La Reine des faë de minuit: Livre quatre

Midnight Fae Academy #4

by Lexi C. Foss, Sophie Salaün (Translator)

La série de La reine des Faë de Minuit se conclut dans La Reine des Faë de Minuit : Livre Quatre

Bienvenue dans le monde des Faë de Minuit.
Il est sanglant.
Sombre.
Et dirigé par un vampire ancien qui doit mourir.

J’en ai terminé de jouer les pions dans cette guerre. Je vais prendre le relais en tant que reine dans ce Conseil, et dans ma version du jeu, tout le monde s’incline devant la reine. Même Constantine Nacht.

Il se croit malin en m’entraînant dans ces épreuves d’ascension, toutes destinées à nous tuer, mes compagnons et moi.
Mais je lui prouverai qu’il a tort.
Nous sommes plus forts qu’il ne le pense.
Et nous allons le faire saigner.

Les Faë Terrestres se consacrent à la vie.
Les Faë de Minuit préfèrent la mort.
Je suis un mélange des deux.
Alors, voyons ce qui se passe quand la vie épouse la mort, d’accord ?

Donne-moi ma couronne, Constantine.
Il est temps pour toi de t’agenouiller devant ta reine.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Why Choose, Paranormal, Romance, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2021

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Lexi C. Foss loves to travel and write in supernatural worlds. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre, but she dabbles in contemporary romance when she needs a break from the darker side of her mind.

Coffee is her addiction, swimming is her passion, and she has a not-so-secret adoration for eclipse chasing.

Lexi can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the conclusion I’d been waiting for especially after that explosive finale we were given in book three.
Here we get to see Aflora finally grasp the mantle of her powers with the help of her four mates and totally come into her own.

This was fast-paced with the action as well as the heat.
The burn was high here as Aflora’s mate circle not only affirmed their bonds with her but also forging internal dynamics amongst themselves.
This brought resolution and closure to everything we had been building up to finally closing a chapter whilst also setting up new directions for future story arcs within this world.

This series does need to be read in order and this is the final piece.
I’ve greatly enjoyed the journey to get to this point in time and totally recommend this imaginative reverse harem fantasy romance it’s definitely been quite the ride.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Midnight Fae Academy Book 4.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved this series and some of those scenes were SPICY

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved some parts, and others I couldn't care less about. That pretty much sums up books three and four. Although, book four was a bit better than book three, but still not quite 4 stars worthy.

This was the first book in the series that I read as an ebook, instead of as an audiobook because I wanted to finish it quicker. I don't think that was a mistake exactly, but this series is a much better experience through audio.

The problem was that things got resolved wayyy too quick and easy. It failed to make me care because I knew that the happy ending was just around the corner.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad that Aflora and her mates are finally at peace, I just wish this book had more of the same energy that the first two books had.

Oh well, Midnight Fae Academy was a fun journey. One I might retake in the future. But first I need to tackle all the connected series.

[Louise H's Book Thoughts · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a very enjoyable and satisfying conclusion to Aflora's story, one that held my attention and had me wondering what would happen next. There are several shocking events in this book with Constantine showing just how ruthless he is, how willing he is to go to ANY lengths necessary, in order to gain more power and control.


I'm not going to talk much about the five main characters, since this is book #4 of a series that must read in order, but I do need to mention that I loved how we saw them growing both individually and as a mating circle. Shade in particular comes into his own in this book, whilst the alpha power battles between Zakkai and Zeph proved to be both amusing and hot!


I did find myself skimming several (ok most) of the sex scenes. My focus was on the ascension trials and whilst some of the sex allowed bonds to develop between the men, for me they detracted from the plot. At times it also felt as though those trials were resolved a little too easily, I like my battles to be epic, fantasy is the driving element for me, romance less so. However other readers will be more into the sex and love part and this definitely fulfils those needs extremely well.


At first there appear to be a few lose ends, but a rather intriguing epilogue promises a whole new "hell-fire" series to enjoy!

[sashenka 🖤 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went into this series knowing it would be simple and easy to read. I wasn't expecting more, I needed something light and not too demanding mentally so I was just here for the ✨ vibes ✨. But even with my brain turned off, I had some issues with this series.

First, I really wish it was clearly mentioned somewhere that this series was part of a bigger universe. It's not mentioned at the beginning, not on the website either, nowhere obvious. I'm a reader who likes to have the choice to read in chronically order if given the choice, so I was really annoyed when I understood that there was the Elemental Fae Academy before that series. And I'm not even sure I'm not missing anything else because there was a lot of name-dropping as if we're supposed to know these characters, now or in the future. I hate being confused like that.

One of my biggest issue was consent. The first bite was pretty much not consensual, even if her body wanted it. I kinda hate it whe 'fae biology' makes it look normal. No, it's not. All of her mates were 'forced' on her, from the first at 7 years old (he was the same age, but sure, it was to 'protect her - still can't see how it did protect her-), then Shades, then Zeph & Kols to ground her. The only 'consensual' mating happened almost by accident, and the MMC accused her of trapping him. I didn't notice a lot of grovel after that. I was kinda disappointed in the bonds with her mates, it felt more sexual than anything else and I thought book 4 would work a little more on that. But no, the author decided it was better to give us group sex scenes instead. Fine.

The world building felt messy. I can accept simple world building but this felt too simple, as if the author had no idea where she was going with the plot/powers... At some point, it didn't even make sense to me, anymore, magic was happening 'inside' of Aflora, and I was lost. Like, what's really happening?

Let's not even talk about the trials. HOW DISAPPOINTING. Book 4 could have been an email. All the MMC were like 'omfg it's going to be so hard but don't worry we're going to help you' and she succeeded most of the time alone and in 5 seconds. Even her magic classes in book 1 & 2 looked more difficult than these trials. Let's not mention the very one-dimensional villain - responsible for a whole genocide btw - who, instead of being killed, is simply turned into a tree. Waw. So underwhelming.

I can rant a little more about this series to be honest. Lots of telling instead of showing (do we look that stupid?), stuff would be resolved by Shade because dw, he got it. What happened to her boyfriend Glacier ? We don't know. Dakota thing resolved in a sentence (she might be dead but suddenly our queen don't care about death), not sure how the new council works. Did Zen have a book before? Who is Seif, does he have a book too? At least, we know Lucifer has a book after this series because of the epilogue.

[Alex(Books-In-A-Storm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just fucking amazing. I loved this series from book one, and it just kept getting better with each book. I loved it and I need more. The guys are hot as hell, and I can't wait to see what comes next.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ *Romance Book Lovers' Haven* (For long and deep.... reviews!)]

Omg this series sounds so good! Plus I like the resolution, the bonds they formed. Not me hoping for a bonus in future lol.

[T.P.A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aflora finds herself in the vicious trials where her strength and humanity is about to be tested. To an extent, I understand why there was a need for a fourth book as the villain was still not dealt with, but I did feel that this last installment kind of spoiled the experience for me. Apart from the trials and one final epic battle, the rest of it was pretty much intimate scenes with her mates, which did take away from the main story. Although I do appreciate passionate moments, I think here they were a bit much.
Overall, the series did have quite an interesting take on the different Bloodlines as well as quite a bit of engaging backstory to each of the Midnight Fae.

[Niki Maria · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Okay, so this one just didn't hit the mark. Too much intimacy with her guys, and not enough focus on the plot. It wasn't the worst book, but it was more sexy than I expected after the 3rd book. Overall, I think the series was a good read, but not a great one.

[Holly's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh this was alright. Kinda boring and I feel like this series could've been 3 books. The ending was cute and the hint towards MM relationships was interesting.

[Veronica Leggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 ⭐️

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb but bitter-sweet conclusion to this action packed, steamy, dark magical series that has kept me turning the pages all the way through, never quite knowing what twists were coming next! I've loved it and couldn't wait for this book, but not wanting it to end.

Carrying straight on from the cliffhanger in book 3, Aflora has grown so much as a person, mentally, physically and magically, but is going to need all her strength and power and that of her mates to survive the cruel trials created to break and destroy her. Her four gorgeous mates will all do anything for her, but they are also going to have to put aside their differences and unite completely to survive.

What a rollercoaster of intense action, emotion, secrets, magic and fiery passion. With mf, mm, mmf and more, there were scenes full of heart and soul and others I seriously needed a fan to cool down, especially after a few unexpected but absolutely vital ones for Aflora with Zakkai and Zeph, and Kols and Shade. 🔥🔥🔥

Retribution or reformation? Or will Aflora and her mates lead all factions of the midnight fae to a completely different conclusion?  You'll have to read to find out! All I will say is that this was a fitting and fabulous end to a story full of twists and turns, darkness and light, despair and hope, acceptance, trust and love.  I'll miss these characters that I've grown to love more and more as the series has progressed, although Shade with his secrets, depth and many layers to his personality captured my heart very early on and didn't let go. I have a feeling we will see them again in future books, for which I am excitedly looking forward to as Lexi C Foss's world building and story telling are second to none!

4.5 highly recommended steamy hot, dark, dangerous magical little stars

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I didn’t dislike this series and I’ll probably read future books from this author. This series was just overall a bit too slow and lacked “unputdownable” traits.

[Anna Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

By book four, I wasn’t interested in attending Midnight Fae Academy anymore. I wanted to speak to whoever accredited this institution. Where is the student support? Where is the emergency evacuation plan? Why does the curriculum appear to be advanced suffering with a minor in dangerously attractive men?

And yet, would I voluntarily leave? Let’s not ask questions that expose my character.

What I loved most about this final installment was Aflora’s determination to stop letting other people dictate her future. There is something deeply satisfying about a heroine reaching the point where she has heard everyone’s threats, considered their expectations, and decided they can all take a number. She has a throne to claim and absolutely no time for another powerful man explaining why she should cooperate with his terrible plans.

Her combination of Earth Fae and Midnight Fae magic is also one of my favorite aspects of the story. Life and death aren’t abstract concepts for her; they’re competing parts of her identity that she has to understand and wield. That gives her power more meaning than simply making her the strongest person in the room. I want the magical spectacle, obviously, but I also want a reason to care about the person standing in the middle of it. Aflora gives me that.

Then there’s Constantine Nacht.

Sir. Have you considered a hobby? Something quiet. Something that doesn’t involve putting people through deadly ascension trials. Pottery, perhaps. You could make a lovely bowl and leave everyone alone.

The trials bring a particular kind of tension because Aflora’s future isn’t the only thing at risk. Her mates are caught in this too, which makes the danger feel personal. It’s difficult to enjoy a villain’s elaborate power play when you’re mentally counting the people you need returned in one piece. I was prepared to submit a very strongly worded complaint. Possibly attached to a brick.

And speaking of the mates: Kols, Shade, Zeph, and Zakkai. At this stage, my emotional investment in this group is frankly none of my business.

The appeal of the why-choose romance for me is the different connections surrounding Aflora. I want those relationships to feel like they belong to specific people, with their own histories and complications. There’s room for protectiveness, friction, vulnerability, and the uncomfortable business of figuring out how to trust someone when your lives are already tangled together.

Also, four mates sounds wonderful until I consider the sheer volume of opinions. One woman trying to claim her power while multiple formidable men have feelings about her safety? Aflora deserves the crown for managing the conversations alone.

The heat is very much part of the attraction here. This is a dark paranormal romance that understands its audience has come for dangerous magic, intense bonds, and questionable reasons to stay awake. My only ongoing concern is everybody’s ability to prioritize. I admire the commitment to romance, but occasionally my practical side wants to interrupt and ask whether we have finished dealing with the imminent threat.

Apparently, I’m the person bringing a clipboard to the supernatural relationship.

Underneath the danger and desire, though, the part that holds my attention is Aflora’s right to choose what happens to her. So much of the tension comes from power: who possesses it, who abuses it, and who believes it gives them ownership over someone else. Her refusal to remain a convenient piece in someone else’s plan is what makes me root for her hardest.

I can enjoy a possessive fictional man and still want the heroine to have the final word. In fact, that is an excellent arrangement. Please put it in writing.

For me, the draw of this finale is seeing the romance and the struggle for power reach the point where neither can remain hypothetical. Loving someone is one thing; facing the consequences of standing beside them is another. That’s the emotional territory I want a final book to explore.

My final verdict: Aflora has dangerous magic, four mates, and a powerful enemy who badly needs to discover the limits of his own importance. I have snacks, an unreasonable attachment to fictional fae, and no intention of behaving normally about any of it.

Would I enroll in this academy? Absolutely not.

Would I keep reading about its disastrous affairs while ignoring my own responsibilities? My application is already submitted.

[Silverlining2k6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall Rating 3/5
Stock Disclaimer: I tend to rate Reverse Harem/Why Choose books more generously than I would other genres of fiction, but that’s only because they fill a different need and require a different scale. I’d never say that Reverse Harem/Why Choose genre books CAN’T be well-written with fleshed-out characters, brilliant plotting, and deeply satisfying love stories, but I try to keep my expectations realistic.
What matters: Am I engaged? Do I want to ignore real life and dive into the next book immediately upon finishing one? Is it fun and sexy? Is the harem balanced, with no obvious favoritism?
What this book/series provided:
Overall, this was enjoyable to read. I think I read through all four books in two days before immediately moving to the Hell Fae series, so I was definitely engaged.

***SPOILERS BELOW***

The Female Main Character 5/5
What matters: Do I actually enjoy spending time with her? Do her motivations make sense? Is she proactive or reactive? Does she have a backbone and self-respect? Can I root for her?
What this book/series provided
I really liked Aflora as a FMC (even if I hated her name). She's kidnapped and taken to the Midnight Fae realm in the first scene, so by virtue of the plot she starts out in a reactive state. But Aflora is no doormat. As a reader, I want my FMCs to fight for their agency, but never at the expense of common sense. So many female characters will ignore logic and make terrible choices just to prove that they won't be bossed around. I think this author did a fantastic job with balancing Aflora's need for self-determination with her pragmatism. She recognized quickly that escape would be impossible, so she set to work making the best of her situation, learning everything she could, and making allies. As the series progressed and she gained more freedom, she continued to stay true to herself and made good good choices.

The Guys 3/5
What matters: Is there a range of distinct personalities, or does the author rely on generic props to distinguish them? Does each seem to serve a purpose? Is the harem balanced, or is there an obvious author favorite?
What this book/series provided:
The guys were definitely distinguishable from each other and there was a good balance of soft and hard personalities.
Shade: At first, I hated him for biting Aflora and forever altering her life. By the end of the series, he was my favorite of the four guys. But with that said, his characterization was inconsistent. With the understanding that his reasons for biting Aflora were noble and born of desperation, I hated how he treated her after the bite. Despite knowing how she felt, he acted like an unrepentant cocky asshole and continued his sexual onslaught of her in her dreams, and that feels so out of character for the soft, empathetic Shade we see at the end of the series. Book four Shade would've known that it was wrong to pursue a sexual angle with Aflora after taking away her choices and would've known to try to connect with her on an emotional level instead. I guess in this case, the inconsistent characterization was for the best, because I could never have loved book one Shade.
Kols: Started out as an insensitive dick, but his changes felt more like organic character growth than inconsistency. Despite that, there was a sort of emotional fragility to Kols that made him my early favorite. I think I was more invested in his relationships with Zeph and Shade than the one with Aflora.
Zeph: Loved him. Any trepidation I felt about him being Aflora's headmaster was mitigated by the fact that it was his first year, he had an established relationship with Kols, and he was forced into the teaching position. I'm not really into the whole Dom thing, but it worked for him.
Zakkai: Overpowered. Barely got to know him. But earned my respect by then end when he found his place in the group and came to terms with Zeph (in their own way)

The Love Story 2/5
What matters: Is it slow-burn or fast? Does each relationship feel earned? Does the heroine get a choice or does the author rely on body betrayal syndrome? Is the groveling satisfyingly sufficient (if necessary)? Are romantic conflicts organic to the characters/plot?
What this book/series provided: All of these men wronged Aflora at some point, yet there was no groveling to be found. Major over-reliance on Body Betrayal Syndrome and magical bonds. Why earn a woman's heart when you can just magically invade her dreams and take all the sex you want from her? All four guys did it, and it felt gross and invasive. She used Dream Kols, Zeph, and Zakkai as shields between her and Dream Shade. If she'd known these three were really in her dreams would she have chosen differently? Since they denied her the option to make that choice, it feels like there are consent issues. Then with Shade, she was aware he was in her dreams, and made no secret that she hated him and didn't want to be with him. Yet her body was incapable of telling him no. Deep sigh. With Shade, Kols, and Zeph, sex was used as a shortcut and it wasn't until well into the series that any of these men put in an attempt to form an emotional attachment with her. Weirdly enough, although he was given the least screentime, Aflora's relationship with Zakkai is the only one that felt earned. Still no groveling, but at least nothing happened between them until he proved himself in a major way and showed character growth.

Female Side Characters 3/5
What matters: how does the author write female side characters? Does the FMC have any female friends? Are romantic rivals treated as characters or the stereotypical Fatal Attraction caricature? Is there internalized misogyny?
What this book/series provided:
The whole point of the storyline is that the current Midnight Fae counsel governs by archaic and misogynistic rules. It's the perfect setup for a feminist revolution story, and yet, Aflora is never really given a choice. She's reluctant to join the fight at all. She doesn't choose "the source", it's forced upon her by the villain (because villains are contractually obligated to come up with complex and idiotic schemes, rather than just stabbing their enemy). She becomes Midnight Fae queen at the urging of her guys.
Aflora is given one female friend, and only because she conveniently lives in the same suite. They rarely spend time together or share scenes. I'll add an extra star for the "mean girl" defying expectations by proving that she was actually wise, loyal, and misunderstood. And I'll take away that extra star for the fact that she ended up being fridged for the sake of Ajax's tragic backstory.

Storyline and Worldbuilding 0/5
What matters: Is the world-building interesting? Does the magic system make sense (if applicable)? Do I understand the overall villain’s motivation, or are they cartoonishly evil?
What this book/series provided: The series relies a bit too much on coincidence and convenience. For example, the harem conveniently includes each type of Midnight Fae, ensuring that Aflora's coronation will resolve infighting among the factions. The world building was adequate and the magic system was interesting. Backstory was thorough enough to explain how things got to be the way they were. The villain was a bit over the top cartoonish, but I can't say it's unrealistic for a man to lash out politically, because he feels threatened by women in power. I really liked the ending where Aflora found pity in her heart for Constantine, yet still gave him the punishment he deserved.

Closing thoughts
If mid-series, am I excited to dive into the next book? If completed, am I satisfied with how this wrapped up? Does this make me want to read more from this author?

Despite all the complaints above, I ended up reading this entire series in two days and then jumping into the Hell Fae series. So it must have been doing something right. That series is incomplete, but I'll be picking up the last book when it comes out. I do plan on reading other works by the author.

[ROMEOISNOTFUNNY · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know what, as a series it wasn't bad. it wasn't mind blowing. but i did find myself getting attached to the characters wellbeing and what's weird is i didn't feel anymore connection to the FMC than the MMCs, I guess it's because her traits were not familiar as other FMCs traits are. Don't get me wrong she's strong and all, but I found myself smiling at things and not laughing or giggling at moments of banter and antics. The cute moments like the word play on mustard berries...that just annoyed me, but made me smile because it made the FMC smile and that was the most connection I could get.

This is a intriguing, thrilling, mind twisting series. filled with a growing power in family, the group, within themselves. it's a lot. and the only missing element to me is the weak way a mate can be made. one bite and you mated someone was too simple a way for me. It didn't feel like mate bond should be made that way. but thats the way of fae vampires I guess.
The smex was kinda hot, it had it's moments and sometimes i zoned out and had to go back because I kept zoning out.

So in all it was a good book, if you high stared a lot of the same dark books I have, then you may need to push through a few chapters here and there, but in the end it kind of ties itself up into a good book.

After this series is the hell fae series... hate to say this but I don't feel excited to go on. But I know the series is there for another time, I just fear I need too much trust it will get there energy to get through it.

3.6 stars

[Joyffree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blood - Fire - Desire

Blood - Fire - Desire

I don't want to go 😫

Aflora kicks a'rse !!
She has always had a quiet strength to her, but here, in these final moments - When she must decide the fate of so many
She shines in a way that left me with a bit of a girl crush
And watching her men learn to give and take amongst themselves - Yummy (yeah you might want to read this one in private lol)

Everything Shade has done comes to its conclusion
So many secrets - So much betrayal - and yet
Our little rose shines bright in the darkness

The perfect conclusion for this series -
The way Foss wrapped this series up -
The loss
The love
*sigh*
This is a must-own/read series for those who enjoy fantasy RH stories

[Victoria (nocturnalintimacy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited.

I read the four books in this series back to back. I love the creativity of the fae realms, how each is a power and world unto itself, but they can all cross over. I really liked the idea of the hell fae. I'm interested to see where that idea goes.

This book wraps up everything nicely for Aflora. We get answers to basically every question and the baddie is handled.

The only thing I didn't like about this one is the parade of cameos from (I'm assuming) other series.

[Becca Sabala · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a conclusion for a series.

This series got better and better with each book. I fell more in love with all the characters. You get to see sides of the characters that only Aflora has brought out in them. The smut gets a 10/10. 🥵
I'm so sad it's over, I thought I loved elemental fae academy, but this series blew that one out of the water for me.

[Brit · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Well, I wasn't prepared to cry, but this book definitely had me in tears. There were so many moving parts, but everything came together perfectly. Loved watching everyone grow. I'm so glad Aflora got her HEA. Definitely will have to check out the next series with Lucifer.

[Amanda Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely love

I honestly can’t get enough off this world that I just want to keep reading more. It’s gotten me hooked that I just want to know what happens next in this world. A great ending to this part of the series

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight fae book 4

This is the conclusion of the midnight fae academy. If you have read the other 3 books, you should just make the jump and read this one. It's worth the read. :)

[Migeldy Mauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect wrap up to the series. I might've shed a tear or two but don't tell nobody 🙌🏻

[H · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF- just lost complete interest. They saved the realm - kind of "weak" too easily and I dont care what happens next. Moving on.

[Nereid · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Midnight Queen

The action never stops in this last book of the series. The trials happen one after the other and the Earth Fae Queen will need all her mates to help her survive. Some steamy interludes with her men, lots of magic and mayhem, this reverse harem story loses a bit of momentum towards the end. The story still has a happily ever after and a fun series to read.

[Elinor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fitting end to the series I think

And set up for the next series....

[Sher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. My heart is so full. I really enjoyed this series. Oh my men. But this book truly took my heart for a spin at the end. 💔❤️‍🔥❤️‍🩹😭😍🥹

4.5 cause its a vampire why choose however i didnt really get any or much vampire…. Just some blood drinking but mainly from the one who is not really a vampire? Or is but more elemental?? Not sure but still has my heart i adore and eat up a why choose every time

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was meant to be something I listened to to fall asleep and not care about it has change to one of the BEST fantasy series I HAVE EVER READ!! If you want an unapologetically feminine FMC then read this series as well as it being y choose with not only the boyfriend being boyfriend but also the enemies being boyfriends.

[Harlequin Madness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent Series!

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I did feel that it progressed slower than all the preceding books. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a very enjoyable read but that is the only reason for my 4 star rating. The world building and character development are still richly drawn in this series and an exciting plot just really added to my enjoyment of the series as a whole.

While the previous books seemed more centered around the individual struggles of each of the main characters, this book seemed to center on them working together as a team and working to strengthen their bond(s). What’s different about the bonding here, that I have not seen before, is that there is the main bond between the entire group as well some special bonds within the group; a few pair bonds between the men that grant each of them different powers and their ability to communicate through that special bond between that pair or through the group bond to the entire group. And I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but the sex got a lil tiresome after a while. I mean, it is plausible that with 4 mates, our little Aflora is going to be having a lot of sex, but after reading about so many scenes, I just got the “ok, here we go again” feeling and found myself skimming through them. It seems like sex is the answer to all that ails you in the midnight fae realm.

Another reason for my 4, rather than 5, star rating is the final showdown between the FMC and her nemesis fell flat for me. This should be the epic culmination of all the books that lead up to this, and it was a bit of a disappointment. I still enjoyed the book, but it was probably my least favorite of the series.

I do highly recommend this series to fans of paranormal romance books. There is some MM action in the book that is not mentioned in the blurb on Amazon or Goodreads, so FYI in case that’s not your thing. The books are not standalone and must be read in order, and each book does end on a cliffhanger. This final book did not end on a cliffhanger, however it did set up the scenario for the next series.

UPDATE: second read through and it was just as enjoyable as the first time through. Only thing different I would recommend is to read the precursor to this series, the Elemental Fae Academy series. While you won’t be lost if you don’t read the other series first, you will have a better understanding of some things in this book, like the “source,” the different bonds between elemental fae and the midnight fae, and even some of the characters from the first series that make appearances in this series. I thought the explanation of the “source” was more thorough in Elemental Fae than in this series. The elemental bonding levels are mentioned in this book, but not explained, thus I initially didn’t have a full understanding of why Kols was so upset when he and Aflora “accidentally” bonded on the third level. I did in this read through. Anyway, I still highly recommend this series.

[Janina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An ancient vampire decides the best way to stop a queen is to throw her into deadly trials, which goes about as well as you’d expect when she has four very protective mates. Aflora survives everything the Midnight Fae throw at her and still finds time to fall even harder for the men she calls “My mates. My loves. My world.” Constantine, it’s time to kneel.

**********

Welcome back to the Midnight Fae world. It’s bloody, it’s dark, and it’s ruled by an ancient vampire who needs to die. Aflora’s days as a pawn in this war are over. She’s taking her place as queen on the board, and in her version of the game, everyone bows to the queen, even Constantine Nacht.

Aflora now carries both the Earth Fae source and the dark source inside her, and the book opens with her learning to let these two opposite powers live together within her.

"She’s teaching,” I whispered, still utterly engrossed in the sight before me. “She’s teaching the sources how to join inside her.” That was why it looked like they were fighting, then connecting, and then fighting again. She was finding a way for both powers to exist inside her, to ground herself in earth and hold on to the dark magic as well."

But there’s no time to rest. Constantine traps her in the ascension trials, a series of tests designed to kill her and her mates. He’s betting that they will break. Instead, Aflora, Shade, Kols, Zeph and Kai train, fight, and grow closer than ever. Each trial pushes them to their limits and tests not only Aflora’s power but also the bonds between all five of them.

"The dark source is testing your ability to trust your mates, Aflora."

Between the trials, the mates find their own place in the circle. Old rivalries turn into new bonds, Shade finally gets to stop sacrificing everything on his own, and Aflora realizes how completely her four mates have become her home.

"My mates. My loves. My world."

"This is the real dream, I told her. My life with you. That’s the dream, Aflora. And I hope I never wake up. She smiled, her heart in her eyes. Neither do I, Kai. Neither do I."

"I love you, Shadow. I love that you see me. We all see you, little rose, I told her. And we all love you."

Earth Fae are all about life, and Midnight Fae prefer death. Aflora is both, and in the final confrontation she shows exactly what happens when life marries death. In the end, a whole people stands before her.

"It’s a song of the Midnight Fae, praising the dark source for its choice, Kols explained softly, his lips ghosting over my temple. They’re singing about you, Aflora. About our new Queen of the Midnight Fae."

Aflora Bianchi, er, Aflora, Earth Fae royal and mate of four Midnight Fae, is finally their Queen. And an intriguing epilogue already points toward the next series in this world.

My opinion: what an ending! Epic and beautiful and everything this series deserved. After four books of biting, betrayal, secrets and fights, seeing Aflora and her mates finally united, fighting side by side and loving each other so openly, was so satisfying. She came into this world as an outsider with no choice, and she leaves it as its Queen, on her own terms. A perfect farewell to Aflora and her boys!