What do you think?
Rate this book
Amaranthine Saga #5
Fumiko and the Finicky Nestmate
She could make a mess of everything. Especially him.
The Junzi—also known as the Four Gentlemen—are a set of ancient weapons fashioned from remnants. Dragons refer to them as the Four Storms, and Hisoka Twineshaft believes they will make a difference in the hunt for the rogue. But someone else is interested in gathering up these crystal masterpieces. The so-called Gentleman Bandit is responsible for two thefts already, and Hisoka is concerned for the Bamboo Stave. So he deploys an elite taskforce to guard the treasure. And to catch a thief.
Juuyu Farroost and his teammates regroup at a safehouse tucked under the boughs of one of the oldest—and most heavily fortified—orphan trees in the Americas. Fumiko and her tree twin have enough rooms for all of them. If they can shift enough of the woman’s clutter to set up their equipment. Juuyu’s expertise is essential to the success of their mission, but he can barely focus thanks to Fumiko, her messes, and Akira, who apparently owes Boon a favor.
The Junzi—also known as the Four Gentlemen—are a set of ancient weapons fashioned from remnants. Dragons refer to them as the Four Storms, and Hisoka Twineshaft believes they will make a difference in the hunt for the rogue. But someone else is interested in gathering up these crystal masterpieces. The so-called Gentleman Bandit is responsible for two thefts already, and Hisoka is concerned for the Bamboo Stave. So he deploys an elite taskforce to guard the treasure. And to catch a thief.
Juuyu Farroost and his teammates regroup at a safehouse tucked under the boughs of one of the oldest—and most heavily fortified—orphan trees in the Americas. Fumiko and her tree twin have enough rooms for all of them. If they can shift enough of the woman’s clutter to set up their equipment. Juuyu’s expertise is essential to the success of their mission, but he can barely focus thanks to Fumiko, her messes, and Akira, who apparently owes Boon a favor.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2021
20 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Forthright .
38 books553 followersa teller of tales with a fondness for unlikely friendships, wary alliances, unexpected upshots, hard-won trust, diverse cultures, found family, local legends, and folksome things. Author of the Immortal Holmes series, paranormal mysteries with a steampunk aesthetic set in an alternate history & the romantically-inclined Amaranthine Saga, with all of its attendant short stories & serials.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
As a reader, this account is where I rate and review manga.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
October 25, 2021
Red flowers oh flowery bower
At its heart this novel answers many questions that have persisted through the Amaranthine Saga. Questions about the Rogue, about Akira & Tsumiko's parentage, about tree-kin and for me at least, when Akira was going to grow a clue about Suuzu.
I love him, but stars above he could be somewhat dense (to be fair Suuzu was trying really hard not to influence the nature of their relationship).
A staple of these novels, and the Interludes (called "Songs"), is the world building lore of how the Clans communicate. With each other, with the world around them, with unendowed humans. Each book has explored a new right of courtship and no two Clans, even minorly connected ones, are the same.
Another hallmark tends to be that the "miko" particpant is adrift in some manner. Tsumiko in a new world, Kimiko with her future, Tamiko in a changing world, Mikoto with his new role and now Fumiko with her half-remembered happy days. Their Amaranthine partner always grounds them, lends them direction, gives them hope.
A return of many well knowns is hardly surprising given Akira is practically at the heart of all their stories somehow. Those not seen are mentioned and felt in every scene.
Selfishly I was so happy to see some of the characters equally unimpressed and bemused by how Reavers and the In-Between handles certain matters. If this was a different series I'd suspect malice, but really its more a product of well intentioned extreme secrecy.
The end sets up some of what to expect in Book 6, as much as it hurts my heart to know, there's also SUCH a beautiful moment for two of my favorite characters and a promise of MUCH MORE of my absolute favorite.
At its heart this novel answers many questions that have persisted through the Amaranthine Saga. Questions about the Rogue, about Akira & Tsumiko's parentage, about tree-kin and for me at least, when Akira was going to grow a clue about Suuzu.
I love him, but stars above he could be somewhat dense (to be fair Suuzu was trying really hard not to influence the nature of their relationship).
A staple of these novels, and the Interludes (called "Songs"), is the world building lore of how the Clans communicate. With each other, with the world around them, with unendowed humans. Each book has explored a new right of courtship and no two Clans, even minorly connected ones, are the same.
Another hallmark tends to be that the "miko" particpant is adrift in some manner. Tsumiko in a new world, Kimiko with her future, Tamiko in a changing world, Mikoto with his new role and now Fumiko with her half-remembered happy days. Their Amaranthine partner always grounds them, lends them direction, gives them hope.
A return of many well knowns is hardly surprising given Akira is practically at the heart of all their stories somehow. Those not seen are mentioned and felt in every scene.
Selfishly I was so happy to see some of the characters equally unimpressed and bemused by how Reavers and the In-Between handles certain matters. If this was a different series I'd suspect malice, but really its more a product of well intentioned extreme secrecy.
The end sets up some of what to expect in Book 6, as much as it hurts my heart to know, there's also SUCH a beautiful moment for two of my favorite characters and a promise of MUCH MORE of my absolute favorite.
February 16, 2022
Sometimes you find an author that you think that you love the work of, only to find that they continue to disappoint the more books they write.
She's written such... horrible tropes of lgbt erasure seemingly without having any idea why that's a bad thing. If I had to hear another BUT THEY WERE ROOMMATES! BEST FRIENDS! THE BEST OF FRIENDS! (BTW TOTALLY NO HOMO) I will actually scream. She straight faced wrote 'but they were roommates', I can't even.
Sure sure, the amaranthine can fall in love with literal animals, not even just kith but like, a random dog off the street- so long as they can breed together, and straight couples with zero chemistry can fall in love literally at first sight, but two guys practically (or literally making out)? Just the best of best friends!
Let's deck out the very human behavioured submissive flamboyant dragon who cries about missing snuggling with the dude in the last book in literal rainbow colors.... and still make sure to point out that he's definitely for sure 100% straight as heck.
Like, I'm all for challenging gender stereotypes and making same gender couples be able to snuggle without it being sexual, but this is a romance series with some seriously problematic views where straight couples are falling in love without writing any chemistry, but any hint of anything non-straight is just increasingly offensive queerbaiting, or unrequited and forgotten about.
I know all too well that it is more difficult to find a partner while gay, but this is just ridiculous. It seems near impossible for any of the non-straight characters to actually meet anyone the same, ever.
She's written such... horrible tropes of lgbt erasure seemingly without having any idea why that's a bad thing. If I had to hear another BUT THEY WERE ROOMMATES! BEST FRIENDS! THE BEST OF FRIENDS! (BTW TOTALLY NO HOMO) I will actually scream. She straight faced wrote 'but they were roommates', I can't even.
Sure sure, the amaranthine can fall in love with literal animals, not even just kith but like, a random dog off the street- so long as they can breed together, and straight couples with zero chemistry can fall in love literally at first sight, but two guys practically (or literally making out)? Just the best of best friends!
Let's deck out the very human behavioured submissive flamboyant dragon who cries about missing snuggling with the dude in the last book in literal rainbow colors.... and still make sure to point out that he's definitely for sure 100% straight as heck.
Like, I'm all for challenging gender stereotypes and making same gender couples be able to snuggle without it being sexual, but this is a romance series with some seriously problematic views where straight couples are falling in love without writing any chemistry, but any hint of anything non-straight is just increasingly offensive queerbaiting, or unrequited and forgotten about.
I know all too well that it is more difficult to find a partner while gay, but this is just ridiculous. It seems near impossible for any of the non-straight characters to actually meet anyone the same, ever.
June 4, 2023
This does not read like a romance. Granted, almost none of the Amaranthine Saga read like true romances; but this takes an even lighter hand to an already barely there subplot. To me, it reads like addiction, base instinct and exploitation of a vulnerable soul (in more ways than one).
It's getting harder to keep the sub plots straight-I read 3 of the 4 previous books back to back before starting this one (a matter of days, not months) and I frequently had to stop to remind myself of things - what are the Junzi? Why do we care?
I also feel like the Juuyu of this book and the Juuyu of the last novel we actually saw him in (Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal) are two entirely different characters. Yes, there are plenty of 'nestling' comments but the personality reads differently. Now, people can and DO change over the span of a decade -approximately the time between novels, but it is hard to maintain attention when the character I enjoyed in one novel behaves a completely different way in another.
SPOILERS
I am also, like many MANY others, sick of the arranged breeding. It's exploitation, plan and simple. You MUST produce offspring, from sperm donors of our choice, to maintain your safety. There are enforced filters so that the tree can not access other pollination, while the tree-kin is FORCED to reproduce.
In the previous novel, an ELEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD became betrothed to a TWENTY SIX YEAR OLD MAN. And NO ONE had a problem with it. It was ok, as long as the 26 year old waited until the child was ... I want to say 16-19? to come together.
THIS IS NOT OK.
I understand that this is fiction, but it meant to be fiction set within our own world, with many of our cultural mores. The times have changed - even in the US of today, where women might as well still be property, this would be illegal.
#soapbox
It's getting harder to keep the sub plots straight-I read 3 of the 4 previous books back to back before starting this one (a matter of days, not months) and I frequently had to stop to remind myself of things - what are the Junzi? Why do we care?
I also feel like the Juuyu of this book and the Juuyu of the last novel we actually saw him in (Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal) are two entirely different characters. Yes, there are plenty of 'nestling' comments but the personality reads differently. Now, people can and DO change over the span of a decade -approximately the time between novels, but it is hard to maintain attention when the character I enjoyed in one novel behaves a completely different way in another.
SPOILERS
I am also, like many MANY others, sick of the arranged breeding. It's exploitation, plan and simple. You MUST produce offspring, from sperm donors of our choice, to maintain your safety. There are enforced filters so that the tree can not access other pollination, while the tree-kin is FORCED to reproduce.
In the previous novel, an ELEVEN YEAR OLD CHILD became betrothed to a TWENTY SIX YEAR OLD MAN. And NO ONE had a problem with it. It was ok, as long as the 26 year old waited until the child was ... I want to say 16-19? to come together.
THIS IS NOT OK.
I understand that this is fiction, but it meant to be fiction set within our own world, with many of our cultural mores. The times have changed - even in the US of today, where women might as well still be property, this would be illegal.
#soapbox
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2024
Again, this was such a great read, I loved being with these characters, and I can't wait to continue on with my reread!
*Second Read October 22nd, 2022*
Loved reading this book again, getting some of the details I missed the first time, because these books just have so much going on! Can't wait to continue now!
*First Read October 28th, 2021*
Loved this story, loved what it added to the world, and it was a little confusing, but yeah, great story, can't wait for the next one, because the ending of this one has implications, as well has started what the title of the next book seems to follow!
*Second Read October 22nd, 2022*
Loved reading this book again, getting some of the details I missed the first time, because these books just have so much going on! Can't wait to continue now!
*First Read October 28th, 2021*
Loved this story, loved what it added to the world, and it was a little confusing, but yeah, great story, can't wait for the next one, because the ending of this one has implications, as well has started what the title of the next book seems to follow!
October 27, 2021
Juuyu Farroost and his teammates have been tracking the rogue for years, but a new urgent series of thefts sends them to a safehouse in the boughs of orphan tree nearby to a museum with a valuable artifact. But the clutter of the tree, is causing them trouble, just as the secrets sheltered in it.
Why I started this book: Forthright is always a lovely, gentle story and fun retreat from reality.
Why I finished it: This book felt more like a bridge book, answering some questions from earlier in the series but building towards a larger finish in the next book.
Why I started this book: Forthright is always a lovely, gentle story and fun retreat from reality.
Why I finished it: This book felt more like a bridge book, answering some questions from earlier in the series but building towards a larger finish in the next book.
October 27, 2021
I can’t even articulate my love for this series. Today I basically neglected everything I was supposed to do in order to read this book, and I now have the biggest book hangover (I don’t regret it!). These stories and characters keep getting better and better. This one especially begins to bring the story back together with a lot of beloved characters. The plot also begins to tighten, setting up some things for the future. Akira was a main character in this one again and I want to cry happy tears about it (Akira and Suuzu forever). I don’t know how I’ll wait for the next installment.
November 14, 2021
Another sweet story in the Amaranthine Saga. It took me a while to get back in the groove and remember who is who, but eventually it pulled me in and held me close. Trill :)
These are stories that are big puzzles and mysteries, with small bits left out here and there until the story wraps up. Quite the cliffhanger this time! I had to google "Amaranthine golden seed" so I could remember the significance.
So, this one goes back to the original story, with Akira and Tsumiko. I was surprised to see this looping back and finding out some of their history. Meeting family and learning his secrets, seeing how it all aligns with the hunt for the Rogue. We get to meet Fumiko and Zuzu, and see Juuzu get chosen. Fumiko's life made me so sad for her.
Its interesting to see all the characters in the "Team" as they descend on the Tree and the Museum in order to protect the Bamboo Stave from being stolen. Interesting how the whole thing was based around trees- don't want to give away a twist on the tree thing but it was very unexpected. Really well done. And always, anxious for the next book :)
These are stories that are big puzzles and mysteries, with small bits left out here and there until the story wraps up. Quite the cliffhanger this time! I had to google "Amaranthine golden seed" so I could remember the significance.
So, this one goes back to the original story, with Akira and Tsumiko. I was surprised to see this looping back and finding out some of their history. Meeting family and learning his secrets, seeing how it all aligns with the hunt for the Rogue. We get to meet Fumiko and Zuzu, and see Juuzu get chosen. Fumiko's life made me so sad for her.
Its interesting to see all the characters in the "Team" as they descend on the Tree and the Museum in order to protect the Bamboo Stave from being stolen. Interesting how the whole thing was based around trees- don't want to give away a twist on the tree thing but it was very unexpected. Really well done. And always, anxious for the next book :)
October 30, 2021
Holy shit, forthright really did that! AHHHH.
.
.
November 2, 2021
Another stunning book by Forthright. The main plot is about stopping a robbery, quite like the policemen trying to stop Lupin in the old French novels. Our “antagonist” is aptly named Gentlemen Thief, for stealing the Four Gentlemen (such as Kikusawa Shrine’s Chrysanthemum Blaze). Forthright keeps on subtly building her overarching dragon subplot, with some interesting stakes for the next book in the series.
Our starring couple is Juuyu, tribute Phoenix and Suuzu’s older brother, and Fumiko, the “human” half of a tree twin combo.
Fumiko and her sister have been isolated from the world for a long time, starving them for family, love and affection. Fumiko is an interesting character being lonely and vulnerable but having the wisdom of a long lived life. She’s an unusual character, in both her acts and thoughts, both living in the unhappy present and the past full of memories.
Juuyu is a tribute Phoenix, meaning he can’t choose a mate for his own but only be chosen (similarly to Eloquence Starmark in Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal). He’s a very contained character, focused and detail oriented.
Like all of Forthright’s other couples, their relationship develops slowly and quietly. Still waters run deep, as they say. Fumiko, while shy, is the more forward one, making her interest quite clear from the beginning while Juuyu’s feeling slowly sneak up on him. They’re an adorable couple.
Some years have passed between this book and the last, which means we got to see a grownup Akira and Suuzu. Seeing the disparity between Akira’s growth and Suuzu’s (seeing as one is immortal and one is not) was an interesting twist in their relationship.
The smorgasbord of secondary characters was a bit overwhelming at first but colorful, with reappearances of older characters (such as Jacques, Argent and Juuyu’s teammates).
All in all, it’s another great book with Forthright's signature style. This book will be best appreciated if you’ve read the previous books in the series, though the book’s main plot stands on its own.
Our starring couple is Juuyu, tribute Phoenix and Suuzu’s older brother, and Fumiko, the “human” half of a tree twin combo.
Fumiko and her sister have been isolated from the world for a long time, starving them for family, love and affection. Fumiko is an interesting character being lonely and vulnerable but having the wisdom of a long lived life. She’s an unusual character, in both her acts and thoughts, both living in the unhappy present and the past full of memories.
Juuyu is a tribute Phoenix, meaning he can’t choose a mate for his own but only be chosen (similarly to Eloquence Starmark in Kimiko and the Accidental Proposal). He’s a very contained character, focused and detail oriented.
Like all of Forthright’s other couples, their relationship develops slowly and quietly. Still waters run deep, as they say. Fumiko, while shy, is the more forward one, making her interest quite clear from the beginning while Juuyu’s feeling slowly sneak up on him. They’re an adorable couple.
Some years have passed between this book and the last, which means we got to see a grownup Akira and Suuzu. Seeing the disparity between Akira’s growth and Suuzu’s (seeing as one is immortal and one is not) was an interesting twist in their relationship.
The smorgasbord of secondary characters was a bit overwhelming at first but colorful, with reappearances of older characters (such as Jacques, Argent and Juuyu’s teammates).
All in all, it’s another great book with Forthright's signature style. This book will be best appreciated if you’ve read the previous books in the series, though the book’s main plot stands on its own.
December 22, 2021
Another excellent addition… for the most part.
As always, Forthright spins an intriguing story that keeps me riveted from beginning to end. I’m so impressed with her imagination and the world and characters she has created and am looking forward to the next installment. She has a way with words and it is magical.
That being said, my biggest criticism of her series overall is that it’s not very well edited. I reread the first four books to reacquaint myself with the characters before starting this one and the one consistency throughout each book are grammatical errors. One or two would be easily overlooked, but there are numerous errors scattered throughout every single book (although a few less in this one). Things that even a basic program like Grammarly ought to catch.
I don’t know if the author self-edits or has hired an editor.
If the former, she REALLY needs to hire a professional to edit for her. It is so difficult to edit your own work and actually catch all of the mistakes. (In one instance the wrong name was used for the wrong character, as an example)
If there is in fact another person who edits the books then I’d suggest firing that idiot because they are clearly not a professional or are earning their paycheck.
In fanfiction, grammatical errors are fine. Normal, no harm, no foul. But in purchased books, I think the customer has the right to expect higher standards of quality for something they pay for. As I said, one or two errors here and there are fine. Even traditionally published novels have those. But up to a dozen errors sprinkled throughout EACH BOOK … not so much.
Hire a competent editor. Please.
As always, Forthright spins an intriguing story that keeps me riveted from beginning to end. I’m so impressed with her imagination and the world and characters she has created and am looking forward to the next installment. She has a way with words and it is magical.
That being said, my biggest criticism of her series overall is that it’s not very well edited. I reread the first four books to reacquaint myself with the characters before starting this one and the one consistency throughout each book are grammatical errors. One or two would be easily overlooked, but there are numerous errors scattered throughout every single book (although a few less in this one). Things that even a basic program like Grammarly ought to catch.
I don’t know if the author self-edits or has hired an editor.
If the former, she REALLY needs to hire a professional to edit for her. It is so difficult to edit your own work and actually catch all of the mistakes. (In one instance the wrong name was used for the wrong character, as an example)
If there is in fact another person who edits the books then I’d suggest firing that idiot because they are clearly not a professional or are earning their paycheck.
In fanfiction, grammatical errors are fine. Normal, no harm, no foul. But in purchased books, I think the customer has the right to expect higher standards of quality for something they pay for. As I said, one or two errors here and there are fine. Even traditionally published novels have those. But up to a dozen errors sprinkled throughout EACH BOOK … not so much.
Hire a competent editor. Please.
January 5, 2024
I thought this addition was very cute and generally wholesome. Fumiko has a cozy haziness to her that I think is very interesting, and the way she interacts with Juuyu is gentle and works in good progression. I also liked seeing how the Gentleman Bandit is depicted and how he engages with the protagonists. I did call the first twist with him, but I didn't feel like it was telegraphed too hard or anything like that. The second twist was one that was good for worldbuilding and I thought really made sense and developed other characters trajectories as well. This one was slower than the others in a lot of ways, a lot more aimed at subterfuge and chess maneuvering while trying to work out the mystery of the Gentleman Bandit and prevent him from succeeding in his heist. Still enjoyed it!
Spoiler
Juuyu reading the romance novel is frickin adorable, I love his transition from disliking them to having respect for the book by the end. It made me very happy.
Spoiler
Juuyu reading the romance novel is frickin adorable, I love his transition from disliking them to having respect for the book by the end. It made me very happy.
October 23, 2021
Lovely book and series
Well done book in the primary Amaranthine series featuring Akira and Juuyu. Story links to the previous books add to the enjoyment. I also really enjoy the delicacy of emotion and language expressed in many scenes from this author. There is an emotional intelligence and maturity that comes through and makes me recommend this for all readers Teen through Senior, even though it’s primarily in the fantasy genre. There is a notable flavor of what I imagine a Japanese fairytale tastes like. Don’t let stubbornness or prejudice make you lose out on this opportunity.
Well done book in the primary Amaranthine series featuring Akira and Juuyu. Story links to the previous books add to the enjoyment. I also really enjoy the delicacy of emotion and language expressed in many scenes from this author. There is an emotional intelligence and maturity that comes through and makes me recommend this for all readers Teen through Senior, even though it’s primarily in the fantasy genre. There is a notable flavor of what I imagine a Japanese fairytale tastes like. Don’t let stubbornness or prejudice make you lose out on this opportunity.
November 9, 2021
Human tree twin Fumiko and her sister Zuzu the Amaranthine tree are alone.
Then the phoenix Juuyu shows up with an entire crew working on Argent Mettlebright's behalf.
Akira has tagged along because he is on a rare vacation and has never been to California.
And then the game is afoot!
Yes, like the other Miko books this is Fumiko's & Juuyu's love story. But this is Akira's book as well.
Highly recommended for longtime Amaranthine Saga series fans, urban fantasy fans, and fans of plots with a LOT of moving pieces!
Then the phoenix Juuyu shows up with an entire crew working on Argent Mettlebright's behalf.
Akira has tagged along because he is on a rare vacation and has never been to California.
And then the game is afoot!
Yes, like the other Miko books this is Fumiko's & Juuyu's love story. But this is Akira's book as well.
Highly recommended for longtime Amaranthine Saga series fans, urban fantasy fans, and fans of plots with a LOT of moving pieces!
November 3, 2021
Another lovely installment
This is the fifth installment to the Amaranthine Saga and it is just as sweet as the others before jt. As always, every character has their own quirks and connections one can't help but adore. I am never not interested in a single person introduced in this series and I am already not so patiently waiting for the next book. If you haven't already, check out this series and Galleries of Stone. Beautiful reads every one.
This is the fifth installment to the Amaranthine Saga and it is just as sweet as the others before jt. As always, every character has their own quirks and connections one can't help but adore. I am never not interested in a single person introduced in this series and I am already not so patiently waiting for the next book. If you haven't already, check out this series and Galleries of Stone. Beautiful reads every one.
November 4, 2021
Fantastic as always
First, a warning: a rather thick strand of this story is very much a cliffhanger, which surprised me because past entries have been more self contained. This isn't a quibble! The author executed perfectly. I just happen to be IMPATIENT FOR THE REST
That being said, its an utterly delightful addition to this series and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys cozy lore-centric found family tales.
ALL THE STARS
First, a warning: a rather thick strand of this story is very much a cliffhanger, which surprised me because past entries have been more self contained. This isn't a quibble! The author executed perfectly. I just happen to be IMPATIENT FOR THE REST
That being said, its an utterly delightful addition to this series and I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys cozy lore-centric found family tales.
ALL THE STARS
November 28, 2021
Weaving together
I've been reading this series for a while now, and it gives an escape like no other. My suggestion is to allow yourself to feel as the characters do, because the emotion in this series is top-notch. This book in particular brings the story to it's trembling climax for certain events, and how the characters feel and respond to them. This is a series worth reading.
I've been reading this series for a while now, and it gives an escape like no other. My suggestion is to allow yourself to feel as the characters do, because the emotion in this series is top-notch. This book in particular brings the story to it's trembling climax for certain events, and how the characters feel and respond to them. This is a series worth reading.
May 20, 2025
3.5 stars but I can't tell if I actually like this book, or if I'm experiencing Stockholm syndrome.
I just know I'm relived this wasn't like Mikoto's book.
Regardless, what I've learned from this series is that if you're straight you will fall in love and get married as soon as you spend 2-3 chapters together. But if you're queer it'll take you 5 books to kiss and then immediately be separated from one another for the foreseeable future. So if you're on a rush, be straight I guess.
I just know I'm relived this wasn't like Mikoto's book.
Regardless, what I've learned from this series is that if you're straight you will fall in love and get married as soon as you spend 2-3 chapters together. But if you're queer it'll take you 5 books to kiss and then immediately be separated from one another for the foreseeable future. So if you're on a rush, be straight I guess.
October 23, 2021
Surprises
This book is full of surprises. I appreciated the discussion about whether love and sex have to be intertwined, because not all love is sexual. That said this book went several ways that builds up this series and I really need to see where is goes because I do have questions after that cliff hangerish ending.
This book is full of surprises. I appreciated the discussion about whether love and sex have to be intertwined, because not all love is sexual. That said this book went several ways that builds up this series and I really need to see where is goes because I do have questions after that cliff hangerish ending.
March 20, 2025
This book made leaps and bounds in the story telling. So much happened in this book. I love all the new characters. My heart was so moved but what happened to characters I have come to know and adore. The world building exploded in this book. Such an amazing amount of information. I absolutely loved it. I can’t wait to find out what will happen next.
October 23, 2021
So many secrets!
Tree secrets, Hajime secrets, phoenixes and dragons and more are subtly drawn out. I loved this story focused on a growing up Akira and the many choices and surprises he has in store.
Tree secrets, Hajime secrets, phoenixes and dragons and more are subtly drawn out. I loved this story focused on a growing up Akira and the many choices and surprises he has in store.
October 27, 2021
Beautiful.
So many familiar and new wonderful characters. Forthright’s stories are the ultimate in comfort and adventure. Akira is a personal favorite—thank you for continuing his journey.
So many familiar and new wonderful characters. Forthright’s stories are the ultimate in comfort and adventure. Akira is a personal favorite—thank you for continuing his journey.
October 29, 2021
Forthright hasn't disappointed us again. Another great story with tons of romance leading closer and closer to finding out who the rogue is. I am in love with this book can't wait for the next one in the series. 1000 percent would recommend.
May 6, 2022
The vastness
I love how deep and wide the amaranthine saga is. I love it!
Each addition is pure gold!
(honestly I really hate a minimum word requirement. It forces me to sound stupid with my efforts to fill the required number)
I love how deep and wide the amaranthine saga is. I love it!
Each addition is pure gold!
(honestly I really hate a minimum word requirement. It forces me to sound stupid with my efforts to fill the required number)
October 22, 2021
Another delightful book
A lot of favourite characters reunite in this book. Great to see Akira in a starring role and to find out the surprising family history.
A lot of favourite characters reunite in this book. Great to see Akira in a starring role and to find out the surprising family history.
October 23, 2021
Trees 🌳
I really enjoyed following this series and can't wait for the next installment. Finally we learn some of the secrets of the trees. Please write more with these characters!
I really enjoyed following this series and can't wait for the next installment. Finally we learn some of the secrets of the trees. Please write more with these characters!
October 24, 2021
A journey through many types of love
I love these stories. They are so varied and refreshingly unique. I can not wait to meet the myriad of children...
I love these stories. They are so varied and refreshingly unique. I can not wait to meet the myriad of children...
October 28, 2021
Wonderful
I loved it
I've fallen in love with the stories and the way the author has opened up a new world. I can't wait for the next book!
I loved it
I've fallen in love with the stories and the way the author has opened up a new world. I can't wait for the next book!
November 21, 2021
I honestly can't wait for more!
March 12, 2022
I'm starting to want the background story arc to be done already - I hadn't realized this wasn't the last book, so was disappointed in that still being up in the air
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2022
Felt a bit like it was going everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews