one. I really thought that there would be some unity between the Odile kin but alas.
The side characters all became flat af. Cerine POV is boring. It's just a bunch of exposition or her moping about. Gerard, "filled with holy purpose" only has one destination. How convenient that the only reason he shows up at the end is bc some Seer child told him that's his future. There was no clever plot manipulation that brought him there. And Terryn . . . while a lot more dynamic, still a pain to read about.
There is just too many convenient things that happened. Dead people don't stay dead. *cought*Terryn*cough*. Odile shows Alyeth her past. Odile having Alyeth for the Witchwood barrier. The killing of Irene: Fayline is still alive somehow?? And has the power to take down a Crimson Devil at extremely opportune moments? Oh yea, she reaally can't leave Terryn and Gerard in the Haunts. Of all the people, those two survive. How . . .. convenient. Goddamned frustrating.
I was still interested in the ending, and I do have to say that post-fight chapters were the saving grace of this book. They were emotionally charged, and had a nostalgic feel to them that I enjoyed.
I'm very dissatisfied.
I am glad though that Dread Odile's story was finally told. A little bit was explained in the previous book and a lot more was added to it in this one. I really thought that there would be some unity between the Odile kin but alas.
The side characters all became flat af. Cerine POV is boring. It's just a bunch of exposition or her moping about. Gerard, "filled with holy purpose" only has one destination. How convenient that the only reason he shows up at the end is bc some Seer child told him that's his future. There was no clever plot manipulation that brought him there. And Terryn . . . while a lot more dynamic, still a pain to read about.
There is just too many convenient things that happened. Dead people don't stay dead. *cought*Terryn*cough*. Odile shows Alyeth her past. Odile having Alyeth for the Witchwood barrier. The killing of Irene: Fayline is still alive somehow?? And has the power to take down a Crimson Devil at extremely opportune moments? Oh yea, she reaally can't leave Terryn and Gerard in the Haunts. Of all the people, those two survive. How . . .. convenient. Goddamned frustrating.
I was still interested in the ending, and I do have to say that post-fight chapters were the saving grace of this book. They were emotionally charged, and had a nostalgic feel to them that I enjoyed.
I'm very dissatisfied.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2022
I buckled up for this read, and still got launched out of my seat during this roller coaster. I feel like I was constantly counting heads to try and keep track of all the characters and make sure everyone was still alive, but sometimes I didn't count fast enough.
This book had everything good and everything bad, only there wasn't enough of the good that I wanted and too much of the bad, it seemed. Terryn and Gerard get some brother bonding time. Fendral and Hollis fight alongside each other instead of against. Gerard gets some closure. Ayleth and Terryn are reunited.
Ayleth and Terryn are reunited at the worst time ever. Gerard loses his closure. Fendral and Hollis take turns holding each other fearing the other is dying. Gerard trying to do some thing Terryn not going to be happy about.
Anyway, the climax does not fail in its epic proportion or non-stop action. I could have used more time with Ayleth and Terryn together and less trauma for Ayleth, but that's my personal preference and not anything against the necessities of the story. But I have some things I have to get off my chest, so there is a non-spoiler note and a spoiler note. Don't read the spoiler note unless you've read this book.
Non-Spoiler note: I did not see the final twist coming. I didn't even know that I should know and it floored me. Boy was that something and one character and I had a hard time recovering. Everyone, you have been warned. A final warning- the ending, while poetic from a standpoint, is far from fulfilling. Do not read this book unless you have the short story that is included in the omnibus version. I was an emotional wreck between when I finished this book and when I finally had a chance to read the short story after a long work day, and in that story was healing. So you have been warned. Because, honestly, only one couple is actually happy after the end of this book, and I need more than one couple happy when I've been shipping more than one couple, know what I mean?
Spoiler note: I will never emotionally recovery from the conclusion of Fendrel's story arc. As an author, I know that this is the only way he would go. As a reader, though, my heart grew and then exploded. Also, Terryn totally saved his soul. Why go through all the trouble of him learning his shade's power and learning how to work alongside it unless it was for that moment? Why leave that up to the reader's discretion? Also, Ayleth really needs to forgive poor Hollis even if it was unfortunately not in the actual book. She made a terrible mistake against Ayleth, sure, but I'm still weirded out by the whole wolf-sibling thing, so I don't think anyone can really blame Hollis for not understanding what she did at the time. I mean, it's weird. And the fact that Hollis is finally free to marry if she choose but doesn't have the only man she'd want to marry is more than cruel retribution. Hope she and Kephan become best buddies so at least they have each other.
Spoiler note II: If Ayleth was less stupid in the one moment she was stupid and the one moment we needed her not to be happy, and Terryn had been able to give her her assist kill, that would obviously have met the qualifications for her being the one to kill the evil queen. But since Terryn would have been the one giving the assist, would that have made him the rightful king instead of Gerrard? What would be the consequences there? Sure, the Witchwood would still exist, but so would a couple of characters. It may have been a bit awkward for Gerrard getting back out of the inner workings of Witchwood, but I think they would have managed. I want to see an alternative to see what would have happened if only two out of three prophecies were fulfilled in the climax.
Note to more sensitive readers: This book had some bad language, violence, horror elements, just plain intensity, and far too little romance.
This book had everything good and everything bad, only there wasn't enough of the good that I wanted and too much of the bad, it seemed. Terryn and Gerard get some brother bonding time. Fendral and Hollis fight alongside each other instead of against. Gerard gets some closure. Ayleth and Terryn are reunited.
Ayleth and Terryn are reunited at the worst time ever. Gerard loses his closure. Fendral and Hollis take turns holding each other fearing the other is dying. Gerard trying to do some thing Terryn not going to be happy about.
Anyway, the climax does not fail in its epic proportion or non-stop action. I could have used more time with Ayleth and Terryn together and less trauma for Ayleth, but that's my personal preference and not anything against the necessities of the story. But I have some things I have to get off my chest, so there is a non-spoiler note and a spoiler note. Don't read the spoiler note unless you've read this book.
Non-Spoiler note: I did not see the final twist coming. I didn't even know that I should know and it floored me. Boy was that something and one character and I had a hard time recovering. Everyone, you have been warned. A final warning- the ending, while poetic from a standpoint, is far from fulfilling. Do not read this book unless you have the short story that is included in the omnibus version. I was an emotional wreck between when I finished this book and when I finally had a chance to read the short story after a long work day, and in that story was healing. So you have been warned. Because, honestly, only one couple is actually happy after the end of this book, and I need more than one couple happy when I've been shipping more than one couple, know what I mean?
Spoiler note: I will never emotionally recovery from the conclusion of Fendrel's story arc. As an author, I know that this is the only way he would go. As a reader, though, my heart grew and then exploded. Also, Terryn totally saved his soul. Why go through all the trouble of him learning his shade's power and learning how to work alongside it unless it was for that moment? Why leave that up to the reader's discretion? Also, Ayleth really needs to forgive poor Hollis even if it was unfortunately not in the actual book. She made a terrible mistake against Ayleth, sure, but I'm still weirded out by the whole wolf-sibling thing, so I don't think anyone can really blame Hollis for not understanding what she did at the time. I mean, it's weird. And the fact that Hollis is finally free to marry if she choose but doesn't have the only man she'd want to marry is more than cruel retribution. Hope she and Kephan become best buddies so at least they have each other.
Spoiler note II: If Ayleth was less stupid in the one moment she was stupid and the one moment we needed her not to be happy, and Terryn had been able to give her her assist kill, that would obviously have met the qualifications for her being the one to kill the evil queen. But since Terryn would have been the one giving the assist, would that have made him the rightful king instead of Gerrard? What would be the consequences there? Sure, the Witchwood would still exist, but so would a couple of characters. It may have been a bit awkward for Gerrard getting back out of the inner workings of Witchwood, but I think they would have managed. I want to see an alternative to see what would have happened if only two out of three prophecies were fulfilled in the climax.
Note to more sensitive readers: This book had some bad language, violence, horror elements, just plain intensity, and far too little romance.
March 16, 2021
Ayleth is at the mercy of the Witchwood.
Hollis, Fendrel and the remaining venators need to scramble a defense against Dread Odile with their weapon gone.
Inren has Gerard in her sights, and Terryn will not be able to stand in her way, ascendant shade or not.
Odile desperatly tries to turn Ayleth to her side, showing her her life, all the painful memories which caused her to become who she is. Is it the oblivis in Alyeth's lungs which Odile is controlling, or does Ayleth actually begin to feel something towards this witch? Her grandmother?
Fayline will fight Inren, she will not let her take Gerard's life. She will help him, bring him to his destiny in Dulìmurian, ensure he lives even if she doesn't.
Everyone gets split up: Ayleth torn away by the Witchwood leaving the venators behind, Terryn evanesced by Inren leaving Gerard behind. But they all find their way to Dulìmurian, for the end.
I think I'm going to have to give this amazing ending 5 stars, I was not expecting what came about. Fendrel's sacrifice, Terryn's determination. Hollis's heartbreak, Gerard's commitment, and Laranta's love. It is very rare a book makes me cry, but Laranta managed it. Her love for Ayleth, even after years of being bound, will outshine all.
This is a realistic happy ending, with not everyone there to see it. The character's dont just shrug off the event's that unfolded and start a new happy life; they grieve, they suffer, they slowly learn how to heal. I think I love this book more for that; the realism. Everything doesn't get shrugged off and forgotten, the scars of the events run deep, and may never completely be healed. The sacrifices made in that final battle will never be forgotten, nor will the reason for it, the reason it all started; to save the shades. They deserve to live; they feel, they love, they hurt. If Laranta taught us anything, it is that shades are not evil.
Hollis, Fendrel and the remaining venators need to scramble a defense against Dread Odile with their weapon gone.
Inren has Gerard in her sights, and Terryn will not be able to stand in her way, ascendant shade or not.
Odile desperatly tries to turn Ayleth to her side, showing her her life, all the painful memories which caused her to become who she is. Is it the oblivis in Alyeth's lungs which Odile is controlling, or does Ayleth actually begin to feel something towards this witch? Her grandmother?
Fayline will fight Inren, she will not let her take Gerard's life. She will help him, bring him to his destiny in Dulìmurian, ensure he lives even if she doesn't.
Everyone gets split up: Ayleth torn away by the Witchwood leaving the venators behind, Terryn evanesced by Inren leaving Gerard behind. But they all find their way to Dulìmurian, for the end.
I think I'm going to have to give this amazing ending 5 stars, I was not expecting what came about. Fendrel's sacrifice, Terryn's determination. Hollis's heartbreak, Gerard's commitment, and Laranta's love. It is very rare a book makes me cry, but Laranta managed it. Her love for Ayleth, even after years of being bound, will outshine all.
This is a realistic happy ending, with not everyone there to see it. The character's dont just shrug off the event's that unfolded and start a new happy life; they grieve, they suffer, they slowly learn how to heal. I think I love this book more for that; the realism. Everything doesn't get shrugged off and forgotten, the scars of the events run deep, and may never completely be healed. The sacrifices made in that final battle will never be forgotten, nor will the reason for it, the reason it all started; to save the shades. They deserve to live; they feel, they love, they hurt. If Laranta taught us anything, it is that shades are not evil.
April 18, 2021
The writing in this should get higher stars. I am giving it three stars because I can't imagine how she wrote a whole story just in everyone's heads. There is very little interaction between the characters and most of it is negative. This book was one long bad dream for all of them. The only one that got to wake up was Gerard. The end of this was good in many ways, all the bad guys got what was coming to them but all the good guys don't.......I am going to rant a bit now SPOILERS==WHy did only the golden Prince get a conclusion? Everyone else story does not end. SHe is still bitter to Hollis, I get this will take time to heal and maybe never will but we need some kind of wrap up there. The way she ended thing with Terryn! Holy bats! They don't even get a good kiss! 7 books I waited for a amazing awesome end scene where these two finally get to hold each other and declare their mutual love. GAHHHH! WHere is my prologue!
This book is full of violence and scary scenes. That would be R. No sexual activity of any kind.
This book is full of violence and scary scenes. That would be R. No sexual activity of any kind.
April 16, 2021
3.5 stars.
July 4, 2020
Exciting conclusion to the series. If you've read any of the series you must read this conclusion. I was fortunate to have received an ARC and became so involved that I finished it the same day. I did not notice any typos or other problems as I read.
January 21, 2022
So, I'm super frustrated with this book. I have had my ups and downs with this series, but for the most part, I've loved it. This ending was just not good enough for how amazing some of the other books were and what amazing characters there were. Plus some of the POVs were beyond flat. Like with Cerine 😭😭 I loved her pov in the other books and yet this one was so awful. All she did was whine the entire time. And then to have the only character get any actual wrap up was Gerard!!!! It's a huge freaking disservice to the other characters, especially Ayleth and Terryn. And speaking of them, why why why why why why why???? Why after 7 freaking books, I get a measly kiss scene?!?!!? There was tension throughout all of them!!!! Come on! And Laranta! Author had to do her so dirty!!! It was fucking fair!! After everything, that's the best that could have been done? My biggest complaint was the lack of wrap of about the mistranslation of Saint Evander. It was such a big deal in book 3! And yet nothing, nothing happened with it. Why even mention it if it wasnt going to be a mjor part of the story? That whole thing was completely unnecessary. I'm really disappointed in the way things ended honestly. The writing was good and the story from book 1 to this one did keep my attention..but for a finale, this book is pretty disappointing
May 4, 2022
Ow! My heart is bruised. What an ending.
***spoiler’ish review on ARC copy- don’t read if you want every piece of the story to be new***
All the little subplots that have been percolating over the series? Wrapped up.
Tears? Yep, it’s bittersweet definitely.
Gratuitous killing/maiming/otherwise inflicting of pointless suffering? Nope.
Inhaled this book as an ARC copy, and now I’m devastated there aren’t more. Couldn’t wait for the ending and now I’m heartbroken it’s over. What a ride. If I had more stars I would give them.
***spoiler’ish review on ARC copy- don’t read if you want every piece of the story to be new***
All the little subplots that have been percolating over the series? Wrapped up.
Tears? Yep, it’s bittersweet definitely.
Gratuitous killing/maiming/otherwise inflicting of pointless suffering? Nope.
Inhaled this book as an ARC copy, and now I’m devastated there aren’t more. Couldn’t wait for the ending and now I’m heartbroken it’s over. What a ride. If I had more stars I would give them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2020
I was a little hesitant to start this series and only did bc it was free on kindle tbh. Usually when there are over 3 books in a series I end up hating the series but I really enjoyed this one! Definitely made a cry a couple times in the end. Loved it and how it ended. I’m going to keep reading this author I enjoyed her style.
February 25, 2021
i am destroyed.
i decided not to write this review right after i finished the series last night because i was reeling from everything that happened at the end. i've slept on it and i'm still reeling LOL.
i don't know what to say, i mean, i read the entire series in a week and didn't sleep or do anything else the whole time so now i don't know what to do with myself. (i'm exaggerating, i did sleep (like 4 hours a night lol) and i ate and i went to school but every free moment was spent devouring these books)
my opinion of fendrel has changed since i wrote the review for tears of dust. you know an author is REALLY GOOD when the villain does despicable, big bad villain things but their tragic backstory and last few actions cause you to not know if you actually hate them. this was fendrel. doing big bad villain things like trying to get ayleth killed or imprisoning her. but then when you read things from his perspective, you do understand where he's coming from although his choices are still flawed.
terryn has finally stood up for the things he believes in deep down in his heart, instead of stubbornly turning a blind eye to all the flaws of the order. if there's anything anyone should know about his character is that whatever choices he makes, he goes all in. basically, terryn is stubborn dreamboat.
and ayleth. oh, ayleth. i don't even know what to say except,
essentially, this book broke me inside.
i decided not to write this review right after i finished the series last night because i was reeling from everything that happened at the end. i've slept on it and i'm still reeling LOL.
i don't know what to say, i mean, i read the entire series in a week and didn't sleep or do anything else the whole time so now i don't know what to do with myself. (i'm exaggerating, i did sleep (like 4 hours a night lol) and i ate and i went to school but every free moment was spent devouring these books)
my opinion of fendrel has changed since i wrote the review for tears of dust. you know an author is REALLY GOOD when the villain does despicable, big bad villain things but their tragic backstory and last few actions cause you to not know if you actually hate them. this was fendrel. doing big bad villain things like trying to get ayleth killed or imprisoning her. but then when you read things from his perspective, you do understand where he's coming from although his choices are still flawed.
terryn has finally stood up for the things he believes in deep down in his heart, instead of stubbornly turning a blind eye to all the flaws of the order. if there's anything anyone should know about his character is that whatever choices he makes, he goes all in. basically, terryn is stubborn dreamboat.
and ayleth. oh, ayleth. i don't even know what to say except,
essentially, this book broke me inside.
July 8, 2020
It’s been five months already. Feels like years of this reader’s life. I first encountered Ayleth, Terryn, Hollis, Gerard and the rest of their crew in early February. It’s July already and I’ve just closed the window with my ARC. What can I say? Quite a lot, actually.
Ms Mercedes has outdone herself in the emotion department. This book is a real tearjerker and being in the characters’ heads was a great and, too often, saddening experience. I didn’t actually expect a happy trip but my, parts of this were haunting. Hats off to Sylvia Mercedes. The ethereal world that she has created for her shades and her humans’ minds is a rich and captivating one and it shone in this last part even more than it did in the rest of them. Politics was here as well but this time, it definitely gave way to human heart and I liked it this way. Ayleth and Terryn with their determination and heartbreak, Gerard who fully grew into a leader of his subjects – ALL of his subjects – they were a delight to read. I thought Ms Mercedes would expand on Fayline but I wasn’t entirely sure. Well, she did and now I can say I am fully satisfied on this count because the poor girl and her struggle for the ascendancy of her own mind was always fascinating for me. It was great to see her featured more prominently.
I have to admit that Ms Mercedes defied my expectations on Fendrel. He was human, after all. I was scared that at the end, he’d turn out just an extension of St Evander himself. So glad to be proven wrong.
Between present and past, Ayleth, Terryn, Hollis and the rest, Dread Odile and her own tragic past, Crown of Nightmares was not a nightmarish read at all. It was superb. A magnificent conclusion of a great saga.
Waiting for Ms Mercedes’ next book already!
Ms Mercedes has outdone herself in the emotion department. This book is a real tearjerker and being in the characters’ heads was a great and, too often, saddening experience. I didn’t actually expect a happy trip but my, parts of this were haunting. Hats off to Sylvia Mercedes. The ethereal world that she has created for her shades and her humans’ minds is a rich and captivating one and it shone in this last part even more than it did in the rest of them. Politics was here as well but this time, it definitely gave way to human heart and I liked it this way. Ayleth and Terryn with their determination and heartbreak, Gerard who fully grew into a leader of his subjects – ALL of his subjects – they were a delight to read. I thought Ms Mercedes would expand on Fayline but I wasn’t entirely sure. Well, she did and now I can say I am fully satisfied on this count because the poor girl and her struggle for the ascendancy of her own mind was always fascinating for me. It was great to see her featured more prominently.
I have to admit that Ms Mercedes defied my expectations on Fendrel. He was human, after all. I was scared that at the end, he’d turn out just an extension of St Evander himself. So glad to be proven wrong.
Between present and past, Ayleth, Terryn, Hollis and the rest, Dread Odile and her own tragic past, Crown of Nightmares was not a nightmarish read at all. It was superb. A magnificent conclusion of a great saga.
Waiting for Ms Mercedes’ next book already!
July 6, 2020
No spoilers in this review.
Wow! I was really worried going into this final book, but the author 100% stuck the landing. This ending was so, so satisfying.
The beginning of the book started a bit slow for my tastes (especially since the previous book had built so much tension!), but it eventually picked up. The climax was so gripping.
I loved the resolution of the story too. So many books raise the stakes and let everyone escape unscathed, but this book tastefully dealt out consequences for the danger various characters trekked into and gave you a glimpse of a very realistic (but still optimistic!) ending to a gruesome war. There’s hope, optimism, and peace at the end, but it’s not a glittering fairytale ending where everyone holds hands and skips off into the sunset.
I can’t divulge my favorite moments in details because spoilers. But the characters remained true to themselves and I loved them so much for it!
Overall, this was a fantastic book and a fantastic series. I’d recommend it!
Wow! I was really worried going into this final book, but the author 100% stuck the landing. This ending was so, so satisfying.
The beginning of the book started a bit slow for my tastes (especially since the previous book had built so much tension!), but it eventually picked up. The climax was so gripping.
I loved the resolution of the story too. So many books raise the stakes and let everyone escape unscathed, but this book tastefully dealt out consequences for the danger various characters trekked into and gave you a glimpse of a very realistic (but still optimistic!) ending to a gruesome war. There’s hope, optimism, and peace at the end, but it’s not a glittering fairytale ending where everyone holds hands and skips off into the sunset.
I can’t divulge my favorite moments in details because spoilers. But the characters remained true to themselves and I loved them so much for it!
Overall, this was a fantastic book and a fantastic series. I’d recommend it!
July 6, 2020
OMG what an amazing conclusion to a great series! The plot was well woven and the battle to save all from Dread Odile continues and reaches its climax. The characters are separated from each other and trying to find their way to where the crown is before Odile can get to it. Ayleth comes face to face with Odile and has an internal battle within herself between family and duty. Terryn has finally opened himself up to his Shade, which has made him more powerful, more accepting. He has a duty to protect his king, Gerard, his brother, but also Ayleth, the woman whom he loves. All the characters will have to make difficult choices, which will bring about great pain and sadness. Sacrifices are made for the greater good and to right previous wrongs. The plot twists the novel took were very unexpected and I enjoyed every word of it.
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Mercedes. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Mercedes. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 6, 2020
OMG what an amazing conclusion to a great series! The plot was well woven and the battle to save all from Dread Odile continues and reaches its climax. The characters are separated from each other and trying to find their way to where the crown is before Odile can get to it. Ayleth comes face to face with Odile and has an internal battle within herself between family and duty. Terryn has finally opened himself up to his Shade, which has made him more powerful, more accepting. He has a duty to protect his king, Gerard, his brother, but also Ayleth, the woman whom he loves. All the characters will have to make difficult choices, which will bring about great pain and sadness. Sacrifices are made for the greater good and to right previous wrongs. The plot twists the novel took were very unexpected and I enjoyed every word of it.
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Mercedes. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel as an ARC from Ms. Mercedes. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 5, 2020
As the culmination of the Venatrix Chronicles, this book captures the emotional rollercoaster that has been a hallmark of the series. I will not give any spoilers, but if you have read the previous books, you cannot miss this one. Be prepared for the gripping images and the beautiful moments that are so masterfully written. I am so pleased to have discovered this series, and emotionally say goodbye to Ayleth! I did receive an Advance Review Copy of this book.
June 16, 2021
Did I binge this series in about 4 days? Yup.
Did I want to throw books across the room multiple times? Forsure.
Did I see that killer of an ending coming? Nope. Not at all.
& now my heart has some bruises and Idk if I’ll ever be able to reread this series knowing the ending, but I 1000% wish I could read this series again for the first time.
It took me until the second book to really get sucked into the world, but boy did it get its grips into me!! What a ride!
Did I want to throw books across the room multiple times? Forsure.
Did I see that killer of an ending coming? Nope. Not at all.
& now my heart has some bruises and Idk if I’ll ever be able to reread this series knowing the ending, but I 1000% wish I could read this series again for the first time.
It took me until the second book to really get sucked into the world, but boy did it get its grips into me!! What a ride!
July 4, 2020
A great conclusion to a wonderful series! I had so many questions going in, and most were answered, but not how I expected them to be! There were so many twists and turns; I couldn't put it down! I was fortunate to receive an ARC copy, and literally finished it in half a day! I highly recommend this book!
July 21, 2020
This book is the perfect ending to one of the best series in 2020!! I finished this book a couple of days ago and I’m still suffering from a massive book hangover. This book has everything-action, suspense and an emotional wild ride. Sylvia has hooked me since the first book and has kept each book in the series thoroughly entertaining. Every one of her books always seem to finish too quickly and leave you wanting more. She is one of the best writers I’ve come across to date and I can’t wait to read more from her in the future.
July 10, 2020
Ahhh it has ended! This book was action packed! I really loved how all the characters came together in the end. I felt like it tied everything up well and gave you a satisfied ending. I’m so sad to see this come to an end but I really lived reading this series and Alyeth’s journey.
July 4, 2021
I don't have what so say about this book just to feel, what a amazing saga it was. It became my favorite and worthed all the time I spent reading the 7 books.
I loved how it didn't let some characters lost and everyone had a ending.
This book talks a lot about respect and love, which sometimes we can do the worse choices because of it.
I loved the couples, Terryn was so lovely, Gerrard and Cerine worthed the amount of stress I had with then in the beggining.
Prepare your heart for this book, you will scream internally during the whole book. It's been a long time since I cried with a story, congratulations, Sylvia. The ending of this book and saga destroyed me, 10/10, I recommend it.
I hope we can have tales about the future, I was anxious to see the ending and now I want to continue in this amazing world.
I recommend this saga a hundred percent for everyone who wants to read a amazing fantasy, romance, action, drama, strong female main lead and so on. I loved it, thank you, Sylvia, for this amazing saga.
What did you think about the book?
What book made you cry an ocean?
"Anne frank's diary" won this book.
I loved how it didn't let some characters lost and everyone had a ending.
This book talks a lot about respect and love, which sometimes we can do the worse choices because of it.
I loved the couples, Terryn was so lovely, Gerrard and Cerine worthed the amount of stress I had with then in the beggining.
Prepare your heart for this book, you will scream internally during the whole book. It's been a long time since I cried with a story, congratulations, Sylvia. The ending of this book and saga destroyed me, 10/10, I recommend it.
I hope we can have tales about the future, I was anxious to see the ending and now I want to continue in this amazing world.
I recommend this saga a hundred percent for everyone who wants to read a amazing fantasy, romance, action, drama, strong female main lead and so on. I loved it, thank you, Sylvia, for this amazing saga.
What did you think about the book?
What book made you cry an ocean?
"Anne frank's diary" won this book.
October 5, 2021
Wow.
This book…. Completed me, lol; as well as completely the series.
The author really outdid herself here, as I’d hoped. I couldn’t see the outcomes but I got what I wanted.
Not only are there great characters, but I’m seriously impressed with the ideas and concepts about life and death, time, love, trust, loyalty. That’s all in addition to a really unique world, and some glorious writing. Some lines were pure poetry. The joy experienced by some of characters, well, we all paid for it In the torments of the previous books.
This is a series I would for first time in awhile recommend to young readers if they are old enough to stomach some seriously harsh violence sprinkled quite liberally throughout. Much of it is just gross stuff but it got a little taxing at times even for me and I’m middle-aged. But there are some very admirable qualities of sacrifice, the value of loyalty and trust, as well as repercussions of breaking trust, and the amazing power of simple but fierce love, whether between friend, or lovers or family.
Bravo!!!!!
This book…. Completed me, lol; as well as completely the series.
The author really outdid herself here, as I’d hoped. I couldn’t see the outcomes but I got what I wanted.
Not only are there great characters, but I’m seriously impressed with the ideas and concepts about life and death, time, love, trust, loyalty. That’s all in addition to a really unique world, and some glorious writing. Some lines were pure poetry. The joy experienced by some of characters, well, we all paid for it In the torments of the previous books.
This is a series I would for first time in awhile recommend to young readers if they are old enough to stomach some seriously harsh violence sprinkled quite liberally throughout. Much of it is just gross stuff but it got a little taxing at times even for me and I’m middle-aged. But there are some very admirable qualities of sacrifice, the value of loyalty and trust, as well as repercussions of breaking trust, and the amazing power of simple but fierce love, whether between friend, or lovers or family.
Bravo!!!!!
April 17, 2024
This series was hands down, one of the best things that I've had the honor of reading. It hooked me in from the very first book and held me close from day one. It has everything you could hope for in a fantasy series. The magic system was original and so well done. The plot surrounding the shades and the shade taken was amazing. The writing was so beautiful and descriptive. The characters are everything. EVERYTHING. I have so much love for the characters, and that's going to be the hardest thing to let go of. Honestly, I could gush all day. I probably will, but I'll direct it towards my husband and not this review.
The series wrapped up nicely, although I didn't see some of it coming. I have my answers, I have my closure, and overall, I truly am happy with the way it ended. I even gave a little smile as it officially concluded and vowed to myself that it will be in my next batch of rereads. 2025, I see you.
Until then. 5 stars. For the series as a whole. Amazing. My heart feels empty without it, and it's going to take a while for something to be able to fill it again.
The series wrapped up nicely, although I didn't see some of it coming. I have my answers, I have my closure, and overall, I truly am happy with the way it ended. I even gave a little smile as it officially concluded and vowed to myself that it will be in my next batch of rereads. 2025, I see you.
Until then. 5 stars. For the series as a whole. Amazing. My heart feels empty without it, and it's going to take a while for something to be able to fill it again.
July 23, 2020
Finale/ Series Review
Ok, so first of all this whole series was very PG. I'm not even sure that it qualifies as YA. Secondly, there were only two major character deaths at this ending... She said, "Get your box of Kleenex for this ending," I didn't cry at all! Everything wrapped up a little too nearly for my liking. But I guess that goes with the whole PG theme of this series. Thirdly, proofreading is a beautiful thing. She kept using the same words in consecutive sentences and paragraphs. There is this great tool called a thesaurus, check it out. I found it odd that she went out of her way to include some rather large and ambiguous words in her writing, but then couldn't find some synonyms to use for those simple repeated words. Ugh. And lastly, what is with all the hair-pulling in the kissing scenes? What girl wants her hair yanked on when she's making out? Just wtf? Three disappointing stars out of five stars to Crown of Nightmares.
Ok, so first of all this whole series was very PG. I'm not even sure that it qualifies as YA. Secondly, there were only two major character deaths at this ending... She said, "Get your box of Kleenex for this ending," I didn't cry at all! Everything wrapped up a little too nearly for my liking. But I guess that goes with the whole PG theme of this series. Thirdly, proofreading is a beautiful thing. She kept using the same words in consecutive sentences and paragraphs. There is this great tool called a thesaurus, check it out. I found it odd that she went out of her way to include some rather large and ambiguous words in her writing, but then couldn't find some synonyms to use for those simple repeated words. Ugh. And lastly, what is with all the hair-pulling in the kissing scenes? What girl wants her hair yanked on when she's making out? Just wtf? Three disappointing stars out of five stars to Crown of Nightmares.
August 10, 2021
Wonderful finish to an amazing series! I literally tore through my ARC in less than two hours (while at work and still doing my job), I was so eager to find out what was going to happen. Most of my questions were answered, but the answers were not what I expected. I very much enjoyed this book, and my only disappointment is that it is the last in the series. I would love to return to this world, either in a prequel, or later on down the road!
April 28, 2021
Thank goodness I was not super invested because I know that ending would have effed me up. Whewww. I am a sucker for those kind of endings.
Anyway. I couldn't really enjoy this series until somewhere in the 5th book so I can't really give it a high rating but I will say it had its moments. Oh and the series is a quick read. I finished this 7 book series in like 3 days. And I didn't even like it. No offense, but I mean that as in, even without me passionately reading, it was quick.
For me, the characters could have used more personality. I felt like I was watching them do things most times rather than experiencing things with them. We get a bit more vulnerability and personality in the last 3 books but this is a 7 book series so I can't, in good conscience, overlook that so easily. The story telling itself was not my cup of tea. The pacing wasn't consistent and I spent 4 books frustrated over the lack of plot revelations. It was like walking blind when we could have been turned on the lights. The plot revelations, when finally given, were info dumps. The redemption arcs weren't strong enough to move me. Granted, that could be due to my lack of connection with the characters. The relationships all felt sudden to me. There wasn't a lot of romance in this series, but when it was there, it was stark and didn't feel natural to me. I never felt like I fully understood the dynamics of this world, the venators, the shades, or the magic. Like how did she rule for 200 years? They say time doesn't matter but like, she was mortal, I don't know it wasn't really explained... But things like that, the details, the world building, I couldn't fully grasp the world of this book. Even now, 7 books later, it is patchy to me.
It really just didn't connect with me unfortunately. You know when you read a book and there are little things that might rub you the wrong way, but you can look past it? Benefit of the doubt and all that. I got hung up on those little things at the beginning and I dwelled on them too long to actually enjoy the series. Usually, I let it go, but I just didn't so it's on me. Mind over matter but I couldn't mind my mind. Something like that.
Overall, it's a 3.5 star series for me. I know there are heaps of people who love this series so please don't hate me Sylvia, I'm happy you got to tell your story.
Anyway. I couldn't really enjoy this series until somewhere in the 5th book so I can't really give it a high rating but I will say it had its moments. Oh and the series is a quick read. I finished this 7 book series in like 3 days. And I didn't even like it. No offense, but I mean that as in, even without me passionately reading, it was quick.
For me, the characters could have used more personality. I felt like I was watching them do things most times rather than experiencing things with them. We get a bit more vulnerability and personality in the last 3 books but this is a 7 book series so I can't, in good conscience, overlook that so easily. The story telling itself was not my cup of tea. The pacing wasn't consistent and I spent 4 books frustrated over the lack of plot revelations. It was like walking blind when we could have been turned on the lights. The plot revelations, when finally given, were info dumps. The redemption arcs weren't strong enough to move me. Granted, that could be due to my lack of connection with the characters. The relationships all felt sudden to me. There wasn't a lot of romance in this series, but when it was there, it was stark and didn't feel natural to me. I never felt like I fully understood the dynamics of this world, the venators, the shades, or the magic. Like how did she rule for 200 years? They say time doesn't matter but like, she was mortal, I don't know it wasn't really explained... But things like that, the details, the world building, I couldn't fully grasp the world of this book. Even now, 7 books later, it is patchy to me.
It really just didn't connect with me unfortunately. You know when you read a book and there are little things that might rub you the wrong way, but you can look past it? Benefit of the doubt and all that. I got hung up on those little things at the beginning and I dwelled on them too long to actually enjoy the series. Usually, I let it go, but I just didn't so it's on me. Mind over matter but I couldn't mind my mind. Something like that.
Overall, it's a 3.5 star series for me. I know there are heaps of people who love this series so please don't hate me Sylvia, I'm happy you got to tell your story.
September 20, 2020
Stunning Ending
*****Spoilers*****
The book starts off slowly, much too slowly picking up from the last one. I was impatient to get to some substance but had to wade through context that I cared not to read. Some of it was relevant but a lot of it was dream world stuff that didn't advance the story. After we get through the oblivis hallucinations though, the story picks up in a way that I could finally appreciate. Ayleth is tested in the face of Odile and waivers in her mission when it counts. Her hesitation ultimately sees Tarryn struck down and close to death. Fendrel turns out to be Terryn's savior. It doesn't excuse his prior actions in fervor of his faith but he died so that Terryn could live. A worthwhile ending for Fendrel, possibly in a way Fendrel found to be redeeming in his last act.
I felt bad for Hollis in this one. She clearly loves Ayleth like a daughter but Ayleth may not ever forgive Hollis for destroying her family. Hollis saw her mother as a murderess but Ayleth keenly feels the loss of that family. This isn't more clear than when Ayleth momentarily aligns with Odile, seeking that familial connection despite what Odile had done in the past. But Odile's vision of sanctuary for shades and shade born was a worthy cause, one that Gareth promises to strive for in future. More war is surely to come as when heretics and deep rooted faith are challenged, that's the unfortunate outcome. Hopefully the world survives.
Terryn. He's solid, now freed from the oppressive thinking that has held him back. His shade he now keeps fully ascendant which is ironic since Ayleth lost Larantha to her shade's sacrifice to free Ayleth from the crown she'd donned to finally defeat Odile. Tarryn has realized and accepted the love he feels for Ayleth even though it's supposedly wrong since they were both shade taken. I would have been sorely disappointed had the epilogue not included some hint to a reunion between him and Ayleth after she set out and away to go home alone. Ayleth who is shade taken once more but with a different but similar shade to Larantha.
I'd have liked at some point in this series for Terryn and Ayleth to give action to their growing feelings beyond a few quick kisses but otherwise enjoyed the series.
*****Spoilers*****
The book starts off slowly, much too slowly picking up from the last one. I was impatient to get to some substance but had to wade through context that I cared not to read. Some of it was relevant but a lot of it was dream world stuff that didn't advance the story. After we get through the oblivis hallucinations though, the story picks up in a way that I could finally appreciate. Ayleth is tested in the face of Odile and waivers in her mission when it counts. Her hesitation ultimately sees Tarryn struck down and close to death. Fendrel turns out to be Terryn's savior. It doesn't excuse his prior actions in fervor of his faith but he died so that Terryn could live. A worthwhile ending for Fendrel, possibly in a way Fendrel found to be redeeming in his last act.
I felt bad for Hollis in this one. She clearly loves Ayleth like a daughter but Ayleth may not ever forgive Hollis for destroying her family. Hollis saw her mother as a murderess but Ayleth keenly feels the loss of that family. This isn't more clear than when Ayleth momentarily aligns with Odile, seeking that familial connection despite what Odile had done in the past. But Odile's vision of sanctuary for shades and shade born was a worthy cause, one that Gareth promises to strive for in future. More war is surely to come as when heretics and deep rooted faith are challenged, that's the unfortunate outcome. Hopefully the world survives.
Terryn. He's solid, now freed from the oppressive thinking that has held him back. His shade he now keeps fully ascendant which is ironic since Ayleth lost Larantha to her shade's sacrifice to free Ayleth from the crown she'd donned to finally defeat Odile. Tarryn has realized and accepted the love he feels for Ayleth even though it's supposedly wrong since they were both shade taken. I would have been sorely disappointed had the epilogue not included some hint to a reunion between him and Ayleth after she set out and away to go home alone. Ayleth who is shade taken once more but with a different but similar shade to Larantha.
I'd have liked at some point in this series for Terryn and Ayleth to give action to their growing feelings beyond a few quick kisses but otherwise enjoyed the series.
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