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The Coldest Fae #4
Fated
5 hours and 39 minutes
To save Arcadia, I must fly into the heart of the storm
There's a prophecy that the white wolf will save Arcadia from the clutches of a terrible storm.
I am the white wolf, but even I'm having trouble believing the prophecy.
The former Prince Radulf is meant to be dead, but he's not. His spirit has taken possession of Prince Cillian's body, and if that wasn't bad enough, whatever soul bond the Prince and I had is gone.
The only way to re-forge my bond with the Prince is to win the Royal Selection, but the city of Windhelm thinks I'm a murderer, and may outright kill me as soon as I walk through their gates.
It's a chance I'm going to have to take, because if I fail, then it won't just be Arcadia that falls, but so will Earth once the armies of winter come crashing through portals like avalanches.
To save Arcadia, I must fly into the heart of the storm
There's a prophecy that the white wolf will save Arcadia from the clutches of a terrible storm.
I am the white wolf, but even I'm having trouble believing the prophecy.
The former Prince Radulf is meant to be dead, but he's not. His spirit has taken possession of Prince Cillian's body, and if that wasn't bad enough, whatever soul bond the Prince and I had is gone.
The only way to re-forge my bond with the Prince is to win the Royal Selection, but the city of Windhelm thinks I'm a murderer, and may outright kill me as soon as I walk through their gates.
It's a chance I'm going to have to take, because if I fail, then it won't just be Arcadia that falls, but so will Earth once the armies of winter come crashing through portals like avalanches.
Audiobook
First published April 25, 2021
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About the author
Katerina Martinez
93 books520 followersKaterina Martinez is a widely known author who writes supernatural fiction with a creepy, thrilling, and romantic bent. A veteran of many years of writing, she is the author of Dark Siren, the first book in the breakout Half-Lich Trilogy which became an instant bestseller in 2016. She continues to expand her back-list with books such as Wings of Light, and Heart of the Thief, and Night Hunter - three series starters that all take place in the same world.
If you would like to keep in touch with Katerina, learn about her work, and receive an exclusive short story set in the Blood and Magick universe, just follow this link, sign up, and don't be shy to drop her an email.
https://www.katerinamartinez.com/
If you would like to keep in touch with Katerina, learn about her work, and receive an exclusive short story set in the Blood and Magick universe, just follow this link, sign up, and don't be shy to drop her an email.
https://www.katerinamartinez.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
June 8, 2021
This review is for the entire series. One of my biggest pet peeves is when a heroine is competing or being targeted by highly trained individuals, but she magically gets powers and finds that as long as she relies on her instincts, she's better than them all. Why did we have her (supposedly) working so hard to learn things at various points? Granted, it all takes place off the page, so we are only told it happened, but she does reflect numerous times on how she just needs to follow her instincts and she'll win. She doesn't win because she grew as a character or worked hard; she won because she was super special and just needed access to those super special powers.
Then we have the plotting. The editing errors are also distracting throughout. The author even misspells Dahlia - the main character's name - more than once through the series. There were a couple of times where the author clearly wrote the wrong name too. Those kind of errors should have been picked up in basic proofreading, and it made the series feel sloppy.
All in all, this didn't feel particularly original, as I've read this basic storyline (competing against dangerous foes for the hand of the prince) before, and I've seen it executed better. More detail and attention to plotting could have made this a great series, but I'm afraid it was a miss for me.
Then we have the plotting. The editing errors are also distracting throughout. The author even misspells Dahlia - the main character's name - more than once through the series. There were a couple of times where the author clearly wrote the wrong name too. Those kind of errors should have been picked up in basic proofreading, and it made the series feel sloppy.
All in all, this didn't feel particularly original, as I've read this basic storyline (competing against dangerous foes for the hand of the prince) before, and I've seen it executed better. More detail and attention to plotting could have made this a great series, but I'm afraid it was a miss for me.
April 28, 2021
Good series but quick ending
I would have wanted to learn more of Randulf. I feel sorry for him, I wish there was more reviving factor after his ordeal and after being used like that. And whatever happened to Mareena? And the 3 mothers of Dahlia? What about the fates? There seems to be so much more to explore. The ending seems forced, quick and lacking. It would have been a great series if the last book of the series was written with more details.
I would have wanted to learn more of Randulf. I feel sorry for him, I wish there was more reviving factor after his ordeal and after being used like that. And whatever happened to Mareena? And the 3 mothers of Dahlia? What about the fates? There seems to be so much more to explore. The ending seems forced, quick and lacking. It would have been a great series if the last book of the series was written with more details.
May 5, 2021
*Source* Kindle Unlimited
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Fated, by author Katerina Martinez, is the fourth and final installment in the authors The Coldest Fae series. Dahlia decides to return to Windhelm in order to save Prince Cillian who has been possessed by his brother Rudolf. In order to save Cillian, however, she must do her best to win the Royal Selection competition. A competition which will test her new skills as the White Wolf, and whether or not she's the one who can stop the Veridian from bringing along the dreaded Wenlow with it. The issue? She's still wanted for murder.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Fantasy / Romance
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
Fated, by author Katerina Martinez, is the fourth and final installment in the authors The Coldest Fae series. Dahlia decides to return to Windhelm in order to save Prince Cillian who has been possessed by his brother Rudolf. In order to save Cillian, however, she must do her best to win the Royal Selection competition. A competition which will test her new skills as the White Wolf, and whether or not she's the one who can stop the Veridian from bringing along the dreaded Wenlow with it. The issue? She's still wanted for murder.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 27, 2022
Worst in the saga...Came off as childish and too much like other stuff!
May 5, 2021
Got to the end and it seemed rushed
After four books you would think you would get a wrap up at the end for the characters and sub plots! I was thinking as the end was drawing closer of what was the explanation for all that had happened and what was going to happen to the characters. I was really disappointed when the ending was literally just a speed bump to an epilogue by Gullie. I don't care for epilogues in another characters point of view when the entire series has been in another's. It throws off your equilibrium and just made me mad. It was a very quick wrap too! There was really no explanation for what really killed the king, she barely got a good bye to Cillian's brother, there is zero mention of Aronia or Mareen, and I just really felt like after all the time spent reading I deserved at least some loose ends tied up!! I mean, how was the king a shape shifter! Why did he hate them if that was what he was....how did the moon children come to live in Windhelm? Why not stay where they were? There was just too many unanswered questions and it's why I only gave this book three stars...it should have been finished better! If you are going to put out the effort to write such a series then have the grace to finish it! Don't make me fill in the blanks! It was your story and if I wanted to use my imagination then I would have written it myself!
After four books you would think you would get a wrap up at the end for the characters and sub plots! I was thinking as the end was drawing closer of what was the explanation for all that had happened and what was going to happen to the characters. I was really disappointed when the ending was literally just a speed bump to an epilogue by Gullie. I don't care for epilogues in another characters point of view when the entire series has been in another's. It throws off your equilibrium and just made me mad. It was a very quick wrap too! There was really no explanation for what really killed the king, she barely got a good bye to Cillian's brother, there is zero mention of Aronia or Mareen, and I just really felt like after all the time spent reading I deserved at least some loose ends tied up!! I mean, how was the king a shape shifter! Why did he hate them if that was what he was....how did the moon children come to live in Windhelm? Why not stay where they were? There was just too many unanswered questions and it's why I only gave this book three stars...it should have been finished better! If you are going to put out the effort to write such a series then have the grace to finish it! Don't make me fill in the blanks! It was your story and if I wanted to use my imagination then I would have written it myself!
April 25, 2021
We’ve come to the end of this series, and I will definitely miss it. Dahlia is such a good character, and she changed everyone for the better. In this series-ender, all of the threads are tied up in a nice bow. Before that though, we get an action-packed book with suspenseful moments where we don’t know what’s going to happen. One of the things I really liked about this series was how the author really made the world real in all the descriptions. I will miss these characters, but I am looking forward to what the author has in store for us next. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
September 24, 2024
Great end to this arc of the series.
May 12, 2021
Spoilers
Now that was a hard hitting, fast paced, action packed conclusion to the series!
It was ‘go!’ from page one. It’s amazing to see the transformation in all the characters from book 1 to now. Dahlia is no where near who she used to be as a meek, mild seamstress. Mira has a heart filled with compassion instead of ice. Even ‘the prince’, who was once the enemy has redeemed himself in my eyes by the end.
The only thing I didn’t like was how the end is so abrupt.
Spoilers-
Like how did killing the king just destroy the storm? How were they connected? What happened to the princes?
What about the moon children? The Ulhan? Dahlia’s mothers ? Or even Mareen?
There were so many threads still left out there.
Now that was a hard hitting, fast paced, action packed conclusion to the series!
It was ‘go!’ from page one. It’s amazing to see the transformation in all the characters from book 1 to now. Dahlia is no where near who she used to be as a meek, mild seamstress. Mira has a heart filled with compassion instead of ice. Even ‘the prince’, who was once the enemy has redeemed himself in my eyes by the end.
The only thing I didn’t like was how the end is so abrupt.
Spoilers-
Like how did killing the king just destroy the storm? How were they connected? What happened to the princes?
What about the moon children? The Ulhan? Dahlia’s mothers ? Or even Mareen?
There were so many threads still left out there.
December 12, 2022
2 stars…
“She’d been pretty confident that I was going to run and hide again, but my considerable size and the fact that I was rushing toward her now had burst that confidence like a zit.”
… why? Why does Martinez write like this?
Save yourselves this supremely underwhelming and headache-inducing time investment. The first one is the only decent installment, and it’s not good enough to justify reading the rest.
“She’d been pretty confident that I was going to run and hide again, but my considerable size and the fact that I was rushing toward her now had burst that confidence like a zit.”
… why? Why does Martinez write like this?
Save yourselves this supremely underwhelming and headache-inducing time investment. The first one is the only decent installment, and it’s not good enough to justify reading the rest.
February 6, 2023
The only thing that I really didn't like about this one was the pregnancy trope. It really felt unnecessary. The book would have been 100% fine without it. Honestly, it gets tiring seeing it in every fantasy romance story. The rest of it was amazing!!! I absolutely love the brothers working together. And seeing their relationship blossom, no matter how brief, was super sweet. It probably was my favorite part. I loved how everything was resolved! Dahlia and Cillain are together ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2021
I don't know what "binge reading books I don't like" means for my mental health but o well...
Yeah, this saga was not it for me. The best way I can describe it is like if a horny 13 year old wrote an adult fantasy book, achieving a mild and kinda basic YA book with immature characters and random smut.
10/10 should have done something better with my time.
Yeah, this saga was not it for me. The best way I can describe it is like if a horny 13 year old wrote an adult fantasy book, achieving a mild and kinda basic YA book with immature characters and random smut.
10/10 should have done something better with my time.
May 1, 2021
Melting
This is a great ending to a fantastic trilogy. Excitement, action, a pixie with an attitude and beautiful white wolf who fights for her prince. I highly recommend this book and series.
This is a great ending to a fantastic trilogy. Excitement, action, a pixie with an attitude and beautiful white wolf who fights for her prince. I highly recommend this book and series.
June 29, 2021
Finished the book so quickly and I’m left with a lot of questions; the biggest being WHO KILLED THE KING? What is that something black? 🤦🏻♀️
July 30, 2022
The Final book was alright, but unfortunately I don't feel satisfied much. Maybe it's because I was feeling low, but to be honest I feel like there was something missing or lacking at the ending.
Dahlia with the aid of her white wolf she defeats the dark forces that occupied Windhelm and Cillian-Radulf situation was solved and in the epilogue it's mentioned that they were now the King and Queen of Windhelm with a baby.
All of her friends Gullie, Melina, Mira, Aronia, Ashera, Toross were all well and fought together, even mean girl Mareen was also turned into a decent person.
So when it comes to HEA, without explaining anything about what happened after that last fight, what happened with the moon children, it was finished just like that. 😐
Overall, this was an average book, though I found it unsatisfying and plain, the writing was not bad either and the world building of FAE was neat. I finished reading it yesterday, but I found this already forgettable. So that's it.
Dahlia with the aid of her white wolf she defeats the dark forces that occupied Windhelm and Cillian-Radulf situation was solved and in the epilogue it's mentioned that they were now the King and Queen of Windhelm with a baby.
All of her friends Gullie, Melina, Mira, Aronia, Ashera, Toross were all well and fought together, even mean girl Mareen was also turned into a decent person.
So when it comes to HEA, without explaining anything about what happened after that last fight, what happened with the moon children, it was finished just like that. 😐
Overall, this was an average book, though I found it unsatisfying and plain, the writing was not bad either and the world building of FAE was neat. I finished reading it yesterday, but I found this already forgettable. So that's it.
December 31, 2023
Dahlia has learned she is the white wolf and is destined to save Arcadia from the terrible storm. To reunite with her love Prince Cillian, she must return to the castle and finish the Royal Selection. Will she succeed or will everything and everyone be destroyed? The story is full of action. I love the character development. It’s a wonderfully woven take of magic.
Dahlia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mystery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dahlia ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Magic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mystery ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Suspense ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Action⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 28, 2021
***3.75***
I honestly felt this one was a bit rushed towards the end. Series as a whole was good but getting to the end felt a bit chaotic in this one. Other than that, it kept me entertained throughout the series.
I honestly felt this one was a bit rushed towards the end. Series as a whole was good but getting to the end felt a bit chaotic in this one. Other than that, it kept me entertained throughout the series.
September 22, 2022
Wow…
Q malo…
Ese es el final? Enserio?
Y yo q tenía la idea de q podía ser un hermoso triángulo. Hasta me había hecho la película de que iban a compartir a Dahlia…
Malísimo…
No debe haber existido los últimos tres libros. Con uno bastaba y sobraba…
Q malo…
Ese es el final? Enserio?
Y yo q tenía la idea de q podía ser un hermoso triángulo. Hasta me había hecho la película de que iban a compartir a Dahlia…
Malísimo…
No debe haber existido los últimos tres libros. Con uno bastaba y sobraba…
June 11, 2024
A wonderful way to conclude the series.
July 26, 2023
amazing!
What an amazing end and super sweet epilogue. My hearts hurts for Radulf and everything he went through. But the happiness of our characters who survived was well earned! Great series!
What an amazing end and super sweet epilogue. My hearts hurts for Radulf and everything he went through. But the happiness of our characters who survived was well earned! Great series!
December 17, 2022
Didn't seem like much happened on this one
October 22, 2023
An amazing ending... lots of unexpected and so much in a short book. Surprised it was so packed. Katerina closed this series out with a bang! Hoping to read the spinoff of this series.
April 6, 2023
3.5 Stars
I absolutely adored Katerina Martinez's The Coldest Fae series. I grew up loving The Selection series, however I think I actually preferred this selection. The fourth book was great. I just wish that it didn't feel so unfinished. There were so many questions at the end that didn't get answered. What was the big black thing that killed the king? How was the king able to change to a bear? Why did the Veridian immediately vanish once the king died instead of gradually? How did Radulf give Cillian his body back? And FLIP, why was the Epilogue in Gully's point of view? That was like a bucket of cold water thrown on me.
I absolutely adored Katerina Martinez's The Coldest Fae series. I grew up loving The Selection series, however I think I actually preferred this selection. The fourth book was great. I just wish that it didn't feel so unfinished. There were so many questions at the end that didn't get answered. What was the big black thing that killed the king? How was the king able to change to a bear? Why did the Veridian immediately vanish once the king died instead of gradually? How did Radulf give Cillian his body back? And FLIP, why was the Epilogue in Gully's point of view? That was like a bucket of cold water thrown on me.
"Words I had dreaded using but feared were my only hope of avoiding the business end of that knife.
“I’m pregnant!” I croaked.
Radulf’s face twisted, his eyes widened, and for an instant, the blackness in them receded like ink—revealing two crisp, bright, blue eyes.
Cillian’s eyes."
HECK YEAH
"I shook my head. “You know, I have been called all kinds of crap since I got here, been told I’m tainting this place with my filthy blood, but then you go and bring Wenlow into your castle. Why is that okay? Why doesn’t anyone see just how screwed up that is?”
He gave me his eyes again. “I see it.”
It was my turn to frown. “I’m sorry, maybe I’m delirious from the pain. Did you just say you see it?”
“I do.”
Wait, is Radulf actually a puppet?
"The King stiffened in his seat, his face turning red. “You dare address me directly, mongrel?" he growled, his booming voice blasting over the Coliseum.
Call me whatever names you want, that still doesn’t change the fact that this trial is a boring waste of everyone’s time—and you’re the reason for that.”
“I am the King—”
“—which means it’s your fault this is all so boring.”
"... the Prince shot up from his seat, raced towards the edge of the balcony, and waved his hand.
In an instant, the collar around my neck snapped open and fell to the ground with a hard thud that cracked the ice. I took a deep breath, and this time, I was able to breathe all the way in. Whatever residual pain I had been feeling from a moment ago was starting to subside, and already I could feel my strength returning, my senses sharpening.
I stared at the Prince, wide eyed. The King turned to glare at his son. “What did you do?!” he bellowed.
“This is not a fair fight,” Radulf said, “I have made it fair.”
“I don’t care if it’s fair or not. I want this done.”
“And I want to be entertained.”
That’s it. He’s caught on."
Woah… wasn't expecting that.
"My eyes drooped, and when I opened them again, Cillian appeared as if from a mirage. He was standing nearby, wearing a white, ruffly shirt and black trousers. He had his hands in his pockets, though, and his beard… it wasn’t so much a beard, but stubble—and he didn’t have any blood on him. None of that makes sense.
He pulled one hand out of his pocket and lightly waved
"Cillian…?” I asked.
He shook his head, a smile resting on his face. “Be good, Dahlia,” he said, and then Cillian moved through the mirage, making it part like smoke. Cillian’s face was dark, and bloody, but there was a brilliance to his blue eyes, a vibrance, a vitality. He was… him, and not—
“—Radulf…”
Cillian shook his head. “No,” he said, “It’s me.”
“Your brother…” I said, “I just saw him. He looks like you…”
Awwww. I just love happy endings🥺
"If you are both quite done,” Mira said, her voice rising above ours. “I would very much like to know what name you have finally chosen for your child.”
Dahlia looked over at Mira, then turned her eyes up at Cillian. “It was easy, really,” she said.
Cillian nodded, a soft smile on his face. “Radulf,” he said.
“Radulf…” Mira repeated, then she nodded. “I’ll allow it.”
“You’ll allow it?” Dahlia asked.
"I will. It is a good name… I think you do him a great honor.”
“He saved my life. Our lives… wherever he is now, I hope he’s at rest.”
The Prince—well, no; the King—placed his hand on Dahlia’s shoulder and gently squeezed. “I’m sure he is."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2022
This book has me verryyyy conflicted. I am utterly pissed that a perfectly good book was ruined by the "FMC gets pregnant and its a dangerous situation" trope, and yet at the same time it was the best book of this series. I genuinely don't know how to feel.
First off, this book has more plot than all the others put together. Stuff actually happens here. But even with this, not everything is explained. We are thrown into situations with little to no explanations - how the whole storm thing was beaten still confuses me and I reread the scene a few times.
Also, what exactly did the wolves do? They launched an attack, but as far as I recall, nothing came of it. FMC claimed they saved them, but... how?? I'm genuinely confused - and I'm really hoping it's just me misreading or something, because it would suck if the book was just written poorly.
I don't have much else to say other than I hated the epilogue. And not because it's a heartwarming childbirth scene - it's utterly sweet that their child was named after MMC's brother. What annoyed me was that it was randomly from the pixie's POV. Why?? The author couldn't even remember to keep the POV constant in that chapter - she wrote "I said" instead of "she said" when referring to FMC speaking. A minor error but it still bugged me. I would've preferred a scene from FMC's POV, having a moment with her husband. After MMC finally becoming a likeable character, it would've been a great addition.
Overall, even after writing this, I'm still conflicted. It is written much better than the other books, but it still isn't amazing. I suppose all books have their issues, to take it as you will.
First off, this book has more plot than all the others put together. Stuff actually happens here. But even with this, not everything is explained. We are thrown into situations with little to no explanations - how the whole storm thing was beaten still confuses me and I reread the scene a few times.
Also, what exactly did the wolves do? They launched an attack, but as far as I recall, nothing came of it. FMC claimed they saved them, but... how?? I'm genuinely confused - and I'm really hoping it's just me misreading or something, because it would suck if the book was just written poorly.
I don't have much else to say other than I hated the epilogue. And not because it's a heartwarming childbirth scene - it's utterly sweet that their child was named after MMC's brother. What annoyed me was that it was randomly from the pixie's POV. Why?? The author couldn't even remember to keep the POV constant in that chapter - she wrote "I said" instead of "she said" when referring to FMC speaking. A minor error but it still bugged me. I would've preferred a scene from FMC's POV, having a moment with her husband. After MMC finally becoming a likeable character, it would've been a great addition.
Overall, even after writing this, I'm still conflicted. It is written much better than the other books, but it still isn't amazing. I suppose all books have their issues, to take it as you will.
July 31, 2021
Overall I liked the series but it was really hard to not let this last book ruin the entire thing for me.
Fated just turned into pure rushed chaos. Pacing for most of the story is done really well, until this last book everything is wrapped up so quickly you're left kind of unsatisfied. The previous 900 pages of conflict with Mareena is wrapped up in a couple of pages. She just concedes from the competition and acts like it's no big deal and she never wanted the prince to begin with.. wut?? They then kind of become friends for another 2 pages and then she is never mentioned again. Also Radulf basically just gives Cillian his body back with no fight because after all this time he realizes he actually doesn't even care about being king anymore. The first 3 books were good, but I think the author was totally over this series and just wanted to end it ASAP for the last book.
Fated just turned into pure rushed chaos. Pacing for most of the story is done really well, until this last book everything is wrapped up so quickly you're left kind of unsatisfied. The previous 900 pages of conflict with Mareena is wrapped up in a couple of pages. She just concedes from the competition and acts like it's no big deal and she never wanted the prince to begin with.. wut?? They then kind of become friends for another 2 pages and then she is never mentioned again. Also Radulf basically just gives Cillian his body back with no fight because after all this time he realizes he actually doesn't even care about being king anymore. The first 3 books were good, but I think the author was totally over this series and just wanted to end it ASAP for the last book.
December 9, 2022
Well, I read some reviews first and I was on the fence on whether to buy this also or not but in the end caved because I liked the predecessors. And it was a win for me.
I loved how the characters evolved. I loved the plot arc and all in all I was very satisfied with how it ended.
I remember someone mentioning that there were some lose ends, actually I would advise that person to read again, quite about everything was explained. Not in great detail but enough.
I had a great time reading this and I recommend it.
I loved how the characters evolved. I loved the plot arc and all in all I was very satisfied with how it ended.
I remember someone mentioning that there were some lose ends, actually I would advise that person to read again, quite about everything was explained. Not in great detail but enough.
I had a great time reading this and I recommend it.
June 12, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s hard to imagine the first book and this last book actually being the same series. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the first book, and I guess you need to have the journey to get to the last book, but I guess what I’m saying is, the author evolved her writing and it became so much more!
I love how the characters where able to change fate. We weren’t stuck with “well it’s written this way and so be it”.
Great battle scenes and redemption for the bad guys.
It’s hard to imagine the first book and this last book actually being the same series. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the first book, and I guess you need to have the journey to get to the last book, but I guess what I’m saying is, the author evolved her writing and it became so much more!
I love how the characters where able to change fate. We weren’t stuck with “well it’s written this way and so be it”.
Great battle scenes and redemption for the bad guys.
May 13, 2021
What a boring series😑
November 19, 2021
Loved the twists and turn at the end ♥️
February 5, 2025
Fae-Shifter/Enemies to Lovers/Slow Burn/Single PoV
SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): The FC, Dalia, grew up in the human realm where she is a seamstress living with her 3 mage mothers. She knows about magic although not all humans do. She is kidnapped by the Prince of the Winter Court (Cillian) and forced to participate in the Royal Selection for his bride. This involves a series of trials for which the entrants have all trained for years and are the best of the best females. The FC, however, is merely a human seamstress. The story arcs over 4 books and covers the FC falling in love with the MC, her discovery of her true self and her destiny to save the Winter Court.
Heat Level: 🌶️/🍆🍆 This series is a very slow burn with no real payback for the wait. The FC/MC do not get together really until Book 3 and then most scenes happen "off screen" and are just referenced. Unfortunately I found the couple of actual sex scenes cringe making. The first time the FC/MC get together the FC basically jumps on the MC and its all a bit clinical with her as the aggressor (and not in a hot sexy way). The author's descriptors are terrible such as describing the MC's c*&k as just "it" as in "she pulled it out of his trousers" or "she put it in" and never actually calling it by any real name😧. References to him grabbing her "backside" 🫣 ... I found it all very clinical, sudden and not at all hot. It was a shame to have all the build up and then when they finally get together its like there was absolutely no chemistry!
These books could do with a good edit. Whilst not inundated with drafting errors there are sufficient to be annoying. Otherwise Books 1 and 2, whilst not particularly unique in the overall story, are told in an engaging and humorous way. I found the heroine to be strong and likeably and the author did not take the usual route of the FC suddenly having amazing powers which was refreshing. The way she worked through the first few trials was done well and in tune with the FC being merely human although she seemed to put alot of stock in the power of a well made dress 😄. The relationship between the FC and her pixey friend, Gullie, was lovely and the repartee between the two led humour to the book. Generally speaking the story itself evolved well over the first two books. and kept moving at a good pace with plenty of action and drama. The world building, however, was limited and we got very little context outside of what actually affected the FC directly which was a shame.
For me it was Book 3 where the wheels came off. Up to that point the MC had been suitably strong, cold and relatively alpha. However, his character was never developed properly and I don't know if the intention of the author was to have a book where the MC was essentially the weaker character and in need of rescuing but that was how it came across. I could not like or buy into the MC. Not just the few sex scenes where the FC was basically the protagonist (and I do mean protagonist) and the lack of chemistry but also the general storyline. The MC just did what he was told, had limited input or engagement in the story and was almost a side character. The series really need more depth and background/world building as for me, it came across as very 2 dimensional.
I finished Book 4 but unfortunately the story had petered out for me at this point and it felt like the author had just run out of steam. The whole "white wolf trials" were a bit half-arsed and then the final Royal Selection trials a joke and pretty pointless other than to justify a fourth book. I didn't see the point of the whole "Moon Child" attack as we never actually heard anything about it in the end and they didn't seem to contribute anything. The final fight scene was OTT and repetitive - lots of guards getting beat up and the good guys coming good then suddenly the big bad is all gone with no explanation as to actually what it really was and why it just suddenly disappeared. There also seemed to be very little that required the specific help of the prophesied "White Wolf" 🙄
Ultimately this series was a let down. When I first started it I thought I had found another solid author but unfortunately not. So many authors start this type of series with a bang and then just seem to give up and I end up skim reading by the final book and that was definitely the case here. Also, can someone please explain what the point of the 3 mothers was because they only every seemed to be mentioned after the first few pages for effect and then nothing.
SYNOPSIS (of 4 Book Series): The FC, Dalia, grew up in the human realm where she is a seamstress living with her 3 mage mothers. She knows about magic although not all humans do. She is kidnapped by the Prince of the Winter Court (Cillian) and forced to participate in the Royal Selection for his bride. This involves a series of trials for which the entrants have all trained for years and are the best of the best females. The FC, however, is merely a human seamstress. The story arcs over 4 books and covers the FC falling in love with the MC, her discovery of her true self and her destiny to save the Winter Court.
Heat Level: 🌶️/🍆🍆 This series is a very slow burn with no real payback for the wait. The FC/MC do not get together really until Book 3 and then most scenes happen "off screen" and are just referenced. Unfortunately I found the couple of actual sex scenes cringe making. The first time the FC/MC get together the FC basically jumps on the MC and its all a bit clinical with her as the aggressor (and not in a hot sexy way). The author's descriptors are terrible such as describing the MC's c*&k as just "it" as in "she pulled it out of his trousers" or "she put it in" and never actually calling it by any real name😧. References to him grabbing her "backside" 🫣 ... I found it all very clinical, sudden and not at all hot. It was a shame to have all the build up and then when they finally get together its like there was absolutely no chemistry!
These books could do with a good edit. Whilst not inundated with drafting errors there are sufficient to be annoying. Otherwise Books 1 and 2, whilst not particularly unique in the overall story, are told in an engaging and humorous way. I found the heroine to be strong and likeably and the author did not take the usual route of the FC suddenly having amazing powers which was refreshing. The way she worked through the first few trials was done well and in tune with the FC being merely human although she seemed to put alot of stock in the power of a well made dress 😄. The relationship between the FC and her pixey friend, Gullie, was lovely and the repartee between the two led humour to the book. Generally speaking the story itself evolved well over the first two books. and kept moving at a good pace with plenty of action and drama. The world building, however, was limited and we got very little context outside of what actually affected the FC directly which was a shame.
For me it was Book 3 where the wheels came off. Up to that point the MC had been suitably strong, cold and relatively alpha. However, his character was never developed properly and I don't know if the intention of the author was to have a book where the MC was essentially the weaker character and in need of rescuing but that was how it came across. I could not like or buy into the MC. Not just the few sex scenes where the FC was basically the protagonist (and I do mean protagonist) and the lack of chemistry but also the general storyline. The MC just did what he was told, had limited input or engagement in the story and was almost a side character. The series really need more depth and background/world building as for me, it came across as very 2 dimensional.
I finished Book 4 but unfortunately the story had petered out for me at this point and it felt like the author had just run out of steam. The whole "white wolf trials" were a bit half-arsed and then the final Royal Selection trials a joke and pretty pointless other than to justify a fourth book. I didn't see the point of the whole "Moon Child" attack as we never actually heard anything about it in the end and they didn't seem to contribute anything. The final fight scene was OTT and repetitive - lots of guards getting beat up and the good guys coming good then suddenly the big bad is all gone with no explanation as to actually what it really was and why it just suddenly disappeared. There also seemed to be very little that required the specific help of the prophesied "White Wolf" 🙄
Ultimately this series was a let down. When I first started it I thought I had found another solid author but unfortunately not. So many authors start this type of series with a bang and then just seem to give up and I end up skim reading by the final book and that was definitely the case here. Also, can someone please explain what the point of the 3 mothers was because they only every seemed to be mentioned after the first few pages for effect and then nothing.
September 26, 2021
4 stars for character development
Series review:
Pros:
-Unique plot line
-Decent world building
-Attractive imagery
-In depth character development for most characters in the story
Cons:
**(Mild Spoilers)**
-Every single book except the last one ends in a cliffhanger.
-Random cursing for dramatic effect, which diminishes due to continual repetition. I would prefer no cursing and more communication or exclamatory phrases not based on the shock value of foul language.
-There is a weird expectation that the h feel shame if a creepy pervert takes her clothes and other perverts stare at her. The victim earns no shame for someone else’s crime. All embarrassment belongs to the creep who threatens to steal or actually steals her clothes because he’s a coercive pervert or a thief. All shame belongs to the peeping Tom perverts who stare at someone to shame her and prove they don’t have the integrity to not coerce, steal, bully, or feed their lust on the attempted blame and humiliation of a weaker victim. I kind of wish the h had verbally acknowledged and denied their attempts at victim blaming.
-Some consent issues about whether h & H had a choice about their physical attraction and actions due to the magic “soul bond” she eventually gets rid of. Major points for getting rid of the sexual coercion of “Fate.”
-Some graphic sex scenes that are not physiologically realistic, but also are not painful to either partner, so points for them not hurting their partner on purpose.
-The whole random sexual attraction out of the blue, with no background or development, to people of the same sex was weird. Both times seem like an afterthought because there isn’t a LGBTQA character development plot line.
1. The h crushes only on boys, kisses only boys, falls into faeland, Looooves her soulmate even if she isn’t comfortable with her attraction, is around the strongest and most beautiful girls every dangerous trial with zero interest, and then suddenly during a flight from predators she crushes on a girlfriend and then becomes more involved with the H with no explanation or revisiting.
2. Every other relationship has background development or foreshadowing or flirting that introduces the romance to he reader, but with zero lead in, discussion, flirting or even discussion about developing a friendship or attraction, suddenly the friend of the h just appears to be partnered romantically with someone of the same sex. They never meet the parents of the partner or discuss the relationship at all.
-There is Graphic bloodletting (I skipped anything where the character begins describing gore from creepy predators, because that’s not my thing).
-Loose ends
1. h’s mothers never discover her HEA
2. h denies the soulbond due to H lack of remorse, but later married him w/o resolving this
-Fate runs everything but acknowledges freewill and basically seems to exist to deny the God creates good works for Christians to do before they are born and leaves the marks of his existence evident evident throughout creation, which can be observed by all people, leaving them without excuse for understanding that they are loved and there is a way to exist under grace being forgiven and forgiving others in order to create world without sin, we’re no one coerces anyone else and calls it a virtue because the fruit of the spirit is self control.
Series review:
Pros:
-Unique plot line
-Decent world building
-Attractive imagery
-In depth character development for most characters in the story
Cons:
**(Mild Spoilers)**
-Every single book except the last one ends in a cliffhanger.
-Random cursing for dramatic effect, which diminishes due to continual repetition. I would prefer no cursing and more communication or exclamatory phrases not based on the shock value of foul language.
-There is a weird expectation that the h feel shame if a creepy pervert takes her clothes and other perverts stare at her. The victim earns no shame for someone else’s crime. All embarrassment belongs to the creep who threatens to steal or actually steals her clothes because he’s a coercive pervert or a thief. All shame belongs to the peeping Tom perverts who stare at someone to shame her and prove they don’t have the integrity to not coerce, steal, bully, or feed their lust on the attempted blame and humiliation of a weaker victim. I kind of wish the h had verbally acknowledged and denied their attempts at victim blaming.
-Some consent issues about whether h & H had a choice about their physical attraction and actions due to the magic “soul bond” she eventually gets rid of. Major points for getting rid of the sexual coercion of “Fate.”
-Some graphic sex scenes that are not physiologically realistic, but also are not painful to either partner, so points for them not hurting their partner on purpose.
-The whole random sexual attraction out of the blue, with no background or development, to people of the same sex was weird. Both times seem like an afterthought because there isn’t a LGBTQA character development plot line.
1. The h crushes only on boys, kisses only boys, falls into faeland, Looooves her soulmate even if she isn’t comfortable with her attraction, is around the strongest and most beautiful girls every dangerous trial with zero interest, and then suddenly during a flight from predators she crushes on a girlfriend and then becomes more involved with the H with no explanation or revisiting.
2. Every other relationship has background development or foreshadowing or flirting that introduces the romance to he reader, but with zero lead in, discussion, flirting or even discussion about developing a friendship or attraction, suddenly the friend of the h just appears to be partnered romantically with someone of the same sex. They never meet the parents of the partner or discuss the relationship at all.
-There is Graphic bloodletting (I skipped anything where the character begins describing gore from creepy predators, because that’s not my thing).
-Loose ends
1. h’s mothers never discover her HEA
2. h denies the soulbond due to H lack of remorse, but later married him w/o resolving this
-Fate runs everything but acknowledges freewill and basically seems to exist to deny the God creates good works for Christians to do before they are born and leaves the marks of his existence evident evident throughout creation, which can be observed by all people, leaving them without excuse for understanding that they are loved and there is a way to exist under grace being forgiven and forgiving others in order to create world without sin, we’re no one coerces anyone else and calls it a virtue because the fruit of the spirit is self control.
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