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Beyond the God Sea #3
Borne to Salt and Sin: Fated
"She's such a bad girl, isn't she?" he taunted. "But she's a good girl for me."
The king wants her back
They call her the Kidnapped Queen, but King Juls is a beautiful liar. Zaria risked her life to escape an arranged marriage she never consummated and never wanted in the first place. Now, without better options, her husband is determined to hunt her down under the guise of a rescue.
The boy from beyond wants her safe
Reunited with the one she chose, Zaria has her own plans -- if she can find support. She’ll capture the castle, force Juls to change the laws, and protect the next chosen bride. Fleeing together through the deadly backlands, Zaria and Kirwyn will first need to survive.
But she’s not the only one with a burning goal, and the clash of desires might save or destroy entire kingdoms.
The keylord wants her punished
Before the battle’s over, two things are certain: Zaria needs to stay close to the boy she loves…
…and far away from the prince she hates.
Because the king’s cruel brother swore to make her beg for mercy if she ever betrayed his family. And Prince Lazlian always keeps his vows, especially when they concern the little queen he despises. He hates her so much, she's all he can think about.
Kingdoms can break as easily as hearts.
********
Please be advised: Borne to Salt and Sin, the final book in the Beyond the God Sea Trilogy, is New Adult. This book contains mature, explicit content.
The king wants her back
They call her the Kidnapped Queen, but King Juls is a beautiful liar. Zaria risked her life to escape an arranged marriage she never consummated and never wanted in the first place. Now, without better options, her husband is determined to hunt her down under the guise of a rescue.
The boy from beyond wants her safe
Reunited with the one she chose, Zaria has her own plans -- if she can find support. She’ll capture the castle, force Juls to change the laws, and protect the next chosen bride. Fleeing together through the deadly backlands, Zaria and Kirwyn will first need to survive.
But she’s not the only one with a burning goal, and the clash of desires might save or destroy entire kingdoms.
The keylord wants her punished
Before the battle’s over, two things are certain: Zaria needs to stay close to the boy she loves…
…and far away from the prince she hates.
Because the king’s cruel brother swore to make her beg for mercy if she ever betrayed his family. And Prince Lazlian always keeps his vows, especially when they concern the little queen he despises. He hates her so much, she's all he can think about.
Kingdoms can break as easily as hearts.
********
Please be advised: Borne to Salt and Sin, the final book in the Beyond the God Sea Trilogy, is New Adult. This book contains mature, explicit content.
530 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2022
60 people are currently reading
1161 people want to read
About the author
Elora Morgan
5 books134 followersElora spends her free time pursuing fantasy. Nothing engages her mind like a fantastical new world -- except when that world contains lovers who initially despise one another. She reads and writes these angst-filled pairings from the East Coast of the U.S.
YA/NA ROMANCE | SCI-FI/FANTASY | ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@eloramorgan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boundandcrowned
YA/NA ROMANCE | SCI-FI/FANTASY | ENEMIES-TO-LOVERS
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@eloramorgan
Instagram: www.instagram.com/boundandcrowned
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
August 5, 2023
— 4.5 stars ☆
chapters 46, 47 & 48 in this book made it everything to me. i adore it sm, it still gives me shivers bc it's lazlian. him being possessive of zaria is everything to me. also, lines like the ones above? they give me all the longing and angst and passion i want and those chapters just delivered, and i loved that.
there are so many lines i want to quote from this, but i'm settling for just a few.
as soon as I got the arc for this, i put down literally everything else and started reading this lol. and it was completely worth it, bc these characters are everything.
kirwyn is truly daddy, he's so soft and sweet and cute with zaria!! while i don't believe he's the one for zaria for some reason, i love laz so much more okay 🥺 but icl, he was hot too. 🤭
i just want more aewna and mal-yin, they really intrigued me and i think they're gonna play a major part in book 4 and i can't wait. 🥰
the ending of this book though can be very controversial and i believe it was left open-ended for a reason. i personally cannot wait to see how the dynamics between them develop now in book 4! i thought for the first 75% that the book was going one way, but then it ended up going a completely different way and i think i really liked how it kept me guessing.
spoilers below!!
they all end up coming to a truce, but the thing that is controversial is that zaria doesn't exactly end up only with kirwyn - there are gonna be sharing dynamics in book 4, i think, and while some people may hate on this book for that, i believe it just fit with how they were from the beginning. while i would have definitely preferred for zaria to end up with either kirwyn/lazlian and preferably laz lol she has a lot more chemistry with him, i think they both gave her exactly what she needed together. while the comfort she got from kirwyn was unmatched, the way lazlian made her feel so passionately about everything was needed.
ratings for the series (so far):
#1 - Beyond the God Sea: Betrothed - 3.75 stars
#2 - Bound by Dark Waters: Wed - 4 stars
#3 - Borne to Salt and Sin: Fated - 4.5 stars
#4 - Crowned in Shattered Stars (tentative name) - tbr (coming out 2024)
“There are no stars tonight,” I breathed, looking up at low, heavy clouds.
“No,” Lazlian rasped by my ear. “They wouldn’t shine for us, would they?”
I swallowed back a lump in my throat.
“Maybe... in another world...” I couldn’t finish. Feeling my chest shake to fight the tears, Lazlian’s arms wrapped tighter around my torso.
chapters 46, 47 & 48 in this book made it everything to me. i adore it sm, it still gives me shivers bc it's lazlian. him being possessive of zaria is everything to me. also, lines like the ones above? they give me all the longing and angst and passion i want and those chapters just delivered, and i loved that.
“I said that I read all the books and I fantasized for years. About a girl like you. Except when I met you, you shattered those fantasies to nothing, blew them away to dust. Because you were better than anything I’d ever read, more astounding than anything I could have imagined. I said you were more than my fantasy. You were the fantasy I never even knew I had.”
there are so many lines i want to quote from this, but i'm settling for just a few.
“I’m never leaving you. I will have a life with you, or I will die for you. Those are the only options.”
as soon as I got the arc for this, i put down literally everything else and started reading this lol. and it was completely worth it, bc these characters are everything.
kirwyn is truly daddy, he's so soft and sweet and cute with zaria!! while i don't believe he's the one for zaria for some reason, i love laz so much more okay 🥺 but icl, he was hot too. 🤭
i just want more aewna and mal-yin, they really intrigued me and i think they're gonna play a major part in book 4 and i can't wait. 🥰
“You are the first-born daughter of a queen. I am the first-born son of a king. You belong to me, you are my birthright. Fuck my father, fuck the hermit. It was supposed to be us, it was always supposed to be us.”
the ending of this book though can be very controversial and i believe it was left open-ended for a reason. i personally cannot wait to see how the dynamics between them develop now in book 4! i thought for the first 75% that the book was going one way, but then it ended up going a completely different way and i think i really liked how it kept me guessing.
spoilers below!!
they all end up coming to a truce, but the thing that is controversial is that zaria doesn't exactly end up only with kirwyn - there are gonna be sharing dynamics in book 4, i think, and while some people may hate on this book for that, i believe it just fit with how they were from the beginning. while i would have definitely preferred for zaria to end up with either kirwyn/lazlian and preferably laz lol she has a lot more chemistry with him, i think they both gave her exactly what she needed together. while the comfort she got from kirwyn was unmatched, the way lazlian made her feel so passionately about everything was needed.
ratings for the series (so far):
#1 - Beyond the God Sea: Betrothed - 3.75 stars
#2 - Bound by Dark Waters: Wed - 4 stars
#3 - Borne to Salt and Sin: Fated - 4.5 stars
#4 - Crowned in Shattered Stars (tentative name) - tbr (coming out 2024)
October 5, 2022
Thank you so much to Elora for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
There is a trigger warning going into this book so I would keep that in mind before reading. Borne to Salt and Sin starts a little after the events ending in Bound by Dark Water. Zaria has finally escaped her arranged marriage with King Juls and reunited with the boy she loves. After revelations come to front, the next part of Zaria’s journey begins in order to protect the people she loves and the future she will need to battle for.
Elora prepared us for the final book to grow into new adult territory well ahead of time and boy did she deliver! Comparing the characters mindset and monologues in Book 1 you really get a chance to see how all characters have grown from child to teen to young adult in a realistic timeframe.
First off, Kirwyn 🌶️ Kirwyn ,Kirwyn ,Kirwyn my beloved dark angel. Everything we may have missed from him in Book 2 he delivers ten fold in Borne to Salt and Sin. He remains the same protective, observant, calculating Kirwyn we all love but there’s a definite extra level of angst, confidence and dominance that he’s matured into.
Lazlian owns the other piece of my heart. He wasn’t as prominent in the beginning of the book but god damn he demanded attention when he was on the page. I loved the cat and mouse game between him and Zaria. THE POSSESSIVENESS, THE TENSION, THE CHEMISTRY. I’m absolutely here for it!! Plus those few chapters 🥵🥵 (if you know you know) That aside we dove deeper into his character and yes he’s the dark alpha we already adore but we also get a glimpse that we have only scratched the surface with him.
We also follow a few side characters which surprising I found just as engrossed as the main characters storyline. I can also see some even building further if that’s what the author wants to head towards. The politics continue with additional unexpected developments between the regions and between families. But THAT ENDING, THAT ENDING, THAT ENDING!! Definitely surprised me but in the absolute best way possible.
“This is rare, isn’t it? It’s real. I didn’t know before. I didn’t have a basis for comparison. But the more I see, the more I’m sure. What we feel for each other, it’s not common, is it?”
There is a trigger warning going into this book so I would keep that in mind before reading. Borne to Salt and Sin starts a little after the events ending in Bound by Dark Water. Zaria has finally escaped her arranged marriage with King Juls and reunited with the boy she loves. After revelations come to front, the next part of Zaria’s journey begins in order to protect the people she loves and the future she will need to battle for.
Elora prepared us for the final book to grow into new adult territory well ahead of time and boy did she deliver! Comparing the characters mindset and monologues in Book 1 you really get a chance to see how all characters have grown from child to teen to young adult in a realistic timeframe.
“I’m never leaving you. I will have a life with you, or I will die for you. Those are the only options.”
First off, Kirwyn 🌶️ Kirwyn ,Kirwyn ,Kirwyn my beloved dark angel. Everything we may have missed from him in Book 2 he delivers ten fold in Borne to Salt and Sin. He remains the same protective, observant, calculating Kirwyn we all love but there’s a definite extra level of angst, confidence and dominance that he’s matured into.
“Maybe I want you covered in it each morning,” he said, boldly holding my eyes, “so that if another man ever tried to touch you, he’s going to see you’ve already been claimed.”
“There’s your mercy,” Kirwyn said, quiet but firm. “When the time comes, don’t ask me to show any to the king. Or his brother.”
Lazlian owns the other piece of my heart. He wasn’t as prominent in the beginning of the book but god damn he demanded attention when he was on the page. I loved the cat and mouse game between him and Zaria. THE POSSESSIVENESS, THE TENSION, THE CHEMISTRY. I’m absolutely here for it!! Plus those few chapters 🥵🥵 (if you know you know) That aside we dove deeper into his character and yes he’s the dark alpha we already adore but we also get a glimpse that we have only scratched the surface with him.
Your boy is as good as dead. And you are going to wish you were. That’s a vow, little queen.
“You are the first-born daughter of a queen. I am the first-born son of a king. You belong to me, you are my birthright. Fuck my father, fuck the hermit. It was supposed to be us, it was always supposed to be us.”
We also follow a few side characters which surprising I found just as engrossed as the main characters storyline. I can also see some even building further if that’s what the author wants to head towards. The politics continue with additional unexpected developments between the regions and between families. But THAT ENDING, THAT ENDING, THAT ENDING!! Definitely surprised me but in the absolute best way possible.
December 22, 2022
I’m not sure…
Ultimately this series isn’t what I expected it to be. I am not sure if that is good or bad. Initially, I believed this to be an enemies to lovers sci-fi dark fantasy… but as further promotion for this book went on—it became clear there is no particular genre or trope. Except for the over extended obsessive first love trope and every decision being made is because of the heroines feelings for the first guy to touch her.
I honestly give this final instalment a 2.5 rounding up for Goodreads.
Slightly disappointed. But overall I am glad I finished the trilogy. The writing is decent and there is clear structure and purpose poured into these pages. So if you go into this book—go in prepared for a politically driven plot with a, IMO, boring first-love trope romance. However—the love interest is described as “hot” so it might be your cup of tea.
The five seconds given to the “enemies to lovers trope” doesn’t satisfy and will leave you disappointed if that was what you were hoping to get out of it.
Ultimately this series isn’t what I expected it to be. I am not sure if that is good or bad. Initially, I believed this to be an enemies to lovers sci-fi dark fantasy… but as further promotion for this book went on—it became clear there is no particular genre or trope. Except for the over extended obsessive first love trope and every decision being made is because of the heroines feelings for the first guy to touch her.
I honestly give this final instalment a 2.5 rounding up for Goodreads.
Slightly disappointed. But overall I am glad I finished the trilogy. The writing is decent and there is clear structure and purpose poured into these pages. So if you go into this book—go in prepared for a politically driven plot with a, IMO, boring first-love trope romance. However—the love interest is described as “hot” so it might be your cup of tea.
The five seconds given to the “enemies to lovers trope” doesn’t satisfy and will leave you disappointed if that was what you were hoping to get out of it.
August 31, 2023
4.5
I don’t know why it took me quite a while to read, some days I couldn’t pick it up
This book picks up after the second book.
“The king wants her back
They call her the Kidnapped Queen, but King Juls is a beautiful liar. Zaria risked her life to escape an arranged marriage she never consummated and never wanted. Now, without better options, her husband is determined to hunt her down under the guise of a rescue.
The boy from beyond wants her safe
Reunited with the one she chose, Zaria has her own plans -- if she can find support. She’ll capture the castle, force Juls to change the laws, and protect the next chosen bride. Fleeing together through the deadly backlands, Zaria and Kirwyn will first need to survive.
But she’s not the only one with a burning goal, and the clash of desires might save or destroy entire kingdoms.
The keylord wants her punished
Before the battle’s over, two things are Zaria needs to stay close to the boy she loves…
…and far away from the prince she hates.
Because the king’s cruel brother swore to make her beg for mercy if she ever betrayed his family. And Prince Lazlian always keeps his vows, especially when they concern the little queen he despises.
He hates her so much, she's all he can think about.
Kingdoms can break as easily as hearts.”
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved this! Though I was devastated when it came to an end, I cannot wait for book four.
Also the spice ❤️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😱🫢
Borne to Salt and Sin picks up right after the events that ended in Bound by Dark Water. Zaria finally escaped her arranged marriage to King Juls and reunited with the boy she loves. As revelations unfold, the next part of Zaria's journey begins to protect the people she loves and the future she must fight for. I am completely in love with this story and it just keeps getting better
But I am team Kirwyn
Please be Borne to Salt and Sin, the final book in the Beyond the God Sea Trilogy, is New Adult. This book contains mature content. Before reading, please see the Content Expectations at the beginning of the book
“This is rare, isn’t it? It’s real. I didn’t know before. I didn’t have a basis for comparison. But the more I see, the more I’m sure. What we feel for each other, it’s not common, is it?”
Thank you elora!
I don’t know why it took me quite a while to read, some days I couldn’t pick it up
This book picks up after the second book.
“The king wants her back
They call her the Kidnapped Queen, but King Juls is a beautiful liar. Zaria risked her life to escape an arranged marriage she never consummated and never wanted. Now, without better options, her husband is determined to hunt her down under the guise of a rescue.
The boy from beyond wants her safe
Reunited with the one she chose, Zaria has her own plans -- if she can find support. She’ll capture the castle, force Juls to change the laws, and protect the next chosen bride. Fleeing together through the deadly backlands, Zaria and Kirwyn will first need to survive.
But she’s not the only one with a burning goal, and the clash of desires might save or destroy entire kingdoms.
The keylord wants her punished
Before the battle’s over, two things are Zaria needs to stay close to the boy she loves…
…and far away from the prince she hates.
Because the king’s cruel brother swore to make her beg for mercy if she ever betrayed his family. And Prince Lazlian always keeps his vows, especially when they concern the little queen he despises.
He hates her so much, she's all he can think about.
Kingdoms can break as easily as hearts.”
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I loved this! Though I was devastated when it came to an end, I cannot wait for book four.
Also the spice ❤️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️😱🫢
Borne to Salt and Sin picks up right after the events that ended in Bound by Dark Water. Zaria finally escaped her arranged marriage to King Juls and reunited with the boy she loves. As revelations unfold, the next part of Zaria's journey begins to protect the people she loves and the future she must fight for. I am completely in love with this story and it just keeps getting better
But I am team Kirwyn
Please be Borne to Salt and Sin, the final book in the Beyond the God Sea Trilogy, is New Adult. This book contains mature content. Before reading, please see the Content Expectations at the beginning of the book
“This is rare, isn’t it? It’s real. I didn’t know before. I didn’t have a basis for comparison. But the more I see, the more I’m sure. What we feel for each other, it’s not common, is it?”
Thank you elora!
December 5, 2022
I was enjoying this trilogy, looking forward to the release of this third book. But the experience was bittersweet, I didn't really like the way the story went, and the sudden introduction of a reverse harem, for me, was the end of it.
It's a well-written story, interesting characters, good pacing.
It's a well-written story, interesting characters, good pacing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2023
Took me three books to decide that I do not like any of the characters. The last half of book was weird as hell and I kept getting yanked from the narrative every time I remembered this story technically takes place in Florida
October 15, 2022
I loved the concept of this series. A post apocalyptic world full of chaos and brutal clans (The Biohazards are so cool), and tucked away from it all, a sheltered island with a race of purposely naive people. The books follow Zaria, an Elowan Princess who is destined to marry the sea god. The only problem is she has falls in love with a boy (Kirwyn) who washes up on the beach and is adamant everything she lives by is nonsense. Well, she discovers he is right, but it seems to be too late - She is now married to a prince of Rythas (Juls), who has a twin brother that taunts and intrigues her at the same time (Laz).
Not wanting to give away all the plot, Zaria finds her way back to Kirwyn, which is where this book starts.
This is the third book in the trilogy and WOAH - it got spicy! There is a lot of adult content in this compared to the first two, but it shows how Zaria's relationship with Kirwyn grows.
I love Kirwyn, but when Zaria finally reencounters Laz, that's where I got excited. Their dynamic is insane and I could understand Zaria's confusion in the matter.
My best conversation from the book is between Laz and Kirwyn:
"The only reason she's even had the chance to be with you is because she slipped out of here."
Kirwyn's grin was pure mischeif. "Well, I can't thank you enough for your incompetence."
"She has a duty here! And she ran off shirking it like a f**king child."
Kirwyn didn't hestiate. "Then I guess she ran right to f**king daddy."
I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars!
Thanks Elora for the ARC!
Not wanting to give away all the plot, Zaria finds her way back to Kirwyn, which is where this book starts.
This is the third book in the trilogy and WOAH - it got spicy! There is a lot of adult content in this compared to the first two, but it shows how Zaria's relationship with Kirwyn grows.
I love Kirwyn, but when Zaria finally reencounters Laz, that's where I got excited. Their dynamic is insane and I could understand Zaria's confusion in the matter.
My best conversation from the book is between Laz and Kirwyn:
"The only reason she's even had the chance to be with you is because she slipped out of here."
Kirwyn's grin was pure mischeif. "Well, I can't thank you enough for your incompetence."
"She has a duty here! And she ran off shirking it like a f**king child."
Kirwyn didn't hestiate. "Then I guess she ran right to f**king daddy."
I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars!
Thanks Elora for the ARC!
Read
October 7, 2022Please see below for the Content Expectations including Triggers in Borne to Salt and Sin: Fated, Book III in the Beyond the God Sea Trilogy.
1- Book III begins Zaria’s journey as a New Adult. This is no longer a Young Adult story and is not appropriate for teen readers. Mature sexual content is present throughout. If explicit sexual material is not preferred, please do not read this book.
2- Some potentially triggering scenes include (SPOILERS)
The witnessing of children captured for enslavement (brief) and the result of torture (confined to its aftermath). There is also the mercy killing of an animal and the death of a loved one.
3- Dark Romance (SPOILERS)
This book contains Dark Romance. These encounters are gray and dubious. Unlike the potential triggers above, which are brief, this content is lengthy (spanning several chapters) and explored deeply. These scenes are not intended to be severely dark, but they are emotional and might be uncomfortable for some readers. Please do not read this book if you do not prefer this content.
Lengthy coercion, attempted force, manipulation, and physical aggression lead to sexual acts of very dubious consent.
I hope you enjoy this book! If you have any questions about material not covered, please do not hesitate to email me at eloramorganauthor@gmail.com
1- Book III begins Zaria’s journey as a New Adult. This is no longer a Young Adult story and is not appropriate for teen readers. Mature sexual content is present throughout. If explicit sexual material is not preferred, please do not read this book.
2- Some potentially triggering scenes include (SPOILERS)
The witnessing of children captured for enslavement (brief) and the result of torture (confined to its aftermath). There is also the mercy killing of an animal and the death of a loved one.
3- Dark Romance (SPOILERS)
This book contains Dark Romance. These encounters are gray and dubious. Unlike the potential triggers above, which are brief, this content is lengthy (spanning several chapters) and explored deeply. These scenes are not intended to be severely dark, but they are emotional and might be uncomfortable for some readers. Please do not read this book if you do not prefer this content.
Lengthy coercion, attempted force, manipulation, and physical aggression lead to sexual acts of very dubious consent.
I hope you enjoy this book! If you have any questions about material not covered, please do not hesitate to email me at eloramorganauthor@gmail.com
December 15, 2023
the whole book is excellent, but it deserves 5 stars for chapter 47 alone.
October 25, 2022
Borne to Salt & Sin: Fated by, Elora Morgan is an exciting and dramatic continuation of the Beyond the God Sea series. The main character, Zaria, is so relatable that one cannot help but feel the same anxiety and uneasiness about her situation and decisions that she is compelled to make for herself and for the futures of the kingdoms that she holds in her hands.
The best part of this story is the heart pounding action and romance scenes which keeps the reader enraptured throughout the whole book. Elora Morgan does a fantastic job of building upon the characters’ personalities and motivations from the previous books. It is very satisfying and fun to see how the characters evolve and mature.
This book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of expertly combined action, suspense, and romance!
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
The best part of this story is the heart pounding action and romance scenes which keeps the reader enraptured throughout the whole book. Elora Morgan does a fantastic job of building upon the characters’ personalities and motivations from the previous books. It is very satisfying and fun to see how the characters evolve and mature.
This book is a must read for anyone who is a fan of expertly combined action, suspense, and romance!
*Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review*
March 9, 2025
This love triangle had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.
On one side, there’s Kirwyn, the man who embodies everything Zaria has ever dreamed of. He’s strong, selfless, protective, and would do anything to keep her and her people safe. His love for her is pure, and he’s always looking out for her best interests, ready to sacrifice everything for her.
On the other side, there’s Lazlian, a man who would burn the world to the ground for her. He’s morally ambiguous, living in a dark, grey area where nothing is simple or nice. He’s challenging, intense, and often cruel, and while most people despise him (Zaria included at times), there’s something undeniable about his possessiveness. The way he hates everyone except her, the way she somehow makes him better, is irresistible. I can't get enough of it.
Book one was all about Zaria and Kirwyn. Book two explored her connection with the royals, and book three found the perfect balance of both. It was everything I wanted and more. I seriously loved it.
Honestly, I love both Kirwyn and Laz so much that I just want them both to end up with Zaria and live their best throuple life! Can’t wait to dive into the next book! give me more of these two men ASAP!
On one side, there’s Kirwyn, the man who embodies everything Zaria has ever dreamed of. He’s strong, selfless, protective, and would do anything to keep her and her people safe. His love for her is pure, and he’s always looking out for her best interests, ready to sacrifice everything for her.
On the other side, there’s Lazlian, a man who would burn the world to the ground for her. He’s morally ambiguous, living in a dark, grey area where nothing is simple or nice. He’s challenging, intense, and often cruel, and while most people despise him (Zaria included at times), there’s something undeniable about his possessiveness. The way he hates everyone except her, the way she somehow makes him better, is irresistible. I can't get enough of it.
Book one was all about Zaria and Kirwyn. Book two explored her connection with the royals, and book three found the perfect balance of both. It was everything I wanted and more. I seriously loved it.
Honestly, I love both Kirwyn and Laz so much that I just want them both to end up with Zaria and live their best throuple life! Can’t wait to dive into the next book! give me more of these two men ASAP!
February 10, 2023
This book was everything and more! From the spicy bits to the fighting scenes, I couldn't stop reading and ended up reading it all in one night- it was that good.
It was a bit slower paced in the beginning than the past 2 books but, then it really picked up!
It had a lot more spice in this book, which I loved but, if you're not into that, then this isn't the book for you.
I loved Lazlian in this book and seeing the different side to him. We really got to understand him and why he is the way he is. And of course, Kirwyn was so amazing with Zaria in this book and how he wanted to protect her throughout. Their relationship really progressed in this book and we finally got to see them find their way as a couple.
I think if you're on the edge of putting this on your reading list, you should! You won't regret it!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
It was a bit slower paced in the beginning than the past 2 books but, then it really picked up!
It had a lot more spice in this book, which I loved but, if you're not into that, then this isn't the book for you.
I loved Lazlian in this book and seeing the different side to him. We really got to understand him and why he is the way he is. And of course, Kirwyn was so amazing with Zaria in this book and how he wanted to protect her throughout. Their relationship really progressed in this book and we finally got to see them find their way as a couple.
I think if you're on the edge of putting this on your reading list, you should! You won't regret it!
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2023
To be perfectly honest, I was onboard with this series and this book until the last 50 ish pages. It felt like everything was just shoved together and fan service for the minority of people who wanted it. No build up. Just suddenly wham bam. Didn't like that at all and it completely ruined the series for me.
October 21, 2022
*I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Let me preface with stating something that has been emphasized by the author: This book is meant for mature readers, despite the tone of the first novel. It deals with mature content, potential triggers, and might require a change of undies. Please be advised.
Wow. Just wow. Where to even start?!
Summary:
“Mine. And we mustn’t touch things that don’t belong to us,”
The books begins close to where the last left off. Zaria and Kirwyn are reunited, but are far from the kids they were on that beach in Elowa. While Zaria is still processing the events of the last few months, Kirwyn is dedicating his time to putting his life in a library to good use. Unfortunately, their time getting reacquainted is cut short by the arrival of the king and his search party.
“I can be your god now,”
On the run from the king and his men hunting Zaria, they meet new and old frenemies. Their adventure is long and almost thwarted, but eventually leads them to achieve their first goal - establish an unexpected alliance.
“Men don’t fall to their knees for their brothers’ wives.”
While enacting their plan, Zaria ends up in the strong, punishing hands of the kings brother, the keylord himself. Hands she knows want to kill her. Hands she wants to avoid at all costs. Or does she?
My thoughts:
*NOTE: This may get a little spoilery and definitely dirty. If you want to avoid either, please stop reading here.
Holy cheese balls, did Elora DELIVER on this book. The glow up of all the characters is perfectly mirrored in the progress of the writing style. You can feel the perspective mature as Zaria experiences more and matures herself.
“Then I guess she ran right to fucking daddy.”
Speaking of glow ups, we can’t ignore the straight Daddy vibes Kirwyn threw down. Let me start by saying I have been team Lazzaddy since he swaggered into the page all dark and moody and deliciously confused. But Kirwyn just came out and decided to take the knowledge of an entire erotica section of his library-house and deliver Zaria into every fantasy she never knew existed. Seriously anything you have read or fantasized about, Daddy Kirwyn gently introduced her to - Submission, praise, primal/prey, even some hints into subspace. Kirwyn is in a battle to out daddy all book daddies, to become the one book daddy to rule them all.
“My soaked little slut. Open your mouth. Now.”
But just when you think Lazzaddy might be down for the count, he comes in on his black horse and pulls Zaria on to his lap, face to face, fingers bruising hips and reminds everyone he is here to stay. (Literally. This literally happens.) Where Kirwyn was gently leading Zaria, Laz dominates her further than Kirwyn has before. Even so, he surprisingly shows UNIMAGINABLE restraint (you’ll know the scene when you get to it).
“While you were in the noose, I was in her.”
This book took me for a ride. I was desperate to talk it through and share my reactions - and trust me, there were so many reactions. The ending was amazing in that it was a HFN? with an opening in the epilogue that you can either take what you want from or allows Elora to pick it back up. And GODS how I PREY she picks it back up. There is so much more to this dystopian world, the secondary characters, and our primary love triangle that I would love to explore.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Let me preface with stating something that has been emphasized by the author: This book is meant for mature readers, despite the tone of the first novel. It deals with mature content, potential triggers, and might require a change of undies. Please be advised.
Wow. Just wow. Where to even start?!
Summary:
“Mine. And we mustn’t touch things that don’t belong to us,”
The books begins close to where the last left off. Zaria and Kirwyn are reunited, but are far from the kids they were on that beach in Elowa. While Zaria is still processing the events of the last few months, Kirwyn is dedicating his time to putting his life in a library to good use. Unfortunately, their time getting reacquainted is cut short by the arrival of the king and his search party.
“I can be your god now,”
On the run from the king and his men hunting Zaria, they meet new and old frenemies. Their adventure is long and almost thwarted, but eventually leads them to achieve their first goal - establish an unexpected alliance.
“Men don’t fall to their knees for their brothers’ wives.”
While enacting their plan, Zaria ends up in the strong, punishing hands of the kings brother, the keylord himself. Hands she knows want to kill her. Hands she wants to avoid at all costs. Or does she?
My thoughts:
*NOTE: This may get a little spoilery and definitely dirty. If you want to avoid either, please stop reading here.
Holy cheese balls, did Elora DELIVER on this book. The glow up of all the characters is perfectly mirrored in the progress of the writing style. You can feel the perspective mature as Zaria experiences more and matures herself.
“Then I guess she ran right to fucking daddy.”
Speaking of glow ups, we can’t ignore the straight Daddy vibes Kirwyn threw down. Let me start by saying I have been team Lazzaddy since he swaggered into the page all dark and moody and deliciously confused. But Kirwyn just came out and decided to take the knowledge of an entire erotica section of his library-house and deliver Zaria into every fantasy she never knew existed. Seriously anything you have read or fantasized about, Daddy Kirwyn gently introduced her to - Submission, praise, primal/prey, even some hints into subspace. Kirwyn is in a battle to out daddy all book daddies, to become the one book daddy to rule them all.
“My soaked little slut. Open your mouth. Now.”
But just when you think Lazzaddy might be down for the count, he comes in on his black horse and pulls Zaria on to his lap, face to face, fingers bruising hips and reminds everyone he is here to stay. (Literally. This literally happens.) Where Kirwyn was gently leading Zaria, Laz dominates her further than Kirwyn has before. Even so, he surprisingly shows UNIMAGINABLE restraint (you’ll know the scene when you get to it).
“While you were in the noose, I was in her.”
This book took me for a ride. I was desperate to talk it through and share my reactions - and trust me, there were so many reactions. The ending was amazing in that it was a HFN? with an opening in the epilogue that you can either take what you want from or allows Elora to pick it back up. And GODS how I PREY she picks it back up. There is so much more to this dystopian world, the secondary characters, and our primary love triangle that I would love to explore.
November 3, 2022
**Disclaimer: I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review**
I've been insanely busy this past month, but I did it! I finally finished. I absolutely love this series and I adore Elora. If you like books that grow with the protagonist, have dark haired, green eyed love interests, political intrigue, or mystery, you NEED to read this series.
I think this was a perfect ending to a wonderful series. However, if Elora happens to end up writing a fourth book I will not be upset😅 Also am I the only one that needs a separate book about Mal-Yin and Aewna?!! It's a need, not a want.
The teasers Elora was posting had me so excited and it did not disappoint. The growth that all of the characters went through, the amount of Lazlian content that we got!!! Literally any conversation with Kirwyn in it. And.......the SPICE that was in this book🥵 All these things, and more, made this book totally worth it.
Laz is a toxic, traumatized, and insane little baby, but I love him with my whole heart. (More than I should lol). Getting the interactions with him that we got in this book, had me feeling all sorts of ways. I loved it. And that ending! Was not expecting that, but oh my god. This book honestly has one of the best "epilogues" I think I've ever read🔥
In conclusion... READ THIS... or else😑
No😅 but seriously. This is such a wonderful series and if any of the things I said sounded interesting pls give it a try🫶
A million thanks to Elora for sending me an ARC❤️
I've been insanely busy this past month, but I did it! I finally finished. I absolutely love this series and I adore Elora. If you like books that grow with the protagonist, have dark haired, green eyed love interests, political intrigue, or mystery, you NEED to read this series.
I think this was a perfect ending to a wonderful series. However, if Elora happens to end up writing a fourth book I will not be upset😅 Also am I the only one that needs a separate book about Mal-Yin and Aewna?!! It's a need, not a want.
The teasers Elora was posting had me so excited and it did not disappoint. The growth that all of the characters went through, the amount of Lazlian content that we got!!! Literally any conversation with Kirwyn in it. And.......the SPICE that was in this book🥵 All these things, and more, made this book totally worth it.
Laz is a toxic, traumatized, and insane little baby, but I love him with my whole heart. (More than I should lol). Getting the interactions with him that we got in this book, had me feeling all sorts of ways. I loved it. And that ending! Was not expecting that, but oh my god. This book honestly has one of the best "epilogues" I think I've ever read🔥
In conclusion... READ THIS... or else😑
No😅 but seriously. This is such a wonderful series and if any of the things I said sounded interesting pls give it a try🫶
A million thanks to Elora for sending me an ARC❤️
October 23, 2022
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
"Kirwyn would kill for me and die for me and it was because he loved me. And I would unquestioningly do both, for him."
Honestly, this is my favorite book I've read this year. I've related to Zaria since the first book and just found her to be a character I really enjoy, especially with the amount of growth she goes through in this book.
Kirwyn is my new favorite book boyfriend. If I could have crafted my own he would be it. The depth of their relationship, the banter, (and the spicy scenes 🥵🥵) were incredible.
This was a book and a story I was sad to see end. This is one of those stories that will live in your head. I think about it several times a day, it's given me such a book hangover!
I will say the ending surprised me and is quite unconventional. I felt it fit the characters though and was happy with it.
This book has made Elora Morgan an autobuy author for me, I will read anything she chooses to write. 5 stars all the way here.
If you love dystopian stories and dark romance this is the book for you!
"Kirwyn would kill for me and die for me and it was because he loved me. And I would unquestioningly do both, for him."
Honestly, this is my favorite book I've read this year. I've related to Zaria since the first book and just found her to be a character I really enjoy, especially with the amount of growth she goes through in this book.
Kirwyn is my new favorite book boyfriend. If I could have crafted my own he would be it. The depth of their relationship, the banter, (and the spicy scenes 🥵🥵) were incredible.
This was a book and a story I was sad to see end. This is one of those stories that will live in your head. I think about it several times a day, it's given me such a book hangover!
I will say the ending surprised me and is quite unconventional. I felt it fit the characters though and was happy with it.
This book has made Elora Morgan an autobuy author for me, I will read anything she chooses to write. 5 stars all the way here.
If you love dystopian stories and dark romance this is the book for you!
January 22, 2025
This book actually had me in a chokehold, and I liked it. It’s like the first two books are edging you as a reader, in more ways than one. I gasped, cheered and blushed reading this book. Really hope the fourth and final book finishes perfectly ;)
dont-want-to-read
August 31, 2022Sometimes TikToks backfire and make it clear it’s something I do not want to read.
January 24, 2023
I’ve never been happier to learn there’s gonna be another book. I read this whole damn thing thinking it was the last one. I can’t wait for the fourth one.
December 29, 2022
Uh, wow. I'm in love with this series.
November 17, 2022
Amazing book! I loved it even better than the 2nd! Wow amazing ending! Especially at the very end!! I need more!! More of Laz & Zaria!! 😄 please write a 4th book!! 😊🤗
October 24, 2022
jaw dropping
****spoilers****
I highly anticipated the last installment of this series and EM didn’t disappoint!!! The character developments were so deep and intense. Lazian especially!!! Lazian my dark hearted prince just floored me. The ending left me wanting for more. Truly a beautiful story with a twisted ending.
****spoilers****
I highly anticipated the last installment of this series and EM didn’t disappoint!!! The character developments were so deep and intense. Lazian especially!!! Lazian my dark hearted prince just floored me. The ending left me wanting for more. Truly a beautiful story with a twisted ending.
October 24, 2022
FUCKING LOVE THIS SERIES! UGH I am TORN. I just don’t know who I like more like I can’t decide I just don’t know. I think I’m leaning one way more than the other… I can’t be sure. I really would have loved one last book. I feel like we DEFINITELY need more and that it can’t end this way.
May 27, 2023
I have so many thoughts, so apologies in advance for the rambling review. This first part is non-spoilery, but I've marked the last part for spoilers.
So this third book in the series is more plot-driven than the last two. The first 50% is basically the MCs just travelling and meeting several conflicts along the way, yet the action and drama doesn't truly begin until about the 70-75% mark. There's still plenty to hold your attention in that first 50%. Notably, the smut. Which are probably some of the hottest scenes I've ever read.
Who gave Kirwyn Holt the right to be that hot???? And yet fictional???? The nerve.😓🔥
I've highlighted half their scenes together, I swear. I'm hesitant to add any quotes in this review because I think they're best experienced in the moment, so you'll just have to trust me. There's some good stuff. If you want a new book boyfriend who will literally make you weak, look no further. Kirwyn's made it to my top six.
The scene when he makes her pass out to protect her. When he defends her from that panther. The fact that he's so educated and worldly and still listens to and respects Zaria's feelings and opinions (as he should). I believe arrogance is attractive only when it's met with competence and BOY is this man competent in everything he does.
Kirwyn helps Zaria test her boundaries in a safe and respectful way - not just sexually, but physically and emotionally, too. It's not a one-way street. Kirwyn is learning as well. Witnessing them both grow from the kids they were in the first book into the maturing adults they become by the end of this one has been so bittersweet. They've learned to hone their shared passion into something synchronous and I'm so proud of them.
I wasn't crazy about the side characters in this book. Aewna was, in my opinion, a bit of an underdeveloped character. She was basically a third wheel throughout the duration of this novel. I'd totally read a novella about her and Mal, though!
Mack and Teddy...
Mack was really something else. I'm so baffled. This girl has got some borderline incest/age-gap kink and I really don't know what to do with this information other than try my best to forget it, lol.
I wish Zaria could have interacted with Teddy a bit more - I think she really needed a better family-figure in her life, someone to look up to.
Overall, this is a story about Zaria growing up, and experiencing all the growing pains that go with that. Closing doors on potential futures. Opening new doors. The author did a really great job of communicating the nuances of maturation. In some ways, reading this book is healing despite its dark content. Knowing that the fears and hopes and uncertainty of growing into yourself is something that everyone experiences is so validating.
****Spoiler section****
It's impossible not to talk about the book's ending, since it's one of the bigger reasons for my 4-star instead of 5-star rating. So I'm just going to jump into it now.
Lazlian.
This guy is a trigger warning in and of himself, lol.
The scenes between him and Zaria are, I think, the primary reason the last quarter of this book seems to be so controversial among reviewers. I'd have to agree, but for different reasons from everyone else.
The author is not kidding in her content warning when she says there is dubious consent. It is extremely dubious, but unlike some other reviewers, I didn't interpret the scenes as rape. Lazlian's actions contradict his words. He threatens entitlement to Zaria's body, but he doesn't actually act on anything that she doesn't allow him through at least body language clues. He hits the nail on the head when he tells Zaria that he knows a part of her wants him to take her despite her verbal protests so she can remain blameless for engaging in her desire for him. Yet when she tells him to stop, he stops.
Their interactions don't bother me because of Laz's actions, exactly, but because of his words and the fact that Zaria seems attracted to him ...in spite of? because of? ....those words. Her reaction to his ideology seems counterproductive to one of the series' main themes regarding Zaria's reclamation of her sexual freedom and bodily autonomy after having been denied it for most of her life. Laz talks about his desire to deny her sexual freedom and right to autonomy yet she lusts after him regardless in the same moment. She's angry at his words, but it's not enough to deter her from being attracted to him (and possibly also his words -it's unclear). After being a victim of purity culture, maybe her sexualization of the very thing that traumatized her for so long is a reclamation of her sexuality, in a way. But as a reader, in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, talk of chastity belts and forcible breeding as verbal foreplay just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Reading about Zaria's interactions with Kirwyn, in contrast, was catharsis for me as someone who, like Zaria, had to gradually accept my own sexuality as something not to be ashamed of --so thereafter reading Zaria's positive/lustful/romantic reaction toward Lazlian who would wish to force her back into submission to purity culture was like getting whiplash.
There's another reason her interactions with Lazlian made me feel iffy with the book's ending, and that's because of the hinted future reverse harem situation between Zaria, Laz, and Kirwyn. I'm not opposed to reverse harem stories in general, but it -so far- feels like an odd direction for these three in particular. Partly, I feel this is because Zaria and Laz's relationship, thus far, feels superficial. Why does Laz love Zaria? Beyond a respect for his cunning, sympathy for his traumatic childhood, and a sexual attraction, what does Zaria see in Laz? I think the fourth book can save this if there are more emotional scenes between Laz and Zaria to build their chemistry beyond the enemies-and-almost-lovers thing they've got going right now. I think I need to see proof of how they can be good together in some way in order to be convinced of their love. Oh, and I hope Lazlian has grown out of his sense of entitlement by the fourth book, since they've all grown five years by then. Because I was not digging his earlier insistence that she not be given any autonomy. The last chapter of this book seems to hint that he's no longer going to stand in the way of her and Kirwyn's love for each other, and that he only wants Zaria willing, but I think the fourth book will be the ultimate determiner in how I feel about her and Laz.
Okay, but the bigger reason the hinted reverse harem situation troubles me is because I think RH situations can only work and be enjoyable if everyone involved is on-board. At this moment, I can't imagine Kirwyn would agree to such a situation except out of some self-sacrifice for Zaria's happiness, which just makes me :( I know Zaria gets jealous at the thought of Lazlian being with another woman, and she's admitted she'd feel murderous at the idea of any woman touching Kirwyn (which I get; I, too, felt unreasonably jealous when I learned about his past with Mack, haha), so... it kinda seems unfair that she wants both of them to herself? Only because I don't think Kirwyn in particular could be happy with the idea of sharing her with another, just as she wouldn't be happy with the idea of sharing him.
Look. Whatever happens, I just hope that Kirwyn gets every happiness. He's been through it and deserves every compensation.
But I'll have to read the fourth book to know for certain how I feel about it all. And I am looking forward to reading the fourth book, whenever it comes out!
So this third book in the series is more plot-driven than the last two. The first 50% is basically the MCs just travelling and meeting several conflicts along the way, yet the action and drama doesn't truly begin until about the 70-75% mark. There's still plenty to hold your attention in that first 50%. Notably, the smut. Which are probably some of the hottest scenes I've ever read.
Who gave Kirwyn Holt the right to be that hot???? And yet fictional???? The nerve.😓🔥
I've highlighted half their scenes together, I swear. I'm hesitant to add any quotes in this review because I think they're best experienced in the moment, so you'll just have to trust me. There's some good stuff. If you want a new book boyfriend who will literally make you weak, look no further. Kirwyn's made it to my top six.
The scene when he makes her pass out to protect her. When he defends her from that panther. The fact that he's so educated and worldly and still listens to and respects Zaria's feelings and opinions (as he should). I believe arrogance is attractive only when it's met with competence and BOY is this man competent in everything he does.
Kirwyn helps Zaria test her boundaries in a safe and respectful way - not just sexually, but physically and emotionally, too. It's not a one-way street. Kirwyn is learning as well. Witnessing them both grow from the kids they were in the first book into the maturing adults they become by the end of this one has been so bittersweet. They've learned to hone their shared passion into something synchronous and I'm so proud of them.
I wasn't crazy about the side characters in this book. Aewna was, in my opinion, a bit of an underdeveloped character. She was basically a third wheel throughout the duration of this novel. I'd totally read a novella about her and Mal, though!
Mack and Teddy...
Mack was really something else. I'm so baffled. This girl has got some borderline incest/age-gap kink and I really don't know what to do with this information other than try my best to forget it, lol.
I wish Zaria could have interacted with Teddy a bit more - I think she really needed a better family-figure in her life, someone to look up to.
Overall, this is a story about Zaria growing up, and experiencing all the growing pains that go with that. Closing doors on potential futures. Opening new doors. The author did a really great job of communicating the nuances of maturation. In some ways, reading this book is healing despite its dark content. Knowing that the fears and hopes and uncertainty of growing into yourself is something that everyone experiences is so validating.
****Spoiler section****
It's impossible not to talk about the book's ending, since it's one of the bigger reasons for my 4-star instead of 5-star rating. So I'm just going to jump into it now.
Lazlian.
This guy is a trigger warning in and of himself, lol.
The scenes between him and Zaria are, I think, the primary reason the last quarter of this book seems to be so controversial among reviewers. I'd have to agree, but for different reasons from everyone else.
The author is not kidding in her content warning when she says there is dubious consent. It is extremely dubious, but unlike some other reviewers, I didn't interpret the scenes as rape. Lazlian's actions contradict his words. He threatens entitlement to Zaria's body, but he doesn't actually act on anything that she doesn't allow him through at least body language clues. He hits the nail on the head when he tells Zaria that he knows a part of her wants him to take her despite her verbal protests so she can remain blameless for engaging in her desire for him. Yet when she tells him to stop, he stops.
Their interactions don't bother me because of Laz's actions, exactly, but because of his words and the fact that Zaria seems attracted to him ...in spite of? because of? ....those words. Her reaction to his ideology seems counterproductive to one of the series' main themes regarding Zaria's reclamation of her sexual freedom and bodily autonomy after having been denied it for most of her life. Laz talks about his desire to deny her sexual freedom and right to autonomy yet she lusts after him regardless in the same moment. She's angry at his words, but it's not enough to deter her from being attracted to him (and possibly also his words -it's unclear). After being a victim of purity culture, maybe her sexualization of the very thing that traumatized her for so long is a reclamation of her sexuality, in a way. But as a reader, in the aftermath of the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US, talk of chastity belts and forcible breeding as verbal foreplay just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
Reading about Zaria's interactions with Kirwyn, in contrast, was catharsis for me as someone who, like Zaria, had to gradually accept my own sexuality as something not to be ashamed of --so thereafter reading Zaria's positive/lustful/romantic reaction toward Lazlian who would wish to force her back into submission to purity culture was like getting whiplash.
There's another reason her interactions with Lazlian made me feel iffy with the book's ending, and that's because of the hinted future reverse harem situation between Zaria, Laz, and Kirwyn. I'm not opposed to reverse harem stories in general, but it -so far- feels like an odd direction for these three in particular. Partly, I feel this is because Zaria and Laz's relationship, thus far, feels superficial. Why does Laz love Zaria? Beyond a respect for his cunning, sympathy for his traumatic childhood, and a sexual attraction, what does Zaria see in Laz? I think the fourth book can save this if there are more emotional scenes between Laz and Zaria to build their chemistry beyond the enemies-and-almost-lovers thing they've got going right now. I think I need to see proof of how they can be good together in some way in order to be convinced of their love. Oh, and I hope Lazlian has grown out of his sense of entitlement by the fourth book, since they've all grown five years by then. Because I was not digging his earlier insistence that she not be given any autonomy. The last chapter of this book seems to hint that he's no longer going to stand in the way of her and Kirwyn's love for each other, and that he only wants Zaria willing, but I think the fourth book will be the ultimate determiner in how I feel about her and Laz.
Okay, but the bigger reason the hinted reverse harem situation troubles me is because I think RH situations can only work and be enjoyable if everyone involved is on-board. At this moment, I can't imagine Kirwyn would agree to such a situation except out of some self-sacrifice for Zaria's happiness, which just makes me :( I know Zaria gets jealous at the thought of Lazlian being with another woman, and she's admitted she'd feel murderous at the idea of any woman touching Kirwyn (which I get; I, too, felt unreasonably jealous when I learned about his past with Mack, haha), so... it kinda seems unfair that she wants both of them to herself? Only because I don't think Kirwyn in particular could be happy with the idea of sharing her with another, just as she wouldn't be happy with the idea of sharing him.
Look. Whatever happens, I just hope that Kirwyn gets every happiness. He's been through it and deserves every compensation.
But I'll have to read the fourth book to know for certain how I feel about it all. And I am looking forward to reading the fourth book, whenever it comes out!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2022
Obsessed!!!
I am absolutely enraptured by this story and it only continues to get better, my only question is...... When is the next one coming out!?! I CANT WAIT!!!
I am absolutely enraptured by this story and it only continues to get better, my only question is...... When is the next one coming out!?! I CANT WAIT!!!
January 21, 2023
Struggled to finish this book and was hoping it got better with each chapter. The dystopian aspect has so much potential. I ended up not liking the direction the main characters went and that last 1/4 was just wtf.
March 22, 2024
This installment wasn't quite what I anticipated. I think that both worked to its advantage and to its detriment, in different ways.
I knew going in that the series jumps from a more YA tone to a distinctly adult tone, and that's not where the issue is: I think the amount of sex in the story did the series a disservice. I think it made it feel... like the inclusion of erotic scenes wasn't well considered and they were added in in such excess just because the author wanted to write them.
It started to feel empty and repetitive because basically anytime Zaria and Kirwyn have a moment together to talk or be romantic, it became a sex scene. Their romance shouldn't have relied so heavily on sex to express their affection, commitment, and love. I've always been of a mind that sex scenes are tools to utilize carefully to enhance a romance, a relationship, a character, a plot--the timing needs to be right to make it count, to give it impact. If you're too heavy handed or excessive, it loses emotion, it loses engagement, it loses purpose.
Especially because so much of the repetitive sex took place while they were just hanging around Mal-Yin's place, not doing much besides going over the same few points for some banter that fizzled out. I think this section of the book was a bit of a waste.
Honestly, the most impactful "sex" scene (I say it in quotations because it was sexual but not a sex scene in the usual sense, if that makes sense) was probably the one between Zaria and Laz because it was a climax of so much emotion and build up, the scene holds weight because it was set up and executed at the right moment to matter.
Speaking of Laz... this series does play around with grey morality more than I anticipated. Zaria started off so stubborn and naive, but she's pretty flawed and has complexities as she battles inner conflicts about her feelings, ethics, choices, etc. and there's acknowledgement that politics and such are seldom black/white matters without fall out or losers or dark means to justify lighter ends.
Also I find the whole my traitorous body concept a bit uncomfortable and very easy to use in a very bad way--feeling sexual desire is not consent--and Laz did push the line really hard, I think it served its purpose without advocating for something awful. The grey area of the whole thing... I understand it here, but it is on thin ice.
Circling back to the wasted space in the compound... the ending felt a bit abrupt to me, sadly. I am hoping that book IV will more strongly address things and isn't a spin off (a post the author made has me thinking it's meant to showcase Mal-Yin and Aewna's relationship) so much as it is a proper conclusion, but it kind of felt like after Zaria was faced with Juls and Laz again, the after affects of everything Zaria was working towards were severely reduced to footnotes in an epilogue before a bombshell was dropped and a sort of unresolved ending was tacked on.
Like, the relationship between Laz and Zaria doesn't have a resolution, we just kind have this sense that she's probably going to There's a big time skip and Laz isn't demonstrated to have really done any redemption/character work, still saying some of the same problematic things he'd said before, so I'm not satisfied with the way things are currently.
We also don't see Zaria like, confront her mother about all her lies and betrayals, we don't see much about Zaria and Kirwyn going through the highs and lows and aftermath of their victory and all the work that comes after the battle. After so much of a book being dedicated to one big battle with the results sequestered to a summary of years worth of events and somehow still so much left unaddressed... it deflated me a bit.
Still, I got through the book and I can say that although I'm unsatisfied with this installment, I have endured much worse feelings to books, and am willing to keep an open mind for what the fourth book may bring to the table.
I knew going in that the series jumps from a more YA tone to a distinctly adult tone, and that's not where the issue is: I think the amount of sex in the story did the series a disservice. I think it made it feel... like the inclusion of erotic scenes wasn't well considered and they were added in in such excess just because the author wanted to write them.
It started to feel empty and repetitive because basically anytime Zaria and Kirwyn have a moment together to talk or be romantic, it became a sex scene. Their romance shouldn't have relied so heavily on sex to express their affection, commitment, and love. I've always been of a mind that sex scenes are tools to utilize carefully to enhance a romance, a relationship, a character, a plot--the timing needs to be right to make it count, to give it impact. If you're too heavy handed or excessive, it loses emotion, it loses engagement, it loses purpose.
Especially because so much of the repetitive sex took place while they were just hanging around Mal-Yin's place, not doing much besides going over the same few points for some banter that fizzled out. I think this section of the book was a bit of a waste.
Honestly, the most impactful "sex" scene (I say it in quotations because it was sexual but not a sex scene in the usual sense, if that makes sense) was probably the one between Zaria and Laz because it was a climax of so much emotion and build up, the scene holds weight because it was set up and executed at the right moment to matter.
Speaking of Laz... this series does play around with grey morality more than I anticipated. Zaria started off so stubborn and naive, but she's pretty flawed and has complexities as she battles inner conflicts about her feelings, ethics, choices, etc. and there's acknowledgement that politics and such are seldom black/white matters without fall out or losers or dark means to justify lighter ends.
Also I find the whole my traitorous body concept a bit uncomfortable and very easy to use in a very bad way--feeling sexual desire is not consent--and Laz did push the line really hard, I think it served its purpose without advocating for something awful. The grey area of the whole thing... I understand it here, but it is on thin ice.
Circling back to the wasted space in the compound... the ending felt a bit abrupt to me, sadly. I am hoping that book IV will more strongly address things and isn't a spin off (a post the author made has me thinking it's meant to showcase Mal-Yin and Aewna's relationship) so much as it is a proper conclusion, but it kind of felt like after Zaria was faced with Juls and Laz again, the after affects of everything Zaria was working towards were severely reduced to footnotes in an epilogue before a bombshell was dropped and a sort of unresolved ending was tacked on.
Like, the relationship between Laz and Zaria doesn't have a resolution, we just kind have this sense that she's probably going to There's a big time skip and Laz isn't demonstrated to have really done any redemption/character work, still saying some of the same problematic things he'd said before, so I'm not satisfied with the way things are currently.
We also don't see Zaria like, confront her mother about all her lies and betrayals, we don't see much about Zaria and Kirwyn going through the highs and lows and aftermath of their victory and all the work that comes after the battle. After so much of a book being dedicated to one big battle with the results sequestered to a summary of years worth of events and somehow still so much left unaddressed... it deflated me a bit.
Still, I got through the book and I can say that although I'm unsatisfied with this installment, I have endured much worse feelings to books, and am willing to keep an open mind for what the fourth book may bring to the table.
November 30, 2023
I am so sad to give this book such a low review but the last 10% of the book ruined it for me.
First the good: awesome world building! I’d love to hear more about the other clans! Also the spice scenes were well written and a lot of fun. I also appreciated the frank discussions around assault.
Okay, now for the bad: first off, I think the shift from YA to NA to explicit was really jarring. It felt like the author discovered smut half way through writing the series and wanted to try her hand at it.
Second, it felt like the author was trying to get feminist points by using all the buzzwords, but was oblivious to her own perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. The main female characters all need to be protected by men. The perfect and supportive men come right out and say they don’t want to ride the coat tails of the women. Zaria always goes to how much she respects Kirwin and looks up to him, and though he says she’s a goddess to him, his actions and even words say otherwise. It feels like she’s enforcing the whole “men need respect women need love” stereotype. And then there’s Lazlian. Look, I like a good morally grey MMC, but there was nothing grey about him. He is awful. Backstory does nothing to build empathy. It’s not like he did bad things for good reasons. Nope, he just hates women. But Zaria still wants to bang him after years of happy marriage to Kirwin? Hard pass.
Finally, the plot wrapped up way too quick and perfect, felt more like a romance novel than the dystopian book it had been ramping up to be.
All in all, I’m just really sad to see such a cool premise wasted so thoroughly.
First the good: awesome world building! I’d love to hear more about the other clans! Also the spice scenes were well written and a lot of fun. I also appreciated the frank discussions around assault.
Okay, now for the bad: first off, I think the shift from YA to NA to explicit was really jarring. It felt like the author discovered smut half way through writing the series and wanted to try her hand at it.
Second, it felt like the author was trying to get feminist points by using all the buzzwords, but was oblivious to her own perpetuation of harmful stereotypes. The main female characters all need to be protected by men. The perfect and supportive men come right out and say they don’t want to ride the coat tails of the women. Zaria always goes to how much she respects Kirwin and looks up to him, and though he says she’s a goddess to him, his actions and even words say otherwise. It feels like she’s enforcing the whole “men need respect women need love” stereotype. And then there’s Lazlian. Look, I like a good morally grey MMC, but there was nothing grey about him. He is awful. Backstory does nothing to build empathy. It’s not like he did bad things for good reasons. Nope, he just hates women. But Zaria still wants to bang him after years of happy marriage to Kirwin? Hard pass.
Finally, the plot wrapped up way too quick and perfect, felt more like a romance novel than the dystopian book it had been ramping up to be.
All in all, I’m just really sad to see such a cool premise wasted so thoroughly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2023
Story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow!!! I want to start off by saying how much I love this series. It’s actually one of my favorite series ever. It just hooks me in. This book was everything😩😩I’m still in the fence if my favorite is the second or third book.
This was definitely the spicier book of the three. It had more spice, but I felt it wasn’t taking away from the plot, so I love that.
This book starts off at the end of book three essentially. They have to hide from the Spades and Rythasian soldiers. The set of on a deadly mission on the mainland to help make changes to Rythas and Elowa. But not without trouble along the way.
Love Kirwyn’s and Zaria’s relationship. Love how he empowers her and is there for her when she always needs him. He’s the right amount of overprotective without being overbearing imo. Their intimate moments were so good. I love his dirty talk. It made those scenes so much better.
Now let’s talk about Lazlian, in other words Lazdaddy😉He got my heart so fast. I already got attached to him in the second book and this one just made it worse😩😩 I love every scene he’s in. I literally couldn’t wait until the next scene that he was going to be in. Do I think he’s crazy? Yes. Do I still want him? Also yes. The tension he and Zaria had in the fourth part of the book was🥵🥵 If I were Zaria I would’ve folded so fast.
I didn’t want this book to end, but I got so happy the author announced a fourth. Now I can have more Lazdaddy😏
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Wow!!! I want to start off by saying how much I love this series. It’s actually one of my favorite series ever. It just hooks me in. This book was everything😩😩I’m still in the fence if my favorite is the second or third book.
This was definitely the spicier book of the three. It had more spice, but I felt it wasn’t taking away from the plot, so I love that.
This book starts off at the end of book three essentially. They have to hide from the Spades and Rythasian soldiers. The set of on a deadly mission on the mainland to help make changes to Rythas and Elowa. But not without trouble along the way.
Love Kirwyn’s and Zaria’s relationship. Love how he empowers her and is there for her when she always needs him. He’s the right amount of overprotective without being overbearing imo. Their intimate moments were so good. I love his dirty talk. It made those scenes so much better.
Now let’s talk about Lazlian, in other words Lazdaddy😉He got my heart so fast. I already got attached to him in the second book and this one just made it worse😩😩 I love every scene he’s in. I literally couldn’t wait until the next scene that he was going to be in. Do I think he’s crazy? Yes. Do I still want him? Also yes. The tension he and Zaria had in the fourth part of the book was🥵🥵 If I were Zaria I would’ve folded so fast.
I didn’t want this book to end, but I got so happy the author announced a fourth. Now I can have more Lazdaddy😏
February 5, 2023
When I read the first book of the series, I was at a slightly different place in my life, so I think I enjoyed it more. However, with each book I grew more eager to get this trilogy over with. The first half of the book didn’t really keep me engaged but once I got to ~75% it got interesting due to the battle scenes. I’m annoyed with how the book ended and that a lot of scenes and details were rushed so that information could answer some questions as a reader. I wanted more with Lazlian and I honestly don’t like Zaria. She is repeatedly playing damsel in distress and needs a man to save her. She claims to not be naïve and until the last chapter, she always acts naïve. With how big the series seemed to have been, the details I wanted were completely different from the details I got.
Thankfully, it did have a true plot. There are lots of books that base their storyline on smut alone (there is a large handful of those scenes, especially in the beginning of this last book) and I’m glad the book had a goal in mind. It’s not the worst series, but I’m going to need to read a couple stand alones before I venture into a series again after this one. It’s a lot of work if you’re not a fast reader.
Thankfully, it did have a true plot. There are lots of books that base their storyline on smut alone (there is a large handful of those scenes, especially in the beginning of this last book) and I’m glad the book had a goal in mind. It’s not the worst series, but I’m going to need to read a couple stand alones before I venture into a series again after this one. It’s a lot of work if you’re not a fast reader.
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