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Rise of the Warlords #3
The Phantom
"One of the premier authors of paranormal romance. Gena Showalter delivers an utterly spellbinding story!"—Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with The Phantom, the third book in her pulse-pounding Rise of the Warlords series, featuring a vengeful harpy and a callous torture master locked in a battle to the death.
As the son of a war god, Roux Pyroesis has suffered unending pain—he’s caused it, too, dispatching his foes with alarming ease. Now he’s tasked with cutting out the heart of a powerful queen who rules an ancient prison realm inhabited by the most vicious immortal females in existence.
Blythe the Undoing is a decorated harpy warrior determined to annihilate Roux, the invader who killed her beloved consort. Nothing will stop her. Even if she must trap herself for eternity by sneaking into the brutal realm and taking the crown, pitting herself against the merciless male she’s sworn to despise.
Having never known desire, Roux is ill prepared for the stunning beauty who challenges him at every turn. For the survival of his army, duty comes first. Always. But what happens when the flames of Blythe’s hatred burn out and she craves him, too…but only one of them can live?
Don't miss the rest of the Rise of the Warlords Book 1: The Warlord Book 2: The Immortal Book 3: The Phantom Book 4: The Wrath - Coming Feb 2024!
New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with The Phantom, the third book in her pulse-pounding Rise of the Warlords series, featuring a vengeful harpy and a callous torture master locked in a battle to the death.
As the son of a war god, Roux Pyroesis has suffered unending pain—he’s caused it, too, dispatching his foes with alarming ease. Now he’s tasked with cutting out the heart of a powerful queen who rules an ancient prison realm inhabited by the most vicious immortal females in existence.
Blythe the Undoing is a decorated harpy warrior determined to annihilate Roux, the invader who killed her beloved consort. Nothing will stop her. Even if she must trap herself for eternity by sneaking into the brutal realm and taking the crown, pitting herself against the merciless male she’s sworn to despise.
Having never known desire, Roux is ill prepared for the stunning beauty who challenges him at every turn. For the survival of his army, duty comes first. Always. But what happens when the flames of Blythe’s hatred burn out and she craves him, too…but only one of them can live?
Don't miss the rest of the Rise of the Warlords Book 1: The Warlord Book 2: The Immortal Book 3: The Phantom Book 4: The Wrath - Coming Feb 2024!
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
About the author
Gena Showalter
322 books28k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
October 21, 2022
Two words: virgin hero. My kryptonite.
I love this whole universe by Gena Showalter, I love how she writes great paranormal romances with so much humor and such interesting storylines. I will never ever get tired of her writing.
The Phantom is the third book in her Rise of the Warlords series, it’s also part of her Lords of the Underworld universe, and it mainly features the harpies and the Astra Planeta, god-like warriors who have invaded Harpina and need to complete a task in 30 days in order to ascend into superior beings and destroy their enemy: Erebus.
This time around we get to read all about Blythe, Taliyah’s half-sister, and Roux, the Astra who killed Blythe’s consort at the very beginning of the series.
Intense much? YEP!
Boy, oh boy, this book was so chaotic in the best possible way, so much fun, and genuinely heartbreaking at times.
I loved that the story took place in Ation, a prison realm where immortal females of all species are locked up. It was a nice change, and I loved reading about all these different species.
Roux has intrigued me from the start, you don’t really know what’s going on with him, and I really enjoyed discovering more about him and his past. He’s quite a complex character.
I wasn’t too sure about Blythe when I first started this book, I didn’t know how she would come back from having lost her consort and from all that hatred she had in her because of it, but as always Gena managed to surprise me, and made me fall in love with the harphantom.
I think she did an amazing job crafting this story, from Roux’s past, to how Blythe is able to have two consorts, their relationship, and the entire storyline.
Speaking of, this book is a strong enemies to lovers, obviously. Blythe truly hates him and only wants to kill him and make him miserable. As she should. Roux is…more complex than that. He has conflicting emotions and has a hard time dealing with them.
I could say more but I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. There are some really great twists in this book. I will say, the sexual tension between them was top-notch and made me lose my mind more than once.
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
I love this whole universe by Gena Showalter, I love how she writes great paranormal romances with so much humor and such interesting storylines. I will never ever get tired of her writing.
The Phantom is the third book in her Rise of the Warlords series, it’s also part of her Lords of the Underworld universe, and it mainly features the harpies and the Astra Planeta, god-like warriors who have invaded Harpina and need to complete a task in 30 days in order to ascend into superior beings and destroy their enemy: Erebus.
This time around we get to read all about Blythe, Taliyah’s half-sister, and Roux, the Astra who killed Blythe’s consort at the very beginning of the series.
Intense much? YEP!
Boy, oh boy, this book was so chaotic in the best possible way, so much fun, and genuinely heartbreaking at times.
I loved that the story took place in Ation, a prison realm where immortal females of all species are locked up. It was a nice change, and I loved reading about all these different species.
Roux has intrigued me from the start, you don’t really know what’s going on with him, and I really enjoyed discovering more about him and his past. He’s quite a complex character.
I wasn’t too sure about Blythe when I first started this book, I didn’t know how she would come back from having lost her consort and from all that hatred she had in her because of it, but as always Gena managed to surprise me, and made me fall in love with the harphantom.
I think she did an amazing job crafting this story, from Roux’s past, to how Blythe is able to have two consorts, their relationship, and the entire storyline.
Speaking of, this book is a strong enemies to lovers, obviously. Blythe truly hates him and only wants to kill him and make him miserable. As she should. Roux is…more complex than that. He has conflicting emotions and has a hard time dealing with them.
I could say more but I really don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. There are some really great twists in this book. I will say, the sexual tension between them was top-notch and made me lose my mind more than once.
Disclaimer: I was able to read an early copy of this book as I work for the author.
June 8, 2023
2.75 Stars
February 10, 2023
4 STARS
You know when you've been obsessed with an author for years, and the obsession only continues to grow? It's a rare one for me, mainly because I have the attention span of a fly and generally find myself growing out of an author after a certain amount of releases. But Gena? I will never grow tired of her words. This woman can write banter like no other. Her rich world building, unique characters, sassy heroines and tortured heroes will do it for me each and every single time. Without fail. And this book was certainly no exception.
An immortal virgin warrior? Yes, please and thank you. I mean, how often do you read that in PNR?
I was immediately intrigued by these two when they were introduced as secondary characters in the previous books. A harphantom who possesses the warrior who killed her consort and father of her child? I mean, how do you even come back from that? But I knew I was desperate to find out. And while a part of me was nervous on how this romance would work, I knew Gena wouldn't let me down. And she didn't. This romance was EPIC. Full of twists and turns, secrets and battles.
Blythe is the sister of Taliyah Skyhawk fromThe Warlord and also a harpy phantom. When an Astra warrior suddenly appears in her world and kills her consort, in the effort to shield her daughter, she posses the Astra with her daughter and travels with him. And when she finally leaves his body, she's set on revenge, painful and bloody.
Roux is unreasonably drawn to Blythe, even while she's determined to draw blood whenever they see each other. But beneath her desire for vengeance, is an inexplicable connection to the Astra warrior. Roux is the definition of tortured. This is a man who survived horrors upon horrors and completely incapable of tolerating any sort of touch...until Blythe.
This was a super slow burn romance which was oh so satisfying. I loved these two together and the enemies to lovers vibes. I will never get enough of Gena's fierce heroines, and Blythe was absolutely unstoppable. She's a warrior in her own right and doesn't let anyone fight her battles. While it took be a bit to fully get into this, once I hit the 30% mark, I was fully invested and couldn't stop reading. If you're a fan of Gena's LotU series, then you'll love her Warlords!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
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This is not the time to toy with me, she-beast.” The harshness of his voice nearly melted her bones.
“Now that’s a lie, Warden,” she purred, jumping onto his lap. “I’ve discovered always is the time to toy with you.”
You know when you've been obsessed with an author for years, and the obsession only continues to grow? It's a rare one for me, mainly because I have the attention span of a fly and generally find myself growing out of an author after a certain amount of releases. But Gena? I will never grow tired of her words. This woman can write banter like no other. Her rich world building, unique characters, sassy heroines and tortured heroes will do it for me each and every single time. Without fail. And this book was certainly no exception.
Silver scratched his jaw. “I think they prefer the term popped his ejacucap.”
An immortal virgin warrior? Yes, please and thank you. I mean, how often do you read that in PNR?
I was immediately intrigued by these two when they were introduced as secondary characters in the previous books. A harphantom who possesses the warrior who killed her consort and father of her child? I mean, how do you even come back from that? But I knew I was desperate to find out. And while a part of me was nervous on how this romance would work, I knew Gena wouldn't let me down. And she didn't. This romance was EPIC. Full of twists and turns, secrets and battles.
Blythe is the sister of Taliyah Skyhawk fromThe Warlord and also a harpy phantom. When an Astra warrior suddenly appears in her world and kills her consort, in the effort to shield her daughter, she posses the Astra with her daughter and travels with him. And when she finally leaves his body, she's set on revenge, painful and bloody.
Roux is unreasonably drawn to Blythe, even while she's determined to draw blood whenever they see each other. But beneath her desire for vengeance, is an inexplicable connection to the Astra warrior. Roux is the definition of tortured. This is a man who survived horrors upon horrors and completely incapable of tolerating any sort of touch...until Blythe.
This was a super slow burn romance which was oh so satisfying. I loved these two together and the enemies to lovers vibes. I will never get enough of Gena's fierce heroines, and Blythe was absolutely unstoppable. She's a warrior in her own right and doesn't let anyone fight her battles. While it took be a bit to fully get into this, once I hit the 30% mark, I was fully invested and couldn't stop reading. If you're a fan of Gena's LotU series, then you'll love her Warlords!
ARC courtesy of author in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
June 21, 2023
While I hated to give an author whose work I enjoy so much just three stars i didn't feel able to give more. I love this authors work she has such a sharp wit and can find humour in the most dire of circumstances, her world.and.character building are superlative, you always come away from her books entertained. But, I'm a bit on the fence about this series to begin with, we are now three books in but know no more that we did in book one. There's a big bad these immortal warriors have to beat and the way they do this is by winning a series of "challenges" (I use the term loosely) no matter that these warriors are vicious, murderous psychopaths, who in their long immortal lives have committed many unforgivable acts. The end justifies the means right?. Then we have the Harpies, now I love the Harpies have not got a bad word to say about them truly they are worth buying the book for alone. Their culture and philosophy genius .. .................... But theirs is a culture built on getting payback for wrongs done to you ..........someone cuts in line " rip his balls off" (excuse the language) someone steals the last hot dog "rip his xxxxx off) you get the drift. So, in this book the fact that our heroine would so easily forgive our hero having killed her fated mate in front of her and her young daughter it's stretching things especially when he doesn't really do much to earn her forgiveness, and all this it happens in five to seven days...................... So yes I'm conflicted about our supposed good guys
.........they have done some really bad stuff, like destroying whole civilisations and I hate when characters behave contrary to their nature just to move the story along,..................
.........they have done some really bad stuff, like destroying whole civilisations and I hate when characters behave contrary to their nature just to move the story along,..................
April 21, 2023
Yazar seriyi çok karıştırdı. Ana kadrodan kimse yok kaç kitaptır. O devri kapattıktan sonra, savaşçı-koruyucu meleklere yöneldiği ara bir seri yazmıştı. Onu devam ettirmek yerine ana seriye bağlamıştı karakterleri. -ki sanırım ordan bir yada iki kişi kalmıştı hikayesi yazılması gereken. Onlardan sonra Hades-Lucifer arasında bir çekişmeye şahit olduk. Ki oldukça güzel giden bir süreçti bence. En azından Hades ve aynadaki gizemli kadın hakkında meraktaydım ben.🙈 Ve yine bir anda bambaşka bir konuya yönelip Hades-Lucifer temasından Astra savaşçılarına yöneldi 🙄 Ya aslında sorun değil ama o konuyu çözümlemeden nereye gidiyoruz ki biz 🤔Üüç kitap oldu Astra Savaşçıları ile ilgili kitap çıkalı. Bunlar 7 kişi olduğu için en az 4 kitap daha devam eder, eğer ana seri ile bağlamazsa. Unutmaya meyilli olan bendeniz de iyice kopacak konulardan 😅 derdim bu 😁
Konuya gelirsem. Açıkçası aralarında ki husumet neydi unuttum. Ama yedi Astra savaşçısı ve Erebus yıllardır savaş halinde. Bu yedi savaşçıya görev veriliyor sırasıyla. Her biri başarı ile tamamlarsa görevlerini 500 yıllık kazanç, başarı ve güç kazanıyor. Ama eğer biri bile başarısız olursa 500 yıllık sefalet ve kayıplar oluyor. Bu süreç hep devam etmiş. Ama bu sefer kazanan taraf baki olacak. Ve sıra Roux'ta...
Astra Savaşçıları harpy diyarını ele geçirmeye geldiğinde Blythe ve kızı Isla, savaşçılar katliam yaparken Roux'un bedenine hapsolmuştu. Belli ki ilerde yolları kesişecekti. Harpylerin tek eşi olur, ömürlük olur. Roux, Blythe'ın eşi Laban'ı öldürünce doğal düşmanlar haline geldiler. Ama ortada bir sorun da vardır. Bir yandan nefret ateşi ile yanıp, intikam planları yapsa da, eşini kaybeden diğer harpyler gibi yavaş yavaş aklını kaçırmaya başlamaz. Bir başka erkeğe ilgi duyması imkânsızken Roux onu etkiler. İki eş olasılığı duyulmamış bir şeydir. Peki tam olarak ne dolaplar dönüyor burada!
Roux ise bir insana arzu, istek duymamıştır. Tek hedefi görevlerini yerine getirmek ve seçtiği ailesi olan savaşçı dostlarını nihai hedefe ulaştırmaktır. Özellikle de eşini öldürdüğü bir kadına ilgi duymak öncelikleri arasında değildir. Ama kalbi pek laftan anlamaz.Blythe için duyguları vardır. Aldığı görev sırasında hem bu duyguları anlamak hem de görevi başarıyla tamamlamak için yola çıkar.
Seri ilerledikçe smut sahneler olayların çok çok önüne geçiyor açıkçası. Konuyu yok etmediği sürece bununla ilgili sorunum yok ama arka arkaya okuyunca can sıkıcı olabilir. Bu kitapta dozu iyiydi bence. Bir ara iki eş nasıl olur sorusuna cevap bulduğumu sanmıştım. Dedim yooooo. Olmaz, olamaz! Neyse ki düşündüğüm şey değilmiş 😅
Fena değildi kitap. Sadece aklım hâlâ Hades-Lucifer ikilisinde kaldı. Önce o konuyu kapatsaydık iyiydi. Neyse...
Konuya gelirsem. Açıkçası aralarında ki husumet neydi unuttum. Ama yedi Astra savaşçısı ve Erebus yıllardır savaş halinde. Bu yedi savaşçıya görev veriliyor sırasıyla. Her biri başarı ile tamamlarsa görevlerini 500 yıllık kazanç, başarı ve güç kazanıyor. Ama eğer biri bile başarısız olursa 500 yıllık sefalet ve kayıplar oluyor. Bu süreç hep devam etmiş. Ama bu sefer kazanan taraf baki olacak. Ve sıra Roux'ta...
Astra Savaşçıları harpy diyarını ele geçirmeye geldiğinde Blythe ve kızı Isla, savaşçılar katliam yaparken Roux'un bedenine hapsolmuştu. Belli ki ilerde yolları kesişecekti. Harpylerin tek eşi olur, ömürlük olur. Roux, Blythe'ın eşi Laban'ı öldürünce doğal düşmanlar haline geldiler. Ama ortada bir sorun da vardır. Bir yandan nefret ateşi ile yanıp, intikam planları yapsa da, eşini kaybeden diğer harpyler gibi yavaş yavaş aklını kaçırmaya başlamaz. Bir başka erkeğe ilgi duyması imkânsızken Roux onu etkiler. İki eş olasılığı duyulmamış bir şeydir. Peki tam olarak ne dolaplar dönüyor burada!
Roux ise bir insana arzu, istek duymamıştır. Tek hedefi görevlerini yerine getirmek ve seçtiği ailesi olan savaşçı dostlarını nihai hedefe ulaştırmaktır. Özellikle de eşini öldürdüğü bir kadına ilgi duymak öncelikleri arasında değildir. Ama kalbi pek laftan anlamaz.Blythe için duyguları vardır. Aldığı görev sırasında hem bu duyguları anlamak hem de görevi başarıyla tamamlamak için yola çıkar.
Seri ilerledikçe smut sahneler olayların çok çok önüne geçiyor açıkçası. Konuyu yok etmediği sürece bununla ilgili sorunum yok ama arka arkaya okuyunca can sıkıcı olabilir. Bu kitapta dozu iyiydi bence. Bir ara iki eş nasıl olur sorusuna cevap bulduğumu sanmıştım. Dedim yooooo. Olmaz, olamaz! Neyse ki düşündüğüm şey değilmiş 😅
Fena değildi kitap. Sadece aklım hâlâ Hades-Lucifer ikilisinde kaldı. Önce o konuyu kapatsaydık iyiydi. Neyse...
November 13, 2022
The first book in The Rise of the Warlords series - The Warlord - was my very first Gena Showalter book, and also has remained my absolute, undisputed favorite ever since... but I think The Phantom may have just threatened its place. While the jury is still out when it comes to a final verdict, this is how you do enemies-to-lovers.
Because make no mistake - Blythe and Roux are absolutely enemies. We already know that Roux was directly responsible for the death of Blythe's consort in the first book when the Astra Planeta first invaded Harpina, and she's had it out for him ever since (justifiably so). And Roux? Let's just say we barely skimmed the surface when it comes to this immortal warlord when he makes his brief appearances in the first two books. There's so many wonderful layers to this man... but I don't want to spoil anything, so that's all I'll say for now.
I think the main takeaway is that The Phantom is really just such a fun book, and the way Gena masterfully balances her trademark humor with high stakes, intense action, regular bouts of chaos, agonizing sexual tension, and scorching heat... the woman's talent truly shines here. And the twists in this one! Some of them got me so good, I am still reeling!
In regards to our main couple: I really appreciated how Blythe and Roux's respective arcs were handled. These are two very damaged immortals with their own sets of baggage, insecurities, and personal struggles that they have to work through; yet, in spite of the animosity between them (which is largely on Blythe's side - and understandably so), they are inexplicably drawn to each other, which creates some positively delicious tension. I mean - THE YEARNING in this book, y'all! Yes. Please.
I also adored the way these two clash and yet simultaneously complement one another, and those moments of vulnerability and growth - loooooooove.
Isla, Blythe's daughter, was an unexpected little scene thief. Thoroughly enjoyed that girl! And the hints and suggestions and teasing of possible plot threads for future books have left me salivating for more!
I wish I could dive into further detail about the specific moments I loved or surprise standout characters that have peaked my curiosity and whetted my appetite, but I don't wish to spoil anything, so I'll just close with this: there is a reason why Gena Showalter is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time. There are certain things she excels at, certain traits and aspects of her craft that she is an undisputed master of. All of that has the chance to shine here. This is easily one of her best books, and certainly a new favorite of mine.
Because make no mistake - Blythe and Roux are absolutely enemies. We already know that Roux was directly responsible for the death of Blythe's consort in the first book when the Astra Planeta first invaded Harpina, and she's had it out for him ever since (justifiably so). And Roux? Let's just say we barely skimmed the surface when it comes to this immortal warlord when he makes his brief appearances in the first two books. There's so many wonderful layers to this man... but I don't want to spoil anything, so that's all I'll say for now.
I think the main takeaway is that The Phantom is really just such a fun book, and the way Gena masterfully balances her trademark humor with high stakes, intense action, regular bouts of chaos, agonizing sexual tension, and scorching heat... the woman's talent truly shines here. And the twists in this one! Some of them got me so good, I am still reeling!
In regards to our main couple: I really appreciated how Blythe and Roux's respective arcs were handled. These are two very damaged immortals with their own sets of baggage, insecurities, and personal struggles that they have to work through; yet, in spite of the animosity between them (which is largely on Blythe's side - and understandably so), they are inexplicably drawn to each other, which creates some positively delicious tension. I mean - THE YEARNING in this book, y'all! Yes. Please.
I also adored the way these two clash and yet simultaneously complement one another, and those moments of vulnerability and growth - loooooooove.
Isla, Blythe's daughter, was an unexpected little scene thief. Thoroughly enjoyed that girl! And the hints and suggestions and teasing of possible plot threads for future books have left me salivating for more!
I wish I could dive into further detail about the specific moments I loved or surprise standout characters that have peaked my curiosity and whetted my appetite, but I don't wish to spoil anything, so I'll just close with this: there is a reason why Gena Showalter is one of my absolute favorite authors of all time. There are certain things she excels at, certain traits and aspects of her craft that she is an undisputed master of. All of that has the chance to shine here. This is easily one of her best books, and certainly a new favorite of mine.
March 29, 2023
Somehow I'm still holding on with this series. I can't help myself!
4 stars
1.5 on my spice scale
4 stars
1.5 on my spice scale
January 8, 2023
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!
I have never made a secret of how much I love Gena Showalter. Some of the LotU books will forever be my favourites and live in my head rent free. Rise of the Warlords has quickly become one of my most anticipated series ever and it seems that it just keeps getting better and better. I genuinely can't decide if this might be my absolute favourite Gena book.
Oh my God, this book!
I've been anxiously waiting for Blythe and Roux's story since book 1. As we all find out then, Roux unalives Blythe's consort within seconds of their invasion of Harpina while Blythe and her daughter watch on in horror.
I must admit that I was terrified about how this grief would be managed. How do you go from hating your consort's killer to eventually falling in love with them? The first chapter was incredibly heart-breaking. Blythe's consort is portrayed as a great man, who adores and loves her and their daughter. I wasn't sure how we would ever come back from that.
Well... surprise, surprise! Gena does it again. All the reviews I read described this as a 'fun book' which I struggled to believe but it is true. It is a FUN book.
Here are some of my reassurances to readers who may be as anxious as I was:
- The main story-line takes place two months after the Harpina invasion
- Blythe is incredibly strong and there is no love at first sight with Roux
- The relationship develops naturally over time and feels genuine
- About 40% is very much 'enemies' in the enemies to lovers trope
- The dead consort is not at the forefront of the plot
- The overall romance and smut is slow-build but the sexual tension is off the charts
If I learned one thing from this book, it is that I can trust Gena to deliver even the hardest of tropes. This book is full of surprises, cameos and potential easter-eggs for side characters. I know this is greedy, but I'm already looking forward to the next book. It's got to be Silver, surely. And somebody give me a piece of Ian, because yummm.
In terms of this book's tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Tortured hero
- Single parent
- Found family
Basically, I would recommend this to any PNR lover. This book is perfect. I could read about Blythe and Roux for another ten books. LOVE THEM. Already planning my reread, because I'm not ready to move on.
Thanks Naomi and Gena for providing me with an eARC in return for my honest review.
I have never made a secret of how much I love Gena Showalter. Some of the LotU books will forever be my favourites and live in my head rent free. Rise of the Warlords has quickly become one of my most anticipated series ever and it seems that it just keeps getting better and better. I genuinely can't decide if this might be my absolute favourite Gena book.
Oh my God, this book!
I've been anxiously waiting for Blythe and Roux's story since book 1. As we all find out then, Roux unalives Blythe's consort within seconds of their invasion of Harpina while Blythe and her daughter watch on in horror.
I must admit that I was terrified about how this grief would be managed. How do you go from hating your consort's killer to eventually falling in love with them? The first chapter was incredibly heart-breaking. Blythe's consort is portrayed as a great man, who adores and loves her and their daughter. I wasn't sure how we would ever come back from that.
Well... surprise, surprise! Gena does it again. All the reviews I read described this as a 'fun book' which I struggled to believe but it is true. It is a FUN book.
Here are some of my reassurances to readers who may be as anxious as I was:
- The main story-line takes place two months after the Harpina invasion
- Blythe is incredibly strong and there is no love at first sight with Roux
- The relationship develops naturally over time and feels genuine
- About 40% is very much 'enemies' in the enemies to lovers trope
- The dead consort is not at the forefront of the plot
- The overall romance and smut is slow-build but the sexual tension is off the charts
If I learned one thing from this book, it is that I can trust Gena to deliver even the hardest of tropes. This book is full of surprises, cameos and potential easter-eggs for side characters. I know this is greedy, but I'm already looking forward to the next book. It's got to be Silver, surely. And somebody give me a piece of Ian, because yummm.
In terms of this book's tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Tortured hero
- Single parent
- Found family
Basically, I would recommend this to any PNR lover. This book is perfect. I could read about Blythe and Roux for another ten books. LOVE THEM. Already planning my reread, because I'm not ready to move on.
Thanks Naomi and Gena for providing me with an eARC in return for my honest review.
February 4, 2023
Original review
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Gena Showalter!
This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Gena Showalter!
The Phantom is the third book in the Rise of the Warlords series and tells the story of Blythe and Roux. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a standalone.
I recently read The Warlord and The Immortal, the first and the second book in the Rise of the Warlords series, so I didn’t have to wait long for the third book, The Phantom. Lucky me because I really enjoyed reading the first two books and I was so excited to start The Phantom. I really love the Rise of the Warlords series because although you kinda know how the book is going to end, it’s still so exciting to see the main characters fall in love and get their happy ending. Blythe and Roux’ story was no different, I really liked this couple and their story!
The Phantom is about Blythe and Roux. Roux is a mix of a harpy and a phantom, and she’s really fierce and badass. Roux is an Astra and he’s a virgin! I haven’t read that many books with a male virgin, so it was a nice change. Roux has killed Blythe’s consort, so how in the world would she ever forgive him?! This book was kind of chaotic, but in a good way. So many things happened and there were some plot twists. I loved reading about Blythe and Roux and seeing them trying to figure out their feelings for each other!
The Phantom was another amazing book in the Rise of the Warlords series, and I didn’t expect anything else from Gena Showalter. Gena Showalter is such an amazing Fantasy Romance author and the romance, the spice and the fantasy bits are always on point in her books! I really enjoyed reading The Phantom, and reading about Blythe and Roux. I’m also really looking forward to reading the next book in the Rise of the Warlords series!
The Phantom was another amazing book in the Rise of the Warlords series, and I didn’t expect anything else from Gena Showalter. Gena Showalter is such an amazing Fantasy Romance author and the romance, the spice and the fantasy bits are always on point in her books! I really enjoyed reading The Phantom, and reading about Blythe and Roux. I’m also really looking forward to reading the next book in the Rise of the Warlords series!
February 26, 2023
Pages: 362
Chapters: 32
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Rise of The Warlords #3
Format: Hardcover
Spice: 2.5
“𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎, 𝚂𝚑𝚎-𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝.”
“𝚈𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚁𝚘𝚘 𝙲𝚘𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢?”
“𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖 𝚙𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚓𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚙”
Using a trinite blade, Roux must cut out the heart of the most powerful female in existence: The Ation Queen. For a ruthless killer and expert in agony, there should be no easier task. End another life? With pleasure. For this battle-hardened warrior, a victim is a victim. But how will he react when he discovers his newest target is a beauty he can touch without experiencing pain -- a fierce Haphantom gifted to him by fate?
Roux, Son of THE war god Mars. Makes killing his life, but we get to see so many different sides of him in The Phantom and watch his character grow!
Blythe the Undoing, Granddaughter of Chaos, is a Harphantom, Half fierce Harpy X Half Phantom, She’s also the Daughter of Erebus, Roux’s biggest enemy….
Another Enthralling Installment !!!
As always Gena Showalter delivers an incredible action-packed, steamy read in the latest installment in the Rise of the Warlords series.
There’s nothing I love more than a good fated mate's trope but you know what makes it even better?! — when one of them is a virgin.. and here’s a hint, this time it's not the girl. This book was jammed packed with hilarious banter and innuendos, strong-willed, fierce women and an undeniable love.
Chapters: 32
Publisher: HQN
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Rise of The Warlords #3
Format: Hardcover
Spice: 2.5
“𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚘𝚢 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚎, 𝚂𝚑𝚎-𝙱𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝.”
“𝚈𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚖𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚁𝚘𝚘 𝙲𝚘𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚝𝚢?”
“𝙸 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚔 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚙𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖 𝚙𝚘𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚓𝚊𝚌𝚞𝚌𝚊𝚙”
Using a trinite blade, Roux must cut out the heart of the most powerful female in existence: The Ation Queen. For a ruthless killer and expert in agony, there should be no easier task. End another life? With pleasure. For this battle-hardened warrior, a victim is a victim. But how will he react when he discovers his newest target is a beauty he can touch without experiencing pain -- a fierce Haphantom gifted to him by fate?
Roux, Son of THE war god Mars. Makes killing his life, but we get to see so many different sides of him in The Phantom and watch his character grow!
Blythe the Undoing, Granddaughter of Chaos, is a Harphantom, Half fierce Harpy X Half Phantom, She’s also the Daughter of Erebus, Roux’s biggest enemy….
Another Enthralling Installment !!!
As always Gena Showalter delivers an incredible action-packed, steamy read in the latest installment in the Rise of the Warlords series.
There’s nothing I love more than a good fated mate's trope but you know what makes it even better?! — when one of them is a virgin.. and here’s a hint, this time it's not the girl. This book was jammed packed with hilarious banter and innuendos, strong-willed, fierce women and an undeniable love.
January 30, 2023
Well as usual this story was one for the ages, one that will leave you in tears, laughter, and wondering why you and your mate didn’t have a game off “how many organs can I steal from you” during your courtship. There is truly nothing like a Showalter story when it comes to the unique and interesting ways that she brings her lovers together, even against the most outlandish and unbelievable of odds. With enemies at every turn you wonder how the hell she could ever get these two from death and torture to the love that will change a universe and tip the scales of an epic battle for the fate of the gods. This series is not for the faint of heart to be sure, with gruesome details, heartbreaking tragedies, and the outlandish and terrifying habits of some creatures that make you wonder if they are psychotic or just a little quirky. That said I haven’t read a single story that I haven’t loved and that hasn’t left me dying for the next in the series, so if you want a wild ride filled with action, passion, twists and turns, reach no further than The Phantom.
There is always that bit of speculation when I begin a Gena Showalter novel—will she pull out that HEA? This novel I truly wasn’t sure how she was going to manage it. Obviously if you’ve read previous novels in the series you’d know the chips were already stacked against them, but then reading the blurb it just became less and less likely in my mind. But thankfully Gena again pulled out a miracle and we got not only a stellar ending with an HEA, but a story filled with plots twists to rack the brain, epic danger and action, and two people so obviously in love that you wonder why we didn’t see it sooner. Blythe was the kind of woman that you want to be friends with just because you always wanted someone to get into and out of trouble with. Strong, sassy, deadly, and loving she is the ultimate female warrior and one you want on your side for sure but definitely NOT as an enemy. On the other hand, Roux is the kind of male that you wonder how the poor guy ever ended up in his life. It’s obvious that while he is a skilled warrior he truly doesn’t have the heart or mind made to be a killing machine, and he is far from the sociopathic male that we might think he is in the beginning. I loved seeing these two circle one another and fight their way (and fight each other) through the trials and dangers of their courtship to the passionate mating that they should have always had. I am DYING for the next book in the series, though I know I’ll have a bit of a wait and I know that whatever comes next for these Astra warriors and the sexy harpies in their midst it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
See Full review @
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
There is always that bit of speculation when I begin a Gena Showalter novel—will she pull out that HEA? This novel I truly wasn’t sure how she was going to manage it. Obviously if you’ve read previous novels in the series you’d know the chips were already stacked against them, but then reading the blurb it just became less and less likely in my mind. But thankfully Gena again pulled out a miracle and we got not only a stellar ending with an HEA, but a story filled with plots twists to rack the brain, epic danger and action, and two people so obviously in love that you wonder why we didn’t see it sooner. Blythe was the kind of woman that you want to be friends with just because you always wanted someone to get into and out of trouble with. Strong, sassy, deadly, and loving she is the ultimate female warrior and one you want on your side for sure but definitely NOT as an enemy. On the other hand, Roux is the kind of male that you wonder how the poor guy ever ended up in his life. It’s obvious that while he is a skilled warrior he truly doesn’t have the heart or mind made to be a killing machine, and he is far from the sociopathic male that we might think he is in the beginning. I loved seeing these two circle one another and fight their way (and fight each other) through the trials and dangers of their courtship to the passionate mating that they should have always had. I am DYING for the next book in the series, though I know I’ll have a bit of a wait and I know that whatever comes next for these Astra warriors and the sexy harpies in their midst it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!
See Full review @
https://romancewitchreviews.blogspot....
February 12, 2023
Once again Gena has created an amazing interchanging world that will leave you captivated. How the series goes is that the Rise of the Warlords series has the Astra Planeta who has the Harpina. So you may recognize the harpies from the Lords of the Underworld series. Yep love that different series gets to be revisited. I loved the Lords of the Underworld series and fell in love with their strength and let me tell you they are bloody in what they do.
So back to this story, I do not want to give anything away, but I can say that as with any of Gena's stories you get lots of action, a plot that will keep you entertained and coming back for more. Let us not forget humor and the witty comments that just flat out made me laugh out loud. I honestly just love the writing style of Gena and her brillant mind. Let us not forget the touch of romance that makes this an amazing read.
Quick over look is that this third book is about Roux and Blythe, who is Talyah's half sister. The Astras have taken over Harpina and someone close to Blythe is killed. Vowing vengeance this sets up the chain of events that the story follows.
I really enjoyed the smitten Roux and the vengeful Blythe and their dynamic . I literally could not put my kindle down. I had to know if Roux won over her in the end or was her lost love just too much to get over? Find out in this can not put down read!
So back to this story, I do not want to give anything away, but I can say that as with any of Gena's stories you get lots of action, a plot that will keep you entertained and coming back for more. Let us not forget humor and the witty comments that just flat out made me laugh out loud. I honestly just love the writing style of Gena and her brillant mind. Let us not forget the touch of romance that makes this an amazing read.
Quick over look is that this third book is about Roux and Blythe, who is Talyah's half sister. The Astras have taken over Harpina and someone close to Blythe is killed. Vowing vengeance this sets up the chain of events that the story follows.
I really enjoyed the smitten Roux and the vengeful Blythe and their dynamic . I literally could not put my kindle down. I had to know if Roux won over her in the end or was her lost love just too much to get over? Find out in this can not put down read!
February 15, 2023
The third book of The Rise of the Warlords series proves just as addictive and page turning as its predecessors.
I was hesitant moving from my Lords of the Underworld into this new but connected world.
I should never have feared. Each of the new 3 books have been better than the last — making my favorite whichever one I’m currently reading.
I could crawl into this universe and happily spend the next several weeks/months in a coma while my brain takes a vacay to live in the worlds Gena Showalter creates.
I was hesitant moving from my Lords of the Underworld into this new but connected world.
I should never have feared. Each of the new 3 books have been better than the last — making my favorite whichever one I’m currently reading.
I could crawl into this universe and happily spend the next several weeks/months in a coma while my brain takes a vacay to live in the worlds Gena Showalter creates.
January 14, 2023
Blythe was out for vengeance against the Astra who killed her consort. Roux was struggling with the guilt for what he had done. When his task was announced, Blythe(working with her evil dad) decided to be a part of it.
The author does an amazing job creating Thea fantastical worlds filled with mythical creatures. This book starts right after the events of the the immortal. Roux has been a character I have been curious about since book one. He is internally tormented and very standoffish. Blythe is your typical harpy but now wants to exact revenge. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect and all the twists and turns. I was constantly left guessing what would happen next.
This series is so much fun and I am excited for the next book.
The author does an amazing job creating Thea fantastical worlds filled with mythical creatures. This book starts right after the events of the the immortal. Roux has been a character I have been curious about since book one. He is internally tormented and very standoffish. Blythe is your typical harpy but now wants to exact revenge. I loved the enemies to lovers aspect and all the twists and turns. I was constantly left guessing what would happen next.
This series is so much fun and I am excited for the next book.
February 7, 2023
The Rise of the Warlords series features the Astra Planeta who have sort of taken over Harpina. We know the harpies from the Lords of the Underworld series. They are amazing. They are blood thirsty and funny. Does that make me strange that I find a harpy happily decapitating an enemy hilarious??
The Astra are completing tasks to try and defeat Erebus, keep him from ascending and keeping them from having to hide away for 500 years. In The Phantom, we kind of look back at first to relive the day the Astra took over Harpina and progress from Blythe the Undoing's POV. Blythe is mother to Isla, sister to Taliyah and daughter to Erebus. She has a big hate on for Roux for something he did when they first invaded, but he became obsessed with her. In Blythe's haze of hate, she gets tricked by Erebus and sent to the prison realm of Ation where there is no way out and is filled with outcasts. As soon as Blythe arrives she is immediately grabbed by Penelope the wraith. So much for helping daddy. He just threw her under the bus. I have to say, she should have expected it from him, but her hatred for Roux clouded her judgement.
Then Roux finds out his task and is taken to Ation to complete it. He gets swarmed by the woman of the realm and they are all after the sausage man. And on this realm is where we get the tale of a romance of enemies to lovers.
It is so much fun to see the romance progress and at the same time have Blythe competing in a competition to the death for the role of queen. Like I said, harpies are bloodthirsty, and this group of various beings are going to feel Blythe's wrath. The council of the realm is tricky. They have plans. So this is no ordinary competition. I love harpies kicking ass. Especially when the harpy is half phantom. Makes the fight scenes so much fun!
My heart hurt desperately as we uncover Roux's life. How he grew up and all the other struggles that made him the killer he is now. I wanted him to get everything in the world he wanted. Well, I also wanted him.
I got to a place where I thought, aww that was a great ending. Then looked down to realize I still had quite a percentage to go. Like what could happen now! Like anything Erebus does, he goes over the top and unexpected. I am so in love with Roux that I was shredded! Damn Erebus!
As with the other tasks, the deed to finish was a huge struggle of emotions. I think I held my breath, and I couldn't read fast enough. After all this couple endured, I wanted my happy ending but I was on the verge, wondering if THIS time things were going to go my way.
I would say you would be ok to read this as a standalone, if you had to. Of course I'm going to recommend the first two because, well they are great, and this is Gena Showalter we're talking here. You will not be disappointed!
The Astra are completing tasks to try and defeat Erebus, keep him from ascending and keeping them from having to hide away for 500 years. In The Phantom, we kind of look back at first to relive the day the Astra took over Harpina and progress from Blythe the Undoing's POV. Blythe is mother to Isla, sister to Taliyah and daughter to Erebus. She has a big hate on for Roux for something he did when they first invaded, but he became obsessed with her. In Blythe's haze of hate, she gets tricked by Erebus and sent to the prison realm of Ation where there is no way out and is filled with outcasts. As soon as Blythe arrives she is immediately grabbed by Penelope the wraith. So much for helping daddy. He just threw her under the bus. I have to say, she should have expected it from him, but her hatred for Roux clouded her judgement.
Then Roux finds out his task and is taken to Ation to complete it. He gets swarmed by the woman of the realm and they are all after the sausage man. And on this realm is where we get the tale of a romance of enemies to lovers.
It is so much fun to see the romance progress and at the same time have Blythe competing in a competition to the death for the role of queen. Like I said, harpies are bloodthirsty, and this group of various beings are going to feel Blythe's wrath. The council of the realm is tricky. They have plans. So this is no ordinary competition. I love harpies kicking ass. Especially when the harpy is half phantom. Makes the fight scenes so much fun!
My heart hurt desperately as we uncover Roux's life. How he grew up and all the other struggles that made him the killer he is now. I wanted him to get everything in the world he wanted. Well, I also wanted him.
I got to a place where I thought, aww that was a great ending. Then looked down to realize I still had quite a percentage to go. Like what could happen now! Like anything Erebus does, he goes over the top and unexpected. I am so in love with Roux that I was shredded! Damn Erebus!
As with the other tasks, the deed to finish was a huge struggle of emotions. I think I held my breath, and I couldn't read fast enough. After all this couple endured, I wanted my happy ending but I was on the verge, wondering if THIS time things were going to go my way.
I would say you would be ok to read this as a standalone, if you had to. Of course I'm going to recommend the first two because, well they are great, and this is Gena Showalter we're talking here. You will not be disappointed!
March 1, 2024
Wasn't the best Gena Showalter book, and I wasn't feeling much of the romance. There was too much going on especially the Amazonian battle arena between the women for a chance at Roux's Big Sausage!! 😂😂
It was funny, but I was deterred by how I'm not a fan of Blythe losing her consort and Roux's playing second fiddle to all that. Frankly, I was sceptical, but we later realize the truth of WHY Blythe's consort was even her husband when Laban wasn't truly meant to be hers, if you get what I mean.
Not too sure how to say this but, 88% into the book and they haven't even done the deed. Can't blame the author for stalling because no one will believe it's love when Blythe was on a mission to kill Roux. And apart from Blythe's love for her daughter, her character and attitude didn't strike me as the super maternal type 😅
I liked Roux - a virgin, btw. Sadly, I felt there were so many characters and moments that cockblocked the two from developing real feelings that mattered to a reader.
OVERALL? It has Showalter's usual elements but the romance here was weak, and the enemies-to-lovers troupe barely made a hit on me. I loved the first two books, but maybe not this....the plot didn't seem like much of a plot.
It was funny, but I was deterred by how I'm not a fan of Blythe losing her consort and Roux's playing second fiddle to all that. Frankly, I was sceptical, but we later realize the truth of WHY Blythe's consort was even her husband when Laban wasn't truly meant to be hers, if you get what I mean.
Not too sure how to say this but, 88% into the book and they haven't even done the deed. Can't blame the author for stalling because no one will believe it's love when Blythe was on a mission to kill Roux. And apart from Blythe's love for her daughter, her character and attitude didn't strike me as the super maternal type 😅
I liked Roux - a virgin, btw. Sadly, I felt there were so many characters and moments that cockblocked the two from developing real feelings that mattered to a reader.
OVERALL? It has Showalter's usual elements but the romance here was weak, and the enemies-to-lovers troupe barely made a hit on me. I loved the first two books, but maybe not this....the plot didn't seem like much of a plot.
February 7, 2023
ZERO STARS.
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
Perhaps Showalter should focus on the LOTU series instead of all these SUBPAR ones, some that have not been continued/dropped (that has to say something right???)
Forest of Good and Evil
Immortal Enemies
Gods of War
Jane Ladling
And now there's a new one coming according to her patreon.
These weak spinoff series are exactly that - WEAK AND SUBPAR.
Maybe wrap up all the plots from LOTU instead of starting these sh** ones!!!
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
FINISH THE LOTU SERIES
Perhaps Showalter should focus on the LOTU series instead of all these SUBPAR ones, some that have not been continued/dropped (that has to say something right???)
Forest of Good and Evil
Immortal Enemies
Gods of War
Jane Ladling
And now there's a new one coming according to her patreon.
These weak spinoff series are exactly that - WEAK AND SUBPAR.
Maybe wrap up all the plots from LOTU instead of starting these sh** ones!!!
February 8, 2023
Not my first rodeo. Gena is my go to author when I want a mix of fantasy, romance and a lot of humor.
The Phantom is book 3 in this new series The Rise of the Warlords.
It is set in the same world as Lords of the Underworld series.
This book tells the story of Blythe, Taliyah's sister, a Harphantom that lost her consort when the Astra arrived at Harpina, and Roux, the immortal that killed Blythe's consort.
A true enemies to lovers. There's no one Blythe hates more than Roux.
As she should.
These two characters are so complex and their love story isn't an easy one. What with the terrible beginning both had. To overcome that, a miracle is needed. Or let's say, a situation in which both can't escape and have to rely on one another to succeed.
The humor was oh so ever present as it is always the case with Gena's books. And so is the romance.
I mean, dare I say anything else? Roux is just so freaking tragically perfect. And he is a virgin. Hard to find a character that can top him. He was one of the characters that snatched my attention when I started this series. Mysterious and Intriguing.
Another thing I absolutely love with Gena's books are her brand of heroine. Strong, funny and compassionate. Blythe is possibly my newest favorite female character. Nothing felt forced with her. Her viciousness was delightful. Her brand of Revenge against Roux bloody but hilarious at the same time. A character that knows her power and doesn't falter against adversities.
I'll cut this review short because I want everyone to enjoy this read with as little spoilers as possible. It is a book full of turns and twists. The background characters play an important role if you look at the bigger picture and unraveling just how intricate the plot is makes the journey much delightful.
Special thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And you should know I wasn't sleeping earlier. I was resting my eyelids. There's a difference.
The Phantom is book 3 in this new series The Rise of the Warlords.
It is set in the same world as Lords of the Underworld series.
This book tells the story of Blythe, Taliyah's sister, a Harphantom that lost her consort when the Astra arrived at Harpina, and Roux, the immortal that killed Blythe's consort.
A true enemies to lovers. There's no one Blythe hates more than Roux.
As she should.
These two characters are so complex and their love story isn't an easy one. What with the terrible beginning both had. To overcome that, a miracle is needed. Or let's say, a situation in which both can't escape and have to rely on one another to succeed.
The humor was oh so ever present as it is always the case with Gena's books. And so is the romance.
So dedicated he feared her image might shatter at any second. So elegant, even in slumber, he felt as if he held the world's greatest treasure.
I mean, dare I say anything else? Roux is just so freaking tragically perfect. And he is a virgin. Hard to find a character that can top him. He was one of the characters that snatched my attention when I started this series. Mysterious and Intriguing.
Another thing I absolutely love with Gena's books are her brand of heroine. Strong, funny and compassionate. Blythe is possibly my newest favorite female character. Nothing felt forced with her. Her viciousness was delightful. Her brand of Revenge against Roux bloody but hilarious at the same time. A character that knows her power and doesn't falter against adversities.
Entertaining worries concerning your ability to protect yourself would be a waste of my time and energy. gasps
I'll cut this review short because I want everyone to enjoy this read with as little spoilers as possible. It is a book full of turns and twists. The background characters play an important role if you look at the bigger picture and unraveling just how intricate the plot is makes the journey much delightful.
Special thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2023
Superb, I enjoyed reading The Phantom, the characters are unique, and the world building is brilliant.
Roux ‘Rue’ the Crazed One killed her consort, the father of her child, and Blythe ‘Lyla’ the Undoing will do whatever it takes to enact her revenge. However, Erebus the Deathless, Blythe’s hated father has his own plans and neither Roux nor Blythe will be spared as they enter the blessing.
Roux will be given a task he won’t be expected to survive and a time in which it must be completed, or face the curse imposed on all Astra. But what of Blythe why has she not gone to the fade? will she end Roux before his battle is over? Or is there something more. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Phantom to find out!
Roux ‘Rue’ the Crazed One killed her consort, the father of her child, and Blythe ‘Lyla’ the Undoing will do whatever it takes to enact her revenge. However, Erebus the Deathless, Blythe’s hated father has his own plans and neither Roux nor Blythe will be spared as they enter the blessing.
Roux will be given a task he won’t be expected to survive and a time in which it must be completed, or face the curse imposed on all Astra. But what of Blythe why has she not gone to the fade? will she end Roux before his battle is over? Or is there something more. Be sure to pick up your copy of the Phantom to find out!
February 7, 2023
I won't get into the plot too much because I don't want to spoiler anything. It's better for you to go in blind trust me. This author is very good in making paranormal worlds/plots so I already knew that this story would be well thought out and well executed.
Have in mind that even though this is book 3 of the series it can totally be read as a standalone! Although I'd recommend to read the other two as well in order to understand the whole world better.
Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope and since the couple had this explosive dynamic I enjoyed it so much 🔥 This story is filled to the brim with action and I loved it.
If you like good pnr where the characters go through a lot to find their HEA then give this a try.
Have in mind that even though this is book 3 of the series it can totally be read as a standalone! Although I'd recommend to read the other two as well in order to understand the whole world better.
Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope and since the couple had this explosive dynamic I enjoyed it so much 🔥 This story is filled to the brim with action and I loved it.
If you like good pnr where the characters go through a lot to find their HEA then give this a try.
February 7, 2023
***I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
I’ve been so excited for this book to come out! It’s been one of my most anticipated releases all year (as with any Gena book), and it did not disappoint! The tension, the build up, and the eventual spice all culminated in a hooking romance story line that I was breezing through to be able to find out what would happen next!
I’ve been so excited for this book to come out! It’s been one of my most anticipated releases all year (as with any Gena book), and it did not disappoint! The tension, the build up, and the eventual spice all culminated in a hooking romance story line that I was breezing through to be able to find out what would happen next!
March 1, 2024
Loved reading this book, it was so good, I loved these two, and their story and I can't wait to read more!
December 20, 2022
I received this book as an ARC, however, this review is my own thought.
Wow. Oh. Wow. I keep thinking how these Astras are getting better, hotter, steamier. Roux is absolutely delectable. The next Astra in line to do something atrocious to his gravita. He is so honest and you know his love is absolutely pure. But you feel for him and Blythe. You feel the angst and anger turn to need and burning passion. Enemies to lovers? Oh my Yes! And naturally their task isn’t easy.
Big kudos to Gena for making the books in this series exponentially better than the last. I don’t know how you do it. I also don’t know how my love shifted from Roc to Halo to Roux. But it has. And I need more!
Wow. Oh. Wow. I keep thinking how these Astras are getting better, hotter, steamier. Roux is absolutely delectable. The next Astra in line to do something atrocious to his gravita. He is so honest and you know his love is absolutely pure. But you feel for him and Blythe. You feel the angst and anger turn to need and burning passion. Enemies to lovers? Oh my Yes! And naturally their task isn’t easy.
Big kudos to Gena for making the books in this series exponentially better than the last. I don’t know how you do it. I also don’t know how my love shifted from Roc to Halo to Roux. But it has. And I need more!
April 24, 2023
3.5? This has its moments, quite the enemies to lover turn for the FMC. As expected with this series, there are unexpected reveals. Certain things felt included from prior drafts but led no where and the build up of tension when released felt lackluster to me. I’m looking forward to more in the series, if there are to be some.
January 2, 2023
Holy crap that ending! 5 stars. 5 really big stars.
Read this review on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the third book in Gena Showalter’s Rise of the Warlords series. This is a great series, especially if you miss really good Paranormal Romance. And I really do miss good PNR. We saw some hints to the main couple in the previous book, so the pairing wasn’t a surprise, but the intriguing thing is that our heroine is a widow. She already had her fated mate, and our hero was the one to kill him (not a spoiler! This was in the other books and it’s in the first couple of pages). The plot in this story, man Showalter is a genius.
So a quick backstory in case you haven’t read this series: The Astra Planeta are a race of warriors who are given tasks by the gods (think Zeus/Chaos/Ares). These tasks usually involve conquering worlds (in this case, the Harpy homeland), sacrificing mates, ridiculous and horrible stuff just like in the Greek myths. But these are all tortured warriors, so it’s never black and white, and I am here for that. I mean how do you come back from killing your mate’s husband? Oof.
This story is about Roux and Blythe, and even though the first two of the Astra males had found their mates, Roux has no reason to believe his story will have a happy ending. He’s been tortured since birth and doesn’t see that changing any time soon. Blythe wants to destroy him for making her daughter fatherless, for making her a widow, but she’s bound to him, and his enemy is her father, so she’s not exactly thrilled to be feeling anything less than hate for him….yet she feels so many things. And when her father traps her in another world, with him, and sets some rules, she’s not worried. Not at first. But when something changes that, and when Roux is trapped on a female-only world, well, one of those “not hate” feelings Blythe begins to feel is jealousy.
But there’s so much more going on, and the way Showalter not only wrote the characters, but wrote the twists and turns of this story just amaze me. She’s a creative genius and her sassy and snarky heroines always bring the most stoic of heroes to their knees. And I am here for it. So here for it.
There are battles to the death, there are gods, there is betrayal, there is salvation, and there are tea parties where the big strong hero sits with the little girl and it’s the best. I love the sense of humor of the harpies, and I love the bafflement of the Astra at how the harpies all behave. I simply love it. I need more, and I will be ready for the next book in this series by taking a day off work to sit alone and read all day. Ms. Showalter? Please write faster 😉
*This series is set in the same world as the Lords of the Underworld series
***ARC courtesy of the author
Read this review on Got Fiction? Book Blog
This is the third book in Gena Showalter’s Rise of the Warlords series. This is a great series, especially if you miss really good Paranormal Romance. And I really do miss good PNR. We saw some hints to the main couple in the previous book, so the pairing wasn’t a surprise, but the intriguing thing is that our heroine is a widow. She already had her fated mate, and our hero was the one to kill him (not a spoiler! This was in the other books and it’s in the first couple of pages). The plot in this story, man Showalter is a genius.
So a quick backstory in case you haven’t read this series: The Astra Planeta are a race of warriors who are given tasks by the gods (think Zeus/Chaos/Ares). These tasks usually involve conquering worlds (in this case, the Harpy homeland), sacrificing mates, ridiculous and horrible stuff just like in the Greek myths. But these are all tortured warriors, so it’s never black and white, and I am here for that. I mean how do you come back from killing your mate’s husband? Oof.
This story is about Roux and Blythe, and even though the first two of the Astra males had found their mates, Roux has no reason to believe his story will have a happy ending. He’s been tortured since birth and doesn’t see that changing any time soon. Blythe wants to destroy him for making her daughter fatherless, for making her a widow, but she’s bound to him, and his enemy is her father, so she’s not exactly thrilled to be feeling anything less than hate for him….yet she feels so many things. And when her father traps her in another world, with him, and sets some rules, she’s not worried. Not at first. But when something changes that, and when Roux is trapped on a female-only world, well, one of those “not hate” feelings Blythe begins to feel is jealousy.
But there’s so much more going on, and the way Showalter not only wrote the characters, but wrote the twists and turns of this story just amaze me. She’s a creative genius and her sassy and snarky heroines always bring the most stoic of heroes to their knees. And I am here for it. So here for it.
There are battles to the death, there are gods, there is betrayal, there is salvation, and there are tea parties where the big strong hero sits with the little girl and it’s the best. I love the sense of humor of the harpies, and I love the bafflement of the Astra at how the harpies all behave. I simply love it. I need more, and I will be ready for the next book in this series by taking a day off work to sit alone and read all day. Ms. Showalter? Please write faster 😉
*This series is set in the same world as the Lords of the Underworld series
***ARC courtesy of the author
February 9, 2023
idk why this author’s new books aren’t hitting as well as her older ones are like i still read them and am entertained but they don’t have that same charm it had but maybe it was because the whole series was out and i was able to read it back to back. and ofc these books aren’t well written masterpieces and are like trashy smutty fantasy books that give me a good little chuckle and it did it’s job. my main complaint is the ending being rushed bc the whole series is about the warlords completing their task and it gets brushed off until the very last chapter so it just felt rushed and unplanned especially w the solution to the task being figured out within that last chapter bc of this convenient thing happening. also i’m still confused bc i thought his whole thing was him being insane and hearing voices in his head and i thought his book was gonna be something resolving that but he don’t even hear them that much and the main girl supposedly makes it go away or idk i was kinda zoning out while reading but the end was just him in his head w the main girl and her kid talking to his conscious being like let’s move on from the past and focus on the future implying that his insanity arc is over like what. but i’ll give it to the book as i didn’t expect some of the plot twists like i predicted some but then there was more layers to it that got revealed at the end and i was like that’s good fr. but literally why does every task the main guys get assign having to do w killing the main girl like can they breathe fr. idk the ending made it feel like there’s a lot of unanswered question and unresolved conflicts like what happened w that wraith bitch is she just over w bc the main girl broke out of her collar like i want a more direct solution to that conflict. but i’m not gonna complain too much bc beggars can’t be choosers fr. the things i do like about this book is that the girlies are so me and funny and ngl i don’t know whether i should view it as a why are women always being painted as horny and villains but nah this shit was funny asf bc the task of the main guy is to kill the queen of this other dimension and the girlies they are sex deprived and can also speak modern slang bc of the wraith bitch giving them smut readings it’s so random but funny. like these girls were so excited when he came and were like dips on him i respect them fr i would be w them if i was in their situation. so humor is good as always and the little banter and tension between the main two is cute like the main girl calls her aggression w him foreplay lmao she’s so real for that but um do have to break the bad news and understand why she’s pissed at him bc he literally killed her consort and father to her child so she’s in the right for sure and main guy is supes sorry but also like that guy is alive at the end and is conveniently a terrible person so the main girl is gonna choose the main guy obviously. honestly i found that plot point interesting and i hate love triangles so i’ll take it. the tournament situation w the girlies fight for who gets to be queen and fuck the main guy reminds me of one of the lord of underworld books w the main girls cousin i think joining this harpy tournament like come one i love a little connection to the series. also main guy and the main girl’s daughter relationship is cute like she doesn’t even care he killed her dad LMAO and also she lowkey insane bc why she talking to her evil grandpa and was like yeah i can make portals it looks easy so i can do it like damn kids scare me but in an endearing way ig. erebus taking sm l’s he’s such a loser it’s really embarrassing. and it’s a good thing he made the main girl’s consort a puppet bc he wasn’t even that good of a partner anyways not supporting their ways as harpies kind of and tryna restrict her true nature like boo but at least he begged the main guy to kill him before he killed his daughter. also yas for the main girl trusting the main guy and there wasn’t any miscommunication drama like no third act break up w them is so slay but then again he also fell for that framing trick the wraith bitch did like girl you really believe the main girl is that dumb but she forgave him and was like omg you care about me sm asking questions about me and our relationship while torturing me like i love her she’s funny asf. i’ll wrap it up here i’m giving this a 7.5/10 or 8/10 idk it didn’t hook me in until a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2023
Ever since we were introduced to Blythe and Roux in the first book, I have been waiting for their story.
How do you get past the hero killing the lead’s consort? In front of her eyes! And not just any consort, but one deserving of Blythe and their daughter Isla- a handsome loving, strong manticore.
Roux is the standoffish mentally unstable Astra- aloof, internally tortured but a softy at heart. Blythe is the second strongest harpy (by book three we know what that means!) typical Gena heroine- beautiful, confident kick-ass. She is a mother out for revenge against him.
The romance is a slow climb between the two but revved with sexual tension- it felt right considering Blythe had to come to terms with losing Laban and being attracted to Roux. I liked that it wasn’t instant attraction for him. She truly did want him dead and was icy around him.
Throw in the fact that they both had to deal with his blessing task this time being trapped in the prison world Ation ruled and overrun by vicious immortal females, Erebus’s constant manipulations with them and the people around them- this was a good adventure.
Was this book as amazing as The Warlord or as nail biting as The Immortal? W-ell, not really, to be honest. I definitely enjoyed the first two books more.
I love the harpies, the Astras and this particular world as a whole- I’m desperate to know more about other characters, Neeka, Ian, Silver, the hell king (?) and even some characters from Ation.
My one tiny gripe with this otherwise entertaining book was that for me, the two characters being thrown/trapped in a barbaric and ancient world was too reminiscent of The Darkest Warrior- they had ten days till the start of an important tournament and those days just dragged.
Also, Roux’s guilt about killing Laban came too easily? You’re an Astra for crying out loud and this was war! You can’t go for thousands of years as a soulless warlord and so quickly feel bad about killing someone’s consort.
If anything, I wish they explored Ation more or interacted with its inhabitants. Roux’s mind was filled with the souls of his prisoners which Blythe traversed in- I would have loved some more of that. I guess I had very high expectations of this book. It was good, but it didn't beat The Warlord from its top spot.
This is not to say the journey wasn’t satisfying or the ending not a triumph. It was! The twists were fantastic.
Will I reread it? yes- and I can’t wait for the next in the series. I’m becoming obsessed with the Astras.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
How do you get past the hero killing the lead’s consort? In front of her eyes! And not just any consort, but one deserving of Blythe and their daughter Isla- a handsome loving, strong manticore.
Roux is the standoffish mentally unstable Astra- aloof, internally tortured but a softy at heart. Blythe is the second strongest harpy (by book three we know what that means!) typical Gena heroine- beautiful, confident kick-ass. She is a mother out for revenge against him.
The romance is a slow climb between the two but revved with sexual tension- it felt right considering Blythe had to come to terms with losing Laban and being attracted to Roux. I liked that it wasn’t instant attraction for him. She truly did want him dead and was icy around him.
Throw in the fact that they both had to deal with his blessing task this time being trapped in the prison world Ation ruled and overrun by vicious immortal females, Erebus’s constant manipulations with them and the people around them- this was a good adventure.
Was this book as amazing as The Warlord or as nail biting as The Immortal? W-ell, not really, to be honest. I definitely enjoyed the first two books more.
I love the harpies, the Astras and this particular world as a whole- I’m desperate to know more about other characters, Neeka, Ian, Silver, the hell king (?) and even some characters from Ation.
My one tiny gripe with this otherwise entertaining book was that for me, the two characters being thrown/trapped in a barbaric and ancient world was too reminiscent of The Darkest Warrior- they had ten days till the start of an important tournament and those days just dragged.
Also, Roux’s guilt about killing Laban came too easily? You’re an Astra for crying out loud and this was war! You can’t go for thousands of years as a soulless warlord and so quickly feel bad about killing someone’s consort.
If anything, I wish they explored Ation more or interacted with its inhabitants. Roux’s mind was filled with the souls of his prisoners which Blythe traversed in- I would have loved some more of that. I guess I had very high expectations of this book. It was good, but it didn't beat The Warlord from its top spot.
This is not to say the journey wasn’t satisfying or the ending not a triumph. It was! The twists were fantastic.
Will I reread it? yes- and I can’t wait for the next in the series. I’m becoming obsessed with the Astras.
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
December 23, 2022
We have previously met both Blythe and Roux in prior Warlord books. We knew, from the fact that Roux had killed Blythe's consort, that she was going to somehow exact her revenge. We just never knew the where and the when. When her father, Erebus (the Warlord's enemy) offers her the opportunity to murder her consort's killer, she jumps on it, without thinking. Little did she know that it was a setup and she was betrayed by her own father. The hunter now has to fight for her life on a strange planet.
Roux thought doing his blessing task was going to be easy peasy. Jump onto the planet, grab the queen, jump back and cut out her heart. Imagine his shock when he finds Blythe there as a prisoner. Not only that , but the queen was murdered and there is going to be a tournament, to the death, to choose a new one. These are all man hungry females, so just about everyone is trying to win. At the last minute, Blythe is literally tossed into the ring and the only way out is to fight and win. If she wins Roux will have to murder her.
This story has exciting battles, sexual tension so thick you can cut it with a knife and a whole lot of feelings and insecurities, that need to be dealt with. Add to the mix, Blythe's daughter, who is a scene stealer and absolutely adorable.
If you love paranormal books, then you have found a real winner.
Thank you to Gena Showalter for the advanced copy.
Roux thought doing his blessing task was going to be easy peasy. Jump onto the planet, grab the queen, jump back and cut out her heart. Imagine his shock when he finds Blythe there as a prisoner. Not only that , but the queen was murdered and there is going to be a tournament, to the death, to choose a new one. These are all man hungry females, so just about everyone is trying to win. At the last minute, Blythe is literally tossed into the ring and the only way out is to fight and win. If she wins Roux will have to murder her.
This story has exciting battles, sexual tension so thick you can cut it with a knife and a whole lot of feelings and insecurities, that need to be dealt with. Add to the mix, Blythe's daughter, who is a scene stealer and absolutely adorable.
If you love paranormal books, then you have found a real winner.
Thank you to Gena Showalter for the advanced copy.
December 27, 2022
Did I stay up until 3am to finish this book because I couldn't put it down? Yes!
As soon as I found out the third book in Rise of the Warlords would follow Roux, I knew I HAD to read it. Roux is a challenging and complicated man; a puzzle, if you will. As we know from the previous books, Roux is responsible for the worst day of Blythe's life... or is he?
This book is a true enemies-to-lovers rollercoaster, filled with hate, banter, lust and eventually, love. I wasn't sure if I would like Blythe at first; I do believe she made some mistakes but that made her all the more relatable. She chose to seek vengeance, believing that would fulfill her and her child - and it did, in a completely different way.
I also loved the prison realm this book was set in; Ation. Seeing all of the immortal females sent to this realm desperate for male attention - ANY MALE - was quite humorous to me. I love when books have a competition, and seeing these females face to the death had me unable to put this novel down.
Roux is a mystery you'll love to solve and Blythe truly is his Undoing. I loved this book and can't wait to see who's next!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
As soon as I found out the third book in Rise of the Warlords would follow Roux, I knew I HAD to read it. Roux is a challenging and complicated man; a puzzle, if you will. As we know from the previous books, Roux is responsible for the worst day of Blythe's life... or is he?
This book is a true enemies-to-lovers rollercoaster, filled with hate, banter, lust and eventually, love. I wasn't sure if I would like Blythe at first; I do believe she made some mistakes but that made her all the more relatable. She chose to seek vengeance, believing that would fulfill her and her child - and it did, in a completely different way.
I also loved the prison realm this book was set in; Ation. Seeing all of the immortal females sent to this realm desperate for male attention - ANY MALE - was quite humorous to me. I love when books have a competition, and seeing these females face to the death had me unable to put this novel down.
Roux is a mystery you'll love to solve and Blythe truly is his Undoing. I loved this book and can't wait to see who's next!
Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review
July 10, 2023
I dreaded reading this, from book one we know that this guy killed Blythes consort/mate/love of her life. So when this book started with Roux beheading her beloved husband of 8 years and father of her child I was sad for Blythe, I didn’t see how I could move on from hating Roux, I couldn’t see how their romance would progress.
Harpies received one consort in a lifetime. No more, no less. She wouldn’t claim Roux in any way, shape, or form.
It completely throws out the notion of what a consort/mate/life partner is if one can die then be replaced with another months later.
I’m just not a “get over it” kinda girl. I can’t just forgive and forget that he killed her consort, every intimate moment was tarnished by this. I couldn’t even enjoy their first kiss at 54% in. I started skimming at this point.
95% of this book we’re lead to believe her first consort was tragically killed. Then we learn some secrets about this first consort which explain why Blythe quickly moved on to her second consort. Maybe if I had known this at the start I would have felt differently about the new romance.
I actually did like this virgin hero, just wish the circumstances were different.
Harpies received one consort in a lifetime. No more, no less. She wouldn’t claim Roux in any way, shape, or form.
It completely throws out the notion of what a consort/mate/life partner is if one can die then be replaced with another months later.
I’m just not a “get over it” kinda girl. I can’t just forgive and forget that he killed her consort, every intimate moment was tarnished by this. I couldn’t even enjoy their first kiss at 54% in. I started skimming at this point.
95% of this book we’re lead to believe her first consort was tragically killed. Then we learn some secrets about this first consort which explain why Blythe quickly moved on to her second consort. Maybe if I had known this at the start I would have felt differently about the new romance.
I actually did like this virgin hero, just wish the circumstances were different.
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