Marrow Blade

The Crest of Blackthorn #3

by Joy Lewis

She's destined to die choking on her own blood. Her only hope is the cruel boy who killed her grandfather.

Caia Blackthorn is the key to ending the reign of a power-mad king. A king who compels his own people to light themselves aflame. A king who will use her to create an army of necromancers if she fails.

The only price is her life.

Her one hope of surviving this grisly fate is the king’s pet assassin. The only problem: he was tortured by Caia’s sister and detests family Blackthorn.

Two things threaten to unravel everything: a dark truth buried deep in his past--and an unwanted, forbidden attraction.

ebook

Published September 15, 2021

Reviews

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many people in so many places, are held captive in a state of torture and torment, by one man, King Arc, who will stop at nothing, nor anyone, to gain total control. The tension and drama builds and builds, until it feels like it's going to explode, or I am! I was thrilled to see that Lavine was prominent in this book, such a complex character, yet she becomes more likeable the more I read about her. Another great character is Procyon, he really has some story to tell! As for Caia, well, she is just awesome! I love how the characters intertwine, how they each have their own demons, yet at the same time, do whatever is necessary to bring about change and fight against oppression. And Galen, he's definitely turned out to be way more than I could have anticipated! The way the story flows is impressive, the inner turmoil incredible, the world building exciting! I never know from one chapter to the next what will happen next, the storyline and plot keeps me riveted, the twists keep my attention totally, especially those I don't see coming, and boy oh boy, are there lots of those moments! With each book in this series, there is more clarity on motives but at their own same time, so many unexpected occurances, that just as I start to think, ok, this is it, it's not! I can't wait to find out what else the author has in store! All I know is that it promises to be just as compelling as the previous books

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this series is so so gripping that once you start it you cannot put it down! The storyline is building and building and the drama continues to unfold and the tension is so palpable. Caia continues to be incredible as she fights to stop the mad king who is trying to take over the world and not in a good way! The characters continue to grow as they journey to find their way in this adventure and deal with their emotions and turmoils and the world building continues to be amazing and I can easily visualise this place. With each chapter there are twists and turns and surprises to keep you hanging on and I have to say I am anxious to see what the author does in the next book!

[Devika]

DNF at 22%, I really had some trouble with getting back into the story and currently I just can't seem to follow the story. Might try to read this one later

[Marie Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled getting through this book, in part because I went in not expecting 700 pages (I really should start looking up page lengths since it's not obvious for ebooks like paper copies), and in part because of all the additions made in this book. Characters have gone and done things completely unexpected. Some that seemed like they were going to be important to the story are gone. And new ones showed up that have completely changed everything.

The ending made the struggle worth it. I'm interested enough to continue reading the next book, but I know that there will be a lot of blood shed to reach another ending and I'm not sure what state the characters will be in when their story is finally complete.