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The Venatrix Chronicles #3
Paths of Malice
Poisoned. Trapped. At the mercy of a ghost . . .
She can handle this. A month into her competition with Venator Terryn, Ayleth seems no closer to winning the Golden Prince’s trust. Why else would he call Terryn to serve at the castle on some secret mission, leaving Ayleth to manage the borough on her own? No matter. She’ll prove her worth to the prince come what may. Plenty of mysteries plague the land under her protection . . . including the mystery of Terryn himself and the strange, dangerous talisman he’s been keeping hidden in his room. Her search for answers soon finds Ayleth on the trail of her deadliest foe yet. A ghost from the prince’s past has returned to haunt the present, possessed of a powerful phantom shade capable of walking the dark paths of the Haunts. Ayleth is totally outmatched and unprepared to face such an enemy alone. But when has she ever backed down from a fight? Welcome back to a world where enemies and friends can be difficult to distinguish, where angels are deadly and demons desirable, and shadows of the past loom dark across the future. If you like your heroines brave, your heroes tormented, and your action non-stop, try The Venatrix Chronicles today!
She can handle this. A month into her competition with Venator Terryn, Ayleth seems no closer to winning the Golden Prince’s trust. Why else would he call Terryn to serve at the castle on some secret mission, leaving Ayleth to manage the borough on her own? No matter. She’ll prove her worth to the prince come what may. Plenty of mysteries plague the land under her protection . . . including the mystery of Terryn himself and the strange, dangerous talisman he’s been keeping hidden in his room. Her search for answers soon finds Ayleth on the trail of her deadliest foe yet. A ghost from the prince’s past has returned to haunt the present, possessed of a powerful phantom shade capable of walking the dark paths of the Haunts. Ayleth is totally outmatched and unprepared to face such an enemy alone. But when has she ever backed down from a fight? Welcome back to a world where enemies and friends can be difficult to distinguish, where angels are deadly and demons desirable, and shadows of the past loom dark across the future. If you like your heroines brave, your heroes tormented, and your action non-stop, try The Venatrix Chronicles today!
396 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2019
418 people are currently reading
809 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
44 books2,291 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 108 reviews
November 11, 2019
***4.5 Stars***
This series just keeps getting better. As with the others, because the books in this series are fairly short some aspects end up feeling a little rushed, but that's my only real complaint. The "magic" system if you will is pretty unique and the author keeps trickling in just the right amount of information to keep the reader on the hook. This book is a little different as it's told from a few more viewpoints. Cerine was a lovely addition, and I feel like we're getting to know Gerard a bit more. Terryn is still a beautiful enigma, and Ayleth is as determined as ever to do the right thing, whatever that may be. And the subtle relationship being built between Terryn and Ayleth is my absolute favorite kind. I'm 1000% invested. Can't wait for book 4!!!
This series just keeps getting better. As with the others, because the books in this series are fairly short some aspects end up feeling a little rushed, but that's my only real complaint. The "magic" system if you will is pretty unique and the author keeps trickling in just the right amount of information to keep the reader on the hook. This book is a little different as it's told from a few more viewpoints. Cerine was a lovely addition, and I feel like we're getting to know Gerard a bit more. Terryn is still a beautiful enigma, and Ayleth is as determined as ever to do the right thing, whatever that may be. And the subtle relationship being built between Terryn and Ayleth is my absolute favorite kind. I'm 1000% invested. Can't wait for book 4!!!
November 5, 2019
I had the same problem with this book as I did the last one. Nothing happens. This book went the same way book two did. Ayelth and Terryn are still competing, she is still suspicious that Gerald favors him, the Crimson devils are still at large, when ever the said Crimson devils want to kill her they see the resemblance to their dead queen. Nothing changed. This book is totally skip-able.
November 21, 2019
I am seriously loving this series, and I didn't want the book to end!
In this book we mostly focus on Gerard, Fayline, her sister Cerine- and the upcoming royal wedding. We also get to find to a bit more backstory with Ayleth, and why Dread Odile's lieutenants were so hesitant to kill her - but that revelation just left us with more juicy questions!
We also have the competition still heating up with Ayleth and Terryn, and more feelings rising between them- mostly mistrust and hate
But I am excited to see where the story goes, and what Ayleth will discover once she finally gets her memories uncovered...and I'm still itching for a Ayleth/Terryn romance in the next book!
In this book we mostly focus on Gerard, Fayline, her sister Cerine- and the upcoming royal wedding. We also get to find to a bit more backstory with Ayleth, and why Dread Odile's lieutenants were so hesitant to kill her - but that revelation just left us with more juicy questions!
We also have the competition still heating up with Ayleth and Terryn, and more feelings rising between them- mostly mistrust and hate
But I am excited to see where the story goes, and what Ayleth will discover once she finally gets her memories uncovered...and I'm still itching for a Ayleth/Terryn romance in the next book!
November 1, 2019
Totally gripping!
This book has amazing characters, mind blowing magical action with thrilling suspense. It feels awesome reading it.
This book has amazing characters, mind blowing magical action with thrilling suspense. It feels awesome reading it.
January 27, 2021
The series is getting grimmer, grittier, and rawer as we go. If you like your books squeaky clean, this is not the series for you. But, OH, the plotlines are getting tangled, secrets are getting clearer, and Ayleth and Cerine taking down the phantomwitch together at the end was just amazing.
April 14, 2021
It's not very often I read a series and my rating goes up as the series progresses. I don't think it's ever happened..... until now. This series just gets better and better. More character development, more secrets, more plot twists. It's been great to read a really well built series. I love the tension that is brewing between Terryn and Ayleth is awesome. Can't wait to read the next one.
These have some violence. Some non-sexual nudity but I have a feeling it is going to escalate a bit. This will probably end up being a PG13 series. For older teens and adults.
These have some violence. Some non-sexual nudity but I have a feeling it is going to escalate a bit. This will probably end up being a PG13 series. For older teens and adults.
March 9, 2021
Damn. I was really hoping we’d get the big reveal of whatever the deal is with Ayleth and what happens when Terryn finds out. Which will suck considering they obviously have feelings for each other even if they do want to throttle each other the majority of the time.
October 13, 2019
Another dark and breathless instalment in the Venatrix Chronicles! Sylvia Mercedes is such a deft storyteller, and her world grows some interesting dimensions in this instalment: we see a little less of our alpha heroes, Ayleth and Terryn, to make way for some new ones. But this wasn't a disappointment, since one of our new POVs, Cerine, is a nun with a dangerous religious text in her luggage that might shine some unwelcome light on some bloody places - or get her chopped as a heretic, bit of a toss-up. That's if she survives the Phantomwitch, of course. Life is never dull in these books!
I gobbled this book up just as fast as the previous two and it'll be a long wait till the next one. One of the things I particularly love about the world Sylvia Mercedes has created here is how strongly it harks back to the actual historical medieval period. There's a lot of generic """medieval""" fantasy out there that shows little if any familiarity with history: but in the Venatrix Chronicles, you get a taste of the Templars here, a whiff of the Cathars there, a ton of Frankish-sounding names and a religious/magic system strong enough and real enough to the characters to really evoke medieval history while remaining entirely its own creation. I love it all so much.
I gobbled this book up just as fast as the previous two and it'll be a long wait till the next one. One of the things I particularly love about the world Sylvia Mercedes has created here is how strongly it harks back to the actual historical medieval period. There's a lot of generic """medieval""" fantasy out there that shows little if any familiarity with history: but in the Venatrix Chronicles, you get a taste of the Templars here, a whiff of the Cathars there, a ton of Frankish-sounding names and a religious/magic system strong enough and real enough to the characters to really evoke medieval history while remaining entirely its own creation. I love it all so much.
October 7, 2019
I received an ARC for my honest review.
The writing in this next installment of the Venatrix Chronicles is again so beautiful and draws the reader in completely. The book is short, as have been the last two, but that doesn't make me want to read it or the rest any less. The story is riveting, the characters exciting, and the world is built with just enough mystery. The new characters introduced in this installment drive the story line, and I feel like for some of it the two main characters were in the back seat, which made me sad because the book is already short and not getting enough time in with my faves was disappointing. But like I said, the story still continued and still drew me in despite that, and the writing is so amazing that I'm itching to get my hands on the rest of them.
Overall I loved the book and I'm so glad I found the Venatrix Chronicles because they truly are a hidden gem.
The writing in this next installment of the Venatrix Chronicles is again so beautiful and draws the reader in completely. The book is short, as have been the last two, but that doesn't make me want to read it or the rest any less. The story is riveting, the characters exciting, and the world is built with just enough mystery. The new characters introduced in this installment drive the story line, and I feel like for some of it the two main characters were in the back seat, which made me sad because the book is already short and not getting enough time in with my faves was disappointing. But like I said, the story still continued and still drew me in despite that, and the writing is so amazing that I'm itching to get my hands on the rest of them.
Overall I loved the book and I'm so glad I found the Venatrix Chronicles because they truly are a hidden gem.
January 2, 2020
It has been a long time since I’ve felt this hooked! The storyline is really creative and mysterious, as well as the magic system described is really different from anything I’ve read so far! Ayleth is a strong main character, who kept me wishing people would give her more credit. She saved the day more times than anyone! The other characters are also great and complex, with the exception of Liselle! Huh...I wish she wasn’t even in the book but...nothing is perfect! ;) I can’t wait to read the rest of the books. Part of me wishes I hadn’t discovered this series yet, since it is not complete. However, i took some comfort in the fact that the fourth book will be released in just a few days from now. In the end, it will still be torture to wait for the other three!
October 10, 2019
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review so here it is:
This is the best book of the series so far! Filled with action and intrigue, I had a hard time putting it down (not easy cooking dinner while reading I can tell you! 🤣)
Sylvia writes an incredibly powerful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the underdog while keeping you wondering what's going to happen next.
Can't wait to read what happens to Ayleth, Terryn, Gerard and Cerrine in the next book!
This is the best book of the series so far! Filled with action and intrigue, I had a hard time putting it down (not easy cooking dinner while reading I can tell you! 🤣)
Sylvia writes an incredibly powerful tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, rooting for the underdog while keeping you wondering what's going to happen next.
Can't wait to read what happens to Ayleth, Terryn, Gerard and Cerrine in the next book!
October 20, 2019
The main character, Ayleth is so awesome and she just keeps getting stronger and more determined in each book. I love that she can be so strong but we also get to see her insecurities. And the author has such amazing writing that the characters feel real! I get sucked into this series. I can't wait for the next in the series. I saw a sneak peak of the cover and I'm even more excited for it after finishing this one.
October 9, 2019
Ayleth continues her adventures in this exciting book! This series is getting better and better. Again, I love the world building. Her unknown past is slowly unfolding. I can’t wait for the next book!
March 2, 2022
This installment starts with a bang with my favorite rivals meeting up together on the field after a month of apparently trying to avoid each other as much as possible (at least they had a month to recover after the first two books- they are going to need it).
This book was even more interesting and even more of a gut punch than the previous two, which I didn't even think possible. My love-hate connection with this book goes as follows: more moments with the Golden Prince!... And extreme Golden Prince abuse is apparently the toll that must be paid for his time. Precious bro moments between Terryn and the Golden Prince, with definite younger brother energy coming from the latter. But it bears repeating: rated R for Golden Prince abuse. The fun new character of the Golden Prince's bride-to-be and the interesting dynamic there. But also the parallel introduction of the She-Devil who needs to get herself into the nun sisterhood before I put her there myself.
Also, my hypothesis that Terryn has no choice but to immediately come to Ayleth's aid has graduated to theory because it doesn't matter if he doesn't know she's in the area, or if he was just trying to lie to himself about hating her, or if anything else is happening. She screams and he's there. We're going for scientific law next.
Finally, since that study is going so well, I am presenting a second hypothesis based off of what was observed in the last book and here. If Ayleth is asleep/unconscious/eyes-moderately-closed and Terryn walks within a mile's radius of her, she will clutch his jerkin in her sleep. Inquiringly minds want to know.
Note to more sensitive readers: This book had some bad language, violence, horror elements, past trauma, exposure, and SUPER SAD STUFF.
This book was even more interesting and even more of a gut punch than the previous two, which I didn't even think possible. My love-hate connection with this book goes as follows: more moments with the Golden Prince!... And extreme Golden Prince abuse is apparently the toll that must be paid for his time. Precious bro moments between Terryn and the Golden Prince, with definite younger brother energy coming from the latter. But it bears repeating: rated R for Golden Prince abuse. The fun new character of the Golden Prince's bride-to-be and the interesting dynamic there. But also the parallel introduction of the She-Devil who needs to get herself into the nun sisterhood before I put her there myself.
Also, my hypothesis that Terryn has no choice but to immediately come to Ayleth's aid has graduated to theory because it doesn't matter if he doesn't know she's in the area, or if he was just trying to lie to himself about hating her, or if anything else is happening. She screams and he's there. We're going for scientific law next.
Finally, since that study is going so well, I am presenting a second hypothesis based off of what was observed in the last book and here. If Ayleth is asleep/unconscious/eyes-moderately-closed and Terryn walks within a mile's radius of her, she will clutch his jerkin in her sleep. Inquiringly minds want to know.
Note to more sensitive readers: This book had some bad language, violence, horror elements, past trauma, exposure, and SUPER SAD STUFF.
January 26, 2021
Phew, this is the darkest book in the series so far I think, it has turned very grim as Ayleth is left on her own in Milisendis outpost whilst Terryn was called to see to the Golden Prince. She discovers a stone which was pure evil in Terryn's room and knowing what it was decides to investigate, travelling by herself to the ruins of Cro Ular which the ghost of Fayline taken over by the Phantomwitch known as Inren di Karel still haunts. She faces a danger like no other she has faced before as her foe this time is mighty and cunning and has been around doing her work in the name of her dead Queen, Dread Odile, for many years. However, Ayleth never backed down from a battle even when caught unarmoured and battle weary and on the verge of death she still strove to save the day. Terryn is still hiding secrets especially those concerned with his feelings for Ayleth which he tried to hide even from himself. Two witches are on the loose the Phantomwitch and the Warpwitch, Ylaire who was looking after Nilly the inborn child and using her shade Rasanala, to find out where her queen was buried. Seems like the venators work is far from done even though there are those who believe that they are more evil than those they hunted! Will Cerine be able to convince Gerard of this through the studies she and her fellow nun of the Siveline Temple had discovered? I am so in awe of this amazing series, I love the courage of the feisty heroine, the kindness of the Prince and the stoic stand Terryn always assumes and I look forward to reading further into the captivating and at times heart-stopping series.
March 6, 2021
So, the main thing I had an issue with in this book? The main characters are starting to fall for eachother. Le sigh. You're supposed to be in competition with eachother to see who will be posted to Millisendes outpost, and you both believe the other is hiding deep dark secrets!
It's been a month since venator Kephan returned to Castra Breçar to recieve treatment for being cursed by the Warpwitch, and Ayleth and Terryn have been managing the borough on their own. However, Terryn gets called to the palace by the prince, who asks him to stay for a week to prevent the events of four years ago reacurring, the events that happened at his wedding.
But Fayline has an issue with Gerard remarrying.
Possessed by the Phantomwitch and her shade, she will confirm that Gerard still loves her, will always love her, not her sister. Almost killing Ayleth by dragging her into the Haunts and taking control of Dunloch castle, she awaits her prince to come to her rescue, all the while fighting the Phantomwitch for control of her own body.
Can Ayleth, drugged, injured and without access to Laranta, stop the Phantomwitch and save the day?
We are also getting closer to the reveal of who Ayleth is, Fendrel's reaction to her just solidifies the assumptions from book 1.
It's been a month since venator Kephan returned to Castra Breçar to recieve treatment for being cursed by the Warpwitch, and Ayleth and Terryn have been managing the borough on their own. However, Terryn gets called to the palace by the prince, who asks him to stay for a week to prevent the events of four years ago reacurring, the events that happened at his wedding.
But Fayline has an issue with Gerard remarrying.
Possessed by the Phantomwitch and her shade, she will confirm that Gerard still loves her, will always love her, not her sister. Almost killing Ayleth by dragging her into the Haunts and taking control of Dunloch castle, she awaits her prince to come to her rescue, all the while fighting the Phantomwitch for control of her own body.
Can Ayleth, drugged, injured and without access to Laranta, stop the Phantomwitch and save the day?
We are also getting closer to the reveal of who Ayleth is, Fendrel's reaction to her just solidifies the assumptions from book 1.
October 12, 2021
This series is expanding and I love it! There are new characters, new secrets, new dramas, and new twists in this thrilling and detailed world.
Ayleth continues to push her limits and do what she thinks is right. She is devoted to saving people and uncovering the truth about her life and those she serves. Which, of course, continue to put her at odds with Terryn and his secrets. They are both stubborn characters set to carve their own path, but who constantly find themselves entangled with each other. I look forward to seeing how their bond changes and grows.
Other characters who got excellent development were Gerard and Serene. I really enjoyed their scenes, though their bond formed through tragedy.
Once again, Mercedes doesn’t shy away from the gore or horror of her world and the witches. I loved the action and the tension. I listened to the audiobook and I have to say the narration is as incredible as the prose.
This is a great series for lovers of dark fantasy adventure, and I can’t wait to start the next book!
Ayleth continues to push her limits and do what she thinks is right. She is devoted to saving people and uncovering the truth about her life and those she serves. Which, of course, continue to put her at odds with Terryn and his secrets. They are both stubborn characters set to carve their own path, but who constantly find themselves entangled with each other. I look forward to seeing how their bond changes and grows.
Other characters who got excellent development were Gerard and Serene. I really enjoyed their scenes, though their bond formed through tragedy.
Once again, Mercedes doesn’t shy away from the gore or horror of her world and the witches. I loved the action and the tension. I listened to the audiobook and I have to say the narration is as incredible as the prose.
This is a great series for lovers of dark fantasy adventure, and I can’t wait to start the next book!
March 14, 2020
My heart is still racing!
Wow, another amazing read. The story continues in this installment and maintains its riveting and extremely fast-paced trajectory! Thankfully, no one decided to touch my shoulder during this read. Who knows how high I would have jumped this time!
We continue to follow Ayleth and her adventure. In this book, Terrayn is found out to have "forgotten" his previous encounters with Fayline (book 2). Ayleth's suspicions continue to drive her to more answers. Fendrel's discovery is quite intriguing. I cannot wait to see where it leads. I did call a couple of things that happened but very few. I basically sit back and let the story unfold on its own and was not disappointed!
I fear saying any more will spoil the read.
Let's just say, the writing was amazing, per the norm.
Not as much gore in this one. Still sprinkled with profanities that tend to distract me from the book at times.
Wow, another amazing read. The story continues in this installment and maintains its riveting and extremely fast-paced trajectory! Thankfully, no one decided to touch my shoulder during this read. Who knows how high I would have jumped this time!
We continue to follow Ayleth and her adventure. In this book, Terrayn is found out to have "forgotten" his previous encounters with Fayline (book 2). Ayleth's suspicions continue to drive her to more answers. Fendrel's discovery is quite intriguing. I cannot wait to see where it leads. I did call a couple of things that happened but very few. I basically sit back and let the story unfold on its own and was not disappointed!
I fear saying any more will spoil the read.
Let's just say, the writing was amazing, per the norm.
Not as much gore in this one. Still sprinkled with profanities that tend to distract me from the book at times.
December 16, 2019
The Venatrix is Getting Closer
*Spoilers*
Ayleth and Terryn and their separate journeys are leading them back together and I'm anxiously anticipating the conclusion. Fayline is found and vanquished at least from what we find in this book but as I've come to see from this series, even death of a person or soul isn't absolute.
Ayleth's curiosity and instincts are carrying her, she surely should have learned to trust them and herself by now. Cerine and the information she carries seems incredibly important to this tale so I wished we'd have gotten more than a snippet of what's contained in that book. I dislike that she's to wed the Golden Prince considering his love for her fallen sister, it just seems wrong on so many levels.
We finally get to see the Black Hood and Fendrel doesn't disappoint, the shock of Ayleth's resemblance to the dead witch queen aside, he seems not only capable but dedicated which is good. Who knows what will happen next, Ayleth's possession and Terryn under the influence of the Warpwitch but there's plenty to keep an interest.
Fast paced read, hard to put down and a great story with plenty of twists and turns, it's definitely a tale that holds the interest. I'm still dissatisfied that the story has not revealed the secrets Hollis holds or of Ayleth's heritage.
*Spoilers*
Ayleth and Terryn and their separate journeys are leading them back together and I'm anxiously anticipating the conclusion. Fayline is found and vanquished at least from what we find in this book but as I've come to see from this series, even death of a person or soul isn't absolute.
Ayleth's curiosity and instincts are carrying her, she surely should have learned to trust them and herself by now. Cerine and the information she carries seems incredibly important to this tale so I wished we'd have gotten more than a snippet of what's contained in that book. I dislike that she's to wed the Golden Prince considering his love for her fallen sister, it just seems wrong on so many levels.
We finally get to see the Black Hood and Fendrel doesn't disappoint, the shock of Ayleth's resemblance to the dead witch queen aside, he seems not only capable but dedicated which is good. Who knows what will happen next, Ayleth's possession and Terryn under the influence of the Warpwitch but there's plenty to keep an interest.
Fast paced read, hard to put down and a great story with plenty of twists and turns, it's definitely a tale that holds the interest. I'm still dissatisfied that the story has not revealed the secrets Hollis holds or of Ayleth's heritage.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2019
Wow as always. Ayleth has to win the Prince’s trust, definitely not easy. Follows perfectly with the other two books. Once I started, I didn’t want to leave the story. Ready for the next.
November 18, 2019
I’m so glad that this series is continuing to get better with each new installment! Again, this was a much more enjoyable read than the first book in this series, and I think it is on the same level as book two!
I really enjoyed the new character additions that were added in this book. I liked finally seeing characters that have been vaguely mentioned throughout the first two books. Adding these characters made the plot and storyline continue on really well. I am still very unsure of where it is exactly that this plot will end up, but I’m super excited to continue on with this series next year when the fourth installment is released!!
Now to Terryn and Ayleth..this is 1000% a SLOW BURN romance. We are now onto the fourth book and they only really started to finally show minor intimate moments with eachother AT THE END of this book. It will definitely be satisfying when they do finally end up together (if they even do?!?!). Anyway, I did really love reading their snarky banter with eachother and I’m excited to see how their relationship continues to unfold!
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book, and I’m honestly kinda sad that I now have to wait until the next year to real the next book!
I really enjoyed the new character additions that were added in this book. I liked finally seeing characters that have been vaguely mentioned throughout the first two books. Adding these characters made the plot and storyline continue on really well. I am still very unsure of where it is exactly that this plot will end up, but I’m super excited to continue on with this series next year when the fourth installment is released!!
Now to Terryn and Ayleth..this is 1000% a SLOW BURN romance. We are now onto the fourth book and they only really started to finally show minor intimate moments with eachother AT THE END of this book. It will definitely be satisfying when they do finally end up together (if they even do?!?!). Anyway, I did really love reading their snarky banter with eachother and I’m excited to see how their relationship continues to unfold!
Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book, and I’m honestly kinda sad that I now have to wait until the next year to real the next book!
November 2, 2019
This book literally CANNOOOOT come out soon enough for me and that is on that.
I've devoured the prequel and other two books within days, and I am just itching to get back into this amazing, amazing world populated with fantastic world building and wonderful characters. October is looking gorgeous right now. I just hope to god this is longer than the other books, cus if it's the final installment I'll need it like air.
...
Yep, I literally ATE this. Could not stop reading, despite me requiring much-needed sleep! I was freaking out towards the end, thinking this is the final installment, but imagine my absolute delight at finding out there's yet another book coming out - and I. Cannot. Wait. Terryn and Ayleth are just life. This is the slow burn romance to truly best all, quote me. Only criticism is Gerard's seeming deep affection for his fiancee seems a little unprecedented. It's been four years since Fayline died, and during those years wasn't the other sister away?? So how did he get to form much of a bond ...
I've devoured the prequel and other two books within days, and I am just itching to get back into this amazing, amazing world populated with fantastic world building and wonderful characters. October is looking gorgeous right now. I just hope to god this is longer than the other books, cus if it's the final installment I'll need it like air.
...
Yep, I literally ATE this. Could not stop reading, despite me requiring much-needed sleep! I was freaking out towards the end, thinking this is the final installment, but imagine my absolute delight at finding out there's yet another book coming out - and I. Cannot. Wait. Terryn and Ayleth are just life. This is the slow burn romance to truly best all, quote me. Only criticism is Gerard's seeming deep affection for his fiancee seems a little unprecedented. It's been four years since Fayline died, and during those years wasn't the other sister away?? So how did he get to form much of a bond ...
October 19, 2019
I received an ARC of this book from the author
This book in one sentence: As the Golden Prince is engaged again, and requests Terryn's aid after the tragedy of his first engagement, leaving Ayleth to protect the woods from witches.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 1/2🌶️
My recommendation: Great progression in the series. I'm glad to know there are 7 books total planned, and they will be coming out in close intervals, because I am definitely hooked to the series, but also desperately need to know how it ends soon. This book gives a little more insight into the mystery of Ayleth's past (although not enough) and introduces a new character (Cerrine) of whom I am a fan and I look forward to seeing her story arc progress. The pacing of the series is just fast enough to draw you in, but slow enough to make you want more, without overwhelming reading with fantasy world building elements.
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, orphan-with-mysterious-past, daddy issues
Content warnings: mild violence, death, characters with traumatic pasts (including slavery)
This book in one sentence: As the Golden Prince is engaged again, and requests Terryn's aid after the tragedy of his first engagement, leaving Ayleth to protect the woods from witches.
My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steaminess: 1/2🌶️
My recommendation: Great progression in the series. I'm glad to know there are 7 books total planned, and they will be coming out in close intervals, because I am definitely hooked to the series, but also desperately need to know how it ends soon. This book gives a little more insight into the mystery of Ayleth's past (although not enough) and introduces a new character (Cerrine) of whom I am a fan and I look forward to seeing her story arc progress. The pacing of the series is just fast enough to draw you in, but slow enough to make you want more, without overwhelming reading with fantasy world building elements.
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, orphan-with-mysterious-past, daddy issues
Content warnings: mild violence, death, characters with traumatic pasts (including slavery)
October 7, 2019
I received this novel from Ms. Mercedes as an ARC. Thank you!
This series just keeps getting better! More dangers and questions keep arising. Ayleth is a kick ass character and strives to the best Venatrix. She still has competition with Venator Terryn, but discovers he has lied. How can she trust him after that? Terryn is in competition with Ayleth and cannot understand why Gerard has not given him the position, yet he cares for Ayleth. The return of one a Dreaded Ollie’s witches returns and brings havoc, for it is about revenge. This leads to Ayleth on a path to discover the witch, which leads her to more danger and a startling discovery. She learns something that her memories have been hidden and does not know why, but someone is shocked to see Ayleth alive. Cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
This series just keeps getting better! More dangers and questions keep arising. Ayleth is a kick ass character and strives to the best Venatrix. She still has competition with Venator Terryn, but discovers he has lied. How can she trust him after that? Terryn is in competition with Ayleth and cannot understand why Gerard has not given him the position, yet he cares for Ayleth. The return of one a Dreaded Ollie’s witches returns and brings havoc, for it is about revenge. This leads to Ayleth on a path to discover the witch, which leads her to more danger and a startling discovery. She learns something that her memories have been hidden and does not know why, but someone is shocked to see Ayleth alive. Cannot wait to read the next novel in the series!
August 25, 2021
This is my favorite yet! I just love where the plot is heading and the glimpses of new characters we got in this one. Every character is so compelling and I love reading from their perspectives. Once again, I'm amazed at the worldbuilding and captivated by the magic. The budding relationship between our two main leads got some development in this one too, which I was stoked about. I can't wait to see what comes next!
July 15, 2021
I still need answers.
I feel like I’m so close to getting answers but they’re just out of reach. Omg I need to read more and find out what happens. I have a few speculations though.
I feel like I’m so close to getting answers but they’re just out of reach. Omg I need to read more and find out what happens. I have a few speculations though.
April 27, 2021
The most interesting part of this book was the last line of prologue. Do you know how painful it is? To read an entire book and the most interesting part was the prologue? I cry.
I give it 3 stars for that big revelation.
Don't look at me reading a series I said I wouldn't read. I am not letting this series beat me ok. I am going to get the truth out of Sylvia I don't care how many of these I need to read. I am now competing with Sylvia. That's the real competition.
We get a new character and the makings of more building blocks to uncover mysteries, but again, the biggest bombshell was in the prologue. The progress to uncovering the truth is taking too long for my tastes. And I know. I know you can do anything in a book and there are lots of books that don't reveal mysteries till the end. But the difference is, there are good reasons for the mysteries not being revealed. Here, we don't get good justification for why we can dig into these leads! It's the worst!
A character finds something that is literally world-changing and what do they do with it? Nothing! NOTHING!! But she could! She could tell someone, she could do something more with it! She doesn't! She just holds onto it and almost loses the evidence because she refuses to do anything with it! I have high-blood pressure now.
There are so many leads we are given that the characters do nothing. The characters really don't have strong enough personalities for me to draw conclusions on their motives. Oh and do not get me started with this stilted romance play. These urges that come out of literal no where. These character who supposedly hate each other now suddenly can't help looking at each other?? Why? What changed? I didn't see the change. I didn't see a reason for them to suddenly be attracted to each other when there are much bigger things they should be doing and questioning. That campfire scene? I am not convinced.
She better get her memories back in the next book or so help meeeee.
I'm sorry I hate tearing into books but I am so frustrated y'all don't understand. I'm sorry. If you love this series, I am happy for you. Sana all.
I give it 3 stars for that big revelation.
Don't look at me reading a series I said I wouldn't read. I am not letting this series beat me ok. I am going to get the truth out of Sylvia I don't care how many of these I need to read. I am now competing with Sylvia. That's the real competition.
We get a new character and the makings of more building blocks to uncover mysteries, but again, the biggest bombshell was in the prologue. The progress to uncovering the truth is taking too long for my tastes. And I know. I know you can do anything in a book and there are lots of books that don't reveal mysteries till the end. But the difference is, there are good reasons for the mysteries not being revealed. Here, we don't get good justification for why we can dig into these leads! It's the worst!
A character finds something that is literally world-changing and what do they do with it? Nothing! NOTHING!! But she could! She could tell someone, she could do something more with it! She doesn't! She just holds onto it and almost loses the evidence because she refuses to do anything with it! I have high-blood pressure now.
There are so many leads we are given that the characters do nothing. The characters really don't have strong enough personalities for me to draw conclusions on their motives. Oh and do not get me started with this stilted romance play. These urges that come out of literal no where. These character who supposedly hate each other now suddenly can't help looking at each other?? Why? What changed? I didn't see the change. I didn't see a reason for them to suddenly be attracted to each other when there are much bigger things they should be doing and questioning. That campfire scene? I am not convinced.
She better get her memories back in the next book or so help meeeee.
I'm sorry I hate tearing into books but I am so frustrated y'all don't understand. I'm sorry. If you love this series, I am happy for you. Sana all.
March 2, 2020
The third installment of The Venatrix Chronicles is a fast paced thrill ride from start to end, with plenty of danger and some new wrinkles added into the overall storyline. It kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end, leaving me awaiting the next installment. And yes, it’s full of lots of malice.
After a fast pace and action packed opening, the team of Aleyth and Terryn are split up for the time being as he’s called away for a special mission, leaving our heroine alone in the wilderness full of danger. And danger she does get herself in. Meanwhile, Terryn is dealing with his own issues on this special mission with danger there as well. The development of Aleyth and Terryn takes a big step up in this installment as they grow through their trials and start to feel a bit of friendship between each other despite the competition. I enjoy where it ends up. The other returning characters were easy to grasp this time around and well developed. There’s a few new characters introduced in the prologue and play an important part in the story, and while I liked and appreciated them as characters, I got confused between the sisters and was slightly lost on some of the exact details, though it didn’t deter me too much from understanding what was going on.
I love the story this time, I couldn’t stay away for too long as I kept reading find out what was going to happen next. I wasn’t too big of a fan of Visions of Fate as it felt like parts of the story dragged on for a while, but not here, there’s always advancement in each chapter, and the development and the fast pace felt stronger. There was danger at every single turn and I was concerned for the characters and what was going to happen to them. Some parts of the overall story arc are expanded as well which makes me want to read the next installment to find out what’s going on. The world is still solid and there’s new bits introduced, like those that don’t believe in the Venatrix and more details of the magic system, which was already well developed and complex, putting the dark in dark fantasy.
Looking forward to the next installment!
After a fast pace and action packed opening, the team of Aleyth and Terryn are split up for the time being as he’s called away for a special mission, leaving our heroine alone in the wilderness full of danger. And danger she does get herself in. Meanwhile, Terryn is dealing with his own issues on this special mission with danger there as well. The development of Aleyth and Terryn takes a big step up in this installment as they grow through their trials and start to feel a bit of friendship between each other despite the competition. I enjoy where it ends up. The other returning characters were easy to grasp this time around and well developed. There’s a few new characters introduced in the prologue and play an important part in the story, and while I liked and appreciated them as characters, I got confused between the sisters and was slightly lost on some of the exact details, though it didn’t deter me too much from understanding what was going on.
I love the story this time, I couldn’t stay away for too long as I kept reading find out what was going to happen next. I wasn’t too big of a fan of Visions of Fate as it felt like parts of the story dragged on for a while, but not here, there’s always advancement in each chapter, and the development and the fast pace felt stronger. There was danger at every single turn and I was concerned for the characters and what was going to happen to them. Some parts of the overall story arc are expanded as well which makes me want to read the next installment to find out what’s going on. The world is still solid and there’s new bits introduced, like those that don’t believe in the Venatrix and more details of the magic system, which was already well developed and complex, putting the dark in dark fantasy.
Looking forward to the next installment!
January 20, 2022
The story is finally flowing nicely. So much action and so many questions. I knew what Ayleth is but not for sure if she was the baby in the woods. She is the daughter or granddaughter of the Witch queen. Fendel pretty much confirmed it. What I don't get is how this all goes together. I'm so darn confused!! Fendel is evil I know it!! But ugh!! Terryn! I really hope that he's not a traitor. I know that Ylaire bewitched him, but I hope he can either break it, or he doesn't betray Ayleth. I don't care if he betrays the Order but Ayleth is everything. I'm also wondering who really is good. I don't believe the Order is. Something in that book that Cerene is carrying proves that. I just need to know what's in that book. What is happening!?!? Gerard is amazing. He is such a strong and loyal Prince. I'm so glad he made Fendel save Ayleth. She's strong! My heart breaks for Fayline. She fought so hard and her soul, along with the Witch and shade, went to the haunts. She deserved better. Her spirit must of been strong because Irene didn't kill nearly as many as she could. It could have been so much worse if not for Fayline. She really deserved a better end. Though I'm glad she didn't come back as it's unrealistic for this world. Where is hollis? And why are Ayleths memories blocked? Seriously need some answers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
Book Three
It's progressing sooooo slowly! Yes, there is plenty of action. Yes, there is suspense, but there is also so much missing from this plot. Where is Hollis? Why haven't we heard from her? What about Kephan? Were they able to remove the Warpwitch's curse? Is there any hope for Terryn? Why have we still not learned about Terryn's shade? We meet this veteran of the witch wars and something is amiss with him, but we never get a hint of what it might be. And omg, she isn't developing the tension between Ayleth and Terryn. And what about the Witchwood? Are we ever going to learn why it's sentient? Ugh, there is a ton missing from this story and she just keeps adding characters and widening these gaping plot holes. This is not what I look for in a fantasy. This is obviously meant to be a light read, don't look too closely at it because the closer you look, the more you find wrong with it. Three out of five stars to Paths of Malice.
It's progressing sooooo slowly! Yes, there is plenty of action. Yes, there is suspense, but there is also so much missing from this plot. Where is Hollis? Why haven't we heard from her? What about Kephan? Were they able to remove the Warpwitch's curse? Is there any hope for Terryn? Why have we still not learned about Terryn's shade? We meet this veteran of the witch wars and something is amiss with him, but we never get a hint of what it might be. And omg, she isn't developing the tension between Ayleth and Terryn. And what about the Witchwood? Are we ever going to learn why it's sentient? Ugh, there is a ton missing from this story and she just keeps adding characters and widening these gaping plot holes. This is not what I look for in a fantasy. This is obviously meant to be a light read, don't look too closely at it because the closer you look, the more you find wrong with it. Three out of five stars to Paths of Malice.
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