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Ruses of Lenore #3
Guardian of Ruses
An Empire in Decay
Rosia Domitius has lived her whole life in Melanthos, in the palace of Emperor Petronius Drusus and his heirs. She loves her homeland, but the magic that once infused it is vanishing, siphoned by Lenore, a small, defiant country to the west. When magical attacks begin along that border, the emperor dispatches an investigative party with Rosia in its midst—as a fledgling assassin. His expectations are clear: she can end her people’s suffering if she kills Lenore’s ruler, a mysterious figure known only as the Eternal Prince.
As soon as her party crosses the border, they encounter a nameless young man with a mischievous smile. Although he acts harmless, the creatures of the woods obey his whims. Rosia’s survival quickly depends on his goodwill, and perhaps on uncovering the secrets he guards with his pleasant façade.
For, according to this stranger, her homeland’s woes come not from Lenore but from within, from rituals lost and bonds betrayed. If she follows her original plan, she might save the dying empire. Or, she might destroy its only hope.
Rosia Domitius has lived her whole life in Melanthos, in the palace of Emperor Petronius Drusus and his heirs. She loves her homeland, but the magic that once infused it is vanishing, siphoned by Lenore, a small, defiant country to the west. When magical attacks begin along that border, the emperor dispatches an investigative party with Rosia in its midst—as a fledgling assassin. His expectations are clear: she can end her people’s suffering if she kills Lenore’s ruler, a mysterious figure known only as the Eternal Prince.
As soon as her party crosses the border, they encounter a nameless young man with a mischievous smile. Although he acts harmless, the creatures of the woods obey his whims. Rosia’s survival quickly depends on his goodwill, and perhaps on uncovering the secrets he guards with his pleasant façade.
For, according to this stranger, her homeland’s woes come not from Lenore but from within, from rituals lost and bonds betrayed. If she follows her original plan, she might save the dying empire. Or, she might destroy its only hope.
388 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2021
77 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 3, 2021
The book ended too soon! I would have loved to spend more time in Lenore with the characters. I absolutely loved Edmund in this story, and his interactions with Rose. It was also great to have more interactions with characters from the previous two books. Could I please be adopted into the prime minister's family? I was also intrigued with the issues in Melanthos and how they were resolved. I'd love to see a sequel with Blaise and Laelia or Jack and Min - there's so much more to this world that could be explored.
October 3, 2025
Unassuming but brilliant.
Rose has lived her whole life in a stricken kingdom---while her sworn enemies in the bordering kingdom inexplicably thrive. In a last effort to save their people, she is sent with an exploratory group to carry out a secret mission. She is captured and taken as a political prisoner. And what follows is... well, you'll have to read it to find out.
And as adventurous/political as the plot sounds, this is the story we need right now. Because it goes a lot deeper.
See, this is a story about what happens when you might be wrong. When the core beliefs that determine your reality, and sometimes your identity, are challenged, what should you do? How do we determine who people really are? How can we tell what the truth really is? And what is our responsibility after that? And the beautiful thing about it is that it doesn't give off "Author is trying to take an ethical stance and made this story up to sell the idea" vibes. It just unfolds so gradually and realistically within the plot.
There's a reveal at the end and I suspected what it was, but who cares?! You could maybe get away with not reading the first books in the series. But they're fairly enjoyable anyway.
Also the returning characters aged so believably. It's hard to bring a character from age 8 or so to age 18 and not lose the essence of the person. But Stradling does it well.
A warning, though. This is a bit more violent than her others.
Her best, so far.
4.5 stars. Rounded up because this is a book that teaches things... and lots of people aren't learning them anywhere else.
Rose has lived her whole life in a stricken kingdom---while her sworn enemies in the bordering kingdom inexplicably thrive. In a last effort to save their people, she is sent with an exploratory group to carry out a secret mission. She is captured and taken as a political prisoner. And what follows is... well, you'll have to read it to find out.
And as adventurous/political as the plot sounds, this is the story we need right now. Because it goes a lot deeper.
See, this is a story about what happens when you might be wrong. When the core beliefs that determine your reality, and sometimes your identity, are challenged, what should you do? How do we determine who people really are? How can we tell what the truth really is? And what is our responsibility after that? And the beautiful thing about it is that it doesn't give off "Author is trying to take an ethical stance and made this story up to sell the idea" vibes. It just unfolds so gradually and realistically within the plot.
There's a reveal at the end and I suspected what it was, but who cares?! You could maybe get away with not reading the first books in the series. But they're fairly enjoyable anyway.
Also the returning characters aged so believably. It's hard to bring a character from age 8 or so to age 18 and not lose the essence of the person. But Stradling does it well.
A warning, though. This is a bit more violent than her others.
Her best, so far.
4.5 stars. Rounded up because this is a book that teaches things... and lots of people aren't learning them anywhere else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2022
lies
A thick web of deception taints a young girls whole life and the truth brings her reality crumbling down. Evil hunts her. Who should she trust?
A thick web of deception taints a young girls whole life and the truth brings her reality crumbling down. Evil hunts her. Who should she trust?
November 16, 2021
Cute and fun.
FYI: I'd recommend a re-read of the 2 previous books in the series if you can before starting this one. It's been so long since I'd read the 2 previous books, that I was completely confused by the popping up of previous characters as I'd completely forgotten their backstory. Re-reading the other 2 "Ruses" books before this book would have considerably amped up my enjoyment factor, and lessened my confusion.
FYI: I'd recommend a re-read of the 2 previous books in the series if you can before starting this one. It's been so long since I'd read the 2 previous books, that I was completely confused by the popping up of previous characters as I'd completely forgotten their backstory. Re-reading the other 2 "Ruses" books before this book would have considerably amped up my enjoyment factor, and lessened my confusion.
January 7, 2022
Please give us more in this world!
Ah it had been a while since I had visited Leonore, but it was great to be back. The world, the magic system, and the characters are all well rounded, intriguing, and delightful.
Ah it had been a while since I had visited Leonore, but it was great to be back. The world, the magic system, and the characters are all well rounded, intriguing, and delightful.
December 27, 2023
so enjoyable
This series is really enjoyable and this felt more like the first book. I very much enjoyed it!!! I’m glad to revisit Lenore one more time…and I’d be happy with more! Going to find more Kate Stradling novels!
This series is really enjoyable and this felt more like the first book. I very much enjoyed it!!! I’m glad to revisit Lenore one more time…and I’d be happy with more! Going to find more Kate Stradling novels!
February 27, 2025
‘Twas a pleasant read, i enjoyed it. There were a few lol moments, which I don’t see often. At the end of all three there’s been some crucial plot twists that u don’t see coming and I liked that aspect of it. Easy to enjoy read, worth the time. 👍👍
April 18, 2022
An enjoyable conclusion
All of our favorite characters return in this final book. Although the way it ends it seems possible for a fourth!
All of our favorite characters return in this final book. Although the way it ends it seems possible for a fourth!
November 18, 2021
Kate Stradling never disappoints me.
April 12, 2025
This book is, I think, the funniest and maybe most satisfying of the entire Ruses of Lenore series so far. You really do have to read the first one (at least) and probably the second one, though, to understand it, because half the humor is in how badly the new character has misunderstood the situation.
Rosia Domitius is a young not-quite-noblewoman from Melanthos, the neighboring country to Lenore. Melanthos is suffering from a drought of magic--fields are drying up, and people are beginning to starve--while Lenore is overflowing with magic and its forests are thriving like they haven't for centuries. Rosia is part of a foraging mission from Melanthos into Lenore, trying to grab some of that desperately needed magic. The mission goes horribly wrong because of how badly misinformed Melanthos is about its neighbor to the west, and Rosia finds herself stranded in Lenore.
Rosia remains loyal to her emperor and to her native country, despite the slander against it--ok, well, maybe it wasn't slander after all, but she still wants to save her homeland. Stuck in Lenore awaiting negotiations for prisoner return, she finds friendship and safety with those she thought were her enemies. Eventually, Rosia discovers she might even have a chance to save her homeland after all--though not through the assassination she had planned.
One of the things I liked about this series, particularly in the second book and now this book as well, is the hilarious portrayal of the scheming young noblewomen, ambitious for good marriage matches. Rosia the foreigner is thrown into the middle of this without any preparation, but she is much more shrewd about these relationships than you might expect from her cluelessness about the political situation. I found it quite enjoyable watching her find a few friends (and enemies) from the society, and her savvy and perceptive observations about what is really going on with these relationships. (In this way, she is much like Flora from the second book, and very much unlike Viola from the first book.)
The novel (like the other novels) is really about the relationships that develop in this odd situation Rosia finds herself in; the political situation and the magic are mere backdrop for the very human (and very funny) drama of friendship and courtship.
Rosia Domitius is a young not-quite-noblewoman from Melanthos, the neighboring country to Lenore. Melanthos is suffering from a drought of magic--fields are drying up, and people are beginning to starve--while Lenore is overflowing with magic and its forests are thriving like they haven't for centuries. Rosia is part of a foraging mission from Melanthos into Lenore, trying to grab some of that desperately needed magic. The mission goes horribly wrong because of how badly misinformed Melanthos is about its neighbor to the west, and Rosia finds herself stranded in Lenore.
Rosia remains loyal to her emperor and to her native country, despite the slander against it--ok, well, maybe it wasn't slander after all, but she still wants to save her homeland. Stuck in Lenore awaiting negotiations for prisoner return, she finds friendship and safety with those she thought were her enemies. Eventually, Rosia discovers she might even have a chance to save her homeland after all--though not through the assassination she had planned.
One of the things I liked about this series, particularly in the second book and now this book as well, is the hilarious portrayal of the scheming young noblewomen, ambitious for good marriage matches. Rosia the foreigner is thrown into the middle of this without any preparation, but she is much more shrewd about these relationships than you might expect from her cluelessness about the political situation. I found it quite enjoyable watching her find a few friends (and enemies) from the society, and her savvy and perceptive observations about what is really going on with these relationships. (In this way, she is much like Flora from the second book, and very much unlike Viola from the first book.)
The novel (like the other novels) is really about the relationships that develop in this odd situation Rosia finds herself in; the political situation and the magic are mere backdrop for the very human (and very funny) drama of friendship and courtship.
November 6, 2021
Ahhh yes
I'm so glad Kate Stradling decided to write another book in this series! I may have gone back and (binge) reread the first two books to make sure I remembered the characters, culture/history, and magic system before I started this one, and I'm glad I did. Mostly because they're such enjoyable reads, but it had also been awhile since I'd read them and I had forgotten a lot of stuff. I think it's probably better to have read the first two books before your read this one.
But anyway, this book is lovely! The characters are great. You've got Rosia, a tender-hearted would-be assassin from Malanthos and Edmund (younger brother of Viola and Charlie from the first two books), an always-benignly-pleasant lover of magical creatures from Lenore. They are interesting and sympatric characters. And the side characters (many of whom are from the first two books) are lovely as well.
The world-building and plot, as always with this author, and layered and just plain interesting. There's plenty of mystery and conflict--the "evil" kingdom neighboring Lenore, Melanthos, finally gets some positive representation in Rosia, and some of the conflicts and misunderstanding between the countries are fleshed out and explored, which I greatly enjoyed.
I think the driving theme of this story is the conflict between holding fast to one's loyalty (in this case, Rosia's loyalty for her country) and being able to admire, learn from, and even love one's enemy. This is, at least, Rosia's main conflict throughout the story, and I found it to be very compelling.
There's so many great things about this book, it's hard to sum it all up. Really, the best summary is just that you should read it. I definitely recommend this book, and the other two that precede it. It's got an interesting and fleshed out magic system and conflict, with great characters and relationship (family, friendship, romantic, etc.). It's clean--no cursing, sex/sexual innuendo, and not very much violent. Though, there are some darker elements having to do with blood magic and magical enslavement, which are key elements of the plot. But nothing really graphic or gory, thankfully.
I'm so glad Kate Stradling decided to write another book in this series! I may have gone back and (binge) reread the first two books to make sure I remembered the characters, culture/history, and magic system before I started this one, and I'm glad I did. Mostly because they're such enjoyable reads, but it had also been awhile since I'd read them and I had forgotten a lot of stuff. I think it's probably better to have read the first two books before your read this one.
But anyway, this book is lovely! The characters are great. You've got Rosia, a tender-hearted would-be assassin from Malanthos and Edmund (younger brother of Viola and Charlie from the first two books), an always-benignly-pleasant lover of magical creatures from Lenore. They are interesting and sympatric characters. And the side characters (many of whom are from the first two books) are lovely as well.
The world-building and plot, as always with this author, and layered and just plain interesting. There's plenty of mystery and conflict--the "evil" kingdom neighboring Lenore, Melanthos, finally gets some positive representation in Rosia, and some of the conflicts and misunderstanding between the countries are fleshed out and explored, which I greatly enjoyed.
I think the driving theme of this story is the conflict between holding fast to one's loyalty (in this case, Rosia's loyalty for her country) and being able to admire, learn from, and even love one's enemy. This is, at least, Rosia's main conflict throughout the story, and I found it to be very compelling.
There's so many great things about this book, it's hard to sum it all up. Really, the best summary is just that you should read it. I definitely recommend this book, and the other two that precede it. It's got an interesting and fleshed out magic system and conflict, with great characters and relationship (family, friendship, romantic, etc.). It's clean--no cursing, sex/sexual innuendo, and not very much violent. Though, there are some darker elements having to do with blood magic and magical enslavement, which are key elements of the plot. But nothing really graphic or gory, thankfully.
March 25, 2022
I enjoyed the viewpoint of Rosia from Melanthos
This story focuses on how views are easily skewed when you don't have all the information.
Rosia is a kindhearted person who wants to see her country of Melanthos recover from the magical drought it is experiencing that causes the land to wither and unable to support the people. She is sent as an emissary into Lenore, but is separated from her group when the magician with them does something bad. Rosia is stuck, alone, with a Lenorian stranger who takes her back to the Lenore's capital to face the judgement of the Prime Minister and Eternal Prince.
Rosia experiences life in Lenore, with all the prosperity the country has from its magical abundance, a stark contrast to her own country's plight. She views things with anger and envy, then begins to try to understand why things are thevway they are, and how that understanding could help Melanthos.
This is an enjoyable addition to the Ruses story. Definitely read the books in order,'Kingdom of Ruses' then 'Tournament of Ruses', before reading this one. I would love to read more from this world, but if this is the last one, it is a good ending to the story.
This story focuses on how views are easily skewed when you don't have all the information.
Rosia is a kindhearted person who wants to see her country of Melanthos recover from the magical drought it is experiencing that causes the land to wither and unable to support the people. She is sent as an emissary into Lenore, but is separated from her group when the magician with them does something bad. Rosia is stuck, alone, with a Lenorian stranger who takes her back to the Lenore's capital to face the judgement of the Prime Minister and Eternal Prince.
Rosia experiences life in Lenore, with all the prosperity the country has from its magical abundance, a stark contrast to her own country's plight. She views things with anger and envy, then begins to try to understand why things are thevway they are, and how that understanding could help Melanthos.
This is an enjoyable addition to the Ruses story. Definitely read the books in order,'Kingdom of Ruses' then 'Tournament of Ruses', before reading this one. I would love to read more from this world, but if this is the last one, it is a good ending to the story.
November 7, 2021
I mean...I loved it. I love this Slytherin-Hufflepuff family dearly and am so glad I got to see them again.
The hero to the heroine....the portrayal of ignorance and imposed blindnes...the AWESOME worldbuilding we got to see with magic and the countries and all the creatures...I just really loved it all. And I did quite enjoy this romance (there was a beautiful power balance, somehow, even though the heroine was a "captive" (sort of...it's complicated) and everyone else seemed one step ahead of her; it was strange...maybe it's my bias for Lenore speaking...). Loved the themes of family and the power of knowledge and ignorance....and, of course, I love the entire "ruse" aspect that this had. And seeing how far all the characters have come was beautiful to behold.
If there are any flaws...they reside with the villains because they're nasty. But honestly, the book was a great addition to the Ruses of Lenore series.
Content: Some emotional absue/gaslighting portrayed, a little romance but nothing more than a kiss, a bit of violence (not gruesome), and no language
The hero to the heroine....the portrayal of ignorance and imposed blindnes...the AWESOME worldbuilding we got to see with magic and the countries and all the creatures...I just really loved it all. And I did quite enjoy this romance (there was a beautiful power balance, somehow, even though the heroine was a "captive" (sort of...it's complicated) and everyone else seemed one step ahead of her; it was strange...maybe it's my bias for Lenore speaking...). Loved the themes of family and the power of knowledge and ignorance....and, of course, I love the entire "ruse" aspect that this had. And seeing how far all the characters have come was beautiful to behold.
If there are any flaws...they reside with the villains because they're nasty. But honestly, the book was a great addition to the Ruses of Lenore series.
Content: Some emotional absue/gaslighting portrayed, a little romance but nothing more than a kiss, a bit of violence (not gruesome), and no language
May 21, 2022
Enjoyed the tie in from the other nifara- made the piece from book 1 send a little (just a little) less of an awkward hanging piece. I still look at them as afterthoughts, but I’m glad they were brought back for a bit of closure.
I find FL a little annoying in this, due to her blind loyalty to the empire, but I simultaneously appreciate the way that was written - it’s very difficult to flip your worldview 180 degrees when you’ve only ever known/been exposed to one side. So I get it. It is a rather well-written portrayal, I just feel it dragged on a little too long.
Personally felt the first half was a little slow and boring, but things kicked up in the latter half/third. Really enjoyed how everything was wrapped up! Plus of course, I loved seeing the characters from previous books as well. I do feel the last Moreland sibling is a little less charismatic than the other two, but it’s probably because there’s not much left to write about them - all the unique characters traits have already been taken!
I find FL a little annoying in this, due to her blind loyalty to the empire, but I simultaneously appreciate the way that was written - it’s very difficult to flip your worldview 180 degrees when you’ve only ever known/been exposed to one side. So I get it. It is a rather well-written portrayal, I just feel it dragged on a little too long.
Personally felt the first half was a little slow and boring, but things kicked up in the latter half/third. Really enjoyed how everything was wrapped up! Plus of course, I loved seeing the characters from previous books as well. I do feel the last Moreland sibling is a little less charismatic than the other two, but it’s probably because there’s not much left to write about them - all the unique characters traits have already been taken!
April 8, 2022
Possibly better than the first!
Astonishing as it is, I think this novel may be better than the first one in the series, which is quite the feat! Rose is wonderful, and I never believed for a moment that she was actually meant to be an assassin (I was quite glad that we found out the truth about that). And Edmund is just perfectly imperfect.
It was also nice to see that Cassian got over Laelia and had a happily ever after of his own. I never liked her, and I've got to be honest that I don't want to read a book told from her point of view, no matter how interesting it would be to see more of the Empire.
I was also pleased that Rose made a real friend, after all of the grief Flora went through. The story I'd really like to know is the one about Flora's ascent to a professorship! Also, I want to see how Flora's children grow up.
Now I'm rambling, but it's hard to say enough good things about this book.
Astonishing as it is, I think this novel may be better than the first one in the series, which is quite the feat! Rose is wonderful, and I never believed for a moment that she was actually meant to be an assassin (I was quite glad that we found out the truth about that). And Edmund is just perfectly imperfect.
It was also nice to see that Cassian got over Laelia and had a happily ever after of his own. I never liked her, and I've got to be honest that I don't want to read a book told from her point of view, no matter how interesting it would be to see more of the Empire.
I was also pleased that Rose made a real friend, after all of the grief Flora went through. The story I'd really like to know is the one about Flora's ascent to a professorship! Also, I want to see how Flora's children grow up.
Now I'm rambling, but it's hard to say enough good things about this book.
November 20, 2021
The cover, the story, the characters--ahh!!
I am thrilled, THRILLED with this unexpected third book of the Ruses series.
I'm still over here riding the too-good-to-stop-reading-stay-up-all-night book high with this one.
It's been a while since I read the first two books in this series, so at times I felt a little lost when past things were referenced. I muddled through decently enough though.
The plot is not super fast-paced, but I didn't mind a bit. I enjoyed reading and remembering and rediscovering right along with Rose.
And, let me just say, Edmund has firmly landed on my list of favorite leading men. From his opening scene on, I was throughly charmed by the youngest Moreland.
Do I still miss having more Will and Viola, yes, but Edmund and Rose make a very close and enjoyable (if different) second to them.
Book 4, anyone? Or is that just me? 😂
I am thrilled, THRILLED with this unexpected third book of the Ruses series.
I'm still over here riding the too-good-to-stop-reading-stay-up-all-night book high with this one.
It's been a while since I read the first two books in this series, so at times I felt a little lost when past things were referenced. I muddled through decently enough though.
The plot is not super fast-paced, but I didn't mind a bit. I enjoyed reading and remembering and rediscovering right along with Rose.
And, let me just say, Edmund has firmly landed on my list of favorite leading men. From his opening scene on, I was throughly charmed by the youngest Moreland.
Do I still miss having more Will and Viola, yes, but Edmund and Rose make a very close and enjoyable (if different) second to them.
Book 4, anyone? Or is that just me? 😂
December 8, 2021
WOW! As Usual…
As usual Kate Stradling doesn’t disappoint and delivers another face paced, intriguing novel.
I’ve read the other two in the series, and
I was genuinely surprised when this was released. I generally agree with her, and don’t feel as if everything, or most now a days, needs to be dragged out into a series. I’m so glad Stradling didn’t listen to herself but rather allowed her inner creative side to make the judgement call on this one.
I will say it easily could be a stand-alone, with the reader not at all feeling lost if they did decide to pick this one up by itself.
I hope Stradling continues to provide us with many years of joyous, captivating novels to come. Her talent is rare, particularly in this exceedingly inundated market of this specific genre.
Absolutely a joy to read!!
As usual Kate Stradling doesn’t disappoint and delivers another face paced, intriguing novel.
I’ve read the other two in the series, and
I was genuinely surprised when this was released. I generally agree with her, and don’t feel as if everything, or most now a days, needs to be dragged out into a series. I’m so glad Stradling didn’t listen to herself but rather allowed her inner creative side to make the judgement call on this one.
I will say it easily could be a stand-alone, with the reader not at all feeling lost if they did decide to pick this one up by itself.
I hope Stradling continues to provide us with many years of joyous, captivating novels to come. Her talent is rare, particularly in this exceedingly inundated market of this specific genre.
Absolutely a joy to read!!
August 9, 2022
Do not take what is not freely given
And I feel very free to give this wonderful tale five stars.
As the author said in her preface, this story is best read in sequence after the first two.
But since I'd just read them, I quite enjoyed picking out all the details that told me who Ed was before his name was mentioned. He was still the fun loving kid from the first books, but with the maturity to stick to his new motto.
Rose was a very sweet and conflicted character, and I was so happy for all she learned through the story, and especially from her brother at the end.
I would also very much enjoy following the threads begun about Jack the vet, and the new endeavors in Melanthos.
And I feel very free to give this wonderful tale five stars.
As the author said in her preface, this story is best read in sequence after the first two.
But since I'd just read them, I quite enjoyed picking out all the details that told me who Ed was before his name was mentioned. He was still the fun loving kid from the first books, but with the maturity to stick to his new motto.
Rose was a very sweet and conflicted character, and I was so happy for all she learned through the story, and especially from her brother at the end.
I would also very much enjoy following the threads begun about Jack the vet, and the new endeavors in Melanthos.
November 12, 2021
Yes, please
Book 3 is so good, I'd like a Book 4. Please.
There are so many loose ends at the end of Book 3 that not having a Book 4 would be considered cruel and unusual punishment.
The characters are so likable, that not having their stories tied up in a satisfying knot, would leave an unitchable itch... that would be unkind.
The probable plot for a book 4, already seems so intriguing that my imaginative curiosity needs to know... What Happpens??? And Kate Stradling
has done so well with all her other plotting... that I know Book 4 would be just as well done as Book 1, 2 and 3.
So. Yes, please.
I want more.
I would love a Book 4.
Book 3 is so good, I'd like a Book 4. Please.
There are so many loose ends at the end of Book 3 that not having a Book 4 would be considered cruel and unusual punishment.
The characters are so likable, that not having their stories tied up in a satisfying knot, would leave an unitchable itch... that would be unkind.
The probable plot for a book 4, already seems so intriguing that my imaginative curiosity needs to know... What Happpens??? And Kate Stradling
has done so well with all her other plotting... that I know Book 4 would be just as well done as Book 1, 2 and 3.
So. Yes, please.
I want more.
I would love a Book 4.
December 18, 2021
I think I liked this one better than the other two. This one seemed a little more thoughtful concerning various things and seemed to delve a little more into the character of our main leads.
As always, it's interesting to see the Morelands from an outsider's perspective and Rosia made for a lovely lead character.
Edmund is a darling and I love the sort of character who's infuriating cheerful and honest. Both he and Rosia made for relatable characters in the traits that could be considered their strengths and weaknesses.
A lovely addition to the Ruses series. I would like to see a few companion stories for the characters that appeared/reappeared in this one, but we'll have to wait and see!
As always, it's interesting to see the Morelands from an outsider's perspective and Rosia made for a lovely lead character.
Edmund is a darling and I love the sort of character who's infuriating cheerful and honest. Both he and Rosia made for relatable characters in the traits that could be considered their strengths and weaknesses.
A lovely addition to the Ruses series. I would like to see a few companion stories for the characters that appeared/reappeared in this one, but we'll have to wait and see!
January 29, 2022
Third book in the Ruses series, and centers around the third member of the Moreland family, Edmund, as he meets up with a would-be-assassin from the neighboring country of Melanthos.
The Moreland are all as sly and slithery as they were in the previous books, which is simultaneously endearing and infuriating. Lots of witty banter and humor. The writing was good overall - although one quirk that stood out to me was that the main character is described a number of times as "pitching her voice light" when she says things - enough times that it caught my attention and seemed redundant.
Overall a fun continuation of the series and felt fresh enough to justify its existence.
The Moreland are all as sly and slithery as they were in the previous books, which is simultaneously endearing and infuriating. Lots of witty banter and humor. The writing was good overall - although one quirk that stood out to me was that the main character is described a number of times as "pitching her voice light" when she says things - enough times that it caught my attention and seemed redundant.
Overall a fun continuation of the series and felt fresh enough to justify its existence.
December 18, 2021
I hit my romance limit for the day & I didn't really like the rosia so uhhhh
I wanted to rate it 2 stars but I like Kate Stradling & it is probably a good book except im gonna throw hands bc I started scraping my nail polish off again and I didn't want to do that and also the goodreads new website look whatever SUCKS and im mad about it but I like Kate's writing so three stars and maybe if I read it when im not in the mood to yeehaw something I'll change it to four
update: I got coffee so it's four stars now
I wanted to rate it 2 stars but I like Kate Stradling & it is probably a good book except im gonna throw hands bc I started scraping my nail polish off again and I didn't want to do that and also the goodreads new website look whatever SUCKS and im mad about it but I like Kate's writing so three stars and maybe if I read it when im not in the mood to yeehaw something I'll change it to four
update: I got coffee so it's four stars now
December 24, 2021
Third times the charm
It was so wonderful to return to this world and the people I have grown to love over the other two books. I always wanted to see what happened with Edmond the third child and this story told from Rosia's perspective as an outsider to Lenore created such a unique voice and let me fall in love with the characters again. I hope the author is inspired to revisit this world again in the future so we can find out how things turn out for Rosia country. If magic can be restored there as it was in lenore. Highly recommend this book and its predecessors.
It was so wonderful to return to this world and the people I have grown to love over the other two books. I always wanted to see what happened with Edmond the third child and this story told from Rosia's perspective as an outsider to Lenore created such a unique voice and let me fall in love with the characters again. I hope the author is inspired to revisit this world again in the future so we can find out how things turn out for Rosia country. If magic can be restored there as it was in lenore. Highly recommend this book and its predecessors.
March 7, 2025
This was the best of the three books in this series, very satisfying story, definitely cosy and yet well entertaining - though not really suspenseful.
It explains more about the magic in the lands and the reasons why Melanthos is so very deprived of magic.
The only thing I found a little weak is that one of the ladies (who tries to seduce Edmund) is a copy of one of the ladies from the first book, but that's really the only weak point for me.
Rose is very relatable, with her lack of self-esteem and her desire to do her best. The relationship between her and Edmund is sweet.
It explains more about the magic in the lands and the reasons why Melanthos is so very deprived of magic.
The only thing I found a little weak is that one of the ladies (who tries to seduce Edmund) is a copy of one of the ladies from the first book, but that's really the only weak point for me.
Rose is very relatable, with her lack of self-esteem and her desire to do her best. The relationship between her and Edmund is sweet.
November 2, 2021
What a fun book!
I gave a strong positive review after I read the second book in the Lenore series. This third installment is just as clever and entertaining. There’s a whole knot of characters the reader warms up to. This story is funny at times but it also examines character, loyalty and discerning truth. I recommend reading all three books in order. This is a fast-paced romp of fun!
I gave a strong positive review after I read the second book in the Lenore series. This third installment is just as clever and entertaining. There’s a whole knot of characters the reader warms up to. This story is funny at times but it also examines character, loyalty and discerning truth. I recommend reading all three books in order. This is a fast-paced romp of fun!
November 3, 2021
A fantastic book!
I've loved all the books in the Ruse series, and this one is no different. It was fun to see Edmund grown up and to get to see how his siblings' lives--the main characters from the previous two books--have turned out over the past ten years. Our newest heroine, Rose, was spunky yet compassionate, and I loved Edmund's banter with her. This book just plain out made me happy. Kudos to Kate Stradling for another fine addition to her book arsenal.
I've loved all the books in the Ruse series, and this one is no different. It was fun to see Edmund grown up and to get to see how his siblings' lives--the main characters from the previous two books--have turned out over the past ten years. Our newest heroine, Rose, was spunky yet compassionate, and I loved Edmund's banter with her. This book just plain out made me happy. Kudos to Kate Stradling for another fine addition to her book arsenal.
November 17, 2021
I am so thrilled there is now a third book in the Ruses of Lenore series! All three books are entertaining and memorable from the world building to the characters. I particularly found Rosia a charming main character. In a series where so many of the characters are clever tricksters a MC who wears her heart on her sleeve is fun.
If you haven't read any of these books yet I highly recommend them.
If you haven't read any of these books yet I highly recommend them.
January 1, 2024
Loyalties and Love
Rose is loyal to the empire which is being drained of their magic by the conniving Eternal Prince of Lanore, or so she thinks. This book is full of magic and questioning loyalties. I loved Rose and Edmund. We got to see old friends like Will, Viola, Flora, and Charlie, and also meet new friends like, Minerva. I adored her! It was fun learning more about the magic and animals of Lanore too. Even with 450 pages in this book, I still want more!
Rose is loyal to the empire which is being drained of their magic by the conniving Eternal Prince of Lanore, or so she thinks. This book is full of magic and questioning loyalties. I loved Rose and Edmund. We got to see old friends like Will, Viola, Flora, and Charlie, and also meet new friends like, Minerva. I adored her! It was fun learning more about the magic and animals of Lanore too. Even with 450 pages in this book, I still want more!
March 1, 2024
I loved this book as well. This whole series, Kate Stradling did an amazing job focusing on different people, and having them fall in love differently. There was a lot of women support women, and a lot of the prissy girl trying to catch a man gets her comeuppance.
Cleanliness: PG-G This book addressed family betrayal, blood magic, and affairs (other peoples). It was clean, and generally positive, but may not be appropriate for the very young.
Cleanliness: PG-G This book addressed family betrayal, blood magic, and affairs (other peoples). It was clean, and generally positive, but may not be appropriate for the very young.
November 6, 2021
Loved it!
I re-read the first two just before this one and they’re all great. Witty banter, kind-hearted characters, interesting magic and magic creatures. I hope there will be more in this world. There are definitely some possibilities hinted at in this third book. Now I wish I could read them all over again!
I re-read the first two just before this one and they’re all great. Witty banter, kind-hearted characters, interesting magic and magic creatures. I hope there will be more in this world. There are definitely some possibilities hinted at in this third book. Now I wish I could read them all over again!
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