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The Broken Kingdoms #4
Night of Masks and Knives
Wicked men stole the boy she loved. But when she found him again, he'd become more wicked than them all.
Malin Strom has been searching for Kase, her childhood sweetheart, since he was lost at the annual masquerade years ago.
With her gift for stealing memories, Malin crosses more than one dangerous line to take secrets from those who know what goes on behind the curtain of the wicked festival.
But when her brother is traded into the masquerade as punishment for using magic to hide Malin’s gift, her only chance to save him is to enlist the services of a brutal crook—the Nightrender—and he bears a striking resemblance to a face from the past.
No longer the boy she knew, her lost love, Kase, now rules as the amoral leader of brutal thieves. Pulled into his world of tricks and schemes, tantalizing attraction returns, but so do the secrets behind Kase’s disappearance, and the masquerade.
When their plan to save Malin’s brother takes them back to the dangers of the festival, painful betrayal forces Malin to face a cruel choice: save her brother’s life? Or give up the thief who has always held her heart.
Filled with luscious world building, spicy romance, and epic battles, Night of Masks and Knives is book four of The Broken Kingdoms series. It is the first book that takes place in the new Eastern Kingdom and can therefore be listened to as a standalone, though it's recommended to enjoy the series in order.
Malin Strom has been searching for Kase, her childhood sweetheart, since he was lost at the annual masquerade years ago.
With her gift for stealing memories, Malin crosses more than one dangerous line to take secrets from those who know what goes on behind the curtain of the wicked festival.
But when her brother is traded into the masquerade as punishment for using magic to hide Malin’s gift, her only chance to save him is to enlist the services of a brutal crook—the Nightrender—and he bears a striking resemblance to a face from the past.
No longer the boy she knew, her lost love, Kase, now rules as the amoral leader of brutal thieves. Pulled into his world of tricks and schemes, tantalizing attraction returns, but so do the secrets behind Kase’s disappearance, and the masquerade.
When their plan to save Malin’s brother takes them back to the dangers of the festival, painful betrayal forces Malin to face a cruel choice: save her brother’s life? Or give up the thief who has always held her heart.
Filled with luscious world building, spicy romance, and epic battles, Night of Masks and Knives is book four of The Broken Kingdoms series. It is the first book that takes place in the new Eastern Kingdom and can therefore be listened to as a standalone, though it's recommended to enjoy the series in order.
12 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 26, 2022
5266 people are currently reading
25823 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Andrews
69 books6,684 followersWriting is a beautiful thing.
I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.
Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.
I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.
Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 813 reviews
October 30, 2025
This was definitely a step up from the previous series. Kase is 🔥 as I knew he would be.
This storyline was way more interesting I think than the previous series. Starts off way more dark with way more action. I crushed this book pretty quickly and I'm sure the next ones will be no exception.
My problem, I'm finding, is LJ's FMCs. I think Malin will progress in this series, same as before with Elise, but I'm struggling to see the draw to the leading ladies in their first books. Kase and Malin obviously have a lot of background, but we don't get to really see much of that. And the FMC's just end up seeming more of a liability than useful to their respective causes.
But I'm thinking there is probably purpose to writing them this way. There is something to be said for the damsel in distress trope, but I think that storyline is falling flat in these books because there's so much violence and maturity that's required.
But again, I think Malin had a lot of growing to do here and will be more palatable for me in the next books ❤️
This storyline was way more interesting I think than the previous series. Starts off way more dark with way more action. I crushed this book pretty quickly and I'm sure the next ones will be no exception.
My problem, I'm finding, is LJ's FMCs. I think Malin will progress in this series, same as before with Elise, but I'm struggling to see the draw to the leading ladies in their first books. Kase and Malin obviously have a lot of background, but we don't get to really see much of that. And the FMC's just end up seeming more of a liability than useful to their respective causes.
But I'm thinking there is probably purpose to writing them this way. There is something to be said for the damsel in distress trope, but I think that storyline is falling flat in these books because there's so much violence and maturity that's required.
But again, I think Malin had a lot of growing to do here and will be more palatable for me in the next books ❤️
May 6, 2022
Ok so I have never been more catfished by a book in my entire life. This was advertised across all social media platforms as a Cinderella retelling with Vikings that gets pretty spicy.
This is about as spicy as milk. If you’re looking for that it’s not here. Upper YA at best. A deal with the elf king has more “spice” if that helps. The romance had no substance. There was no chemistry, no tension, minimal interactions with each other… it just didn’t make any sense.
Also there is next to nothing in the way of Vikings. A couple names maybe but that’s basically it. Extremely disappointing.
For this to be considered a Cinderella retelling, you would have to look REALLY hard to see the similarities. This was an attempt at a loose interpretation at best but I personally wouldn’t consider this book to have enough aspects of that fairytale to be considered a retelling.
All that being said- it wasn’t a bad story. If it was properly advertised and actually gave insight to what is in the book then it would have been a pretty fun read. I unfortunately just went into this book expecting something that wasn’t there. So if you go into this completely blind, you will likely have a good time.
This is about as spicy as milk. If you’re looking for that it’s not here. Upper YA at best. A deal with the elf king has more “spice” if that helps. The romance had no substance. There was no chemistry, no tension, minimal interactions with each other… it just didn’t make any sense.
Also there is next to nothing in the way of Vikings. A couple names maybe but that’s basically it. Extremely disappointing.
For this to be considered a Cinderella retelling, you would have to look REALLY hard to see the similarities. This was an attempt at a loose interpretation at best but I personally wouldn’t consider this book to have enough aspects of that fairytale to be considered a retelling.
All that being said- it wasn’t a bad story. If it was properly advertised and actually gave insight to what is in the book then it would have been a pretty fun read. I unfortunately just went into this book expecting something that wasn’t there. So if you go into this completely blind, you will likely have a good time.
December 4, 2023
I already like Kase and Malin's story more than Elise and Valen's - I feel like this is darker and grittier and I'm here for it!
June 17, 2024
Pros: prose; woman narrator; FMC has cool bone/memory magic
Cons: I've seen this plot done a million times
Cons: I've seen this plot done a million times
January 1, 2025
I fell in love with Nightrender during the first trilogy and couldn't wait when I heard he was getting his own series! And this book does NOT disappoint!!!
"Oh, the villainous lengths we all took. Truth be told, we were a little monstrous in our own ways."
Malin is scrappy and loyal. Kase is brave and strong. And I'm so here for their romance!! This one is a little spicier than her last series but it's all handled so tastefully. I really appreciate that fine line she's found writing it! I love the dual POV we get! Malin has spent so long searching for Kase and he's spent so long running away. Both characters are well fleshed out and easy to root for. Side note - I love Raum and Ash and Hanna. The side characters are just as fun!! I adore them all!
The writing is strong and the pacing is great! I couldn't put it down! I wanted to know what would happen next. The Masque is shrouded in mystery and intrigue! It completely sucked me in! I had to know!! There's plenty of twists and turns and a few at the end that took me by complete surprise!!! My jaw literally hit the floor! I love when books do that to you!
This is technically book 4 in the series but the first 3 are kinda their own trilogy set in a country across the ocean. There are a few characters that make an appearance and that's always fun but if you read this one without those you would still be ok. You'd just miss some of the backstory and fun so I still recommend you read those first just because I loved them so much!!! This series is a Vikings Cinderella story and I love the Viking aspect. It's so much fun! The book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and I enjoy stories that give you all the feels! The ending is mind blowing and I freakin can't wait for the next book!!! Lol, I'm already impatiently anticipating it!!! Thank you LJ for the ARC! I'm seriously stoked for this series!! Such a strong beginning!!!
"Oh, the villainous lengths we all took. Truth be told, we were a little monstrous in our own ways."
Malin is scrappy and loyal. Kase is brave and strong. And I'm so here for their romance!! This one is a little spicier than her last series but it's all handled so tastefully. I really appreciate that fine line she's found writing it! I love the dual POV we get! Malin has spent so long searching for Kase and he's spent so long running away. Both characters are well fleshed out and easy to root for. Side note - I love Raum and Ash and Hanna. The side characters are just as fun!! I adore them all!
The writing is strong and the pacing is great! I couldn't put it down! I wanted to know what would happen next. The Masque is shrouded in mystery and intrigue! It completely sucked me in! I had to know!! There's plenty of twists and turns and a few at the end that took me by complete surprise!!! My jaw literally hit the floor! I love when books do that to you!
This is technically book 4 in the series but the first 3 are kinda their own trilogy set in a country across the ocean. There are a few characters that make an appearance and that's always fun but if you read this one without those you would still be ok. You'd just miss some of the backstory and fun so I still recommend you read those first just because I loved them so much!!! This series is a Vikings Cinderella story and I love the Viking aspect. It's so much fun! The book takes you on a roller coaster of emotions and I enjoy stories that give you all the feels! The ending is mind blowing and I freakin can't wait for the next book!!! Lol, I'm already impatiently anticipating it!!! Thank you LJ for the ARC! I'm seriously stoked for this series!! Such a strong beginning!!!
November 17, 2024
as i write this review im curled into a ball in bed with tears drying on my face because THAT ENDING???
this book was the most heart wrenching combination of highly stakes fantasy (heist vibes ala six of crows), found family, and childhood best friends who were separated and have always secretly been in love who are reunited and go through HELL together 😭
to all the girlies who told me Kase would be my fav, thank you for knowing me 🫶🏼 he’s tortured, he’s broody, he will literally do a n y t h i n g to protect those he loves (bonus points that he has golden eyes and dark hair (hi darius)).
the magic system introduced from the Eastern Kingdom is SO freaking cool and unique. abilities that have to do with the senses / memories / feelings / emotions?? i’m excited but scared to see where the next books takes us.
the broken kingdoms series continues to be banger after banger. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS SERIES STAT!!
this book was the most heart wrenching combination of highly stakes fantasy (heist vibes ala six of crows), found family, and childhood best friends who were separated and have always secretly been in love who are reunited and go through HELL together 😭
to all the girlies who told me Kase would be my fav, thank you for knowing me 🫶🏼 he’s tortured, he’s broody, he will literally do a n y t h i n g to protect those he loves (bonus points that he has golden eyes and dark hair (hi darius)).
the magic system introduced from the Eastern Kingdom is SO freaking cool and unique. abilities that have to do with the senses / memories / feelings / emotions?? i’m excited but scared to see where the next books takes us.
the broken kingdoms series continues to be banger after banger. MORE PEOPLE NEED TO READ THIS SERIES STAT!!
April 1, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
First of all, I should have gotten back to this series much sooner. The intertwining stories, found family, deep love and unique settings in all of LJ Andrews stories just make my heart EXPLODE
Viking/pirate vibes and I truly couldn’t ask for more. I am obsessed with the way the men in this book (and all her others) love their women
I love Kase and Malins story, their friendship and love for eachother is so beautiful. The ending hurts and I fear I will have to start the next book immediately
First of all, I should have gotten back to this series much sooner. The intertwining stories, found family, deep love and unique settings in all of LJ Andrews stories just make my heart EXPLODE
Viking/pirate vibes and I truly couldn’t ask for more. I am obsessed with the way the men in this book (and all her others) love their women
I love Kase and Malins story, their friendship and love for eachother is so beautiful. The ending hurts and I fear I will have to start the next book immediately
June 4, 2025
Cinderella retelling demişler ama bu bildiğin Vikingli Kargalar Meclisi 😍️️️️️️
Kaz Brekker ' in korkularla hükmettiğini düşünün azıcık da Inej' in anılara hükmettiğini, ahanda bu. Direk kopyalama demeyelim de andırma diyelim.
Malin yıllardır hiç durmadan kayıp çocukluk arkadaşı Kase' i arıyordur, bu uğurda her şeyi yapabilir, bu esnada Kase sevdiği kızın iyiliği için kayıplara karışmış olup bulunmak istememektedir.
İlk kitap güzeldi ama bu kitap bi tık daha beklentiyi yükseltiyor, karakterlerin geçmişleri çok daha ilgi çekici, sihir çok daha ilginç ve yazım daha dinamik. İyi bir aile hikayesine, iyi bir soygun hikayesine veya Robin Hood tarzı iyi/kötü adamların olduğu her şeye bayılan biri olarak çok sevdim.
Bu hikaye tüm bunları içeriyor, ayrıca kayıpların geri buluşması tadında arkaplandaki hikaye gayet dokunaklı, bu kadar geç başlamama yanarak seriye biraz ara veriyorum ÇÜNKÜ BİTSİN İSTEMİYORUM.
EVER KING SANA GELEMIYORUM 😇
Kaz Brekker ' in korkularla hükmettiğini düşünün azıcık da Inej' in anılara hükmettiğini, ahanda bu. Direk kopyalama demeyelim de andırma diyelim.
Malin yıllardır hiç durmadan kayıp çocukluk arkadaşı Kase' i arıyordur, bu uğurda her şeyi yapabilir, bu esnada Kase sevdiği kızın iyiliği için kayıplara karışmış olup bulunmak istememektedir.
İlk kitap güzeldi ama bu kitap bi tık daha beklentiyi yükseltiyor, karakterlerin geçmişleri çok daha ilgi çekici, sihir çok daha ilginç ve yazım daha dinamik. İyi bir aile hikayesine, iyi bir soygun hikayesine veya Robin Hood tarzı iyi/kötü adamların olduğu her şeye bayılan biri olarak çok sevdim.
Bu hikaye tüm bunları içeriyor, ayrıca kayıpların geri buluşması tadında arkaplandaki hikaye gayet dokunaklı, bu kadar geç başlamama yanarak seriye biraz ara veriyorum ÇÜNKÜ BİTSİN İSTEMİYORUM.
EVER KING SANA GELEMIYORUM 😇
August 10, 2025
I give this a 3.75. The story got better towards the end. The FMC was just too meddlesome for my liking. I don’t know it just felt like she was always ruining everything.
February 28, 2024
so predictable & i feel like the entire series is getting a bit repetitive. someone’s constantly being captured, some scheming, some fighting, v mid plot twists…. then to be continued in the next book. just reading to read at this point but i’m not a quitter so NEXT! haha
November 3, 2022
I felt zero connection between the two main characters. Malin is annoying. The author needed to drag out the tension a lot longer. This was just poorly done.
November 14, 2024
When I realised book 4 was going to follow a different character to a different land I was really unsure if I would enjoy this book as much. Well, do not worry. I loved it.
I loved the new characters and the new relationships. One thing I will say...this new trilogy is clearly keeping a pretty similar formula as the first one. It's pretty predictable the pattern these books are going to take. Am I mad about it? Not really. Although, I do kind of wish we got a few more POV's in these books. I would love getting to know a few of the characters a bit better. Onto book 5 I go...
I loved the new characters and the new relationships. One thing I will say...this new trilogy is clearly keeping a pretty similar formula as the first one. It's pretty predictable the pattern these books are going to take. Am I mad about it? Not really. Although, I do kind of wish we got a few more POV's in these books. I would love getting to know a few of the characters a bit better. Onto book 5 I go...
December 29, 2024
im running out of words to describe hot men 😩
June 12, 2023
There’s not many books I’ll throw across the room… but this is one of them. The ending! 😩 I am unwell.
Amazing book, the characters are flawed and lovable, plot twists were perfect. I just can’t get past the emotional roller coaster. It’s so much.
Amazing book, the characters are flawed and lovable, plot twists were perfect. I just can’t get past the emotional roller coaster. It’s so much.
July 8, 2025
Another five-star read from L.J. Andrews. Just when I keep thinking I won't love the next set of characters, I keep getting proven wrong every time. It started with Erik and Livia, then Valen and Elise, and now Kase and Malin are introduced, and I love them just as much. One of the many things that L.J. Andrews excels at is creating strong main characters, as well as strong side characters. As the reader, you are rooting and loving all the side characters as much as the two main characters because there is such a strong sense of found family within these books. I enjoyed being introduced to Kase and Malin. Kase is a fascinating and multifaceted character, as his many secrets and identities are gradually revealed throughout the storyline. I love how Malin also held her own during the story. Their push-and-pull dynamic was written so well. I won't say too much more because I don't want to give away any of the big reveals. There were so many swoon-worthy lines brought by Kase, who is a top-tier MMC. With that ending, I am ready to move on to book 5 in this series! You will love this if you enjoy epic battles, Vikings, banter, and memory magic.
Favorite Quotes:
"Most days I couldn't decide if I should flee or reach out and touch her."
"Malin Strom was my beautiful downfall. And I would take any pain if it meant more of her. Ruin me. Brutalize me. Just give me her."
Favorite Quotes:
"Most days I couldn't decide if I should flee or reach out and touch her."
"Malin Strom was my beautiful downfall. And I would take any pain if it meant more of her. Ruin me. Brutalize me. Just give me her."
August 14, 2025
**Has a Knife on the Cover**
A little darker and more risqué than I typically read, but the storyline was good and kept me interested. I kind of wish the author had left a few of the twists secret for a little longer, but there were still a few I didn't see coming.
It also never explained why the main character had two names she was called by (but it is the fourth book in a series that I didn't read the previous books, so maybe it's explained in one if those...🤭).
I really liked the magic, though. Not everyone had it and their magic only did one thing. It was also limited and took energy when used (I hate it when characters have unlimited/omnipotent magical powers).
I was hoping the author would resolve everything by the end of the book, but it looks like I'll be continuing yet another series. 🙄
A little darker and more risqué than I typically read, but the storyline was good and kept me interested. I kind of wish the author had left a few of the twists secret for a little longer, but there were still a few I didn't see coming.
It also never explained why the main character had two names she was called by (but it is the fourth book in a series that I didn't read the previous books, so maybe it's explained in one if those...🤭).
I really liked the magic, though. Not everyone had it and their magic only did one thing. It was also limited and took energy when used (I hate it when characters have unlimited/omnipotent magical powers).
I was hoping the author would resolve everything by the end of the book, but it looks like I'll be continuing yet another series. 🙄
July 1, 2024
NOW this is the type of banter I want. This is the type of tension that I loooooove.
Hey Mal and Kase? Yeah I freaking love those two. I love the magic system and the twist at the end? AHHHHHH
Hey Mal and Kase? Yeah I freaking love those two. I love the magic system and the twist at the end? AHHHHHH
February 18, 2025
4.5⭐️
Ahhhhh I love Kase and Malin. Getting their backstory now after Ever Seas is so good. I am super surprised in this story because not much about them was revealed in the continuation series. But damn that ending was criminal. Lucky I can jump straight into book #5.
Ahhhhh I love Kase and Malin. Getting their backstory now after Ever Seas is so good. I am super surprised in this story because not much about them was revealed in the continuation series. But damn that ending was criminal. Lucky I can jump straight into book #5.
July 10, 2024
Okay! This book was SO good!! I already knew the Nightrender would be a favorite, after his appearance in the first trilogy but OMG he was able to make me fall for him even more. The romance was everything! The banter, the bickering, the tension... SO good!!
I loved the plots, most of them were super predictable, but the way it landed made me freak out!!!! And the ending, HOLY MOLLY!! I'm definetly not prepared for the next book and at the same time I can not wait to start it.
Buuut, even though I absolutly loved this book, I still think the author could have gone more in-depth in the world building and the magic system and the viking vibe (I still can't believe this book is a Viking book, nothing in there reminded me of that). And I still have an issue imagining most of the places where they are in because there is not enough description of their surroundings.
But overall, I'm enjoying these series a lot!!!!
I loved the plots, most of them were super predictable, but the way it landed made me freak out!!!! And the ending, HOLY MOLLY!! I'm definetly not prepared for the next book and at the same time I can not wait to start it.
Buuut, even though I absolutly loved this book, I still think the author could have gone more in-depth in the world building and the magic system and the viking vibe (I still can't believe this book is a Viking book, nothing in there reminded me of that). And I still have an issue imagining most of the places where they are in because there is not enough description of their surroundings.
But overall, I'm enjoying these series a lot!!!!
June 29, 2025
No matter how many times I read this I don't think I'll ever be ready for the ending. Cruel L.J. Just cruel.
October 2, 2024
not bad, but not very good either. the storyline was also not very original, it was just an okay book.
September 16, 2025
I love this series, author, characters
May 7, 2025
“Everything I want is all that you are.”
Check back later for an official review. My heart has been through enough.
All the stars.
Check back later for an official review. My heart has been through enough.
All the stars.
July 16, 2025
Best book of The Broken Kingdom thus far. All the stars for the Nightrender!
November 15, 2025
I love how we swapped kingdoms! Following this band of characters is so fun and love to see the world expanding 🥰
Also, we love Dagny 💕
Also, we love Dagny 💕
February 21, 2025
I hated every minute of the first half of this book but couldn’t put it down! Once Jace is back and in action WITH the Kryv I settled down and just enjoyed every single word from then on. LOTS of action in this installment, a heart-ripping loss and, of course a love for all time.
May 21, 2023
Malin and Kase their second chance did not dissapoint, I love me a good romance where they fell in love as younglins and then get a second chance awhile later. Changed, battered and bruised but still in their hearts the same kids who bicker, laugh, protect and love. Kase and Malin are stubborn fools.
And not only has this book romance, just like the others in the series there is mystique, terror, blood and a little dash of magic. This books takes us to a whole new world, one where we know the rules but not the things unfolding. Where characters in the first three books of the series had hero complexes these characters are more like thieves, doing anything to survive. It does not mean they have less devotion, that they don't care about each other as much. They will fight till the end for each other. Through all the horror, through all the twists and turns, through the lies and truth.
I finished this book in a day, I simply could not put it down, forgot to eat and drink and all that. What a ride it was, I'm definetly moving on to the next book, those damn cliffhangers.
And not only has this book romance, just like the others in the series there is mystique, terror, blood and a little dash of magic. This books takes us to a whole new world, one where we know the rules but not the things unfolding. Where characters in the first three books of the series had hero complexes these characters are more like thieves, doing anything to survive. It does not mean they have less devotion, that they don't care about each other as much. They will fight till the end for each other. Through all the horror, through all the twists and turns, through the lies and truth.
I finished this book in a day, I simply could not put it down, forgot to eat and drink and all that. What a ride it was, I'm definetly moving on to the next book, those damn cliffhangers.
December 30, 2023
Easy to put down
This one should've been more exciting, really, but it was really easy to put down. That's likely because it was basically the same story as Legion and Elise.
Mal started off her own character but quickly morphed into Elise. I've already read about Elise and wasn't impressed.
Kase didn't bother to be a new character. And now he's going to follow very similar trials to Legion... well, I've already read that, too.
Andrews still spoils the plot in this book, leaving you with no intrigue. These books desperately need intrigue.
I'm going to take a break from these books since I read them so close to each other. Maybe that will help break the characters apart.
This one should've been more exciting, really, but it was really easy to put down. That's likely because it was basically the same story as Legion and Elise.
Mal started off her own character but quickly morphed into Elise. I've already read about Elise and wasn't impressed.
Kase didn't bother to be a new character. And now he's going to follow very similar trials to Legion... well, I've already read that, too.
Andrews still spoils the plot in this book, leaving you with no intrigue. These books desperately need intrigue.
I'm going to take a break from these books since I read them so close to each other. Maybe that will help break the characters apart.
May 1, 2025
Definitely my favorite of the series so far!!
November 22, 2025
Night of Masks and Knives really pulled me in. I loved how the storyline progressed in this one, everything felt tighter, heavier, and more intentional. LJ Andrews just knows how to build tension in a way that sneaks up on you.
One of my favorite parts was the slow-burn, rekindled childhood love running underneath all the danger and politics. It added this emotional ache to the story that balanced the darker moments so well. There’s something about two people who share a history, who know each other’s ghosts, that makes every soft moment hit twice as hard. Andrews handled that dynamic beautifully.
Favorite Lines:
“The Nightrender on his knees, I never knew such a thing of beauty existed.” I rolled my eyes to her, grinning a little wickedly as I finally succeeded in the clasp. I pressed a kiss to her stomach, the bones of her hips. “I only bow to you.”
“I survive by darkness, Malin. I keep it close, and it keeps me.”
I’ll be honest, though: there were a few times where I had to stop and think, “Wait, who is this again?” Some of the minor characters popped back in after being quiet for a while, and I definitely had a couple of name-recognition lag moments. Doesn’t ruin anything, just made me wish I had a little “who’s who” chart on the side.
But that twist at the end?
Phenomenal. It landed so well, shocking, but also one of those reveals that makes earlier scenes suddenly make perfect sense. I literally sat there for a minute replaying everything in my head.
Overall, this was a rich, atmospheric, and emotional installment. The mix of political tension, magic, and that slow-burn second-chance romance made it one of the strongest books in the series. And with that ending? I’m absolutely ready for what comes next.
I absolutely love how LJ Andrew’s broke up this series into smaller sub trilogies, I think any author who is going to write more than 3 books in a world should do that.
One of my favorite parts was the slow-burn, rekindled childhood love running underneath all the danger and politics. It added this emotional ache to the story that balanced the darker moments so well. There’s something about two people who share a history, who know each other’s ghosts, that makes every soft moment hit twice as hard. Andrews handled that dynamic beautifully.
Favorite Lines:
“The Nightrender on his knees, I never knew such a thing of beauty existed.” I rolled my eyes to her, grinning a little wickedly as I finally succeeded in the clasp. I pressed a kiss to her stomach, the bones of her hips. “I only bow to you.”
“I survive by darkness, Malin. I keep it close, and it keeps me.”
I’ll be honest, though: there were a few times where I had to stop and think, “Wait, who is this again?” Some of the minor characters popped back in after being quiet for a while, and I definitely had a couple of name-recognition lag moments. Doesn’t ruin anything, just made me wish I had a little “who’s who” chart on the side.
But that twist at the end?
Phenomenal. It landed so well, shocking, but also one of those reveals that makes earlier scenes suddenly make perfect sense. I literally sat there for a minute replaying everything in my head.
Overall, this was a rich, atmospheric, and emotional installment. The mix of political tension, magic, and that slow-burn second-chance romance made it one of the strongest books in the series. And with that ending? I’m absolutely ready for what comes next.
I absolutely love how LJ Andrew’s broke up this series into smaller sub trilogies, I think any author who is going to write more than 3 books in a world should do that.
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