Erin O'Kane is an independent author from the UK. She used to work within healthcare, but now is able to follow her dream as a full time author. Writing is her escape and a dream she never thought possible until she was given a push from her friends and family.
She has an addiction to coffee, Lucozade and baked goods. When not writing she will be found on adventures with her husband, reading a book or watching bad romance movies.
The story continues and Clarissa and Vaeril's relationship unfolds.
As the King's cruelty increases Clarissa puts a target on her back when she saves a friend. Now she must escape and she needs Vaeril as well in order to pull it off. Now she is on the run with an enemy of her people and she is now branded a traitor.
So this book was not as good as the first. I mean, I literally ate the first book up, this one was slower and there was a whole lot going on that the only focus it seemed to really have was to develop Clarissa and Vaeril's relationship.
That's not to say I didn't enjoy it. It certainly had its moments. And in my reading experience, second books seem to be a tough one for authors. The world-building and discovery of the first book are over while still not wanting to give too much and take away from any following books. It's hard to find a good median for the second book. So I'll be continuing on with the series as it might pick up now that the 'second book syndrome' is now past.
Recommend age 18+ While this book had some mild sexual content. It is a very dark book. Be warned. Child slavery, torture, cruelty for the sake of cruelty, are just some of the things you will find in this book.
• Fantasy - New Adult • Reverse-Harem/Slowburn romance • Dark (TW: abuse, physical violence) • Magic - Fae - Royalty • Strong Heroine - non-toxic love interests (I decided this is something I should mention)
This series is addictive. It's slow, and I still stand by my previous statement: Reverse-Harem slowburn is torture. Especially when Clarissa thinks there's something wrong with her because she's feeling attracted to more than one man. She feels the pull to these men, but she doesn't know about the bond and they don't know either and it IS a little frustrating because I KNOW. Because I read many books with soulmates/bonds etc etc...
But you know what I find interesting? The fact that these men are introduced gradually throughout the story. I'm used to reading RH books where the love interests are usually a group of friends or brothers or partners, but not here. Here they are all different, and you never know who's going to be the next one, where or when are they going to meet and I found I quite like that.
They worldbuilding still stays strong and the plot just keeps getting more interesting, with twists and threats at every turn. The author did a great job and I'm excited to continue this series and see where it takes us.
P.s. don't except sex scenes, there aren't (at least not yet)
The book is a train wreck I can't pull my eyes away from. It takes all the imperfections of its prequel to a whole new level. Nothing in this is rational and the characters contradict themselves so often, that their words lose all meaning. There is a certain entertainment in its complete lack of logic and reason tho. Also you could probably get drunk by taking a sip of wine every time someone mentiones how the protagonist is "not like other girls".
It wasn't better than the first and the story had so many inconsistencies. The characters were contradictory and heroine gave me a whiplash and I couldn't decide if i like her or not. I would not read the other book in these series.
I understood the events in this book much more than I did in Book 1 - perhaps that is because book 1 served as the foundational view of this world, but Book 2 seems to be where the story REALLY starts.
And start is does. The action picks up, the mystery deepens, and trauma smacks out of nowhere. Things FINALLY start getting talked about, a little history is revealed and the whys start to make a bit more sense. Our favorite slave, 625, whose name changes depending on who is talking to her, discovers more about herself, and the things she wants.
It's a great step forward, but fair warning, this is a steep slow-burn. We almost get a touch at the end, but eh.. nope. It works well with the plot though, allowing them all the time grow and develop as characters we can grow to love.
Perspective First Person, Single POV
Ending Type Cliffhanger
Rating 18+
Romantic Dynamic MMMF
Character Age Range 20+
My Final Verdict on Fires of Treason A good continuation on a unique Fantasy tale, one that grows a touch more complicated while revealing the truths in small doses - and the occasional galvanized adventure.
Not much has happened on the relationship front. We know that Clarissa is being pulled in multiple directions in this book. But SO MUCH happens. So much info, so many people, so many places. I’m not even certain I know where this is going or who we need to fight, it seems like we need to fight on all fronts. I am IN IT.
Excellent, I highly recommend. Though there are some typos and editing errors a lot of repetition of certain phrasing and a few scenes rehashed after happening off page, which isn’t my favorite.
Erin O'Kane is one of those authors who has mastered the art of engaging cliffhangers. Though the story slows down a bit in the middle, it still offers plenty to keep you on your toes. You follow the heroine's journey from the drama in the castle to escaping the massacres. The encounter with the elves was a highlight for me, and I absolutely love the twins (who doesn't enjoy an angry hero thrown into the mix?). More love interests? God, I truly hope so! I love how the author manages to make you keep guessing.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Always a great re-read :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my gosh!! what a mind blowing read! I feel like I need a few minutes to both calm myself and gather my thoughts. Wow!!
This is the second book in the war and deceit series. A direct continuation from Fires of hatred, so you do need to read that first to understand the whirlwind which is Clarissa's life.
We pick up the story as it appears the king has gone mad. That both suprised me and shocked the life out of me, his cold and callous actions are devastating.
Everything changes as he imposes new laws upon the citizens and my heart truly bled for them all.
The priests are downright evil in their treatment of both the slaves and Clarissa. I could of cried for her, I really could! In the back on my mind is a little voice though trying to soothe me, telling me she wouldn't of met Vaeril otherwise, but still it's not right and it's certainly not fair.
Mountain man Tor and High Mage Grayson dont feature in this book as much as I thought they would. There are moments here and there where they shine but Vaeril is the elf of the hour.
He's so much more than I thought he was, and I loved they they could both see beyond the fact that their races are enemies, and so they should hate each other.
I grew to really like him once he began to open up and show us his true personality. He's an amazing character!
Clarissa remains a firm favourite of mine with her true heart, and pure mind along with her worldly innocence. She's a breath of fresh air and I can see why everyone reacts to her the way they do. She's definetly something special.
Overall this is a must read series. The story is rich in details, and the characters are so unique.
I cant wait for the next book, I only wish I had it right now!
I just want to start off my saying that slow burn romance is not my jam... at all, but Erin has created these amazing characters and world that I’m completely sucked into and I don’t care about the romantic relationships too much or the pace of them. After a horrifying ending in Fires of Hatred, this book was filled with danger, adventuring outside of the palace walls, and corruption. 625 has found her own voice and backbone along with giving more trust and compassion to her friends. Jayne is still my favorite character, but Aileen isn’t too far behind. I love that Aileen isn’t like the other ladies of the court and has mostly the same views as 625. I enjoyed learning more about Vaeril and the elves, but I still want to know about the Mountain Men and kelpies. It seems like people on both sides of the war are corrupt and only a few are sane and have a sound mind. The way Erin writes the racism and classism between the characters is very realistic, especially since everyone is told what their views and opinions are supposed to be and you’re a traitor if you think or believe otherwise. I liked that a few of them are seeing each other past their race or class and seeing each other as equals. This book didn’t have too dramatic of an ending like the last, but I still can’t wait to see what happens next! *I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
I loved book 1 of Erin O'Kane's War and Deceit series and book 2 is just as awesome (might I say a little better haha). The evil King and his son Rhydian make for incredible villains in this part of this epic story. We get to meet another baddie towards the end of this book and I know these 3 are gonna make for a tension-filled climax in book 4!
I was disgusted by what the King deemed acceptable (again, Erin is really good at making us hate the bad guys haha) and I was so happy to see Clarissa able to get away after the confrontation with the King and Rhydian. That journey with Vae was filled with so much sexual tension and push and pull, it was incredible. I wanted to smack both Clarissa and Vae for their issues but it all worked out in the end haha. We get some cool twists (some I saw coming, some I totally didn't which is always refreshing in stories). I loved the relationship developing with Vae (Vae is bae, duh!) and can't wait to see what happens with her other men in future books haha. I loved seeing Clarissa stand up for herself more and be a stronger character, mentally and physically. I also loved her developments with her magic and he cause/reason for fighting.
Amazing job, Erin, already reading book 3 because this one captured me so much! If you are looking for a faster burn series, this one might not be your fancy. This is a slow burn, but great paced RH fantasy, PNR series. Highly recommend 😊
I've never wanted to throw a book at an author so much before. This read was absolutely brilliant but dang that ending. Like no, don't end it like that I need to know more! Book two left off exactly where book one ended with Clarissa and Vaeril still in the dungeon forge. Grayson comes to her "rescue" yet again, only this time she doesn't need rescuing cause it's Clarissa, and she totally got this. Things in the castle have changed, or at least for Clarissa they have the rest of nobility are acting as nothing has happened. That is until the King makes a few interesting proclamations and Clarissa needs to save as many as she can including Vaeril.
I love watching the growth of Clarissa in these books, as well as her relationships with various characters around her even if some of the interactions are only brief. Her life as a slave has made her so much stronger and more withstanding to some of the events around her even if they do still give her nightmares. There was some news dropped on the characters with only 5% left in the book which even though some of it was explained I now need to book three in my life cause I need more answers!
Honestly, it's a fantastic read from start to finish and one I didn't want to put down.
I enjoyed this book here we’re still in the castle she still coping with her PTSD as a slave trying to blend in. She meets the other Jaime ages she gets in a fight with one because he’s rude the king kills the queen and all the slaves here. Then they let the priest be in charge or people can punish them as they see fit. She’s able to break the curse of the elf and they don’t say anything so you can make an escape just in case there are three princess and the prince is looking for a princess to marry so they start having balls at night to find a princess but the king starts killing the girls with poison chocolates and this goes on for weeks until one night he tries to kill her friend and she test the king to see she takes her friends chocolate and the king tells her not to eat it then she runs off and then they chase her she goes to the cell with the elf escaped in the bin Alflen. Her and the ALF are traveling for weeks and they get closer when she got to his off-line and she discovers that he’s a Lord. And her feelings are conflicted the queen heater as soon as she sees her. Looking forward to the next one
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh. My. God. I can't even. This book is killing me!
With that thrilling end of book one, I was about dying to dive into book two to know what will happen to our Clarissa and the brooding, mysterious elf, Vaeril. I was so enchanted by his character and what will be his role in the development of this story. My wish was granted. Fires of Treason started where it left off and put Clarissa in the center of the mad king's attention and his son, Rhydian. Clarissa must rally her strength and confidence to outwit her enemies and thwart the danger that is upon her. In this installment, we see a development with her relationship with Vaeril and the other guys, and dived into the land of the elves. Oh how I wish this book was longer because Vaeril's world is so magical with their hierarchies, different type of creatures, the intrigue of their court, their Queen and the twins. This book ends in a small cliffy and I have a feeling on whose world I will be seeing next. I loved it and I couldn't wait for book three!
These first two books have been a good read so far with an interesting main character and good world-building. Clarissa can be annoying though as every time someone tries to explain some backstory, something happens or she can't deal with it at the time and walks away making it very slow.
I was hoping she would settle down with the elf (as he is the only one in the description of the first book) but this has turned out to be a reverse, slow-burn harem. Please put that in the description on Amazon as only when I am two books in have I realised this is not the series for me.
I would have preferred a found family thing that would help Clarissa heal from being a slave as it started to happen with Jayne becoming a mother figure. Grayson is like a big brother, Tor as an uncle/father and Vaeril as a lover, but that may be because I don't like reverse harem's.
I will be looking into other things this author has done but will check, the reviews as the descriptions seem to be misleading.
Fires of Treason, book two in The War and Deceit series, continues the story of Clarissa, Vaeril, Grayson, and Tor. When the King announces that his son Rhydian is looking for a wife, all eligible ladies begin to attend dinners hosted by the King in an attempt to weed out the weak. When Clarissa pushes things to far, she realizes that she can’t put off leaving with Vaeril any longer, and the pair escape the dungeon and begin their escape from the castle grounds. Along the way Clarissa and Vaeril struggle to survive, but use their forming bond to stay close to one another. But when Vaeril is injured, and Clarissa finds herself at the mercy of the jealous Elf Queen, will she find herself once again a prisoner? This book also ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you on the edge of your seat, desperate for more. I can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens next for Clarissa, Vaeril, Grayson and Tor.
I am in love with this series. I warned Erin that if I didn't wait, the cliffhangers (they're mild), that I'd drive her crazy waiting waiting for the next in the series.
When I started, I couldn't put it down. The first book left a lot of questions unanswered, lingering waiting for book two. This book didn't disappoint and I was on the edge of my seat. It makes you want to look over your shoulder, wondering what the king and those priests are up to behind closed doors.
I can't wait for book three, but be warned, it's a slow burn series, but the anticipation is going to keep you flipping the pages. These men are just amazing. I'm not sure who's my favorite. But then again, #WhyChoose
If I could give this book more then 5 stars I do would. I am absolutely in love with Clarissa and her story. There are so many twists and turns going on in this you can't help but be emotional. Slavery is all Clarissa remembers until she excapes the castle with Vaeril. She leaves all her friends and the woman she has grown as close to as a mother behind. She grows so much so much in this short amount of time. I knew there was a big cliffhanger but even I didn't see that one coming lol. I scared my kids when I yelled NOOOO!!!! Erin is an amazing author and this story proves it. I can't wait until she's done with number 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was just as good as book one if not better!!! Where book one left a lot of questions unanswered. This book answered them. What a wild ride Fires of Treason was.
Yes this is a slow burn, but to me sometimes that just makes the end result so much sweeter. But really that just leaves us to focus on the story, which is a pretty good one if you ask me. My interest from book one has been caught and held. A good flow from book one to two, seemingly as if it was one book.
Clarissa is just trying to survive and handle this new world she is in. With a sexy elf in the lead, we follow them on their journey that filled with danger.
Well done Erin and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
In hindsight it was my fault. I did not read the reverse harem tag that came along with this book. Which is what it delivers. So, each book is dedicated to one guy and the story goes nowhere. Few words that come to my mind thinking of this book is train wreck. gah. Can't believe I wasted my time. The one thing I like about this book though is the narration. Flippy air headed heroines is not my type and this book doesn't give that. I also like the romance between her and the elf but that was when I thought this is a clean book. the ending made me rethink and come to goodreads and voila, reverse harem. nope. not my cup of tea.
I really enjoyed book 2 in the War and Deceit Series. Poor Clarissa, she has absolutely no idea who she is or why she's important. When the kingdom she's living in goes to hell, her choices aren't great. Facing death, she flees after freeing her sworn enemy. As the saga progresses, I'm looking forward to the burn coming to a head. It's very slow, but that makes it feel like real relationships are building. I'm very excited for her to get answers! She has so few and everyone is hiding information, but it's going to be crazy when she finally finds where she belongs. It was exciting, well paced, and the ending was an excellent hook into book 3. I'm loving this!
This story has exceeded my expectations from the very beginning. We are finally getting a bit more insight into both Clarissa and Vaeril's background. I am so invested in Clarissa, the guys, and all the crazy things happening in the background that I have been left reeling and wishing that this book went on for much longer. I am so excited to learn more about Clarissa's history, to see the bonds between her and the guys grow, and hopefully a take down of all the idiots with too much power! I blew through this book, and I just know this series will forever be a favorite.
Loved loved loved this story!!!! Seriously this story pulls you in so quickly. This is book 2 so definitely have to read book 1. No lie got all the way to the ending, yes there is a cliffhanger, and wanted to lay my head down and smack it against the table. Or at least throw something. All while saying to myself please don’t end the story here please you wouldn’t do that to me. And it ended. Sigh. Ok this is a definite must read if you can’t tell by my reaction. I don’t do spoilers so believe me read it.
After reading the first book in the series, I know I would have to read whatever came next. This book did not disappoint. The FMC is such a great character. You can feel her pain and self-consciousness throughout the story but you can also feel her resolve and hope. She's still on a journey to discover who or what she is and I am loving taking the journey with her. There are still so many unanswered questions. I can't wait to see them answered and to continue to watch her life become what it should be; to watch her bonds with her men grow and strengthen.
The world building is phenomenal and really shows the author’s ability.
Our main characters Vaeril, Clarissa, Tor, Grayson are still revealing little pieces of themselves along the journey add in twists and turns, action of battles, and sit on the edge of your seat tense moments.
Clarissa really grows as a person, and as a woman, and the role she is destined to play.
Does leave on a cliffhanger, but gives time for the reader to let the world tilting scenes sink in that these characters adventure takes them on.
Slowest of the slow burns, but man it burns so good you just want more, more, more!!! The epic storytelling I came to expect in the first book of the series definitely showed back up here as 'Alina' goes on an adventure with the haughty sexy elf...When I say this story is drawn out to the extreme, believe it!!! It just makes me want more tho, and I can't wait for the next book coming out later this summer ❤
This series is so good. This one is mostly about our favorite elf and their frowning connection. But, the beginning of the story is such an amazing set up for things to come. That King and Prince are beyond asking for trouble and where is the youngest prince? Where is Grayson? What is happening to her friends? Whatever our Clarissa is, is going to turn out to be so fantastic, I need to know. And Tor? Yes please and Thank you!! Give me #3 please!
The ending to this book was rather abrupt. I am super intrigued with the development of her powers or magic or whatever you want to call it. I am bored of the same old song and dance of court drama and a ruler out to kill you. Didn't we just do this in book 1?
This is the second installment of The War and Deceit series.
I struggled to finish the first book, but persevered and hoped this book would be less repetitive. I had hopes, also, that the characters would gain greater depth, relatability; and that the pace and flow of the story would be less choppy, more feasible and immersive. I was disappointed, as none of these hopes were met.
No spoiler review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another Cliffhanger!! The plot thickens. Through this twisting tale of love, secret revelations and an unknown destiny, the protagonists are fighting against evil in the form of cruelty & oppression. Alina's journey is yet to reach its destination but with the blessings of the Great Mother she is slowly fighting to provide salvation to her people. Off to Book 3.💗