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Rise of the Iliri #9
Havoc
- 2022 Expanded Edition -
HISTORY DECREES SHE MUST DIE -- OR LOSE HER MIND
All Kaisaes must die, Sal has heard this for a little too long. The difference is that she's not like all Kaisaes. Somehow, those two things must cancel each other out, right? But her researcher has discovered a lot more than old books. It seems there's a coup slowly brewing while the army is on the other side of the country.
Which means that things aren't only falling apart in her mind. They're also crumbling at home, and while Sal may not be responsible for the politics of the humans in her country, she still owes them. They're as much her people as the survivors of the Emperor's extermination.
Humans, iliri, grauori - the three species of this world can't keep lines between them. Their cultures are colliding, and winning the war won't be enough to smooth all the tensions. If all three species want to survive in the new world they're making, then changes need to start now.
Big changes. The kind that are going to hurt, because there is an answer. It's been staring her in the face this whole time. But she can't do it alone.
Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.
HISTORY DECREES SHE MUST DIE -- OR LOSE HER MIND
All Kaisaes must die, Sal has heard this for a little too long. The difference is that she's not like all Kaisaes. Somehow, those two things must cancel each other out, right? But her researcher has discovered a lot more than old books. It seems there's a coup slowly brewing while the army is on the other side of the country.
Which means that things aren't only falling apart in her mind. They're also crumbling at home, and while Sal may not be responsible for the politics of the humans in her country, she still owes them. They're as much her people as the survivors of the Emperor's extermination.
Humans, iliri, grauori - the three species of this world can't keep lines between them. Their cultures are colliding, and winning the war won't be enough to smooth all the tensions. If all three species want to survive in the new world they're making, then changes need to start now.
Big changes. The kind that are going to hurt, because there is an answer. It's been staring her in the face this whole time. But she can't do it alone.
Like all the books in the Rise of the Iliri series, this is a complete epic science-fantasy novel, without a cliffhanger. The female lead has multiple consensual romantic relationships as well as fulfilling friendships that matter to the storyline. Because the illiri have insatiable and exotic sexual instincts, the smoking hot sex may make it unsuitable for humans under 18.
628 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2019
434 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
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September 13, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/13/2019)! 🎁
July 20, 2019
Wow. Another great addition to the Rise of the Iliri series. I loved the character development and getting to know some characters better. The twists and turns. The heartbreak only to find that not all is as it seems. The massive book hangover I have where I sat for two hours after finishing it just staring at my screen trying to get my brain to function again. The steamy scenes between Sal and her mates. The battles getting even more intense. And knowing that we are getting so very close to the end of Sal's journey yet there's still so much to learn. I couldn't put it down and even snuck in reading some while at work. Auryn never fails to captivate and keep you guessing. I can't wait to reread the whole series again before the next book comes out and discover so much I missed during this first read through.
Rise of the Iliri is one of my go to recommendations regardless of whether they are a romance fan or not because it just transcends boundaries and has so much to it beyond just romance and sex and this one is no exception to that.
Rise of the Iliri is one of my go to recommendations regardless of whether they are a romance fan or not because it just transcends boundaries and has so much to it beyond just romance and sex and this one is no exception to that.
February 27, 2021
Awesome
Okay, so I rate all books in this series as five stars. They aren't perfect, but I love the story and enjoy the plot. I love the characters most and that's why I rate these the way that I do.
I'm this book, pretty much everyone gets to be a badass. I don't mean in battle, either, though there is quite a lot of that. Most of it was just in their actions, their hearts and their minds. I'm Anglia, Ryali seriously steps up and even begins a cute long distance courtship with Joevar. She and the girls from Tensa's get a mission from Sal and Dom and truly shine. They even get women in Anglia starting to really fight for themselves. It looks like Zep's daughter may have a very unique skill.
Sal and all of her gang really shine, too. Razor gets his fourth mate title and all of the scenes with Sal and her men together are hot and beautiful. We even get some POVs from Shift and Karl gets surprising news that ties really well into the epilogue. Geo meets a girl that I knew wasn't right for him, but the one I hoped would be for him helps him through that travesty. I also knew that girl was who I thought she was and a convo Sal has with Narnx proved it. Blaz is back and he and Tyr make a serious miracle when all was thought to be lost. And then there's Blaec. I knew it! And that's all I will say about that.
I cried a few times in this one, but these characters 're easy to get attached to. Salute to Odi because if he hadn't dragged himself back in that miserable state, Tyr and Blaz couldn't have done what he did. Also, salute to Joevar because if he hadn't then broken the news to Ryali, no one would have gone looking and they really would have lost.
I love these guys.
Okay, so I rate all books in this series as five stars. They aren't perfect, but I love the story and enjoy the plot. I love the characters most and that's why I rate these the way that I do.
I'm this book, pretty much everyone gets to be a badass. I don't mean in battle, either, though there is quite a lot of that. Most of it was just in their actions, their hearts and their minds. I'm Anglia, Ryali seriously steps up and even begins a cute long distance courtship with Joevar. She and the girls from Tensa's get a mission from Sal and Dom and truly shine. They even get women in Anglia starting to really fight for themselves. It looks like Zep's daughter may have a very unique skill.
Sal and all of her gang really shine, too. Razor gets his fourth mate title and all of the scenes with Sal and her men together are hot and beautiful. We even get some POVs from Shift and Karl gets surprising news that ties really well into the epilogue. Geo meets a girl that I knew wasn't right for him, but the one I hoped would be for him helps him through that travesty. I also knew that girl was who I thought she was and a convo Sal has with Narnx proved it. Blaz is back and he and Tyr make a serious miracle when all was thought to be lost. And then there's Blaec. I knew it! And that's all I will say about that.
I cried a few times in this one, but these characters 're easy to get attached to. Salute to Odi because if he hadn't dragged himself back in that miserable state, Tyr and Blaz couldn't have done what he did. Also, salute to Joevar because if he hadn't then broken the news to Ryali, no one would have gone looking and they really would have lost.
I love these guys.
September 14, 2019
Off to the next one...
I waited until the next book was going to be released before I read this one. Mainly because there are so many characters that o wanted to do a full reread first. It helps to keep everything straight in my mind lol. This series has been a journey and we are are reaching the end. Auryn writes in a way that makes you totally submerged in the world, you know the characters and can still be surprised by their individual thought processes. Love this series!
I waited until the next book was going to be released before I read this one. Mainly because there are so many characters that o wanted to do a full reread first. It helps to keep everything straight in my mind lol. This series has been a journey and we are are reaching the end. Auryn writes in a way that makes you totally submerged in the world, you know the characters and can still be surprised by their individual thought processes. Love this series!
June 12, 2025
I have so many passages in this book highlighted that it’s not even funny. I love it every single time I read it. So much is happening here and I can’t wait to get to the next book, even if the last three books in the series usually take me way longer to read as the rest.
July 19, 2019
This is a monster of a book and it is an experience to read it. If you are contemplating this book, you more than likely have read the first eight books and I don't have to tell you how amazing this story is. I mean when an author can keep you engaged in a story that is spanning nine books, then she is a fantastic author with a very good storytelling ability. This book made me cry, it made me laugh, it made me hope, it made me cry some more, it gave me some happy tears, but the thing that this book did the most to me? It gives hope. It might create havoc, it might seem chaotic, but in the end, through every sentence in the book, there is a sliver of hope, hope that the future pans out, hope that the war ends in the way it needs to end, hope that the Iliri find their way. Sal stands for Hope for her species and throughout these last few books you can taste that hope, you can see it and feel it.
Is this book everything this series deserves? No, it's more. This is by far my favourite series. I already loved the series, I already followed it so far and if you're reading this review, you more than likely have as well, but this book just made me fall in love with the characters all over again.
Is this book everything this series deserves? No, it's more. This is by far my favourite series. I already loved the series, I already followed it so far and if you're reading this review, you more than likely have as well, but this book just made me fall in love with the characters all over again.
July 19, 2019
These books always blow my mind. Honestly, I never want this to end. They're epic fantasy, but sci-fi at the same time. And. There. Are. Not. Enough. Of. Them. (Even if she doubles and goes for twenty, I'll still say the same thing)
Sal is getting a grasp on her abilities, and recovering from the drain of the last time she used them. Then she's back into the fight.
Lots of new relationships in the war camp in this one, and Dennor's daughter and her amma get a lot of play. Would have liked more Roo and co (they're background characters in this), but there was just so much happening and so many characters I can see why they weren't prominent.
I'm ready for their final push.
Sal is getting a grasp on her abilities, and recovering from the drain of the last time she used them. Then she's back into the fight.
Lots of new relationships in the war camp in this one, and Dennor's daughter and her amma get a lot of play. Would have liked more Roo and co (they're background characters in this), but there was just so much happening and so many characters I can see why they weren't prominent.
I'm ready for their final push.
July 19, 2019
Love this book!!
This series keeps getting better and better.
Havoc is a fantastic entry in the Rise of the Iliri series.
This book has become one of my favorite books of all time. It has it all, I laughed and cried and was so surprised by the twists and turns.
The battle scenes were so well done and felt like I was watching a movie not reading a book.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
This series keeps getting better and better.
Havoc is a fantastic entry in the Rise of the Iliri series.
This book has become one of my favorite books of all time. It has it all, I laughed and cried and was so surprised by the twists and turns.
The battle scenes were so well done and felt like I was watching a movie not reading a book.
I would recommend this book to everyone.
July 21, 2019
I don’t even know what to say...
Rise of the Iliri has become one of my all time favorite series, and with each new book that is added it just makes me even addicted.
The awesome world building, the freaking amazing characters that I absolutely love and am so freaking scared one of them may die, and just the all around one of a kind freaking story line, yea this series just freaking ROCKS!!!
I can’t wait for the next installment to see where it takes us next....
Rise of the Iliri has become one of my all time favorite series, and with each new book that is added it just makes me even addicted.
The awesome world building, the freaking amazing characters that I absolutely love and am so freaking scared one of them may die, and just the all around one of a kind freaking story line, yea this series just freaking ROCKS!!!
I can’t wait for the next installment to see where it takes us next....
July 21, 2019
This one was everything
This series is truly the best reverse harem I've ever read and maybe the best fantasy romance. Mrs Hadley knows how to create an amazing world. havoc made me laugh, made me heartbroken, and fall in love even more with all the characters. Fans will be very happy with this one. And the length of this one will not disappoint
This series is truly the best reverse harem I've ever read and maybe the best fantasy romance. Mrs Hadley knows how to create an amazing world. havoc made me laugh, made me heartbroken, and fall in love even more with all the characters. Fans will be very happy with this one. And the length of this one will not disappoint
July 28, 2022
With so many players and plotlines, this book now follows both the threads in Anglia (Rayli) and the CFC/Escea (Sal and her army). Yes the story is about war, but more and more it is about the aftermath and the rebuilding. But the Kaisae always dies... Sal found a loophole on ayati once, but can she do so again? The final battle is close and this book has me on the edge of my seat.
August 25, 2019
Another wonderful book in a fantastic epic series. I need to make another category in my Goodreads books, Great Epic Series. I've probably only read two or three truly epic series in my life and this is one of them.
Auryn Hadley writes so much truth, wisdom, and beauty into this series. I would so love to meet her and her husband. This series is the only one of her series that I've read so far. I don't know what I'm waiting for. I own two of her other series.
Auryn Hadley writes so much truth, wisdom, and beauty into this series. I would so love to meet her and her husband. This series is the only one of her series that I've read so far. I don't know what I'm waiting for. I own two of her other series.
July 25, 2019
Not gonna lie, the start put me off a bit. I was super concerned that I wasn't going to like the direction the author's writing was heading, but I'm very glad I stuck out that first 15%. Mostly 'cause the prior books were so great and I'm already so far in in the series that it would honestly be a shame if I didn't like it. My thoughts at first were "Wtf? Why are we reading the story from Ryali's POV? I want Sal. And Razor, 'cause new harem member yassss!" And then I realised how much unnecessary waffling goes on sometimes. Some conversations last pages and pages and pages, to the point that yeah, they sound realistic, but I want some story progression.
Anyways, skip to about 15% in and I'm starting to get happy we get little snippets of what's going down in Anglia. I'm really liking the direction of the book, and I'm starting to really like Ryali. She's actually pretty funny. And Valri is so precious. Initially I was super jel, and thought that Ryali was wanting to take Zep back, but getting her insight just proves she basically just wanted a baby. And I see some potential love interests going on with her and LOVE IT. Anglia's beginning to be a nice little story on its own.
However, hands down, my fave parts are when we're with Sal. They're always the most entertaining, and I just feel like I've bonded to her. Her life, her welfare, and everything that's going on around her interests me way more than everything else. I'll be honest, I like Shade as a character, but I want Sal to have all da guys (I'm selfish like that), so I really don't care for Shade. She's a badass, but I was always hoping Sal would take all the Blades lolol, and then some. GIMME ALL DA BOIS!!
Anyways, I'll quit my rambling, but it was a good story overall. There's some twists and turns that are sort of expected, but also not. I like the relationship development in this book, and I'm so happy about the ending.
Anyways, skip to about 15% in and I'm starting to get happy we get little snippets of what's going down in Anglia. I'm really liking the direction of the book, and I'm starting to really like Ryali. She's actually pretty funny. And Valri is so precious. Initially I was super jel, and thought that Ryali was wanting to take Zep back, but getting her insight just proves she basically just wanted a baby. And I see some potential love interests going on with her and LOVE IT. Anglia's beginning to be a nice little story on its own.
However, hands down, my fave parts are when we're with Sal. They're always the most entertaining, and I just feel like I've bonded to her. Her life, her welfare, and everything that's going on around her interests me way more than everything else. I'll be honest, I like Shade as a character, but I want Sal to have all da guys (I'm selfish like that), so I really don't care for Shade. She's a badass, but I was always hoping Sal would take all the Blades lolol, and then some. GIMME ALL DA BOIS!!
Anyways, I'll quit my rambling, but it was a good story overall. There's some twists and turns that are sort of expected, but also not. I like the relationship development in this book, and I'm so happy about the ending.
March 16, 2024
I love this story!
I love this story so much! It’s epic fantasy with a dash of sci-fi along with a hefty dose of romance. It’s hot, painful, fantastical, political and completely action packed. 9 books in and things are just getting better, or worse, depending on your view. While this is a fantasy tale, there are plenty of parallels to our own world here, both our history and our present.... the darkest aspects, really. Racism at its most defined and extreme is depicted in various ways, including the complete divide between intelligent species. There’s a lesson in morality there, and it is far from subtle. It’s poignant and pointed, buy the characters truly carry the narrative and drive this far reaching plot forward. It’s amazing.
Pros;
- Things are moving.
- it feels like it’s taken forever to get here, but the journey has been worth it.
- Havoc apples not just to events, but emotional connections as well. Be warned, it gets painful. Not book 5 level painful, but it hurts.
Cons:
- Some is the action scenes are muddled, but clear with a second read through - and that could be completely me.
- Ok... what’s with the giggling?😂
I love this story so much! It’s epic fantasy with a dash of sci-fi along with a hefty dose of romance. It’s hot, painful, fantastical, political and completely action packed. 9 books in and things are just getting better, or worse, depending on your view. While this is a fantasy tale, there are plenty of parallels to our own world here, both our history and our present.... the darkest aspects, really. Racism at its most defined and extreme is depicted in various ways, including the complete divide between intelligent species. There’s a lesson in morality there, and it is far from subtle. It’s poignant and pointed, buy the characters truly carry the narrative and drive this far reaching plot forward. It’s amazing.
Pros;
- Things are moving.
- it feels like it’s taken forever to get here, but the journey has been worth it.
- Havoc apples not just to events, but emotional connections as well. Be warned, it gets painful. Not book 5 level painful, but it hurts.
Cons:
- Some is the action scenes are muddled, but clear with a second read through - and that could be completely me.
- Ok... what’s with the giggling?😂
April 26, 2025
Not a stand-alone book. To truly enjoy it, you must read all the prior books in the series.
This book really shows the bonds of cessivi and ayati. I was held enthralled the entire time. I cheered and shouted and cried (all in my head since I was reading this after everyone else was asleep) for characters and situations.
Biggest sad for me - Geo
Biggest Yeah! for me - Tyr
Biggest Awww for me - Henrik and Valri
Once again, I will be looking forward to the next book with great anticipation.
This book really shows the bonds of cessivi and ayati. I was held enthralled the entire time. I cheered and shouted and cried (all in my head since I was reading this after everyone else was asleep) for characters and situations.
Biggest sad for me - Geo
Biggest Yeah! for me - Tyr
Biggest Awww for me - Henrik and Valri
Once again, I will be looking forward to the next book with great anticipation.
June 25, 2023
I have never...
Ok, so I’m a little wrapped up in the characters of this book. They make me laugh, scream, fret and while reading this I bawled my eyes out. Thank Goodness it wasn’t left as a cliffhanger. I need to read the next book, but I’m so beyond invested at this point.
Ok, so I’m a little wrapped up in the characters of this book. They make me laugh, scream, fret and while reading this I bawled my eyes out. Thank Goodness it wasn’t left as a cliffhanger. I need to read the next book, but I’m so beyond invested at this point.
August 19, 2019
It’s Even Better Than The Last Book - How Is That Possible?
Havoc
I think my brain exploded! This book is incredible. I was on tenter hooks throughout the whole thing. I re-read the whole series before starting this latest book and I’m so glad I did. It reminded me of all the ins and outs of the characters and the complicated plot and culture and this is certainly a series that is worth re-reading.
The plot for this book is brilliant. It’s split into two, with one part being about Sal and her army and the other part being about Ryali (Zep’s Ex) in Anglia. The army is on the move with many many miles to go. More people join every day as each battle is fought. We meet new characters that become acquaintances and old acquaintances become friends.
I really love the new story arc with Ryali. She is arrives in Anglia with her and Zep’s daughter and is immediately put to work when she comes across a scientist in the sub basement of Arhhawen. He is looking to find a way to help prevent Sal becoming insane and asks Ryali to help him research. As a member of Sal’s family she has the right to look in the Royal Library. This one request takes Ryali on a journey into the palace and into noble Anglian Society. She makes new friends and starts to understand her own strength as an Iliran female. The new friends she is making are human or mainly human and she realises that human society has it’s problems as well and she may be in a position to help her new friends.
I love how the two strands of this story bounce back and forth, each time making me wish I was reading about the other one because they are both so good. The first time I read about Ryali I was annoyed that I wasn’t reading about Sal, but after a little while I got so sucked in I could have happily read a whole book about her experiences.
This author is simply fantastic at creating multi-dimensional characters. As soon as you start to read about a character you can almost smell them. Each character has unique character traits and history. As with Ryali, you would welcome whole books about each character because you want to know them, even more.
This book has a lot about Ayati or fate in it and Sal’s relationship with it and her place in the history and fate of all Kaisaes before her. Her request to find an answer to her fate is a sign or her unwillingness to sacrifice herself the way others have in the past. It also shows that she’s already different because she’s asking for help.
I cannot state enough how much I LOVED this book. I really hate to wait for book 10 but I know I’m going to have to. It probably just gives me an excuse to re-read the series again, so I can’t complain about the wait, too much!
Havoc
I think my brain exploded! This book is incredible. I was on tenter hooks throughout the whole thing. I re-read the whole series before starting this latest book and I’m so glad I did. It reminded me of all the ins and outs of the characters and the complicated plot and culture and this is certainly a series that is worth re-reading.
The plot for this book is brilliant. It’s split into two, with one part being about Sal and her army and the other part being about Ryali (Zep’s Ex) in Anglia. The army is on the move with many many miles to go. More people join every day as each battle is fought. We meet new characters that become acquaintances and old acquaintances become friends.
I really love the new story arc with Ryali. She is arrives in Anglia with her and Zep’s daughter and is immediately put to work when she comes across a scientist in the sub basement of Arhhawen. He is looking to find a way to help prevent Sal becoming insane and asks Ryali to help him research. As a member of Sal’s family she has the right to look in the Royal Library. This one request takes Ryali on a journey into the palace and into noble Anglian Society. She makes new friends and starts to understand her own strength as an Iliran female. The new friends she is making are human or mainly human and she realises that human society has it’s problems as well and she may be in a position to help her new friends.
I love how the two strands of this story bounce back and forth, each time making me wish I was reading about the other one because they are both so good. The first time I read about Ryali I was annoyed that I wasn’t reading about Sal, but after a little while I got so sucked in I could have happily read a whole book about her experiences.
This author is simply fantastic at creating multi-dimensional characters. As soon as you start to read about a character you can almost smell them. Each character has unique character traits and history. As with Ryali, you would welcome whole books about each character because you want to know them, even more.
This book has a lot about Ayati or fate in it and Sal’s relationship with it and her place in the history and fate of all Kaisaes before her. Her request to find an answer to her fate is a sign or her unwillingness to sacrifice herself the way others have in the past. It also shows that she’s already different because she’s asking for help.
I cannot state enough how much I LOVED this book. I really hate to wait for book 10 but I know I’m going to have to. It probably just gives me an excuse to re-read the series again, so I can’t complain about the wait, too much!
July 21, 2019
As soon as i saw that this book was available I dived on the preorder. I have loved every book of this series, and this one was far from an exception. The storyline continues to be unpredictable and surprising, even though every situation makes perfect sense. Auryn manages to surprise the reader, whilst at the same time leaving them going “OOOHHH well that makes sense...”
As soon as the situation changes or something happens, your mind flicks back over the books and piecing together the little hints and clues Auryn left building up to the new puzzle piece for the bigger picture. And yet, you never guess what is going to happen before it does. Or at least, VERY rarely, and even when you aren’t wrong, you aren’t exactly write.
As always the writing is easy to engage with and follow page to page, it’s relaxing to sink into, but the descriptions are gorgeous and submerge you into the world she has created. This may be Fantasy and Sci-Fi, but the world is gorgeously believable, the scenarios wonderfully plausible. It doesn’t matter that this is on another planet, this Author has you feeling like you are there, in the middle of the situations, feeling the rush of fear, happiness, love, confusion... no matter what is happening on the pages, you’re pulled into the whirlpool of emotion, submerged in the Characters thoughts and feeling to the point you feel like you know every person in the story. They aren’t Characters anymore, they are friends, family.
I won’t tell you what happens, because the joy of Auryns writing is the shock value of the situations, all I will say is this... Auryn is an evil genius. Be prepared to love her, be prepared to hate her, be prepared for every emotion being ripped from you, and leaving you raw by the last page. As with every other in the series, the ending is perfect, Tying up some scenarios, closing at the perfect point... and leaving you wanting to scream at her because you NEED MORE.
The new element to the story was brilliantly done, she bas taken a Character we wanted to know and given us that chance to know them better. We have new romantic elements (good luck getting THAT guess right!!) and finally. Return to the Iliris new home in Anglia. We all wanted to know what was happening in the home kingdoms, and we got it. Wow. Did we get it.
Welcome back to the world of The Anglian Triad. Grab a seat. Grab snacks and drinks because you won’t want to put this down.... and most of all? Good luck...
As soon as the situation changes or something happens, your mind flicks back over the books and piecing together the little hints and clues Auryn left building up to the new puzzle piece for the bigger picture. And yet, you never guess what is going to happen before it does. Or at least, VERY rarely, and even when you aren’t wrong, you aren’t exactly write.
As always the writing is easy to engage with and follow page to page, it’s relaxing to sink into, but the descriptions are gorgeous and submerge you into the world she has created. This may be Fantasy and Sci-Fi, but the world is gorgeously believable, the scenarios wonderfully plausible. It doesn’t matter that this is on another planet, this Author has you feeling like you are there, in the middle of the situations, feeling the rush of fear, happiness, love, confusion... no matter what is happening on the pages, you’re pulled into the whirlpool of emotion, submerged in the Characters thoughts and feeling to the point you feel like you know every person in the story. They aren’t Characters anymore, they are friends, family.
I won’t tell you what happens, because the joy of Auryns writing is the shock value of the situations, all I will say is this... Auryn is an evil genius. Be prepared to love her, be prepared to hate her, be prepared for every emotion being ripped from you, and leaving you raw by the last page. As with every other in the series, the ending is perfect, Tying up some scenarios, closing at the perfect point... and leaving you wanting to scream at her because you NEED MORE.
The new element to the story was brilliantly done, she bas taken a Character we wanted to know and given us that chance to know them better. We have new romantic elements (good luck getting THAT guess right!!) and finally. Return to the Iliris new home in Anglia. We all wanted to know what was happening in the home kingdoms, and we got it. Wow. Did we get it.
Welcome back to the world of The Anglian Triad. Grab a seat. Grab snacks and drinks because you won’t want to put this down.... and most of all? Good luck...
October 27, 2023
*NOTE: this review is for the entire series NOT just this book. Minor spoilers ahead*
I'm finally reviewing one of my all-time favourite reverse harem series!!
Rise of The Iliri follows our FMC Sal, the last of the pale-skinned Iliri race, as she collects mates, kicks butt and changes nations.
This series is spectacular, I have yet to find a series that matches this one in world-building, depth of character, and plot twists. I love each of Sal's mates, they all felt individual to me (despite there being a lot of them), and I enjoyed not only their relationship with Sal but how they interacted with the other characters. I couldn't even pick a favourite, they all offer such different things to Sal. I loved that each of their relationships felt different and yet the author was able to pull them in together towards the end of the series into one network. I will warn however there are 'favourites' within the harem, so if this is something that bothers you keep that in mind! I didn't feel that this necessarily detracted from the other members of the harem however.
The storyline kept me pulled in throughout the series despite being so long, with plenty of violence and suspense juxtaposed with loving moments and relationship building. I won't spoil the plot but let me say that Sal finds her power with the help of her mates and other allies throughout the series! I loved her growth throughout the series and I felt that the ending was fitting. Be warned though, it was not an easy journey for the characters and there is a good chance the events of this series will leave you in tears! The ending is worth it though, and there is even an extended epilogue (book 11) to round out the series and give us a taste of what was like for Sal and family following the events of the previous books.
All in all, there is a special place in my heart for this series and I've yet to find one that truly measures up to the experience of reading Sal's story. If you're looking for a series that explores modern themes in a high fantasy world with plenty of why-choose love and violence, this series is for you!
As always, check your trigger warnings because this series gets intense!
Burn: slow-medium (builds throughout series)
Spice: 5/5 (in later books)
Harem size: large (builds throughout series)
M/M: no
I'm finally reviewing one of my all-time favourite reverse harem series!!
Rise of The Iliri follows our FMC Sal, the last of the pale-skinned Iliri race, as she collects mates, kicks butt and changes nations.
This series is spectacular, I have yet to find a series that matches this one in world-building, depth of character, and plot twists. I love each of Sal's mates, they all felt individual to me (despite there being a lot of them), and I enjoyed not only their relationship with Sal but how they interacted with the other characters. I couldn't even pick a favourite, they all offer such different things to Sal. I loved that each of their relationships felt different and yet the author was able to pull them in together towards the end of the series into one network. I will warn however there are 'favourites' within the harem, so if this is something that bothers you keep that in mind! I didn't feel that this necessarily detracted from the other members of the harem however.
The storyline kept me pulled in throughout the series despite being so long, with plenty of violence and suspense juxtaposed with loving moments and relationship building. I won't spoil the plot but let me say that Sal finds her power with the help of her mates and other allies throughout the series! I loved her growth throughout the series and I felt that the ending was fitting. Be warned though, it was not an easy journey for the characters and there is a good chance the events of this series will leave you in tears! The ending is worth it though, and there is even an extended epilogue (book 11) to round out the series and give us a taste of what was like for Sal and family following the events of the previous books.
All in all, there is a special place in my heart for this series and I've yet to find one that truly measures up to the experience of reading Sal's story. If you're looking for a series that explores modern themes in a high fantasy world with plenty of why-choose love and violence, this series is for you!
As always, check your trigger warnings because this series gets intense!
Burn: slow-medium (builds throughout series)
Spice: 5/5 (in later books)
Harem size: large (builds throughout series)
M/M: no
July 22, 2019
Here there be spoliers...
Omg what a ride! This was pretty intense! And I'm a little lost for words! I think this one knocked it out of the park for me and has been one of the best in the series so far! I just don't know how I can only deal with one book left! I hope there is more! I wish the map was a little more detailed and to scale so we could see exactly what was happening better. Also, where the heck is the entire Anglian army? Surely Sal didn't think she could take on the entire empire with a few thousand soldiers when we know in previous books that there are 9million Gaurouri. My heart broke for lil Geo, but that entire situation seemed a bit odd anyway. For a hot second thee I really thought Hadley would be mean enough to kill Sal and fulfill the Kaisae dieing thing and I nearly thought Bleac was holding her in the void to stay with him....but that was Kidd's sweet in the end, still wish he didn't die though. I always want to throttle Hax, urg the boy child just doesn't get it! Why the hell was he even there and not with his unit? Urg. Very happy for Blaz & Rys though, I really hope it doesn't take too long to get back to her other Mates. I really hope they can take the final push against the Empiror a little more slowly? Smarter? Really group with the bulk of the army and actually decimate him? Instead the strategy felt a little bit flat this go around, like nothing fancy happening and why on earth did she split the army? So many things didnt make sense.
Omg what a ride! This was pretty intense! And I'm a little lost for words! I think this one knocked it out of the park for me and has been one of the best in the series so far! I just don't know how I can only deal with one book left! I hope there is more! I wish the map was a little more detailed and to scale so we could see exactly what was happening better. Also, where the heck is the entire Anglian army? Surely Sal didn't think she could take on the entire empire with a few thousand soldiers when we know in previous books that there are 9million Gaurouri. My heart broke for lil Geo, but that entire situation seemed a bit odd anyway. For a hot second thee I really thought Hadley would be mean enough to kill Sal and fulfill the Kaisae dieing thing and I nearly thought Bleac was holding her in the void to stay with him....but that was Kidd's sweet in the end, still wish he didn't die though. I always want to throttle Hax, urg the boy child just doesn't get it! Why the hell was he even there and not with his unit? Urg. Very happy for Blaz & Rys though, I really hope it doesn't take too long to get back to her other Mates. I really hope they can take the final push against the Empiror a little more slowly? Smarter? Really group with the bulk of the army and actually decimate him? Instead the strategy felt a little bit flat this go around, like nothing fancy happening and why on earth did she split the army? So many things didnt make sense.
July 20, 2019
Jaw Dropping! Unbelievably Amazing!!
I could never write a review that could do this book or series justices. In this book we finally get some answers that I didn't even see coming. I laugh so hard. I cried till I couldn't see what I was reading and had to stop. Auryn has such an amazing talent, a skill of creation and storytelling. Auryn has gifted us with the most awe inspiring story I have ever read. A story so incredibly you could read over and over again and still get so in lost in story you feel like you have to keep reading to know what happens, even though you already know.
*HAVOC* makes me feel even if i make a mistake in life and want to give up. I can't because I matter to someone even if I dont see it right away. This book/series make me see that no matter where we come from or who we are, every single living thing matters and has a place for a reason. Every choice we make may not effect us but could effect someone or something else.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Even when the Sal's and the rest of the characters stories end, I can come back and read it again and be inspired. The only reason I can do that is because Auryn was amazing enough to share her beautiful and gifted mind with us. Thank You!
I could never write a review that could do this book or series justices. In this book we finally get some answers that I didn't even see coming. I laugh so hard. I cried till I couldn't see what I was reading and had to stop. Auryn has such an amazing talent, a skill of creation and storytelling. Auryn has gifted us with the most awe inspiring story I have ever read. A story so incredibly you could read over and over again and still get so in lost in story you feel like you have to keep reading to know what happens, even though you already know.
*HAVOC* makes me feel even if i make a mistake in life and want to give up. I can't because I matter to someone even if I dont see it right away. This book/series make me see that no matter where we come from or who we are, every single living thing matters and has a place for a reason. Every choice we make may not effect us but could effect someone or something else.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Even when the Sal's and the rest of the characters stories end, I can come back and read it again and be inspired. The only reason I can do that is because Auryn was amazing enough to share her beautiful and gifted mind with us. Thank You!
July 23, 2019
Auryn you broke my brain!
I give you a million gold stars! As you know I'm a rabid fan of your work, and this series is by far in the top five of my BEST THING EVER READ list. As an avid reader I go through a lot of books and series. It has been my experience that once a series reaches a certain point the writing quality suffers either in plot development or content quality. Most authors start to rush a storyline or diverge from the stories original plot. You Auryn Hadley have never disappointed me. Here we are 10 books into a series and each one is better than the last. Now I might not agree with where you stop (those cliffhangers of yours are brutal) but ever book adds to the overall story. I love that you can intertwine secondary characters into Sal's story without overshadowing her journey. Also it adds to the connection I feel to the series. I love each character even those I hate because they are so well written. All I can say Auryn Hadley is BRAVO!! I am eagerly awaiting the final two books in this series and I cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve. I'm off to do a reread. TTFN.
I give you a million gold stars! As you know I'm a rabid fan of your work, and this series is by far in the top five of my BEST THING EVER READ list. As an avid reader I go through a lot of books and series. It has been my experience that once a series reaches a certain point the writing quality suffers either in plot development or content quality. Most authors start to rush a storyline or diverge from the stories original plot. You Auryn Hadley have never disappointed me. Here we are 10 books into a series and each one is better than the last. Now I might not agree with where you stop (those cliffhangers of yours are brutal) but ever book adds to the overall story. I love that you can intertwine secondary characters into Sal's story without overshadowing her journey. Also it adds to the connection I feel to the series. I love each character even those I hate because they are so well written. All I can say Auryn Hadley is BRAVO!! I am eagerly awaiting the final two books in this series and I cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve. I'm off to do a reread. TTFN.
September 21, 2020
Blew my mind and gave my butterflies
This series I can not praise or recommend enough!!
Auren Hadley, you are the most exceptional writer I have ever read from. Seriously, how you design and the level of detail that you go into with your characters, your well thought out stories, your plot, everything is just so thought out, so precise, there is so many little things that you write during your books that 6 chapters later you connect the dots back to: It's insanely good and I'm in absolute awe of you.
Jace is just I can't even describe, I love him. He's my Ahnor.
I cried, I lost it, I giggled, I got butterflies, I had to fan myself, I raged - this book has all of the feels.
I am so glad about something that happens, but I won't tell you because of spoilers but seriously when that happened I just flew of my couch, I was completely caught up in the moment and in what was going on in the story that I could not put the book down.
Just saying, excited butterflies lived in my stomach for 50% of this book.
I can't wait to read the next one which I am going to do right now!
This series I can not praise or recommend enough!!
Auren Hadley, you are the most exceptional writer I have ever read from. Seriously, how you design and the level of detail that you go into with your characters, your well thought out stories, your plot, everything is just so thought out, so precise, there is so many little things that you write during your books that 6 chapters later you connect the dots back to: It's insanely good and I'm in absolute awe of you.
Jace is just I can't even describe, I love him. He's my Ahnor.
I cried, I lost it, I giggled, I got butterflies, I had to fan myself, I raged - this book has all of the feels.
I am so glad about something that happens, but I won't tell you because of spoilers but seriously when that happened I just flew of my couch, I was completely caught up in the moment and in what was going on in the story that I could not put the book down.
Just saying, excited butterflies lived in my stomach for 50% of this book.
I can't wait to read the next one which I am going to do right now!
August 17, 2021
This a 4.5 stars book. For me to give 5 stars is pretty rare so that Im saying 4.5 stars is high praise. I think this the book I have liked the most of the series.
First of all, the mix of scenes between Anglia and the CFC and then Escea was a surprisingly good change. I loved reading about Ryali growing into her true self and her relationships with Joevar but also with Henrick where just soooo adorable! And Valri is beyond cute!!! <3
I honestly don't have anything to rant about because the things that where bothering me like Aeley (which felt like rape in a way) and Hax the douche got cleared up in their own ways and it allowed me to like the rest of the story.
What happened with Geo broke my heart but Im happy that he found his mate and that he and his future mates have such a beautiful future to look forward to.
So yeah, I truly enjoyed this book and how the story is now unfolding. Which means that the only thing I have to say to the author is:
HAAAAALELUYAAAAA!!!
Look at you finally not bringing Blaec down and actually allowing him and Sal to be true mates!!!
Look at you finally making Tyr and Blaz mates!!!
Finally girl! FINALLY!!!!!
First of all, the mix of scenes between Anglia and the CFC and then Escea was a surprisingly good change. I loved reading about Ryali growing into her true self and her relationships with Joevar but also with Henrick where just soooo adorable! And Valri is beyond cute!!! <3
I honestly don't have anything to rant about because the things that where bothering me like Aeley (which felt like rape in a way) and Hax the douche got cleared up in their own ways and it allowed me to like the rest of the story.
What happened with Geo broke my heart but Im happy that he found his mate and that he and his future mates have such a beautiful future to look forward to.
So yeah, I truly enjoyed this book and how the story is now unfolding. Which means that the only thing I have to say to the author is:
HAAAAALELUYAAAAA!!!
Look at you finally not bringing Blaec down and actually allowing him and Sal to be true mates!!!
Look at you finally making Tyr and Blaz mates!!!
Finally girl! FINALLY!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2019
Another Amazing book!
I'm not sure that Auryn can write a bad book, just she's definitely outdone herself with this one!
I feel that It's a real mark of a good writer when I can be as invested in the characters 9 books in as I was with the first one!
We are thrown straight back into Sal's world and the action and romance never let up until the end (no spoilers but if you haven't read the rest you need to.. just because thyre that amazing, and also because it won't make much sense unless you have)
It's definitely one of Auryn's skills to be able to write such detailed scenes and yet still hold the reader's attention. I was completely sucked into the world and found myself laughing, crying and smiling along with the characters.
I love how Auryn writes emotion and relationships and found myself 're reading some lines just so I could get that feeling again (You know the one where your heart just skips for a second)
Well done yet again! I need more and eagerly await the next in the series.
I'm not sure that Auryn can write a bad book, just she's definitely outdone herself with this one!
I feel that It's a real mark of a good writer when I can be as invested in the characters 9 books in as I was with the first one!
We are thrown straight back into Sal's world and the action and romance never let up until the end (no spoilers but if you haven't read the rest you need to.. just because thyre that amazing, and also because it won't make much sense unless you have)
It's definitely one of Auryn's skills to be able to write such detailed scenes and yet still hold the reader's attention. I was completely sucked into the world and found myself laughing, crying and smiling along with the characters.
I love how Auryn writes emotion and relationships and found myself 're reading some lines just so I could get that feeling again (You know the one where your heart just skips for a second)
Well done yet again! I need more and eagerly await the next in the series.
July 20, 2019
Another great story
Another great story that I’ve come to expect. The Rise of the Iliri Series is an emotional rollercosted and Havoc does not fail to rise to the expectation.
In order to avoid spoilers I will simply say that the author is an evil genius in equal measures. The evil comes from her horrible hints that torture us fans between books, misleading us with her little red herring hints. Her genius need not be explained. It is obvious with every book she releases.
Havoc is the much awaited tenth book of the series and my only complaint is that the book ended and I must wait until September for the next one. I am both exited to keep following Sal on her epic journey and terribly anxious and depressed to wait for the next book, which could very well be the end of the series. It will be bittersweet when it arrives.
Havoc is extremely well written, and I high recommend it.
Another great story that I’ve come to expect. The Rise of the Iliri Series is an emotional rollercosted and Havoc does not fail to rise to the expectation.
In order to avoid spoilers I will simply say that the author is an evil genius in equal measures. The evil comes from her horrible hints that torture us fans between books, misleading us with her little red herring hints. Her genius need not be explained. It is obvious with every book she releases.
Havoc is the much awaited tenth book of the series and my only complaint is that the book ended and I must wait until September for the next one. I am both exited to keep following Sal on her epic journey and terribly anxious and depressed to wait for the next book, which could very well be the end of the series. It will be bittersweet when it arrives.
Havoc is extremely well written, and I high recommend it.
July 26, 2019
A breathtaking adventure of epic proportions
First off let me say this book was amazing!!! I absolutely love the iliri and Sal is the baddest bitch in the land. We catch up to our pack in the middle of all out Armageddon proportion like War. There is very little hope and things are not going well at home. There are plots to overthrow Dom's rule and a very quiet revolution starting with the women of Angolia and then we follow us small pack of fearless bitches who are out to pay a favor back. This is another amazing installment in this series and if you haven't read it before stop what you are doing now go back to the first book and I'll see you in two weeks when you've caught up. I absolutely adore this series because the heroine is so raw and real and completely Unapologetic in her authenticity. You have never read a series like this before and you will never read anything quite like it again. I can't wait for the next book and remember it matters.
First off let me say this book was amazing!!! I absolutely love the iliri and Sal is the baddest bitch in the land. We catch up to our pack in the middle of all out Armageddon proportion like War. There is very little hope and things are not going well at home. There are plots to overthrow Dom's rule and a very quiet revolution starting with the women of Angolia and then we follow us small pack of fearless bitches who are out to pay a favor back. This is another amazing installment in this series and if you haven't read it before stop what you are doing now go back to the first book and I'll see you in two weeks when you've caught up. I absolutely adore this series because the heroine is so raw and real and completely Unapologetic in her authenticity. You have never read a series like this before and you will never read anything quite like it again. I can't wait for the next book and remember it matters.
March 21, 2020
Cry havoc and let loose the Iliri of war!
Sal can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Merriton is done, they're headed to Escea, and then Terric City. Allegiances are shifting, Anglia is winning, and the Iliri are growing in numbers as they find more every step of the way. But victory isn't just the big battles, and so many small ones are still ripping through the Blades. Sal made a bet with ayati: no more lives lost. She forgot to add hearts to that, though. And ayati always takes its price.
Spoilers ahead.
Have tissues ready. And a shoulder. Go ahead and join the Facebook group. If you thought 5 was brutal you haven't seen anything yet. This one goes right for the feels and stomps them right into the mud. Anything I say is truly the most horrific spoiler betrayal possible and I refuse to do that to readers. But, yeah, be ready. This book is a thing of beauty in it's blend of love, loss, hope and despair.
Sal can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. Merriton is done, they're headed to Escea, and then Terric City. Allegiances are shifting, Anglia is winning, and the Iliri are growing in numbers as they find more every step of the way. But victory isn't just the big battles, and so many small ones are still ripping through the Blades. Sal made a bet with ayati: no more lives lost. She forgot to add hearts to that, though. And ayati always takes its price.
Spoilers ahead.
Have tissues ready. And a shoulder. Go ahead and join the Facebook group. If you thought 5 was brutal you haven't seen anything yet. This one goes right for the feels and stomps them right into the mud. Anything I say is truly the most horrific spoiler betrayal possible and I refuse to do that to readers. But, yeah, be ready. This book is a thing of beauty in it's blend of love, loss, hope and despair.
July 21, 2019
Oh. My. Ayati! (No Spoiler Review)
(Too much?)
I laughed, I cried. It was perfect. Of course now in biting my nails and waiting for the next 1-2 books (and lemme tell y'all 2 books would be fine by me because I'm not ready to let these bitches go!!)
Really, the more books we get, the better the story. So many series seem to drag on without a point, with natural ends passing by or glossed over for a rushed cliffhanger. But Rise of the Iliri? Its book 9 and I feel like I haven't reached the climax yet. The stakes get higher, the tension greater, minor plot points and mysteries are opened and shut but our overall quest is ongoing without getting redundant. That's a fuckin feat, my friends.
Hadley just keeps proving what a wonderful and talented storycrafter she is and the day I found her is a day I'll always be grateful for.
(Too much?)
I laughed, I cried. It was perfect. Of course now in biting my nails and waiting for the next 1-2 books (and lemme tell y'all 2 books would be fine by me because I'm not ready to let these bitches go!!)
Really, the more books we get, the better the story. So many series seem to drag on without a point, with natural ends passing by or glossed over for a rushed cliffhanger. But Rise of the Iliri? Its book 9 and I feel like I haven't reached the climax yet. The stakes get higher, the tension greater, minor plot points and mysteries are opened and shut but our overall quest is ongoing without getting redundant. That's a fuckin feat, my friends.
Hadley just keeps proving what a wonderful and talented storycrafter she is and the day I found her is a day I'll always be grateful for.
July 31, 2019
Winding up for the showdown
I like that the army is progressing toward its goal of annihilating Terric & the Emperor. I especially like her next mates. Can't give a spoiler per author's request, but they've been waiting a very long time for recognition. We find out from the researchers that Sal needs up to 13, so...hmmm. Another mate (who shall also remain unnamed) remarked that she might need more, or just better mates. Her boys are already scouting the locally available "talent" to see who she might find compatible and making plans to throw them together. Hax is a dumb sh*! as always, and is almost killed by his own peeps too many times to count. I think maybe 7? If he pulls his head out of his a$$, he might actually become a decent person but I'm not holding my breath. Looking forward to seeing all the iliri living happly ever after in Anglia.
I like that the army is progressing toward its goal of annihilating Terric & the Emperor. I especially like her next mates. Can't give a spoiler per author's request, but they've been waiting a very long time for recognition. We find out from the researchers that Sal needs up to 13, so...hmmm. Another mate (who shall also remain unnamed) remarked that she might need more, or just better mates. Her boys are already scouting the locally available "talent" to see who she might find compatible and making plans to throw them together. Hax is a dumb sh*! as always, and is almost killed by his own peeps too many times to count. I think maybe 7? If he pulls his head out of his a$$, he might actually become a decent person but I'm not holding my breath. Looking forward to seeing all the iliri living happly ever after in Anglia.
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