The Last Aether

Royals of Kingwood Academy #2

by Tessa Hale

My universe has been turned upside down. Not only am I no longer human, I’m also the most powerful elemental the world has seen in centuries. And I have no idea how to wield the power coursing through my veins.

Did I mention I also have four fated mates? The charmer, the gentle giant, the psychopath, and the cruel prince who would rather kill me than kiss me. Throw in mean girls, assassins, and kings out for our blood, and I’m having a rough freshman year.

Just as I feel like things might be coming together, a secret is revealed that changes everything. And I’m left wondering if there’s anyone I can trust at all…

*Book two in a new paranormal reverse harem romance trilogy. Fated Mates, powerful elementals, and an evil that will stop at nothing to take them all down...

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Why Choose, Magic, Paranormal Romance, New Adult

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2022

About the author

Author of love stories with magic, usually with more than one love interest. Constant daydreamer.

What a FREE novella from me? You can download one via BookFunnel: https://BookHip.com/NWRWMZA

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to read this and I liked the development of the story and the characters a lot more than the first book. I wanted to love it but right when it was on the cusp of being awesome, it became annoying.

The twist with Riven was actually great. I love that he’s not being an asshole anymore.

The thing with Drue is definitely played out and I’m hoping they’ll be less of that in the final book.

I have a feeling that Kerry is a bad guy. I’ve had the feeling since the end of the first book. I think the author wants us to assume Eva is behind this STUPID attack cliffhanger but it’s just too obvious.

Also…I am SO EFFIN ANNOYED that this book ended on yet another attack on her. The first one was good, it was shocking. This one is dumb. She’s been attacked so many times it doesn’t matter. It would have been better if it was something like a ransom note for Phoenix or him coming back to drop a bomb.

Girl has 4 years left of school but the time pace is going at a snails pace. So what? The third book is gonna end it and the epilogue will be a 4 year jump ? 😤🙄

I’m not bashing the book, I actually really enjoyed it, it’s just these plot points that kept me from giving it a 5

[Tessa Hale]

Fated Mates, powerful elementals, and an evil that will stop at nothing to take them all down...
The next chapter is here!



Get THE LAST AETHER Free with Kindle Unlimited -> https://geni.us/LastAetherAmzn

Haven't started the series? Read THE LOST ELEMENTAL
Amazon: https://geni.us/LostElmntlAmzn

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. I actually like and am interested by each of the characters. Riven is my fav rn.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Riven redemption arc got me tearing up.
Love these audiobooks!

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Royals of Kingwood Academy trilogy and after the cliffhanger of book 1 I couldn’t wait to jump into this one! I do think this book definitely felt like the middle book, the plot felt like it slowed down quite a bit, but also it makes sense since we got more character growth in this book.

This is a fated mates, fantasy/paranormal, why choose romance. This book especially we get character growth/development for Riven and Phoenix! I really like the characters in this series and how unique they all feel. I loved the first book so after the cliffhanger of the first book I wanted this book’s pace to match that so I wanted just a bit more, BUT I am so excited to see how this story concludes in the next/last book!

[Thay · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Scars aren't ugly. They're badges of honor. They show just how strong we are."

The Last Aether was a bit disappointing in the sense that the plot didn't develop as much as I wanted. We had a big reveal at the end of the last book with Aura being an aether and right after being imprisoned she was shot and that was the cliffhanger. It made me excited for this next book and at the beginning everything was okay; in order to save Aura's life, the boys ended up sealing their bond, much to Riven's dismay. For everyone's safety they'll have to hide this fact.

The premise was headed for greater development, but I thought things became a bit repetitive. They were basically waiting for the next attack on their lives to happen while they went to classes where the main bitch and the spiteful and jealous brother tormented Aura. Our main character was also constantly having panic attacks and no one called a psychologist to help her. She learns to deal with it on her own and with the encouragement of the boys. The same thing happens with her powers, she learns to deal with them and becomes super good at each one even though she doesn't attend many classes due to the constant attacks.

Furthermore, another fact that bothered me was that King Zephyr has so much free time and is always at the academy, none of the other kings appear that much. In fact, I don't remember meeting any queens, the ones that are alive, they basically just stay stuck in their kingdoms. I would also like to find out more about the history of the elementals and have visits to the kingdoms to see how things work there, but we didn't get that. Aura, as the aether and mate of the 4 heirs, knows that she is not fit to become queen in the future, she doesn't know anything about this world, but I didn't think she was very committed to changing that, she just kept talking about how unfit she was for the position.

Another detail that bothers me: Aura was crazy about her family and her friend. She only called her brother once and her friend never, who she barely mentions anymore. I also think that visiting her family in the middle of a war is too dangerous for them. Has anyone heard of video calls?

What really carried the book for me was the development of Riven's redemption arc, my favorite character along with Phoenix. I was already expecting some revelations, but others surprised me. I fell in love with him even more here. I also found him sensible at various times, even though everyone was against him.

The romance and spice are good, but I still think it lacks a little more feeling in the intimate moments. I don't think this will improve in the next book, but I'm glad Tessa is writing these parts much better in her more recent works. One small detail that always happens is that they end up having sex right after an attack happens. I don't know how they can get so excited after someone almost dies.

Overall, I was disappointed with this volume because I expected more, but I didn't think the book was bad, it's basically a filler where nothing much happens, but I still enjoyed reading it anyway and I want to start the third and final book immediately.

✨ RATING
- C (characters): 6/10
- A (atmosphere): 6/10
- W (writing): 7/10
- P (plot): 5/10
- I (intrigue): 6/10
- L (logic): 6/10
- E (enjoyment): 7/10
↬ TOTAL: 6.29 = ⭐⭐⭐+0,5

💦 SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

🔖 TROPES:
- Why Choose/Reverse Harem
- Fantasy romance
- Fated mates
- Elemental powers
- Royals
- Hate to Love (one character)
- Touch her and die
- Academy romance

⚠️ Trigger Warnings: ptsd, trauma, panic attacks, bullying, abusive parent, assassination attempts

[Darcey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like book 1, this was hella enjoyable, trashy fun. Had the time of my life!

[Veronica (Honey Roselea Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review to come on my blog sometime in october. still deciding

[nymeria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the kind of book my 12 year old self would read on Wattpad and would be too embarrassed to tell anyone about it, except it's 18+

[Dana aka ♥Belladonna♥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I almost DNF, but I held out hope that it would get better. It didn't.

As with the first book, the guys were likeable and had individual personalities. And I liked the Elemental set-up. The conflict with Riven held my attention, but that was about it.

For me, the world wasn't fully fleshed out, the emotional connection between the characters lacked depth, and there wasn't a good sense of time, place, or purpose. And the sex scenes? Short and lacked intimacy.

My biggest problem, though, was the heroine. She was constantly crying, panicking, or passing out. Rinse and repeat. I honestly don't know what the plot to this book was. Maybe how to wait for bad things to happen while doing nothing?

I'm sad this didn't work for me because I love the author's idea of creating worlds where poly families are an accepted norm from the start.

[Josephina · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.0 stars

[Bookish Equestrian {hiatus} · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Roa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find this quite hard to rate. I guess, I just was not particularly entertained? I skipped some of the parts because I was a little annoyed with Aura. Who doesn't question hearing voices but just...puts if off? It's strange. Sure, some parts are interesting and the cliff hanger keeps you invested but that does not cure the issue that the book is...boring for long stretches. I'm not sure whether I have just read too many of these kinds of books, so this one just seems too textbook for me, but I just don't know what I am not liking.

[Kaity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audio:
5 stars for Aletha George
Audio can be found on Everand

Book: 2.5-3 stars for the series

Whole series review.

Ehh, had high hopes after finishing book 1, but it just kinda went downhill from book 2 on. I was getting annoyed with Aura (aka Pip… stupid nickname). She was supposed to have amazing power but she would use them then pass out.. like girl how can you save the world if you keep dying or passing out! 🤦🏽‍♀️

I gave Tessa Hale’s books another chance but they just don’t work for me like I always hope they would.

[Lynnzie (lynnziebooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Tessa Hale book that I devoured in one sitting. I will never stop praising how easily I can fall into Tessa’s books. I fly though them and this one was no different.

I LOVE the progress that was made. I’m honestly obsessed with all the men but will let y’all decide your own faves without my influence. They’re all so different but work so well and would do anything for Aura. Speaking of Aura, oh lord does she do through it. She needs a vacation asap. I adore her tenacity to be able to stand on her own and fight her own battles. She really grew in this addition.

Once again, disrespectful ending. I didn’t even realize I was at the end until I got the note to continue her story in book three and I was gobsmacked. I though I had another twenty minutes and then was blindsided. So yes, I will anxiously be waiting for book three.

[CherryReads · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 ⭐️

Time wasted. Energy wasted on this book. I expected better, but there was no development. Aura's character becomes detestable. Too childish, too whiny, and above all, too weak. I lost count of how many times she cries. She gets attacked every two pages, never defends herself, always waits for others to save her. Instead of learning to control and use her powers, she expects everything to be done for her. And a main character like that? No thanks. What made me laugh the most is how quickly they establish a connection and decide to keep it a secret. One chapter later, they tell everyone that they're soulmates and even live together. How is that logical ? The book is repetitive from A to Z. And too much drama for nothing in the end.

Still, I'll read the third and final book for laughs.

[Marie-Claude Gagné · Rating 2 out of 5]

Je suis confuse. On dirait que j’aimais bien l’univers de ce livre avec les élémentaires, et les quatre éléments, mais vraiment la relation du personnage principal avec les quatre prince et digne d’un Harlequin vraiment quétaine… et elle prend beaucoup de place dans ce tome. En fait, si je n’avais pas acheté l’ensemble, je ne pense pas que j’aurais lu plus que le premier tome. Mais ils brillaient…

⭐️⭐️: Bof…

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Exceptional Read by Tessa Hale. I can definitely see this trilogy being made into a movie, the way she writes with such a clear vision she brings each scene to life that it's hard not to envision it happening right before your eyes.

In this installment we have Aura finding out more about her true powers and her past including Riven's part in it. I loved the progression these two have taken in their relationship, slow and steady as well as hot and heavy. Kai, Atlas, and Phoenix all play major roles in Aura's training and all five of them are making strides to become the unit they are destined to be.

This trilogy MUST be read in the order of release so that you can follow the story line. I highly recommend this book, as well as the trilogy to those that enjoy Steamy Paranormal Romances, Why Choose Romances, or Fated Mates Romances.

Happy Reading!!!

Read an excerpt here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewTLA




**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic

[꧁༺ L̴E̴X̴I̴E̴ ༻꧂]

I got to 17% for this book. 17% before I called it quits because if there’s one thing that I love, it’s originality and if there’s one thing that I dislike, it’s mere imitation

I said in my review for the first book that this story was a lot like Shifting Fate, a series which, I will say again, I LOVED! 🐺❤️ But this just felt like rereading that, same characters but different names, same plot but different setting 😐🥱

I might try it again in the future, or I might just reread Shifting Fate instead 😉

[Hailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️ A fun second installment to this series. The drama is endless, these elementals can’t catch a break! This series is pure entertainment- it’s quick and eventful and has all kinds of great tropes.

[Krissreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️ 3/5🎧

——• A paranormal academy RH romance!🖤💦

The amount of times something happened causing this bitch to black out was insane, getting to the point where I wanted nothing more then to throw my damn phone. I felt like all she did was pass out, cry or just complain about everything which honestly ruined it for me.

The relationship development lacked as i feel like there was no depth to it what so ever and the sex was just bleh. The storyline doesn't really seem to be going anywhere and honestly after listening to this book, I feel like the series is going down hill from here.

[Marie-Pierre lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️,5

J’aime histoire d’Aura et de ses 4 princes. Dans ce deuxième volet de la série, il y avait quelques répétitions… en fait plusieurs répétitions.

Les scènes de combat étaient très semblables et très fréquentes, les attaques beaucoup trop nombreuses. En fait, le roman tourne autour de ces deux éléments.

J’aurais aimé que les garçons qui désirent tant protéger leur Ether s’investissent un peu plus. Pour moi, c’est un peu incohérent qu’ils se fassent attaquer aussi souvent et qu’ils ne cherche pas à détruire et éliminer la menace.

Alors pour moi, il y a quelques incohérences qui m’ont fait grincer les dents . Mais sinon, cette lecture était correct.

[Tarynrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨️

[Nicole Walls · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me at the edge of my seat the entire time, as expected, and yes, i do like riven now… for reasons that should be very obvious.

[Meghan Cannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why is she passing out every chapter

[Kaitlyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked The Last Aether, I felt like it was just an extension of the first book and a stopover before the final instead of its own complete story. This second book had the same easy-to-read format, strong characters, and a bit more about the awesome magic system; it also continued the intriguing storylines from the first book. However, a lot less happened, and the ending was abrupt and not as adrenaline-fueled as the first. I will read the last book though, as I am invested in this story and the characters. Unfortunately, this book fell into a pattern that it never got itself out of; Aura and/or her guys were attacked, they recovered, spent time together, went to classes, were attacked again and the cycle repeated. I was surprised how many times the anti-aether cult was able to attack Aura and her men. I assumed that after the first assassination attempt, security would have gotten better, or Aura, or the school, or her security, would have varied her routine to try to help protect her. The lack of administrative intervention or better security was a bit unbelievable and put the story in a bubble focused on Aura and her guys. It was also hard to believe that after going so long without an aether, the student body would not be curious about her, especially those who thought the kingdoms would be better off united. However, Aura never talks to anyone new. She’s talked about, and of course, there was gossip, but no student even tried to approach her.     

I loved Aura and Riven’s progress!! Riven was always a favorite character of mine, and we learn a lot more about him in this book. Which just made me like him even more. The other high part was Aura’s deepening relationship with her men. There were some sweet and spicy moments between all of them that were a delight to read. While this second book felt a bit limited and lacked the tension-filled tone of the first book, I thought it continued the story adequately, and there were some very important moments that added to the story. I can’t wait to read the third (and I think final) book!


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Laura (lady_h_reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Tessa Hale kept me up late to finish a book, then hit me with a killer cliffhanger! I wouldn’t want it any other way. I loved the second book in her Royals of Kingwood Academy trilogy.

Tessa left us at the end of book one with the FMC, Aura, shot by a would-be assassin while she was imprisoned at the school until they could confirm her Aether status. She survived but at the cost of solidifying the fated bonds with *all* of the princes, including Riven, who does not seem too thrilled to now be forever tied to her. They must keep these new bonds hidden, as they place them all in even greater danger from those who do not want the unification of the kingdoms.

Phoenix, Kai, and Atlas remain eternally devoted to Aura. It is so sweet to watch their interactions. They are the salve she needs to put up with Riven until he finally pulls his head out of his @ss. Riven does redeem himself, as things from their combined past are revealed, but Aura remains hesitant to trust him. Despite all the support from the princes, her first stress response is to run. We see her growth as she learns to lean on them when in need, but she also shows them that she is stronger than they think and can stand on her own without constant protection.

The cliffhanger was intense! The next book promises the conclusion to Aura’s story. I cannot wait!

[Rose · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was going to be a three star read. The plots fine, typical but enjoyable, and the characters are likable, there’s no growth or development but they’re pleasant. Just an easy mellow read. But then wtf is up with the author constantly making the h black out and all the details are being skipped. This pnr is already flimsy in the actually magic and pnr plots. There was very little magic in the book until 40ish% as is and now whenever she’s using magic and some cool things are happening the chick just passes out and I’ve get none of those cool magic details!! I want them in real time. I want to see things happening, not read about them as they’re being told to her once she’s awake again. So so much telling verses showing. I literally yelled “fuck” out loud when it happened for the third/fourth time at like 80%. I was so excited to see what her magic was doing and then she passes out again. Grrrrrrr.

Oh and I’m still rolling my eyes at Riven, the H who is supposed to be so smart and ruthless and will do whether to keep her safe, giving her his ring to wear. A ring! Something that everyone aka his Dad and Eva could see. 🙄🙄

[Bekah Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first thing I said to my book bestie while reading this was "Omg yes. Went from a slow burn to fast burn in seconds. And I’m here for it!!!" I loved everything about this book, I was already sold with book 1 but book 2 is even better!

Phoenix was my favorite. Still love him but man on man Atlas has my heart right now. And Riven -finally stepping up his game. Book 1 ends on a major cliffhanger, but I have to say this whole storyline is riddled with small plot twists or "gotcha" moments. I swear I doubt every side characters intentions the whole time. Biting my nails praying that I'm wrong and someone doesn't hurt my girl Aura or her men.

If you are looking for a why choose paranormal romance, with fated mates, elemental magical powers and some serious alpha men with "burn the world down for her" vibes - then go read this book ASAP. It doesn't disappoint. Imma need the next book immediately cause it’s so good. Thank Tessa Hale for another amazing read.

[Lyrik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great continuation of the story. Lots of action - as in, lots of people are trying to kill Aura. We find out more about Aura's background. Riven finally comes around and stops being an ass. Relationships and powers are strengthened. Loved it!

Now, I hate that I have to wait for book three, but I did it to myself.