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Rise of the Death Fae #3
The Swell and Crash of Surrender
The capital erupts. Their forces swollen with the raised dead, the fae armies overwhelm the empire’s legions and crush them in one bloody day. In the wake of the battle…
Magdalia tries to make her husband Duranth, the Croith, see that their magic has no concern for their people. It only wants blood. Can she hold it back, or will she and her king be swallowed whole in the ecstatic madness of dark power?
Naxus Albus, dux bellorum, deserts the legions for the love of a woman he calls Galvia. What he doesn’t know is that she’s a fae spy, and that she was sent by his half brother Larent to destroy him.
Olirius Cassus knows the fae woman Isha in his cage is useless to him in the wake of the capital's demise. He should kill her. But it does seem a waste to destroy something so pretty.
Prantia Onivia is safe on the other side of the mountains in Emmessia, where she will do anything to protect her unborn child, even court the attention of the Emmessian emperor.
Legatus Larent isn’t dead for some reason, even though that’s what he deserves. If he can’t die, he’ll protect his people, even if that means protecting them from their own Night King, who is increasingly erratic and violent. Above all, most importantly, he’ll stay away from Onivia. Forever.
Magdalia tries to make her husband Duranth, the Croith, see that their magic has no concern for their people. It only wants blood. Can she hold it back, or will she and her king be swallowed whole in the ecstatic madness of dark power?
Naxus Albus, dux bellorum, deserts the legions for the love of a woman he calls Galvia. What he doesn’t know is that she’s a fae spy, and that she was sent by his half brother Larent to destroy him.
Olirius Cassus knows the fae woman Isha in his cage is useless to him in the wake of the capital's demise. He should kill her. But it does seem a waste to destroy something so pretty.
Prantia Onivia is safe on the other side of the mountains in Emmessia, where she will do anything to protect her unborn child, even court the attention of the Emmessian emperor.
Legatus Larent isn’t dead for some reason, even though that’s what he deserves. If he can’t die, he’ll protect his people, even if that means protecting them from their own Night King, who is increasingly erratic and violent. Above all, most importantly, he’ll stay away from Onivia. Forever.
- GenresFantasy
305 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2022
10 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Val Saintcrowe
21 books72 followersFall for the villain.
Val Saintcrowe writes new adult epic fantasy with a heavy romantic component. She enjoys high stakes, creating intricate new worlds, court intrigue, ice cream scoops full of angst, and exploring what happens when evil men fall in love.
Her name is a variant on her urban fantasy alter ego, Val St. Crowe. She also writes mysteries and thrillers under V. J. Chambers, romance under Jove Chambers, and Jane Austen fan fiction under Valerie Lennox.
She lives just outside Shepherdstown, WV with her son
Val Saintcrowe writes new adult epic fantasy with a heavy romantic component. She enjoys high stakes, creating intricate new worlds, court intrigue, ice cream scoops full of angst, and exploring what happens when evil men fall in love.
Her name is a variant on her urban fantasy alter ego, Val St. Crowe. She also writes mysteries and thrillers under V. J. Chambers, romance under Jove Chambers, and Jane Austen fan fiction under Valerie Lennox.
She lives just outside Shepherdstown, WV with her son
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 28, 2022
This book, y'all! Like the others in the series, it's very much a dark romance (several separate romances, in fact!) set on a fantasy backdrop, and it does one of my favorite things ever: follows different story lines EACH with their own romance! I'm a sucker for ALL THE TALES! Especially when they're all a little messed up but somehow sweet at the same time? I'd say these books nicely explore the darker side of sensuality - and the sweeter side of people who previously experienced the darker side but have now found someone to be 'light' with. It's fascinating how there are all different types of romance in here, which I love love love.
Anyway, I take back what I said about Cassus in my last review, because the terrifyingly sonorous Cassus upended things quite nicely, and the thing with Isha and how she gets away - !!!!!! - like no words come but I somehow kinda loved it? haha Total definition of dark romance
The most unexpectedly wonderful character turned out (shockingly) to be Pressia! I just loved her attitude like 'We women stick together and, seriously, can't men be total jerks?'. Her part in helping Onivia navigate her way to a more stable position was fantastically done.
As for Duranth, oh, Duranth, you're getting a bit lost in that magic - alright, well, honestly, he was already quite nuts when it came to the magic, but now he's even more so, and it's dragging Magdalia with it, with one super-creepy scene of them making dead women dance for their pleasure. I'm really hoping she'll catch herself before plunging too deep! I'm rooting for these characters so much! I might be a little too invested... nah, that doesn't exist for books :-D
Also, Larent and Onivia reunite! [I don't THINK this is a spoiler cuz c'mon, it's a romance so you know they have to reunite sometime :-P] With a king and a baby and a furious queen thrown into the mix, it's a volatile situation, but the scenes between Larent and Onivia were so touching. I'm not the type to tear up often in books, but I like almost got there here, which says something...
Albus Naxus and Galvina were also in here, and I'm seriously looking forward to what damage they're going to do in the next book, since in this one they were kind of lying low :-D
So to sum up, if you read the other books in this series, seriously don't miss this - for me, it keeps getting better and better (yes, Val Saintcrowe proves it's possible)!
SPOILERY THINGS MAYBE???
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Cassus also surprised me in a really good way, with the utterly fascinating dichotomy of being both torturer and virgin, shy and apologetic while also secretly a sadistic dom (don't ask - read it for yourself :-P) Isha was fun, in the end deciding she was unafraid of Cassus's wicked ways. Mwahahahahahahahahaha!
Anyway, I take back what I said about Cassus in my last review, because the terrifyingly sonorous Cassus upended things quite nicely, and the thing with Isha and how she gets away - !!!!!! - like no words come but I somehow kinda loved it? haha Total definition of dark romance
The most unexpectedly wonderful character turned out (shockingly) to be Pressia! I just loved her attitude like 'We women stick together and, seriously, can't men be total jerks?'. Her part in helping Onivia navigate her way to a more stable position was fantastically done.
As for Duranth, oh, Duranth, you're getting a bit lost in that magic - alright, well, honestly, he was already quite nuts when it came to the magic, but now he's even more so, and it's dragging Magdalia with it, with one super-creepy scene of them making dead women dance for their pleasure. I'm really hoping she'll catch herself before plunging too deep! I'm rooting for these characters so much! I might be a little too invested... nah, that doesn't exist for books :-D
Also, Larent and Onivia reunite! [I don't THINK this is a spoiler cuz c'mon, it's a romance so you know they have to reunite sometime :-P] With a king and a baby and a furious queen thrown into the mix, it's a volatile situation, but the scenes between Larent and Onivia were so touching. I'm not the type to tear up often in books, but I like almost got there here, which says something...
Albus Naxus and Galvina were also in here, and I'm seriously looking forward to what damage they're going to do in the next book, since in this one they were kind of lying low :-D
So to sum up, if you read the other books in this series, seriously don't miss this - for me, it keeps getting better and better (yes, Val Saintcrowe proves it's possible)!
SPOILERY THINGS MAYBE???
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Cassus also surprised me in a really good way, with the utterly fascinating dichotomy of being both torturer and virgin, shy and apologetic while also secretly a sadistic dom (don't ask - read it for yourself :-P) Isha was fun, in the end deciding she was unafraid of Cassus's wicked ways. Mwahahahahahahahahaha!
February 14, 2022
““As you say, we’re free now.” “Except we’re never free, are we?” Marta’s voice had taken on a bitter tinge. “Because we are women, and what are we worth?”
— The Swell and Crash of Surrender (Rise of the Death Fae Book 3) by Val Saintcrowe
=========================================================
The Characters:
I never expected to enjoy all the characters so much. Each one pulls my heartstrings, each damaged and seeking some kindness amidst the blood and guts of war.
Cassius is the most damaged here. After mooning for years over a woman who never loved him, he has become a torturer, and he loves every minute of horror and pain he inflicts. The realization distresses him.
Onivia might have escaped her rapist by fleeing to a northern country, but she finds that her adopted family wants to pimp her out for their protection. The ruler is attracted to pregnant women. So much for freedom.
Marta, her fae-loving friend doesn’t get enough attention, but again, she doesn’t feel more free.
Larent has a death-wish from guilt. After the guilt of rape, he also is enabling a deranged necromancer who only pretends to save the fae. I really want him to gain some confidence and enforce some sanity on his own ruler.
Albus, Larent’s half brother, is so attached to Galvina, the token Onivia, that he debases himself for her. I don’t know what to think. Normally, any reader who loves a sweet, devoted book boyfriend might find him attractive, but he needs some resolution over his pain about Larent.
Galvina has become a new favorite: Sent as a spy to Albus, she seems to have retained her morals despite what she sees. She has grown the most. At first she hated humans, but her time with Albus has shown her that no side is clean, and there are good people on both sides. Or bad.
Isha, her friend is in a very tough situation: die, or live and be a torturer’s plaything. Don’t expect a story that gives lip-service to the cruelties of war. This is dark.
========================================================
The Plot:
To be honest, I was shocked this is not the end to a trilogy. Dang it. I prefer short series, but there are too many subplots for a good ending. While Onivia is dealing with an amorous ruler and his jealous queen, Larent slowly realizes the Croith, Durant, is so deranged he is destroying foe and friend alike. Meanwhile Cassius and his human mage cohorts are plotting to kidnap Magdalia, not realizing she is no different than Duranth.
If you have read book 2, you probably anticipate Onivia and Larent getting back together, and they eventually do, in a tumultuous manner.
The theme:
“It would be stupid to trust you,” she said. “But I guess I just finished telling you how stupid I was.”
Despite the attrocities, despite the strange proclivities we see, I feel that the characters are on a road to redemption…at least some of them. Cross fingers.
• Multiple POV
• Adult themes
• Romantic fantasy
• Strong world-building
• Has gulp moments! Not YA.
— The Swell and Crash of Surrender (Rise of the Death Fae Book 3) by Val Saintcrowe
=========================================================
The Characters:
I never expected to enjoy all the characters so much. Each one pulls my heartstrings, each damaged and seeking some kindness amidst the blood and guts of war.
Cassius is the most damaged here. After mooning for years over a woman who never loved him, he has become a torturer, and he loves every minute of horror and pain he inflicts. The realization distresses him.
Onivia might have escaped her rapist by fleeing to a northern country, but she finds that her adopted family wants to pimp her out for their protection. The ruler is attracted to pregnant women. So much for freedom.
Marta, her fae-loving friend doesn’t get enough attention, but again, she doesn’t feel more free.
Larent has a death-wish from guilt. After the guilt of rape, he also is enabling a deranged necromancer who only pretends to save the fae. I really want him to gain some confidence and enforce some sanity on his own ruler.
Albus, Larent’s half brother, is so attached to Galvina, the token Onivia, that he debases himself for her. I don’t know what to think. Normally, any reader who loves a sweet, devoted book boyfriend might find him attractive, but he needs some resolution over his pain about Larent.
Galvina has become a new favorite: Sent as a spy to Albus, she seems to have retained her morals despite what she sees. She has grown the most. At first she hated humans, but her time with Albus has shown her that no side is clean, and there are good people on both sides. Or bad.
Isha, her friend is in a very tough situation: die, or live and be a torturer’s plaything. Don’t expect a story that gives lip-service to the cruelties of war. This is dark.
========================================================
The Plot:
To be honest, I was shocked this is not the end to a trilogy. Dang it. I prefer short series, but there are too many subplots for a good ending. While Onivia is dealing with an amorous ruler and his jealous queen, Larent slowly realizes the Croith, Durant, is so deranged he is destroying foe and friend alike. Meanwhile Cassius and his human mage cohorts are plotting to kidnap Magdalia, not realizing she is no different than Duranth.
If you have read book 2, you probably anticipate Onivia and Larent getting back together, and they eventually do, in a tumultuous manner.
The theme:
“It would be stupid to trust you,” she said. “But I guess I just finished telling you how stupid I was.”
Despite the attrocities, despite the strange proclivities we see, I feel that the characters are on a road to redemption…at least some of them. Cross fingers.
• Multiple POV
• Adult themes
• Romantic fantasy
• Strong world-building
• Has gulp moments! Not YA.
August 12, 2025
I really wasn't sure going into this - but wow it ended up being a great series! Really enjoyed it!! One of the MMCs stole my entire heart.
Rise of the Death Fae (4 book series - Val Saintcrowe): all 4 books follow one story line, you get many MANY characters POV as its written in third person (so be ready to PAY ATTENTION, because you never know what character you will be switching to), its "dark-ish", romatansy, fea & humans, war, dark grey/black MMC, a very sweet/self deprecating MMC, an MMC who turns "evil", an MMC who becomes "enlightened", a FMC who's naïve and easily manipulated and is very manipulative herself, an FMC who is stoic and has a sharp tongue, 2 more FMCs who kind of come into their own, an FMC who is a loyal friend. Sisters, powers, €n€mies to løvers, tørtûre, mûrdêr(s), sp¡c€ and t€nsion, good pløt, man¡pulatiøn, r@p€, dub-con-ish, pregnancies (listen I am not the biggest pregnancy trope fan myself, it ruins a good story more often than not for me, but it works here and adds to the story).
Rise of the Death Fae (4 book series - Val Saintcrowe): all 4 books follow one story line, you get many MANY characters POV as its written in third person (so be ready to PAY ATTENTION, because you never know what character you will be switching to), its "dark-ish", romatansy, fea & humans, war, dark grey/black MMC, a very sweet/self deprecating MMC, an MMC who turns "evil", an MMC who becomes "enlightened", a FMC who's naïve and easily manipulated and is very manipulative herself, an FMC who is stoic and has a sharp tongue, 2 more FMCs who kind of come into their own, an FMC who is a loyal friend. Sisters, powers, €n€mies to løvers, tørtûre, mûrdêr(s), sp¡c€ and t€nsion, good pløt, man¡pulatiøn, r@p€, dub-con-ish, pregnancies (listen I am not the biggest pregnancy trope fan myself, it ruins a good story more often than not for me, but it works here and adds to the story).
October 2, 2025
Spice/ 🌶️🌶️
The Swell and Crash of Surrender is the third book in the Rise of the Death Fae series, and it definitely raises the stakes. This installment dives deeper into fae and human politics, with multiple POVs and each character finding themselves in their own complicated romance.
While I enjoyed the different perspectives, I did find that the POV shifts could sometimes be hard to follow—it wasn’t always immediately clear whose voice I was reading. Still, with a little attention, I was able to figure it out and keep up with the story.
What stood out most to me was the strong world-building, the morally grey characters, and the mix of danger and romance. If you enjoy dark romance with layered plots and high tension, this book is worth picking up.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Multiple POV
✨ Morally grey characters
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Death & danger
Overall, I really enjoyed this installment and will definitely be continuing with the final book—I need to know how this story ends.
The Swell and Crash of Surrender is the third book in the Rise of the Death Fae series, and it definitely raises the stakes. This installment dives deeper into fae and human politics, with multiple POVs and each character finding themselves in their own complicated romance.
While I enjoyed the different perspectives, I did find that the POV shifts could sometimes be hard to follow—it wasn’t always immediately clear whose voice I was reading. Still, with a little attention, I was able to figure it out and keep up with the story.
What stood out most to me was the strong world-building, the morally grey characters, and the mix of danger and romance. If you enjoy dark romance with layered plots and high tension, this book is worth picking up.
Tropes & Themes:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Multiple POV
✨ Morally grey characters
✨ Political intrigue
✨ Death & danger
Overall, I really enjoyed this installment and will definitely be continuing with the final book—I need to know how this story ends.
October 9, 2024
4.5 stars!
This series keeps getting more interesting. I can't wait to read the finale.
This series keeps getting more interesting. I can't wait to read the finale.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews