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Wytch Kings #7
Askarra
Series finale...
War is imminent.
After the Wytch Council’s failed attempt to destroy the city of Ravenfell, the Wytch Kings of the Northern Alliance are divided over how to respond. Those in favor of swift retaliation would send in their dragon army supported by rhyx-shifters, who can transport soldiers to any spot in Skanda in the blink of an eye. Those who urge caution fear the ancient weapon planted at Ravenfell may not have been unique.
Renegade Wytch Master Ilya knows the mind of the Council all too well, and fears the dark path the Alliance may be forced to tread in the name of freedom. He has a plan, but when his husband Wytch King Garrik refuses to hear his counsel, Ilya sees no choice but to act in secret.
Captain Kavarr’s body may be healed, but his confidence is shaken. Torn from the psychic connection he shared with the rest of his shifter pack, he no longer considers himself fit for command. But his new immunity to the mythe makes him an ideal candidate for a dangerous secret mission that could change the course of the war.
Prince Delrinian of Ysdrach has been the Council’s pawn for nearly half his life. Newly freed and eager to prove his loyalty, Rin finds himself thwarted at every turn by his overprotective brother. When a chance to strike a crippling blow to the Council presents itself, Rin volunteers to help — even though his sometimes-prophetic dreams warn that the price of his involvement could be the life of the man he’s falling for.
(~85,000 words)
War is imminent.
After the Wytch Council’s failed attempt to destroy the city of Ravenfell, the Wytch Kings of the Northern Alliance are divided over how to respond. Those in favor of swift retaliation would send in their dragon army supported by rhyx-shifters, who can transport soldiers to any spot in Skanda in the blink of an eye. Those who urge caution fear the ancient weapon planted at Ravenfell may not have been unique.
Renegade Wytch Master Ilya knows the mind of the Council all too well, and fears the dark path the Alliance may be forced to tread in the name of freedom. He has a plan, but when his husband Wytch King Garrik refuses to hear his counsel, Ilya sees no choice but to act in secret.
Captain Kavarr’s body may be healed, but his confidence is shaken. Torn from the psychic connection he shared with the rest of his shifter pack, he no longer considers himself fit for command. But his new immunity to the mythe makes him an ideal candidate for a dangerous secret mission that could change the course of the war.
Prince Delrinian of Ysdrach has been the Council’s pawn for nearly half his life. Newly freed and eager to prove his loyalty, Rin finds himself thwarted at every turn by his overprotective brother. When a chance to strike a crippling blow to the Council presents itself, Rin volunteers to help — even though his sometimes-prophetic dreams warn that the price of his involvement could be the life of the man he’s falling for.
(~85,000 words)
ebook
First published October 5, 2020
2 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jaye McKenna
24 books132 followersJaye McKenna was born a Brit and was dragged, kicking and screaming, across the Pond at an age when such vehement protest was doomed to be misinterpreted as a “paddy”. She grew up near a sumac forest in Minnesota and spent most of her teen years torturing her parents with her electric guitar and her dark poetry. She was punk before it was cool and a grown-up long before she was ready. Jaye writes fantasy and science fiction stories about hot guys who have the hots for each other. She enjoys making them work darn hard for their happy endings, which might explain why she never gets invited to their parties.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 2, 2021
4.5 stars
You know those few series you've read where they started out strong and just faded over time? Like the author felt obliged to pop yet another one out? Or their muse just flat out deserted them and their publisher was banging on the door?
Yeah. No. This isn't one of them.
One of only two books I've rated 4.5 stars or above thus far this year. Fabulous! Such a powerful finish to a beloved fantasy series with equally beloved characters. I'm going to weep when I truly realize there will be no more. So few authors in this genre weave a fantasy tale as well as Jaye McKenna. She's right up there with MM UF and fantasy writers Hailey Turner (Soulbound), KD Edwards (Tarot Sequence), Rhys Ford (Kai Gracen), Megan Derr (too many to name), AH Lee (The Knight and Necromancer), MA Grant (The Darkest Court), and other favorites. Story first, romance second. Don't think for a second that the romances in the Wytch Kings series are diminished in any way. McKenna's romances are lovely... solid, believable, and relatable. Heartwarming and gut wrenching. But they are surrounded by court intrigue, intricate magic, clever plots, palpable atmosphere, deftly drawn characters, devoted friends & powerful enemies, plenty of action, and dragons! Always well written and edited.
I hope someday Ms. McKenna will find a way to make audiobooks of this series. With an outstanding narrator like Gary Furlong, Matthew Shaw, Josh Hurley, JF Harding, Joel Leslie, Caleb Dickenson, etc. The series truly deserves it.
You know those few series you've read where they started out strong and just faded over time? Like the author felt obliged to pop yet another one out? Or their muse just flat out deserted them and their publisher was banging on the door?
Yeah. No. This isn't one of them.
One of only two books I've rated 4.5 stars or above thus far this year. Fabulous! Such a powerful finish to a beloved fantasy series with equally beloved characters. I'm going to weep when I truly realize there will be no more. So few authors in this genre weave a fantasy tale as well as Jaye McKenna. She's right up there with MM UF and fantasy writers Hailey Turner (Soulbound), KD Edwards (Tarot Sequence), Rhys Ford (Kai Gracen), Megan Derr (too many to name), AH Lee (The Knight and Necromancer), MA Grant (The Darkest Court), and other favorites. Story first, romance second. Don't think for a second that the romances in the Wytch Kings series are diminished in any way. McKenna's romances are lovely... solid, believable, and relatable. Heartwarming and gut wrenching. But they are surrounded by court intrigue, intricate magic, clever plots, palpable atmosphere, deftly drawn characters, devoted friends & powerful enemies, plenty of action, and dragons! Always well written and edited.
I hope someday Ms. McKenna will find a way to make audiobooks of this series. With an outstanding narrator like Gary Furlong, Matthew Shaw, Josh Hurley, JF Harding, Joel Leslie, Caleb Dickenson, etc. The series truly deserves it.
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October 6, 2020Now available at Amazon and Smashwords. Coming to other retailers soon.
November 11, 2020
On the one hand this was an absolutely freakin' fantastic way to wrap up a series...with what for me was very probably the best book of the series and that's going some since I loved every book in this series.
Also getting to buddy read all of these books with my sweet cyberchild Josy just made it that much better, since we've shared this journey from start to finish...thanks Josy.
I could try and write a review but truthfully I think the best thing I can say is if you like fantasy and dragons are your thing...get thee to the bookstore my friend you need this series.
Also getting to buddy read all of these books with my sweet cyberchild Josy just made it that much better, since we've shared this journey from start to finish...thanks Josy.
I could try and write a review but truthfully I think the best thing I can say is if you like fantasy and dragons are your thing...get thee to the bookstore my friend you need this series.
October 11, 2020
This book completes the Wytch King saga, with a satisfying, exciting, plot-driven story. Do read this series in order - I appreciated that this book gives us moments spent in the head of previous favorite characters like Ilya, and the story builds on the ones before it.
The romance focus here is on Kavvar, the Rhyx Captain of the lost ones, who emerged from the last book with his psychic abilities damaged, and Prince Delrinian, free at last and struggling to find himself. But the romance has, perforce in times of desperate warfare, to fit in around the action. The dangerous weapon deployed by the Wytch Council was destroyed, but it's pretty clear there are more still in the possession of the Council. While that threat hangs over their heads, the various rulers of the Alliance try to figure out plans for invasion.
They have some unprecedented advantages in the Dragons, and the Rhyx's ability to Jump, but the Wytch Council is still a powerful force. Deploying their forces right is something they'll only get one shot at, and the more time goes by, the less likely they will be able to keep the Rhyx a secret. But getting a bunch of independent monarchs to agree to a time and a plan is like herding cats. And patient negotiation is not King Garrick's forte.
The plot is fast but coherent here, focused more on individual heroism than big battles. Disobeying orders for the greater good is a theme, as the men step up to their challenges, which sometimes include not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing. The romance is sweet, but feels early and not yet settled, partly because these two guys just don't get much time together to really connect. What there is works, bringing two damaged men together when they each need love in their lives, giving them the person who will understand them well.
I finished the book with a smile and a nod, content with the wrap-up of the overarching plot, and the point where we leave all the characters from these books. I appreciated glimpses of many favorites, and the reassurance that they are almost all doing well and looking at a better future. Fans of the series will be pleased with the way this one completes the saga.
The romance focus here is on Kavvar, the Rhyx Captain of the lost ones, who emerged from the last book with his psychic abilities damaged, and Prince Delrinian, free at last and struggling to find himself. But the romance has, perforce in times of desperate warfare, to fit in around the action. The dangerous weapon deployed by the Wytch Council was destroyed, but it's pretty clear there are more still in the possession of the Council. While that threat hangs over their heads, the various rulers of the Alliance try to figure out plans for invasion.
They have some unprecedented advantages in the Dragons, and the Rhyx's ability to Jump, but the Wytch Council is still a powerful force. Deploying their forces right is something they'll only get one shot at, and the more time goes by, the less likely they will be able to keep the Rhyx a secret. But getting a bunch of independent monarchs to agree to a time and a plan is like herding cats. And patient negotiation is not King Garrick's forte.
The plot is fast but coherent here, focused more on individual heroism than big battles. Disobeying orders for the greater good is a theme, as the men step up to their challenges, which sometimes include not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing. The romance is sweet, but feels early and not yet settled, partly because these two guys just don't get much time together to really connect. What there is works, bringing two damaged men together when they each need love in their lives, giving them the person who will understand them well.
I finished the book with a smile and a nod, content with the wrap-up of the overarching plot, and the point where we leave all the characters from these books. I appreciated glimpses of many favorites, and the reassurance that they are almost all doing well and looking at a better future. Fans of the series will be pleased with the way this one completes the saga.
November 6, 2020
Five stars for the entire series overall. I really loved the characters, plot, and politics.
The ending was more bittersweet. Also, especially with Delirian's vision, the ending just gave me anxiety and kind of left me horrified. I wish there was more -
/spoiler/
Specifically Garriks new born daughter, and Delirian's vision - I wished we saw more chapters, Delirian knowing exactly what and who is vision was about. I don't know how he would do it - I would frankly be horrified, especially since that was the last vision he will ever have.
The ending was more bittersweet. Also, especially with Delirian's vision, the ending just gave me anxiety and kind of left me horrified. I wish there was more -
/spoiler/
Specifically Garriks new born daughter, and Delirian's vision - I wished we saw more chapters, Delirian knowing exactly what and who is vision was about. I don't know how he would do it - I would frankly be horrified, especially since that was the last vision he will ever have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2020
I am not going to use my normal format for reviews. If you have not read the others, do not start here. I feel strongly these need to be read in order. If you liked the series, then this last should be a nice wrap up. All couples are solid. Loose ends are tied up. This is a very interesting world (as it is in another of her series that is based far into the future) . The writing flowed and I stayed engaged. I really enjoyed this series and especially appreciated how they were not cookie cutter.
February 27, 2021
Every book Jaye McKenna writes is like a precious gift. This is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope there are many more.
December 16, 2020
I was very eager to read this final book and am emotional now that the series is over.
I was also impatient to know more about Rin and Kavarr but was a bit disappointed that their story wasn't more developed but it's understandable because the book needed to fit so many povs to follow the final battle and I enjoyed seeing more of Garrick and Ilya.
Sadly for me this book is very much war centered, with strategy and preparations, even more so than the previous books and it just doesn't do it for me. It doesn't mean it's not a good book, just not the kind I enjoy reading the most.
Spoilers ahead
If you've read the time line you know the ending is bittersweet which might be a deterrent for some people but I choose to ignore it and focus on all the characters I love being together and happy and healing and building a future.
I was also impatient to know more about Rin and Kavarr but was a bit disappointed that their story wasn't more developed but it's understandable because the book needed to fit so many povs to follow the final battle and I enjoyed seeing more of Garrick and Ilya.
Sadly for me this book is very much war centered, with strategy and preparations, even more so than the previous books and it just doesn't do it for me. It doesn't mean it's not a good book, just not the kind I enjoy reading the most.
Spoilers ahead
If you've read the time line you know the ending is bittersweet which might be a deterrent for some people but I choose to ignore it and focus on all the characters I love being together and happy and healing and building a future.
June 5, 2022
Warning - I beta read this one so my views aren't unbiased
I love this series and its dragons (and Rhyx). In this last story from this period its Kavvar the Rhyx Captain of the lost ones, and Prince Delrinian that take centre stage.. but as it's also the final book it has much more of an ensemble cast of characters, most prominently, and bringing the series full circle, Ilya, the dragon shifter husband of Garrick and former prisoner of the Whych Council.
There is a satisfying conclusion to the story and a hint of the future at the end.
I love this series and its dragons (and Rhyx). In this last story from this period its Kavvar the Rhyx Captain of the lost ones, and Prince Delrinian that take centre stage.. but as it's also the final book it has much more of an ensemble cast of characters, most prominently, and bringing the series full circle, Ilya, the dragon shifter husband of Garrick and former prisoner of the Whych Council.
There is a satisfying conclusion to the story and a hint of the future at the end.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews