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The Kinder Poison #3
The Sweetest Betrayal
In this heart-pounding conclusion to The Kinder Poison trilogy—which People magazine proclaimed a "delicious high-stakes adventure"—war looms over Orkena, but can Zahru save her people without losing herself?
War has come to Orkena.
Zahru has risen as Mestrah, and she is determined to peacefully end the escalating tensions with Wyrim, her country’s long-time enemy. Yet diplomacy proves to be futile, and when Zahru turns to Orkena’s allies for help, she finds that none are willing to come to her aid—not without Kasta ruling at her side.
As Wyrim advances on the capital, Zahru is desperate to protect her people, even if that means accepting Kasta’s help. But her enemy is merciless. And as ambushes and betrayals push Zahru to increasingly dark tactics, she wonders if perhaps Kasta had it right all along: maybe peace was never an option ... and maybe she was never meant to do this alone.
Can Zahru spare her enemy without sacrificing her kingdom? Or will Orkena’s salvation only come if Zahru becomes the monster her people need?
War has come to Orkena.
Zahru has risen as Mestrah, and she is determined to peacefully end the escalating tensions with Wyrim, her country’s long-time enemy. Yet diplomacy proves to be futile, and when Zahru turns to Orkena’s allies for help, she finds that none are willing to come to her aid—not without Kasta ruling at her side.
As Wyrim advances on the capital, Zahru is desperate to protect her people, even if that means accepting Kasta’s help. But her enemy is merciless. And as ambushes and betrayals push Zahru to increasingly dark tactics, she wonders if perhaps Kasta had it right all along: maybe peace was never an option ... and maybe she was never meant to do this alone.
Can Zahru spare her enemy without sacrificing her kingdom? Or will Orkena’s salvation only come if Zahru becomes the monster her people need?
394 pages, Hardcover
Published February 14, 2023
74 people are currently reading
6971 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Mae
3 books579 followersNatalie Mae is the bestselling author of The Kinder Poison trilogy and other young adult novels. She has also been a freelance editor and writing mentor, and she feels it notable to mention she once held a job where she had to feed spiders. Find her online at nataliemaebooks.com or on Instagram @ByNatalieMae.
*Note that this Goodreads account is not monitored. To get in touch with Natalie, please visit her Instagram or website.
*Note that this Goodreads account is not monitored. To get in touch with Natalie, please visit her Instagram or website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
February 24, 2023
A masterpiece. The Sweetest Betrayal is the perfect conclusion to one of the best, most underrated series in YA Fantasy right now. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Reading this series has been such a journey for me. I first read The Kinder Poison a few days before its release in June 2020, having received a copy to review, and instantly fell in love with it. Then, I read The Cruelest Mercy a few months early in March 2021, which only made my obsession with this series grow. And now, here we are. The last book, the end of this chapter.
I'm proud to say that The Kinder Poison is an all-time favourite of mine, and the series of my heart. Because of that, I will never be able to find the words to describe just how much this series means to me – and how special and amazing and flawless this last book was. I loved every second of it.
I’m a firm believer that characters can make or break a book, and Natalie Mae’s are some of the best you’ll find. Zahru is probably my favourite protagonist ever, and her journey throughout this series is a joy to experience. After the events of The Cruelest Mercy, Zahru is left unsure who to trust, and lying to her friends about the full truth behind Kasta’s abdication, who grow more wary of her – and the lengths she’ll go to to get what she wants – with every passing day. She’s insistent she certainly can’t trust Kasta, but yet can’t stay away from him, no matter how hard she tries. I’m a sucker for hero corruption arcs, and after getting a taste of it in the previous book, The Sweetest Betrayal absolutely delivered on this sorely underused trope.
I adore Kasta with my whole heart, but this shouldn’t be news to anyone. If you’re in search of a new morally grey love interest to totally rot your brain, look no further. I know a lot of YA Fantasy readers are fans of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince, but Cardan can’t hold a candle to Kasta. Just as with Zahru, his arc throughout this series was incredible. The Sweetest Betrayal-Kasta might be my favourite 'version' of him, as without his desire for magic and relegated to being an advisor, his focus is now fully on Zahru. Though, that doesn't mean he's not still the brooding, morally grey prince we all know and love – you never know exactly what he's up to or what he's hiding, which made for all the more fun (see: pain and internal screaming) while reading.
Can we finally talk about the crown jewel of this series? Kastazahru. The loves of my life. When I tell you this book served and left ZERO crumbs, you’d best believe it. Nat did NOT come to play with The Sweetest Betrayal. This series - but this last book especially - is an enemies to lovers fan’s DREAM. Everything you could ever want, Nat delivers: "Touch her and I'll kill you", "Who did this to you?", hate-kissing, jealousy, allllll the angst and tension – I could go on.
The Sweetest Betrayal also brought with it my favourite scene in the entire trilogy... the Bracelet Scene. You'll know it when you get there! When I read that scene, I DIED on the inside. I honestly had to put my book down for a second, and even thought about stopping for the day, because I needed A Minute to process what I'd just read, and there was no way it could get better... right?
Friends, it did indeed get much better.
I am very pleased to say there is some spice in this book. And yes, it was absolutely worth the 2 year+ wait. It’s not anything super graphic, but it’s very, very clear what’s happening but without using any Actual Words, if you get my meaning.
The supporting cast were, as usual, a delight. I truly love all of them, which I can’t say about most series. I was most excited to see Hen again, with all her deviousness and antics, and she delivered in spades. Some of her scenes were especially hilarious – I won’t spoil them for you though. Melia and Marcus round out the team in the best way, and I have to make the point here of thanking Nat for feeding Marcus. The poor man has been starving for two books straight! I didn't see it coming, but I loved what Nat did with Jet's storyline in The Sweetest Betrayal. Team Jet fans, I promise you won't be disappointed!
I'm definitely a character-focused reader, so usually plot and worldbuilding aren't something I pay too much attention to, but with The Kinder Poison series – and The Sweetest Betrayal in particular – you can't help but do exactly that. Just as with the first two books, the plot here is fast-paced and tightly-woven, and the gorgeous worldbuilding is expanded further, with Zahru and friends journeying outside Orkena's borders to Greka and Wyrim in their efforts to end the war. Reading The Sweetest Betrayal was like being on the best rollercoaster and never wanting it to end.. There are also 2 epilogues, and I can't talk about either of them because MAJOR SPOILERS but please know they singlehandedly resurrected me from my Bracelet Scene death.
Not too long ago, there was a time when I thought this book would never exist. But now that I’ve finally read it (6 times over, by the time you're reading this review) and it’s soon making it’s way into the world, I couldn’t be any happier.
The Sweetest Betrayal is an absolute triumph, and showcases Natalie Mae’s tremendous talent, cementing her as one of the best writers in YA fiction (fantasy or otherwise) today.
Anyone who hasn't read this series is sleeping on Natalie's phenomenal work and, quite frankly, that's a crime. This series IS the blueprint.
I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do now my favourite series is over, except reread it immediately and cry all over again.
↠ 1 billion stars
Literally the biggest thank you IN THE WORLD to Nat for sending me an ARC of The Sweetest Betrayal. ILY!!!! If my house was burning and I could only save one book, it would be this one.
Blog ✦ Instagram ✦ Twitter ✦
Reading dates:
November 16th 2022
November 18th 2022 - November 20th 2022
December 12th 2022
January 1st 2023
January 29th 2023
February 14th 2023 - February 18th 2023
Reading this series has been such a journey for me. I first read The Kinder Poison a few days before its release in June 2020, having received a copy to review, and instantly fell in love with it. Then, I read The Cruelest Mercy a few months early in March 2021, which only made my obsession with this series grow. And now, here we are. The last book, the end of this chapter.
I'm proud to say that The Kinder Poison is an all-time favourite of mine, and the series of my heart. Because of that, I will never be able to find the words to describe just how much this series means to me – and how special and amazing and flawless this last book was. I loved every second of it.
I’m a firm believer that characters can make or break a book, and Natalie Mae’s are some of the best you’ll find. Zahru is probably my favourite protagonist ever, and her journey throughout this series is a joy to experience. After the events of The Cruelest Mercy, Zahru is left unsure who to trust, and lying to her friends about the full truth behind Kasta’s abdication, who grow more wary of her – and the lengths she’ll go to to get what she wants – with every passing day. She’s insistent she certainly can’t trust Kasta, but yet can’t stay away from him, no matter how hard she tries. I’m a sucker for hero corruption arcs, and after getting a taste of it in the previous book, The Sweetest Betrayal absolutely delivered on this sorely underused trope.
I adore Kasta with my whole heart, but this shouldn’t be news to anyone. If you’re in search of a new morally grey love interest to totally rot your brain, look no further. I know a lot of YA Fantasy readers are fans of Holly Black’s The Cruel Prince, but Cardan can’t hold a candle to Kasta. Just as with Zahru, his arc throughout this series was incredible. The Sweetest Betrayal-Kasta might be my favourite 'version' of him, as without his desire for magic and relegated to being an advisor, his focus is now fully on Zahru. Though, that doesn't mean he's not still the brooding, morally grey prince we all know and love – you never know exactly what he's up to or what he's hiding, which made for all the more fun (see: pain and internal screaming) while reading.
Can we finally talk about the crown jewel of this series? Kastazahru. The loves of my life. When I tell you this book served and left ZERO crumbs, you’d best believe it. Nat did NOT come to play with The Sweetest Betrayal. This series - but this last book especially - is an enemies to lovers fan’s DREAM. Everything you could ever want, Nat delivers: "Touch her and I'll kill you", "Who did this to you?", hate-kissing, jealousy, allllll the angst and tension – I could go on.
The Sweetest Betrayal also brought with it my favourite scene in the entire trilogy... the Bracelet Scene. You'll know it when you get there! When I read that scene, I DIED on the inside. I honestly had to put my book down for a second, and even thought about stopping for the day, because I needed A Minute to process what I'd just read, and there was no way it could get better... right?
Friends, it did indeed get much better.
I am very pleased to say there is some spice in this book. And yes, it was absolutely worth the 2 year+ wait. It’s not anything super graphic, but it’s very, very clear what’s happening but without using any Actual Words, if you get my meaning.
The supporting cast were, as usual, a delight. I truly love all of them, which I can’t say about most series. I was most excited to see Hen again, with all her deviousness and antics, and she delivered in spades. Some of her scenes were especially hilarious – I won’t spoil them for you though. Melia and Marcus round out the team in the best way, and I have to make the point here of thanking Nat for feeding Marcus. The poor man has been starving for two books straight! I didn't see it coming, but I loved what Nat did with Jet's storyline in The Sweetest Betrayal. Team Jet fans, I promise you won't be disappointed!
I'm definitely a character-focused reader, so usually plot and worldbuilding aren't something I pay too much attention to, but with The Kinder Poison series – and The Sweetest Betrayal in particular – you can't help but do exactly that. Just as with the first two books, the plot here is fast-paced and tightly-woven, and the gorgeous worldbuilding is expanded further, with Zahru and friends journeying outside Orkena's borders to Greka and Wyrim in their efforts to end the war. Reading The Sweetest Betrayal was like being on the best rollercoaster and never wanting it to end.. There are also 2 epilogues, and I can't talk about either of them because MAJOR SPOILERS but please know they singlehandedly resurrected me from my Bracelet Scene death.
Not too long ago, there was a time when I thought this book would never exist. But now that I’ve finally read it (6 times over, by the time you're reading this review) and it’s soon making it’s way into the world, I couldn’t be any happier.
The Sweetest Betrayal is an absolute triumph, and showcases Natalie Mae’s tremendous talent, cementing her as one of the best writers in YA fiction (fantasy or otherwise) today.
Anyone who hasn't read this series is sleeping on Natalie's phenomenal work and, quite frankly, that's a crime. This series IS the blueprint.
I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do now my favourite series is over, except reread it immediately and cry all over again.
↠ 1 billion stars
Literally the biggest thank you IN THE WORLD to Nat for sending me an ARC of The Sweetest Betrayal. ILY!!!! If my house was burning and I could only save one book, it would be this one.
Blog ✦ Instagram ✦ Twitter ✦
Reading dates:
November 16th 2022
November 18th 2022 - November 20th 2022
December 12th 2022
January 1st 2023
January 29th 2023
February 14th 2023 - February 18th 2023
February 15, 2023
she girlbossed a little too close to the sun and he was a manipulator malewife. a love story for the modern era.
Want to read
October 6, 2022EDIT: THE COVER IS SOOO PRETTY? THE TITLE????? 😭 FUCK. IDK I TRUST NATALIE THATS MY DARKLINA STAN QUEEN SO IM GONNA BELIEVE THAT SHES GIVE US A HAPPY ENDGAME
OH MY FUCKING GOD KASTAZAHRU COMING BACK TO ME 😭😭😭😭😭 LETS GO QUEEN ZAHRU CORRUPTION ARC & KASTA MALEWIFE CONSORT + REGAINING HIS EMOTION & THEM DEFEATING THE EVIL & LIVING HEA RULING TOGETHER 😫🙏🏽✨😭❤️
OH MY FUCKING GOD KASTAZAHRU COMING BACK TO ME 😭😭😭😭😭 LETS GO QUEEN ZAHRU CORRUPTION ARC & KASTA MALEWIFE CONSORT + REGAINING HIS EMOTION & THEM DEFEATING THE EVIL & LIVING HEA RULING TOGETHER 😫🙏🏽✨😭❤️
December 24, 2022
i feel so bittersweet knowing that this is the last book in this series.
because this was actually so fcking good i never wanted it to end.
the political intrigue, the fast-moving plot, the heartwarming friendships, the witty banter, the gorgeous ancient egypt-inspired world, the plot twists and betrayal, the ROMANCE
omfg the romance. the jealousy scenes, the touch-her-and-i'll-kill-you, the angsty tension, the who did this to you?, the HATE KISSING i cant i cant im actually screaming i love this so much
i've always been obsessed with kasta, but my obsession is borderline unhealthy rn. literally no other morally gray love interest even comes CLOSE to how perfect he is. kasta simply is the blueprint. the hot, older brother, villain prince who only has eyes for the mc???? hello
and zahru oh zahru. she's been one of my favorite main characters because i just love how relatable she is. well, our sweet, funny girl finally gets her much anticipated corruption arc. i love dark zahru. her development and character arc are so well written i just love her.
if you're looking for the perfect villain, enemies-to-lovers romance where they actually still hate each other and try to kill each other until the very end, literally pick up this series rn.
the sides characters bring the much needed light-hearted banter throughout the book, and i just love the bond they all have. each character is literally perfect.
'the cruelest mercy' was arguably my favorite book of all time for the last year or two. if you've read my review for it, you know why. but this second i finished this book, that title had been replaced with 'the sweetest betrayal'
i'm at a loss for more words to describe how much i loved this. this series is so criminally underrated it makes me cry. these books do not get nearly enough hype, and i just know that if more people read them, they'd blow up.
i'm gonna go cry some more over the fact that this series is over. and then go reread it for the fifth time.
---------------
edit: i- omfg i just received an email and the fcking physical arc from THE natalie mae herself. i can literally die happy. my life is complete.
(after i read it, of course. then i will content.)
--------------
CRYING SCREAMING THROWING UP I AM SO FCKING EXCITED OH MY FCKING GOD
THE SCREECH I LET OUT WHEN I SAW THIS ON HER STORY AHGGAGAAAAEEFJHGFDJHNF.
STOP STOP STOP GIVE IT TO ME GIVE IT TO ME GIVE IT TO ME I WILL SELL MY ENTIRE FAMILY FOR THIS RN. I WILL DO ANYTHING PLS
THIS MEANS MORE KASTA X ZAHRU JDSHG,FJDBGDVJFN I CANT YOU GUYS, I HAVENT BEEN THIS EXCITED FOR SOMETHING IN MONTHS
because this was actually so fcking good i never wanted it to end.
the political intrigue, the fast-moving plot, the heartwarming friendships, the witty banter, the gorgeous ancient egypt-inspired world, the plot twists and betrayal, the ROMANCE
omfg the romance. the jealousy scenes, the touch-her-and-i'll-kill-you, the angsty tension, the who did this to you?, the HATE KISSING i cant i cant im actually screaming i love this so much
i've always been obsessed with kasta, but my obsession is borderline unhealthy rn. literally no other morally gray love interest even comes CLOSE to how perfect he is. kasta simply is the blueprint. the hot, older brother, villain prince who only has eyes for the mc???? hello
and zahru oh zahru. she's been one of my favorite main characters because i just love how relatable she is. well, our sweet, funny girl finally gets her much anticipated corruption arc. i love dark zahru. her development and character arc are so well written i just love her.
if you're looking for the perfect villain, enemies-to-lovers romance where they actually still hate each other and try to kill each other until the very end, literally pick up this series rn.
the sides characters bring the much needed light-hearted banter throughout the book, and i just love the bond they all have. each character is literally perfect.
'the cruelest mercy' was arguably my favorite book of all time for the last year or two. if you've read my review for it, you know why. but this second i finished this book, that title had been replaced with 'the sweetest betrayal'
i'm at a loss for more words to describe how much i loved this. this series is so criminally underrated it makes me cry. these books do not get nearly enough hype, and i just know that if more people read them, they'd blow up.
i'm gonna go cry some more over the fact that this series is over. and then go reread it for the fifth time.
---------------
edit: i- omfg i just received an email and the fcking physical arc from THE natalie mae herself. i can literally die happy. my life is complete.
(after i read it, of course. then i will content.)
--------------
CRYING SCREAMING THROWING UP I AM SO FCKING EXCITED OH MY FCKING GOD
THE SCREECH I LET OUT WHEN I SAW THIS ON HER STORY AHGGAGAAAAEEFJHGFDJHNF.
STOP STOP STOP GIVE IT TO ME GIVE IT TO ME GIVE IT TO ME I WILL SELL MY ENTIRE FAMILY FOR THIS RN. I WILL DO ANYTHING PLS
THIS MEANS MORE KASTA X ZAHRU JDSHG,FJDBGDVJFN I CANT YOU GUYS, I HAVENT BEEN THIS EXCITED FOR SOMETHING IN MONTHS
May 11, 2023
FINALLYYYYY!! MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED 😭😭😭 IF ONLY I COULD FAST FORWARD TO 14FEB 23.
GOSH THE TITLE AND THE BLURB!!!!! AHHH MORE POWER TO KASTAXZAHRU ❤❤❤❤ CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN BACK TO MY BABIES. THANK YOU NATALIE FOR BLESSING US! 🥳
GOSH THE TITLE AND THE BLURB!!!!! AHHH MORE POWER TO KASTAXZAHRU ❤❤❤❤ CAN'T WAIT TO RETURN BACK TO MY BABIES. THANK YOU NATALIE FOR BLESSING US! 🥳
February 20, 2023
The second I read the dedication: 'For the readers.', I knew I was in trouble. I loved The Cruelest Mercy so I was stoked to hear we're getting another sequel with more fun comedy and juicy drama. Now I'm wishing it stayed a duology. This book was not necessary because it was purely fan service, and not even the good kind.
This was written keeping the h*rny teenagers on tiktok and their wishes in mind. I'm sooo disappointed because what I loved about this series was butchered. I mentioned in my reviews for the previous books that I loved how the romance was subtle and took a backseat when required. Not the case here, no ma'am. For the entirety of the book, Zahru was caught in a love triangle and kept guiltily thinking and dreaming of Kasta and not doing much besides that. Whoever decided she should be queen did not care for the kingdom, lemme tell you that! Not for one minute did I believe she could do this seriously lol. We been knew Zahru is dumb as hell and can't do shit and I adored that, truly, but here, she couldn't do anything without Kasta's help (tho I do think it was just excuses upon excuses to get him in the scene). Now! I wasn't totally against kastazahru. They could've served and from the early reviews I read, I was expecting just that but oh boy this was not IT....... the number of times I got second hand embarrassment.. Kasta's little acts of kindness and him being secretly in lurve was cute, at times, but they overdid it Especially our girl here. She was too weak.
It's so obvious the author didn't have this ending in mind when she wrote the first book because if you compare first to last book the changes are tremendous and I'm sad it was done at the cost of some characters.
The postive highlights for me were,
° Jet and Hen. My two fave characters. I'm glad they got their happy ending. It was a pleasant surprise (even tho we all know it was to get Jet out of Zahru's way which was just so silly and immature. He was done super dirty but lemme not get into that) Hen was the much needed comedic relief from day 1. Would love a spinoff with them as leads.
° The first epilogue from Jet POV. Ahhh how I wish the brother angst was more prominent throughout, instead we got this epilogue and a few crumbs.
This was written keeping the h*rny teenagers on tiktok and their wishes in mind. I'm sooo disappointed because what I loved about this series was butchered. I mentioned in my reviews for the previous books that I loved how the romance was subtle and took a backseat when required. Not the case here, no ma'am. For the entirety of the book, Zahru was caught in a love triangle and kept guiltily thinking and dreaming of Kasta and not doing much besides that. Whoever decided she should be queen did not care for the kingdom, lemme tell you that! Not for one minute did I believe she could do this seriously lol. We been knew Zahru is dumb as hell and can't do shit and I adored that, truly, but here, she couldn't do anything without Kasta's help (tho I do think it was just excuses upon excuses to get him in the scene). Now! I wasn't totally against kastazahru. They could've served and from the early reviews I read, I was expecting just that but oh boy this was not IT....... the number of times I got second hand embarrassment.. Kasta's little acts of kindness and him being secretly in lurve was cute, at times, but they overdid it Especially our girl here. She was too weak.
It's so obvious the author didn't have this ending in mind when she wrote the first book because if you compare first to last book the changes are tremendous and I'm sad it was done at the cost of some characters.
The postive highlights for me were,
° Jet and Hen. My two fave characters. I'm glad they got their happy ending. It was a pleasant surprise (even tho we all know it was to get Jet out of Zahru's way which was just so silly and immature. He was done super dirty but lemme not get into that) Hen was the much needed comedic relief from day 1. Would love a spinoff with them as leads.
° The first epilogue from Jet POV. Ahhh how I wish the brother angst was more prominent throughout, instead we got this epilogue and a few crumbs.
January 5, 2023
I'm speechless. 🫠
Full Review to come 🥰
Full Review to come 🥰
Want to read
October 20, 2021CAN U HEAR ME SCREAMING MY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED
March 28, 2023
I feel like this could have been a duology with the unnecessary events that happened in the second book and this one.
Way too much of this book was Zharu talking about how she should be with Jet, she doesn't like Kasta, there's something about Kasta, Kasta's going to betray her, what's that going on with Hen and Jet -- oh it's just me being jealous it's nothing, *gasp* Hen likes Jet how did this happen. I get that this is a YA novel but, please, this happened entirely too often.
There wasn't even a lot happening in this book. Our allies don't want to be on our side anymore, let's go to this other place. Oh they don't want to help us either. Sakira's back. Just kidding she's trying to give up Zahru to the enemy. Just kidding now Sakira is on our side again. Let's try to reason with the enemy. They don't want to reason with us. Let's kidnap their queen. Oh we're trapped. Just kidding we made it out.
There were NO consequences in this book at all. Zahru wasn't completely honest with her friends, who cares they forgive her. Zahru loses control when she gives in to her Influence. She says she can't be trusted. Who cares because she keeps doing it with no consequences. No one gets hurt, it always goes in her favor somehow. Zahru keeps making out with Kasta and doesn't tell Jet, the brother she's supposed to be with? Jet finds out and confronts her? Doesn't matter, he gets over it quickly. On top of that, no one really gets injured. No one dies. Marcus got stabbed? Melia fixes it, no problem. A fight is breaking out with like 100 people involved? Doesn't matter because Zahru's friends aren't that close to it. Jade goes after a bomb? Jet or Kasta grab her before she can get to it. Kasta gets stabbed with something with forsvine? Doesn't matter, the enemy heals him. Zahru finally confronts this faceless enemy that we haven't seen for the entire book and just says that they wanted peace in front of a crowd. And that their queen has actually been killing most of their soldiers. Zahru has to be believed! Queen goes to jail now! Zahru then admits to their officials that she coerced Kasta to abdicate. They strip her of her title. But who cares because she and Kasta get married and she's queen again.
This was just so ridiculous. Nothing mattered, nothing happened, there were no consequences. The war was won, but we never got to actually have an enemy. It was like a faceless entity the entire time up until the end. Because of that, I didn't feel anything towards them. It was just anticlimactic, especially when the citizens of Wyri just went to Zahru's side.
Way too much of this book was Zharu talking about how she should be with Jet, she doesn't like Kasta, there's something about Kasta, Kasta's going to betray her, what's that going on with Hen and Jet -- oh it's just me being jealous it's nothing, *gasp* Hen likes Jet how did this happen. I get that this is a YA novel but, please, this happened entirely too often.
There wasn't even a lot happening in this book. Our allies don't want to be on our side anymore, let's go to this other place. Oh they don't want to help us either. Sakira's back. Just kidding she's trying to give up Zahru to the enemy. Just kidding now Sakira is on our side again. Let's try to reason with the enemy. They don't want to reason with us. Let's kidnap their queen. Oh we're trapped. Just kidding we made it out.
There were NO consequences in this book at all. Zahru wasn't completely honest with her friends, who cares they forgive her. Zahru loses control when she gives in to her Influence. She says she can't be trusted. Who cares because she keeps doing it with no consequences. No one gets hurt, it always goes in her favor somehow. Zahru keeps making out with Kasta and doesn't tell Jet, the brother she's supposed to be with? Jet finds out and confronts her? Doesn't matter, he gets over it quickly. On top of that, no one really gets injured. No one dies. Marcus got stabbed? Melia fixes it, no problem. A fight is breaking out with like 100 people involved? Doesn't matter because Zahru's friends aren't that close to it. Jade goes after a bomb? Jet or Kasta grab her before she can get to it. Kasta gets stabbed with something with forsvine? Doesn't matter, the enemy heals him. Zahru finally confronts this faceless enemy that we haven't seen for the entire book and just says that they wanted peace in front of a crowd. And that their queen has actually been killing most of their soldiers. Zahru has to be believed! Queen goes to jail now! Zahru then admits to their officials that she coerced Kasta to abdicate. They strip her of her title. But who cares because she and Kasta get married and she's queen again.
This was just so ridiculous. Nothing mattered, nothing happened, there were no consequences. The war was won, but we never got to actually have an enemy. It was like a faceless entity the entire time up until the end. Because of that, I didn't feel anything towards them. It was just anticlimactic, especially when the citizens of Wyri just went to Zahru's side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
anticipated-reads
November 11, 2021How did I miss this?? Genuinely thrilled that this story is getting a proper send-off. I know Natalie is going to deliver (she always does)!
Also: more Kasta is always a good thing.
Also: more Kasta is always a good thing.
February 26, 2023
WARNING: This review likely contains a ton of grammatical and spelling errors that I am too lazy to fix. There is also a lot of capital letter excitement. Proceed at your own peril.
Wow. Just... wow. This ending was everything I expected and so, so much more. There's intrigue and war and humor(yeah, maybe I should change the order of this list) and villain romance and compelling characters and sibling dynamics and twisting morality and magic and did I mention VILLAIN ROMANCE? Anyone who has read my reviews knows that I've been a fan of this series since the beginning. They're easy to read, fast-paced, and all-together fun. And I know what you may be thinking: how can a series about a human sacrifice turned heir to the throne turned totally-not-evil queen be fun? Well, the books are written conversationally, with modern dialogue and ideas despite the fantastical setting. Even in the middle of a battle scene, there would be something to smile or squeal about, and while Kasta/Zahru were sort of evil, they didn't cross the line into war crimes level evil.
There isn't a ton I can say without spoiling literally this entire series, so I'm going to keep things as vague as physically possible going forward (you've been forewarned). Zahru is a wonderful main character. From the start of this series, her powers come from kindness. Not swords or magic or position, but from the way she helps other people selflessly. Obviously, things have changed from book one, but I liked how her friends never let her forget who she was and why she wanted to change the world. Kasta (ahh, how to say any of this without spoilers?)... changed. But despite developing as a person, it was still easy to see who he had once been, and his past wasn't erased in favor of a cheap redemption arc.
The side cast of characters was part of what made this book so great. Unlike some other squads in fantasy, they don't let Zahru become the person she doesn't want to be, and are supportive whilst also maintaining a backbone (a rareity in YA fiction for some reason). The shifting dynamics within the group created tension without unnecessary drama, and all made sense. As for the side romances, I thought they were a perfect solution to what otherwise could have been a very tiresome love triangle.
The writing was great (to the surprise of absolutely no one), maintaining a cinematic feel while staying ground. Did I mention that this trilogy needs to be turned into a TV show? No? Well, it should become a TV show. Preferably one that actually stays true to the books and doesn't ignore character and plot development (I'm looking at you "Shadowhunters"). The plot sped ahead, and I found myself unable to put the book down. There wasn't a dull moment, and breaks from the action were filled with what I like to call necessary fluff and angsty let's-pretend-I'm-not-in-love-with-my-enemy moments. To end thischaotic review, I must remind you that The Sweetest Betrayal contains a I'll-be-the-villain-for-you romance. Need I say more?
Wow. Just... wow. This ending was everything I expected and so, so much more. There's intrigue and war and humor
There isn't a ton I can say without spoiling literally this entire series, so I'm going to keep things as vague as physically possible going forward (you've been forewarned). Zahru is a wonderful main character. From the start of this series, her powers come from kindness. Not swords or magic or position, but from the way she helps other people selflessly. Obviously, things have changed from book one, but I liked how her friends never let her forget who she was and why she wanted to change the world. Kasta (ahh, how to say any of this without spoilers?)... changed. But despite developing as a person, it was still easy to see who he had once been, and his past wasn't erased in favor of a cheap redemption arc.
The side cast of characters was part of what made this book so great. Unlike some other squads in fantasy, they don't let Zahru become the person she doesn't want to be, and are supportive whilst also maintaining a backbone (a rareity in YA fiction for some reason). The shifting dynamics within the group created tension without unnecessary drama, and all made sense. As for the side romances, I thought they were a perfect solution to what otherwise could have been a very tiresome love triangle.
The writing was great (to the surprise of absolutely no one), maintaining a cinematic feel while staying ground. Did I mention that this trilogy needs to be turned into a TV show? No? Well, it should become a TV show. Preferably one that actually stays true to the books and doesn't ignore character and plot development (I'm looking at you "Shadowhunters"). The plot sped ahead, and I found myself unable to put the book down. There wasn't a dull moment, and breaks from the action were filled with what I like to call necessary fluff and angsty let's-pretend-I'm-not-in-love-with-my-enemy moments. To end this
January 22, 2023
So I just read the first 4 chapters (4 times over, btw), cause street team perks (go join, it's free!). And I am... going feral. In just the start of the story, there's been a *lot* (of good stuff). I just read some of the most BANGER lines, like literary marvels-- I love the writing so much.
Can't wait for the full release on 14TH FEBRUARY!
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Violently shaking and sobbing. I cannot believe we are really getting this.
Call me dramatic but this is the best thing I've heard all month.
Kastazahru diaries continue...
Can't wait for the full release on 14TH FEBRUARY!
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Violently shaking and sobbing. I cannot believe we are really getting this.
Call me dramatic but this is the best thing I've heard all month.
Kastazahru diaries continue...
March 19, 2023
prince kasta you will always be famous
July 11, 2023
This was definitely my best book of 2023. If anything beats this I will have a very good reading year. I cannot come up with anything I didn't like. It was SO GOOD.
November 30, 2022
REVIEW: The Sweetest Betrayal ARC
Rating: ✨4.75/5✨
Spice: 🌶️🥵♥️
Plot: Holy crap 😱😭🥰
Romance: ✅🥺😈
Angst: 🔥😏🤭
Tropes: Brother vs. brother romance, enemies to lovers, secret power, magic society
I was gifted with the ARC for the Sweetest Betrayal by @bynataliemae, and I am so, so happy I got to read it. This is the third book in The Kinder Poison series, so if you haven’t read the first two books…then what are you doing with your life?
The Kinder Poison centers around Zahru, who gets involved with the royal family in a not-so-good way…in a human sacrifice way. 😬 And that’s all I’ll say. 🤐
❣️SPOILERS BELOW❣️
The Sweetest Betrayal was everything I wanted it to be. It had the romance, the angst, the drama, the WTF ARE YOU DOING, and the heartbreaking moments. Zahru’s character development in this book is elite. We see her struggle to control her power. We see her work to accept her relationship and her mistakes. We see her struggle as Mestrah.
What I loved the most about this book is how realistic it is. Zahru’s power is unstable, and she doesn’t control it very well. Her friend’s distrust of her makes sense, especially because she makes some very questionable decisions. I didn’t love how her friends handled their mistrust of her tho because instead of talking to her about it, they snuck behind her back or just "agreed" with her. Jet really annoyed me in this book with his passive-aggressive, better-than-you attitude.
Kasta, my love. I’m SO happy he’s endgame. ESPECIALLY, because Zahru shifted morally throughout the books, so her understanding of him changed. Two morally grey MCs in love is my sweet spot. Their spicy scene sent me running to my boyfriend with how hot it was. And it wasn’t even super detailed (it’s YA).
Is it just me, or will there be a spin-off or novella with Jet? I feel like that was alluded to, but that could be my love for Hen talking.
Overall, this was a great end to the series. I’m so sad to say goodbye, but I have hope this isn’t the end. ♥️
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #reading #books #booksofinstgram #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreview #reviews #bookpiles #bookideas #currentlyreading #tbr #tbrlist
Rating: ✨4.75/5✨
Spice: 🌶️🥵♥️
Plot: Holy crap 😱😭🥰
Romance: ✅🥺😈
Angst: 🔥😏🤭
Tropes: Brother vs. brother romance, enemies to lovers, secret power, magic society
I was gifted with the ARC for the Sweetest Betrayal by @bynataliemae, and I am so, so happy I got to read it. This is the third book in The Kinder Poison series, so if you haven’t read the first two books…then what are you doing with your life?
The Kinder Poison centers around Zahru, who gets involved with the royal family in a not-so-good way…in a human sacrifice way. 😬 And that’s all I’ll say. 🤐
❣️SPOILERS BELOW❣️
The Sweetest Betrayal was everything I wanted it to be. It had the romance, the angst, the drama, the WTF ARE YOU DOING, and the heartbreaking moments. Zahru’s character development in this book is elite. We see her struggle to control her power. We see her work to accept her relationship and her mistakes. We see her struggle as Mestrah.
What I loved the most about this book is how realistic it is. Zahru’s power is unstable, and she doesn’t control it very well. Her friend’s distrust of her makes sense, especially because she makes some very questionable decisions. I didn’t love how her friends handled their mistrust of her tho because instead of talking to her about it, they snuck behind her back or just "agreed" with her. Jet really annoyed me in this book with his passive-aggressive, better-than-you attitude.
Kasta, my love. I’m SO happy he’s endgame. ESPECIALLY, because Zahru shifted morally throughout the books, so her understanding of him changed. Two morally grey MCs in love is my sweet spot. Their spicy scene sent me running to my boyfriend with how hot it was. And it wasn’t even super detailed (it’s YA).
Is it just me, or will there be a spin-off or novella with Jet? I feel like that was alluded to, but that could be my love for Hen talking.
Overall, this was a great end to the series. I’m so sad to say goodbye, but I have hope this isn’t the end. ♥️
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #reading #books #booksofinstgram #bookrecommendations #bookrecommendation #bookreview #reviews #bookpiles #bookideas #currentlyreading #tbr #tbrlist
February 17, 2023
NO BUT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND I'M SO EXCITED
July 18, 2023
3/5
Le début du roman ne m’a pas du tout intriguée.
La fin du deuxième m’a très bien suffi mais j’avais quand même envie de retrouver les personnages.
Mais le début très politique avec des personnages que j’ai trouvée très enfantin pour leur âge m’a assez refroidi.
L’intrigue devient plus intéressante quand ils partent à l’aventure et aurait pu être beaucoup mieux construite avec des personnages plus mature.
Cependant heureusement que les protagoniste masculin et la magie de l’univers de je trouve très original à relever l’histoire.
La fin du récit m’a plus intrigué que le début mais j’ai trouvé certain comportement trop versatile, certaine tournure du roman « trop facile » et un peu bâclé.
Le roman reste une bonne histoire assez intrigante mais je pense que je ne suis plus le bon publique pour ce genre-là.
Zarhu ne m’a pas du tout convaincu. Elle pense des chose mais fait ou dit l’inverse, elle a un comportement enfantin et pas assez mature à mon gout pour son statut et sur supposer âge.
Hen m’a énormément impressionnée. C’est un peu un personnage de l’ombre mais qui a une place très importante avec des capacité très impressionnante.
Jet lui c’est beaucoup effacé et m’a un peu agacé sur les bords.
Kasta quant à lui, a été mon favoris du roman. Il est sarcastique, avec du caractère et il sait ce qu’il veut mais il reste très doux dans le fond.
La relations entre deux protagoniste est pour le coup un vrai ennemies to lover mais qui est un peu gâché par le comportement a la fille (je ne donne pas de nom pour les spoiler).
Ce fut donc un début et une moitié de roman un peu compliqué mais une fin qui a su remonter un peu le niveau du roman.
Une trilogie qui aurait très bien pu rester un one shot ou une duologie selon moi.
Le début du roman ne m’a pas du tout intriguée.
La fin du deuxième m’a très bien suffi mais j’avais quand même envie de retrouver les personnages.
Mais le début très politique avec des personnages que j’ai trouvée très enfantin pour leur âge m’a assez refroidi.
L’intrigue devient plus intéressante quand ils partent à l’aventure et aurait pu être beaucoup mieux construite avec des personnages plus mature.
Cependant heureusement que les protagoniste masculin et la magie de l’univers de je trouve très original à relever l’histoire.
La fin du récit m’a plus intrigué que le début mais j’ai trouvé certain comportement trop versatile, certaine tournure du roman « trop facile » et un peu bâclé.
Le roman reste une bonne histoire assez intrigante mais je pense que je ne suis plus le bon publique pour ce genre-là.
Zarhu ne m’a pas du tout convaincu. Elle pense des chose mais fait ou dit l’inverse, elle a un comportement enfantin et pas assez mature à mon gout pour son statut et sur supposer âge.
Hen m’a énormément impressionnée. C’est un peu un personnage de l’ombre mais qui a une place très importante avec des capacité très impressionnante.
Jet lui c’est beaucoup effacé et m’a un peu agacé sur les bords.
Kasta quant à lui, a été mon favoris du roman. Il est sarcastique, avec du caractère et il sait ce qu’il veut mais il reste très doux dans le fond.
La relations entre deux protagoniste est pour le coup un vrai ennemies to lover mais qui est un peu gâché par le comportement a la fille (je ne donne pas de nom pour les spoiler).
Ce fut donc un début et une moitié de roman un peu compliqué mais une fin qui a su remonter un peu le niveau du roman.
Une trilogie qui aurait très bien pu rester un one shot ou une duologie selon moi.
April 4, 2023
I'm so happy this third book exists because it actually concluded the series (UNLIKE THE SECOND BOOK). There was a lot I liked about it:
- The character dynamics and relationships are fully fleshed out at this point
- It was surprisingly HILARIOUS. I actually laughed out loud several times
- The ending was incredibly satisfying. I feel like that's hard to find. Too often, I read a whole book or even series and get to the end and regret reading the whole thing because the ending sucked (I'm looking at you, Cassandra Clare)
- There are two epilogues. Who doesn't like two epilogues? (As a side note, I HATE two prologues. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk)
- The romance was, well, surprisingly romantic. And that arc was also incredibly satisfying
The only thing I didn't like was having school while I was just trying to read this book. (Don't look at the read dates. They're embarrassing)
4.5* rounded up :)
- The character dynamics and relationships are fully fleshed out at this point
- It was surprisingly HILARIOUS. I actually laughed out loud several times
- The ending was incredibly satisfying. I feel like that's hard to find. Too often, I read a whole book or even series and get to the end and regret reading the whole thing because the ending sucked (I'm looking at you, Cassandra Clare)
- There are two epilogues. Who doesn't like two epilogues? (As a side note, I HATE two prologues. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk)
- The romance was, well, surprisingly romantic. And that arc was also incredibly satisfying
The only thing I didn't like was having school while I was just trying to read this book. (Don't look at the read dates. They're embarrassing)
4.5* rounded up :)
October 20, 2021
I have no doubt this will be PERFECTION. I'm ready for it to break my heart. Bring it on Nat!!
Want to read
December 13, 2021Currently slated to release in December 2022 according to the author's website. NOOOO I can't wait a whole year to see my KastaxZharu endgame 😭
April 14, 2023
4.5 but the vibes were fucking IMMACULATE. Damn
June 10, 2025
WOW what an epic finale to this trilogy, i was on the edge of my seat the whole book and could not put it down!
March 27, 2023
This book was EVERYTHING. It was such a perfect conclusion to the most underrated YA fantasy.
Zahru is one of my favourite protagonists ever, and she was just as brilliant and entertaining in this book. We left her at the end of the Cruelest Mercy having made some morally questionable (and just plain bad) decisions and now she is lying to her friends about what exactly happened with Kasta and his abdication and has developed some significant trust issues (which is fair enough after everything she’s been through!). Her friends get more and more worried about her and the lengths she’ll go to as the book goes on. I was obsessed with the hero corruption arc in the previous book and Nat gave us the perfect development and conclusion to this.
I enjoyed the overall plot with the war with Wyrim and Zahru’s continued desire to end it peacefully despite Wyrim’s clear intent for violence. The story is fast paced and full of exciting entertaining and intense interactions. The world gets expanded and we get to see Zahru liking her best Mestrah life. The plot was compelling and additive but really it’s the characters I’m beyond obsessed with. I really enjoyed that most of the story Zahru and her friends were together, the whole cast of characters were a delight like usual. Hen was the MVP and absolutely hilarious. Everyone needs a friend like Hen, I love her, and she added the best kind of chaos to the story. The group dynamics were amazing, and I spend so much of this book laughing because the characters and Zahru’s thoughts were so entertaining. The humour of this series is one of my favourite things because it just makes me so happy and just forces you through all the feelings and it’s the best. And for all the Jet fans he gets a really wonderful end to his story – I wasn’t expecting it but it actually worked so well!
Now most importantly, KASTAZAHRU. Kasta is one of my favourite love interests, his character arc through the series is epic and I’m awed by Nat being able to redeem him so well without losing who he is. He’s the perfect morally grey prince, smart, cunning and his dedication to Zahru in this book had me melting. At the start of The Sweetest Betrayal Zahru does not trust Kasta at all but she also can’t stay away from him. After everything they’ve done to each other Zahru can’t let him go but she can’t bring herself to trust him either – even though she’s taken away his hunger for power and she finds this version of him to be her kryptonite. He sees her and supports her in a way her less morally corrupt friends don’t. Kasta and Zahru are one of my favourite romances, the way their relationship develops through the series is epic and I needed this book to give me all the Kastazahru content and IT DELIVERED. I don’t want to say too much but let’s just say this book gives ‘touch her and die’, ‘who did this to you?’ jealousy trope and so much angst and tension. It was the perfect conclusion to their story. I loved that they didn’t brush over their past and all the things they’ve done together but still found a way to move forward.
I am beyond happy that this book exists. It gave me everything I needed and more. I couldn’t have imagined a better way for this series to end. The character growth for all of the characters not just Zahru and Kasta was top tier. It has given me the worst book hangover because I just cannot let go of these characters and this world. I already cannot wait to re read!
Zahru is one of my favourite protagonists ever, and she was just as brilliant and entertaining in this book. We left her at the end of the Cruelest Mercy having made some morally questionable (and just plain bad) decisions and now she is lying to her friends about what exactly happened with Kasta and his abdication and has developed some significant trust issues (which is fair enough after everything she’s been through!). Her friends get more and more worried about her and the lengths she’ll go to as the book goes on. I was obsessed with the hero corruption arc in the previous book and Nat gave us the perfect development and conclusion to this.
I enjoyed the overall plot with the war with Wyrim and Zahru’s continued desire to end it peacefully despite Wyrim’s clear intent for violence. The story is fast paced and full of exciting entertaining and intense interactions. The world gets expanded and we get to see Zahru liking her best Mestrah life. The plot was compelling and additive but really it’s the characters I’m beyond obsessed with. I really enjoyed that most of the story Zahru and her friends were together, the whole cast of characters were a delight like usual. Hen was the MVP and absolutely hilarious. Everyone needs a friend like Hen, I love her, and she added the best kind of chaos to the story. The group dynamics were amazing, and I spend so much of this book laughing because the characters and Zahru’s thoughts were so entertaining. The humour of this series is one of my favourite things because it just makes me so happy and just forces you through all the feelings and it’s the best. And for all the Jet fans he gets a really wonderful end to his story – I wasn’t expecting it but it actually worked so well!
Now most importantly, KASTAZAHRU. Kasta is one of my favourite love interests, his character arc through the series is epic and I’m awed by Nat being able to redeem him so well without losing who he is. He’s the perfect morally grey prince, smart, cunning and his dedication to Zahru in this book had me melting. At the start of The Sweetest Betrayal Zahru does not trust Kasta at all but she also can’t stay away from him. After everything they’ve done to each other Zahru can’t let him go but she can’t bring herself to trust him either – even though she’s taken away his hunger for power and she finds this version of him to be her kryptonite. He sees her and supports her in a way her less morally corrupt friends don’t. Kasta and Zahru are one of my favourite romances, the way their relationship develops through the series is epic and I needed this book to give me all the Kastazahru content and IT DELIVERED. I don’t want to say too much but let’s just say this book gives ‘touch her and die’, ‘who did this to you?’ jealousy trope and so much angst and tension. It was the perfect conclusion to their story. I loved that they didn’t brush over their past and all the things they’ve done together but still found a way to move forward.
I am beyond happy that this book exists. It gave me everything I needed and more. I couldn’t have imagined a better way for this series to end. The character growth for all of the characters not just Zahru and Kasta was top tier. It has given me the worst book hangover because I just cannot let go of these characters and this world. I already cannot wait to re read!
Read
September 12, 2023Some might ask me why I've continued on in this series after my last two low ratings and the truth is I was doing a buddy read. Safe to say that I despised this one just as much as the other two and maybe a little bit more now that Zahrus been given not only God-like power but a whole kingdom to fuck up.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a teenager is given an entire country to rule over just because she's our main character. It feels lazy to me and the blatant disregard behind ignore other viable options that have been trained their whole life in favor of someone who can barely spell their own name and thinks about paper butterfly stands before the implications of making another kingdoms ruler wait is mind numbing. This book still retained Zahru childish tendencies while also having her oversee the evacuation of sections of her kingdom, plots to overthrow her for being a danger to society and generally inept and also a ridiculous love triangle that made me want to stab out my own eyes.
Kasta is just not enough of a draw to redeem this book.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when a teenager is given an entire country to rule over just because she's our main character. It feels lazy to me and the blatant disregard behind ignore other viable options that have been trained their whole life in favor of someone who can barely spell their own name and thinks about paper butterfly stands before the implications of making another kingdoms ruler wait is mind numbing. This book still retained Zahru childish tendencies while also having her oversee the evacuation of sections of her kingdom, plots to overthrow her for being a danger to society and generally inept and also a ridiculous love triangle that made me want to stab out my own eyes.
Kasta is just not enough of a draw to redeem this book.
March 2, 2025
I was WRONG it's not a 5 star, IT'S LIKE INFINITY?!?!? THIS IS MY FAVOURITE SERIES TO EVER EXIST WHY ARE PEOPLE NOT TALKING ABOUT IT?!?!?! AND ZAHRUKASTA ARE MY FAVOURITE BOOK COUPLE OF ALL TIME. THE COMBINED HOTNESS IS ILLEGALLY HOT I'M DECASEDDDDDDDDDDDD 🌵🥵🥵🥵🥵🪭
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just giving it 5 stars because there's no way it won't be, Ms Natalie Mae never disappoints 😌
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just giving it 5 stars because there's no way it won't be, Ms Natalie Mae never disappoints 😌
February 17, 2024
I AM IN LOVE. This book had me laughing, crying, dying, and procrastinating. I love all the characters and their development and the development of the story and relationships. There were so many moments where I was completely in the moment and feeling what the characters were feeling, and I felt so immersed in the world of Orkena and it makes me kind of sad that this is the end of this amazing series that I fell in love with. It was so good and so amazing with the perfect ending to this story, and overall one of my favorite books/series.
January 23, 2023
An incredibly strong conclusion to Zahru's story. This book was an excellent culmination of all of the elements that made the prior books engaging and enjoyable - our protagonist's internal struggle and strife, the action, the friendship, the banter, the romance (oh my gOD, the romance, we all know what's been keeping us strung along for this trilogy) it was all frustrating and satisfying and tense and relieving all at once. One thing I adore so much about this series is the fact that Zahru isn't magically a fantastic leader and powerful in her position. She trips and stumbles and makes devastating mistakes because her motivations and choices are frustratingly real. And her moral conflict between what's best for her loved ones and the security of her own heart versus what's best for her kingdom is deliciously tragic. There is nothing I love more than a kind, caring protagonist being broken down by being dealt a hand of devastating circumstances. I loved the additional step Hen takes towards her own agency and moving beyond just being Zahru's best friend. She's spunky and relatable and conniving and incredibly fun to read about. Jet will forever be the sweetest prince in my heast. Kasta... How dare you. The dynamics between our main group of characters is so fun to explore, and the setting is still one of my favorite fantasy worlds I've ever gotten to explore in my mind. Natalie Mae has crafted a wonderful world that deserves to be praised far more.
September 7, 2024
Zahsta forever!! This was a really good story with a phenomenal found family, my favorite of course being Kasta. His journey from being utterly unforgivable to the end is just 🤌🏼. Zahru struggling with so much internal conflict got a little tiresome but was also necessary as she worked to overcome her battles too. The spice in this, though isn’t in great depth or detail, was so wonderfully built up to that I devoured all of it! Loved this series!
March 9, 2023
What could I ever read next that could dare compete with this trilogy. This is a masterpiece. The best enemies to lovers and corruption arc, with the villain saving the hero. I think I’ll just go retreat somewhere quiet while I try think of ways to fill this new hole in my heart.
(Yes, I did rate it 4 stars but that’s because I kinda skimmed over some pages to get to the juicy parts and didn’t feel like I missed much. But yknow it just leaves me more new things to read when I do eventually reread this… because I definitely will…. And next time I probably will give it 5 stars)
(Yes, I did rate it 4 stars but that’s because I kinda skimmed over some pages to get to the juicy parts and didn’t feel like I missed much. But yknow it just leaves me more new things to read when I do eventually reread this… because I definitely will…. And next time I probably will give it 5 stars)
June 16, 2024
Am I a slut? Maybe.
NATALIE MAE YOU AMAZING SON OF A BITCH YOU ARE AN ICON FOR WRITING THIS😭👏🏻👏🏻 I’m sorry but no one does tension like you. No one does character development like you. No one does lowkey turning evil like you. And NO ONE does hot men like you. If I don’t get a man like Kasta, who literally stabs me in the heart as a human sacrifice, I don’t want it. This man is the epitome of what a girl needs in life, especially me.
This is one of the most absolute best series I have ever read in my life. Like can I rate it more than 5 stars please?? This series has been a part of my life for about 3 years and I am so sad that I’ve officially finished it😭 it will stay with me always. Like there will not be a day that goes by that I don’t think about Kasta.
Natalie Mae’s writing style is so unlike others that I’ve read. She perfectly incorporates humor with badassery. You start out reading this series and nothinggggg can prepare you for what is in store for the other books. So many plot twists. It’s absolutely amazing. The brilliance that goes into the brainstorming of this series is beyonddddd meeee like how does she come up with this???? How does she so perfectly describe every scene and giving characters so much personality?? Like it’s hard to remember that these are just words on paper and not actual people (I wish they were real😭 I want to be friends with all of them and also kiss Kasta and have him stab me fr) but her writing is just so amazing.
NATALIE MAE YOU AMAZING SON OF A BITCH YOU ARE AN ICON FOR WRITING THIS😭👏🏻👏🏻 I’m sorry but no one does tension like you. No one does character development like you. No one does lowkey turning evil like you. And NO ONE does hot men like you. If I don’t get a man like Kasta, who literally stabs me in the heart as a human sacrifice, I don’t want it. This man is the epitome of what a girl needs in life, especially me.
This is one of the most absolute best series I have ever read in my life. Like can I rate it more than 5 stars please?? This series has been a part of my life for about 3 years and I am so sad that I’ve officially finished it😭 it will stay with me always. Like there will not be a day that goes by that I don’t think about Kasta.
Natalie Mae’s writing style is so unlike others that I’ve read. She perfectly incorporates humor with badassery. You start out reading this series and nothinggggg can prepare you for what is in store for the other books. So many plot twists. It’s absolutely amazing. The brilliance that goes into the brainstorming of this series is beyonddddd meeee like how does she come up with this???? How does she so perfectly describe every scene and giving characters so much personality?? Like it’s hard to remember that these are just words on paper and not actual people (I wish they were real😭 I want to be friends with all of them and also kiss Kasta and have him stab me fr) but her writing is just so amazing.
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