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Can love blossom among the thorns?
Refocused and determined, Nelle plans to snatch the spellbook and escape Roseward Isle once and for all. But when a powerful magic storm blows in—bringing with it a small castaway of mysterious origins—Nelle and Soran are obliged to lie low inside the lighthouse until it passes.
Trapped in close quarters, they cannot hide from their deepening attraction.
But fate is against them. Soran knows the nightmare he created will not remain bound much longer. He must convince Nelle to leave him, to escape Roseward before she becomes the Thorn Maiden’s newest victim. And Nelle sees the moment fast approaching when she will betray Soran. He will never forgive her, but how can she do otherwise? Papa’s life depends on her mission’s fulfillment.
Will two lost souls find their way through the tangled briar of lies and mistrust? Or will shadowy thorns tear them apart . . . forever?
Rediscover the tale as old as time in this romantic trilogy, perfect for fans of Miranda Honfleur, Audrey Gray, and Emma Hamm.
Refocused and determined, Nelle plans to snatch the spellbook and escape Roseward Isle once and for all. But when a powerful magic storm blows in—bringing with it a small castaway of mysterious origins—Nelle and Soran are obliged to lie low inside the lighthouse until it passes.
Trapped in close quarters, they cannot hide from their deepening attraction.
But fate is against them. Soran knows the nightmare he created will not remain bound much longer. He must convince Nelle to leave him, to escape Roseward before she becomes the Thorn Maiden’s newest victim. And Nelle sees the moment fast approaching when she will betray Soran. He will never forgive her, but how can she do otherwise? Papa’s life depends on her mission’s fulfillment.
Will two lost souls find their way through the tangled briar of lies and mistrust? Or will shadowy thorns tear them apart . . . forever?
Rediscover the tale as old as time in this romantic trilogy, perfect for fans of Miranda Honfleur, Audrey Gray, and Emma Hamm.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 20, 2021
226 people are currently reading
858 people want to read
About the author
Sylvia Mercedes
37 books2,273 followersHi, there. I'm Sylvia: cat-lover, tea-drinker, book-addict, and avid fan of the Kickbutt Heroine Fantasy Genre! If you like reading about tough heroines with extraordinary powers facing their demons and saving their loved ones . . . then we ought to be friends!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
February 1, 2021
This was a stunning conclusion to this romantic fantasy/dark Beauty and the Beast retelling! I was on the edge of my seat, gobbling down this book as fast as I could!
January 22, 2021
A thrilling conclusion!
After the last book I thought I had an idea of the direction of the story...I was wrong. Without giving too many spoilers away, I will say there were at least 3 times in the duration of this book that I ugly cried. After reading, I cannot even imagine a more fitting ending. The bookhangover after this series is real and I truly hope we are able to revisit this world again.
After the last book I thought I had an idea of the direction of the story...I was wrong. Without giving too many spoilers away, I will say there were at least 3 times in the duration of this book that I ugly cried. After reading, I cannot even imagine a more fitting ending. The bookhangover after this series is real and I truly hope we are able to revisit this world again.
January 24, 2021
Incredibly satisfying conclusion to the series. Loved the whole thing.
February 15, 2021
Torn bn 2 & 3 stars
I typically love a beauty & the beast retelling. While I disliked the repetition of the FLs crude expressions, I generally liked the trilogy and anticipated book 3. The 3rd book was both better and worse imho.
This book was fast-paced and entertaining. The story wasn't entirely predictable and the repetitive crude remarks were more limited in this latest book.
However, the ending totally ruined this whole series for me.
*****SPOILERS*****
The author has a way of making the dangers of magic very poignant. But the other side of that coin is not as well explored. It is hinted at through Prince Caspian and the FL but ultimately does nothing to fix the genocide laws or allow reward for any type of redemption. The fact that Prince Caspian resolved everything deus ex machina style robbed the main characters of any agency and it robbed the series of its climax. The fae seem beyond evil (ala all half I breeds should die, except my own child because I'm King). In fact, in hindsight most of the characters were so deplorable that I didn't really care that they died (criminals, power hungry, self absorbed, and/or genocidal). Only the MCs seemed to strive for self actualization or redemption. And yet, the MCs only reward for their efforts is a lifetime of servitude that might include further risk of harm. It was just such a terrible and unfair turn of events that it ruined the series for me.
Hence, 3 stars.
I typically love a beauty & the beast retelling. While I disliked the repetition of the FLs crude expressions, I generally liked the trilogy and anticipated book 3. The 3rd book was both better and worse imho.
This book was fast-paced and entertaining. The story wasn't entirely predictable and the repetitive crude remarks were more limited in this latest book.
However, the ending totally ruined this whole series for me.
*****SPOILERS*****
The author has a way of making the dangers of magic very poignant. But the other side of that coin is not as well explored. It is hinted at through Prince Caspian and the FL but ultimately does nothing to fix the genocide laws or allow reward for any type of redemption. The fact that Prince Caspian resolved everything deus ex machina style robbed the main characters of any agency and it robbed the series of its climax. The fae seem beyond evil (ala all half I breeds should die, except my own child because I'm King). In fact, in hindsight most of the characters were so deplorable that I didn't really care that they died (criminals, power hungry, self absorbed, and/or genocidal). Only the MCs seemed to strive for self actualization or redemption. And yet, the MCs only reward for their efforts is a lifetime of servitude that might include further risk of harm. It was just such a terrible and unfair turn of events that it ruined the series for me.
Hence, 3 stars.
September 1, 2022
Here we are; the final installment. It's always bittersweet finishing a series and saying goodbye to beloved characters. So let's take a couple of moments. First, to adore the cover. *chief's kiss* Next, for the titling that I think is so clever in its simplicity. Now, back to the cover- Soran, I know she's kissing you, but don't you notice you're not holding your book anymore?! Soran!!!
Also, in the first book the guest to the island was Nelle figuring it out. In the second book, it was the alternate love interest. And this one . . . Castian, is that you? I've got a series I'm about to read about you!
Anyway, this book really climaxes what has been building up in the first two books, in romantic tension, in secret motives, and in stakes that just keep climbing higher. Oh, and the creepy levels also got higher. As in zombie army higher.
I will make note that there was a part in this book that I very much DIDN'T like. It didn't have to happen like this. That character didn't . . . didn't need to . . . *sob* So, yeah, I could have done with that scene. Still could do without that scene. Why?!
The ending, though, was absolute perfection. It was the only way it could end, and it was so complete and perfect to the characters while also offering hope. Especially since I read that as an innocent, starry-eyed youth looking forward to Castian's series . . .
Note to more sensitive readers: there is some foul language and fantasy violence.
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
Also, in the first book the guest to the island was Nelle figuring it out. In the second book, it was the alternate love interest. And this one . . . Castian, is that you? I've got a series I'm about to read about you!
Anyway, this book really climaxes what has been building up in the first two books, in romantic tension, in secret motives, and in stakes that just keep climbing higher. Oh, and the creepy levels also got higher. As in zombie army higher.
I will make note that there was a part in this book that I very much DIDN'T like. It didn't have to happen like this. That character didn't . . . didn't need to . . . *sob* So, yeah, I could have done with that scene. Still could do without that scene. Why?!
The ending, though, was absolute perfection. It was the only way it could end, and it was so complete and perfect to the characters while also offering hope. Especially since I read that as an innocent, starry-eyed youth looking forward to Castian's series . . .
Note to more sensitive readers: there is some foul language and fantasy violence.
Review first posted on my blog: https://agencyofbooksandspies.blogspo...
January 25, 2021
I was completely engaged in this conclusion to this trilogy. After a slow burning romance, things end sweetly for Soran and Nelle. The plot has several engaging points. I adored the aspect of the little prince and how, though as first it seemed random, it ties into the end of the story in a neat way. There were several villains in the story, though some are not as threatening as they once were in the previous books, which gave the story some layers that I wasn't expecting.
It's fun to get off the isolated island of Roseward. At first Nelle seems doomed to an unhappy end, and the author definitely puts her through a lot by the story's end. Though hard won, the happily ever after is much appreciated and well-deserved. After some harrowing moments of tension throughout the trilogy, this third books give readers a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
I received an advanced copy of this novel; I was not required to post a review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
It's fun to get off the isolated island of Roseward. At first Nelle seems doomed to an unhappy end, and the author definitely puts her through a lot by the story's end. Though hard won, the happily ever after is much appreciated and well-deserved. After some harrowing moments of tension throughout the trilogy, this third books give readers a wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
I received an advanced copy of this novel; I was not required to post a review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
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November 6, 2021An action-packed ending to the trilogy, well-crafted like everything Sylvia Mercedes writes. I'm going to have to admit, tho, this series hasn't been my favourite of the stuff she's written, and I think it might be because Mercedes usually excels at deep, thoughtful themes that are organically woven into her plots, and this trilogy felt a little lighter on that front. In any case, I did enjoy this: it was a pacy story that does a lot of worldbuilding groundwork and I've absolutely loved the other stories set in this world.
April 29, 2021
I so enjoyed this finale to 'The Scarred Mage of Roseward' series! Full of suspense and emotion, I felt it suited Soran and Peonelle's (spelling) relationship and helped drive them into the deeper feelings they both tended to shy from.
As other reviewers stated, the ending was not 'normal', but it felt more realistic to their plight. And very much suited their personalities. I'm guessing we might see them again in a future series, which kind of excites me!
*spoiler*
One thing I did want to acknowledge was the way the author dealt with the parent relationship in the end. Miss Beck (because I don't know how to spell her first name) realizes that she is no longer responsible for her father's safety or happiness, and that he would be fine without her in the end. I guess it just really spoke to me because of parental decisions I've had to make over the past few months. And even though this is fictional, it did comfort my heart. Because there is truth inside of the message sent to readers.
Definitely five stars!
As other reviewers stated, the ending was not 'normal', but it felt more realistic to their plight. And very much suited their personalities. I'm guessing we might see them again in a future series, which kind of excites me!
*spoiler*
One thing I did want to acknowledge was the way the author dealt with the parent relationship in the end. Miss Beck (because I don't know how to spell her first name) realizes that she is no longer responsible for her father's safety or happiness, and that he would be fine without her in the end. I guess it just really spoke to me because of parental decisions I've had to make over the past few months. And even though this is fictional, it did comfort my heart. Because there is truth inside of the message sent to readers.
Definitely five stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2021
Had a decent ending, but man, oh man, is this NOT the Venatrix Chronicles. The protagonists have plenty of courage, but their romantic relationship build-up makes no sense to me. They are strangers for two weeks and suddenly they’re would-be lovers if only fate would allow them to be together. I'm still confused about that. And Gaspard's motivations confuse me a great deal: did he want the rose book so he could hold the Noswraith? That's a weirdly noble desire considering he was much happier without it...
But mostly I just didn't get why this trilogy couldn't have been one awesome book. Why did it have to be split into thirds and why did the second part exist at all? Such a weird story.
But mostly I just didn't get why this trilogy couldn't have been one awesome book. Why did it have to be split into thirds and why did the second part exist at all? Such a weird story.
January 15, 2021
What a ride! This author can pull emotion from me with her words as easily as clicking her fingers. I honestly think that she could write a sentence about something as ordinary as a cardboard box and still manage to make me cry!
I adored this series. I loved Nelle and Soran. Hell, I even loved the wee wyvern Nelle called 'worm'. There's an utterly fantastic bit in the tale where... No, I'm not spoiling it for anyone. I loved that this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, even though I'm not one for fairytales, AT ALL. And I really, really mean AT ALL.
Nelle is herself, her true gallas, kind, unafraid nature there for everyone to see. But remember why she was sent in the first place. It was always preying on her mind, pressing forward guilt-ridden visions of her poor father being mistreated by Mage Gaspard, whilst she was falling in love, and happy, with Soran. Nelle makes a final decision and has to accept that her actions cause horrendous consequences, and break her own heart...and Soran's.
There isn't a character in this book that isn't flawed in some way, just like real-life, but the twists, turns, and personal challenges are tremendous. Fabulous characters, great worldbuilding, excellent storyline, wonderful writing, and I had my heart in my mouth and cried many, many times. I loved the ending and sincerely hope that we hear from Nelle and Soran again in the future.
I chose to receive an early copy of this book, which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
I adored this series. I loved Nelle and Soran. Hell, I even loved the wee wyvern Nelle called 'worm'. There's an utterly fantastic bit in the tale where... No, I'm not spoiling it for anyone. I loved that this was a Beauty and the Beast retelling, even though I'm not one for fairytales, AT ALL. And I really, really mean AT ALL.
Nelle is herself, her true gallas, kind, unafraid nature there for everyone to see. But remember why she was sent in the first place. It was always preying on her mind, pressing forward guilt-ridden visions of her poor father being mistreated by Mage Gaspard, whilst she was falling in love, and happy, with Soran. Nelle makes a final decision and has to accept that her actions cause horrendous consequences, and break her own heart...and Soran's.
There isn't a character in this book that isn't flawed in some way, just like real-life, but the twists, turns, and personal challenges are tremendous. Fabulous characters, great worldbuilding, excellent storyline, wonderful writing, and I had my heart in my mouth and cried many, many times. I loved the ending and sincerely hope that we hear from Nelle and Soran again in the future.
I chose to receive an early copy of this book, which I voluntarily read and honestly reviewed. All opinions are my own.
February 27, 2021
Drank this down and soaked it in.
Sometimes you don’t know if a writer is going to do justice to the characters you have come to admire and love ... you always hope the flavor will continue, but, sometimes they wreck things ... but not here, not now, not this.
I raced from book 1, to 2, and to 3 ... and read them too late into the night, because I was so engrossed and so pulled in to the story. Everyone loved, and hated, struggled, regretted, failed and won ... just as so many humans are wont to do — I think it was the real-ness, with hope, with despair, with magic, and so much sacrifice, learning, and creativity that kept me coming back, insatiable, for more.
The third installment of this series was FANTASTIC, and while answering questions and ... concluding chapters in several of the storylines, the author still left it open for new tales and stories of magnificent and strange wonder.
A new telling of the trope of Beauty and the Beast and Frankenstein and Fae and other magical and mystical creatures and humans await — loved this series. Read it in digital, and loved it enough to buy in paperback format for my shelves and to share.
Sometimes you don’t know if a writer is going to do justice to the characters you have come to admire and love ... you always hope the flavor will continue, but, sometimes they wreck things ... but not here, not now, not this.
I raced from book 1, to 2, and to 3 ... and read them too late into the night, because I was so engrossed and so pulled in to the story. Everyone loved, and hated, struggled, regretted, failed and won ... just as so many humans are wont to do — I think it was the real-ness, with hope, with despair, with magic, and so much sacrifice, learning, and creativity that kept me coming back, insatiable, for more.
The third installment of this series was FANTASTIC, and while answering questions and ... concluding chapters in several of the storylines, the author still left it open for new tales and stories of magnificent and strange wonder.
A new telling of the trope of Beauty and the Beast and Frankenstein and Fae and other magical and mystical creatures and humans await — loved this series. Read it in digital, and loved it enough to buy in paperback format for my shelves and to share.
March 9, 2022
Soran and Nelle were an explosion of twists and longing! I absolutely loved this last volume of the trilogy, the way it was packed with action and even a time skip by the beginning of it. The characters are finally having conversations about their feelings and how to, literally, save the world from Soran's creations.
January 28, 2021
See book one for my review
January 20, 2021
So, Sylvia is a magic weaver!! This was an enjoyable ending to this Beauty and the Beast retelling. Soran and Nelle finally expressed their feelings and it was thoroughly satisfying. Of course, ever time I thought I had the book figured out, there was an unexpected twist. I loved the inclusion of the thorn maiden and how it all comes together at the end. Sylvia created such a fresh unique spin on this story, I couldn’t predict that ending. Very enjoyable conclusion!!
July 7, 2021
Loved it
Loved this series. Not the happiest of endings I must say but still pretty good and a nice finishing touch to the tale.
Loved this series. Not the happiest of endings I must say but still pretty good and a nice finishing touch to the tale.
July 12, 2021
*faceplant into the sand*
Well, it had to happen: My first Sylvia Mercedes book that I haven't rated at 5 stars. :( I loved this trilogy so much and had SUCH high hopes for the ending, but I'll admit to being the tiniest bit disappointed with how the romance played out. It's not a bad ending, just disappointing. We don't quite get our HEA, although it's implied there will be one eventually. But for all the growing affection between the MCs--and yeah, that healthy dose of UST--I was hoping for a little more oomph. Ah, well.
Still, the characters stay as intriguing as ever (although the "bullspit" thing started to wear on me by this book; it was cute at first, but then it started coming across as the cutesy equivalent of a character constantly dropping the f-bomb, and it just got old. :/ But the world-building is as lush and fascinating as ever, and the story remains beautifully paced and compelling. Nelle stays likeable throughout, she's a character you cheer for, and all the thieving bits are just so much fun to read.
Honestly, the more I think about it, if this book had been presented to me as just a straight-up fantasy, with the romance as a completely secondary afterthought, I probably would have given it five stars. But as a fantasy-romance (which is what I thought I was getting), it left me feeling sort of letdown at the end. I guess I just wanted a little fire to go with those sparks.
Well, it had to happen: My first Sylvia Mercedes book that I haven't rated at 5 stars. :( I loved this trilogy so much and had SUCH high hopes for the ending, but I'll admit to being the tiniest bit disappointed with how the romance played out. It's not a bad ending, just disappointing. We don't quite get our HEA, although it's implied there will be one eventually. But for all the growing affection between the MCs--and yeah, that healthy dose of UST--I was hoping for a little more oomph. Ah, well.
Still, the characters stay as intriguing as ever (although the "bullspit" thing started to wear on me by this book; it was cute at first, but then it started coming across as the cutesy equivalent of a character constantly dropping the f-bomb, and it just got old. :/ But the world-building is as lush and fascinating as ever, and the story remains beautifully paced and compelling. Nelle stays likeable throughout, she's a character you cheer for, and all the thieving bits are just so much fun to read.
Honestly, the more I think about it, if this book had been presented to me as just a straight-up fantasy, with the romance as a completely secondary afterthought, I probably would have given it five stars. But as a fantasy-romance (which is what I thought I was getting), it left me feeling sort of letdown at the end. I guess I just wanted a little fire to go with those sparks.
January 6, 2021
I would really like to give this a 4.5 out of 5. I absolutely fell in love with Soran and Nelle. Nelle, who is unapologetic in her rough around the edges, stubborn self, and Soran, who is deeply flawed and damaged. Together, they became so much more. But alas, Nelle has to make hard choices, and when involving a Noswraith, not much good can come from it. This book takes you from one end of the realm of feelings to another. I'm still not sure how to feel! I'm truly sad to be done with Nelle and Soran. The only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is that I just don't quite feel that the story truly ended, but that there could be more, and I know there isn't. Sylvia created beautifully flawed characters, in a very realistic and flawed world. I am so sad to be done. I enjoyed this series so much, and definitely recommend it!
January 29, 2021
I enjoyed this series a lot but for some reason couldn’t completely fall in love with it. Mercedes knows how to write complicated and endearing male lead characters really well. I think it was Nell’s speaking style that kept jarring me out of the flow of reading. I totally understand her speech is a reflection of where she grew up and Soren’s speech reflects his privileged upbringing. But overall this is a wonderfully romantic series with some cool magic. The ending felt a bit abrupt and made me think the series will be continued with a different character as the center of the story. But I could be wrong -shrugs-. Sylvia Mercedes is one of a few authors that are auto-buys for me. She has such a talent for immersing the reader in the world she built.
July 7, 2022
Another slow and simmering slice of clean romantic fantasy that ties everything up nicely... With thorns, naturally. Predictable, but oh so fun to watch unfold regardless. The only downside for me was the ending - while it does give you the closure you need, it also... doesn't. It is pretty much an advertisement for another series set in the same universe, and for me that made it feel less fulfilling than it otherwise would have. I still have zero regrets about reading the series.
I loved that underlying tension and the steady reveals about Soran's past and Nelle's future. While some things didn't quite land home for me () it was very much a page turning sort of read. If you enjoyed the earlier instalments there's plenty to get down with here. Character relationships grow, action happens, the Thorn Maiden gets plenty of time to flex her vines... Yes, I do kinda wish it had been more but at the same time I liked that it was a lite and easy read that put emphasis on events more that the couple making googly eyes. Mercedes knows how to get her world and characters across without bogging us down, so the pace is always kept up.
I do wish there had been fewer of those fragmented/unnecessary "And" or "But" sentences though - argh!
Overall a good, easy read of a series with a very loose Beauty and the Beast theme. Perfect for fans of slow-burn cleaner reads who want an old classic trope with some new and imaginative magical twists.
I loved that underlying tension and the steady reveals about Soran's past and Nelle's future. While some things didn't quite land home for me () it was very much a page turning sort of read. If you enjoyed the earlier instalments there's plenty to get down with here. Character relationships grow, action happens, the Thorn Maiden gets plenty of time to flex her vines... Yes, I do kinda wish it had been more but at the same time I liked that it was a lite and easy read that put emphasis on events more that the couple making googly eyes. Mercedes knows how to get her world and characters across without bogging us down, so the pace is always kept up.
I do wish there had been fewer of those fragmented/unnecessary "And" or "But" sentences though - argh!
Overall a good, easy read of a series with a very loose Beauty and the Beast theme. Perfect for fans of slow-burn cleaner reads who want an old classic trope with some new and imaginative magical twists.
April 24, 2021
Enjoyed Reading - possible spoiler alert.
I enjoyed reading “The Scarred Mage of Rosewood” series, of which “Wraith”was the third and final book.
I’m finding it difficult to write a review based on the last book of the series, so this review is more about the entire series.
As the title of the series suggests, one of the main characters is a once powerful mage who has been cursed as a result of performing forbidden magic. He’s forced to live as a recluse, on a deserted island in a magical realm. His curse requires that he suffer a nightly penance, and the source of his scars, to contain the horror his magic created. The curse was ultimately meant to be a death sentence once the horror he created escaped his control, so his hands were also mutated to prevent him from ever creating new magic again. He only has his will and his old
spell book, that’s fast deteriorating, to hold back a horror that could destroy worlds.
The main female character is a thief. She’s good at what she does, which brings her to the attention of the wrong person. This person is powerful and he forces her to agree to steal an item from the cursed mage. If she’s to save her father she must find a way to find the cursed mage’s island, gain his trust and steal an item of unknown value or consequences. Her actions unleash a series of deadly events that could lead to the death of the cursed mage she has grown to care about. The only hope there is to prevent his and many more deaths from the horror he created depends on whether or not she can find the courage to fight and use her recently discovered magic.
If you like stories with magic, curses, the fae, unicorns & other mystical beings, lots of villains, unlikely heroes, plenty of action, and slow-burning romance, you should enjoy this series. I don’t recall the series containing explicit language or sex, so it should be suitable for a wide age group.
I enjoyed reading “The Scarred Mage of Rosewood” series, of which “Wraith”was the third and final book.
I’m finding it difficult to write a review based on the last book of the series, so this review is more about the entire series.
As the title of the series suggests, one of the main characters is a once powerful mage who has been cursed as a result of performing forbidden magic. He’s forced to live as a recluse, on a deserted island in a magical realm. His curse requires that he suffer a nightly penance, and the source of his scars, to contain the horror his magic created. The curse was ultimately meant to be a death sentence once the horror he created escaped his control, so his hands were also mutated to prevent him from ever creating new magic again. He only has his will and his old
spell book, that’s fast deteriorating, to hold back a horror that could destroy worlds.
The main female character is a thief. She’s good at what she does, which brings her to the attention of the wrong person. This person is powerful and he forces her to agree to steal an item from the cursed mage. If she’s to save her father she must find a way to find the cursed mage’s island, gain his trust and steal an item of unknown value or consequences. Her actions unleash a series of deadly events that could lead to the death of the cursed mage she has grown to care about. The only hope there is to prevent his and many more deaths from the horror he created depends on whether or not she can find the courage to fight and use her recently discovered magic.
If you like stories with magic, curses, the fae, unicorns & other mystical beings, lots of villains, unlikely heroes, plenty of action, and slow-burning romance, you should enjoy this series. I don’t recall the series containing explicit language or sex, so it should be suitable for a wide age group.
January 5, 2021
I fell in love with this dark Gothic romantic tale right from the start but this 3rd book in the trilogy is amazing and gives us such a splendid ending. Nelle is her usual spontaneous and reckless self and in this book amidst all the cursing of bullspitting and boggarts she attempts to do the impossible, to finish what she had primarily set out to do and save her father’s life, even though stealing from Soran broke her heart. She crossed the Hinter Sea and returned home to find that she had been tricked by the mephato. But Nelle would do anything for those she loved and upon realising that she had been played and the dangers she had unleashed on her city by stealing the rose book from Mage Soran Silveri to give to Mage Gaspard she set out to put things to rights. She had brought the Noswraith to the city and now she knew it was her duty to battle the thorn maiden, however she did this side by side with Soran who had also traveled to the city thus directly disobeying the King who had cursed him to remain on Roseward Isle. Though Nelle was an Ibildrian, her magic was still very new to her but this did not deter her in the least, she would die by Soran’s side if that was how the story was to end. Headstrong and independent she would listen to no reason or excuses and she forced Soran to respect that she would do what she willed and she wanted to be with him at all costs. I absolutely love this kick ass heroine and the beautiful romance in this tale, fighting the thorn maiden was no joke but Soran was hers now and it was high time the Noswraith was bound once forever. I love Nelle’s bravery and kindness in saving the child’s life which in the end payed off. I am sorry to see this trilogy come to an end as the characters really grew on me but all good things must come to an end.
April 1, 2025
I am a warm puddle of melted gooey emotions. I loved this story so much from start to finish. In fact, the entire trilogy are the first 5 stars I’ve given to this author. Nothing against her other stories, but this one I find difficult to find flaws in.
We’ve come full circle- Soran and Nelle are finally together and the book closes with Prince Castien having talked his father into sailing our two mages to Vespre, also known as the Doomed City to work at the library. Yes, it will still be years before the events from Prince of the Doomed City takes place, but, for now, Soran and Nelle will have time to build a life together.
It’s bittersweet to leave them, but then even fictional characters need their time out of the limelight.
Nothing here feels overly rushed or forced. Yes, there are regrets and hardship, life and death within the pages, but I begrudge none of it.
This clever and imaginative Beauty and the Beast retelling flows beautifully across the pages from the first page to the very last. The prose is rich in its description but never overly excessive. I could happily chef’s kiss this trilogy if I did that sort of thing. Instead, I cannot sing if it’s praises highly enough and (should we meet face to face) know I would be pressing my copy into your hands to borrow. Yes, I love this that much.
The darkness and horror, the lighter moments, the obvious highborn manner of Soran being constantly stunned by stubborn and street smart Nelle all twisted by the pains of loss and hopelessness… all blend into a tapestry you’ll think about long after you’ve turned the final page.
We’ve come full circle- Soran and Nelle are finally together and the book closes with Prince Castien having talked his father into sailing our two mages to Vespre, also known as the Doomed City to work at the library. Yes, it will still be years before the events from Prince of the Doomed City takes place, but, for now, Soran and Nelle will have time to build a life together.
It’s bittersweet to leave them, but then even fictional characters need their time out of the limelight.
Nothing here feels overly rushed or forced. Yes, there are regrets and hardship, life and death within the pages, but I begrudge none of it.
This clever and imaginative Beauty and the Beast retelling flows beautifully across the pages from the first page to the very last. The prose is rich in its description but never overly excessive. I could happily chef’s kiss this trilogy if I did that sort of thing. Instead, I cannot sing if it’s praises highly enough and (should we meet face to face) know I would be pressing my copy into your hands to borrow. Yes, I love this that much.
The darkness and horror, the lighter moments, the obvious highborn manner of Soran being constantly stunned by stubborn and street smart Nelle all twisted by the pains of loss and hopelessness… all blend into a tapestry you’ll think about long after you’ve turned the final page.
January 16, 2021
I never thought I'd enjoy a retelling of Beauty and the Beast this much! Sylvia Mercedes has created a world that purrs - or growls, actually - with life. The atmosphere was rich, the overall picture - much bigger than Nelle and Soren alone - was changing constantly and the play between present and past that explains present was as good with the whole frame as it was for the characters.
Still, it was the characters once again that captivated me. The realization of who and what Nelle is, how she differs from Soran and how she's ready to jump headfirst to do the good thing for someone else, the risk for her own life never a serious consideration. And yet her internal struggle is as intense as ever, because she has to decide what to do - fulfill her task and save her father or do... something else.
Soren's struggle was even more tantalizing to watch, because while with Nelle, it's what MIGHT happen if she... with him, it's what DID happen when he... and it was horrible. It ties up nicely with the Rose of Dornrise and it was rather chilling to see Soren finally seeing himself as I did him throughout Rose... a highly unlikable individual.
Since this IS Beauty and the Beast, the happily ever after was a given and it happened... kind of. But I didn't expect to become so fond of secondary characters and worlds, the fae king, his mysterious son and so on. I do hope Ms Mercedes finds the time to expand on THEM outside the Nelle and Soren trilogy.
Well done.
Still, it was the characters once again that captivated me. The realization of who and what Nelle is, how she differs from Soran and how she's ready to jump headfirst to do the good thing for someone else, the risk for her own life never a serious consideration. And yet her internal struggle is as intense as ever, because she has to decide what to do - fulfill her task and save her father or do... something else.
Soren's struggle was even more tantalizing to watch, because while with Nelle, it's what MIGHT happen if she... with him, it's what DID happen when he... and it was horrible. It ties up nicely with the Rose of Dornrise and it was rather chilling to see Soren finally seeing himself as I did him throughout Rose... a highly unlikable individual.
Since this IS Beauty and the Beast, the happily ever after was a given and it happened... kind of. But I didn't expect to become so fond of secondary characters and worlds, the fae king, his mysterious son and so on. I do hope Ms Mercedes finds the time to expand on THEM outside the Nelle and Soren trilogy.
Well done.
March 9, 2021
Okay, so we have come to the end of the series.
A new character is introduced here. He's a cutie!
We learned in book 2 that Nelle has fae blood mixed with mortal blood which makes her quite powerful but we don't learn the extent of that power until we read this installment.
Some of the details I guessed; more I did not. There were so many twists and turns, vines aside, and it was hard to put the book down for things like work, cooking for the family, sleep, you know bothersome things. (wink!)
I tore through this one in about 8 hours. It was fantastic! I loved the ending. I loved the beginning. And everything in the middle was out of this world!
Overall, an amazing series. Sylvia does it again!
A handful of profanities. Not much sensuality in this one. We learn so much backstory but it never took you out of the actual story.
I'm not really a fan of Soran. I think by the end I felt for him. But I think I can read the prequel without losing anything. He was an anti-hero in my opinion. And I don't care for those, like Batman/Deadpool. His ending is demonstrative of "life not being fair" in the twisted sense that he didn't get what he deserved. Again, I liked the ending!
If you like Soran, you might want to skip the prequel. The author has mentioned that you won't like him after reading the prequel.
A new character is introduced here. He's a cutie!
We learned in book 2 that Nelle has fae blood mixed with mortal blood which makes her quite powerful but we don't learn the extent of that power until we read this installment.
Some of the details I guessed; more I did not. There were so many twists and turns, vines aside, and it was hard to put the book down for things like work, cooking for the family, sleep, you know bothersome things. (wink!)
I tore through this one in about 8 hours. It was fantastic! I loved the ending. I loved the beginning. And everything in the middle was out of this world!
Overall, an amazing series. Sylvia does it again!
A handful of profanities. Not much sensuality in this one. We learn so much backstory but it never took you out of the actual story.
I'm not really a fan of Soran. I think by the end I felt for him. But I think I can read the prequel without losing anything. He was an anti-hero in my opinion. And I don't care for those, like Batman/Deadpool. His ending is demonstrative of "life not being fair" in the twisted sense that he didn't get what he deserved. Again, I liked the ending!
If you like Soran, you might want to skip the prequel. The author has mentioned that you won't like him after reading the prequel.
January 10, 2021
Once again Sylvia has tied up her series with a big fat bow, leaving the reader satisfied that there are no open threads to make it messy - but, with a small opening in case she wants to return to it in the future (personally I'd love to see more of Soran and Nelles' adventures!).
This book in the trilogy is the best yet! We get the same sense of adventure, danger from all corners and a little touch of romance. Nelle is, as always, unapologetically herself, rough and ready, stubborn and sarcastic, beautiful yet flawed while Soran is just as dark and mysterious.
Nelle finally gets what she came for and returns to her home continent only to find herself in just as much trouble as when she left. The Thorn Maiden makes herself known again in a huge way which takes us back to Soran. Huge explosions, plot twists and incredible world descriptions make this a real page turner (and adulting seems really boring when you've got this book waiting to be read!!).
Kudos to Sylvia for yet another blockbuster series!
This book in the trilogy is the best yet! We get the same sense of adventure, danger from all corners and a little touch of romance. Nelle is, as always, unapologetically herself, rough and ready, stubborn and sarcastic, beautiful yet flawed while Soran is just as dark and mysterious.
Nelle finally gets what she came for and returns to her home continent only to find herself in just as much trouble as when she left. The Thorn Maiden makes herself known again in a huge way which takes us back to Soran. Huge explosions, plot twists and incredible world descriptions make this a real page turner (and adulting seems really boring when you've got this book waiting to be read!!).
Kudos to Sylvia for yet another blockbuster series!
August 1, 2022
And trilogy finished! I enjoyed this book the most, it gave me all the answers I wanted which was only actually information about how Soran got into this entire mess. And oh boy, our dude got hit by karma real bad. His actions lead to so many unnecessary deaths but after 15 years he's definitely payed for those crimes.
The action was what kept me going once it started. The mad dash to find the Rose Book after Nelle gave it to Gaspard was one of my favorite parts of this book.
The romance left me a little wanting, I liked it but I felt that there could have been more done in the previous book to give more pay off in this one. The slow burn also felt unnecessarily long, it could have heated up a little sooner for more in this book.
And I knew the magic in this world was really familiar because I actually started another Sylvia Mercedes series that's actually connected to this one. It's definitely makes me want to continue reading that series now too.
Overall, I found that some things could have been better but enjoyed the series regardless.
The action was what kept me going once it started. The mad dash to find the Rose Book after Nelle gave it to Gaspard was one of my favorite parts of this book.
The romance left me a little wanting, I liked it but I felt that there could have been more done in the previous book to give more pay off in this one. The slow burn also felt unnecessarily long, it could have heated up a little sooner for more in this book.
And I knew the magic in this world was really familiar because I actually started another Sylvia Mercedes series that's actually connected to this one. It's definitely makes me want to continue reading that series now too.
Overall, I found that some things could have been better but enjoyed the series regardless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
╰►3.75/5 ⭐️ 0/5🌶️
Why Nelle, why? Urgh, stabbing Soren in the heart like that. It felt like I was being stabbed in my own heart. I was holding my breath the first half of the book, hoping things would change for the better. But man, every turn I wanted to slap her. Like Soren loves you, and you kept back stabbing him. Then with the whole Sam situation, urgh. Someone send a unicorn on this lady!
Anyway, it was such a bitter-sweet end of this book. I'm glad the two of them realised they love one another, but it took a while to get over Nelle constantly back stabbing him. I'm sad to be leaving their little world.
My rating system:
⭐️: Not my vibe at all.
⭐️⭐️: I finished it, but I didn't have a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Yeah, that was fun. I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but it was fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: I loved it and want to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Perfect, amazing, everything I love in a novel!
Why Nelle, why? Urgh, stabbing Soren in the heart like that. It felt like I was being stabbed in my own heart. I was holding my breath the first half of the book, hoping things would change for the better. But man, every turn I wanted to slap her. Like Soren loves you, and you kept back stabbing him. Then with the whole Sam situation, urgh. Someone send a unicorn on this lady!
Anyway, it was such a bitter-sweet end of this book. I'm glad the two of them realised they love one another, but it took a while to get over Nelle constantly back stabbing him. I'm sad to be leaving their little world.
My rating system:
⭐️: Not my vibe at all.
⭐️⭐️: I finished it, but I didn't have a good time.
⭐️⭐️⭐️: Yeah, that was fun. I enjoyed myself. I probably won't reread it, but it was fun.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: I loved it and want to read more from this author.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️: Perfect, amazing, everything I love in a novel!
January 6, 2021
An enjoyable conclusion to the series, with betrayal, love, and sacrifice. Soran and Nelle have gone through much since Nelle came to the island, upending Soran’s isolation. Neither expected feelings to develop. Neither realized how their lives would change, but the Thorn Maiden still wrecks havoc. Nelle’s decisions will have unexpected consequences and greatly affect her relationship with Soran. Soran never thought would love again, knowing it was impossible. Soran has been paying greatly for his choices and arrogance, but Nelle changed him. The Thorn Maiden still has her hold on him and if she gets free, she will destroy all those a person cares for. An action packed adventure awaits them and only together can they save each other.
I received this novel from Ms. Mercedes as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel from Ms. Mercedes as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 21, 2021
An enjoyable conclusion to the series, with betrayal, love, and sacrifice. Soran and Nelle have gone through much since Nelle came to the island, upending Soran’s isolation. Neither expected feelings to develop. Neither realized how their lives would change, but the Thorn Maiden still wrecks havoc. Nelle’s decisions will have unexpected consequences and greatly affect her relationship with Soran. Soran never thought would love again, knowing it was impossible. Soran has been paying greatly for his choices and arrogance, but Nelle changed him. The Thorn Maiden still has her hold on him and if she gets free, she will destroy all those a person cares for. An action packed adventure awaits them and only together can they save each other.
I received this novel from Ms. Mercedes as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received this novel from Ms. Mercedes as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 11, 2021
This is supposed to be a Beauty and the Beast retelling but it has to be the most intense and involved retelling I have ever read. The enchanted Beast had to learn humility and self-restraint and love - it has been a hard journey for Soren but he learned, however reluctantly. In all the tales, Beauty has had to win the Beast free so that they could have their happily-ever-after; this retelling has Nelle accomplishing an impossible task, all for love. As for the happily-ever-after, Nelle and Soren will be together with a shared purpose, with the promise of adventures to come; not a happily-ever-after, but I think it better than they have an adventures-together-ever-after, as happiness will come along the way.
I received this ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received this ARC from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
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