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Hestaesia #3
After Dark
When his commander fails to return after being ambushed by the faerie king, Raxx, an elusive shadow demon, is sent out to locate the missing soldiers. Instead of his fellow demons, Raxx stumbles upon far more than Faye Goldwyrm, the faerie king's youngest daughter, and she's on her own mission to bring her runaway sister home. The two soon realise that they will have to put aside their differences and work together if there is to be a chance of success. As tensions build, so does the mystical curiosity Raxx and Faye feel for one another. Even more curious is the fact that whenever they touch, the sparks literally start flying...
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2020
35 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Thorne
20 books65 followersUK-born romance writer, filth aficionado and fantasy fanatic. Self-published author of the Hestaesia series.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 3, 2024
I really loved this book. Raxx had intrigued me already, from the earlier books, so i was rubbing my hands together with glee when I got to start this book.
Raxx and Freya’s tumultuous relationships is full of dry wit, sarcasm and heat! Their interactions were on point, the imagination that went into the sizzle, hell even the whole story, is unique and amazing. The story just keeps on getting better and better. Loved this so much. Can’t wait to read the next instalment 🥰🥰
Raxx and Freya’s tumultuous relationships is full of dry wit, sarcasm and heat! Their interactions were on point, the imagination that went into the sizzle, hell even the whole story, is unique and amazing. The story just keeps on getting better and better. Loved this so much. Can’t wait to read the next instalment 🥰🥰
April 4, 2024
This third book was explosive! The sparks between the main characters jumps off the page. High tension, denial and an unbreakable connection. I could not stop reading this book. The plot was great, character development hits the spot and the heat between these two is off the chart!
May 3, 2024
So so so good
This book was super good I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series it just sucks you right in
This book was super good I loved it and can't wait to read the next book in the series it just sucks you right in
Want to read
September 15, 2025🎁 Books 1 & 3 are FREE on Amazon today (11/29/2020)! 🎁
August 20, 2024
Rate: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I just have to start this review with I love Raxx. From the beginning of the book, he seemed like a solid character and followed through until the end. I also love that so far all of the stories follow the same timeline, but are told through different couples.
So, following up on another side of the timeline we have Raxx and Faye's story. These two meet when Faye has escaped as well to try and convince Lori to return to the kingdom before it's too late. Little does she know that her older sister has already been in a dangerous situation with their father's guards sent to 'retrieve her'. She happens to meet Raxx when she stays the night at an inn, and he convinces that it's better for them to team up to find Lephas and Lori together. When they embark on their journey, Faye finds herself attracted to Raxx, but then finds his hot and cold ways towards her off-putting.
Raxx goes to find Lephas and any other soldiers that may still be alive after going to retrieve the princess, Lori. But when he gets to the area that he tracks them to, all he finds is destruction. With that in mind, he's able to see that Lephas and Lori did escape and Haros was captured, then senses Faye's powers close by. He follows her to an inn that stays at and there proposes that they work together to find her sister and his commander, but also intends to return with her to King Zelrus. Throughout their journey, Raxx ignores his attraction to Faye because he knows that it won't please his king, especially with Lephas in a relationship with Lori by the time that they all catch up. But he can't stay away from her, even though they can't even seem to touch each other without any type of barriers between them.
With partial help from Tabitha, a witch that has known Raxx since he was a boy, they try to find a way for Raxx and Faye to be together as well as hone her gifts.
This story, so far is my favorite of the first three in the series. I love Raxx's character, and how despite his budding love for Faye, he stayed the same quiet, devout, loyal person that he was from the beginning.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I just have to start this review with I love Raxx. From the beginning of the book, he seemed like a solid character and followed through until the end. I also love that so far all of the stories follow the same timeline, but are told through different couples.
So, following up on another side of the timeline we have Raxx and Faye's story. These two meet when Faye has escaped as well to try and convince Lori to return to the kingdom before it's too late. Little does she know that her older sister has already been in a dangerous situation with their father's guards sent to 'retrieve her'. She happens to meet Raxx when she stays the night at an inn, and he convinces that it's better for them to team up to find Lephas and Lori together. When they embark on their journey, Faye finds herself attracted to Raxx, but then finds his hot and cold ways towards her off-putting.
Raxx goes to find Lephas and any other soldiers that may still be alive after going to retrieve the princess, Lori. But when he gets to the area that he tracks them to, all he finds is destruction. With that in mind, he's able to see that Lephas and Lori did escape and Haros was captured, then senses Faye's powers close by. He follows her to an inn that stays at and there proposes that they work together to find her sister and his commander, but also intends to return with her to King Zelrus. Throughout their journey, Raxx ignores his attraction to Faye because he knows that it won't please his king, especially with Lephas in a relationship with Lori by the time that they all catch up. But he can't stay away from her, even though they can't even seem to touch each other without any type of barriers between them.
With partial help from Tabitha, a witch that has known Raxx since he was a boy, they try to find a way for Raxx and Faye to be together as well as hone her gifts.
This story, so far is my favorite of the first three in the series. I love Raxx's character, and how despite his budding love for Faye, he stayed the same quiet, devout, loyal person that he was from the beginning.
November 17, 2023
🖤 After Dark Review 🖤
Thank you so much to KL Thorne for the opportunity to read and review this book!
After Dark is a fantasy romance and book three in the Hestaesia series. This book runs along the same timeline as the previous books in the series, so to avoid spoilers this might seem a little vague. Princess Faye is determined to find her runaway sister. She’s heard horror stories about demons since she was a child, but while wandering the forest, she runs into a mysterious shadow demon. Can the two work together to find her sister before it’s too late?
This book was such a fun read! I’ve been looking forward to this book since we first met these two in the first book! Raxx is moody and broody - totally a fantastic character!! Faye was a wonderful match for him and I loved their growth throughout this story! The world building continues to grow and I’m really enjoying this world! This one did feel like it had a lot of build up for the next book in the series
Overall this was a solid 4 star read for me! I really enjoyed this story and the characters! This book was a smidge of a slow burn but had some great spice once it got there - so overall two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance reads with fun characters, forced proximity, interesting world building and fun banter, then absolutely pick this series up! Even though this can technically be read as a standalone, I’d absolutely recommend reading them in order as there is an overarching storyline.
Thank you so much to KL Thorne for the opportunity to read and review this book!
After Dark is a fantasy romance and book three in the Hestaesia series. This book runs along the same timeline as the previous books in the series, so to avoid spoilers this might seem a little vague. Princess Faye is determined to find her runaway sister. She’s heard horror stories about demons since she was a child, but while wandering the forest, she runs into a mysterious shadow demon. Can the two work together to find her sister before it’s too late?
This book was such a fun read! I’ve been looking forward to this book since we first met these two in the first book! Raxx is moody and broody - totally a fantastic character!! Faye was a wonderful match for him and I loved their growth throughout this story! The world building continues to grow and I’m really enjoying this world! This one did feel like it had a lot of build up for the next book in the series
Overall this was a solid 4 star read for me! I really enjoyed this story and the characters! This book was a smidge of a slow burn but had some great spice once it got there - so overall two flames for spice
If you’re a fan of fantasy romance reads with fun characters, forced proximity, interesting world building and fun banter, then absolutely pick this series up! Even though this can technically be read as a standalone, I’d absolutely recommend reading them in order as there is an overarching storyline.
May 9, 2024
Shadows and Light
This book picks up with what happened previously in the story but from Faye/s point of view. So we get to see how her and Raxx came to be together after she left the castle looking for Lori.
First off I absolutely l0ved Raxx from the moment we first met him. His ability to just pop up wherever delighted me because I would totally do that if I could.
Raxx and Faye have an immediate interest in each other though initially it is strictly because they are each looking for someone and those people happen to be together. Raxx and Faye both being majborn seems to bring an added interest to their forced reliance upon one another. Faye being afraid of the dark and also interested in dark personified is an awesome conundrum. Especially when Faye is pure light and Raxx can barely stand to look at her in the brightest part of the day.
When Raxx finds himself wanting to reach out and touch the youngest princess even in an innocent way he is given a shock of pain that he has no clue what to do with. When he comes into contact with Faye's skin he is thrown into unimaginable pain but more curious is that Faye does not feel it.
Follow as these two absolute opposites come to discover what it is that is between them and how they can possibly preserver knowing they can not actually touch one another without causing terrible pain. Will these two become more than a burning interest and if so will help or hinder?
On a side note I am absolutely in love with the exchange between Raxx and Indi about Faye's horse. This was such an awesome moment.
This book picks up with what happened previously in the story but from Faye/s point of view. So we get to see how her and Raxx came to be together after she left the castle looking for Lori.
First off I absolutely l0ved Raxx from the moment we first met him. His ability to just pop up wherever delighted me because I would totally do that if I could.
Raxx and Faye have an immediate interest in each other though initially it is strictly because they are each looking for someone and those people happen to be together. Raxx and Faye both being majborn seems to bring an added interest to their forced reliance upon one another. Faye being afraid of the dark and also interested in dark personified is an awesome conundrum. Especially when Faye is pure light and Raxx can barely stand to look at her in the brightest part of the day.
When Raxx finds himself wanting to reach out and touch the youngest princess even in an innocent way he is given a shock of pain that he has no clue what to do with. When he comes into contact with Faye's skin he is thrown into unimaginable pain but more curious is that Faye does not feel it.
Follow as these two absolute opposites come to discover what it is that is between them and how they can possibly preserver knowing they can not actually touch one another without causing terrible pain. Will these two become more than a burning interest and if so will help or hinder?
On a side note I am absolutely in love with the exchange between Raxx and Indi about Faye's horse. This was such an awesome moment.
May 25, 2024
Book three of this series picks up where book one left off while overlapping with the majority of book two. Raxx and Faye are both majborne, but their powers couldn't be more opposite. While Faye is the personification of sunshine and light, Raxx is a total shadow daddy. Sparks literally gly when they touch. Despite the pain, these two can't keep their distance, and the attraction is definitely building up. That tent was awfully small for two people, wouldn't you agree? I loved seeing appearances from some of the other characters we've grown to know and adore, but I also got to meet new players whom I'm definitely interested in learning more about. (Hello, Tabitha!) Raxx and Faye made not being able to touch work for them, and I loved every minute of it. He was willing to risk it all for a single kiss, and she was ready to let him. Their connection, on and off the battlefield, made for an addictive read that kept me up way past my bedtime! What a great story!
June 12, 2024
After Dark by K.L. Thorne is book three in the Hestaesia series. More forbidden love, slow burn and literally sparks flying.
Another great read by K.L. Thorne. The story has some overlap to the previous book In Chains, but just enough to give me subtle reminders yet if I hadn’t read the previous novel, it wouldn’t have mattered. This is shadow demon Raxx and Faerie Princess Faye adventure.
I love how this book goes into more detail about some of the characters we met in previous books and I got to see a different perspective of some of the scenes which I very much crave as I’m reading. Lots of plot twists kept me guessing and the ending has me on my toes waiting to read the next book in the series, A Change of Heart. Just the title alone had me worried about what might happen with the characters I have grown to love. Fingers crossed they don’t end up in so much trouble they can’t make their way out.
Another great read by K.L. Thorne. The story has some overlap to the previous book In Chains, but just enough to give me subtle reminders yet if I hadn’t read the previous novel, it wouldn’t have mattered. This is shadow demon Raxx and Faerie Princess Faye adventure.
I love how this book goes into more detail about some of the characters we met in previous books and I got to see a different perspective of some of the scenes which I very much crave as I’m reading. Lots of plot twists kept me guessing and the ending has me on my toes waiting to read the next book in the series, A Change of Heart. Just the title alone had me worried about what might happen with the characters I have grown to love. Fingers crossed they don’t end up in so much trouble they can’t make their way out.
May 16, 2024
This has been my favorite of the Hestaesia series so far! Slow burn, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, FMC coming into her own, shadow daddy… erm… I mean shadow demon… what’s not to love?
At this point in the series, I would say these books are not standalones anymore. There is an overarching storyline that you MIGHT understand if you don’t read the first two, but it will make so much more sense if you read the others (or at least the first book, Lost in Love) first. And really, you definitely should read the first two because they’re fantastic!
The world that K.L. Thorne has created here is one that I just want to jump right into. It’s easy to be immersed into the story when you’re reading. The slow burn and sëxüäl tension in this one is beautifully and deliciously written, and then it just combusts into a torrent of fire! This is definitely a must-read!
At this point in the series, I would say these books are not standalones anymore. There is an overarching storyline that you MIGHT understand if you don’t read the first two, but it will make so much more sense if you read the others (or at least the first book, Lost in Love) first. And really, you definitely should read the first two because they’re fantastic!
The world that K.L. Thorne has created here is one that I just want to jump right into. It’s easy to be immersed into the story when you’re reading. The slow burn and sëxüäl tension in this one is beautifully and deliciously written, and then it just combusts into a torrent of fire! This is definitely a must-read!
March 13, 2024
Raxx, you have my heart 💜! Absolutely loved him!
Faye is the youngest of the three princesses and as the youngest of three girls I can feel her pain when it comes to her sisters. Being annoyed at older siblings because they think they know better than you do *cough cough Lori*. She is just trying to help her sibling, but ends up feeling useless and like a third wheel. In comes Raxx to the rescue. He may have tried to hide his feelings from others but we all knew how he was truly feeling. Their bond was extraordinary. We discover what happens when light and dark merge together.
This is my favourite book so far in the Hestaesia Series and they just keep getting better and better. Raxx and Faye for the win!
Faye is the youngest of the three princesses and as the youngest of three girls I can feel her pain when it comes to her sisters. Being annoyed at older siblings because they think they know better than you do *cough cough Lori*. She is just trying to help her sibling, but ends up feeling useless and like a third wheel. In comes Raxx to the rescue. He may have tried to hide his feelings from others but we all knew how he was truly feeling. Their bond was extraordinary. We discover what happens when light and dark merge together.
This is my favourite book so far in the Hestaesia Series and they just keep getting better and better. Raxx and Faye for the win!
July 28, 2024
After Dark is book three in the Hestaesia Series. This is Raxx’s and Faye’s story. Raxx is a shadow demon, he is dark, mysterious, and a bit grumpy. Faye is the faerie king’s daughter and Lori’s sister. She is Raxx’s opposite. She is full of light, and very spunky. They have so much chemistry, but Raxx has a hard time with accepting things. Faye is frustrated because she knows what she wants. This book is slow burn, but you won’t be disappointed. Im excited to read the next book because I can’t wait to know what happens in this amazing world that K.L has built! If you have not started this series, I highly recommend that you go grab it.
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
As always be mindful of trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading!
October 24, 2020
I've been waiting for a story about Raxx since he first appeared and this did not disappoint! I love the tension between him and Faye – they want to touch, but they can't. Gimme all that UST! (And then it becomes resolved ST and is glorious~)
I really liked Faye, too. I think she might be my favourite Goldwyrm sister... She just seemed more down to earth. And she's powerful, which I love.
I think KL Thorne's writing has just gotten better over the course of series as well, so I can't wait to see what the next book brings!
I really liked Faye, too. I think she might be my favourite Goldwyrm sister... She just seemed more down to earth. And she's powerful, which I love.
I think KL Thorne's writing has just gotten better over the course of series as well, so I can't wait to see what the next book brings!
November 23, 2023
Honestly this series keeps getting better and better.
This book was focused on the #shadowdaddy
It follows him navigating trying to rescue his commander, as he is trying to rescue said commander lo and behold female love interest.
They are complete opposites, the main problem? He can't touch her skin to skin because it causes him absolute agony. I just wanted to give him a cuddle.
The plot follows on from the previous two books and interlink in some places.
I am loving this series and straight into the next book
This book was focused on the #shadowdaddy
It follows him navigating trying to rescue his commander, as he is trying to rescue said commander lo and behold female love interest.
They are complete opposites, the main problem? He can't touch her skin to skin because it causes him absolute agony. I just wanted to give him a cuddle.
The plot follows on from the previous two books and interlink in some places.
I am loving this series and straight into the next book
February 22, 2024
Great Book
This is the third book, in the Hestaesia series. Personally, I find this book was better than the last. I would read , the first two books, first, to understand. This book has wonderful characters, romance, fantasy, Runaway sister, demons, slow burn, spice, fun, tension, and other things. 💓 Rexx and Faye. Definitely, can't wait for the next book.
This is the third book, in the Hestaesia series. Personally, I find this book was better than the last. I would read , the first two books, first, to understand. This book has wonderful characters, romance, fantasy, Runaway sister, demons, slow burn, spice, fun, tension, and other things. 💓 Rexx and Faye. Definitely, can't wait for the next book.
March 23, 2024
After Dark
This is book three in the Haestasia series. If you like ACOTAR then you’ll love this series!!!
Raxx is on the run when he discovers Faye, the faerie king’s daughter.
I am obsessed with KL’s writing and she has fastly become a one click author for me!! You seriously won’t regret this series. Even if fantasy romance isn’t your thing.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This is book three in the Haestasia series. If you like ACOTAR then you’ll love this series!!!
Raxx is on the run when he discovers Faye, the faerie king’s daughter.
I am obsessed with KL’s writing and she has fastly become a one click author for me!! You seriously won’t regret this series. Even if fantasy romance isn’t your thing.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
May 10, 2024
Rating this one was a little difficult for me. The books in the series overlap each other in time. This one also overlaps book 1 in some events. The first part of the book where those overlaps happen was a little slow for me. But as soon as we got past that part, I loved loved it. Raxx and Faye may be my favorite pair so far!
September 25, 2024
Loved seeing inside of Raxx's mind - he's always portrayed at mysterious and stoic.
Honestly, the best part of the book was when they went over the conversations from previous books. This is the first time in a long time that an author *actually* followed the same conversation. Word for word, with insights from our new perspectives. Absolutely glorious.
Honestly, the best part of the book was when they went over the conversations from previous books. This is the first time in a long time that an author *actually* followed the same conversation. Word for word, with insights from our new perspectives. Absolutely glorious.
January 18, 2024
This is the third book in the series featuring a different couple with a different romance. I really liked the story in this book and the characters are interesting, with another touching and hot romance.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
Book 3 has all that grumpy sunshine you hope for. Raxx is so yummy!!! This is a slow burn and I feel you should read these all in order for sure. Each book just gets better and better. The way KL weaves a story is epically beautiful.
March 16, 2025
Fantastic addition to the series. Here we get to know more about Raxx and what is happening at Banesteppe! The build up in this one is spectacular and is so satisfying when it reaches its climax. This story is epic and I cannot wait to read the next book!
March 2, 2024
Slow start, but did pick up with some really spicy parts towards the end.
January 16, 2026
Loved it, such a brilliant series. It's a must read. Action packed. Great character, storyline and plot
May 24, 2024
He's grumpy, she's sunshine .... There's magic galore...
They can't touch so of course they are soul mates ....
He's also a demon and she's a faerie (so Mr demon king has some big feels about that).
Bit of a slow burn... Of the delicious steamy kind 😉
A fabulous fantasy to check out (though I suggest reading the first two books first).
They can't touch so of course they are soul mates ....
He's also a demon and she's a faerie (so Mr demon king has some big feels about that).
Bit of a slow burn... Of the delicious steamy kind 😉
A fabulous fantasy to check out (though I suggest reading the first two books first).
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews