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Legends of the Storm #3
Clash of Storms
The old eddas speak of dreki—fabled creatures who haunt the depths of Iceland's volcanoes and steal away fair maidens.
Malin wants none of such myths. As a half-blood dreki, she's beneath the notice of the arrogant warriors who rule the skies—except for Sirius Blackfrost, the most ruthless dreki within the court. This dark prince watches her every move, but he's more villain than hero, and in her favourite fairy tales the servant never earns the prince's heart. But is there something more to the look in the Blackfrost's eyes?
To love her would be to curse her to a fate worse than death...
The second he saw her, Sirius knew her for his fated mate. But Malin is a nobody in the dreki court and her very presence is a threat to the queen's ambitions for him. Forced to hide the truth and accept the match his queen has made for him—to mate with the princess Malin serves— he dares not reveal his heart.
But when the princess flees, he must find her—and his only clue is Malin, who aims to thwart him at every step. With danger surrounding them, they must forge a truce. But can Malin ever give this wicked prince her heart? Because, while Sirius's kiss burns through her like lightning, to love him would be to defy the stars themselves…
Join USA Today bestselling author, Bec McMaster, on a seductive journey through a mythic land, with a wicked prince who's never played the hero, a servant girl with a fate larger than she can believe, and an evil queen who threatens to tear them apart. Download this epic historical fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!
Don’t miss any of the Legends of the Storm books!
Book 1: Heart of Fire
Book 2: Storm of Desire
Book 3: Clash of Storms
Book 4: Daughter of Storms (featuring Tormund)
What everyone is saying about Bec McMaster:
"Totally enjoyed this fantastic tale of dragons, magic and true love!" —Violet for Storm of Desire
"Amazing! This is by far the best dragon book I have read since Dragonbound by Thea Harrison. In fact, its one of the best fantasy romance books I have ever read." —LAB for Heart of Fire
The Legends of the Storm series:
- Fantasy Romance
- Historical Fantasy
- Viking Romance
- Shifter Romance
- Fated Mates
- Cinderella-style twist
Malin wants none of such myths. As a half-blood dreki, she's beneath the notice of the arrogant warriors who rule the skies—except for Sirius Blackfrost, the most ruthless dreki within the court. This dark prince watches her every move, but he's more villain than hero, and in her favourite fairy tales the servant never earns the prince's heart. But is there something more to the look in the Blackfrost's eyes?
To love her would be to curse her to a fate worse than death...
The second he saw her, Sirius knew her for his fated mate. But Malin is a nobody in the dreki court and her very presence is a threat to the queen's ambitions for him. Forced to hide the truth and accept the match his queen has made for him—to mate with the princess Malin serves— he dares not reveal his heart.
But when the princess flees, he must find her—and his only clue is Malin, who aims to thwart him at every step. With danger surrounding them, they must forge a truce. But can Malin ever give this wicked prince her heart? Because, while Sirius's kiss burns through her like lightning, to love him would be to defy the stars themselves…
Join USA Today bestselling author, Bec McMaster, on a seductive journey through a mythic land, with a wicked prince who's never played the hero, a servant girl with a fate larger than she can believe, and an evil queen who threatens to tear them apart. Download this epic historical fantasy filled with magic and breathtaking romance today!
Don’t miss any of the Legends of the Storm books!
Book 1: Heart of Fire
Book 2: Storm of Desire
Book 3: Clash of Storms
Book 4: Daughter of Storms (featuring Tormund)
What everyone is saying about Bec McMaster:
"Totally enjoyed this fantastic tale of dragons, magic and true love!" —Violet for Storm of Desire
"Amazing! This is by far the best dragon book I have read since Dragonbound by Thea Harrison. In fact, its one of the best fantasy romance books I have ever read." —LAB for Heart of Fire
The Legends of the Storm series:
- Fantasy Romance
- Historical Fantasy
- Viking Romance
- Shifter Romance
- Fated Mates
- Cinderella-style twist
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2018
199 people are currently reading
914 people want to read
About the author
Bec McMaster
58 books3,466 followersKidnapped by a dread pirate when she was a child, USA Today Bestselling Author Bec McMaster was raised on myth and legend, and offered her younger siblings to the goblin king many a time. Unfortunately, he did not accept.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
Now she writes epic fantasy romance with a dark and sexy twist, which is almost as much fun. She has a secret weakness for villainous heroes, wicked fae princes and dangerous vampires, though in all her daydreams, she’s the one rescuing them.
Bec lives happily-ever-after with her very own hero and princess-in-training in the wilds of Australia, where she can often be found drinking tea or plotting her next travel adventure.
Escape the ordinary at www.becmcmaster.com
Join Bec's mailing list at http://eepurl.com/F_LkD for all the latest news on releases, exclusive excerpts, cover reveals, and epilogues.
Newest Release: CROWN OF DARKNESS (Available now)
Next release: MASTER OF STORMS (Legends of the Storm #5--coming January, 2021)
Where to start?
If you want deliciously dark fae princes, then try Dark Court Rising or Court of Dreams.
For sexy dragon shifters, see Legends of the Storm.
Sorcery and magic?
Try the Dark Arts series.
Kick-bustle ladies-saving-the-day steampunk romance?
Then check out London Steampunk and the London Steampunk: The Blue Blood Conspiracy series.
For rocket-fuelled post-apocalyptic romance with a twist on the werewolf theme, then read the Burned Lands.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 15, 2021
And he finally understood that to know the identity of his true mate was no gift of the Goddess. But a curse instead.
Clash of Storms was such a great installment to the Legends of the Storms series. There were so many twists and turns that kept me on my toes! While I had trouble caring for the main characters of the second installment, I had no problems here. Sirius Blackfrost and Malin Sigurdsdottir were both such vibrant and compelling characters, I couldn’t help but breeze through this story at a pretty alarming speed.
If you love antiheroes and redemption arcs – you’ll love the oh-so sexy Sirius. He was lethal and brutal but he also had a protective and caring side that made him so damn irresistible. I swooned at how head over heals in love he was with Malin. All the things he did behind the scenes that she didn’t know about! It was too cute! He’s definitely husband material, I tell ya!
I really liked Malin too. Although she was just a handmaiden, playing dumb to court life, she’s truly a force to be reckoned with. She’s intelligent, feisty and so brave! I loved that Malin saw potential in Sirius and believed that he could be better. But what I really admired about her, was that she knew her worth. Although she was a dreamer and a romantic at heart, she knew what she wanted and what she deserved. And it was so cool to see Sirius misjudge her character in the beginning, only to find that he had truly met his match.
"All I want is a male who loves me. One who would make an effort for me. One who sees.... Who sees someone when he looks at me. Someone worthy."
The romance was such a wild ride: unrequited and slow burn-ish. Sirius and Malin both had different motivations and alliances, and there were just so many obstacles between the dreki and the drekling that it seemed almost impossible for them to be together. All in all, Sirius and Malin brought out the best in each other and challenged each other in ways others couldn’t. I just wish there had been more steam at the end. Compared to the previous books, this one was definitely milder.
Overall, I really enjoyed Clash of Storms. I’m happy to see Sirius and Malin join the gang. I can’t wait to see what the author has to offer in the next book. It seems like we’ve only just seen the tip of the iceberg!
Rating: 4/5
May 17, 2024
UPDATE.
Yepp, this series is still good the second time around. Some things I skipped, some things I loved reading again, but all in all, it was still good and I'm sure I'll be returning to it again someday.
-------
Original review from August 2020
4,5 stars
Before I begin gushing over the book: I'd suggest you take your time between the second and the third, as the first half of the story develops parallel to the previous one and there are some ovelapping. But if you can ignore it, you are in for an antihero redemption of epic proportions.
The author gave us Sirius Blackfrost, who apparently has done some despicable things in the past, yet showed his kind heart in the previous book and smashed everything we knew about him in this one; and Malin Sigurdsdottir, who not quite found out what her hidden powers were in the beginning, but was strong enough even before discovering them.
It wasn't strictly an enemies-to-lovers story, as Sirius wanted Malin from the start, but the way he made her fall in love with him was done beautifully. And ohmygod, the kindness with which he helped her overcome some hidden fears to become her true magnificent self?! It was heart melting!
it's amazing how this author's mind works, for I ate it all up in just several days and wasn't bored for a second. Off to the next book and already crying ugly tears, because the series is not yet finished, so I will have to wait for Book 5 till January...
Yepp, this series is still good the second time around. Some things I skipped, some things I loved reading again, but all in all, it was still good and I'm sure I'll be returning to it again someday.
-------
Original review from August 2020
4,5 stars
Before I begin gushing over the book: I'd suggest you take your time between the second and the third, as the first half of the story develops parallel to the previous one and there are some ovelapping. But if you can ignore it, you are in for an antihero redemption of epic proportions.
The author gave us Sirius Blackfrost, who apparently has done some despicable things in the past, yet showed his kind heart in the previous book and smashed everything we knew about him in this one; and Malin Sigurdsdottir, who not quite found out what her hidden powers were in the beginning, but was strong enough even before discovering them.
To see your face is to step outside and be drenched in sunlight. Your smile holds the warmth of a fire on a cold winter's night. You are the light and laughter, Malin, enough to stay the darkest dawn. And one day, you will realize you are enough. You've always been enough.
- Sirius, you beautiful romantic soul, you.
It wasn't strictly an enemies-to-lovers story, as Sirius wanted Malin from the start, but the way he made her fall in love with him was done beautifully. And ohmygod, the kindness with which he helped her overcome some hidden fears to become her true magnificent self?! It was heart melting!
it's amazing how this author's mind works, for I ate it all up in just several days and wasn't bored for a second. Off to the next book and already crying ugly tears, because the series is not yet finished, so I will have to wait for Book 5 till January...
September 15, 2018
*I was provided a pre-publication copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes.*
I absolutely adore this! This has definitely become my favorite from this series so far. I just love when the “villain” turns good.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• The redemption arc for Sirius is well-explored. I like that he struggles with his own ambitions and fears, but in the end, he chooses to do the right thing. It is especially touching with the romance because Malin is the one who gives him the vision that he can be more than the villain of this story. When everyone expects him to be one way, it consequently makes him see himself the same way in that he’s the villain who doesn’t deserve a happy ending. However, he rises above people’s expectations and his family’s control to choose the kind of person he wants to be. It is relieving to see the moment when he finally finds himself worthy of that happy ending.
• Malin is a strong heroine. She is a girl with a plan, and it is interesting to see that despite how “docile, weak” she appears, she uses that to her advantage to be a spy. It is pretty amazing that while the dreki are looking down on her and seeing her as nothing more than a servant, she is taking steps to help out the rebellion. Also, I like how she is able to stand up to other characters, like Sirius, Rurik, and Ardis who are all supposedly her “superiors.”
• The romance is just… utterly sweet and all-encompassing.
Overall, I’ll give this 4 stars because of the lovable characters, the redemption arc, the touching moments, and the strong romance.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
I absolutely adore this! This has definitely become my favorite from this series so far. I just love when the “villain” turns good.
Here are some of my thoughts:
• The redemption arc for Sirius is well-explored. I like that he struggles with his own ambitions and fears, but in the end, he chooses to do the right thing. It is especially touching with the romance because Malin is the one who gives him the vision that he can be more than the villain of this story. When everyone expects him to be one way, it consequently makes him see himself the same way in that he’s the villain who doesn’t deserve a happy ending. However, he rises above people’s expectations and his family’s control to choose the kind of person he wants to be. It is relieving to see the moment when he finally finds himself worthy of that happy ending.
• Malin is a strong heroine. She is a girl with a plan, and it is interesting to see that despite how “docile, weak” she appears, she uses that to her advantage to be a spy. It is pretty amazing that while the dreki are looking down on her and seeing her as nothing more than a servant, she is taking steps to help out the rebellion. Also, I like how she is able to stand up to other characters, like Sirius, Rurik, and Ardis who are all supposedly her “superiors.”
• The romance is just… utterly sweet and all-encompassing.
Overall, I’ll give this 4 stars because of the lovable characters, the redemption arc, the touching moments, and the strong romance.
Things that you might want to know (WARNING: Spoilers below)
Happy/satisfying ending?
Love triangle? Cheating? Angst level? Other things to note?
Tears-worthy?
Humor?
Favorite scenes?
What age level would be appropriate?
December 2, 2019
Always loved the idea of a redeemed antihero !
Villain becomes Hero book 3 Legends of the Storm series.
Sirius and Malin story is parallel with book 2.Here we can see what happens with them after they leave the court in search for the princess.
Sirius discovers that Malin is his fated mated 10 years ago and keeps his distance from her because he believes he cannot have her.
He is arrogant, strong and a weapon himself for the Queen and his Father to use him , but deep in his heart he is a romantic male completely besotted with the heroine.
Malin appears as to be shy and invisible but instead she has fire in her veins and more intelligence than lets others see.
The week they spend together trying to catch up with Ardis is the week that will put this two complex characters together.They learn about eachother and both of them are surprised to find out how mistaken they ve been about one another.
"He was no Prince Charming from the precious fairy tale collection her mysterious admirer had given her. No . The Huntsman perhaps .Or the Wolf."
Poor Sirius is a lonely person, guilt eating at him for all mistakes he's made during his long life, but Malin knows exactly how to push his buttons to reveal his true self to her.
"Shall we make a pact? I shall believe I am enough, if you accept you're not a monster."
The final chapters had me in knots, I wanted to jump in the action and make justice myself. Thank God this has HEA.
Villain becomes Hero book 3 Legends of the Storm series.
Sirius and Malin story is parallel with book 2.Here we can see what happens with them after they leave the court in search for the princess.
Sirius discovers that Malin is his fated mated 10 years ago and keeps his distance from her because he believes he cannot have her.
He is arrogant, strong and a weapon himself for the Queen and his Father to use him , but deep in his heart he is a romantic male completely besotted with the heroine.
Malin appears as to be shy and invisible but instead she has fire in her veins and more intelligence than lets others see.
The week they spend together trying to catch up with Ardis is the week that will put this two complex characters together.They learn about eachother and both of them are surprised to find out how mistaken they ve been about one another.
"He was no Prince Charming from the precious fairy tale collection her mysterious admirer had given her. No . The Huntsman perhaps .Or the Wolf."
Poor Sirius is a lonely person, guilt eating at him for all mistakes he's made during his long life, but Malin knows exactly how to push his buttons to reveal his true self to her.
"Shall we make a pact? I shall believe I am enough, if you accept you're not a monster."
The final chapters had me in knots, I wanted to jump in the action and make justice myself. Thank God this has HEA.
April 2, 2021
3.5 stars
I absolutely loved the first part of the story and my rating is mostly for that.
In the first part we get amazing chemistry, witty back and forth and off the charts sexual tension between Sirius and Malin. They embark on a journey to catch a runaway princess whom Malin is serving and Sirius is engaged to.
The second part, well... things went to die a boring death. (i'm being dramatic and ott)
It's just that, we get a lot of confusing and downright bad decision making from Sirius which makes him lose all his alpha points (in my opinion). There were smarter and better ways to deal with the conflict brewing than to serve himself on a platter as the sacrificial lamb and he for all his smarts and ruthlessness, he was giving up without trying way too many times. We got a lot telling, not showing, when it came to how "badass and ruthless Sirius used to be".
The second part of the book is full of action and all the characters from previous books come together in the fight but I was bored and just skimmed most of it until I got to the HEA for the couple which was cute.
I absolutely loved the first part of the story and my rating is mostly for that.
In the first part we get amazing chemistry, witty back and forth and off the charts sexual tension between Sirius and Malin. They embark on a journey to catch a runaway princess whom Malin is serving and Sirius is engaged to.
The second part, well... things went to die a boring death. (i'm being dramatic and ott)
It's just that, we get a lot of confusing and downright bad decision making from Sirius which makes him lose all his alpha points (in my opinion). There were smarter and better ways to deal with the conflict brewing than to serve himself on a platter as the sacrificial lamb and he for all his smarts and ruthlessness, he was giving up without trying way too many times. We got a lot telling, not showing, when it came to how "badass and ruthless Sirius used to be".
The second part of the book is full of action and all the characters from previous books come together in the fight but I was bored and just skimmed most of it until I got to the HEA for the couple which was cute.
September 11, 2018
If like myself you have read Sorm of Desire then there are characters and events happening here that will resonate with you. What’s really clever though is the fact that the author expands the situation to give an alternative view involving Sirius the much feared dreki Prince and Malin the seemingly meek half blood maid. Sirius has a secret involving Malin and honestly it’s a doozy but to protect her he’s kept quiet for nearly ten years. Yet events push Sirius into a battle he doesn’t want but if Malin is to survive then the infamous ice cold dreki will have to bare his soul and finally confront his past .
Oo this was so good and I absolutely loved the playful Prince ! Sirius constantly pushes Malin with his sneaky suggestions and sexy innuendo. Malin is a believable heroine and whilst it took her a while to see through Sirius and the walls he hid his self behind when she realised exactly what he meant to her that girl came out fighting and boy did I cheer her on . Suffice to say this story didn’t let up on the journey this couple made towards their happy ever after and when the action came it was both brutal and heartbreaking. Yes everything they go through is worth it in the end but what a conundrum the author leaves her readers with as clearly she hasn’t quite finished with the fabulous dreki yet !
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Oo this was so good and I absolutely loved the playful Prince ! Sirius constantly pushes Malin with his sneaky suggestions and sexy innuendo. Malin is a believable heroine and whilst it took her a while to see through Sirius and the walls he hid his self behind when she realised exactly what he meant to her that girl came out fighting and boy did I cheer her on . Suffice to say this story didn’t let up on the journey this couple made towards their happy ever after and when the action came it was both brutal and heartbreaking. Yes everything they go through is worth it in the end but what a conundrum the author leaves her readers with as clearly she hasn’t quite finished with the fabulous dreki yet !
This voluntary take is of an advance copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
September 9, 2018
My absolute all time favorite set up is the version of hate to love where the lassie ‘hates’ the lad but he absolutely adores and worships her. Like I’m in epic love with that set up and want to marry it. Mix that with my favorite hero set up of total merciless bastard who could and would kill everyone without blinking but is an actual giant smitten teddybear just for his girl? Then I’ve basically died and gone to heaven honestly.
So like I said Sirius is the hero straight from my dreams. I loved him. He’s known as one of the bad guys in this tale. But he’s completely gaga over the heroine Malin and he is such a hidden romantic. The way he secretly courted her for years without her knowing absolutely slayed me. He was celibate from the second he laid eyes on her ten years ago. He was completely fixated on her and no other lassie existed for him. Other romance authors take note please that this is what we want from hero’s. PLEASE. He was also a very, very sexy bastard.
Malin was exactly the kind of resistant heroine that I love. She resisted her feelings just enough that I got to see Sirius chase her but not enough to annoy me. The reasons she “hated” him were sensible (she didn’t actually hate him, denial ain’t just a river in Egypt) She also didn’t cling on to her original view of him as the bad guy after seeing his actions and how he treated her which way too many heroines seem to do. She also wasn’t with anyone since meeting Sirius. Again, let’s always have this authors please. There was one part of her characters storyline I didn’t like though and is the reason this lost a star for me.
I loved that the first half of this book was pretty much just Malin and Sirius and no other characters. Again this is another favorite set up of mine. I mean I love the other characters in this but the couple just being together most of time is the BEST. I would read an entire series that was just them interacting with each other. The action storyline felt pretty rushed near the end but I did really enjoy how it all played out. The epilogue has me very intrigued about how the wider storyline is gonna play out going forward.
So to summarize, one sided hate to love, scary powerful and sexy “villain” who is head over heels for the heroine, resistant heroine, celibate hero and heroine, witty banter, and “oh we only have one bedroll what ever shall we do.”
So like I said Sirius is the hero straight from my dreams. I loved him. He’s known as one of the bad guys in this tale. But he’s completely gaga over the heroine Malin and he is such a hidden romantic. The way he secretly courted her for years without her knowing absolutely slayed me. He was celibate from the second he laid eyes on her ten years ago. He was completely fixated on her and no other lassie existed for him. Other romance authors take note please that this is what we want from hero’s. PLEASE. He was also a very, very sexy bastard.
Malin was exactly the kind of resistant heroine that I love. She resisted her feelings just enough that I got to see Sirius chase her but not enough to annoy me. The reasons she “hated” him were sensible (she didn’t actually hate him, denial ain’t just a river in Egypt) She also didn’t cling on to her original view of him as the bad guy after seeing his actions and how he treated her which way too many heroines seem to do. She also wasn’t with anyone since meeting Sirius. Again, let’s always have this authors please. There was one part of her characters storyline I didn’t like though and is the reason this lost a star for me.
I loved that the first half of this book was pretty much just Malin and Sirius and no other characters. Again this is another favorite set up of mine. I mean I love the other characters in this but the couple just being together most of time is the BEST. I would read an entire series that was just them interacting with each other. The action storyline felt pretty rushed near the end but I did really enjoy how it all played out. The epilogue has me very intrigued about how the wider storyline is gonna play out going forward.
So to summarize, one sided hate to love, scary powerful and sexy “villain” who is head over heels for the heroine, resistant heroine, celibate hero and heroine, witty banter, and “oh we only have one bedroll what ever shall we do.”
April 4, 2024
Plot wise I lean more toward 4 stars, but because “The Blackfrost” gave me all the feels I have decided to give him a little love in return, and say 4.5 . (We gotta be good to our book boyfriends, right?)
I adored his dark, yet vulnerable character.
And Malin was a hidden spitfire that saw his potential.
Their chemistry made the book so much more fulfilling. 🌙
Great characters, sweet moments, terrifying moments, and loyalty. Such a fantastic read filled with magic, love and honour.
Bec McMaster is a skilful author.
Read: 31/01/2021
1st rating: 4.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Paranormal/romance/fated mates/dragons/shifters
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple 3rd person (Mainly Sirius & Malin)
Will I recommend: Yes
I adored his dark, yet vulnerable character.
And Malin was a hidden spitfire that saw his potential.
Their chemistry made the book so much more fulfilling. 🌙
Great characters, sweet moments, terrifying moments, and loyalty. Such a fantastic read filled with magic, love and honour.
Bec McMaster is a skilful author.
Read: 31/01/2021
1st rating: 4.5 stars
Genre/tropes: Paranormal/romance/fated mates/dragons/shifters
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple 3rd person (Mainly Sirius & Malin)
Will I recommend: Yes
November 3, 2018
A really enjoyable combination of legend and romance, Bec McMaster's vivid imagination has given the reader an amazing world of fire and ice, swooping Dreki and a misunderstood Prince just waiting to be redeemed. This series has gone from strength to strength and gets the balance of story to romance just right. Looking forward to the next instalment.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
February 5, 2019
There was sooooo much more to Sirius then I was expecting! From previous stories, he did seem like a bad guy who switched sides to help his cousin Rurik take the throne, however, all isn’t as it seemed. He’s compassionate, bossy, thoughtful, sharp, and strategic. He’s playing many roles, making it difficult for Malin to really “see” him, but I adored every layer she peeled back!
Malin was cunning. She played her role as so well because she believed she truly was a nobody-and she wasn’t by any means! She was a delight by keeping Sirius on his toes, saying one thing and doing another, always keeping her princess’ best interest in the forefront of her mind. By doing so, she led Sirius on a merry chase and I think that’s what made me completely buy into their story.
Malin kept her hopes and dreams close to her chest, while Sirius kept his buried under layers of protection. They both wanted what they didn’t think they deserved or could even have. Whether it was their stations, obligations, or just being told they weren’t enough over and over, it was awesome seeing them gradually open up with one another!
I loved Sirius and Malin’s story! Even though Sirius knew from their first meeting Malin was the one for him, their romance never felt rushed. Instead it was a wonderful journey filled with an understated romantic tension and a charming battle of wits I adored! To round out the fun, there’s battles with the baddies (enough to satisfy the action junkie in me), a few secrets revealed, and hints of another romance! I’m a very satisfied reader 💗
Malin was cunning. She played her role as so well because she believed she truly was a nobody-and she wasn’t by any means! She was a delight by keeping Sirius on his toes, saying one thing and doing another, always keeping her princess’ best interest in the forefront of her mind. By doing so, she led Sirius on a merry chase and I think that’s what made me completely buy into their story.
Malin kept her hopes and dreams close to her chest, while Sirius kept his buried under layers of protection. They both wanted what they didn’t think they deserved or could even have. Whether it was their stations, obligations, or just being told they weren’t enough over and over, it was awesome seeing them gradually open up with one another!
I loved Sirius and Malin’s story! Even though Sirius knew from their first meeting Malin was the one for him, their romance never felt rushed. Instead it was a wonderful journey filled with an understated romantic tension and a charming battle of wits I adored! To round out the fun, there’s battles with the baddies (enough to satisfy the action junkie in me), a few secrets revealed, and hints of another romance! I’m a very satisfied reader 💗
September 28, 2018
3.5 - don’t get me wrong, i loved Sirius, he might even be my favourite of the male protagonists so far, but it took so long to get to new material. Perhaps it was because I read it straight after the second book, but the first 20% was rehashing what happened at the beginning of the second book and then it took up until 60% for the characters to be in the position they were toward the end of the second book. It was too samey. I loved the way it ended but it directly clashed with the epilogue provided at the end of the second one? I enjoyed it, McMaster’s writing is gripping and i love this world and its magic, but this book rehashed too much to be more than 3.5 stars. Bring on Tormund’s story!!
September 11, 2018
I read this book in one sitting... were there things that I should have been doing during that time? yes... productive things? definitely... but I couldn't help myself... as soon as this gem landed on my Kindle, I just had to read it, to see how the story of Sirius and Malin will unfold... *sighs happily* and I loved every minute of it... :) I will need a couple of days to gather all my thoughts, but long story short: it was freaking amazing and you all need to read it :) full review to come on the release day ;)
edited to add my full review :)
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this is the third book in a phenomenal fantasy series that can be read as a standalone, because you get all the necessary informations about our main couple in it, but on the other hand, it takes place at the same time as the second book, so it will spoil you certain details from it... I personally recommend you to catch up on both previous novels before diving into this one, because this way, you will have a lot more background knowledge about the whole world and a lot of secondary characters that appear here :) but as always, the choice is yours :) if only this particular story interests you, then start here, and maybe once you fall in love with it... and you will, because it's amazing ;) you can go back later to those previous books :) ok, now that we have this little explanation out of the way, let me tell you a bit more about the world in general and characters in it :)
This whole series takes place in an alternate, more fantasy version, of our world :) it's all happening around the second half of the nineteenth century in northern Europe... :) so far at least one main character in each of the story was a dreki... what's a dreki? I'll try to do my best to explain it :) they are magical creatures, sort of like dragon-ish shifters, that can turn into humans... but definitly don't call them dragons... they are much more evolved and more powerful than their weaker cousins :) there are different types of dreki and their politics are quite complex, and explained really well in the books, so I won't get into more details about it... mostly because certain informations would spoil you some revelations from further installments ;) each book in this series concentrates on a different couple :) the first book works best as a standalone, because it introduces us to the whole world and some basic informations about dreki... the second is quite connected to the third one, because they take place at the same time, so again, I highly recommend you to read all of them in order to get the best experience you possibly can out of them all :) the writing style, as always with Bec, is absolutely phenomenal... she is one of my all time favourite authors for a reason... ;) and I don't want to jinx it, but she may be slowly climbing her way to that #1 spot... I'm still mulling over that thought in my mind, but soon it may become official... ;) she crafts complex stories full of interesting and flawed characters... they are different from one another, so each of us can find someone they can identify with, or fall in love with :) all of her stories have a tendency to surprise me.. even if sometimes I can sort of guess where certain things will go, more often than not I'm caught completely by surprise :) her books keep me at the edge of my seat every time :) ok, now that we have these few basic informations out of the way, let me share with you all the praises I have about this gem :)
A little warning first, I will talk about this third book without any spoilers, but to describe my thoughts and feelings, I have to use people and some events that may be count as spoilers if you haven't read the previous installments... so read at your own risk ;) so as soon as I met Sirius in that previous story, and discovered that the third book will be about him, I started counting down the days to the release of it :) I have a very soft spot for those villain-ish types of characters... especially when you discover that they have a whole other side of them they have to hide... he's known as the most deadly and dangerous assassin in the dreki court... and for very good reasons... everyone thinks he's this cold and distant man... and yes, it's true... but it's not the whole truth about him... Malin on the other hand, is a servant at the court... a half-dreki, treated horribly... she's shy and timid... at least, that's how she appears to be... ;) because there is a stronger and more resilient side to her that not many people know about... from the moment Sirius met her, he recognized her as his mate... unfortunately, since she's less than a nobody on court, acknowledging their bond, or her in any way, would bring nothing but tragedy in their lives... that all changes a few years after that first encounter, when Sirius is forced into a relationship with a princess (heroine from the previous book) who then fleeds before their mating ceremony... since Malin was her personal servant, he takes her with him to find and bring the princess back... I'm not gonna get into any more details about this story, because if you haven't read the books, I don't want to spoil them, and if you did read those books, you already know some stuff where all that is headed ;) instead, let me talk all about why I adored this story so much :) first of all, our main couple :) *sighs happily* I loved them... each of them individually was a complex character, but them together? to see the more playful and flirting side of Sirius... to witness the more sassy and rebel side of Malin... not to mention all the sparks flying between them... ;) the story is also filled with amazing secondary characters... both that we've seen before, and new ones :) and after that ending... let's just say I am more than happy to know there are more books coming our way set in that world... don't worry, the situation with our main couple is all resolved, but there is one, very interesting cliffhanger left... ;) I gave this book 5 stars because I could not put it down... as soon as it landed on my Kindle and I started reading it, I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything else until I finish it and know how all of it will end :) did I have things I should be doing while I read it? yes... important things? definitely... :) but my curiosity for this story was stronger than anything else... and let's just say that staying till late hours of the night to finish it, was absolutely worth it :) I devoured this gem and highly recommend you to do it as well... :) *sighs happily* I think it may have been my favourite so far in this series :)
XOXO
A
for more book-ish stuff visit:
my blog -> https://bookworm8619.blogspot.com/
my facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/bookworm8619/
edited to add my full review :)
I voluntarily reviewed an early copy of this book :) this is the third book in a phenomenal fantasy series that can be read as a standalone, because you get all the necessary informations about our main couple in it, but on the other hand, it takes place at the same time as the second book, so it will spoil you certain details from it... I personally recommend you to catch up on both previous novels before diving into this one, because this way, you will have a lot more background knowledge about the whole world and a lot of secondary characters that appear here :) but as always, the choice is yours :) if only this particular story interests you, then start here, and maybe once you fall in love with it... and you will, because it's amazing ;) you can go back later to those previous books :) ok, now that we have this little explanation out of the way, let me tell you a bit more about the world in general and characters in it :)
This whole series takes place in an alternate, more fantasy version, of our world :) it's all happening around the second half of the nineteenth century in northern Europe... :) so far at least one main character in each of the story was a dreki... what's a dreki? I'll try to do my best to explain it :) they are magical creatures, sort of like dragon-ish shifters, that can turn into humans... but definitly don't call them dragons... they are much more evolved and more powerful than their weaker cousins :) there are different types of dreki and their politics are quite complex, and explained really well in the books, so I won't get into more details about it... mostly because certain informations would spoil you some revelations from further installments ;) each book in this series concentrates on a different couple :) the first book works best as a standalone, because it introduces us to the whole world and some basic informations about dreki... the second is quite connected to the third one, because they take place at the same time, so again, I highly recommend you to read all of them in order to get the best experience you possibly can out of them all :) the writing style, as always with Bec, is absolutely phenomenal... she is one of my all time favourite authors for a reason... ;) and I don't want to jinx it, but she may be slowly climbing her way to that #1 spot... I'm still mulling over that thought in my mind, but soon it may become official... ;) she crafts complex stories full of interesting and flawed characters... they are different from one another, so each of us can find someone they can identify with, or fall in love with :) all of her stories have a tendency to surprise me.. even if sometimes I can sort of guess where certain things will go, more often than not I'm caught completely by surprise :) her books keep me at the edge of my seat every time :) ok, now that we have these few basic informations out of the way, let me share with you all the praises I have about this gem :)
A little warning first, I will talk about this third book without any spoilers, but to describe my thoughts and feelings, I have to use people and some events that may be count as spoilers if you haven't read the previous installments... so read at your own risk ;) so as soon as I met Sirius in that previous story, and discovered that the third book will be about him, I started counting down the days to the release of it :) I have a very soft spot for those villain-ish types of characters... especially when you discover that they have a whole other side of them they have to hide... he's known as the most deadly and dangerous assassin in the dreki court... and for very good reasons... everyone thinks he's this cold and distant man... and yes, it's true... but it's not the whole truth about him... Malin on the other hand, is a servant at the court... a half-dreki, treated horribly... she's shy and timid... at least, that's how she appears to be... ;) because there is a stronger and more resilient side to her that not many people know about... from the moment Sirius met her, he recognized her as his mate... unfortunately, since she's less than a nobody on court, acknowledging their bond, or her in any way, would bring nothing but tragedy in their lives... that all changes a few years after that first encounter, when Sirius is forced into a relationship with a princess (heroine from the previous book) who then fleeds before their mating ceremony... since Malin was her personal servant, he takes her with him to find and bring the princess back... I'm not gonna get into any more details about this story, because if you haven't read the books, I don't want to spoil them, and if you did read those books, you already know some stuff where all that is headed ;) instead, let me talk all about why I adored this story so much :) first of all, our main couple :) *sighs happily* I loved them... each of them individually was a complex character, but them together? to see the more playful and flirting side of Sirius... to witness the more sassy and rebel side of Malin... not to mention all the sparks flying between them... ;) the story is also filled with amazing secondary characters... both that we've seen before, and new ones :) and after that ending... let's just say I am more than happy to know there are more books coming our way set in that world... don't worry, the situation with our main couple is all resolved, but there is one, very interesting cliffhanger left... ;) I gave this book 5 stars because I could not put it down... as soon as it landed on my Kindle and I started reading it, I knew I wouldn't be able to do anything else until I finish it and know how all of it will end :) did I have things I should be doing while I read it? yes... important things? definitely... :) but my curiosity for this story was stronger than anything else... and let's just say that staying till late hours of the night to finish it, was absolutely worth it :) I devoured this gem and highly recommend you to do it as well... :) *sighs happily* I think it may have been my favourite so far in this series :)
XOXO
A
for more book-ish stuff visit:
my blog -> https://bookworm8619.blogspot.com/
my facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/bookworm8619/
February 8, 2024
Angst. Heartache. Unbearable pining. Superior banter of true enemies to lovers. He falls first and he falls hard. Tension that could be cut with an axe. Villain gets the girl. Dragons and magic and fated mates.
Any of this caught your attention?
Well if yes, then please go ahead and read this brilliant beautiful book.
"You've never looked at me the way you do now."
"I never knew you," she whispered.
All those books. All those years. The pressure in her chest intensified as she looked at him.
"And now?"
"I cannot help but wonder.... Why me?" she stammered.
"Did you think I kissed you yesterday because you fled from me?" Sirius took a slow step toward her, his eyes locked on her face. "I've wanted to kiss you for years, sweet Malin. I want to do more than that. I want to ruin you, the way you've ruined me."
I love Rurik and Freya, and Haakon and Ardis are as sweet as honey but these two... They had my heart, my brain and my soul from the very beginning.
Sirius is offcially my giant flying shapeshifting dragon related ice powers husband. I love this beautiful, kind, frightening drekki who has the softest of hearts...and the loneliest. The way he silently suffered through so much to keep his brother safe, to keep Malin safe... How he had become the villain of their story to keep them alive... Aaa my heart aches still! He deserves all the happiness and more 😭💙
And Malin... Sweet lovely Malin. The courage she has - to dream, to hope... to love. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful ✨
The only thing I can't forgive is the missing cliff/flying scene from chapter sixteen... it doesn't make sense without it!!
Any of this caught your attention?
Well if yes, then please go ahead and read this brilliant beautiful book.
"You've never looked at me the way you do now."
"I never knew you," she whispered.
All those books. All those years. The pressure in her chest intensified as she looked at him.
"And now?"
"I cannot help but wonder.... Why me?" she stammered.
"Did you think I kissed you yesterday because you fled from me?" Sirius took a slow step toward her, his eyes locked on her face. "I've wanted to kiss you for years, sweet Malin. I want to do more than that. I want to ruin you, the way you've ruined me."
I love Rurik and Freya, and Haakon and Ardis are as sweet as honey but these two... They had my heart, my brain and my soul from the very beginning.
Sirius is offcially my giant flying shapeshifting dragon related ice powers husband. I love this beautiful, kind, frightening drekki who has the softest of hearts...and the loneliest. The way he silently suffered through so much to keep his brother safe, to keep Malin safe... How he had become the villain of their story to keep them alive... Aaa my heart aches still! He deserves all the happiness and more 😭💙
And Malin... Sweet lovely Malin. The courage she has - to dream, to hope... to love. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful ✨
The only thing I can't forgive is the missing cliff/flying scene from chapter sixteen... it doesn't make sense without it!!
September 26, 2018
This was another great story in this series. Events in the first half ran parallel to events in the last book, which was actually a great way to remind those of us with poor memories (ahem) a chance to catch up. But the second half just excelled with a hero that is absolutely my new book boyfriend. The Blackfrost was such a badass. Loved him!
October 5, 2018
I was so looking forward to Sirius and Malins book, but the couple completely drained me of energy. The pushing and pulling and repeating the same angsty conversations just put me right to sleep.
August 14, 2020
4.25 stars
January 7, 2021
Like Obsidian in You Only Love Twice, Bec McMaster has crafted a villain who gets redeemed. Or maybe not really redeemed, but more understood. Sirius Blackfrost has expended some serious effort into making sure that everyone in the dreki court of Amadea thinks he is the biggest, meanest, toughest, most heartless and most vile dreki around. And everyone believes it, including the heroine of our story, Malin.
In fact, Malin is so convinced of Sirius' dark side, that she can't quite believe she thinks the devil is handsome. And why does he seem to do kind things, like save her repeatedly? And why is he NOT making life miserable for Ardis? Before you know it, Malin is doing some major reassessing.
For his part, Sirius has underestimated the scrappy and intelligent Malin, even when he was watching her from afar. I found it interesting that neither of these two characters had any understanding of each other and yet formed the deepest of bonds by two-thirds into the book.
There is a lot of action in this book, and the activities of book one are overlapping from a different point of view. That isn't a device I've seen carried out much in romantic literature, yet McMaster pulled it off really well. Terrific book.
In fact, Malin is so convinced of Sirius' dark side, that she can't quite believe she thinks the devil is handsome. And why does he seem to do kind things, like save her repeatedly? And why is he NOT making life miserable for Ardis? Before you know it, Malin is doing some major reassessing.
For his part, Sirius has underestimated the scrappy and intelligent Malin, even when he was watching her from afar. I found it interesting that neither of these two characters had any understanding of each other and yet formed the deepest of bonds by two-thirds into the book.
There is a lot of action in this book, and the activities of book one are overlapping from a different point of view. That isn't a device I've seen carried out much in romantic literature, yet McMaster pulled it off really well. Terrific book.
February 20, 2021
Awesome dragon fare!
If one likes dragons (Dreki), romance and action/suspense, this series can’t be beat!
LOVED this couple. Sirius and Malin are polar opposites that fit together perfectly. The events in this specific story are somewhat of a retelling from the previous book in the series, however. This makes it easy to read as a stand-alone but may be a bit slow in places for those who already know the information.
If one likes dragons (Dreki), romance and action/suspense, this series can’t be beat!
LOVED this couple. Sirius and Malin are polar opposites that fit together perfectly. The events in this specific story are somewhat of a retelling from the previous book in the series, however. This makes it easy to read as a stand-alone but may be a bit slow in places for those who already know the information.
May 16, 2020
‘You came for me?’ 😭
The sex took too long to get to and I see no reason Sirius had to lose an eye, but between the cover model (yessss, who is this guy, he’s on numerous book covers and he is delish) and a good tale with strong chemistry this series has entered auto-buy-land.
The sex took too long to get to and I see no reason Sirius had to lose an eye, but between the cover model (yessss, who is this guy, he’s on numerous book covers and he is delish) and a good tale with strong chemistry this series has entered auto-buy-land.
December 2, 2018
"The other half of your soul; your twin flame."
Sirius, the Blackfrost, found his' a decade ago. But things are difficult at court, and he's a prince and she's not only a servant, but a half-blood too. At that time, Sirius doesn't know who he really is, who he wants to be or who he could be, and his reputation painted him as one of the villain.
"The Blackfrost was the scourge of the dreki court, and even the most dangerous of Stellan's warriors stepped lightly around him. Fierce of temper and dark of mood, he made grown dreki tremble with the faintest baring of his teeth."
The truth is, it's not that Sirius is a bad guy. It's that he's clever. He knows he's got to hide his true shelf or his father will try to break him. He protected his heart and had to pretend to be a dangerous jerk to silence the voice inside telling him that Malin is his mate. But you can't never hide your true feelings indefinitely.
In the previous book, we were already aware of some events that would take part in this book because Sirius helped the princess (the one he's supposed to mate) escaped. But the true villain in this story found an another way to make him abide by the plan and Sirius must search for the princess, bringing Malin with her, whether she wants it or not. Maybe there's better intentions behind his act than what it seems. And maybe Malin is not the only one who'll be surprised to realize someone is not the person she thought he was.
When I open a Bec McMaster book, I know that I can expect a fantasy world, adventures, romance and political schemes. What else can I wish for ? ;p
Sirius, the Blackfrost, found his' a decade ago. But things are difficult at court, and he's a prince and she's not only a servant, but a half-blood too. At that time, Sirius doesn't know who he really is, who he wants to be or who he could be, and his reputation painted him as one of the villain.
"The Blackfrost was the scourge of the dreki court, and even the most dangerous of Stellan's warriors stepped lightly around him. Fierce of temper and dark of mood, he made grown dreki tremble with the faintest baring of his teeth."
The truth is, it's not that Sirius is a bad guy. It's that he's clever. He knows he's got to hide his true shelf or his father will try to break him. He protected his heart and had to pretend to be a dangerous jerk to silence the voice inside telling him that Malin is his mate. But you can't never hide your true feelings indefinitely.
In the previous book, we were already aware of some events that would take part in this book because Sirius helped the princess (the one he's supposed to mate) escaped. But the true villain in this story found an another way to make him abide by the plan and Sirius must search for the princess, bringing Malin with her, whether she wants it or not. Maybe there's better intentions behind his act than what it seems. And maybe Malin is not the only one who'll be surprised to realize someone is not the person she thought he was.
When I open a Bec McMaster book, I know that I can expect a fantasy world, adventures, romance and political schemes. What else can I wish for ? ;p
January 15, 2023
I will now proceed to be dramatic and use all the superlatives because this book y'all 💀
It has left me in emotional shambles and I don't know what to do with myself now. It's like Bec McMaster created a Thought Thread into my mind and plucked out Gigi's Perfect Hero and breathed life into him 🥹 Yes I'm speaking in the third person because I'm that shook.
Sirius Blackfrost (even his name gives me the shivers) is a Prince but also an assassin, a feared monster, a bringer of destruction *swoon*. He just happens to suddenly mate with the Princess's servant girl. Malin is a lowly drekling (a half human and half dragon) and therefore unsuitable for a Prince. In this universe the male always knows first so she has no idea she's his mate. He can't let it be known because she would become a target for his enemies and most importantly his father would unalive her immediately for not being good enough for his son's pure bloodlines. So he keeps this to himself. For TEN YEARS. All while wanting and longing and pining from afar. Reader, he anonymously leaves books of fairy tales on her doorstep. He knows she loves them so he buys them for her and she has no idea 😭 Meanwhile, the court is in turmoil because the Princess has run off to be with her human lover (second book) so Malın as her servant is suspected of aiding with her escape (she did . Sirius steps in and pretends he is going to torture her for answers to save her from his bloodthirsty father.
Instead, he takes her with him on a road trip across Iceland to track the princess down and bring her back to Court. Forced proximity, only one bed roll, so much longing and pining and banter! Malin gets to know the man under the terrifying persona and it's such a slow burn but it burns so, so good. The scene where she find out he's been the one leaving her the books all those years? It had me in tears. And I'm not a crier 😭 There are cinematic battles, sweet heart breaking goodbyes and so much pining. So much. They can't be together for Reasons so he's resigned to loving her from afar. Ahhh I cannot say enough about this book all I know is that this will probably be my favorite book for the year and now I'm afraid I've peaked too early 😅 My only quibble would be that some of the decisions and thought processes made no sense towards the end. But the feels o meter doesn't lie and the wrecked emo state this book left me in tells me this is a KEEPER.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Infinity stars!
🔥🔥🔥
Tropes
Road trip
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Antihero
Class difference
Shifter
Fated mates
It has left me in emotional shambles and I don't know what to do with myself now. It's like Bec McMaster created a Thought Thread into my mind and plucked out Gigi's Perfect Hero and breathed life into him 🥹 Yes I'm speaking in the third person because I'm that shook.
Sirius Blackfrost (even his name gives me the shivers) is a Prince but also an assassin, a feared monster, a bringer of destruction *swoon*. He just happens to suddenly mate with the Princess's servant girl. Malin is a lowly drekling (a half human and half dragon) and therefore unsuitable for a Prince. In this universe the male always knows first so she has no idea she's his mate. He can't let it be known because she would become a target for his enemies and most importantly his father would unalive her immediately for not being good enough for his son's pure bloodlines. So he keeps this to himself. For TEN YEARS. All while wanting and longing and pining from afar. Reader, he anonymously leaves books of fairy tales on her doorstep. He knows she loves them so he buys them for her and she has no idea 😭 Meanwhile, the court is in turmoil because the Princess has run off to be with her human lover (second book) so Malın as her servant is suspected of aiding with her escape (she did . Sirius steps in and pretends he is going to torture her for answers to save her from his bloodthirsty father.
Instead, he takes her with him on a road trip across Iceland to track the princess down and bring her back to Court. Forced proximity, only one bed roll, so much longing and pining and banter! Malin gets to know the man under the terrifying persona and it's such a slow burn but it burns so, so good. The scene where she find out he's been the one leaving her the books all those years? It had me in tears. And I'm not a crier 😭 There are cinematic battles, sweet heart breaking goodbyes and so much pining. So much. They can't be together for Reasons so he's resigned to loving her from afar. Ahhh I cannot say enough about this book all I know is that this will probably be my favorite book for the year and now I'm afraid I've peaked too early 😅 My only quibble would be that some of the decisions and thought processes made no sense towards the end. But the feels o meter doesn't lie and the wrecked emo state this book left me in tells me this is a KEEPER.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Infinity stars!
🔥🔥🔥
Tropes
Road trip
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
Antihero
Class difference
Shifter
Fated mates
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2018
ARC Review
In the world of the dreki, finding a true mate is a gift. Interestingly, it is the male that recognizes this connection first and he does not get to choose. They court the female until she feels the soul bond. Sirius Blackfrost has a reputation for being a serious bad guy, and rightly so. He functions as the throne's sergeant at arms, but he is viewed more like "the muscle" to the corrupt monarchy. In a twist of fate, Sirius' destined mate, Malin Sigurdsdottir, is a half-blood dreki. She is a servant with no status in the court. Sirius recognizes quickly that he could never initiate the mating bond and out her as his soul mate because she would then become a target for his enemies. So he lives with unrequited love for years.
What Sirius does not know is that Malin is more then the meek servant to Princess Ardis. She is a spy for the drekling resistance. She is whip smart, adventurous and spirited. When she digs beneath the surface of Sirius' demeanor, she discovers there is much more to him than she assumed.
Of the three books in the series, this is my favorite so far. Who doesn't love a bad boy dragon with a noble heart? This story has all the elements of a enemies to lover story with a large dose of bad boy redemption. There is sacrifice, yearning, and a perfect little reveal. We also get a revisit from the characters of the previous books and an epic showdown in the Zini court. Admittedly, dragons are my least favorite shifters because they are just too overwhelming, but this one is done with the right level of vulnerability that allows us the care for the fate of the characters.
I know Ms. McMasters has at least one more book in the series and I'm really curious to know where she is going to take this since the ending brings closure to some main storylines.
In the world of the dreki, finding a true mate is a gift. Interestingly, it is the male that recognizes this connection first and he does not get to choose. They court the female until she feels the soul bond. Sirius Blackfrost has a reputation for being a serious bad guy, and rightly so. He functions as the throne's sergeant at arms, but he is viewed more like "the muscle" to the corrupt monarchy. In a twist of fate, Sirius' destined mate, Malin Sigurdsdottir, is a half-blood dreki. She is a servant with no status in the court. Sirius recognizes quickly that he could never initiate the mating bond and out her as his soul mate because she would then become a target for his enemies. So he lives with unrequited love for years.
What Sirius does not know is that Malin is more then the meek servant to Princess Ardis. She is a spy for the drekling resistance. She is whip smart, adventurous and spirited. When she digs beneath the surface of Sirius' demeanor, she discovers there is much more to him than she assumed.
Of the three books in the series, this is my favorite so far. Who doesn't love a bad boy dragon with a noble heart? This story has all the elements of a enemies to lover story with a large dose of bad boy redemption. There is sacrifice, yearning, and a perfect little reveal. We also get a revisit from the characters of the previous books and an epic showdown in the Zini court. Admittedly, dragons are my least favorite shifters because they are just too overwhelming, but this one is done with the right level of vulnerability that allows us the care for the fate of the characters.
I know Ms. McMasters has at least one more book in the series and I'm really curious to know where she is going to take this since the ending brings closure to some main storylines.
April 19, 2019
Romanceopoly Read #16 Faraway Land: Fantasy Romance
Review originally published at Goldilox and the Three Weres
If you've been following the blog, you probably know how much I love an Enemies to Lovers story. It's such an interesting twist when only one half of the couple thinks they're enemies. Sirius has been the boogeyman of the dragon court for years and Malin is hung up on his reputation and status. I enjoyed seeing another side of him and watching Malin start to see it too.
One of my other favorite tropes is the Road Trip. In the previous book, Storm of Desire, we followed Haakon and Princess Ardis on a journey. The first half of Clash of Storms follows Sirius and Malin's pursuit of the previous couple. McMaster was able to literally cover the same ground without the story getting repetitive. The second half of the story gives more details about the dragon court than we've seen in the previous books and incorporates more Norse mythology, which I enjoyed.
I thought that Clash of Storms was the last book in the series, but it turns out there's at least one more. I'm looking forward to more Sirius and Malin - I have some questions about his situation at the end of the book - as well as learning more about some of the secondary characters.
Review originally published at Goldilox and the Three Weres
If you've been following the blog, you probably know how much I love an Enemies to Lovers story. It's such an interesting twist when only one half of the couple thinks they're enemies. Sirius has been the boogeyman of the dragon court for years and Malin is hung up on his reputation and status. I enjoyed seeing another side of him and watching Malin start to see it too.
One of my other favorite tropes is the Road Trip. In the previous book, Storm of Desire, we followed Haakon and Princess Ardis on a journey. The first half of Clash of Storms follows Sirius and Malin's pursuit of the previous couple. McMaster was able to literally cover the same ground without the story getting repetitive. The second half of the story gives more details about the dragon court than we've seen in the previous books and incorporates more Norse mythology, which I enjoyed.
I thought that Clash of Storms was the last book in the series, but it turns out there's at least one more. I'm looking forward to more Sirius and Malin - I have some questions about his situation at the end of the book - as well as learning more about some of the secondary characters.
May 26, 2019
The story of this book overlaps with the second, as the events run con-current. The hero is from the villainous side of the dreki and has a formidable reputation as an assassin. He is also the heir apparent and as we see in the last book he isn't all bad. He found his twin-flame and mate ten years ago, but knows he can never have her, his family would kill her and she would reject him: she is a drekling, someone who can't shift and looked at being a lesser being in their society. So, he goes through the motions doing the bidding of his father to protect his younger brother. However, when he lets the heroine in the second book go, it sets off a chain of events in motion, that require him to be in close quarters with the woman who tempts him to retrieve a woman he doesn't want.
The heroine knows the scorn people hold towards her, and she uses her invisible position as a servant to support the rebellion for the rightful heir. I liked seeing the progression of the relationship between the h/H. How she never realised the power she held over the hero, who would protect her at all costs. I liked how all the pieces moved in this one. And for those who care H was celibate for a decade (so was the h, but well she wasn't in love with the H).
The heroine knows the scorn people hold towards her, and she uses her invisible position as a servant to support the rebellion for the rightful heir. I liked seeing the progression of the relationship between the h/H. How she never realised the power she held over the hero, who would protect her at all costs. I liked how all the pieces moved in this one. And for those who care H was celibate for a decade (so was the h, but well she wasn't in love with the H).
February 24, 2020
So I'm glad I'm reading these books in order. In this books several scenes overlapped or has a parallel timeline with some events that were happening in book 2. I wasn't completely annoyed by it, but it was still important for Malin and Sirius' pov of the story. I will say Bec sure knows how to suck me into the next book with that ending though. Can't wait for more.
September 8, 2020
Grade=B+
I do enjoy a pining hero.
I do enjoy a pining hero.
September 18, 2018
4.25 stars
In terms of timeline, Clash of Storms happened in the same time with Storm of Desire because this book spends majority of the pages with Sirius and Malin tracking Árdís, who runs away from her impending marriage to Sirius.
And I really don't know how she does it, because Bec McMaster, once again, writes a very delicious romance with charmingly villainous dreki hero who completely BESOTTED with the brave little drekling heroine.
Sirius Blackfrost, feared among his fellow drekis, have known that Malin, a drekling and servant of the court, is his True Flame for ten years. But he knows that he cannot pursue his fate because of his wicked father and aunt. GOSH GOLLY, SIRIUS!! I think I find myself another favorite hero of McMaster. I love Sirius so much!! The way he protects Malin, the way he leaves his little presents without her knowing, and later on the way he LOVES her.
AaAAGHHHH!!!!
And Malin is also impressive... she's no damsel in distress, this drekling. Malin may be small in stature, she may not have dreki magic but by Goddess, she is fierce and determined to save her princess, even if it means she has to stand up against the powerful Blackfrost.
I'm SO in love with their story *starry eyed*.
It's my favorite book so far from this series. The epilogue is very intriguing -- and McMaster says there'll be book 4 coming next year. So I'll wait for that...
In terms of timeline, Clash of Storms happened in the same time with Storm of Desire because this book spends majority of the pages with Sirius and Malin tracking Árdís, who runs away from her impending marriage to Sirius.
And I really don't know how she does it, because Bec McMaster, once again, writes a very delicious romance with charmingly villainous dreki hero who completely BESOTTED with the brave little drekling heroine.
Sirius Blackfrost, feared among his fellow drekis, have known that Malin, a drekling and servant of the court, is his True Flame for ten years. But he knows that he cannot pursue his fate because of his wicked father and aunt. GOSH GOLLY, SIRIUS!! I think I find myself another favorite hero of McMaster. I love Sirius so much!! The way he protects Malin, the way he leaves his little presents without her knowing, and later on the way he LOVES her.
AaAAGHHHH!!!!
And Malin is also impressive... she's no damsel in distress, this drekling. Malin may be small in stature, she may not have dreki magic but by Goddess, she is fierce and determined to save her princess, even if it means she has to stand up against the powerful Blackfrost.
I'm SO in love with their story *starry eyed*.
It's my favorite book so far from this series. The epilogue is very intriguing -- and McMaster says there'll be book 4 coming next year. So I'll wait for that...
May 8, 2019
Loved it.
October 2, 2021
I'm surprised this series is not more popular, especially given how amazing the books are!!!!
October 29, 2018
4 stars
With each new installment, McMaster keep getting better in storytelling and character development, and its shown in her newest in Legend of the Storm series, Clash of Storms. Reader got a glimpse to both H/h, Sirius Blackfrost and Malin from the previous book, Storms of Desire. Sirius is Ardis's betrothed, a dreki with moniker Blackfrost, believed to have tremendous power and black heart as well. Malin is Ardis's handmaiden, and she have all the reasons to hate Sirius, since he want to mated with Ardis to secure his throne. Unbeknown to her, Malin is Sirius's True Flame, his mate. And why, Fate is a vicious bitch sometimes because Malin is also a drekling, a union between dreki and human, considered as abomination by dreki alike. Sirius didn't care that Malin is drekling, his dreki want her. However, the obstacles are great, since Sirius's father despise all drekling and so Sirius must keep his feeling to himself, even accept all that hatred from Malin.
So, the early part (like 20 chapters or more) of Clash of Storms happen in the same timeline with Storms of Desire, so reader must read the previous books first. I read Storms of Desire in early year but my mind kinda fuzzy, so read this book refresh some of the story. I did feel that Malin is too hot headed, but I enjoy her banter with Sirius. I'm a sucker for a hero that try to hide his feeling after all! Like Haakon, I like Sirius more compared than Rurik, because Sirius have so many sides about him. He's a true anti hero (and anti hero is my catnip!), but when he finally made up his choice, he become his true self, no longer try to deny his destiny. I liked how Malin also got some nice development too, how her perception about Sirius is wrong and she try to amend it. She also finally come true to her power as dreki. I always love a story when the characters, despite facing so many odds, always try to work it out to achieve his/her happy ending.
Plot-wise, McMaster kinda conclude the first arc of the war between Rurik and villainous mother, Queen Amadea, with Sirius become a important character that help Rurik. McMaster also revealed the truth behind Rurik's father dead, a hints about Freyja - Rurik's mate-'s identity that keep become mystery from the first book, and some hints about elf (maybe they will appear someday). She also teased the hero for the next book, that I believe is...Tormund! I want to read a humorous hero for once, and I hope McMaster give him justice, also I can't wait to know his heroine (maybe Elin, Malin's sister?). The epilogue is kinda cliffhanger-ish and foreshadow that the problem in dreki world still not end yet.
McMaster is one of my autobuy author, and Legend of the Storm is another of her series that I liked. Sure that I detect some typos in this book, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. Just give it a try, guys! :)
With each new installment, McMaster keep getting better in storytelling and character development, and its shown in her newest in Legend of the Storm series, Clash of Storms. Reader got a glimpse to both H/h, Sirius Blackfrost and Malin from the previous book, Storms of Desire. Sirius is Ardis's betrothed, a dreki with moniker Blackfrost, believed to have tremendous power and black heart as well. Malin is Ardis's handmaiden, and she have all the reasons to hate Sirius, since he want to mated with Ardis to secure his throne. Unbeknown to her, Malin is Sirius's True Flame, his mate. And why, Fate is a vicious bitch sometimes because Malin is also a drekling, a union between dreki and human, considered as abomination by dreki alike. Sirius didn't care that Malin is drekling, his dreki want her. However, the obstacles are great, since Sirius's father despise all drekling and so Sirius must keep his feeling to himself, even accept all that hatred from Malin.
So, the early part (like 20 chapters or more) of Clash of Storms happen in the same timeline with Storms of Desire, so reader must read the previous books first. I read Storms of Desire in early year but my mind kinda fuzzy, so read this book refresh some of the story. I did feel that Malin is too hot headed, but I enjoy her banter with Sirius. I'm a sucker for a hero that try to hide his feeling after all! Like Haakon, I like Sirius more compared than Rurik, because Sirius have so many sides about him. He's a true anti hero (and anti hero is my catnip!), but when he finally made up his choice, he become his true self, no longer try to deny his destiny. I liked how Malin also got some nice development too, how her perception about Sirius is wrong and she try to amend it. She also finally come true to her power as dreki. I always love a story when the characters, despite facing so many odds, always try to work it out to achieve his/her happy ending.
Plot-wise, McMaster kinda conclude the first arc of the war between Rurik and villainous mother, Queen Amadea, with Sirius become a important character that help Rurik. McMaster also revealed the truth behind Rurik's father dead, a hints about Freyja - Rurik's mate-'s identity that keep become mystery from the first book, and some hints about elf (maybe they will appear someday). She also teased the hero for the next book, that I believe is...Tormund! I want to read a humorous hero for once, and I hope McMaster give him justice, also I can't wait to know his heroine (maybe Elin, Malin's sister?). The epilogue is kinda cliffhanger-ish and foreshadow that the problem in dreki world still not end yet.
McMaster is one of my autobuy author, and Legend of the Storm is another of her series that I liked. Sure that I detect some typos in this book, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all. Just give it a try, guys! :)
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