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Flame and Blade #3
Dark Waters
As dark waters churn all around them, can they trust their new companions?
Lady Anette Scarvian has spent her entire life inside her family’s decaying estate hiding her wildmage powers and waiting for her chance to see the world. When her uncle wakes her in the dead of night and sends her to the distant city of Mayhaven to find her brother Vethe, Anette discovers the world outside of Raven’s Wing is nothing like her story books. And finding her brother will be far more difficult than she could have imagined.
In the city of Mayhaven, the Citadel has declared Lyria Guardia dead, but Lyria’s brother Gaul isn't so sure. Although if he can't trust the Citadel, his Guild's most lucrative employer, Gaul wonders if he can trust anyone. Especially when a mysterious, beautiful noblewoman shows up at the Guard’s Guild and begins asking questions about the man the Citadel claims killed Lyria: Lord Vethe Scarvian.
On a distant island, Vethe and Lyria escaped the sinister Citadel with their lives and nothing else. Now the wildmage and the guard find themselves stranded with a group of outcasts who are dangerously suspicious of both the noble-born Vethe and Lyria’s family history with the Guard’s Guild. Can the former lovers trust their new surroundings? And can they even trust each other?
Lady Anette Scarvian has spent her entire life inside her family’s decaying estate hiding her wildmage powers and waiting for her chance to see the world. When her uncle wakes her in the dead of night and sends her to the distant city of Mayhaven to find her brother Vethe, Anette discovers the world outside of Raven’s Wing is nothing like her story books. And finding her brother will be far more difficult than she could have imagined.
In the city of Mayhaven, the Citadel has declared Lyria Guardia dead, but Lyria’s brother Gaul isn't so sure. Although if he can't trust the Citadel, his Guild's most lucrative employer, Gaul wonders if he can trust anyone. Especially when a mysterious, beautiful noblewoman shows up at the Guard’s Guild and begins asking questions about the man the Citadel claims killed Lyria: Lord Vethe Scarvian.
On a distant island, Vethe and Lyria escaped the sinister Citadel with their lives and nothing else. Now the wildmage and the guard find themselves stranded with a group of outcasts who are dangerously suspicious of both the noble-born Vethe and Lyria’s family history with the Guard’s Guild. Can the former lovers trust their new surroundings? And can they even trust each other?
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2021
54 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Hart
24 books97 followersRaised by wolves in the mountains of Colorado, Meredith Hart traveled the world to seek her fortune, fell in love with a half-elf ranger, and now lives in a cabin deep in the Maine woods where she writes steamy fantasy romance with snarky, reluctant heroes and the warrior women who love them.
She also writes mythology-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod, and she has occasionally been known to pen a poem or two. Sometimes they even make it into her books.
She also writes mythology-inspired paranormal romance under the pen name Samantha MacLeod, and she has occasionally been known to pen a poem or two. Sometimes they even make it into her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
February 24, 2021
4 'Secrets and Mysteries' stars
This series is getting more and more interesting and I love the direction the story is taking. After a little uneventful book 2, book 3 absolutely made up for less action in the previous one.
This book has two story arcs, one for Lyria & Vethe, and one for Anette & Gaul, who also got their own POVs here.
Let's start with Lyria and Vethe. I was waiting for the whole book 2 for an emotional and heartfelt reunion, which I didn't exactly get. But this book didn't disappoint. I loved them here. They make such a good team and they were seriously adorable trying to pretend they could only stay friends after everything they went through together. Well, it's safe to say that plan didn't really hold long, lol.
There are so many things I'd like to talk about concerning their journey but I don't want to spoil too much. I'm just gonna say that a certain bastard prince turned out to be a very interesting person. And that I can't wait to see Vethe exploring his magic some more. Now, let's see what Ocrus Sheau has to offer. I have to admit, I didn't pay much attention to that place in the previous books since I didn't imagine it's that relevant but now I think, I'll have to go back and take a look again.
I was, of course, very excited to learn that Gaul and Anette have their own chapters in this book. I liked both of them before, so I was glad that we'll get a chance to know them better. At first, Anette was kind of too naïve for my taste but on the other hand, it's understandable because of the circumstances she grew up in. And I actually came to really like how different she is from Lyria. After all, you don't need to be a fighter and a warrior to be badass. Anette has her own ways!
Gaul was great too. I enjoyed his struggles with trying to fight the attraction he has for Anette. Yes, I wanted for him to act on it sooner but slow burn has its charms too. I just hope they're gonna be explosive in the next book, haha.
And now the wait for the next book is starting. I'm looking forward to seeing how all these secrets and political intrigues will resolve.
The ARC of this book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Meredith!
This series is getting more and more interesting and I love the direction the story is taking. After a little uneventful book 2, book 3 absolutely made up for less action in the previous one.
This book has two story arcs, one for Lyria & Vethe, and one for Anette & Gaul, who also got their own POVs here.
Let's start with Lyria and Vethe. I was waiting for the whole book 2 for an emotional and heartfelt reunion, which I didn't exactly get. But this book didn't disappoint. I loved them here. They make such a good team and they were seriously adorable trying to pretend they could only stay friends after everything they went through together. Well, it's safe to say that plan didn't really hold long, lol.
“You didn’t even take your pants off,” she said, slightly breathlessly.
I looked down at my pants, which were indeed still huddled around my ankles. “That’s a problem I could remedy,” I offered.
Lyria gave me a wicked grin, then leaned in for another bruising, deep kiss. By the time she pulled back, my cock was achingly hard. Again.
“Good,” she whispered. “I like you better without your pants, wildmage.”
There are so many things I'd like to talk about concerning their journey but I don't want to spoil too much. I'm just gonna say that a certain bastard prince turned out to be a very interesting person. And that I can't wait to see Vethe exploring his magic some more. Now, let's see what Ocrus Sheau has to offer. I have to admit, I didn't pay much attention to that place in the previous books since I didn't imagine it's that relevant but now I think, I'll have to go back and take a look again.
I was, of course, very excited to learn that Gaul and Anette have their own chapters in this book. I liked both of them before, so I was glad that we'll get a chance to know them better. At first, Anette was kind of too naïve for my taste but on the other hand, it's understandable because of the circumstances she grew up in. And I actually came to really like how different she is from Lyria. After all, you don't need to be a fighter and a warrior to be badass. Anette has her own ways!
Gaul was great too. I enjoyed his struggles with trying to fight the attraction he has for Anette. Yes, I wanted for him to act on it sooner but slow burn has its charms too. I just hope they're gonna be explosive in the next book, haha.
Anette had laced her fingers in mine and given me a shy, sweet smile.
“And work on our cover story?” she’d whispered.
Fuck, yes, I’d thought but did not say. Kissing a beautiful woman on the deck of a pirate ship as we left a ruined island sounded so much better than waiting to be stabbed below deck by a stinking wildmage with a vendetta.
And now the wait for the next book is starting. I'm looking forward to seeing how all these secrets and political intrigues will resolve.
The ARC of this book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Meredith!
July 29, 2024
✅ Quick read
✅ Magic
✅ Characters
✅ Action
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Plot and Pace
🆗 Romance
I feel that this story is not really moving forward... Lyria and Vethe spent some time on an island full of wildmages, before they left for another adventure with the bastard son of the king. Actually, now that I think about it, I have no idea what the prince is hoping to gain on his adventure: political alliance, wealth, support? The author just threw the idea there, but it was not really explained. Meanwhile, Gaul and Annette are trying to find Lyria and Vethe.
There are fights and action scenes in this book. But the intrigue has not really progressed. I feel that we are roughly at the same point as we were at the end of the first book. Lyria and Vethe also spent an insane amount of time walking in circles and thinking how much they loved each other, but without never actually saying it, so it created a big misunderstanding that took too much space in the book (in my opinion).
Overall I enjoyed reading this book, but it felt like a filler story (as the second book did), so I really hope things will finally move forward in the next book because I am starting to lose interest.
1. The Flame and the Blade ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. In the Shadows of the Citadel ⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Magic
✅ Characters
✅ Action
✅🆗 World-building
🆗 Plot and Pace
🆗 Romance
I feel that this story is not really moving forward... Lyria and Vethe spent some time on an island full of wildmages, before they left for another adventure with the bastard son of the king. Actually, now that I think about it, I have no idea what the prince is hoping to gain on his adventure: political alliance, wealth, support? The author just threw the idea there, but it was not really explained. Meanwhile, Gaul and Annette are trying to find Lyria and Vethe.
There are fights and action scenes in this book. But the intrigue has not really progressed. I feel that we are roughly at the same point as we were at the end of the first book. Lyria and Vethe also spent an insane amount of time walking in circles and thinking how much they loved each other, but without never actually saying it, so it created a big misunderstanding that took too much space in the book (in my opinion).
Overall I enjoyed reading this book, but it felt like a filler story (as the second book did), so I really hope things will finally move forward in the next book because I am starting to lose interest.
1. The Flame and the Blade ⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. In the Shadows of the Citadel ⭐⭐⭐
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March 4, 2021
Photo from author's page.
Bounce approved buddy read with Nenia
I am on such a Meredith Hart high right now that I will kick other books aside just to make room for her. It's Vethe and Gaul that intoxicate me. And those demons are so horrifying. I need more of them! Lyria and Anette are alright. But I'd push a bitch off a boat just to have Vethe and Gaul for myself. Can you blame a girl?
February 22, 2021
The third book in the Flame and Blade series is stunning.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m already a fan, if you couldn’t tell from my reviews of the other books in this series, but this one has delivered on the promise that I’ve been waiting for. I was beyond excited to be invited to the ARC, and I truly couldn’t be happier with this book!
We return to Lyria and Vethe, escaping from the Citadel, to a refuge for wildmages. On the island, they learn more about each other, and lean into their relationship, hesitantly, and aided by wine, but more. Eventually, they are called away to what will surely be a 4th book, and finally on the same page with their relationship.
Lyria and Vethe’s will they/won’t they energy has driven a lot of their relationship, as has their missed communication, and the assumptions that they hold about one another. Up till now, this has worked brilliantly, as the reader just YEARNS for them to be together. However, given the challenges elsewhere in the book, it’s high time for Lyria and Vethe to clear up their communication and trust issues, start hearing each other clearly, and face the oncoming future together. For me, this was my only critique of this book. They clearly have great chemistry, they play into each other’s strengths, and the reader has known of their devotion for quite some time. The “ships in the night” nature of their relationship is not yet old, but is wearing a bit thin, and needs some movement in order to keep from becoming stale.
Speaking of ships in the night...
Aside from the already fantastic story arc for Lyria and Vethe, we see the introduction of a new arc, for Lyria’s brother, Gaul, and Vethe’s sister, Annette. Could this setup feel a little cheesy? Perhaps. For a lesser writer, definitely. Luckily, Hart has our back, and her compelling prose keeps their relationship interesting enough to avoid that otherwise eyebrow raising scenario.
The writing is, quite simply, excellent. The worldbuilding is compelling, and it’s clear that Hart is able to masterfully weave well beloved fantasy and romance tropes, which could easily ring hollow, into an exciting world that keeps the reader turning the page. Her writing is also refreshingly humorous, but sly, and makes you love the characters that much more for what seems to be their genuine wit and guile.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, of romance, of genuinely good writing, this is the book for you. I highly, highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good read.
Meanwhile, I’ll patiently wait for book #4!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m already a fan, if you couldn’t tell from my reviews of the other books in this series, but this one has delivered on the promise that I’ve been waiting for. I was beyond excited to be invited to the ARC, and I truly couldn’t be happier with this book!
We return to Lyria and Vethe, escaping from the Citadel, to a refuge for wildmages. On the island, they learn more about each other, and lean into their relationship, hesitantly, and aided by wine, but more. Eventually, they are called away to what will surely be a 4th book, and finally on the same page with their relationship.
Lyria and Vethe’s will they/won’t they energy has driven a lot of their relationship, as has their missed communication, and the assumptions that they hold about one another. Up till now, this has worked brilliantly, as the reader just YEARNS for them to be together. However, given the challenges elsewhere in the book, it’s high time for Lyria and Vethe to clear up their communication and trust issues, start hearing each other clearly, and face the oncoming future together. For me, this was my only critique of this book. They clearly have great chemistry, they play into each other’s strengths, and the reader has known of their devotion for quite some time. The “ships in the night” nature of their relationship is not yet old, but is wearing a bit thin, and needs some movement in order to keep from becoming stale.
Speaking of ships in the night...
Aside from the already fantastic story arc for Lyria and Vethe, we see the introduction of a new arc, for Lyria’s brother, Gaul, and Vethe’s sister, Annette. Could this setup feel a little cheesy? Perhaps. For a lesser writer, definitely. Luckily, Hart has our back, and her compelling prose keeps their relationship interesting enough to avoid that otherwise eyebrow raising scenario.
The writing is, quite simply, excellent. The worldbuilding is compelling, and it’s clear that Hart is able to masterfully weave well beloved fantasy and romance tropes, which could easily ring hollow, into an exciting world that keeps the reader turning the page. Her writing is also refreshingly humorous, but sly, and makes you love the characters that much more for what seems to be their genuine wit and guile.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, of romance, of genuinely good writing, this is the book for you. I highly, highly recommend it for anyone looking for a good read.
Meanwhile, I’ll patiently wait for book #4!
March 7, 2021
4.5.
I have to say, I was a little concerned when I found out that this books would jump between Vethe and Lyria and Gail and Annette, as I ship Vethe and Lyria SO hard, but I was pleasantly surprised by their story line.
The books picks straight up from the end of the previous book. Vethe and Lyria have been smuggled out if the city and have no idea what fate awaits them and poor Annette starts out of a journey to find Vethe and ends up getting far more than she bargained for.
For those show shop Vethe and Lyria as hard as I do, I think you'll enjoy this. They are still full of miscommunication and their usual nonsense, but thankfully, as start as this started getting very old, they sorted themselves out somewhat. Vethe still thinks they have no futrw because he's going to end up captured and executed and Lyria still thinks she'll have to give him up to some noble woman one day, but they definitely make amazing leaps forward.
I liked Annette a lot and I loved how fierce and powerful she was, even though she really didn't appear to be to others. Gaul has a good heart but has some learning to do to get over his ignorance, but I did like them together.
All in all, if you enjoyed the previous books I think you'll enjoy this. I really do love this series!
I have to say, I was a little concerned when I found out that this books would jump between Vethe and Lyria and Gail and Annette, as I ship Vethe and Lyria SO hard, but I was pleasantly surprised by their story line.
The books picks straight up from the end of the previous book. Vethe and Lyria have been smuggled out if the city and have no idea what fate awaits them and poor Annette starts out of a journey to find Vethe and ends up getting far more than she bargained for.
For those show shop Vethe and Lyria as hard as I do, I think you'll enjoy this. They are still full of miscommunication and their usual nonsense, but thankfully, as start as this started getting very old, they sorted themselves out somewhat. Vethe still thinks they have no futrw because he's going to end up captured and executed and Lyria still thinks she'll have to give him up to some noble woman one day, but they definitely make amazing leaps forward.
I liked Annette a lot and I loved how fierce and powerful she was, even though she really didn't appear to be to others. Gaul has a good heart but has some learning to do to get over his ignorance, but I did like them together.
All in all, if you enjoyed the previous books I think you'll enjoy this. I really do love this series!
February 4, 2021
I am absolutely stunned by just how vivid the world Meredith Hart has created.
To be 100% honest, I was worried splitting the story between Lyria and Vethe (our original steamy couple) and the dark horse pairing of Gaul and Annette had me honestly worried that one, or both of the story arcs, would fall apart. That there wouldn't be enough time with the story we already love and the new adventure and I was happily worried for nothing.
The time spent with Lyria and Vethe, in their liminal will they/won't they kept me on the edge of my seat all the while the moments I got to see Gaul and Annette made me fall in love with them. I wasn't just rooting for one pairing or the other, I was compelled to root for both.
This being said, I'm just awestruck at the world that has been created and the story that ribbons through and I'm honestly in need of book #4!
Thank you so much for allowing me to see a ARC!
To be 100% honest, I was worried splitting the story between Lyria and Vethe (our original steamy couple) and the dark horse pairing of Gaul and Annette had me honestly worried that one, or both of the story arcs, would fall apart. That there wouldn't be enough time with the story we already love and the new adventure and I was happily worried for nothing.
The time spent with Lyria and Vethe, in their liminal will they/won't they kept me on the edge of my seat all the while the moments I got to see Gaul and Annette made me fall in love with them. I wasn't just rooting for one pairing or the other, I was compelled to root for both.
This being said, I'm just awestruck at the world that has been created and the story that ribbons through and I'm honestly in need of book #4!
Thank you so much for allowing me to see a ARC!
March 22, 2021
So so so good. Everytime Lyria describes Vethe and his lithe beautiful body, it gives me the chills 😍🔥 Can he be more perfect?
Then there is Gaul and Annette. Lyria’s brother and Vethe’s sister. I’m completely invested in them. I want them to be together so bad. Not the fake relationship they are in but a real one. I can’t wait til we get to that and of course as predictable, Lyria and Vethe. I mean, we all know it’s going to go their way in the end 🤷🏻♀️
I’m also really into the Prince and his guard, Briem. I can’t wait to see more of them and the sweet relationship between them. (I have a thing for Prince’s)🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ I think it’s cute and am excited to have more of them.
I enjoyed this a lot and gave it a whole 5 stars!
Then there is Gaul and Annette. Lyria’s brother and Vethe’s sister. I’m completely invested in them. I want them to be together so bad. Not the fake relationship they are in but a real one. I can’t wait til we get to that and of course as predictable, Lyria and Vethe. I mean, we all know it’s going to go their way in the end 🤷🏻♀️
I’m also really into the Prince and his guard, Briem. I can’t wait to see more of them and the sweet relationship between them. (I have a thing for Prince’s)🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️ I think it’s cute and am excited to have more of them.
I enjoyed this a lot and gave it a whole 5 stars!
March 5, 2021
Lets move this story along.
Slightly disappointed. Not as good as books#1 & # 2 Never really got anywhere except Island hoping an Lyria an Verge saying that they love one another in their heads. For f**k sake just say it to each other. We all would be alot happier if you did. Now Gaul & Annette what to shake them covers. The longer you wait you might miss your chance. Now the bastered prince is heading to the God's King slave Island looking for WHAT?????? I think the writer lost her way in book #3.
Slightly disappointed. Not as good as books#1 & # 2 Never really got anywhere except Island hoping an Lyria an Verge saying that they love one another in their heads. For f**k sake just say it to each other. We all would be alot happier if you did. Now Gaul & Annette what to shake them covers. The longer you wait you might miss your chance. Now the bastered prince is heading to the God's King slave Island looking for WHAT?????? I think the writer lost her way in book #3.
February 25, 2021
Gaul is convinced his sister Lyria didn’t perish when Lord Vethe Scarvian set the Upper Market on fire with his out-of-control wildmage power. Lord Vethe’s sister Anette shows up at the front gate of the Guard Guild looking for her brother, and Gaul finds himself helping her to escape when his brother insists that she be turned over to the Citadel. They retrace Lyria and Vethe’s steps, following the trail to the free-mage island, but they find that a group of the Citadel Masters are one step ahead of them, determined to wipe out all of the wildmages.
Each book of this continued series I have loved. It’s a wonderful blend of sword fighting action and elemental magic and romance, with the thrill of danger lurking around every corner (from the Citadel Masters determined to round up the wildmages, especially Vethe, to the demon monsters that Lyria faced in the first book), and political scheming and corruption (from the Citadel taking over the city of Mayhaven, to the power struggle between the king and his sons, to the lies being told about the wildmages). This book is told in two separate sections with alternating viewpoints. It follows Gaul and Anette, alternating viewpoints each chapter, as they follow the trail of Lyria and Vethe. And it also follows Lyria and Vethe, alternating viewpoints between them, as they flee Mayhaven for the free-mage island. Did I love the new additions of Gaul and Anette? Yes, I did. Anette is an interesting blend of threadbare noble doing a lot of pretending and affecting airs so that she might grease palms easier as a noble, as well as sheltered country romantic innocent having to broaden her outlook in the city and from the challenges of life on the road. While Gaul, I loved from the previous book. He has this hilarious swagger and ego, and doesn’t seem to take anything seriously, but he has some growing to do over the course of this book, to put his prejudices aside, as well as his ego, and actually focus on finding his sister. And I loved following Lyria and Vethe as usual. I still adore Vethe’s ironic sarcasm, as well as his proud egotistic façade, even though he has a rather low opinion of himself. And that wounded self-outlook makes a reader itch to give him a hug and want to root for him to gain confidence. I think what I find the most fascinating about them is that from each viewpoint you get to see the inner thoughts of that person and how they view the other person, and it’s usually vastly different from what the inner thoughts of the other person actually is, which leads to a lot of mis-conceptions. Was there romance in this, or was it just unrequited and holding off for the next book? Let’s just say that romance fans won’t be disappointed. And I loved the end. (And can’t wait for the next book!)
Each book of this continued series I have loved. It’s a wonderful blend of sword fighting action and elemental magic and romance, with the thrill of danger lurking around every corner (from the Citadel Masters determined to round up the wildmages, especially Vethe, to the demon monsters that Lyria faced in the first book), and political scheming and corruption (from the Citadel taking over the city of Mayhaven, to the power struggle between the king and his sons, to the lies being told about the wildmages). This book is told in two separate sections with alternating viewpoints. It follows Gaul and Anette, alternating viewpoints each chapter, as they follow the trail of Lyria and Vethe. And it also follows Lyria and Vethe, alternating viewpoints between them, as they flee Mayhaven for the free-mage island. Did I love the new additions of Gaul and Anette? Yes, I did. Anette is an interesting blend of threadbare noble doing a lot of pretending and affecting airs so that she might grease palms easier as a noble, as well as sheltered country romantic innocent having to broaden her outlook in the city and from the challenges of life on the road. While Gaul, I loved from the previous book. He has this hilarious swagger and ego, and doesn’t seem to take anything seriously, but he has some growing to do over the course of this book, to put his prejudices aside, as well as his ego, and actually focus on finding his sister. And I loved following Lyria and Vethe as usual. I still adore Vethe’s ironic sarcasm, as well as his proud egotistic façade, even though he has a rather low opinion of himself. And that wounded self-outlook makes a reader itch to give him a hug and want to root for him to gain confidence. I think what I find the most fascinating about them is that from each viewpoint you get to see the inner thoughts of that person and how they view the other person, and it’s usually vastly different from what the inner thoughts of the other person actually is, which leads to a lot of mis-conceptions. Was there romance in this, or was it just unrequited and holding off for the next book? Let’s just say that romance fans won’t be disappointed. And I loved the end. (And can’t wait for the next book!)
February 24, 2021
Oh be still my heart!
That was one hell of an adventure! So many things going on and talk about chemistry!! One couple burns up the sheets while another burns slowly. But seriously the steam is definitely there and I love how there is more than one couple and more character pov’s but still Vethe and Lyria are very strongly featured alongside Gaul and Anette.
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and for the twists and turns as this new installment of Flame and Blade series rocks your world. Magic, intrigue, lies, betrayals, romance, and adventure!
That was one hell of an adventure! So many things going on and talk about chemistry!! One couple burns up the sheets while another burns slowly. But seriously the steam is definitely there and I love how there is more than one couple and more character pov’s but still Vethe and Lyria are very strongly featured alongside Gaul and Anette.
Prepare to be on the edge of your seat and for the twists and turns as this new installment of Flame and Blade series rocks your world. Magic, intrigue, lies, betrayals, romance, and adventure!
February 16, 2021
I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review. I have read all three of the books in this series. I love Vethe and Lyria and was worried when I heard that Gaul was going to have a bigger role in this story. I thought that focusing on any other character would take away from Vethe and Lyria and I am not getting enough of them. I should not have been worried, Gaul and Annette are equally engaging. Vethe is my favorite character, he knows he's not a good guy and has made his peace with it. He will do what he believes he has to for his loved ones. Lyria is physically competent because she trains hard, when something goes down she takes charge and doesn't want to depend on others to save her. Annette has serious abilities, she not a damsel in distress and wont be left behind. And I had to chuckle every time Gaul thought he had to protect her because she was a delicate noblewoman. He refused to see the evidence before his eyes. I think the author has excellent pacing. She flows between four captivating characters in such a way that you never get bored with the person in front of you
February 22, 2022
Happy to see another couple of main characters added to this story. The lack of communication between the 2 original main characters continues is this one. It was getting a little stupid that they tell each other how they felt and team up. Still the plot was good and I was happy to see where the story went
February 24, 2021
Hard to stop reading 5 stars - I had to force myself to stop reading. Excellent writing! The adventure keeps rolling for Lyria and Vethe. They added Gaul and Anette to the mix and their story is happening parallel to their sister’s/brother’s. The description of the scenes and situations are never boring. It enhances the narrative. The dialogue is just right. You gotta start at Book 1 though but it is so worth taking the time to read! I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.
February 25, 2021
This is the third book in Meredith Hart’s Flame and Blade series of romantic fantasy adventure with swords and sorcery and demons. Although this is not one of my preferred genres, I love this series. This book is told from the alternating perspectives of Lyria Guardia, a fighter from the Guard’s Guild; Lord Vethe Scarvian, a wildmage; Vethe’s sister and fellow wildmage, Lady Anette Scarvian, and Lyria’s brother and fellow Guard’s Guild member, Gaul Guardia. I sometimes find alternating perspectives frustrating, but it works well here. This book picks up shortly after the second book left off, and it ends on wicked cliffhangers for our two pairs of adventurers, so it’s best to read the entire series in order.
I like all of our main characters, who are all talented, resourceful, strong, and resilient. I do wish the characters were more open with each other. I’m always annoyed by conflicts that could easily be resolved with better communication. These characters are facing enough tough external challenges that won’t be easily resolved without making their situations worse with insecurities and unfounded assumptions. I hope that they will all eventually find a happy ending together, but it doesn’t happen in this book.
This is a tense read with lots of excitement and suspense, a few laughs, and plenty of sexual tension. I had so much fun with this page-turner, and I was so frustrated knowing that I will have to wait for the fourth book to find out how our adventurers will survive their current perilous situations. This book raises at least as many questions as it answers, and I will be biting my nails waiting for the next book.
Be aware that there are explicit scenes of sex and violence. Bonus points for LGBTQ representation.
I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys reading epic romantic fantasy and doesn’t mind cliffhangers.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
I like all of our main characters, who are all talented, resourceful, strong, and resilient. I do wish the characters were more open with each other. I’m always annoyed by conflicts that could easily be resolved with better communication. These characters are facing enough tough external challenges that won’t be easily resolved without making their situations worse with insecurities and unfounded assumptions. I hope that they will all eventually find a happy ending together, but it doesn’t happen in this book.
This is a tense read with lots of excitement and suspense, a few laughs, and plenty of sexual tension. I had so much fun with this page-turner, and I was so frustrated knowing that I will have to wait for the fourth book to find out how our adventurers will survive their current perilous situations. This book raises at least as many questions as it answers, and I will be biting my nails waiting for the next book.
Be aware that there are explicit scenes of sex and violence. Bonus points for LGBTQ representation.
I highly recommend this series for anyone who enjoys reading epic romantic fantasy and doesn’t mind cliffhangers.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and volunteered to provide an honest review.
February 6, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book as apart of the ARC team in exchange for my honest review.*
Amazing, captivating, and immersive are just some of the adjectives that I would use to describe Meredith Hart's third novel in her Flame and Blade series. I was so excited to receive the opportunity to get an early copy of this book because I knew it would be just as good as the last two, and boy did it not disappoint.
You get drawn in immediately with Anette's POV (who is a new POV to the series but not a new character) and the excitment of her having to leave her home under the cover of dark. You find yourself worrying for her and her almost child-like view of the world as she starts her journey but you soon learn that Anette is a strong female character who is going to kick butt, while still being sweet and innocent too.
The second new POV we get to see is Gaul, who is a long awaited POV in the series. Gaul is a multidimensional character who shows us that male charcters can still be genuinely sweet while also being a playboy.
The romance between Vethe and Lyria is bittersweet for the reader. You find yourself just hoping they come to their senses and finally tell each other the truth of their circumstances and feelings but the anticipation will make book 4 all the sweeter!
The charcter development and world building is phenomenal and anyone who has not read the series yet should defintely put it on their "to read" list. Make sure to start at the beginning of the series though as this is not a standalone story.
Amazing, captivating, and immersive are just some of the adjectives that I would use to describe Meredith Hart's third novel in her Flame and Blade series. I was so excited to receive the opportunity to get an early copy of this book because I knew it would be just as good as the last two, and boy did it not disappoint.
You get drawn in immediately with Anette's POV (who is a new POV to the series but not a new character) and the excitment of her having to leave her home under the cover of dark. You find yourself worrying for her and her almost child-like view of the world as she starts her journey but you soon learn that Anette is a strong female character who is going to kick butt, while still being sweet and innocent too.
The second new POV we get to see is Gaul, who is a long awaited POV in the series. Gaul is a multidimensional character who shows us that male charcters can still be genuinely sweet while also being a playboy.
The romance between Vethe and Lyria is bittersweet for the reader. You find yourself just hoping they come to their senses and finally tell each other the truth of their circumstances and feelings but the anticipation will make book 4 all the sweeter!
The charcter development and world building is phenomenal and anyone who has not read the series yet should defintely put it on their "to read" list. Make sure to start at the beginning of the series though as this is not a standalone story.
February 8, 2021
I couldn't put this book down even when I was supposed to be doing other things. I had some issues with the pacing in the second book. It was very typical second book in a series where the author is planting seeds for later books in the series. All of those seeds took root in this one. Dark Waters had some unexpected but very believable twists.
There were two new character POVs in Dark Waters, Gaul and Annette have their own chapters now. I was a bit skeptical at first, because I was fairly neutral on Annette in the first two books. Her first chapter removed any doubt. Annette and Gaul were both richly drawn characters with believable motivations. They're both competent in their own ways and getting to know them throughout the story was a lot of fun. I was also thrilled to spend more time with Lyria and Vethe. Watching them grow as characters and watching their relationship change is the highlight of the series.
All of the characters have distinct and consistent voices. They all have their secrets and they have legitimate reasons for keeping them. They felt very much like real people trying to survive a dangerous and difficult situation.
This book is the perfect balance of action, romance, and fantasy. It's a truly enjoyable novel and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for character driven fantasy novels. The only downside is having to wait for the next one.
There were two new character POVs in Dark Waters, Gaul and Annette have their own chapters now. I was a bit skeptical at first, because I was fairly neutral on Annette in the first two books. Her first chapter removed any doubt. Annette and Gaul were both richly drawn characters with believable motivations. They're both competent in their own ways and getting to know them throughout the story was a lot of fun. I was also thrilled to spend more time with Lyria and Vethe. Watching them grow as characters and watching their relationship change is the highlight of the series.
All of the characters have distinct and consistent voices. They all have their secrets and they have legitimate reasons for keeping them. They felt very much like real people trying to survive a dangerous and difficult situation.
This book is the perfect balance of action, romance, and fantasy. It's a truly enjoyable novel and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for character driven fantasy novels. The only downside is having to wait for the next one.
February 6, 2021
The third book in Meredith Hart’s Flame and the Blade series, Dark Waters, delivers the goods when it comes to fantasy, romance and adventure.
Yes, I read it to see how Vethe and Lyria turned out but was given the bonus storyline of Annette (Vethe’s sister) and Gaul (Lyria’s brother) who are searching for their siblings. I liked Annette; especially towards the end when she comes into her own and loved the foreshadowing of what would come in book 4.
Half way through Dark Waters, Vethe and Lyria head to the nightmare country of Ocrus Sheau where mages are sold in slave markets. They’re travelling to Ocrus Sheau at the command of Prince Kyalam who is on the run from the Citadel because he’s been investigating the Citadel Master’s dark doings (aka murdering folks). He’s the same person whose search for scrolls gave Lyria her first expedition.
Dark Waters takes place within about a four-five week time frame, picking up the story where In the Shadows of the Citadel finished. Vethe and Lyria have settled on Free Mage Island, Lyria spends a couple of weeks ignoring Vethe and training the mages to fight, while Vethe discovers he’s an Elementalist able to control the four powers of air, fire, water and earth and helps the island’s wild mages learn how to control their powers.
Training wild mages is cool but I’m more looking forward to a slave market revolt let by Vethe in book 4, using his elementalist magic and Annette controlling the demons to take down the Citadel – might be a bit much to ask but the characters are now buffeted by fate and I look forward to seeing them set their own path.
Yes, I read it to see how Vethe and Lyria turned out but was given the bonus storyline of Annette (Vethe’s sister) and Gaul (Lyria’s brother) who are searching for their siblings. I liked Annette; especially towards the end when she comes into her own and loved the foreshadowing of what would come in book 4.
Half way through Dark Waters, Vethe and Lyria head to the nightmare country of Ocrus Sheau where mages are sold in slave markets. They’re travelling to Ocrus Sheau at the command of Prince Kyalam who is on the run from the Citadel because he’s been investigating the Citadel Master’s dark doings (aka murdering folks). He’s the same person whose search for scrolls gave Lyria her first expedition.
Dark Waters takes place within about a four-five week time frame, picking up the story where In the Shadows of the Citadel finished. Vethe and Lyria have settled on Free Mage Island, Lyria spends a couple of weeks ignoring Vethe and training the mages to fight, while Vethe discovers he’s an Elementalist able to control the four powers of air, fire, water and earth and helps the island’s wild mages learn how to control their powers.
Training wild mages is cool but I’m more looking forward to a slave market revolt let by Vethe in book 4, using his elementalist magic and Annette controlling the demons to take down the Citadel – might be a bit much to ask but the characters are now buffeted by fate and I look forward to seeing them set their own path.
February 21, 2021
I absolutely love the Flame and the Blade series. Dark waters is the third book and the latest addition to the story. I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy with romance to spice it up. From the very first book this story and characters made this one of my favorite series. I intend to reread it when all the books come out and I almost never do that.
February 11, 2021
Exciting!
Ah! The reason for the title becomes very evident towards the end of this exciting episode in the lives and adventures of Vethe and Lyra.
This time though, Gaul and Anette are looking for their siblings so we now have two adventures/romances running side by side.
These characters are so well constructed that when I close my eyes, I can clearly visualise them in action.
I just love it when a story totally sucks me in and doesnt let go, just as this one has and I eagerly await the next book.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the ebook and is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
Ah! The reason for the title becomes very evident towards the end of this exciting episode in the lives and adventures of Vethe and Lyra.
This time though, Gaul and Anette are looking for their siblings so we now have two adventures/romances running side by side.
These characters are so well constructed that when I close my eyes, I can clearly visualise them in action.
I just love it when a story totally sucks me in and doesnt let go, just as this one has and I eagerly await the next book.
I read an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the ebook and is my voluntary and unbiased review of it.
February 14, 2021
I’ve loved every book in this series, and I can not wait for the next! I’m on pins and needles. I love the relationships developing in this book sooooo much. The continuation of the plot into the next book will be epic!!!
February 24, 2021
Ahh I enjoyed this one a lot! We have some new POVs this book and it was great for our view to expand a bit. I’m excited to see what the next book will bring.
I need lyria and Vethe to sit and have a chat tho 😂
I need lyria and Vethe to sit and have a chat tho 😂
February 8, 2021
So, I love this series. Seriously, I love it. I love the character development, world building and the love. OMG I love the passion in this series. I am not a huge fan of angsty romance but I actually enjoy this books approach in the first 2 books. For book 3, Dark Waters, I had a hard time with 2 angsty love situations because of my preference of not a lot of angst. Lyria and Vethe just believe in your love already! :P I am VERY into Gaul and Anette's story.
I was very happy that Meredith brought in 2 more POVs and it worked. I super loved the topics of the issues the mages face and how the fight for themselves and now the demons are surfacing!
Bravo Meredith another great book in The Flame and Blade series. I cannot wait for the next one! (please finish it soon...please!)
I was very happy that Meredith brought in 2 more POVs and it worked. I super loved the topics of the issues the mages face and how the fight for themselves and now the demons are surfacing!
Bravo Meredith another great book in The Flame and Blade series. I cannot wait for the next one! (please finish it soon...please!)
February 8, 2021
I was ecstatic when the ARC for this book showed up unexpected in my email. The story let my attention easily but felt like the story ended too soon. this could have easily been the first half of a book. I’m looking forward to reading more about Gaul and Anette’s story in the 4th book.
August 24, 2022
I love this series, but I have a bone to pick with the author about a few things.
It's extremely annoying to hear the nonwhite characters constantly described as things like "the dark-skinned woman" instead of their names. It's ridiculous. I love Claudette. She's a smart, kind, selfless, badass, bisexual Black woman who is about six feet tall and muscular, and she's described as stunningly beautiful. She's a major side character. Use her name.
It's also getting super old at this point to still have the insecurities and miscommunication shit going on with Vethe and Lyria just to have some conflict and will-they-won't-they tension.
It's extremely annoying to hear the nonwhite characters constantly described as things like "the dark-skinned woman" instead of their names. It's ridiculous. I love Claudette. She's a smart, kind, selfless, badass, bisexual Black woman who is about six feet tall and muscular, and she's described as stunningly beautiful. She's a major side character. Use her name.
It's also getting super old at this point to still have the insecurities and miscommunication shit going on with Vethe and Lyria just to have some conflict and will-they-won't-they tension.
January 21, 2022
Ahhhh- I adore Anette, I didn't know if I would like her but she might be my new favorite character. Gaul buddy... maybe don't be so close-minded. I can't wait to see where the story goes with the two of them.
I like both Vethe and Lyria, we're 3 books in and I would have liked to see them together by now. I swear if Lyria doesn't stop making excuses as to why she shouldn't be with Vethe (and vice versa), I'm going to fucking lose it. The fact that they love each other but don't talk- I don't get it, it just seems like a lazy way to create conflict and it gets old. Like I think 800 pages of miscommunication has been enough. Ugh, I just want to shake them both.
"Ask me again when your head is clear," I whispered. "I swear to you, my answer will always be yes."
What the fuck else do you want him to say. I think it's pretty obvious he wants to be with you.
The action has been great and the story is quite fast-paced, the characters are all likable and they all have their flaws.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2023
This was another quick read! I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first and second books and I felt like the bulk of the information that moved the plot forward could have just been a couple more chapters in book 2.
I enjoyed getting to hear from Gaul and Anette’s point of view. However, I didn’t enjoy yet another point of view of two more people who liked each other but wouldn’t talk about it. This book was a lot of filler about how all four characters wanted to be with someone that they didn’t think would like them back or “it wouldn’t work out so why bother?” One storyline with this would have been fine but all of them just got a little annoying. These are supposed to be adults, someone could have expressed some feelings and end our suffering. After 3 books of this with Vethe and Lyria I’m almost just annoyed with them.
Despite this, the few chapters that did contain elements that moved the plot forward were interesting enough that I still remain intrigued with how the story ends and I plan to read the 4th and final installment.
I enjoyed getting to hear from Gaul and Anette’s point of view. However, I didn’t enjoy yet another point of view of two more people who liked each other but wouldn’t talk about it. This book was a lot of filler about how all four characters wanted to be with someone that they didn’t think would like them back or “it wouldn’t work out so why bother?” One storyline with this would have been fine but all of them just got a little annoying. These are supposed to be adults, someone could have expressed some feelings and end our suffering. After 3 books of this with Vethe and Lyria I’m almost just annoyed with them.
Despite this, the few chapters that did contain elements that moved the plot forward were interesting enough that I still remain intrigued with how the story ends and I plan to read the 4th and final installment.
April 5, 2023
Fyi, I read a book with a different title and cover but identical premise so I'm assuming I got the same story.
I am beyond frustrated that the only relationship conflicts in all three books I've read in this series stemmed from misunderstandings and assumptions. All 4 characters seem to have identical responses to starting a relationship and that sucks because they're otherwise different people. Meredith, are you okay?
The saving grace, as always, is all the stuff that isn't romance. The addition of Annette and Gaul was brilliant, they're both extremely charming and funny at times, and the adventure all 4 are thrown into is all the excitement I could ask for. And finally, Vethe's magic. These are the elements that make this book worth reading to me. Without them I would've DNF'd somewhere midway through book 1. On to book 4!
I am beyond frustrated that the only relationship conflicts in all three books I've read in this series stemmed from misunderstandings and assumptions. All 4 characters seem to have identical responses to starting a relationship and that sucks because they're otherwise different people. Meredith, are you okay?
The saving grace, as always, is all the stuff that isn't romance. The addition of Annette and Gaul was brilliant, they're both extremely charming and funny at times, and the adventure all 4 are thrown into is all the excitement I could ask for. And finally, Vethe's magic. These are the elements that make this book worth reading to me. Without them I would've DNF'd somewhere midway through book 1. On to book 4!
April 5, 2021
I absolutely love the books in this series. I love the characters, the magic system, the adventures, but most of all, I love the writing. The dialogue is fun and flows well, the descriptions are evocative, without being overwhelming. I think in this 3rd instalment, the author did a great job to keep the narrative depth via the 1st person PoV, without things becoming claustrophobic, by introducing two new PoV characters that are equally interesting to our heroes from the previous two books.
My only complaint is that the books are too far apart and I know I will go through serious book withdrawal until the completion of the story.
My only complaint is that the books are too far apart and I know I will go through serious book withdrawal until the completion of the story.
March 11, 2021
The third book in the Flame and Blade series and this series is just getting better with each new book. This is Lady Anette Scarvian and Gaul's story mainly, with her brother Vethe and his sister Lyria Guardia's story running along side this one. There is suspense, drama, danger, Demon's, the Guild, twists, and turns. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2022
I am getting a little tired of Lyria's attitude. She is always so mean to Vethe and literally never considers that he might be smart enough to talk to about the shit on her mind. So instead she curses at him. She is so hot and cold and it is definitely annoying by the end of this book, thinking she would be over this by 3 books in but no.
But the plot is still going strong and I enjoyed the book nonetheless!
But the plot is still going strong and I enjoyed the book nonetheless!
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