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If achieving your dreams consumed your very self, would you pay that price?

Hest’s titles seen to constantly multiply—dragon rider, warrior, husband, king—and he's working hard to live up to them all, even if each one seems to require more from him than the last. Between suffering beggars, jealous nobles, and a gang of violent thieves plaguing the capital, he can hardly find time to spend with his wife, let alone his dragon. And while he sleeps, one dark dream is repeating--an old enemy, come to destroy everything he loves.

Fearing what feels like a prophecy, Hest tries to protect his new wife, but his attempts only alienate her. He seeks comfort in the bond with his dragon, but even then he must be vigilant against losing himself in it and taking on the draconic form that terrifies his people and steals his mind. Then the unthinkable happens: he and Usheen are shot out of the sky, captured and brought to face powers far beyond his imagining.

Hest will do what it takes to keep his family and his kingdom safe, but at what cost? Will there be anything left of him when it is over?

Exalted is the third book in the coming-of-age fantasy series, Four Stars over Ardatz: Sovereigns. If you like addicting stories, vividly-written tales, and vibrant characters, you’ll love Kandi J Wyatt’s book.

451 pages, Unknown Binding

Published November 1, 2022

1 person is currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Kandi J. Wyatt

36 books293 followers
Kandi J Wyatt lives with dragons, most in human form--and some even blow fire! She spends her days providing space for teens to be themselves, inspiring them to be more than meets the eye, and spilling hope into their world. When she's not hanging out with fictional characters, Kandi's chilling with family watching anime or playing games. Her toddler granddaughter keeps her running--often in circles--and full of joy.

Want to know more? Eager to dive into the worlds Kandi creates? Head over to https://kandijwyatt.com and see what it's all about.

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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Profile Image for Jamie.
329 reviews49 followers
January 14, 2023
Exalted is the third installment in this amazing series. I have enjoyed reading each book so far and this one was just as good if not better than the previous two. I am looking forward to what is to come next for Hest and his friends!

Hest is now the Dragon King and is married to Sibohan. He is so busy with his duties as king that he doesn't have much time to spend with his wife, his dragon or just by himself. It seems that at every turn someone needs him to do something and it just becomes too much for Hest. Sibohan is upset because she wants to spend time with her new husband but Hest is just so busy with everything else that he doesn't show enough attention or listen to any suggestions that Sibohan has. Then there is the fiahat and fanka issues that need dealt with. If that is not enough Hest keeps having nightmares of Nwa killing everyone that he cares about and destroying Hest's life.

One day it becomes to much and Hest needs some time alone so he sets out for a ride on his dragon Usheen for what he hopes will be some quiet time. That doesn't happen because not long after they leave they are shot out of the sky by their enemies. Hest and Usheen are taken captive with no one knowing where they are or what has happened. Hest will be pushed to his limits and must face becoming more dragon like than he ever thought possible.

The plot is so good, the characters continue to grow and there are twists and turns all the time.
This story has so much action and suspense that I wasn't sure what was going to happen next. If you haven't already started this series you need to. I highly recommend this book and this series! This e-book was provided to me for review. This did not affect my review in any way.
Profile Image for Sandra Stiles.
Author 1 book81 followers
October 9, 2022
Exalted is the third book in the Four Stars Over Ardatz series. In book one, Uprooted, we meet Hest, an orphan stable boy who believes he is sold into slavery. He learns that the money paid to his employer was compensation for the lost wages she would earn from his services. In the second book, Blessed, we find Hest has been elevated to the highest position in the kingdom. In this third book, Exalted, we find Hest riddled with nightmares. Having killed the father of his enemy the son seeks revenge. He wants nothing less than to destroy the King, but not before the King watches everything and everyone he loves destroyed.
If you are unfamiliar with Kandi’s books, let me tell you that she creates fantasies that feature dragons in a way you would not believe. She is a true artist. You feel at one with the dragon’s she creates. They are so realistic they seem almost human. The bond she creates between the dragon in the book and the King is a bond that is so strong that it has the power to destroy them both, or bring them victory. You will need to read this book. Kandi has created a glossary of words in the back for the specific vocabulary her characters speak. She has created worlds so realistic you feel you are there with the characters. I have loved all of her books. However, I believe she has gone over the moon in the writing of this series. There are five more books planned in this series and I can’t wait to read them all.


1,131 reviews41 followers
December 26, 2022
Hest is married and the new king, and barely has enough time to juggle the duties of rule with duties as a dragonrider or husband. His dreams of an old enemy returning to destroy everything feels like a prophecy, and his efforts to protect his wife alienate her. When Hest and Usheen are shot out of the sky, he's captured and must do whatever it takes to protect those he loves.

This novel follows the story begun in Uprooted, then continued in Blessed. He had gone from presumed slave to king over the course of the novels, which makes him incredibly uncomfortable. He doesn't like the politicking and fawning nobles, hates that he can't trust others and needs guards around him constantly, and that some people don't trust him because of his dragon. His desperation drives him away, leaving him most at risk; as much as advisors keep telling him he's doing a good job as king, the doubt and nightmares weigh on him heavily. It's a difficult time for him, and I feel sorry for Hest. One advisor outright tells him that navigating the nobility can take a lifetime to learn, yet they expect him to do it immediately and not question their advice.

The first half of the story sets up the tensions that take over in the second half. It's a lot of fighting, intrigue, and magic. I enjoyed this half of the book much more than the first, so I suppose I'm a little impatient like Hest. It moves rapidly, and Hest finally seems to understand that he can't fight alone. He might be the only one with a dragon and the only one able to use certain magics, but he's part of a kingdom and a team of fighters. When we get to the end, it's a satisfying conclusion. We also get the teaser for a fourth book. There's more in store for this kingdom and the people in it, with a lot more intrigue to come.
Profile Image for Lily.
3,404 reviews122 followers
March 13, 2023
I didn't think this series could get any better, but it did! Hest's life has become pretty hectic - with many hats to wear. As anyone knows, that can get a bit overwhelming, and it made it easier to relate to Hest as he decides he needs some time alone with his dragon to clear his head - I've certainly needed a break from everyone to clear my head and reset before! I loved the book and the characters, they have so much depth, and I wish I could walk around Hest's world. The plot moves along smoothly at a good pace, and has plenty to keep you turning pages. Honestly, it was hard to pause my reading once I started. I highly recommend reading books one and two, so you have a better understanding of everything before diving into this installment!
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,265 reviews18 followers
December 16, 2022
this was a great entry in the Four Stars over Ardtaz: Sovereigns series, it had what I was looking for in the genre. The characters were wonderfully done and worked well. It left me excited for more in this universe and from Kandi J Wyatt.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.7k reviews189 followers
October 26, 2022
Another amazing story. Being King, husband, dragon rider and more isn’t easy on your home li. Add danger and intrigue into the hat is definitely difficult. Totally enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

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