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A DECOY trapped in a dangerous lie
A SERJAH searching for the truth
A PRINCE caught in a deadly game
A WORLD choked by secrets

Abducted during a devastating ambush, Clare is now the captive of ruthless mercenaries. Dragged through the wilderness while grieving heart-rending loss, she must maintain the illusion that she is the princess. Because if she lets the mask slip, even for a moment, the Mortisians will have no reason to keep her alive.

After arresting traitors close to the crown, Desfan fights to rebuild his court, knowing that the imminent arrival of the Devendran princess will further upset the precarious balance in Mortise. But Desfan’s world is rocked when he discovers a rumor that rewrites the most devastating event in his life. He will stop at nothing to find the truth–no matter where it leads.

As Grayson struggles to find his footing in Mortise, he discovers new friends and enemies. His life is further complicated by the tenuous alliance with his spymaster brother. With secrets deepening around him, Grayson must decide where his loyalties truly lie. Through it all, his heart remains in Ryden with Mia. Unfortunately, his love for her is no secret, and the Black Hand is a coveted weapon . . .

Eyrinthia holds its breath as allies and enemies collide. Secrets. Lies. Betrayals. Nothing will be the same.

Royal Captive is book 3 in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series, and should be read in order. If you like swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and non-stop action with epic twists, then you’ll love the captivating world of Eyrinthia!

728 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

163 people are currently reading
283 people want to read

About the author

Heather Frost

15 books472 followers
Heather Frost is a #1 Amazon Bestselling YA author who loves epic stories with breath-stealing romance. She is the author of the Seers trilogy and the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Her books have been Whitney Award Finalists and Swoony Award Finalists. She has a BS in Creative Writing and a minor in Folklore, which means she got to read fairy tales and call it homework. When she’s not writing, Heather likes to read, travel, and re-watch Lord of the Rings. She lives in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering mountains in northern Utah. To learn more about Heather and her books, visit her website: www.HeatherFrost.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
Profile Image for Stay Fetters.
2,513 reviews200 followers
February 15, 2022
"If Father was threatened and Mother had to choose whether to save him or let him die, I have no doubt she would simply watch him bleed.”

It's really no secret that I love this series. You really can't get me to shut up about it. I'm sure my friends and patrons at the Library now tune me out when I bring it up. That is how hooked I am on this series. There has never been a story that captivated me this much.

Royal Spy left us with our hearts in our throats and tears streaming down our faces. I didn't think an author could be that cruel to end a book that way and then I read this one. If you thought that the last ending crushed you, wait until you read the Royal Captive ending. She one-upped her game and I am crushed. How can you end a book like that? That is just pure evil!

This story picks up right where book two ended. We didn't know what the outcome was to that mass chaos and here we finally get some answers. Some are small and others are like a punch to the stomach. I'm still breathless as I remember the torment and the heartbreak Heather put us through. All of those are worth it in the end.

With all of that said, I think this was my least favorite in the series so far. I imagined this going in a completely other direction than it did. I'm not saying that this was bad because it really wasn't. It was really enjoyable, it's just that the first two books blew this one out of the water. I'm stoked to see where the next book will lead us though.

I was really hoping that the Rose would have a bigger appearance than he did. You know how I love bad boys of fiction. There were bits and pieces that involved him but I wanted more evil lurking in the shadows and destroying worlds. There is always hope for the next book.

Royal Captive was a decent read and that ending killed me. How can you leave us hanging like that? I am anxious for the next book because I need answers.
Profile Image for Renee Dugan.
Author 16 books177 followers
January 23, 2022
THAT ENDING. RUDE

This book is stunning. Enthralling. I wanted to read it every spare second I had. There was never a chapter or even a moment I didn't enjoy. The title fits perfectly...because above all else, it's captivating. I need Book 4 at ONCE!!!
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,320 reviews237 followers
October 24, 2022
I decided to review Royal Spy and Royal Captive together since I binged them back-to-back. I absolutely loved both books as much as I loved Royal Decoy, the first book in the series.

I loved Clare and hoped she wouldn’t fall victim to the threats that shadowed her. I cheered for Clare and Bennick and so hoped they would reunite with her brothers and find happiness together. I hoped beyond hope that Grayson and Mia would reunite and that he would free her and himself from the prisons that held them. I rooted for Desfan and wanted to see him grow into the leader he was destined to become. I could go on and on! There are so many characters to love and plots to become invested in, and the way Frost weaves such layered and complex characters and stories so that they are equally compelling and inexorably tied together while still having separate journeys is brilliant.

My favorite part of stories is almost always the romance, and there are so many swoon-worthy love stories in this series! I want to say that Bennick has my whole heart, which he totally did in book one, but now he has to share it with Grayson and Desfan. Ahhh, I love them all, and their love stories are all so wonderful! There’s a ton of angst and longing, and I’m curious to see what will happen to these men and the women they love as the series continues. I think they all have difficult and dangerous roads ahead of them!

I loved this series and am eager to continue it, though I have a feeling Frost is going to rip my heart out again in the next book, as she does in all of her books. I’ll thank her for it too. lol This is one of the best series I’ve read all year!

I would definitely recommend starting the Fate of Eyrinthia series from book 1, Royal Decoy. These books are not standalones. If you like romantasy, enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes adventures, political intrigue, and more, you should totally check this series out! I’m so thankful to Heather Frost for providing me with copies of these books. All thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Aimee .
3,072 reviews298 followers
March 17, 2022
You know what? I can't even anything right now. Just AARRRGGG! So much hair pulling frustration and desperation. Why do you do this to me, author Heather Frost?! Why?!

Ugh. Okay. Review.

Gripping. Heart pounding. Utterly consuming. My heart is screaming right now, "GREYSON!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Secrets, secrets, secrets. Lies, lies, lies. And oh, the betrayals.

This is book three. You MUST read this series in order or you will be completely and utterly lost. There are so many characters and stories that happen on their own but all blend in to the same story line. It's all colliding all over the place and if you don't start at book one, there really is no point. But please, for the love, start book one if you haven't already.

This is one of my favorite series right now despite how mean this author is to me to always end each book in the worst places making me crazy and desperate, unable to think of anything else. Seriously. If I am this worked up it really is all a credit to the author. She's doing an excellent job of creating a world filled with people that I have strong emotions for one way or another. I'm wholly invested in the story and the outcome and everything in between. I need the next book, like, RIGHT NOW.

This whole series is available on Kindle Unlimited.

Content: violence (lots of it), some graphic in nature. Torture. Peril, kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Anna (The_Reading_Pantry).
366 reviews58 followers
January 16, 2022
Woah!!! I honestly don’t have words right now. I can’t believe I actually was able to finish this because it was SOOO intense and my anxiety was bouncing off the wazoo. 🙈 The thing about Heather Frost is that she writes stories that are unexpected. In no way can you guess what’s going to happen next.

Throughout the series, I’ve become invested in the characters and what’s going to happen next. I haven’t really watched Game of Thrones, but I’ve heard about the plot. This gives me GoT vibes—toned down a TON! There are evil kings, betrayal, death, torture, and so many other things. But there was also love and I’m a sucker for love. I’m Team Bennick and Clare all the way. There are a bunch of other romances that were introduced in this one and I am here for it. If you’re one who doesn’t love intimate scenes, don’t worry. There’s none of that in here. Only sweet kisses.

This book was a bit darker than her other ones (or maybe it was my mood). 🤷🏼‍♀️ I loved it. I just wouldn’t let my nieces read it…yet. If you’ve been looking for a series that’s more action-packed, this is for you.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,083 reviews131 followers
April 4, 2022
Author Heather Frost has written another captivating and enthralling story in her third book in the Fate of Eyrinthia series. After leaving readers with a chaotic cliff hanger ending in book two, she continues the entrancing story in book three. Secrets, lies, betrayal. There is definitely a lot going on in this story, especially with it written from multiple points of view, but Frost ensures that readers can follow and understand what is going with all of the captivating characters by including character chapter headers. This is a fast paced, action packed story that will have readers on the edge of their seats through the many plot twists in this epic tale. Readers will definitely want to pick up this book!

Series:Fate of Eyrinthia
Genre: young adult, fantasy, romance
Publisher: Indie
Publication date: March 18, 2022
Number of pages:680

Other books in the series:
1-Royal Decoy
2-Royal Spy

Novellas
Fire and Ash
Shield and Blade (coming July 2022)

Disclosure statement: A complimentary review copy of this book was provided from tour groups, publishers, publicists, authors, and others, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, Or borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR borrowed from Deseret Bookshelf, OR pre-ordered/purchased for review, including Audible. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Gabrielle.
375 reviews11 followers
May 5, 2023
Welp, so much for getting sleep. This series is the reason for the large bags under my eyes recently. If you've read my reviews for the previous books in this series, you'll see I liked a lot of elements of this story, but the weaving of the different stories together wasn't quite there. But Wow, this book really weaves these stories well. I very rarely found myself disappointed when the POV changed, which is the risk you run when you have so many POVs. Something else that I love, I feel very safe with this author. The romance is very PG, but I also trust her never to subject her characters to SA, and any threats of SA are rare and very subtle. The torture is quite graphic, but that is easier for me to read than SA. I've already started the next chapter in this series.

CW: torture, violence, murder, kidnapping, PTSD from kidnapping/torture,
Profile Image for Deborah.
676 reviews52 followers
January 30, 2022
Good golly! This series! Why did I ever start this series with out all the books being out? Another reviewer said it best “The ending. Rude.” I’m going to develop a heart problem from cliffhangers from authors. Another great installment.

*I did receive an ARC, however all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,467 reviews55 followers
March 18, 2022
Royal Captive is the third book in the Fate of Eyrinthia series. Every book has been so exciting with a plot that was shocking at every turn. This new book is no different in that aspect. All I can say is, hold onto your hats. I also must warn readers that it is vital to have read the first two books before this new book. There are so many characters from so many lands, and in varied situations, that you would be totally lost. The great thing is that this is a wonderful series so reading all three books is a great enjoyment.

There are so many characters that I have grown to love in this series. As readers understand more about their lives and backgrounds, it's truly hard to only have a few favorites. I still love Clare so much and her fighting spirit. Her bravery and concern for others make her stand out in this series. I also still have a great love for Bennick. Prince Grayson is strong as he's in a new situation and finding his way with new people in a new setting. Oh, how my heart hurts for him. Mia has also stolen a part of my heart with the hard life she's lived. On the other hand, there are so many villains and people hiding in the gray area, that the themes of "Good vs. Evil" are very real in Royal Captive. This book is not for young readers. In fact, the violence has increased in this book, but the stakes are even higher so it makes sense.

There is so much angst in this book it actually made my stomach hurt at times. As for the ending of this book? Call me gobsmacked because I didn't see "that" coming! Why? Well, Author Heather Frost knows how to make us come back for more, and I will be waiting anxiously to see how all of this turns out in book four.
Profile Image for Mindy.
1,267 reviews104 followers
March 15, 2022
Royal Captive is another heart pounding, nail biting thrill ride. The story flows as you read what happens to these beloved characters. The bad guys are still horrifyingly well written. Whenever see certain character’s names on the page, grip my kindle a little tighter to hold on to something. The good guys are doing their best with all that comes their way. There are twists and turns and secrets revealed that left my head spinning. And of course the author left me wanting more with the turn of events on the last page.

Content warning: violence, battle scenes
Profile Image for Rebecca McKinnon.
Author 21 books271 followers
February 2, 2022
Eyrinthia has never been more dangerous — or enticing. The irresistible characters draw you in and steal your breath, and the unexpected turns will keep you glued to the pages right to the end. Once again, Frost displays her mastery of the genre, weaving a story so compelling it's impossible to put down.
Profile Image for Silvia.
320 reviews68 followers
February 2, 2022
I’m in total control of my emotions *sobs*, truly, I’ve never been better—What is going on? Why? Noooo . . . Did that really happen? But . . . what the actual heck! Dear Heather Frost, your writing skills can be brutally brilliant.

Saying this third instalment makes for a very intense ride is an understatement. Indeed, the reader can’t catch a break—just like every single character in the story—and, one distressing event after another, you are able to put a few pieces of the big puzzle together. If you pay attention to details in each instalment, you may guess something before it’s revealed—I did, and I jumped with joy when my theory was confirmed! Nevertheless, there are some dark twists that will inevitably end up catching you by surprise . . . Prepare yourself to question characters and their actions often, and to see the most evil family ever reaching a new level of pure viciousness, which could take a bit of your own sanity away in the process . . . Make no mistake, this is part of the charm of such a thrilling series, and what drives readers to want to fight next to their heroes. For Eyrinthia!

A new powerful addition to a remarkable series I strongly suggest you to read. Once you start, you won’t be able to stop, and you’ll thank the fates Frost for creating this captivating world!

I received a free copy of this book from the Author for an honest review. This does not affect in any way my opinion of the book nor the content of my revieworiginally posted on Darkest Sins.
Profile Image for Lisa  (Bookworm Lisa).
2,240 reviews206 followers
March 19, 2022
Holy Fates! This is such a good series. I started to list the fantastic characters, but there are so many. Some of them I love to hate and others completely took me by surprise.


I love the fantasy world that Heather Frost has created. I am hooked with the Fates of Eyrinthia series. I don't know how Heather Frost keeps track of all of her characters, kingdom's, settings, etc. She is so good with the details.


The lives of many are entwined in this complex world. There is so much going on between the characters. The distance between them is narrowing. The struggle for power is becoming more intense. I am really hoping that the bad guys will be punished in the end.

This book leaves you with so much up in the air. The next book can't come out soon enough. I want to read it now while everything is fresh on my mind.

This story makes me want to read them all again. It's been awhile since I started the series and some of the details are a little hazy. This series is all about the details. I want to read again how the characters got to the point in this book. I want to revisit some of the political intrigue, traitorous activities, and romance.

If you are looking for a great fantasy series, I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Rachel.
6 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2022
I found this series a week ago and binged the first 2 books. I love the tales that are weaved throughout 4 different kingdoms. In Book 3 I feel we see more and more characters being where they should be, but circumstances seem to change when least expected!

Some unlikely characters that have interactions are some of my favorite, the ending leaves you wanting more and more.

I read a lot of Young Adult dystopian era genre, and this is fresh. I honestly feel I haven’t read something similar. While bits and pieces may remind me of this or that the plot line itself is unique and well thought out. While there are main characters it feels that it rotates throughout the story.

Cant wait for book 4!!!!
Profile Image for Rosalynn.
211 reviews
January 29, 2022
Wow, just wow. Royal Captive left you on the edge of your seat from chapter 1. There was so much going on in every chapter but it was easy to stay focused and follow along. My heart was in my throat the whole time. I was afraid to turn the page to find out what happened next. I can't wait for book 4 to find out what happened to everyone. Heather did such an amazing job with each individual story. Absolutely amazingly wonderful story.
I received an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.
2 reviews
February 7, 2022
I just finished my ARC copy of Royal Captive and once again Heather Frost did not disappoint! I just love all the twist and turns that kept me "captive" the entire book! This series has it all! Drama, romance, suspense and surprises. Frost is an excellent writer who draws you into every page and into every character. As with all the Fate of Eyrinthia books once you start the 1st chapter you won't be able to put it down. For those who follow this series you will get some updates on your favorites but be prepared for some twist and turns! If you haven't read this series you are really missing out! Although listed as young adult this series is for everyone!
Profile Image for Girl and Books.
375 reviews
May 13, 2023
The plot twists...
I care too much about these characters.
Grayson has my heart.
Profile Image for Heather.
490 reviews39 followers
February 26, 2023
I was eagerly anticipating the release of Royal Captive. This series has been such a well written and engaging journey so far.

Royal Captive picks up right where book 2 left us (thank goodness because that cliffhanger was a killer), and the story takes off with plenty of action, romance, revelations and twists as we delve into the lives of our much adored main characters.

More details below with a maybe a few spoilers?? so BEWARE:

Clare is still vibrant and strong as ever. But in this book she has to face some heart-rending tragedies that have taken their toll. I knew she would overcome her challenges, but I’m glad the author didn’t just brush everything under the rug. Clare has some PTSD which is totally NORMAL after the ordeals she has endured, which I kinda liked (not that I want anyone to ever have to deal with PTSD!!) BUT there were times in the earlier books when Clare felt a little too Mary Sue. A little too perfect. Now, as I see some of her cracks showing it draws me into her character more (I don’t know why I love flawed characters so much, but I do). With so many other character POV’s being introduced Clare feels less of a main character now, but I don’t feel deprived because I have loved getting to know the other players.

Grayson is still my favorite of all time. Although, his brother Tyrell is intriguing me too! Those poor boys and their tragic upbringing -it’s delicious for me as a reader (in real life it would be awful!!). UGH! When will Grayson ever get a break? The choices this boy had to make tore me in two. I love how REAL he is. He doesn’t try to be someone he isn’t. He isn’t looking for approval from anyone (except maybe Mia) and I love that. He’s brash, harsh and tough. And under that rough exterior is a selfless center that tugs at my heart. And not to mention when he fights it’s AMAZING!

Serene was a new POV in this book. I was suspecting we’d get her POV in this one. I like Serene, but I’m still trying to maker her out. She is loyal to her kingdom and willing to sacrifice herself for what she believes is a greater good. I wasn’t drawn into her story as much as some of the others, but she has potential.

Mia was another new POV. I wasn’t sure if she would get the spotlight or not in book 3. But I ended up really enjoying reading her POV. At first, in book one, I thought Mia was just a foil character to show us a different side to Grayson. But soon, I came to realize she is a much bigger component in the plot. For most of the story in book three we see her interactions with Grayson’s brother. Tyrell isn’t what I had initially expected and I like that I was taken by surprise with him. I can tell Mia has a fire in her and I’d like to see more of that in the books to come. And I’m totally curious to see how the two brothers deal with being in love with the same girl.

Wilf gets some airtime here! The big, intimidating bodyguard who is so handy to have around in a fight! Thank goodness he is so hard to kill because otherwise many of our key players would be dead right now!

If you’ve gotten this far in my review but haven’t read the books you may want to stop because I’m about to reveal what happens to Bennick….

Our Royal Decoy bodyguard is still alive! How he managed to survive that stab wound would be anyone’s guess. Maybe true love helped him out in that situation - it’s like The Princess Bride and true love gave him the strength to survive! But he is one determined young man! Determined to find and be with Clare. That’s true devotion.

Desfan! NO, I didn’t forget our trouble-making, Prince Charming - or should I say serjah charming (but that doesn’t have the same “ring” to it). He doesn’t make too much trouble in this one - it’s more that he find’s himself amongst the mess. I really enjoyed seeing his character growth in this installment. He is maturing into his role as ruler, with his faithful and attentive guard by his side. I really really want a HEA for Desfan and I wasn’t sure if he would find it with Serene (that’d be an interesting development) or with someone else…ahem, perhaps another princess?? Anyway, I look forward to more of his story in books to come.

Heather Frost’s writing feels effortless and is wonderfully flawless. It’s so easy to get sucked into the fictional characters and imaginary world she has created. Her ability to juggle so many different characters and storylines while also giving the reader just enough detail to enrich the scenes without bogging down the flow is what makes her an author I’ll turn to again and again.

If you love Royal Captive you might also enjoy:
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes
Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
Forest of Firelight by Shari L. Tapscott
Sora’s Quest by T.L. Shreffler
Profile Image for E.S. Christison.
Author 2 books48 followers
June 28, 2022
This is the third book in the series, and it did not disappoint! Action-packed with twists and turns that made it nearly impossible to put down! A new favorite series! Highly recommended for teens who love fast-paced fantasy!
Profile Image for M.H..
Author 28 books141 followers
June 11, 2022
A Gripping Read!

The two books preceding this one were good, very good, but this one blows both out of the water. As paths converge and alliances shift, the pace heightens and the stakes raise.

The cast is memorable—and though it’s a large one, I kept up easily, as Frost differentiates them well. A lot of romances bloom and grow here, but again, it doesn’t detract from a complex story rife with intrigue and secrets. I quite enjoyed several of them.

My favorite characters are many, but with this volume, Grayson stands out and my heart bleeds for him. Clare, likewise, is brave and real under extreme circumstances that would test anyone. Desfan is very endearing. The book is stuffed with characters I loved—and characters I loved to hate.

I’ve been trying to pinpoint what this series reminds me of, and it finally dawned on me that its flavor is much like Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles—but in a low fantasy setting instead of sci-fantasy. Fans of those books may well enjoy these like I have.

The prose is stronger in this book than its predecessors. The pace is tighter. Despite being over 600 pages long, it goes fast. I’m eager for book 4. Overall, very highly recommended!

Content: Clean romance. Torture, blood, deaths, and battles, but no gore. Zero strong language.
Profile Image for Liz.
95 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2022
Book 3 continues to the story of Clare and Bennick, and Desfan, Serene, Mia and Grayson and all of the other characters you have grown to love. I can’t believe the horrors Grayson grew up with and love how Mia is is rock and source of good in the world. This book is an excellent addition to the series and I can’t wait for book 4!
Profile Image for Delanie Slattery.
114 reviews
May 18, 2022
These cliffhangers!!!!!

I was really hoping this would be the last book, and it would wrap everything up, but I also want more story. Waiting for the next one will be torture. Such a great story and so many great perspectives.
Profile Image for Heather Coombs.
9 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2022
Frost has done it again with Royal Captive, book 3 in the Fate of Eyrinthia series! If you don’t feel like reading my long-winded love for this book, just trust me. Its amazing, go read it!! (Preferably read the first 2 books first though.😉)
Heart melting romance? Check! Jaw dropping dangers? Check! Unthinkable betrayals? Double Check! Heart shattering losses? Check-a-rooni! Forbidden loves? All the Checks!! Just as with the second book, this starts out at a neck-breaking pace that does not relent. There are so many pieces to this story. I enjoy coming up with my theory of how the book will go and seeing if I am right… Boy… was I wrong! Frost threw in so many twists and turns that I was second guessing myself up until each mystery was reviled. Frost does an outstanding job at drawing in her readers and keeping them on their toes. Frost also has a gift or curse, you decide, with cliff hangers.. She leaves you with so many questions at the end of her books, that you have to come back for more! She also has a gift for creating characters that you cannot help but love.. or hate! Clare finds herself kidnapped and does all she can to find her way back to her friends. She endures endless torments and tortures at the hands of her captors. But she refuses to let them break her. Bennick is tortured by the loss of Claire and nearly kills himself in his desperate chase to find her again. Desfan, my second favorite prince (Team Grayson forever!!) , is drowning in the political schemes around him. He is trying desperately to be the Serjan his father would want him to be. He meets Serene, his future bride, and is surprised and intimidated by her gift with politics, and her cold demeanor toward him. Poor Desfan is unsure if they will ever find love together, or if they will both be cursed to a marriage of convenance. He also finds himself drawn to Prince Grayson, The Back Hand of Ryden. He sees an honesty and compassion in him that most do not look closely enough to see. Grayson, “Black Hand of Ryden” is finding it harder and harder to hang onto his compassion and humanity that his parents have tried so hard to bleed out of him. He finds relief and even friendship in Mortise, but he knows what is expected of him in the end, and he hates himself all the more. He must navigate the threats and assignments given to him, not for his sake, but for Mia’s, and all of Eyrinthia. We also get to really know sweet Mia in this book. She thinks she deserves being a prisoner of the Evil King Henri. But as she encounters trial after trial while Grayson is gone, she finds the strength that she never realized she had. We also get a better look at the other princes of Ryden. Tyrell has a compassionate side that surprised him more than anyone, Liam and his plans to bring down his own family, Peter and his schemes for the kingdom he plans to inherit.
I could go on and on about this book, and its diverse characters, colorful cultures, and gripping mysteries, but I do not want to give anything away! If you are still in doubt, put your faith in Frost and read these books! You will not regret it!
Profile Image for Isabella Murphy.
7 reviews1 follower
July 10, 2022
I rarely leave reviews, but I can't pass up this opportunity! Let me just say.....WOW!!! I am so in love with this series!!!

Heather Frost is one of my favorite authors and her stories have quickly joined the ranks of my favorite books. I have no idea how she manages to spin such a fantastic and captivating story. She captures my attention from the very beginning and holds in until long after I put the book down. It's been a few weeks since I finished this book and I'm STILL thinking about it!!

I LOVE her characters! They each manage to be different in their own way but they are all simply BEAUTIFULLY written! Each with their own motivations, emotions, and drive! And their interactions with each other have me giggling like a child, crying like a baby, or smiling like a total weirdo.

The plot was DELICIOUS!! The dramatic events and twists kept me on the edge of life the whole entire time. I could not put it down and I didn't want to. Every chapter ended in a way that made me want more!!

I can't wait to see where the story goes after this!!!! ITS GONNA BE INTENSE!

SPOILERS START HERE!!! DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY READ THE BOOK! THIS IS A WARNING!


...


Bennick and Clare are one of the most beautiful ships in the UNIVERSE! Clare's bravery when facing her kidnappers and Bennicks determination to be healed quickly so he can rescue her is heart wrenching. And when they are finally reunited it was so beautiful that I wanted to scream and cry at the same time. Their relationship is so wholesome and I aspire to find love like that one day.

Then there's Grayson and Mia who love each other so much they would literally do anything for each other. Grayson is prepared to do anything to secure her happiness and when Tyrell is presented as a possible romantic option, Mia doesn't even look in his direction. Throughout the whole book they just keep thinking of each other and how to be together again.

I also love that Grayson makes friendships with Imara and Desfan! He needs to know what it's like to be cared about without some ulterior motive. The way they all interact with each other is simply breathtaking. And Desfan and Mia being siblings totally BLEW MY MIND! I can't wait for their reunion.

Also, Imara is one of my very favorite characters and she doesn't even have a point of view in this book! LIKE WOW! I'M IMPRESSED!!! She is so kind and quick to befriend the awkward guy that everyone else is afraid of.

Speaking of Imara and Desfan...*cue girly squealing here* I shipped them from the moment they met and I was so happy to see that ship partially coming true. I simply loved all of the moments that they had leading up to the end of the book. It was amazing how they became quick friends and Imara decided to help him with Serene!! Their slow relationship development had me on edge the entire time.

Then there's Serene and Cardon, who we don't get very much of...but when we do get something it is GLORIOUS! Cough cough that beach scene cough cough. Serene's character is so well written. Just that fact that she would sacrifice everything, even the man she loves, in order to secure the alliance for her country, is beautiful. And Cardon understands and still loves her so so much! UGGH! I had my suspicions of the two of them in the second book and I was so glad to see them proved right.

Then there's all the side characters!! I love Wilf!!! He is so sweet and I love his over protective nature and determination. Venn and Vera are also a MAJOR ship!! I can't wait for their book coming out soon! Dirks death was so sad, especially since we had a lot more of him in this book. I despise Graysons family but somehow want a redemption ark for Tyrell, but also not.

By this point you can probably tell that I'm completely in love with this series (and for good reason)!!! Heather Frost is my newest hero and I can't wait to see what she releases next. THESE BOOKS ARE AN ESSENTIAL READ IF YOU WANT TO LIVE RIGHT! ❤❤❤❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
18 reviews
March 30, 2022
This book was amazing! And so intense! Although it is long (almost 700 pages), there is NEVER a dull moment. Heather nailed pacing in this book - it just flows so well and never gets slow! I could hardly put it down - and read it in under 24 hours...my poor kiddos :)

Although I did re-read books #1 and #2 before reading this, I felt like that wasn't completely necessary. Heather did a phenomenal job of reminding the reader of important people and ideas and names from previous books without being too obvious about it.

It's so hard to write a review without spoilers, but I'll do my best! I'm not usually a fan of too much romance in books. But this one was awesome. As readers will know from Book #2, the two main couples from previous books are split by distance for much of this book, so the romantic dynamics were so different. But we get to see so many new (and can I say unexpected!) romances starting to bud - several are in the fun, flirtatious beginning stages and it really made for fun reading!

The character growth in this book was so much fun. Without saying too much, Grayson is so much fun to watch in this book! I also love Desfan's growth!

My favorite part of this whole book is watching as the characters we have been following for the last two books collide. Being in the same room all together is SO MUCH FUN! Especially because with the multiple POVs in the book, we get a different look at the situation as we switch around. I also love watching characters I love through another character's eyes sometimes.

Ahh! This book was just so good! Phenomenal job Heather Frost!!!
333 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2022
Intense

*must read Royal Decoy and Royal Spy first*

So much has happened to our beloved characters! And the ride isn't over yet!

What I love about Ms Frost's work is the depth of her characters. I feel like they jump off the page and are standing right next to you.

I saw so much growth in Grayson in this book. He was complex and tortured before. But he finds himself making genuine allies and friends for the first time in his life. And he doesn't know what to do with that. He only ever trusted Mia. And even then, he had that deep-rooted fear that she only loved because she wasn't around anyone else. But he gains Imara's trust. And Desfan's. Ms Frost captured Grayson's turmoil so well.

And poor Desfan. He is trying. But he's barely keeping his head above water. He wants so badly to serve his country. His struggle is real. And Serene does not make matters better. Even though she has the skill and the experience to do so.

Speaking of the devil, we finally get a glimpse into Serene's head. And though I still dislike her, I understand her a bit better. She has very good reason to be closed off. Which is terribly unfortunate because Des deserves someone who is open.

I read an early copy of the book, and it still resonates with me. As do all of Ms Frost's works.

I cannot wait until Royal Rebel. The tides are changing in Eyrinthia, and I'm excited for the next adventure.
Profile Image for Mikkayla.
302 reviews10 followers
March 28, 2022
I’ll start with saying that I highly recommend reading the novella before this book! It tells the story of Desfans life at sea before coming home again. It makes Book 3 a more enjoyable read knowing the backstory to his life and getting to know some of the new characters! (You’ll be glad you read it)

Each and every book in this series has been total perfection.
The many perspectives, while something I usually dislike, I’ve come to love it in this series, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It works for this story where all of the main characters are in different places and important pieces to the story are all slowly coming together. Every book that comes out is adding a new bit of insight into this world and the lives of everyone in it. I cannot get over it. It is such an enjoyable story.

There is everything one could want in it. Romance, mystery, danger, humour! I’m sure the list could go on, it’s just perfect.

And something fun to look forward to! Venn and Vera get a little novella between this book and the next. I have lots of ideas swimming around in my head and I’m sure even then I can’t dream up what the author has planned for their little adventure. I’ll just hope! Haha

This series has been so much fun, you are going to love love love it!! So many twists and shocking revelations, my goodness it made me so happy! The next book is going to be SO GOOD!

Content: clean
Romance: kissing
Violence: kidnapping, injuries, torture, stabbing, etc.
Language: only in foreign languages
Profile Image for Nicole Dunton.
1,419 reviews36 followers
August 8, 2022
Title: Royal Captive
Author: Heather Frost
Release Date: March 18th, 2022
Page Count: 680
Start Date: July 14th, 2022
Finish Date: August 1st, 2022

Review:
Story: Clare has been taken! Somebody has paid handsomely to kidnap the Princess and make sure she never makes it on her journey to meet her betrothed. If they find out they have the decoy instead, everything could turn dark quickly. I've been really on the edge of my seat for all three of these books. There is not a single character in this series that doesn't go through many trials through all of this. The author is also very talented at ending books with cliff hangers. I'm going to leave it at that and give advice that a reader should obtain all books before starting the series. That's just me though.
Characters: I was beside myself with the fact that Clara and Vera were taken. I didn't find out about Vera being taken too until I started this book. Clara did everything in her power to try to get them to free Vera. I can't really talk more about these two without giving too much away. So I'll move on to Serene. I feel like I actually got to know her a bit more in this book. I'm so glad. She was one of the characters I didn't feel we got to see enough. I get why though. There are too many characters to put all here, but I do want to know more about quite a bit of them. I'm so attached to this world!
Critiques: None that aren't personal and petty.
Final Thoughts: I have really enjoyed this series. I want to make it very clear that this is the third book in a series. They really should all be read in order. I also want to state that this book ends on a cliffhanger and that the fourth book has not been released yet. I will be jumping on that book the moment it goes live. This is a beautiful series. I couldn't help but to fall for many of the characters and the world as well. I fully recommend them!
362 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2022
Wow. Just...wow. Let me start off by saying that this book is not a stand alone. You definitely need to read the other books in this series before this one so you know what's going on. And even if you have read them, you might want to refresh your memory, otherwise you might feel a bit lost for a bit like I did. But I highly recommend reading this story. It's a long one, but it is so full of action, intrigue, adventure, and yes even some romance, that it's hard to put down. I know it's a good story when I keep thinking about the characters even when I'm not reading it.

We get to know Princess Imara,Tyrel, and Liam quite a bit better in this story, along with plenty of time spent with the usual characters from the other books. If there wasn't so much death and destruction in Eyrinthia, I'd almost like to go visit some of these people. Just some of them though. There are some seriously evil people in this story.

This story does end on a cliffhanger, so just be prepared for that. I am anxiously awaiting book #4, and can't wait until it comes out. Definitely a series I highly recommend.
7 reviews
March 21, 2022
This is an AMAZING book full of plot twists, further character development, and storylines that make it hard to put the book down. I have never considered myself a "reader", but this series has me reading all the time! I have read other books between reading Heather's books and I can't help but wish I was reading something as exciting as Royal Captive! Now just waiting for Shield and Blade this Summer and book 4.

What I like most about the book is the switch between characters' point of view. It is like reading 4 stories all in one that intertwine with each other seamlessly. When the POV switches it also has me speed reading through the next chapter so I can read where I left off with the previous character (often leaves you on a cliff hanger!).

Can't wait to read future books from Heather!!
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