Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Destiny #3

Destiny Realised

Rate this book
In the final chapter of their story, Aria and her mates continue on their journey. Having finally made their way to Valhalla, they now face the problem of finding a way to free the Valkyrie army. The shifter pack face their own difficulties, as they wait for Aria to bring aid. The demons continue in their move to try and take over the realm and the pack is left to deal with the impending attack, alone.

As Aria embraces the full extent of her magic, other magics stir in those around her.

With the impending Blood Moon and the demon hoard preparing to invade, it is a race against time to find a way to save the realm.

Reader warning: this book contains explicit scenes and briefly deals with themes which some readers may find triggering.

This is an adult reverse harem book involving MMFM relationships with explicit content and is intended for 18+ readers only.



Book 1 - Destiny Awakened
Book 2 - Destiny Rising
Book 3 - Destiny Realised

403 pages, ebook

First published June 12, 2020

930 people are currently reading
534 people want to read

About the author

C.J. Cooke

16 books401 followers
I’m a British author who writes paranormal reverse harem romance books.

I couldn’t survive with tea and potentially swear far too much for any kind of polite society. So I spend most of my days shut inside the writing cave and talking to all the voices in my head. Being a writer has given me the ideal excuse to fully embrace the crazy side of my personality, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

I have an amazing reader group on Facebook, which I would LOVE you to join. Be the first to find out all the news on my upcoming projects and chat with me daily.

Join here >> https://www.facebook.com/groups/CJCoo...

Sign up to my newsletter here if you prefer to stay up to date by email >>
https://www.subscribepage.com/authorc...

If you need any more information, check out my website here >>
https://www.authorcjcooke.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,451 (47%)
4 stars
1,015 (33%)
3 stars
510 (16%)
2 stars
73 (2%)
1 star
12 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
137 reviews
December 16, 2021
disappointing

The ending made no sense and felt like nothing was wrapped up.

We don't know much of her last two mates and then everything with the other realms and how they're going to live... sad. I won't be reading the other books in the "worlds" if they're all going to end like this.
Profile Image for Book Dragon.
169 reviews2 followers
November 28, 2020
I have totally devoured Destiny Realised. Easily accomplished by CJ Cookes fast pace. She writes such epic page turners where i find myself unable to put my copy down!
I enjoy how the POV changes between characters. It flows so easily and makes me unable to stop reading as well.
I love how myths become part of her story and she makes them her own.
It is a RH with sex scenes. It truly makes me a bit antsy reading those moments!!
I love the running jokes about portals. There were so many great humorous moments. I love the authors dry wit and humour.
I even swore with Aria when she found out who her dad was!!! Epic!!!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
543 reviews32 followers
September 9, 2020
This review can also be found in Currant7 Recommends

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

description

The below may have some spoilers so if you have not read Destiny Awakened (“Book 1”) and Destiny Rising (“Book 2”) at this point, read at your own risk.

Entering Chapter 1, it literally took hold of my breath and I didn’t let go until the end of that scene. The battle was outrageous! It starts off off at the side of the pack mansion that something big was happening. Readers are back to Caleb’s POV and things started to unravel…just a bit. A portal was opened and the person responsible wasn’t what readers would expect…thought I sort of did in some way.

In Valhalla, a friend comes back and reunites with the Aria and her mates and it was a real welcome relief and salvation. Aria is back with her people and has the army need to defeat the demons but has another hurdle to get through before being able to defend the magical realm. She needs to get the portal back open for all of them to get through.

The plot’s history has a mix of Roman, Greek, Babylonian, and Norse mythology that I am sure took CJ a bit of research and further imagination to create a detailed story. The characters are mixed together to include Warlocks/Witches, Fae/fairies, Angels, Shifters, and Valkyries. The outcome is all within the magical realm and a “big reunion” happens. The cinematography was great especially Asgard and the trek to Bifrost. I felt the desolation and despair that was in-between. It was a sad state that really needed the intervention of the gods and the battle.

Readers will love the story’s multi-POV with new and old characters sharing their stories and perspectives on how things are in their parts of the world. It is amazing to have the dichotomy of inside Asgard and at the magic realm provided a good reprieve during times that I felt I was about to burst due to them escaping or finding the “unexpected” people along the way. Although there were so many things happening, readers will not be confused with the storyline since the set of people are consistent and the direction is solid. Things were unfolding simultaneously and fall into place perfectly.

Each one of Kyle’s pack (now including other types of magical being) is feeling the responsibilities and have taken more leadership responsibilities. Kyle has “stepped up” as a pact leader by thinking for his mate, his pact, his people, and the rest of the realms’ salvation. I really liked that he exudes a ‘quiet storm’ – calm on the outside, finding ways to help solve the problems inside. He takes on what he can and pushes himself to prepare for the inevitable. He is just and kind to all. He trusts Aria completely even if he’s wreathing in the inside.
Ever since I was thrown into this world, I feel like I have had to sacrifice so much. My freedom, my future, and now my family. I know that others have lost just as much, sometimes even more, but it’s still hard to accept. But that is why what we are doing is so important. We have to bring all of this to an end. These people deserve a time of peace and unity. Changes need to be made and if I have to, I will force them to make them.
— Kyle, Destiny Realised

There were a lot of physical and emotional struggles from each of the characters. I felt desperate for each of them. As one problem seems to be resolved, two more problems come up. The planning going on both in Valhalla and outside its gates in preparation for the war was tough and wrought with so many sacrifices. They are risking everything to win the fight with the demons and whoever is “backing” them up. It’s disheartened to have seen who it was and why it was happening…all because of bad and selfish reasons by past leaders.
I was there with you. you went through more than any child should have to endure, but you bore it with honour and you used it to mould you into the strong woman that you are today. You were always meant for this Aria. This was the path that you had to walk to reach this point. There were many many times when I wanted to pull you off it. But we need you, the realms need you and this was the only way.
— Heimdallr, Destiny Realised

I will say it this much – the leaders that are supposed to lead are pathetic! I have rounded out 3 that left a bad or not so good impression in my head. One of those I hope will redeem himself later on (hint hint).

1. Marcus, the Alpha pack leader in Book 2. He’s still part of this book but on a disgraceful status after he's made sure to “sacrifice” his pact for his selfish and twisted reasons. If readers think that Marcus was bad in the previous book, expect the worst on this one. I was appalled when I learned how much a coward and conniving his mind was. Unnecessary deaths for the biggest selfish reasons. This is on top of coming in-between a fated mate and ensuring control by blackmail.

2. Odin, the Lord of Asgard. His arrogance and drunken with power made him the worst with the punishments he brought on to the people around him. He has been crazy and cruel to the point of ripping people into shreds. I am not surprised that Aria abhor him and wanted to unleash her wreathe when she found out a few more dreadful things that Oden did that affected her and her people.

3. Wyatt, interim-leader of the shifters. Although he wasn’t technically a leader but a “stand-in”, I hated that he crumbled when he was supposed to be helping his pack to lead them to victory (survival) in the end…but somehow he became distraught half-way through the book that frustrated me. He was supposed to be a warrior for the Prime Alpha.

I have two favorite characters in this book: Greta and Frannie. Greta is the Valkyrie that trains the warriors to battle. She is also responsible for teaching Aria about her powers and what her mates’ powers will be. She is the calm guide to Aria’s journey and will rise into action when called for when the battle begins. She was able to channel Aria’s powers into something bigger than anyone could expect.
Frannie is the comic relief that I was constantly looking forward to each time the story reverts back to the magical realm. She surprised everyone on her foresight (being a “seer”, of course!), and the actions she took set the course on their realm to help Aria and the shifters. It was amazing!

There were a lot of jaw-dropping moments like :
(a) finding out who Aria’s parents are;
This was a real doozy for me because although I was expecting it but not to this proportion! When her dad showed up at the battlefield to let the rest of the world know about his identity – EPIC!!! I was squealing that I rocked the house to the chagrin of my kids – they were in their online classes.

(b) learning more about Aria’s powers;
I thought she had reached her peak but her potential and powers seem to be limitless. She has the strength and endurance that is indescribable or comparable to anything of this world. She is not invincible but she is beyond human.

(c) discovering Frannie’s “safe box/area”;
She’s got the best place to store her “important things that no one will ever dare to get, look, or even attempt. You have to read the book to find out but every time she accesses it, wow!

(d) the full potential of Aria’s mates is astounding.
I did not see that one coming especially when she kept finding mates again. I thought 3 was enough but I was so wrong! The last of the mates’ powers was not I expected. Her mate’s action through instinct and love saved Aria at the very last minute.

Some back CJ replied to my #amreading post on Instagram when I started this book. She was “I’m actually nervous about this. I’m always worried no one will get the ending! It’s not that bad, I hope … no, I’m sure … wait … maybe?” Now, I was worried but kept the “faith” that CJ would make it “right” to the characters and story at the end.

In the end, CJ did give Aria and her mates' justice to the story that is deserving for heroes. Each one of these characters has to walk to the path they did, lose the ones they lost that lead them to the ending, and a promise for a better tomorrow. It’s may not be the ending that readers might be looking for but rest assured that CJ got this covered – since Frannie already said that there will be more so I trust with that hint, it is all just the start of something bigger.
You are the beginning. Not the end, no, no, no. Your turn is done. First in the line.
— Frannie, Destiny Realised

Overall review of the Destiny Series…
There is a lot of adventure, excitement, suspense, and mystery all rolled into one to the series. CJ did so in a spectacular way…as expected! It all didn’t feel so “off” or “disconnected” with each ending of the books. They all correlated well and coherently. It was easy to understand, even with the numerous characters, pacts, and locations, etc that brought about unity, family, and honor to the forefront each time.

I am sad and happy at the same time. Sad because Aria’s heroic stories are done (for now?) but also, at the same time, excited to see how the other will rise to face their own and their realm’s challenges. I will miss Aria’s journey of self-discovery and courage but there’s a surprise for all of us in the end. Please do check out other books by C.J. at the links below to know more about other books.
Profile Image for BookishBlondeNerd.
547 reviews
July 24, 2020
The ending... but I want more!

I think this was my favorite of the series and by far the longest. So Much Happens in this book! It picks up where we left our gang in Valhalla. We learn more about who Aria is, her family background (including her parents) and what she is going to need to do. We get reconnected with an old friend! I was so so so happy about this, but no spoilers here on who. The guys develop their skills and get their own magic. We get one more mate! I love the dynamics between all the guys and their acceptance of one another.

As I said, lots of things happen to wrap up Aria’s story. There are a few battles and training. Of course there are some fun sexy times too! 🔥🔥🔥 Mild MM.

I got a lot of questions answered from the previous book. We find out who was opening the portals and why. I also figured out why Caleb was getting his own POVs. Sadly, not to join the harem. But I think we haven’t seen the last of him, Wyatt and Dom. If I was picking up those clues there is more to come for them and I believe they are “pack”. There may even be some kissy kissy time for Caleb and Dom??? Was I the only one who was picking up on those vibes?

The baddies get their due finally! It was poetic. I was surprised though on the one... nice twist and hiding that. I didn’t expect it.

Aria still struggles with some insecurities and doubts the guys want to be with her at times but she is learning and growing. She starts to trust and believe in herself. The guys have to let her be her too despite how much they hate it at times.

There are freaking Pegasus and the Bifrost! I love the whole Asgard storyline. That was a fun surprise. Excited to learn more about that realm in future books. While there was an “ending” and all the big story lines are tied up there were still some things unfinished that I’m wanting to see, so definitely happy that there will be more. Plus the authors words at the end made me laugh. The Big Battle was anticlimactic, but I think it was supposed to be. We felt what the shifters felt. I would love to see more about the Elite girls as well. Definitely Echo and Nix. Overall, loved the book and story. I got really invested in this story and connected with the characters. I’m glad that they aren’t going away because I do want to see them get to do all those things they were putting on the list. ❤️❤️❤️ Multiple POVs. Mild MM. Med/High Steam. Go read this series!!
127 reviews
December 30, 2020
Gimme Gimme Gimme

I asked for a good 3rd book in series (and hopefully not the last one) and you brought it!!!
The story leading up to the war, WOW! The ending of the 2nd book was a cliffhanger, this book starts EXACTLY where it ended! I can’t wait to see what happens and what spin-off series there are!!!!
280 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2020
I absolutely loved this series!!! I loved the FMC Aria and her mates. It was action packed and suspenseful and filled with steamy scenes. I loved the Elites and would love to see them get their time to shine. Aria is brave and full of witty sarcasm as well. This was truly a great series, and I would highly recommend it to everyone. You never want to put the book down or for the story to end. You will love every minute of it. It honestly pulls you in from the very beginning. Thank you CJ Cooke for being such and amazing author and giving us a world to live in and feel apart of!
499 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2021
Aria is a seriously a badass, she's seen terrible things but still wants to help those less fortunate. And I love that her mates don't fight her about it. They aren't so self absorbed like some other books and don't try to force her to stand back.
Profile Image for emmasbookgasms.
57 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2020
I couldn't put this down! I had toe tingling feels (some not so nice height related ones 😂) through the entire book. The characters gelled so well together and the light hearted one liners were great to relieve the built up tension. This series is a great start to the introduction of this universe and I am eagerly anticipating more books from C.J. Cooke. Oh and "I fucking hate portals" 🤣.
Profile Image for Michaella Dieter.
Author 13 books236 followers
September 19, 2020
Great third book!

This third and final part to Aria's story was fantastic! Full of action, there were twists and turns, plenty of steamy scenes, magic and fighting. It certainly kept me entertained, and fully hooked from the beginning to the end. Looking foward to the next book in the universe!
Profile Image for Jamie.
630 reviews2 followers
Read
November 22, 2020
Hopefully this series has more books to come

At first I thought that the mixed pov we're all Aria's mates but not so sure any more. Spoiler absolutely loved that firenado it sound freaking awesome. Can't wait to read more. JL
Profile Image for Laura Jackson.
411 reviews21 followers
September 9, 2020
Aria and her four mates are finally at the Valkyrie realm. They have welcomed them and are even calling her Phoenix general. Even stranger are the fire around her wings.. she finally meets her parents in less than savory conditions.
The demons are attacking at an alarming rate and I knew that witch had something to do with it.
“ I love you all so much”. “ but I’m sorry that you’ve been dragged into this.That you ended up on this place because of me”- Aria
Virion is so awesome. I don’t think he realizes how important he is to the group and I felt that way for a while reading this book..
It was nice to see Britt again.. and honestly look at Aria with FIVE hot guys seriously and one of them Is a demigod .. I mean really? You go girl.
I loved this series.. it was action packed and full of bloody savage fights.. hot steamy sex with light MM.. and definitely group sex. It was tastefully written.. I recommend this series to anyone looking for a new Rh fantasy romance.. I’m sad to see it end.. I look forward to more from this author ..
Profile Image for Kris Butler.
Author 48 books400 followers
December 6, 2020
This book was my favorite of the three in Aria's story. It's filled with so much! It takes you on so many journeys that all you can do is hold on for the ride. Aria is hit with so many things in this story and you feel for our girl. She gets some wins finally, but at what cost. The relationship between the guys grows more and I love the trust they start to have in her and one another.

So many great things happen that you will have to read to find out. Multiple POVs. Med-high burn. MM. No cliffhanger this time! Aria's story is complete! More to come in the series from other characters. Great story, epic battles, and heartfelt emotions bleed from the pages.
Profile Image for Kym Gazda.
42 reviews
October 2, 2021
This series was so good... until the end. The ending was just so... bad. At first, I thought the next book would finish up the storyline BUT then I realized the next book isn't even about these characters... this was just how the author left everything unfinished, making the ending of this book really really disappointing!
Would I recommend this series?!? I guess, but just prepare yourself for a terrible ending. There is so much they needed to 'fix' BUT it will never happen, leaving the reader disappointed and frustrated.
Profile Image for Klizbet.
1,106 reviews85 followers
July 10, 2023
4 stars

See book one for series review.

Books 1-3 are for Aria and her five mates
Books 4-6 are a different set of characters

I abandoned the series after Aria's story because I feel let down and betrayed by the author because of the shitty ending to this story. The more I think about it the more angry I get. I'm unsure if I will ever trust this author enough to read anything from her again.
Profile Image for Beth ౨ৎ.
90 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊

➸ 5 stars

જ⁀➴
❝The weight of their guilt will crush you, and baby, you need to fly.❞

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
➳❥ This book follows the perspectives of Aria and her mates- Kyle, Liam, Sykes, Braedon & Virion- as well as a few other characters. The battle is drawing nearer and Aria, who recently found out that she is , needs to find a way to free the Valkyrie from Valhalla so that they can help in the battle between the witches, demons and shifters.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
➳❥ The Mates: Like I said in my review for the second book, I don't like the fact that Aria got more mates. I liked the original three guys more and I would've given the second and third book 5 stars if it wasn't for the new mates. (I changed the rating to 5 stars on this book but not the previous two) With that said, I don't dislike Braedon or Virion. I like both of them as characters but I hate them as her new mates, it just felt rushed.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
Like wtf, I did not expect that. I loved Aria's speech and the way she gave them all heart. LITERAL CHILLS. Tbh I kinda wish that Hel hadn't interrupted all that shit and that the fight had just played out as it ought to have done. It would've been amazing to see Aria lose her fucking shit at the demons if any of her mates died (ps I kinda hoped that one of them would die bc i love sad endings lol)
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
➳❥OH MY when Kyle forced Isaac to change back in book two and then Trent stepped down as Alpha for his pack and joined Kyle's pack? AHHH it was soo powerful and when Kyle won the challenge against his dickwad of a father and then the other Alphas all kneeled to him WAS AMAZINGG.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
જ⁀➴
❝❛We do not fight for wealth. We do not fight to merely take something which does not belong to us. We are not under any misguided impression that the lived of others mean any less than ours. We fight for our way of life. We fight for the lives of our friends and family. We fight for out very right to exist. They-❜

She screamed, pointing at the demons and witches behind her, ❛Believe that you should roll over and die so that they can wield a bit more magic. They believe that your lives are insignificant. so that they fill the ranks of an army they would send to fight you.❜

❛I will not lie to you. Blood will spill today. Lives will be lost. And while we will mourn any we lose, we will know that they sacrificed for our freedom, and they cry no tears because tonight... they feast in the halls of Valhalla!❜ She roared as flames leapt from her wings.❞

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
➳❥ Also Sykes and Liam together are such sweethearts I actually love them sm AND WHEN LIAM AND SYKES WERE WORRIED THAT SHE WOULD GIVE THEM SHIT FOR BEING BI OMG I CRIED.
︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
જ⁀➴
❝He dropped down to one knee in front of Kyle. ❛I will follow you and recognise you as my prime.❜

The other alphas walked out onto the sand and dropped down to one knee in front of Kyle as well. There was a ripple through the crowd as they all knelt.❞

︶꒦꒷♡꒷꒦︶
➳❥ I'll be waiting a bit before I read the fourth book since it isn't about them, but I will read it. I just wanted to read the three that are more connected before I read the one about Caleb and Wyatt.

‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊ ♡ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ·͙*̩̩͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩̥͙·̩̩̥͙*̩̩̥͙˚̩̥̩̥*̩̩͙‧͙ °̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥ ♡ ‧̍̊·̊‧̥°̩̥˚̩̩̥͙°̩̥‧̥·̊‧̍̊
Profile Image for Adison Kapitzke.
99 reviews
February 19, 2025
4.5/5 🌟
3.5/5 🌶️

I am doing a single review because I read this books extremely fast and forgot to do reviews after finishing each individual book. This series is a combination of the bonds that tie series and the Cruel Shifterverse series. FMC is a badass bitch with some badass partners to back her up. Really like how this series went and I think even though the books were very busy they weren’t being full of useless scenes or characters.
Profile Image for Clare-Louise.
218 reviews1 follower
April 23, 2025
I did enjoy this story and the characters but the ending was so disappointing. 3 books (which could have been 1 large book really) just for the battle to be over quickly and with (what I think was supposed to be) a twist that made very little sense.

I'm not sure I'll bother with the next stories in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mya Tidd.
346 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2024
I feel like how this book ended, could have ended the whole series ?
Profile Image for Amber.
2,213 reviews60 followers
February 18, 2021
Sooo good

I am in absolute love with this series! This book met all my expectations and exceeded them. I can't wait to read Wyatt's journey next.
Profile Image for Karin Dirksen.
572 reviews7 followers
February 12, 2022
After the epic build up, not really the final battle and ending I was expecting or hoping for. The series continues with new harem and FMC, but I hoped this story arc would end a bit more satisfying.
Profile Image for Xime Ortiz.
421 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2023
2⭐️1🌶️

I got bored. I don’t know if it was because I read the two previous books in such a rush or if the book was just boring but by halfway through I was dragging my feet and it took me more than usual to finish this book.

I think there was an overload of information without any of it really being developed.
So it was a lot without any real progress in the plot.

The ending was horrible. It was an end for the characters but not for the plot if Im correct, which Im not a fan of. So although curious about the side characters getting their stories Im not going to read the next books.

I think the ending was terrible, we didn’t even got more of Aria’s mates or any closure in any aspect.

The whole book came down to a terrible wrapped up, everything just came to an abrupt halt, so the ending was definitely lacking for me.

All in all im disappointed, I really was expecting something else and I insist the lack of closure not only for the plot but for the characters was the last nail in the coffin for me.
Profile Image for Azraelitys.
234 reviews22 followers
February 12, 2024
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Relationship(s): MMFMMM
Romance: Fast Burn 🔥🔥🔥🔥
POV: Multiple, First person
Platform: Digital, KU
Length: Book 1 & 2, 250 pages; Book 3, 412 pages
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Darkness: 🖤🖤
Series/Stand Alone: Destiny Series, Completed
Cliffhanger: Yes
Themes/Tropes: Reverse Harem, M/M, Magic, Academy, Fated Mates, Mythology, Gods, Demons, Sword Fights, New Adult, Found Family, Werewolves, Witches, Past Trauma, Parallel Worlds
Check Triggers⚠️: Yes

After being so let down by the last paranormal series I read, I needed a decent one. I found this on KU and was pleased enough. This is a review for the series as a whole.

In a world where darkness lurks at every corner, Aria has always been a fighter. But when she's abruptly thrust into a realm of magic and mystery, she must confront the shadows of her own past like never before. The "Destiny" series weaves a tale of paranormal intrigue and romance, where one woman's journey to self-acceptance collides with the tumultuous forces of fate.

Forcibly enrolled in an Academy designed to hone her supernatural abilities, Aria encounters three enigmatic werewolf mates who ignite passions she never knew existed. Yet, amidst the allure of newfound love, danger looms ominously. Demons descend upon the Academy, leaving destruction in their wake and shattering Aria's newfound world.

As she grapples with the chaos surrounding her, Aria must navigate treacherous alliances and confront her deepest fears to survive. Will she embrace her destiny and harness her powers to vanquish the darkness threatening her newfound family? This trilogy of love, magic, and secrets intertwine as Aria embarks on a journey of self-discovery where the fate of worlds hang in the balance.

Aria is a badass. Yet she’s still vulnerable and finding her way. She has a strong moral code and beliefs that she sticks to. She wants to raise other people up so they can overcome just like she has. Her mates at first want to protect her, but they have to learn to live with the fact she doesn’t need rescuing. The storyline through the whole series is well paced and thought out. I wish the romance and spicy scenes could say the same.

I liked her mates, mostly. There’s nothing wrong with them, more like they were just there, kinda like sidekicks. I think I felt the romance and relationship building needed work. In book 1 & 2 which are short, everything feels rushed, there’s no time realistically to build those relationships. Even in book 3 which is the longest, there was no down time for it. So if you’re not into insta-love you might want to skip this.

Onto positives, the action and battle scenes were good. Although I felt cheated in the last battle scene with the way it ended, not a bad ending, just meh. I was surprised by what Aria turned out to be and her parentage. I thought the author was going in a different direction, again not bad, just different. I loved her elites and the effects they had throughout the series. Although I liked Aria and her story, I didn’t feel compelled to continue to the next books that were about characters we’d met.

Follow me for more book reviews & recommendations on Instagram & TikTok via the links in my bio.
493 reviews23 followers
May 31, 2021
My Favorite Book of the Aria Trilogy

I first found this author with her new Stoneridge Pack series, which I absolutely devoured. I next proceeded to happily skip off to see what else she had written and found my way to this series. Book one introduces us to Aria who is a snarky, funny, kickass fmc. Aria was raised on the human plane and is abruptly thrust into the Shifter realm where she learns she is so much more than she thought. She is much more than everyone thought.

I really enjoyed Aria as an fmc. She is funny and owns who she is as an individual. Her mates are loving and supportive and enthralled by her. As a core group they are delicious to watch.

Book three was my favorite out of the whole arc. Fascinating developments unfold, the battles are epic, and the core team really comes into their moment of triumph. A truly fun and wild ride.

The writing is on point and the characters and world are well fleshed out. This is a series that will likely hold your attention and keep you locked in your seat for the whole ride.

Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎

Romance: 💓 💓 💓 💓

Heat/Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀

Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿

Suspense: 💣 💣 💣

Dark: 💀 💀

Triggers: FMC experienced trauma and abuse during her time in the human real, it's part of her history but not something you see happen in the story.

Ending: HFN - The story for Aria and her guys largely wraps up here (in a good place). There are still some open questions related to this group but the author assures they will be answered. Aria and her guys feature heavily in the next book, even though they are not the core group of the next arc in this series.

Recommend: Yes 👍👍
Profile Image for bersabea giudice.
973 reviews10 followers
April 14, 2025
Secondo me questo è stato il peggiore dei libri che compongono la trilogia di Aria.
L'ho trovato caotico e approssimativo, ad un certo punto la scrittrice per costruire il worldbuilding ha evidentemente preso a piene mani dalla " mitologia " Marvel e in più ha suddiviso Asgard in 4 pantheon in cui in ognuno regnavano degli Dei mitologici, in uno i Norreni, in uno i Greci, in uno i Romani e in uno tutto il resto, peccato che avrebbero dovuto spiegare alla Cooke che gli dei greci e romani sono la stessa cosa, cambiano solo i nomi, Giove è Zeus, Venere è Afrodite, Marte è Ares ecc..
La cosa che però mi è piaciuta meno in assoluto è stato l'harem.
Io preferisco gli harem composti da 3 massimo 4 ragazzi, per esperienza so che così è più facile che vengano caratterizzati bene e che ognuno di loro abbia il giusto spazio, ovviamente ci sono eccezioni, (The bond that tie della Bree ad esempio ), in questo caso già i 3 mutaforma secondo me non erano validi, troppo giovani e miti, ma l'aggiunta di Varion e Braendon l'ho trovata superflua, questi 2 erano una presenza aliena all'interno dell'harem visto che non sono stati minimamente caratterizzati, a dirla tutta non hanno neanche avuto il tempo di farsi conoscere, a malapena hanno avuto il tempo di una scopata.
Non penso che leggerò il quarto, almeno non al momento, riprendere la serie con nuovi personaggi, anche se li conosciamo, non mi attira particolarmente.
Profile Image for Danielle (Danniegurl).
1,960 reviews110 followers
July 24, 2022
3.5 stars not thrilled with the ending

The plot takes us on an adventure to get ready for this huge Blood Moon Battle that’ll take place in a few months. Aria and her mates go on an adventure to help with that process and pick up her other mates along the way. But this book spends a lot of time on the lead up to the battle. Then the battle happens about 87% in and then it ends abruptly. Like. We had all this chaos, all this death and for what? To open the portals…this couldn’t have been done without killing a bunch of people? It still doesn’t make sense. I truly don’t get the ending at all and in addition to it the story isn’t finished. But apparently we are getting a new set of characters. Honestly if I wanted to read Wyatt’s story I think it should be a prequel book and then you could have him finding his mate after this. And even so having his pov in Aria’s books helped lend that we don’t need him to have his own book. Also I truly thought Caleb was going to be a mate of Arias and I was disappointed it didn’t happen.

Too much is still left unresolved and I’m not sure I want to continue with another set of stories and have to start over and rebuild the world with this new information the next book will surely provide.

The battle ending was very jarring and seems to be a waste given how it ended.
Profile Image for Cheyenne Tala.
5 reviews
November 13, 2023
*spoilers*

I liked the book. It was okay. However, I was not really happy with the ending.

There was this constant build up for the fight only for it to be anticlimactic. The characters find out there is going to be this big battle. Then Aria and her boyfriends go try to get an army for help. Then when the fight happens, there is not much done before it is over. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy no big deaths happen, but it just was not the ending I was expecting.

Then after the fight I was hoping there would be more story. Like what happens to the packs moving forward? What happens with Aria and her boyfriends? Then the biggest thing I was disappointed at. What happens with Aria and her Parents?? Like I know she meets her dad. That’s great but it wasn’t a great introduction. It makes sense because they have the battle and everything they are preparing for, but what about the mom? I was waiting for the moment Aria meets her mom, and I mean properly, but it never happened. It was really disappointing.

If the next book gave more context on the things I mentioned above I wouldn’t be so upset at it, but the next books are mainly based on other characters stories and not Aria’s. I would recommend people to read the series, but just be prepared for an ending that is not satisfying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chloe Downie .
289 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2024
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 3 🌶️🌶️🌶️
“I fucking hate portals”. And I bloody hate how addicted to this series I’ve been. I didn’t however love this as much as the first two. But it was still great!

I’m not usually a shifter versus fated mates primal mating kinda girl but this was so well written, with a decent underlying plot, great characters with lots of magic, gods and chaos thrown in for good measure. I liked that her ridiculous harem of mates had a contribution to the story and magic system.

There was a lot of zigzagging around problems associated with realm jumping in this, and I think because the story was more about a journey with less action until the end (in terms of plot, there was plenty of 🌶️ action like! 😂) it just appealed slightly less to my action and mystery loving brain. Whilst we still didn’t have all the answers, I feel like we had most of them by the halfway of this book and the lack of further surprises felt a bit flat. The ending was also sort of predictable.

Having said that, this is me being incredibly critical, as I loved this series so much! Only books that make me think like this become favourites 😂. Looking forward to meeting C.J Cooke in London next summer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.