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The Bonegates #4
Illuminator Witch
A kingdom seized. An ousted king. A looming war.
King Oberon is sure to seek revenge on my siblings and me, and he won’t confine his fury to Faerie.
The human world, my world, is in grave danger too.
I can’t let that happen, but there are obstacles to overcome first. The most worrying being that the fae of Lyonesse are enchanted to follow their old king their death.
Only a select few believe we have their best interest at heart.
And then there’s the matter of King Oberon possessing a dragon.
The deck is stacked against me and my allies, but we must get the fae of Lyonesse on our side before my father retaliates.
For if we don’t, two realms will burn.
King Oberon is sure to seek revenge on my siblings and me, and he won’t confine his fury to Faerie.
The human world, my world, is in grave danger too.
I can’t let that happen, but there are obstacles to overcome first. The most worrying being that the fae of Lyonesse are enchanted to follow their old king their death.
Only a select few believe we have their best interest at heart.
And then there’s the matter of King Oberon possessing a dragon.
The deck is stacked against me and my allies, but we must get the fae of Lyonesse on our side before my father retaliates.
For if we don’t, two realms will burn.
- GenresFantasy
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2022
24 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Ashley McLeo
62 books717 followersAshley lives in the lush and green Pacific Northwest with her husband, their dog, and the house ghost that sometimes makes appearances in her charming, old home.
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
When she’s not writing urban fantasy and portal fantasy novels she enjoys traveling the world, reading, kicking butt at board games (she recommends Splendor and Dominion), and frequenting taquerias.
For all the latest releases and updates, subscribe to Ashley’s newsletter, The Coven, today!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 2, 2024
This is book four of The Bonegates series and Princess Lana and her numerous siblings have managed to retake Castle Phoenix and forced their father, King Oberon to flee with his Feathered Fae, to seek an ally. He has lost control of the Bonegate and thus his plans to control this world and the Old Land, as he calls Earth. They have found out that their father had drained all the magic in Lyonesse and kept it for himself and his favoured fae allies, causing the lands to die off and stop producing. The people want their king back, believing Lana and her siblings are liars and are bastard usurpers, from tales of their family who served as soldiers or servants of the king who were put under his spell with a secret potion. Lana and her army of allies had to lock away all those who hadn’t escaped with the king, until they could give them a potion to counteract the one the king did. One of the first to have this was Garret, a guard at the palace and now Lana’s other half! One strong ally, who helped to free the Bonegate from King Oberon, was Queen Pari, the ruler of Buyan, who came with her three ladies in waiting, Isis, Bellona and Armenia, who were all deadly warriors as well. Lana is one of Oberon’s children who was born on Earth and brought through to bolster Oberon’s plans until they realised how evil he was and helped to defeat Oberon. She has eight siblings with her as allies in taking down their father, but has lost two others who were nice to her, Kate and Kumar, but also one she hated Nigel. Oberon has his son Prince Casimir, a full light fae, with him, someone Lana thought could redeem himself, but who she will soon find out is too far gone, as her brother agrees with Oberon. They also find out that the local holy man or Sinker Divine, is actually their uncle, Oberon’s younger brother, who has been hidden from the people of Lyonesse for decades, with Oberon telling his people, he was the last of his line!
Lana is clearly a full Fullfeather like Oberon, due to her startling eye colour and the Fullfeathers are said to have an affinity to winged creatures as familiars. Casimir has a dragon familiar Natia and Oberon has a phoenix as his, whilst Lana’s familiar Naela and Finn’s familiar Kane are hawks. Lana an illuminator witch, has eight living siblings on her side, Gio a water diviner, Arlo an eagle shifter, Dak a lion shifter, Finn who has demon born magic, Crystal a dwarf, Wik (Wikolia) a wolf shifter, Maria a rumbler with the strongest earth magic, and Victoria a vila whose song can freeze anyone. The other surviving siblings don’t have a familiar and they wonder if any of them might have a dragon as a familiar, to be able to fight against Casimir and his dragon. Most of them go off to a hidden island of dragons, to see if any of them can gain a dragon familiar, whilst Lana must get Nigel’s bone back and also learn how to use them. She must also find the Sinker Divine, to learn where a rare ingredient urgently required for the antidote to the king’s potion, which will allow them to release more of the servants, guards and soldiers from the dungeons. This will allow their numbers to rise and word will finally get around Lyonesse of what the king was really doing to his land and the lies he had told his people! Each of the siblings were given a bone from each of their three dead siblings, after their bodies were given to the Burners to perform a ritual in the magical fires they tend at the palace, with those bones (talits) thought to have powers of their own, if their siblings can connect to them. This was whilst they were all fooled by Oberon and his rule, but their eyes are wide open now. Kate was a healer, whilst Kumar was a naga, and Nigel was an illuminator like Lana.
Queen Mauri (Maurette) of Ys is another ally of theirs and along with Queen Pari can only guess at where Oberon and Casimir have gone, either to the beast realm ruled by King Ungulaltus, or Suweth ruled by King Wasu. It seems Oberon has been making plans and allies in the north and has hired swords from Zatus, as well as his feathered fae army, to help carry out some of his evil plans. Lana and her siblings believe Oberon will be heading back south to take back his kingdom once he has an ally’s army to assist him, but his plans are far more evil than that. Lana’s home, the human world, is in danger from Oberon and those he has promised access to it, and she must try to stop him. Queen Pari has transferred the Bonegate to Lana, who is now recognised as the new Queen of Lyonesse, a position she has no wish to take up when the battles are over. She wants magic to be brought back to Lyonesse and her father defeated, but it will not be easy and they also want to find their human mother, taken prisoner by Oberon. Everything is against Lana, her siblings and their allies, as Oberon has planned for a long time for every eventuality and is a master strategist. Nothing they do will be easy and Casimir uses his dragon to attack one of their ally’s stronghold, decimating the number of soldiers they could rely upon to join them as they must face Oberon. Whether Lana and her siblings, along with their remaining allies, will be successful in defeating Oberon and Casimir, is tough one to call, as misdirection and misleading information pulls them in different directions and danger comes directly for Lana as her father has a sickening requirement for her. A final battle and fitting end for one side, as the Bonegate must be saved from the evil plans of a former king.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
4 ½ stars
Lana is clearly a full Fullfeather like Oberon, due to her startling eye colour and the Fullfeathers are said to have an affinity to winged creatures as familiars. Casimir has a dragon familiar Natia and Oberon has a phoenix as his, whilst Lana’s familiar Naela and Finn’s familiar Kane are hawks. Lana an illuminator witch, has eight living siblings on her side, Gio a water diviner, Arlo an eagle shifter, Dak a lion shifter, Finn who has demon born magic, Crystal a dwarf, Wik (Wikolia) a wolf shifter, Maria a rumbler with the strongest earth magic, and Victoria a vila whose song can freeze anyone. The other surviving siblings don’t have a familiar and they wonder if any of them might have a dragon as a familiar, to be able to fight against Casimir and his dragon. Most of them go off to a hidden island of dragons, to see if any of them can gain a dragon familiar, whilst Lana must get Nigel’s bone back and also learn how to use them. She must also find the Sinker Divine, to learn where a rare ingredient urgently required for the antidote to the king’s potion, which will allow them to release more of the servants, guards and soldiers from the dungeons. This will allow their numbers to rise and word will finally get around Lyonesse of what the king was really doing to his land and the lies he had told his people! Each of the siblings were given a bone from each of their three dead siblings, after their bodies were given to the Burners to perform a ritual in the magical fires they tend at the palace, with those bones (talits) thought to have powers of their own, if their siblings can connect to them. This was whilst they were all fooled by Oberon and his rule, but their eyes are wide open now. Kate was a healer, whilst Kumar was a naga, and Nigel was an illuminator like Lana.
Queen Mauri (Maurette) of Ys is another ally of theirs and along with Queen Pari can only guess at where Oberon and Casimir have gone, either to the beast realm ruled by King Ungulaltus, or Suweth ruled by King Wasu. It seems Oberon has been making plans and allies in the north and has hired swords from Zatus, as well as his feathered fae army, to help carry out some of his evil plans. Lana and her siblings believe Oberon will be heading back south to take back his kingdom once he has an ally’s army to assist him, but his plans are far more evil than that. Lana’s home, the human world, is in danger from Oberon and those he has promised access to it, and she must try to stop him. Queen Pari has transferred the Bonegate to Lana, who is now recognised as the new Queen of Lyonesse, a position she has no wish to take up when the battles are over. She wants magic to be brought back to Lyonesse and her father defeated, but it will not be easy and they also want to find their human mother, taken prisoner by Oberon. Everything is against Lana, her siblings and their allies, as Oberon has planned for a long time for every eventuality and is a master strategist. Nothing they do will be easy and Casimir uses his dragon to attack one of their ally’s stronghold, decimating the number of soldiers they could rely upon to join them as they must face Oberon. Whether Lana and her siblings, along with their remaining allies, will be successful in defeating Oberon and Casimir, is tough one to call, as misdirection and misleading information pulls them in different directions and danger comes directly for Lana as her father has a sickening requirement for her. A final battle and fitting end for one side, as the Bonegate must be saved from the evil plans of a former king.
I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
4 ½ stars
January 19, 2022
Final book in the series and it’s a doozy! Both the human world and the world of Faerie are in trouble and it’s a race against time to save the day. It’s been an incredible journey and the world building is simply outstanding. We have read and watched The characters grow so much and it’s feels as though I have been alongside them on this adventure of danger, romance, action and so much more. The fights scenes were descriptive and epic, the storyline gripping and exciting and although I am sad to see it come to an end , the author did a fantastic job in its conclusion.
January 17, 2022
This whole series has been very entertaining. I love the development of Lana and Finn's relationship. In fact, the whole Fullfeather family has a great dynamic, even though they began at such odds. I feel like this is a good wrap-up for the series, though there are some areas I wish I had a better conclusion to. Overall, I am very pleased with the story as a whole and am glad I got to read it.
January 26, 2022
Ugh, what an ending! So much action, and a great storyline, along with great characters. I’d definitely recommend.
January 29, 2022
In Illuminator Witch(The Bonegates Series book 4) by Ashley McLeo that I received through BookFunnel and I am voluntarily giving my honest review, Power hungry and cruel King Oberon is sure to seek revenge after he has been ousted. With all the obstacles ahead of them will Lana, Finn and their half siblings, along with other allies, manage to get the fae of Lyoness on their side before their father retaliates? If they don't, two realms will burn. I enjoyed reading this final book in the series and definitely recommend. This book, and the others in the series, are available on Amazon
February 1, 2022
Never a disappointment
I can say I have read all but 1 of Ashley's books (Stealing Maid Marian’s Heart) which is next on my list. This book could not have ended better. There were too many times I was on the edge of my seat struggling with needing to know what happens next and doing things like im supposed to like going to work lol. I love how everyone relationships grow, how Ashley shows you don't need to connect to toxic people to be the best you and if you fight hard enough. Nothing is impossible.
I can say I have read all but 1 of Ashley's books (Stealing Maid Marian’s Heart) which is next on my list. This book could not have ended better. There were too many times I was on the edge of my seat struggling with needing to know what happens next and doing things like im supposed to like going to work lol. I love how everyone relationships grow, how Ashley shows you don't need to connect to toxic people to be the best you and if you fight hard enough. Nothing is impossible.
April 25, 2024
This is a great final book to the Bonegates series
With King Oberon now off the throne, things are not getting easier for Lana, Finn, their siblings and allies. Oberon is out for revenge and has his eyes set not only on the world of Faerie, but the human world as well; and now he has a dragon as well as still having the fae of Lyonesse under his enchantment.
A great final book full of action, drama, magic, friendships, secrets and love. I would recommend the whole of this series as I found I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
With King Oberon now off the throne, things are not getting easier for Lana, Finn, their siblings and allies. Oberon is out for revenge and has his eyes set not only on the world of Faerie, but the human world as well; and now he has a dragon as well as still having the fae of Lyonesse under his enchantment.
A great final book full of action, drama, magic, friendships, secrets and love. I would recommend the whole of this series as I found I couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2023
Follow the siblings as they travel to Ys to find the kingdom burning. The battle to keep their father from overtaking The Old Land is long and fierce with many faes dying on the multiple battlefronts. This last book in the series ends in a HEA. Very highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2022
I really enjoyed reading from both Lana & Finn's POV it adds an extra dimension to the story. The author did not disappoint in this last book. Plenty of action and suspense had me captivated with the whole series and I look forward to more by this author.
December 2, 2024
The Bonegates Series (4 books) by Ashley McLeo
I have finished all four books in the series. I enjoyed each book n the characters very much. The author has a good grasp on where she is going in each book n no dull time.
I have finished all four books in the series. I enjoyed each book n the characters very much. The author has a good grasp on where she is going in each book n no dull time.
January 20, 2022
Yes yes yes!!!!
Ashley has done it again. This series is absolutely amazing. The characters come to life with different personalities that you just want to make your own.
Ashley has done it again. This series is absolutely amazing. The characters come to life with different personalities that you just want to make your own.
January 27, 2022
Loved this book
This was the best series to read... Would love another sister series to add to it... Great reading every one
This was the best series to read... Would love another sister series to add to it... Great reading every one
June 15, 2022
The End…
I wish this wasn’t “the end”, and that another book was to follow. I SO enjoyed reading this series, I’m going to miss it!💚
I wish this wasn’t “the end”, and that another book was to follow. I SO enjoyed reading this series, I’m going to miss it!💚
January 12, 2022
Epic Battles For Freedom & Family!💥💘🌟
An Excellent Series Conclusion.🙏💝
Illuminator Witch: The Bonegate Series, Book #4
(I read an ARC of this ebook. I leave this review voluntarily & without any obligation)
This is such a good & sublime Fantasy series. All of the differing types of Fae, magic & Kingdoms was breathtaking!🌟
I think I finally loved Lana wholeheartedly. She owned every single aspect of herself without fear or shame, she was a total bad@ss!!😍🎊 Finn too, came into his own. He excepted his Demon gifts, realising they truly were a gift to for him & the people of his Kingdom, in the final battle to come.👤👍
The King, Prince Caspian r& the Feathered Fae rreally doubled down on their despicable desires, choices and willingness to do harm without care.😡 The utter bleakness of what they were achieving left me breathless.😢
I absolutely loved this book. The imagery the Author evoked was beautiful, dark and fearsome but above all it was full and captivating.🤩 The writing, as it was throughout the entire series, stayed full of pace, passion & emotion. The characters grew even more and became more rounded, compassionate & self assured, which many but especially Lana, lacked through the other books!🙏
If you want a new Fantasy series with a great escapist storyline, romance, battles & someone you really can loathe - this amazing COMPLETED series is it.🌟😎
Debbie, 1970, UK
An Excellent Series Conclusion.🙏💝
Illuminator Witch: The Bonegate Series, Book #4
(I read an ARC of this ebook. I leave this review voluntarily & without any obligation)
This is such a good & sublime Fantasy series. All of the differing types of Fae, magic & Kingdoms was breathtaking!🌟
I think I finally loved Lana wholeheartedly. She owned every single aspect of herself without fear or shame, she was a total bad@ss!!😍🎊 Finn too, came into his own. He excepted his Demon gifts, realising they truly were a gift to for him & the people of his Kingdom, in the final battle to come.👤👍
The King, Prince Caspian r& the Feathered Fae rreally doubled down on their despicable desires, choices and willingness to do harm without care.😡 The utter bleakness of what they were achieving left me breathless.😢
I absolutely loved this book. The imagery the Author evoked was beautiful, dark and fearsome but above all it was full and captivating.🤩 The writing, as it was throughout the entire series, stayed full of pace, passion & emotion. The characters grew even more and became more rounded, compassionate & self assured, which many but especially Lana, lacked through the other books!🙏
If you want a new Fantasy series with a great escapist storyline, romance, battles & someone you really can loathe - this amazing COMPLETED series is it.🌟😎
Debbie, 1970, UK
January 12, 2022
The faerie and the human world are both in great danger from King Oberon. The siblings are racing against the clock to find a way to stop King Oberon before it is too late. Finn’s new girlfriend has been taken and now he must find a way to rescue her.
The siblings are faced with great danger in their quest to stop the King. Their journey was dark and bleak as they came up against some very scary and dangerous creatures.
Illuminator Witch was a fun and interesting read that kept me glued to the pages, one after the other with all the fight scenes as well as all the interesting creatures. There were times when I was so afraid for everyone as they fought with these creatures. It was like I could feel each and every blow they took from these creatures.
Illuminator Witch is so vividly written I could see all the fight scenes as they were played out. I felt as if I was right there beside them as they fought to save both the faerie world and the human world.
I have truly enjoyed reading The Bonegate Series and sadly hate to see the last of its world. I am going to miss all the characters and I hope to see them again soon in other books or worlds. Maybe? Hopefully?
I highly recommend Illuminator Witch to all fans of magic and great stories! One-click your copy of Illuminator Witch today for another great adventure in The Bonegate Series!
The siblings are faced with great danger in their quest to stop the King. Their journey was dark and bleak as they came up against some very scary and dangerous creatures.
Illuminator Witch was a fun and interesting read that kept me glued to the pages, one after the other with all the fight scenes as well as all the interesting creatures. There were times when I was so afraid for everyone as they fought with these creatures. It was like I could feel each and every blow they took from these creatures.
Illuminator Witch is so vividly written I could see all the fight scenes as they were played out. I felt as if I was right there beside them as they fought to save both the faerie world and the human world.
I have truly enjoyed reading The Bonegate Series and sadly hate to see the last of its world. I am going to miss all the characters and I hope to see them again soon in other books or worlds. Maybe? Hopefully?
I highly recommend Illuminator Witch to all fans of magic and great stories! One-click your copy of Illuminator Witch today for another great adventure in The Bonegate Series!
January 15, 2022
This is the final book in the Bonegates series. If you haven’t read this series you really should it has everything a reader who likes fantasy novels wants but -lease start from book one. The author has built a wonderful world with all sorts of magical creatures.
In this book our protagonists, Finn and Lana finally face their father to decide his or their fate of who will be King or Queen. I won’t tell you who won the battle because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Finn also finally gets the girl he wants and you’ll be pleased when you find out who it is. In this book you can also see that Finn and Lana have both grown quite a bit emotionally and magically. Their alliance with Queen Pari and Mauri become very beneficial. Also, we find out if the people of Lyonnesse decide who they will be faithful too, Oberon or the heirs. Again, no spoilers here but I’m sure you’ll be happy with the outcome.
I was sad to see this series end; however the author does provide a very satisfying conclusion and epilogue.
If you love action, adventure, fantasy and a little bit of romance then this series is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this book our protagonists, Finn and Lana finally face their father to decide his or their fate of who will be King or Queen. I won’t tell you who won the battle because I don’t want to spoil it for you. Finn also finally gets the girl he wants and you’ll be pleased when you find out who it is. In this book you can also see that Finn and Lana have both grown quite a bit emotionally and magically. Their alliance with Queen Pari and Mauri become very beneficial. Also, we find out if the people of Lyonnesse decide who they will be faithful too, Oberon or the heirs. Again, no spoilers here but I’m sure you’ll be happy with the outcome.
I was sad to see this series end; however the author does provide a very satisfying conclusion and epilogue.
If you love action, adventure, fantasy and a little bit of romance then this series is for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 24, 2022
I’ve been looking forward to this book for months now but I had a hard time getting into the book at first. It started out fairly slow paced but did rapidly pick up speed. There was a lot of action in this book but it was also mixed in well with slower moments. I do wish the book and series as a whole focused a bit more on the other siblings as well. At the same time though the dual perspectives of Lana and Finn did offer a lot to the story especially with both people going different ways throughout the book. There was also a lot of thought and world building put into the world in general which especially became prevalent in the beast realms. Overall, I was pretty satisfied with the book and I enjoyed the ending to this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am leaving a review voluntarily.
January 9, 2022
If you love epic battles with dragons, Fae and all kinds of supernatural characters this book and series is for you. The characters are strong and the bonds between the heirs is just as strong. The fate of Faerie and the old world is at stake and the Fullfeather heirs must be stronger than they ever thought they could be to conquer their father King Oberon and Prince Casimir very powerful and evil.
I absolutely loved this book and series. Ashley McLeo has this genres number and fulfills all your expectations.
I absolutely loved this book and series. Ashley McLeo has this genres number and fulfills all your expectations.
January 6, 2022
Illuminator Witch: A Dark Faerie Series (The Bonegates Series Book 4) by Ashley McLeo is a great story to read. This is book number four in this great series that I have enjoyed reading very much. I recommend this story to everyone who enjoys reading great stories.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book & am voluntarily leaving an honest and unbiased review.
January 27, 2022
I think this is my favorite series by Ashley McLeo. That’s saying a lot since I have read and loved all of her books. This really grabbed me from the first book, long before a trip to Faery. Fantastic characters, great descriptions, wonderful and twisted plot! What more could you want? The final book will keep you just as enthralled as the first.
January 13, 2022
Ashley McLeo beought another great story to this series. King Oberon has put all in danger fae and humans and the siblings have to save every one. This story keeps you glued to the book reading to know what's next.
January 8, 2022
Wonderful way to end the series
January 16, 2022
Excellent finale to a fabulous series. I was extremely happy to be able to continue to read from both Lana and Finn’s point of view. Loved it!
January 19, 2022
Great conclusion to the series. This books keeps you interested until the very end and then wraps the story up nicely without any loose ends.
April 10, 2024
This has been a fun series! Enjoyed all the paranormal elements, and the interesting action and danger. Entertaining fae world! Good conclusion!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews