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The Eburosi Chronicles #4
The Horse Mistress: Book 4
War is coming to the island of Eburos.
Andoc, Senovo, and I can no longer live quietly in the shadows of the village of Draebard. As tribal Chieftain, High Priest, and Horse Mistress, it now falls to the three of us to organize a defense against the terrifyingly powerful Alyrion Empire.
Senovo—a shape-shifter—has a desperate plan to save us all.
But if he succeeds, it just might end up tearing our triad apart forever.
* * *
The Horse Mistress by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is a 2016 Rainbow Award winning LGBT fantasy romance series.
This series is part of the Eburosi Chronicles:
The Horse Mistress (4 books, complete)
The Lion Mistress (3 books, complete)
The Dragon Mistress (4 books, complete)
Master of Hounds (3 books, coming in 2021)
The War Mistress (TBD, coming in 2022)
While loosely linked, each series may be read on its own.
Andoc, Senovo, and I can no longer live quietly in the shadows of the village of Draebard. As tribal Chieftain, High Priest, and Horse Mistress, it now falls to the three of us to organize a defense against the terrifyingly powerful Alyrion Empire.
Senovo—a shape-shifter—has a desperate plan to save us all.
But if he succeeds, it just might end up tearing our triad apart forever.
* * *
The Horse Mistress by USA Today bestseller R. A. Steffan is a 2016 Rainbow Award winning LGBT fantasy romance series.
This series is part of the Eburosi Chronicles:
The Horse Mistress (4 books, complete)
The Lion Mistress (3 books, complete)
The Dragon Mistress (4 books, complete)
Master of Hounds (3 books, coming in 2021)
The War Mistress (TBD, coming in 2022)
While loosely linked, each series may be read on its own.
325 pages, Paperback
First published May 7, 2016
25 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Steffan
86 books504 followersUSA Today bestselling author R. A. Steffan lives in New Mexico, where the sunsets paint the mountains purple, and roadrunners roam the desert endlessly in search of their coyote victims. When she’s not busy writing stories about people loving each other in all sorts of different and interesting ways, she can be found taking care of her small menagerie of critters.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
A rebel to the core, she is currently sticking it to the man by illegally harvesting graywater from the kitchen and bathroom sinks to water trees outside. This fearless disregard for societal norms extends to her writing, as well. There, you will find polyamory along with straight, gay, bisexual, and non-gender conforming love of all flavors. You will also find families of choice, profound friendships, adventure, danger, and good triumphing over evil.
That, and sex. Lots of sex. Most of which is not the vanilla variety.
If any of that appeals, sign up at http://www.rasteffan.com/ to get a free starter library featuring the first books in several of her series. You can also follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RASteffanAut..., or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/RA_Steffan.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 2, 2018
After finishing book 3 in this series I dove right into book 4 as I had to know how the story of Carivel, Senovo and Andoc would get wrapped up. I am really enjoying this series so far and I am so happy there are still more books I can read, even tough they will have a different main character. I am quite curious about those books too and meeting the new main characters.
The Horse Mistress Book 4 has a bit of a more somber tone at times. The Empire is evading and it's only a matter of where. They also know when, namely after the winter is over. So this winter is all focused on making sure Northern Eburos is as ready as they can be. I loved how we get to see more of Northern Eburos in this book. Andoc, Carivel and Senovo travel to some villages to see if they want to join their alliance and defend against the incoming invasion, which means we got to see a bit of the rest of northern Eburos, which was great. I also liked seeing how the tribes handled the news and the new developments and inventions made with the invasion looming over them.
And even more fun is how they visit Andoc's home town and we get to meet Andoc's mom, who was lovely. There is also a more sadder visit to Carivel's mother, as her mother always treated her badly, but this scene did bring things on that topic to a resolution for Carivel and I think she really needed that. There's also a sad event earlier in the book, but part of what happened next did feel important.
With Senovo having a self appointed quest and what this means for him and the tone of the book is a bit sad at times because of that, but luckily there are enough happy and uplifting parts spread throughout the series as well and in the end I am really happy how that part of the plot line got resolved.
With how the whole book is building up to the invasion, I was quite nervous and curious how that part would be resolved. And the further I got in the book, the more I was wondering how the whole battle and invasion would fit in there. But it was there, just much shorter than I had expected. There is a bit of a time skip and then only one chapter that is about the invasion. On the one hand it felt a bit anti-climactic, but at the same time I also liked how this was handled. The way it was told showed a bit of the Empire's perspective which was quite illuminating. The Return of the Wolf Epilogue is a perfect way to wrap up the characters story and I felt that this made the end more complete. I am just not sure if the epilogue is also at the end of book 4 or only in the box set, as I read the box set.
In many ways this book wraps up their individual story lines really well. Carivel, Andoc and Senovo all have found their place and their love for each other is as strong as ever. I like seeing them in their current roles and how they handle it. The last few open threads or things they struggle with get addressed in this book and they are at a great place at the end of the book.
Favian is still one of my favorite side characters and it was great to see how he handles the events of this book, even tough he has to go through more hardship first. The epilogue makes me pretty sure he is one of the love interests in the lion mistress part of the series, which makes me happy as that means we get to see more of him. The epilogue from Favian is a nice set-up for the next book, but I actually liked the epilogue from Senovo's point of view more as that worked better to wrap up this part of the story.
With the focus on the story on preparing for the invasion the focus is less on the romance at times. but at the same time this book has some of the most romantic scenes in the series. It shows again how much these three mean to each other and there is a scene later in the book that's just so perfect. I am just a bit sad that for most of the book Senovo was a bit distant as it was obvious everyone was suffering because of it, then again it did totally make sense what happened and how it was handled.
I really enjoy reading about these three and I am really happy how their story got wrapped and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. It was great seeing how they supported each other. And I liked seeing Adnoc as chief, how Senovo dealt with his wolf and also how Carivel how has grown over the course of the series.
To summarize: this was a great wrap up of the horse mistress books. The story builds up to the invasion of the empire at the end of the book, it was interesting reading about the preparations, the political aspect and the new inventions that were being made because of the looming war. It also was great to see a bit more of Eburos. The tone could be a bit somber at times, but luckily there were enough happy and uplifting moments as well. I liked how all the left over plot lines and last personal struggles of Andoc, Senovo and Carival get wrapped up and I love how much they have found their place and changed throughout this series and it's great to see in what a good place they are at the end. The end battle was a bit anti-climactic on the one hand, but on the other hand I liked how it was handled. The epilogue was awesome and I liked how it gave us resolution and see the three of them together once more. There is a bit of a set-up for the lion mistress books and I hope to start on those soon.
The Horse Mistress Book 4 has a bit of a more somber tone at times. The Empire is evading and it's only a matter of where. They also know when, namely after the winter is over. So this winter is all focused on making sure Northern Eburos is as ready as they can be. I loved how we get to see more of Northern Eburos in this book. Andoc, Carivel and Senovo travel to some villages to see if they want to join their alliance and defend against the incoming invasion, which means we got to see a bit of the rest of northern Eburos, which was great. I also liked seeing how the tribes handled the news and the new developments and inventions made with the invasion looming over them.
And even more fun is how they visit Andoc's home town and we get to meet Andoc's mom, who was lovely. There is also a more sadder visit to Carivel's mother, as her mother always treated her badly, but this scene did bring things on that topic to a resolution for Carivel and I think she really needed that. There's also a sad event earlier in the book, but part of what happened next did feel important.
With Senovo having a self appointed quest and what this means for him and the tone of the book is a bit sad at times because of that, but luckily there are enough happy and uplifting parts spread throughout the series as well and in the end I am really happy how that part of the plot line got resolved.
With how the whole book is building up to the invasion, I was quite nervous and curious how that part would be resolved. And the further I got in the book, the more I was wondering how the whole battle and invasion would fit in there. But it was there, just much shorter than I had expected. There is a bit of a time skip and then only one chapter that is about the invasion. On the one hand it felt a bit anti-climactic, but at the same time I also liked how this was handled. The way it was told showed a bit of the Empire's perspective which was quite illuminating. The Return of the Wolf Epilogue is a perfect way to wrap up the characters story and I felt that this made the end more complete. I am just not sure if the epilogue is also at the end of book 4 or only in the box set, as I read the box set.
In many ways this book wraps up their individual story lines really well. Carivel, Andoc and Senovo all have found their place and their love for each other is as strong as ever. I like seeing them in their current roles and how they handle it. The last few open threads or things they struggle with get addressed in this book and they are at a great place at the end of the book.
Favian is still one of my favorite side characters and it was great to see how he handles the events of this book, even tough he has to go through more hardship first. The epilogue makes me pretty sure he is one of the love interests in the lion mistress part of the series, which makes me happy as that means we get to see more of him. The epilogue from Favian is a nice set-up for the next book, but I actually liked the epilogue from Senovo's point of view more as that worked better to wrap up this part of the story.
With the focus on the story on preparing for the invasion the focus is less on the romance at times. but at the same time this book has some of the most romantic scenes in the series. It shows again how much these three mean to each other and there is a scene later in the book that's just so perfect. I am just a bit sad that for most of the book Senovo was a bit distant as it was obvious everyone was suffering because of it, then again it did totally make sense what happened and how it was handled.
I really enjoy reading about these three and I am really happy how their story got wrapped and I hope we get to see more of them in future books. It was great seeing how they supported each other. And I liked seeing Adnoc as chief, how Senovo dealt with his wolf and also how Carivel how has grown over the course of the series.
To summarize: this was a great wrap up of the horse mistress books. The story builds up to the invasion of the empire at the end of the book, it was interesting reading about the preparations, the political aspect and the new inventions that were being made because of the looming war. It also was great to see a bit more of Eburos. The tone could be a bit somber at times, but luckily there were enough happy and uplifting moments as well. I liked how all the left over plot lines and last personal struggles of Andoc, Senovo and Carival get wrapped up and I love how much they have found their place and changed throughout this series and it's great to see in what a good place they are at the end. The end battle was a bit anti-climactic on the one hand, but on the other hand I liked how it was handled. The epilogue was awesome and I liked how it gave us resolution and see the three of them together once more. There is a bit of a set-up for the lion mistress books and I hope to start on those soon.
September 24, 2019
Overall: good! But in a frustrating way, because I would LIKE to say that it was great, but it wasn't.
I mean, it was a perfectly satisfactory way to end a series. All loose ends were tied up, emotional climaxes were had. Some of them seemed almost perfunctory, like Carivel's final meeting with her mother (lots of build-up that just led to a flatline of whatever) and her subsequent mothering by Andoc's mother. I was glad that they got to be together openly and publicly, but there wasn't any lead-up to it, just like. Okay sure, here's a way to resolve this issue, divinely dropped into your laps.
Also, again, the sources of conflict/urgency in this book just did not hit home for me. Senovo being worried that he's going to lose himself to the wolf? Didn't we deal with that in book one and two? And I have to admit, while I'm not the hugest fan of battle scenes and drawn out war, the choice to encapsulate the entire invasion in one single chapter near the end was. LOL. Certainly a bold one.
All in all, I do like the series. The world building was cool, the characters were compelling, and all the little details that she put in where another writer might have left it to our imagination really helped to develop the world. I probably won't read the other books in the Eburosi Chronicles, but this experience has been a fun one.
I mean, it was a perfectly satisfactory way to end a series. All loose ends were tied up, emotional climaxes were had. Some of them seemed almost perfunctory, like Carivel's final meeting with her mother (lots of build-up that just led to a flatline of whatever) and her subsequent mothering by Andoc's mother. I was glad that they got to be together openly and publicly, but there wasn't any lead-up to it, just like. Okay sure, here's a way to resolve this issue, divinely dropped into your laps.
Also, again, the sources of conflict/urgency in this book just did not hit home for me. Senovo being worried that he's going to lose himself to the wolf? Didn't we deal with that in book one and two? And I have to admit, while I'm not the hugest fan of battle scenes and drawn out war, the choice to encapsulate the entire invasion in one single chapter near the end was. LOL. Certainly a bold one.
All in all, I do like the series. The world building was cool, the characters were compelling, and all the little details that she put in where another writer might have left it to our imagination really helped to develop the world. I probably won't read the other books in the Eburosi Chronicles, but this experience has been a fun one.
March 30, 2021
Thrilling conclusion or perfect segue to the next saga
Hands down, I have to give credit where it is due. The author has blended subject matter and characters so masterfully that even the uninitiated will see joy, honor and love. Take the warning in the authors note to heart, it is no joke and not even a mild warning. No matter the comfort zone, personally, I saw it through, I feel I learned about subjects that while I wasn’t blasé about, I didn’t go overboard trying to understand before I read this. I will honestly say that not only was this enlightening but it was tastefully done even though explicitly described.
Hands down, I have to give credit where it is due. The author has blended subject matter and characters so masterfully that even the uninitiated will see joy, honor and love. Take the warning in the authors note to heart, it is no joke and not even a mild warning. No matter the comfort zone, personally, I saw it through, I feel I learned about subjects that while I wasn’t blasé about, I didn’t go overboard trying to understand before I read this. I will honestly say that not only was this enlightening but it was tastefully done even though explicitly described.
August 4, 2019
I absolutely love Gwendolyn Druyor as the narrator for this series. She does the characters justice!! Such a pleasure to listen to.
I love the foreshadowing in this book with little Frella playing with a toy Lion and then the introduction of Ithric. They are now a proper little family. There was so much emotion and so many obstacles to overcome! I am so so relieved with how it ended. I feel like I have closure and I am excited for the next series with the characters having been introduced in this book.
I am a little sad that I didn't get to hear more about the bear shifters living in the mountains or the lions Ithric was going to bring to the war.
I was also very disappointed that the Mereni (?) black stallion didn't have more air time in this book (keep in mind I listen to the audible version so I am not sure how everything is spelt). I feel like he should have been the horse Carivel rode into battle!
We got to hear more about Carivel's heart breaking past and I really felt like she finally got closure. Her mother is a terrible person, but now she is a part of a loving and accepting family. So so happy!
And I love their names for each other - old friend, beloved, caradi, amadi. So cute!
AND THEN THE THREE WAY HANDFASTING!!!!!! YES!!!!!
And the magic with the shifters being able to sense each other and talk to other animals of their shifter species. Wow. R.A. Steffan you are brilliant!
I love the foreshadowing in this book with little Frella playing with a toy Lion and then the introduction of Ithric. They are now a proper little family. There was so much emotion and so many obstacles to overcome! I am so so relieved with how it ended. I feel like I have closure and I am excited for the next series with the characters having been introduced in this book.
I am a little sad that I didn't get to hear more about the bear shifters living in the mountains or the lions Ithric was going to bring to the war.
I was also very disappointed that the Mereni (?) black stallion didn't have more air time in this book (keep in mind I listen to the audible version so I am not sure how everything is spelt). I feel like he should have been the horse Carivel rode into battle!
We got to hear more about Carivel's heart breaking past and I really felt like she finally got closure. Her mother is a terrible person, but now she is a part of a loving and accepting family. So so happy!
And I love their names for each other - old friend, beloved, caradi, amadi. So cute!
AND THEN THE THREE WAY HANDFASTING!!!!!! YES!!!!!
And the magic with the shifters being able to sense each other and talk to other animals of their shifter species. Wow. R.A. Steffan you are brilliant!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2019
Now that our three heroes are in a solid relationship, it was time to shake things up a bit. It would have been easy for the author to focus on a more character-driven story, but I love how they don't let the readers forget that war is coming. Times are changing, and our heroes have to grow up and adapt along with them.
Family is a major theme in this installment, and Carival travels to her old home to face her mother. This reunion was equally painful and poignant. Steffan balances it wonderfully with the introduction to Andoc's mother.
The handfasting ceremony in this book felt a little self-indulgent on the part of the author, but in retrospect, that's an issue on my part and stems from what is traditionally "normalized" in fiction. Steffan does excellent work in breaking the mold, both in the world of the Eburosi Chronicles and our own.
The shapeshifter plotline culminates with the political plotline, and both are resolved to my great satisfaction. I'm completely in love with this world, and while I know Carival, Andoc, and Senovo's story is over, I'm looking forward to exploring more Steffan has to offer.
Family is a major theme in this installment, and Carival travels to her old home to face her mother. This reunion was equally painful and poignant. Steffan balances it wonderfully with the introduction to Andoc's mother.
The handfasting ceremony in this book felt a little self-indulgent on the part of the author, but in retrospect, that's an issue on my part and stems from what is traditionally "normalized" in fiction. Steffan does excellent work in breaking the mold, both in the world of the Eburosi Chronicles and our own.
The shapeshifter plotline culminates with the political plotline, and both are resolved to my great satisfaction. I'm completely in love with this world, and while I know Carival, Andoc, and Senovo's story is over, I'm looking forward to exploring more Steffan has to offer.
May 18, 2019
Unusual 😶
This was definitely a unique series. It’s the first time I’ve read any thing from the author but have been recommended to read for a while.
This series is an epic fantasy medium-burn ménage. (MM, MMF & MFM) Each book is its own full length novel (without a cliffhanger) and not particularly lengthy so I managed to get through it in a few hours. Keep in mind though despite this I didn’t feel like it neglected the plot or characters development.
So essentially we have Caraviel is a man in a woman’s body and she struggles a bit with her identity and sexuality, that is until she starts to get romantically involved with Andov and Senovo.
Senovo is a shape shifting eunuch high priest that is expected to watch the two people he loves more than anything be together and due to the society they live in, to never experience the happiness they share. Andoc is the first warrior of the tribe and shoulders a lot of responsibility to keep their village safe against Alyrion attacks.
There were a few things that left me a little confused but piqued my interest and curious to find out more. Oh and there’s no shortage for some seriously hot scenes.
This was definitely a unique series. It’s the first time I’ve read any thing from the author but have been recommended to read for a while.
This series is an epic fantasy medium-burn ménage. (MM, MMF & MFM) Each book is its own full length novel (without a cliffhanger) and not particularly lengthy so I managed to get through it in a few hours. Keep in mind though despite this I didn’t feel like it neglected the plot or characters development.
So essentially we have Caraviel is a man in a woman’s body and she struggles a bit with her identity and sexuality, that is until she starts to get romantically involved with Andov and Senovo.
Senovo is a shape shifting eunuch high priest that is expected to watch the two people he loves more than anything be together and due to the society they live in, to never experience the happiness they share. Andoc is the first warrior of the tribe and shoulders a lot of responsibility to keep their village safe against Alyrion attacks.
There were a few things that left me a little confused but piqued my interest and curious to find out more. Oh and there’s no shortage for some seriously hot scenes.
July 27, 2017
As a whole, I loved this series. The world-building in this series is excellent as are the characters. I rated the first three books and the prequel five stars, but have to take away a star on this one. It was five stars up until the last chapter when suddenly it switched to the POV of a stranger after four books of only Carivel's POV which pulled me out of the story. Then came an epilogue from a secondary character's POV (who I know is a MC in the next book in the series which will center around a different trio). It really bothered me that so much was skipped... the separation and final preparations for the battle, etc.
Thankfully, since I had the bundle, there was an extra story called "Return of the Wolf", which helped somewhat.
Thankfully, since I had the bundle, there was an extra story called "Return of the Wolf", which helped somewhat.
August 31, 2020
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobooks of this series.
The idea that the Empire would again make an incursion, as soon as possible after winter, the three stepped up their various expertise, to try and somehow defeat this gigantic war machine.
With an ability of thinking out side the norm, allows the creative solutions to outsmart a gigantic war machine, with untrained and in some cases, reluctant recruits.
To know the outcome, you need to read this episode, just as the author intended.
The idea that the Empire would again make an incursion, as soon as possible after winter, the three stepped up their various expertise, to try and somehow defeat this gigantic war machine.
With an ability of thinking out side the norm, allows the creative solutions to outsmart a gigantic war machine, with untrained and in some cases, reluctant recruits.
To know the outcome, you need to read this episode, just as the author intended.
January 6, 2020
Wow, how do I start? This book series has a lot going on. I honestly did not know what to think but I'm happy I stick with it. If I'd read just a summary, is been like yeah I'm not in the market for a book about an lgbt trouple with a werewolf eunch, a transexual and a bisexual solider but it worked. The universe was well built, it had an interesting plot, good pacing and characterization. The sexy bits mighty not been exactly be my fantasy but they were decently steamy and not gratuitous 4⭐
November 22, 2023
This book series wasn’t my usual books. I had it in my audible library and was going through listening to things that were just hanging out in my unread so I could make room for more books. The only thing I’m mad about is that I didnt read these earlier. Its. It my usual read but I’m definitely hooked. While I would love more of these 3, the story is concluded and I can’t wait to explore the other stories set in this world.
August 16, 2018
Mini-Review:
Very nice wrap up for the series. Ignore the cliff-hanger ending. The major points for this part of the tale is done. Author did a nice job of creating mostly believable characters and leading the reader to follow along the trials of three lovers. It was a nice way of showing how communication (verbal/etc) can make it easier to tackle inner fears and external conflict.
Very nice wrap up for the series. Ignore the cliff-hanger ending. The major points for this part of the tale is done. Author did a nice job of creating mostly believable characters and leading the reader to follow along the trials of three lovers. It was a nice way of showing how communication (verbal/etc) can make it easier to tackle inner fears and external conflict.
January 24, 2024
This was my least favorite of the series. I feel like this book especially made Carivel feel like a third wheel to Andoc and Senovo's relationship. The difference between Andoc and Carivel's handfasting and the one between the three of them was particularly stark. It was hard for me to really like their relationship because it never felt equal.
August 20, 2019
I enjoyed this book. It is such a contrast to see Carivel's mom and then to see Andoc's mom. I would much rather have Andoc's mom.
The end of this book was amazing. I was really confused by the last chapter changing points of view, but after reading it, it made perfect sense.
The end of this book was amazing. I was really confused by the last chapter changing points of view, but after reading it, it made perfect sense.
September 20, 2021
Again too much drama, too little action. Actually, no action at all. I was waiting for the was scenes and they were just practically glossed over. On ther other hand we have a two chapter long sex fest near the end.
But yeah, maybe it was just not what I was looking for.
But yeah, maybe it was just not what I was looking for.
July 2, 2022
This was lovely. I only took a star off because the last chapter suddenly switches to a completely other POV, and since the whole series is told in first person from last Carivel’s perspective that felt wrong.
August 3, 2017
This was an interesting series. It was strange, yet kept my interest enough to read all four books. I had to know what happened to the characters.
August 13, 2016
For this last novel in the Horse Mistress series, we wrap up the different left-over plots from the previous novels. Each book roughly corresponds to a season, and this book is set during the winter in anticipation of an attack from the Allyrian Empire in the spring.
I would not recommend this as a starting point for a new reader. (But I do recommend reading all of them from the beginning!) The author dispenses with the usual form of early recap of the previous novels to delve immediately into the story. The main plots here are the solidification of the trio as a unit and preparation for the battle they know is coming.
In the other three books even though they are all told from Carivel’s point of view, we had one of the trio as the star. The order was first Carivel accepting her birth sex in book one, Senovo coming to peaceful terms with his inner wolf in book 3, and Andoc learning to be a strong and capable chieftain even after an injury that would have devastated a lesser man. This book really does concentrate on the three of them as a unit, including the possibility of adding an adopted family as the three of them foster two war orphans.
In preparation for the war, Andoc’s spies have found that the Empire will attack by sea, and the trio goes on a diplomatic mission to secure the help of others. While on this diplomatic mission, we meet Carivel’s and Andoc’s mothers. It allows Carivel to put the ghosts of her past to rest and move on.
While I am very much a fan of RA Steffan and a supporter of her work, the ending of this book really disappointed me. I got to the end and wondered if she just ran out of juice. Through the first 3 books we establish that war is coming, and there are wonderfully written scenes of skirmishes and battles leading up to it. So it is clear that Steffan is well able to write battle scenes.
As readers, we assume our heroes will win, and they unsurprisingly do that here. The part that creates the interest in an expected ending is in finding out HOW they did it. Steffan made the odd choice to change POV at the very end of the story to one of the Allyrian naval officers as the final battle played out. Everything else until that point was told from Carivel’s POV, and it almost feels like the author couldn’t figure out how to tell it that way. It would have been longer and more satisfying if she had tried. There is so much work building up the oncoming war over the course of 4 novels that it just fizzles at the end like the battle is merely an afterthought to the emotional journey the main characters take.
It’s not that internal/emotional journey of the main trio isn’t important. It very much is. It’s that the external journey, which had been so significant in the other novels, suddenly seems less weighted with importance. We should have had a big, bombastic blowout instead of a head-scratching “That was it?”
The book ends with an epilogue which is a set up for a new series set in the same world but concentrating on different characters. Look for The Lion Mistress soon.
In conclusion: This novel caps a year in the lives of Carivel, Andoc and Senovo. If you’ve read others in the series, you need to read this, too. The things that bothered me may not bother you, and that’s the fun of having different tastes in reading. I would suggest, though, that you go ahead and read or listen to the complete set as that does have the exclusive epilogue short story “Return of the Wolf.”
Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of this ebook and the audiobok from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I would not recommend this as a starting point for a new reader. (But I do recommend reading all of them from the beginning!) The author dispenses with the usual form of early recap of the previous novels to delve immediately into the story. The main plots here are the solidification of the trio as a unit and preparation for the battle they know is coming.
In the other three books even though they are all told from Carivel’s point of view, we had one of the trio as the star. The order was first Carivel accepting her birth sex in book one, Senovo coming to peaceful terms with his inner wolf in book 3, and Andoc learning to be a strong and capable chieftain even after an injury that would have devastated a lesser man. This book really does concentrate on the three of them as a unit, including the possibility of adding an adopted family as the three of them foster two war orphans.
In preparation for the war, Andoc’s spies have found that the Empire will attack by sea, and the trio goes on a diplomatic mission to secure the help of others. While on this diplomatic mission, we meet Carivel’s and Andoc’s mothers. It allows Carivel to put the ghosts of her past to rest and move on.
While I am very much a fan of RA Steffan and a supporter of her work, the ending of this book really disappointed me. I got to the end and wondered if she just ran out of juice. Through the first 3 books we establish that war is coming, and there are wonderfully written scenes of skirmishes and battles leading up to it. So it is clear that Steffan is well able to write battle scenes.
As readers, we assume our heroes will win, and they unsurprisingly do that here. The part that creates the interest in an expected ending is in finding out HOW they did it. Steffan made the odd choice to change POV at the very end of the story to one of the Allyrian naval officers as the final battle played out. Everything else until that point was told from Carivel’s POV, and it almost feels like the author couldn’t figure out how to tell it that way. It would have been longer and more satisfying if she had tried. There is so much work building up the oncoming war over the course of 4 novels that it just fizzles at the end like the battle is merely an afterthought to the emotional journey the main characters take.
It’s not that internal/emotional journey of the main trio isn’t important. It very much is. It’s that the external journey, which had been so significant in the other novels, suddenly seems less weighted with importance. We should have had a big, bombastic blowout instead of a head-scratching “That was it?”
The book ends with an epilogue which is a set up for a new series set in the same world but concentrating on different characters. Look for The Lion Mistress soon.
In conclusion: This novel caps a year in the lives of Carivel, Andoc and Senovo. If you’ve read others in the series, you need to read this, too. The things that bothered me may not bother you, and that’s the fun of having different tastes in reading. I would suggest, though, that you go ahead and read or listen to the complete set as that does have the exclusive epilogue short story “Return of the Wolf.”
Disclaimer: I have received a free copy of this ebook and the audiobok from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2017
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author in exchange of an honest review.
Personal rating: 4 stars
Even though it's been some time since I read book 3, I was very excited about the last instalment in the series. The previous book left several huge plot lines unresolved and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to be dealt with.
I really enjoyed the book. In terms of the relationship and romance between characters it gave me everything I wanted and even more. There were certain aspects of menage a trois which always makes me worried about someone becoming "a third wheel" and/or that the author would give more "screen time" to a certain duo. Thank goodness, it is not the case with this book and the series as a whole. It is undoubtedly the most loving and balanced (although not perfect) relationships in queer romance that I have ever read.
I was worried about how the author was going to deal with the impending war. It seemed a bit of a too much challenge for the characters as it was consistently mentioned that they were not ready to face the army this big. Mid book I had this little "aha!" moment when everything clicked together. And it made total sense, even though, I admit, that I spent the first half of the book confused about what was going to happen. I didn't want a too simple "deus ex machina" solution, so I was happy that I didn't see this one coming.
I was slightly let down by the ending, as the change of POV threw me off and even though I do understand the reasoning behind it, I think that including the extra bit after that (although ALSO for a reason) was not necessary. Perhaps, it is me, but after the buildup regarding war and everything that had to be done and sacrificed for it, the ending lacked a kick. I am not complaining about how the relationship evolved, but rather the rest of the plot itself.
Nevertheless, I really liked the book. Easily one of my favourite series by indie authors. Whatever the series lacks in terms of the plot or action, it takes the romance and relationship to a whole new level. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy and I am ready to forgive any plot weakness for that.
I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read and review 3 out of 4 books in the series.
Personal rating: 4 stars
Even though it's been some time since I read book 3, I was very excited about the last instalment in the series. The previous book left several huge plot lines unresolved and I couldn't wait to see how it was going to be dealt with.
I really enjoyed the book. In terms of the relationship and romance between characters it gave me everything I wanted and even more. There were certain aspects of menage a trois which always makes me worried about someone becoming "a third wheel" and/or that the author would give more "screen time" to a certain duo. Thank goodness, it is not the case with this book and the series as a whole. It is undoubtedly the most loving and balanced (although not perfect) relationships in queer romance that I have ever read.
I was worried about how the author was going to deal with the impending war. It seemed a bit of a too much challenge for the characters as it was consistently mentioned that they were not ready to face the army this big. Mid book I had this little "aha!" moment when everything clicked together. And it made total sense, even though, I admit, that I spent the first half of the book confused about what was going to happen. I didn't want a too simple "deus ex machina" solution, so I was happy that I didn't see this one coming.
I was slightly let down by the ending, as the change of POV threw me off and even though I do understand the reasoning behind it, I think that including the extra bit after that (although ALSO for a reason) was not necessary. Perhaps, it is me, but after the buildup regarding war and everything that had to be done and sacrificed for it, the ending lacked a kick. I am not complaining about how the relationship evolved, but rather the rest of the plot itself.
Nevertheless, I really liked the book. Easily one of my favourite series by indie authors. Whatever the series lacks in terms of the plot or action, it takes the romance and relationship to a whole new level. It made me feel all warm and fuzzy and I am ready to forgive any plot weakness for that.
I want to thank the author for giving me an opportunity to read and review 3 out of 4 books in the series.
May 20, 2016
I would say this was more of a 3.5 star read. I loved the first three books in the series quite a lot. I went into this book pretty exited and when I finished I wasn't quite sure what to think. Part of my problem may have been that it had been a little while since I'd read the last book. Each book seemed to be building a sense of tension and I kept expecting the action to pick up in this book but for me it never did. I liked the character growth but I had heard this was the last book in the series and so I kept wondering how everything would wrap up. That's my big major gripe here. In a way things are sort of tied up but for me it just left off without feeling any sense of climax or closure. There is also a major thing that happens at the very end of the book that really left me hanging. The story will continue in a new series by the author but I'm not sure if the new series will have the same character's or an entirely new group. I will definitely be interested in reading the new series but I would have liked either another book or some kind of epilogue to give these characters more of an ending.
September 11, 2016
The last of the series. I was only partly satisfied. Sex and a ceremony took up too much space. The conclusion was rushed, and for the first time, the action was described from the point of view of a stranger.
I could guess some of the developments before they occurred.
There were some interesting scenes with mothers.
The epilogue (or at least the FIRST epilogue) is a glimpse of the future. It does nothing but set up the next series, and take a character in a direction I did not like. What happened to his romance that was hinted at earlier? It was either discarded or will be realized in the next series.
The second epilogue was a complete waste of space and did not add anything.
Typo: Chapter 10 "That would be enough change a man, all right." Missing "to."
I could guess some of the developments before they occurred.
There were some interesting scenes with mothers.
The epilogue (or at least the FIRST epilogue) is a glimpse of the future. It does nothing but set up the next series, and take a character in a direction I did not like. What happened to his romance that was hinted at earlier? It was either discarded or will be realized in the next series.
The second epilogue was a complete waste of space and did not add anything.
Typo: Chapter 10 "That would be enough change a man, all right." Missing "to."
September 5, 2016
I had to continue my journey with Carivel, Andoc and Senovo. There circumstances, places in there society, genders, piers, something has to break in this unlikely reunion. Doubts are there, they do falter, war could and tries to break them apart, but though it all love does prevail. Amazing, creative, very sexual and a happy ending!
This is a review for books 2-4
This is a review for books 2-4
July 29, 2016
Interesting look at several aspects of sexual fluidity. Very well integrated. Actually liked that the hero of the story was not who one would expect.
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