The realms are bleeding. The spell is stronger than ever. Evil is moments away from crossing through the portals, and when it does, nobody will be spared.
Khali refuses to give up on her freedom, but being married off to her enemy and having her magic lost is making life rather difficult. She needs to save Bram from being convicted for murder, not to mention protect her new fae friends from the dragon court, which would sooner see them dead. But none of that will matter if the occultists succeed. They’re closing in, and with Drakenon as their final target, she must find a way to restore her elemental magic.
Unless it’s already too late.
Hazel is steps away from figuring out her ancestry, but does that matter when she has so many other people counting on her right now? People like Harmony and her mother, like her two kidnapped best friends, and maybe even the entire human race! Turns out Hazel and Dean will have to figure out the mystery of her birth if they’re going to save the realms from the most dangerous evil of all. Journeying into Eridas means she’ll find the truth but it just might break her heart.
And change her path forever.
The final installment of the Dragon Blessed trilogy, Throne of Embers, is here and it’s nothing like you expected. Find out what happens to your favorite fantasy characters, but beware, your heart will pound and your eyes might leak.
Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.
Throne of Embers is the third and final book in the Bleeding Realms: Dragon Blessed arc by Nina Walker and it was amazing.
Hazel and Khali have come a long way, each has grown over the series and it shows. Hazel went from not knowing anything about the supernatural world or who she really is, to accepting who she is, figuring out what she's meant to do, and overcoming her fear. While Khali went from shucking responsibilities and wishing for freedom to realizing that she has all the freedom she needs and wants what is best for her people. Hazel's and Khali's determination and caring hearts can't help but make me like both characters.
The love interests... Dean and Bram. I love both guys, Dean, and his determination to help his kingdom and his protectiveness of Hazel even when it didn't seem like it. Hazel brings out a different side to Dean and he is supporting her as she discovers a new world. While Bram who is crazy smart and quite, is truly such a good heart who loves Khali and only wants what's best for her. Both princes are pretty great and I like them for the girls.
This was one of those books that I devoured, I read the book in one sitting because I was so eager to find out what was going to happen next, to see how it was all going to end. The world-building was always great but I enjoyed learning even more about the backstory of the evil Occultist and learning more about the fae. The story flowed so well and everything felt right, I had all the feels and was highly entertained. The Occultist is gearing up, Salias is plotting something, a new untrustworthy character has shown up, Hazel is trying to confront her fears and Khali is trying to save her kingdom without any powers, what's not to love.
Throne of Embers was epic, it was everything I could have wanted in the conclusion to the Dragon Blessed arc in the Bleeding Realms series. Hazel's past is revealed, she finally comes to terms with being supernatural and she owns her fears. Khail figures out what Silas is up to and puts all her heart into saving her kingdom and being who she needs to be. There was an epic battle, magic, secrets revealed, magic, betrayal, romance, and so much more. I am so excited to see what's next in the Bleeding Realms world.
What a rush! I stayed up way too late reading this final book in an amazing series. I loved the growth of the characters, Hazel and Khali, Dean and Bram. There was action, romance, tragedy, betrayal, secrets uncovered, magic lost and restored, blood magic, portals and reapers just to name a few. I was horrified at first when it seemed like Silas was going to rule everything and everyone and then Hazel and Khali stepped up to their destiny and changed everything around them with juniper's healing help. I was sad to see the loss of some of the fae, centaur and dragons I had come to love over the books. I really like how the author handled the magic and the realms and working things out. It wasn't easy but it was worth it! Highly recommended this book and all the bleeding realms series. Clean fantasy adventure with a touch of romance anyone can enjoy.
The epic conclusion to the trilogy was well with the wait! Swoony dragon princes, strong willed heroines who are fierce enough to fight their own battles, magical realms... this series has it all. I love how this final book wraps everything up nicely without leaving you with any lingering questions or frustrations. And the answers included some plot twists I did not seen coming!
I absolutely loved this series and I’m sad to have reached the end of it. I can’t wait to see what this author comes out with next.
🔥 Firstly, I'd like to thank the author for providing me with a free copy. This in no way effects my opinions 🔥 I could say many things about Silas. None of them are Goodreads appropriate 🔥 I will say that a lot of things that happened in here that felt out of place and random. I can't quite describe it but when you read it, then you might understand what I mean 🔥 THOSE DEATHS WERE UNCALLED FOR 🔥 Except you know who. He totally deserved to croak in book one 🔥 Hometown shout-out 🙌 (Ohio) 🔥 If you like worlds colliding (literally), fantasy, contemporary, dragons, fae, pixies, enchanted forests, hate to love tropes, and court intrigue, this is definitely your series!
At last, we have an ending! Honestly the wait for this book was so long, I thought I would lose my mind! I had soooooooooo many questions at the end of book 2 and I’m happy to say that they have all most certainly been answered. I was also very happy with how things ended. Every plot line wrapped up nicely (and I see that there is a possible opportunity to explore other realms outside the two we see in this series, so that’s exciting).
The contrasting voices between Khali and Hazel was also consistently kept in this book, which I enjoyed. It reminds me of the difference between a monologue and soliloquy: one is spoken with the intention of another person hearing (Hazel’s POV), while the other is very much internalised and not necessarily meant for an audience’s ears (Khali’s POV). This contrast throughout this whole series has made it very interesting to read, and was not at all jarring, which is a testament to Nina Walker’s writing ability. In this book I did feel like both Khali and Hazel were a little too ‘oh woe is me’, but it was a minor detail that I could easily overlook.
The one thing that kind of disappointed me with this book was that it was very slow moving. I was three quarters of the way through before things actually started coming together, and the tension ramped up. Before that, I kind of felt adrift in a world of filler. Given how the second book ended, you would think that the ‘time is of the essence’ feeling would be felt throughout the whole third book, but it wasn’t for me. For a while at the start, it was something that I felt I could put down easily, and the feeling of needing to know what happens next didn’t quite kick in at the start. The actual action also started and finished quite quickly, which was a little bit disappointing given all the build up to it.
Overall, I did enjoy Throne of Embers. I felt like how the conflict was ultimately resolved was satisfying, and it was interesting to read from the two very different points of view. The pacing didn’t feel as well done as the previous two books, but it was still a satisfying read. I’ve loved spending time in the world of Eridas (and an alternate version of ours), and can’t wait to see what Nina Walker publishes next!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also, it should be stated that I have known Nina for over 15 years and consider her to be a friend.
This is the third book in a trilogy that also had a prequel novella. If you have not read the first two books, then this book will not be nearly as impressive. I feel that reading the novella prior to reading this will also benefit the reader, but it certainly is not necessary.
The trilogy focuses on two POV characters - Hazel and Khali. Hazel is a college student on Earth who also happens to see dead people. Khali is dragon blessed in Eridas and rarely has the ability to access magic from all four elements: earth, fire, air, and water.
At the conclusion of book 2, there were so many questions. I had no idea how Nina would be able to address those unanswered questions and advance the story line to a satisfying conclusion. When compared to the other two books in the trilogy, this book really is the best. Nina does a great job of bringing clarity to the worlds and helping the reader fully appreciate Hazel's magic.
The book reads quickly. Nina really has captured two unique voices and it is believable that they are from two different worlds with completely different backgrounds. I would recommend this trilogy to anyone who enjoys fantasy or young adult fiction.
I’m honestly not sure how I feel about this series as a whole. There are some good aspects and some good plots within the story such as as spirit magic, but it does all seem very disjointed and like it’s multiple stories that haven’t quite fit together as they should have.
I feel like the main aspects of this book were rushed. The whole finding out her identity, Hazel’s. I think her mother’s linked to Faye and her father showing up in the spirit realm were completely rushed. The ending of the story wasn’t really satisfactory. I feel like the main battle happened in such a blur. The main villains were killed off within seconds one of which was very confusing as the head of the occultists. That was no buildup or defining moment for the main characters.
Overall, I found the series very disappointing. I definitely wouldn’t read again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story and world were so good! In book 2 Khali was the annoying character that got in the way of the best parts of the story and in book 3 she was the character that drew me into the story and kept me coming back for more. Khali and Brams impossible love was perfection . This book had a spectacular story arc and ending, evil villains at every turn, and friends willing to risk themselves for their friends and the world. The only annoying thing is the first person narrative was constantly“I did this” and “I went there”. It’s just constantly “I” and “me”. There are 1st person narrative books out there that didn’t do this so it’s possible. All in all, it was a great story and ending to a series.
I received a copy of this ARC from the author, Nina Walker, in exchange for an honest review.
I did enjoy it, and was happy with how everything happened, but I didn't feel like I enjoyed it as much as the previous books. The story felt a little rushed, which was disappointing to me. I feel like sometimes I struggled to tell who's chapter I was reading. Hazel and Khali seemed to kind of blend into one character this book, and I was hoping for a bit more individuality between the two. I loved the relationship between Khali and Bram, and always the ending the Silas got was extremely satisfying. A happy ending and a great conclusion to this series. I'm super grateful for the opportunity to read this series as an ARC, and I hope other people will enjoy this series as much as I did!
After reading this book, I wanted to write and post this review to share my honest experiences toward the story.
How can you tell a book is going to be great? Well, if your heart starts pounding as soon as you open it, that’s a sign, and it also helps if the previous books in the series were completely amazing… For those who saw the reviews I posted on the first two books in the series, I had nothing but positive feedback to share, and wholeheartedly recommended them to anyone interested in YA fantasy. When I started reading this one, a feeling of excitement, a thrilling sensation came over me, and begged me to keep reading. And I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page of it. It was perfect in every way, and I look forward to exploring more works by this author!
I’m not sure if I have the words for the way I feel after finishing this. It was a read-a-thon as i rushed from page to page to find the epic conclusion. I was not disappointed! Once again, a well paced novel with more great world building and characters development. Seeing Khali and Hazel grow into their powers, once Khali got hers back, and themselves was incredible. Watching these women find their voices and lead was a nice touch. They did it, all without the help of men, but the help of each other, strong bada** women. The romance in this book heightened as well. Watching Khali and Bram plus Dean and Hazel find each other, even in the darkness, was an added light. Easily a 5 star read for me and a beautiful ending to a great series. My heart swelled reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I always love alternating-POV books when it's the two main characters as love interests, but I wasn't sure what to expect with the two female MCs alternating POVs. Turns out, I loved it! This whole series, you get alternating chapters from Khali and Hazel, who are connected but love on entirely different realms. It's like two stories in one. I gave this one 4 stars instead of 5, because the spirit realm, human realm, and fae/dragon realm travel got a little confusing, and I also felt like a lot was left out when a few characters (very interesting ones) were introduced and then never mentioned again. Overall, though, this third book of the series wrapped things up perfectly without giving an unrealistic happily-ever-after feeling.
Fantastic finale!!! 💖 Amazing action-package, page-turner, intense, magical installment, with unexpected twists and turns, romance, new allies and a ruthless battle that will keep you on edge 😳😩 Hazel and Khali grew so much in this book, love to read this process that take them for fear and doubt to confident and hard determination, which turned the scale in their favor, giving us this emotional and sweet HEA. 😍🤗 So sad for this series to end, but so happy to see them succed, love all of these characters, going to miss them... A MUST read series!!! ❤️
Really enjoyed the ending to this series! Thoroughly enjoyed all the characters and the character development they all went through from the first book to the last. Sad to see some of them go in the book, but understand that with war comes casualties 😞 Bram was a shining star in this final installment and I am so glad the author allowed him to shine, as I've been cheering for him from the first book. Wrapped in nicely and most every question was answered. Recommend this series for any urban fantasy lover!
There were so many plot twists, mysteries, and betrayals that I couldn't have predicted any of it! And I loved every single second of it! It's been great seeing Hazel and Khali grow into the women they have become. I absolutely love that in this series, the wasn't some handsome prince needed to save the day because the heroines found their own strength. I loved this world so much and now I'm kinda sad it's over. Maybe someday there will be a spin-off series for another character or realm within Eridas. At least a girl can hope. ;)
I just found Nina Walker and started reading her books. I just finished Throne of Embers and she did not disappoint. What an imagination! I cant wait for more books and praying she passed her gift onto her kids so one day my grandkids can read their books. I also love that my grandkids can read Ms Walkers books as they have no foul language or sex. Thank you Nina Walker and please keep writing. And thank you to your husband for supporting you.
What a great ending to a wonderful series! This was the first series that really led me to this author, and I can't wait to read more! I'm secretly hoping there is more to come from this world, even if it's in the form of short stories.
We see Khali and Hazel's sides of the story and how it all comes together in the end. I'm pretty happy with how things ended. I'm not going to say anymore as I don't want to ruin the last book in the series.
I'm still in awe after finishing this book! It was magnificent! Both Hazel & Khali had amazing character development from the start but in this book they flourished even better than I expected and it led them to a thrilling experience and ending! Outstanding book and series! Magic, dragons, romance and action, a colorful and beautifully written story!
This series was phenomenal, from the very first page of the first book, until the very last page of this one. All the questions I had throughout books 1 and 2 were answered, leaving no lingering doubts. The characters came full circle, and in the end found their HEAs. The plot twisted and changed until the very end. Just an all around fantastic series from Nina Walker!!
I love this series. It does have a romantic feel but without the graphic sex part. I love that. I love the worlds the author builds and the characters. It fun to read books that you root for the main characters. I will look for more books by her. You could feel safe giving this book to a teenager too!
Love love love this series. Khali and Hazel are my favorite story line so far by Nina Walker. Hot dragon shifters don’t hurt either. Definitely recommend all three books. Sad the story has come to an end, but love the way this one was wrapped up.
A fine, albeit bloody finish to this series. Like the other books in this trilogy, there's action aplenty and I particularly like what transpired in terms of Hazel's backstory and magical ability. The ending is most satisfying as well.
To an amazing series. I love following Khali and Hazels journey. They both went through so much but came out so much stronger. I have loved every minute of these books and couldn’t have asked for a better ending!
Wonderful ending to the series!! Great story. Characters that you love or love to hate. So nice to invest in a series and be happy with the ending. Very clean. Good for all YA and up readers.
The characters are engaging with personalities and plots that keep you wanting more. A great read especially since I was struggling to find a book I could get into.