Forsaken Fae: Book Three

Forsaken Fae #3

by R.A. Steffan

Some people just want to watch the world burn.
Unfortunately, those people seem to be in charge right now.

Trapped at the mercy of a corrupt Fae Court, Len and Albigard must overcome their harshest challenges yet in order to stop the Wild Hunt and retrieve their friends' lost souls.

Albigard's father seeks to use his estranged son as a weapon against their enemies, the demons. And apparently, he's not bothered by the idea of entire worlds becoming collateral damage in his endless war.

Meanwhile, the pair's only potential allies reside among the dregs of Fae society. The Forsaken—outcasts condemned by the Court—carry a terrible secret regarding the magical imbalance decimating the Fae realm of Dhuinne.

If the three worlds are to survive, Len and Albigard must tame Dhuinne's dark heart before everything around them falls into ruin.

* * *

Forsaken Fae is an M/M urban fantasy trilogy. It's set in the same world as the bestselling series The Last Vampire and its other spinoff, Vampire Bound . Download Book Three today, and enter a world shared by humans, fae, demons, and vampires. It’s a place where the supernatural threatens the mundane, nothing is as it seems, and enemies must overcome their tangled pasts in order to save the future.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, M M Romance, Fae, Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 25, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.

A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.

That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.

If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.

Reviews

[Len Evans Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible series!

Can't say enough about the mind blowing world-building in this series! And the two MCs are just wonderful as well! Have to say I got a kick out of sharing a first name with one of them! Abilard and Len were not your typical couple and it took them quite awhile to get to their HEA... But it was so worth the wait! Awesome final book and a fascinating series!

[Achim · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 out of 5 (would have been 5 out of 5, but .5 stars deducted because Vonnie had too much page time - too much being "any" page time)

I enjoy this trilogy set in the "Last Vampire" and "Vampire Bound" universe, created by R.A. Steffan, immensely. Out of all the characters in the combined series - Len is my favorite. As noted above, my only complaint was that the most annoying character ever - Vonnie, makes too many appearances in Len and Albigard's story.

I'm sad that this series was only 3 books. I would have loved to read more about Len and Albigard.

[LeMiliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is written after listening to the audio version of this book.

Len and Albigard'a story concludes in this third book, it picks up the story from where book two left off with them at the mercy of the Fae Court having to face the Wild Hunt and hopefully save Dine. Albigard's father is willing to sacrifice his son's life in the hope of fulfilling his own desire to end up ruling Dine.

If you, like me, have been hooked by this world since listening to the first book in The Last Vampire series you will be wondering if Dine can be saved? Will Albigard be swallowed up by the Wild Hunt? Is there a way for the souls of Rans and Zorah to be retrieved from the belly of the beast and restored to their bodies the questions just go on and on..... But don't expect any answers from me, no spoilers here, except to say that by the end of the book all those questions have been answered.

Throughout this series, we have gotten to know Len and Albigard much better, the reserved and offish fae really does have a heart and he is capable of deep feelings and Len, well he's always been willing to do whatever he could to help his friends and that doesn't change even as he finds out more about his own nature. I love the way the author tantalises us with glimpses into their private moments and makes them both seem so much more than they appeared before.

I loved the way the author worked things out, I did wonder if Len and Albigard would be able to find a way to be together and if they did where would it be? To find out what happens you will have to download this book and lose yourself in the story. You will not be disappointed.

The narration of this book, indeed this series, by Nick Hudson is excellent he did a wonderful job of taking over and making his own characters we already knew and loved.

[Ollie Z Book Minx · Rating 2 out of 5]

cw: mcd, graphic violence, description of torture, queermisia

*sigh* this had solid potential and I was willing to look past the utterly unnecessary focus on characters from the other series set in this world… but it doesn’t quite get there. there’s an opportunity to delve a bit deeper into some of the more intriguing aspects of the magical system that is just left dangling and incomplete. the ending is I’m sure meant to be funny, and the reader is no doubt meant to smile fondly at “prickly ole Alby” but the joke felt gross and off and undermined the sweetness that had developed between the 2 mc.

and—quite frankly—I’m so fucking sick of the way condoms are used to reinforce the idea that sex between two men is inherently more risky than other forms of sex, especially when there’s no consistency. like… they’re blithely sucking each other off and swallowing without a blip, but a penis in an ass needs not only to be sheathed in latex but—in the rare event it isn’t—to be accompanied with an explanation of how the omission is allowable thanks to a “clean” test result (no specifics about which test, cuz ofc it’s assumed there’s only one that matters 🙄😒).

you’ve got an entire premise based on magic and fae and demons and vampires… and yet you still feel the need to insist on outdated, inaccurate, and stigmatising sex information? stop. just… stop. this bs is exhausting 😔

[nia ✿ · Rating 3 out of 5]

(2.5) yeah, never did end up buying into the relationship

also, i might be in the minority here but can authors stop making everyone come back from the dead? i knew that this was coming because they had talked about it ever since Ran & Zorah died, but i still really wished it hadn't happened. Where are the stakes? What have the MCs really lost?

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio: (4) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
& Story: (4) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Loved seeing Len & Albie really fall for each other as the climax of the story started to fall away! The epilogue sex scene was wildly fun too!

[Lori S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad finish to this slow moving trilogy. Would have enjoyed it more if the author had avoided the kinky sex scene in the public bathhouse (cave actually, but, whatever) at the end of the story. I skipped right over that to the end.

I never did buy into the relationship between the MCs because it felt like we kept at a distance from both of them and they never, for me, connected in anyway that would have made me go "Aww". Sure, they enjoy doing bondage stuff and they came through some awful times together, but that's about it.

Overall, Meh.

[Chancey "Does not give out 5's like candy" Knowles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating (All ratings use a Scale of 1-5) = 4.5 Stars: After book 1 was a disappointment on multiple levels, I am glad I continued on with this series. Books 2 and 3 were much stronger.

Blurb = 4
My Genre Scale = 5
Odds if not your genre = 2

Development of: =
*World = 4
*Plot = 4.5
*Characters = 4.5

What stood out = The Hunt

Mood Type / Appeal to those looking for = Fantasy adventure with light snark and a prickly m/c that cares.

Warnings = Very, very light Dom/sub relationship only in the "bedroom" & not a focal point.

HFN/HEA = Yes, finally!

Series Notes = 3rd of 3 within the series and the 3rd series from this world, though the other 2 are m/f.
*Reading on? N/a
*Read back to back? Mostly
*Can be easily read without the previous? Not easily

Rating Notes = (SubPlots, thoughts, etc... )
It is a shame that many who read book 1 are likely to not have continued on with this series (as I stated and explained in my review after book 2) . This series came to a very satisfying conclusion and only got better as it progressed.

There were 1 or 2 parts I absolutely did not see coming which is always great for an avid reader. I also felt how the "Wild Hunt" was handled by the author was quite clever.

I believed in the HFN/HEA for our m/c's. It was definitely in doubt if I would even buy into their relationship after book one. Book 2 had given me hope.

I stayed engaged and it flowed smoothly. Most importantly I found the resolutions credible and interesting.

If book 1 was not to your liking, but fantasy is your thing; give the remaining two books a try. Then just out of curiosity let me know what you think.

_________________
Since my mother had a major stroke (while we were in the starting stages of moving from GA to SC) , I really haven't been able to find the time or energy to review. I've also been doing a lot of rereading. I'm going to try and get back into the "swing" of things. Just maybe not at my usual pace
**************
Below is my philosophy on reviewing!
***************
1. I try to take into account and note common pet peeves often bemoaned by others.
2. "Brain candy' does not necessarily carry a negative connotation. (What is brain candy? Publishing industry 's version of pop music - Typically: formulaic, from a prolific author published often and quickly (like monthly), things escalate fast, and are often solved easily etc..)  It has its uses: to pass time whet tired, on the beach, etc...  The problem comes  when "brain candy" is unexpected or even disguised.
3. Blurb rating purpose:
Like many readers, I do not like to think I'm reading one kind of story; just to end up with another. But...I also don't think a book should be docked stars for being as stated. If I don't like stories about "_________", and I choose to read it; I shouldn't give it 2 stars based JUST on my preferences. Unless... it wasn't clear in the blurb.
4. Other Factors that effect my perspective when reviewing:
Since 2009, I have exclusively read m/m. My 1st was in 2007. I am a Kindle diehard, and I never do audio for m/m. I read at least 100+ books a year - with an average length of 220± pages; but the total number of books is usually much higher. My Goodreads lifetime rating (at the start of 2021) was a 3.64 average for 1527 books. Which considering, one should be better at picking out books the more one reads, I feel is an accurate average. I have over 795 reviews within the m/m genre here on Goodreads.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This series is a continuation of the world built in previous series. In fact, I kind of felt dropped in on action from another book at the beginning. After that, though, the references to previous books weren’t that bad and by the end of the first book, this series was standalone.

But not from each other. This felt like one long book broken into three parts. I think that was silly but even two parts would have been better, probably these last two together which is why I’m reviewing them as one. I won’t give anything away though. But know that the cliffhanger at the end of book two is so pronounced, I started book three before I’d even taken notes for book two.

In this segment, the relationship between Len and Albigard became real; almost overnight they went from hating each other to intense caring. Yet it didn’t feel too fast once that changeover to liking one another occurred. It felt real and intense. I loved them together.

There were several plots going on: getting rid of the hunt, solving the imbalance in faerie power in the two worlds, and a couple of other things I don’t want to mention since they might be spoilers. I'll add that there was a lot of action and excitement and some really emotional moments too. But the epilogue was completely unnecessary and added nothing to the storyline.

Faerie was different than I expected and it remained different. The ending was satisfactory in most ways but stuff continued to be weird in some areas. Other things were not fully spelled out. Some of what happened was a little too convenient, I thought, a little too easy. Most was resolved with an hour and a half left on the audiobook. The rest was the explanation of how things worked out and the resolution of the relationship. But the epilogue was completely unnecessary and added nothing to the storyline.

I think it important to mention that there is some kink here. No pain or abuse either verbal or physical but definitely a power dynamic I didn’t expect. It worked if you like mild kink.

I would read the other books set in this world if they were M/M but I’m really not interested in het romance.

The reader, Nick Hudson, was amazing in some parts and not good in others. In an emotional discussion between two characters I was amazed at how he made it seem like things were loud and intense and then an empty silence except for one soft voice. Then he did a contentious debate between a large group of people, and a bunch sounded the same and there wasn’t any variation in tone, it was all at the same level. All of them the same um musical note? Pitch?

[Wayward Skyril · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smashing, rollercoaster of a final book that bound my emotions up with Len and Albigard's struggles and triumphs through every page. If you've finished books 1 and 2 you can expect book 3 to launch right off from book 2 with the same zeal, terror, agony, dread, hope, and blooming need between Len and Albigard.

Steffan has a spectacular writing style technique with world and character building that will shape images and form unbreakable attachments to her characters.

My only question is whether Albigard found a way to extend Len's life to match his own as that wasn't answered in the trilogy; However, I discovered there's a epilogue of sorts, a short story following the end of book 3, and while, based on the synopsis I'm not sure whether it will have any bearing on his question, I'm very happy to have even a little more of Len and Albigard's story, since, if it were up to me, I'd have another 3 full books of their lives together.

Absolutely adore this two, and this series is going on my favorites shelf. Could not recommend more to anyone who loves fantasy and can endure a slow burn. 6/5*s

[Abi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good series. But it felt like neither of the MCs caught a break until the end of the entire series. Kinda makes it tiresome to see our leads keep losing. You know what I mean? And I wish Len's necromancer powers had been explored more. After all, he IS the main character. Everything else in the story has been explained in excruciating detail so why not what exactly it means to be a necromancer. Why is it so dangerous to be a necromancer in the Fae Court? Why aren't there other necromancers? How is Len one? So many questions unanswered.
The most frustrating thing is all Len's power has been good for in the series is to scare the Wild Hunt. Feels kinda useless. I get that someone as traumatized by past events and specters as Len might be afraid of his death magic at first but he shows zero interest in knowing more about his powers throughout the book. I mean, come on. HE HAS MAGIC! And he doesn't give two shits.

Overall the idea behind the series is interesting but it feels incomplete.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is this really the end

Okay I admit it I hated this but only because it ended write from the beginning reading Len with all his snark the crap head gon threw and how he rose above everything only to become envolved with everything paranormal and to relize he himself has a part to play in everything at the end friends lost friends gained one annoying sassy Fae who goes around like he had pole up his well you get my meaning. Albiguard how can I positively express how much I enjoyed watching him come undone Alby is way more then he first seems and Len balanced out his rude edges perfectly at first they can't stand each other but by the end you really see how they need each other one scene in particular had me crying but I won't say what it is. So to conclude this was and awsome well written series with plenty of danger and triumph as well as some comprises so it's not the end its just the beginning for these two and hopefully will see a little bit more of them as the next installment in this crazy series comes out with Nigullas book.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the omnibus that contained all three of the books in this series.

Although I didn't listen to the other books in this 'verse first, I was able to follow along (mostly).

Overall, I found the series interesting, and the magic system was just different enough that it presented something new. I also liked that the author went "nah" when asked to choose between vampires, demons, fae, and eldritch abominations and shoved all of them together in this one 'verse.

There is some kink in this - one of the leads is into shibari (decorative rope tying) and is very clearly a Dom. The other lead has subby tendencies and there's a slightly dubcon scene in one book, but in my opinion, it's well-handled and doesn't happen again.

Note: This review will be the same for each of the three books in the omnibus.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

stellar ending to probably my favorite series (Forsaken Fae arc in the overall Last Vampire World Series) in quite a while.

Fast-paced (way more so than any of the previous books in The Last Vampire World, but comparable to Forsaken Fae: Book Two). Very good. I've read reviews of others who didn't buy into Albigard and Len's relationship and I just wonder how? It was an exceptionally, even masterfully, plan to introduce both of them so early just so that they could be tangled up together later.

I cried really hard several times while reading this book lawl

very very very good. love dhuinne and love how terribly scary the wild hunt is and as always love the cat-sidhe and the fae in general.

i have so much to say but i feel like i'll pass out if i try to talk abt this book right now (in like a really good way)

[Helen Robare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book!

Book 3 in the series Forsaken Fae. This book continues the saga of Len and Albigard. What I liked about this book is that it was character-driven and not plot-driven. The character's history, personalities, growth, and lifestyle were explained in depth which consequently gives the reader a complete background of the character so they became almost as well-known to the reader as friends and/or family.

Yes, there is a plot but it stays in the background. In other words, the plot is the background character while the characters are highlighted. The reader is aware that something is happening plot-wise but it doesn't overwhelm the story. In addition, there is no crisis after crisis after crisis non-stop.

Another thing I like is that this part of the story ends. In other words, it doesn't end in a cliffhanger! :)

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was going to be the one. The culmination of the series. It started out great, made me feel all the feels.

But then at the halfway point the story came to an end. The second half of the book was just a really long conclusion that I wasn't sure had to be that long, or if the most of it was even needed.

So yeah, it started out awesome and halfway through it came to an abrupt halt and never picked up after.

The series didn't make interested in the other book from the same world (especially since all of them are straight romance and since one of the main characters is a succubus I feel quite confident that they turn into porn at some point in which I have no interest at all), but I may check out other books from the author with not so straight relationships.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow!!! This was the best book too me out of all the books based upon this world. There was happiness, sadness, Loss, despair and grief. The two main characters Len and Albigard
went through all of that and more and still had there HEA in the end. Out of all the characters from the previous book series, Albigard and Rensley were my favorites. The only bad part about the book is that they brought Vonnie back. That character just makes me wish I could jump into the book and just bite her in the eye. She's just annoying as all get out... yuck no!!!. The appearance of Vonnie almost made me drop this to 3 stars but I couldn't do that to Len and Alby because the book was just that good to me.

[Hellga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh, the ending was quite anticlimactic and pace sagging. It also seems that the entire purpose of epilogue was to squeeze in an unnecessary bondage scene, which did not contribute anything in terms of either plot or character development.

Lastly, interspecies sex does not bear the same risks as human on human intercourse (at least according to multiple other fantasy stories and nothing in this universe said otherwise), so this whole “condom cliff note” seemed pointless and distracting.

P.S. Water-based lube works just great for anal sex, no need for “silicone” anything.

2nd book was definitely the strongest. Oh well.

[Cindy Deporter · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Foresaken Series

This is the third of three books that feature Albigard a Prince of the Fae. His story and his brothership with the Last Vampire goes through these three books and tells us Albigards story. Loved the book loved Len and his necromancy self and his humanity. Great read enjoy.

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and emotional finale to this trilogy. Great writing with wonderful worldbuilding with lovable main characters and a colourful supporting cast. The Last Vampire, Vampire Bound and this following trilogy of Forsaken Fae are throughly recommended for any fan of paranormal romance.

[Danai Christopoulou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series ever since before it was announced lol (I was already shipping the two main characters from previous books) and I'm happy to say it has been a super satisfying journey. R. A. Steffan knows how to wrap things up beautifully while at the same time making you thirsty for the next spin-off!

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, particularly the last book...for reasons you will understand once you have read the book. Len and Albigard are an awesome pairing and I can so relate to the needs of release presented by Albigard and Len's ability to sense the need was intense. Really enjoyed this story.

[Holly Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by how much I liked this series. Me reading the entire series and not just the first book is a testament to that LOL. Even when I like the first book in a series, I have a very hard time to commit to read the next. But Albigard is a great character, and I wanted to know more about him. It's not often I read fae books, but this series makes me want to read more. Loved it!

[Dee Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

First Time

This is the first time that I have read this author and was disappointed. The story line was just ok but a little boring and I was a lot put off by how many times the GD word was used. The word is not one that I like at all but even I know when it is used wrong. If the author was to not use this word I might recommend this book but not till then.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Len and alby

Last book for Len and alby. I found the end not necessary and do they really want other people see them like that so what if the are not touching the guy wanted him release I find it cold.plus alby got jealous of kat giving him a hug.but it's ok for people to see lens c**k in his mouth and his too.don't make sense.

[Ina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best books I've ever read. The plot was incredible, the writing was stellar and the characters were so well written it was impossible to stay detached.

After reading the series I cried for weeks, thinking I will never read anything better. I've never had that response to a book or a series before. To this day, I have not given another book 5 stars after finishing these.

[BookwormMomma7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Go Len!

The last book of the Forsaken Fae is fantastic and has un expected twists we have come to expect from this author. Love where the overall story line throughout-all the books and can’t wait to see what Nigellous & Mab’s story will mesh into it.

[Ms. Cyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ending to this world. I love the relationship between Len and Albigard. Their complete understanding and trust of each other is so beautiful. How they saved everyone is insane but perfect for this series. I wish we got more time with the other characters.

[Laura Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blown away again

As with all the books in this world, I loved it and it was nice to see the characters get their happily ever after, in a fashion. Lol
Can't wait for the next one!