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Of Flesh & Bone #3
What Lurks Between the Fates
Once, I’d chosen my mate instead of freedom.
For weeks, we retraced our steps back to Mistfell and the lingering shadow of the Veil at the boundary between realms. Traveling through the kingdom, I denied the evidence in front of me, unable to fathom that I wasn’t the lost princess of Faerie. Instead, it is Fallon who must fear the consequences of her heritage. Which leaves me with a single, unanswered question.
Then, I awoke, caged high above the throne of the Queen of Air & Darkness.
Mab is the Queen who keeps all of Alfheimr held squirming within her clawed grasp. She uses the children of Faerie to sustain the magic granted to her by the cursed gem atop her crown, which has carved her from the girl she once was into a dark vessel, obsessed with power. She thrives on cruelty, and wields our love as an instrument for pain.
Now, I’ll play the games of the Fae.
I’m a curiosity, my presence an enigma that was never foreseen. I may not be Mab’s daughter, yet she still keeps me close, as she forges me into a weapon against humans and Fae alike. Mab may not own me yet, but she controls the life of the man I love. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to see him freed.
Even if I have to become the villain to do it.
What Lurks Between the Fates is book three in a series and ends in a cliffhanger. It features content that may be offensive or triggering to some readers.
For weeks, we retraced our steps back to Mistfell and the lingering shadow of the Veil at the boundary between realms. Traveling through the kingdom, I denied the evidence in front of me, unable to fathom that I wasn’t the lost princess of Faerie. Instead, it is Fallon who must fear the consequences of her heritage. Which leaves me with a single, unanswered question.
Then, I awoke, caged high above the throne of the Queen of Air & Darkness.
Mab is the Queen who keeps all of Alfheimr held squirming within her clawed grasp. She uses the children of Faerie to sustain the magic granted to her by the cursed gem atop her crown, which has carved her from the girl she once was into a dark vessel, obsessed with power. She thrives on cruelty, and wields our love as an instrument for pain.
Now, I’ll play the games of the Fae.
I’m a curiosity, my presence an enigma that was never foreseen. I may not be Mab’s daughter, yet she still keeps me close, as she forges me into a weapon against humans and Fae alike. Mab may not own me yet, but she controls the life of the man I love. There is nothing I wouldn’t do to see him freed.
Even if I have to become the villain to do it.
What Lurks Between the Fates is book three in a series and ends in a cliffhanger. It features content that may be offensive or triggering to some readers.
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
3027 people are currently reading
42189 people want to read
About the author
Harper L. Woods
15books5,124followersHarper L Woods A pseudonym used by Adelaide Forrest. Harper L. Woods is the fantasy romance pen name for USA Today Bestselling dark romance author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,360 reviews
April 2, 2023
"My star, I would plunge the world into eternal darkness if it meant one more moment with you like this. Nothing else matters."
I honestly don't know why I am still reading this series.
It's repetitive. The conversations keep going in circles. There's no end to the series in sight. No definite plot. It's just going and I don't know where.
The romance was the only thing that kept me from DNF-ing this but even that I had to force myself to finish. The smut was okay but when Cal keeps calling Estrella "Little One" it gets a bit creepy cause it's overdone. Once or twice is okay but again it's the repetitive nature of this book I suppose. Also can we finally get an idea on what Estrella is?! All that build up of her powers is to no avail.
The author tried to throw in a little of FBAA, ACOTAR AND PJO in it. Sadly it did not work, at least not for me. Some of the tasks were interesting enough but most of the time I was fighting sleep.
I appreciated that there was not so much traveling in this one and the pacing was okay but it really bored me. The ending was nice but by the time I stopped caring about the characters and what happened to them. I skimmed a fair bit in the second half.
Am not sure if I'll continue with this series, most likely I won't.
I honestly don't know why I am still reading this series.
It's repetitive. The conversations keep going in circles. There's no end to the series in sight. No definite plot. It's just going and I don't know where.
The romance was the only thing that kept me from DNF-ing this but even that I had to force myself to finish. The smut was okay but when Cal keeps calling Estrella "Little One" it gets a bit creepy cause it's overdone. Once or twice is okay but again it's the repetitive nature of this book I suppose. Also can we finally get an idea on what Estrella is?! All that build up of her powers is to no avail.
The author tried to throw in a little of FBAA, ACOTAR AND PJO in it. Sadly it did not work, at least not for me. Some of the tasks were interesting enough but most of the time I was fighting sleep.
I appreciated that there was not so much traveling in this one and the pacing was okay but it really bored me. The ending was nice but by the time I stopped caring about the characters and what happened to them. I skimmed a fair bit in the second half.
Am not sure if I'll continue with this series, most likely I won't.
July 25, 2023
im not exaggerating when i say literally nothing happens in this.
its filler, and its not even entertaining filler. which is the worst.
the writing is repetitive, the plot is meandering, the character development is nonexistent, and ive lost all interest in this series. which is such a bummer because it started off so strongly.
so i definitely recommend the first book, ‘what lies behind the veil,� and the second book is worth reading, but this latest installment is undortunately not.
� 1.5 stars
its filler, and its not even entertaining filler. which is the worst.
the writing is repetitive, the plot is meandering, the character development is nonexistent, and ive lost all interest in this series. which is such a bummer because it started off so strongly.
so i definitely recommend the first book, ‘what lies behind the veil,� and the second book is worth reading, but this latest installment is undortunately not.
� 1.5 stars
Read
October 21, 2022It’s a good series. But it’s getting to the point I’m wanting to skim the pages and get it summed up. Really should have ended with book 2
March 29, 2023
I found this incredibly infuriating. The same conversation/torture scenes happen over and the over again between mab and Estrella. It goes no where. There is almost no magic. We still don’t officially know what Estrella is nor does she understand her powers. Also she can communicate with snakes but she can’t help caldris out of his predicament? MAKE IT MAKE SENSE. Also little to no character development. And the spice didn’t add anything to the story nor did the whole solstice ritual. I honestly don’t think I even care about this series anymore. The second book wasn’t very good either. It’s seems to be only getting worse. WHERE IS THE PLOT?!
Don’t plan to read the 4th
Don’t plan to read the 4th
February 11, 2025
This book was so wild, so dark, so steamy, and SO painful. this series gets get better and better. Estrella and Caldris are fighting for their lives. Literally. The villain in this series is straight up EVIL and I hate her. The world building, court politics, and lore are steadily expanding in each book in the series and I’m living for it!!
Estrella is becoming a complete and total baddie and I’m obsessed. Her journey from book 1 to now is ugh so good!!! Caldris is Daddy Death and so far down on his knees for Estrella he’s basically kissing her feet. The side characters are great. The world building is immersive. I’m wholly obsessed.
this one has a major cliffy and I can’t wait to start the next one!
what to expect with this series
� fantasy romance
� fae and fated mates
� morally black main characters
TWs
•murder, gore, torture
•misogynistic society, sexism, classism
•attempted SA
•suicidal thoughts
actual rating 4.5
||
Estrella is becoming a complete and total baddie and I’m obsessed. Her journey from book 1 to now is ugh so good!!! Caldris is Daddy Death and so far down on his knees for Estrella he’s basically kissing her feet. The side characters are great. The world building is immersive. I’m wholly obsessed.
this one has a major cliffy and I can’t wait to start the next one!
what to expect with this series
� fantasy romance
� fae and fated mates
� morally black main characters
TWs
•murder, gore, torture
•misogynistic society, sexism, classism
•attempted SA
•suicidal thoughts
actual rating 4.5
||
August 5, 2024
ISTG nothing happened in this one
March 20, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
''Until chaos reigns''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Mention of r*ape/assault
- Descriptive torture
- Descriptive violence/d*ath
- Physical assault
- Cliffhanger
I don't want to give too much away as this is the third book and an ARC.
Book 3 in this six-book series gives us a better look into the Fae world and all the villainous characters we have heard about or thought existed. Mab is the one of main characters of this book and we spend a lot of time getting to know her and finding out just how horrible/manipulative she is.
There are a lot of scenes that depict gruesome violence and torture so please be careful when reading.
There were a few moments where I suspected certain reveals, but I didn't know if they were going to be a misdirect or just Harper/Adelaide being cheeky as a writer. There is so much information given to us in this book that answers quite a few things we had wanted back in the first two books.
I have to say that Mab is a great villain, there is no redeeming qualities about her and she is truly capable of anything. The things we find out about that she allowed to be done to Caldris is horrendous and not only in this book but in the past.
We get quite a few deaths in this book and there are a few that were super satisfying. Estrella really did us a fan service lol loved her strength and resilience.
Speaking of Estrella, her past and who she is, is the main topic of this book. Nobody knows and nobody can figure it out but we get some reveals and there is one that I never saw coming. It's really intriguing and I wonder how it all played out but I'm sure we will get more in the next book!
Also cannot stress this enough but the length Caldris and Estrella will go for each other knows no bounds.
That cliffhanger! It's not so bad as the last book but it's still a really good one in terms of where this story is leading.
''Until chaos reigns''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Mention of r*ape/assault
- Descriptive torture
- Descriptive violence/d*ath
- Physical assault
- Cliffhanger
I don't want to give too much away as this is the third book and an ARC.
Book 3 in this six-book series gives us a better look into the Fae world and all the villainous characters we have heard about or thought existed. Mab is the one of main characters of this book and we spend a lot of time getting to know her and finding out just how horrible/manipulative she is.
There are a lot of scenes that depict gruesome violence and torture so please be careful when reading.
There were a few moments where I suspected certain reveals, but I didn't know if they were going to be a misdirect or just Harper/Adelaide being cheeky as a writer. There is so much information given to us in this book that answers quite a few things we had wanted back in the first two books.
I have to say that Mab is a great villain, there is no redeeming qualities about her and she is truly capable of anything. The things we find out about that she allowed to be done to Caldris is horrendous and not only in this book but in the past.
We get quite a few deaths in this book and there are a few that were super satisfying. Estrella really did us a fan service lol loved her strength and resilience.
Speaking of Estrella, her past and who she is, is the main topic of this book. Nobody knows and nobody can figure it out but we get some reveals and there is one that I never saw coming. It's really intriguing and I wonder how it all played out but I'm sure we will get more in the next book!
Also cannot stress this enough but the length Caldris and Estrella will go for each other knows no bounds.
That cliffhanger! It's not so bad as the last book but it's still a really good one in terms of where this story is leading.
June 1, 2023
DNF@ page 237 I am no longer interested in this story line... It's not the book it's me. I'm the problem ..
I want my own personal Caelum/Caldris - You know the God of the Winter is that too much to ask?
Is it March of 2023 yet...
I want my own personal Caelum/Caldris - You know the God of the Winter is that too much to ask?
Is it March of 2023 yet...
March 20, 2023
I'm pretty conflicted on this. I love this series and gave both of the first books 5 stars. In some ways, I thought this book was a lot better than the previous 2 books, but in many other ways, this fell a little short. I want to also start by thanking the author and BookFunnel for the eARC. I was honored to receive one and very grateful for the opportunity to continue reading this series :)
The pacing was a lot better in this book than the previous book. I was never bored. There was literally always action, and each chapter was pretty well-written. I noticed a significant decrease in Estrella's inner monologue and there were way less repetitive sex scenes, which I reaaally appreciated. I also continue to really like Caldris and Estrella. There weren't really a ton of meaningful or continued side characters in this (I missed the Wild Hunt!), but Mab was an excellent villain. Mab is crazy. And I liked the 3-4 times when Caldris and Estrella went all psychotic in the name of getting revenge for each other by brutally torturing and murdering their enemies.
I did not like that the book felt a bit fractured. The chapters all worked within themselves and were well-written, but they did not seem to connect with each other and did not read as a cohesive story progression. The chapters felt a bit disconnected from one another. I don't know--I got a little confused, but I was still addicted to reading it. It just all didn't really seem to connect and there were no transitions from scene to scene. There were also sentences that fully contradicted another sentence from a previous chapter.
This book also contained one of the weirdest sex scenes that I've ever read, which can be found in chapter 35.
Finally, I'm a little confused what Caldris and Estrella's powers are because they seem to have all these powers at convenient times and then not have them the rest of the time. I genuinely would lose track of when they were bound by iron or not. A lot of the descriptions of their power were metaphors or it was happening inside their head, so I often was unsure what was actually happening in the scene. There was a lot happening in this book, but somehow nothing happened at all.
I'm not sure how much longer this series will continue. Based on the cliffhanger in this book, I imagine book 4 will be very similar to book 3, which is a little discouraging, but we will see. This was a bit of a filler book, but an action-packed filler book. I am still loving this world and the characters. I am optimistic that we will get more answers as to what Estrella is and who her father is in book 4.
Mixed feelings on this book, but overall, it's worth continuing the series. The series is a fantastic fantasy romance.
The pacing was a lot better in this book than the previous book. I was never bored. There was literally always action, and each chapter was pretty well-written. I noticed a significant decrease in Estrella's inner monologue and there were way less repetitive sex scenes, which I reaaally appreciated. I also continue to really like Caldris and Estrella. There weren't really a ton of meaningful or continued side characters in this (I missed the Wild Hunt!), but Mab was an excellent villain. Mab is crazy. And I liked the 3-4 times when Caldris and Estrella went all psychotic in the name of getting revenge for each other by brutally torturing and murdering their enemies.
I did not like that the book felt a bit fractured. The chapters all worked within themselves and were well-written, but they did not seem to connect with each other and did not read as a cohesive story progression. The chapters felt a bit disconnected from one another. I don't know--I got a little confused, but I was still addicted to reading it. It just all didn't really seem to connect and there were no transitions from scene to scene. There were also sentences that fully contradicted another sentence from a previous chapter.
This book also contained one of the weirdest sex scenes that I've ever read, which can be found in chapter 35.
Finally, I'm a little confused what Caldris and Estrella's powers are because they seem to have all these powers at convenient times and then not have them the rest of the time. I genuinely would lose track of when they were bound by iron or not. A lot of the descriptions of their power were metaphors or it was happening inside their head, so I often was unsure what was actually happening in the scene. There was a lot happening in this book, but somehow nothing happened at all.
I'm not sure how much longer this series will continue. Based on the cliffhanger in this book, I imagine book 4 will be very similar to book 3, which is a little discouraging, but we will see. This was a bit of a filler book, but an action-packed filler book. I am still loving this world and the characters. I am optimistic that we will get more answers as to what Estrella is and who her father is in book 4.
Mixed feelings on this book, but overall, it's worth continuing the series. The series is a fantastic fantasy romance.
March 31, 2023
I don't typically write out reviews but felt I needed to on this one.
This is the worst book out of the series and it sucks when it's the newest one. Typically series should only get better but this one only seems to be getting worse.
I get that the author wanted to make this series more edgy and dark by including very dark themes (TW: torture, slavery, mentions of SA) but when you go through a whole book of that and then at the end, the bad thing that they are trying the WHOLE BOOK to keep from happening, happens. Not only that, but even if our MFC survives the next book with the task she was sent off to do she'll just be back to where she was in this book. Just more of the same. So when an author does that, you aren't making the book edgy and interesting-- you are just making it depressing and the strong main characters dumb.
I get having the main characters go through struggles and adversity, you can even have them go through the worst thing imaginable. But if you don't include at least one win or some kind of hope at the end of all of it-- you're not going to keep your audience coming back.
This is the worst book out of the series and it sucks when it's the newest one. Typically series should only get better but this one only seems to be getting worse.
I get that the author wanted to make this series more edgy and dark by including very dark themes (TW: torture, slavery, mentions of SA) but when you go through a whole book of that and then at the end, the bad thing that they are trying the WHOLE BOOK to keep from happening, happens. Not only that, but even if our MFC survives the next book with the task she was sent off to do she'll just be back to where she was in this book. Just more of the same. So when an author does that, you aren't making the book edgy and interesting-- you are just making it depressing and the strong main characters dumb.
I get having the main characters go through struggles and adversity, you can even have them go through the worst thing imaginable. But if you don't include at least one win or some kind of hope at the end of all of it-- you're not going to keep your audience coming back.
March 28, 2023
3.5
This book was definitely a darker read compared to the first two and I would insist that you read the trigger warnings before proceeding. I honestly struggled to read parts but I commend the author for not shying away from these darker themes, and actually handling them well. These moments weren't used to shock the audience, unlike what I've seen in a few other fantasy novels.
However, I do have very mixed feelings about this book. The first 40% was a struggle and the main reason for that was I felt like there was no plot or character development to keep me interested. I felt like we sat in limbo for the first half, and it became quite repetitive.
The second half of this book was truly what I love about fantasy novels. The court politics, the betrayals and deception were so intriguing that I couldn't get through the second half quick enough. I loved seeing Estrella develop as a character and in doing so, her relationship with Caelum became a lot more enjoyable.
I will say that the ending of the book has me frustrated with Estrella's actions, and I'm interested to see how the author will use this to move forward without erasing the development we've seen in book 3.
Overall, this book is a huge improvement compared to book 2 but is still missing that spark we had in book 1. I like a good plot with a steady pace and this series seems to have slowed down considerably.
I received an advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book was definitely a darker read compared to the first two and I would insist that you read the trigger warnings before proceeding. I honestly struggled to read parts but I commend the author for not shying away from these darker themes, and actually handling them well. These moments weren't used to shock the audience, unlike what I've seen in a few other fantasy novels.
However, I do have very mixed feelings about this book. The first 40% was a struggle and the main reason for that was I felt like there was no plot or character development to keep me interested. I felt like we sat in limbo for the first half, and it became quite repetitive.
The second half of this book was truly what I love about fantasy novels. The court politics, the betrayals and deception were so intriguing that I couldn't get through the second half quick enough. I loved seeing Estrella develop as a character and in doing so, her relationship with Caelum became a lot more enjoyable.
I will say that the ending of the book has me frustrated with Estrella's actions, and I'm interested to see how the author will use this to move forward without erasing the development we've seen in book 3.
Overall, this book is a huge improvement compared to book 2 but is still missing that spark we had in book 1. I like a good plot with a steady pace and this series seems to have slowed down considerably.
I received an advanced review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 29, 2024
Ok, so I have a bone to pick with this book. I ADORED the first book and the reread of the second book did make me understand the need for it. This one however was not what I was expecting nor was it something that I wanted. It truly feels like the author has no clue what she's doing with the plot because it's nowhere to be found at this point in this series. Yes there's a vague *thing* the hero and heroine have to accomplish but nothing they do move them any closer to accomplishing it and it's beyond frustrating. Also, the amount of gore/torture and VERY detailed descriptions of it throughout this book multiple times was stomach-churning. I didn't expect it therefore I did not like it or see the need for it. I really wish the audiobook had the narrator say what/if any content warnings there were for this book.
I don't mind the long books this series features. I just wish there was more of a plot running through them. This series reminds me a lot of my all-time favorite: The Blood And Ash Series By Jennifer L. Armentrout. The difference between them is that even though JLA has a lot of fluff embedded in her story she eventually does get to the point and ends things with a disbelieving bang. HLW on the other hand is trying and failing to execute that.
I don't mind the long books this series features. I just wish there was more of a plot running through them. This series reminds me a lot of my all-time favorite: The Blood And Ash Series By Jennifer L. Armentrout. The difference between them is that even though JLA has a lot of fluff embedded in her story she eventually does get to the point and ends things with a disbelieving bang. HLW on the other hand is trying and failing to execute that.
March 21, 2023
The twists get twistier, the spice gets spicier.
And now I’m slowly dying until book 4 comes out..
And now I’m slowly dying until book 4 comes out..
January 20, 2024
Pretext: I was not a huge fan of the first 2 books. The plot had potential, but got drowned in the smut. I love smut, but not at the expense of the storyline.
Anywho: wtf?????
So this whole book, we can’t allow Mab to get ahold of Estrella’s powers. So Mab tries and tries and tries to no avail. Estrella and Caldris are endlessly tortured. Estrella is a primordial, cool. Mab knows, oh no! Mab gets fed up that she can’t get Estrella’s power and therefore tries to kill Caldris�. Which she could have done 400 pages ago. AND IT WORKS!? Estrella is bound to Mab? IM SHOCKED.
Also:
“The tree feeds on sex to help it rise from the ashes after the Tithe. The others� desire will feed into me because of the magic it’s given me for the night. Desire that I will use to f$ck you until morning. The tree will feed from you—your pleasure,�
Are you joking????……�.. I can’t even read this without cringing.
Anywho: wtf?????
So this whole book, we can’t allow Mab to get ahold of Estrella’s powers. So Mab tries and tries and tries to no avail. Estrella and Caldris are endlessly tortured. Estrella is a primordial, cool. Mab knows, oh no! Mab gets fed up that she can’t get Estrella’s power and therefore tries to kill Caldris�. Which she could have done 400 pages ago. AND IT WORKS!? Estrella is bound to Mab? IM SHOCKED.
Also:
“The tree feeds on sex to help it rise from the ashes after the Tithe. The others� desire will feed into me because of the magic it’s given me for the night. Desire that I will use to f$ck you until morning. The tree will feed from you—your pleasure,�
Are you joking????……�.. I can’t even read this without cringing.
January 3, 2024
Another book by Harper L. Woods that left me gasping for breath.
I finished it in just one day, unable to tear myself away from its pages.
Actual rating: 4.5�
� What to expect:
� Adult
� Fantasy Romance
� Dual POV
� Court intrigue
� Fae, Magic & Gods
� Tension & Angst
� Mindblowing Plot-twists
� Morally Grey Characters
� Tropes:
� Fated Mates
� "Touch her/him and you die"
� "I'd burn the world for you"
� Trigger Warnings: mention of rape/assault, sexual assault, descriptive torture, violence & death, cliffhanger
� Summary
After traveling for weeks to reach Alfheimr, Caldris and Estrella find themselves imprisoned and at the mercy of their enemy. A cage they don't know how to escape from.
Each day presents them with fresh obstacles that push the limits of their endurance, loyalty, and Estrella's humanity. Their plans, which were once meticulously laid out, are now completely foiled.
� Plot/Writing
Harper has a way of keeping you enraptured. She captures your attention and doesn't let you go. I was so caught up in everything happening, I didn't even realize it was over.
If I felt the second book was a bit slow and, in some ways, predictable, here the plot just keeps thickening and I couldn't even begin to wonder where it would lead.
The mysteries keep piling up on each other, the intrigue, tension and angst reaching unimaginable levels. The unspeakable terrors that our main characters must endure had me shivering with fear as I read about their experiences.
I was constantly impressed by the author's way of portraying the characters and their stories.
She manages to balance the plot, romance and character development in a way not many authors can and that's one of the reasons she's one of my favorite authors. Not to mention the plot twists she keeps throwing our way with any chance she gets.
� Worldbuilding
The worldbuilding's also not neglected. Reaching the land of the Fae, the setting changes and I would lie if I said I wasn't impressed with Tar Mesa, despite the unimaginable horrors happening between its walls. Alfheimr is such a magical land, I felt lost in the landscape every time it was described.
� Characters
� Estrella
My blood and vengeance-thirsty FMC had such a glow-up in this book!
The power she exuded would've brought me to my knees, and I would've gone willingly, if she were to lay eyes on me. Estrella's still struggling to understand herself and to accept the dark parts of her soul and is holding tight onto her humanity, unwilling to let it go, even though by now we all know she's no human. She's a special one and we are uncovering some secrets about her nature that I did not see coming.
A force to be reckoned with, she's grown so much from the first book!
� Caldris
Our possessive God has done some wrong things in the past, including mistreating and lying to his mate. However, his love for Estrella can't is unquestionable.
He's starting to accept the fact that she's not a damsel in distress and is worthy of being his equal, his partner in crime (literally). His loyalty is proven time and time again and my admiration for this man keeps growing with every book.
He'd burn the world down for her and I'm here for it.
� Romance
The two of them are one of my favorite power couples and one of the things I loved most this novel, was their relationship's development.
When Estrella inadvertently catches the attention of the unhinged Queen, they know nothing good can come of it. But they remain united in the face of danger and uncertainty.
They are willing to go to any extent for each other and to sacrifice whatever it takes to protect one another.
� Conclusion
This is one of the series that's just getting better with every installment. I can't wait for the fourth book! 😭
I finished it in just one day, unable to tear myself away from its pages.
Actual rating: 4.5�
� What to expect:
� Adult
� Fantasy Romance
� Dual POV
� Court intrigue
� Fae, Magic & Gods
� Tension & Angst
� Mindblowing Plot-twists
� Morally Grey Characters
� Tropes:
� Fated Mates
� "Touch her/him and you die"
� "I'd burn the world for you"
� Trigger Warnings: mention of rape/assault, sexual assault, descriptive torture, violence & death, cliffhanger
� Summary
After traveling for weeks to reach Alfheimr, Caldris and Estrella find themselves imprisoned and at the mercy of their enemy. A cage they don't know how to escape from.
Each day presents them with fresh obstacles that push the limits of their endurance, loyalty, and Estrella's humanity. Their plans, which were once meticulously laid out, are now completely foiled.
� Plot/Writing
Harper has a way of keeping you enraptured. She captures your attention and doesn't let you go. I was so caught up in everything happening, I didn't even realize it was over.
If I felt the second book was a bit slow and, in some ways, predictable, here the plot just keeps thickening and I couldn't even begin to wonder where it would lead.
The mysteries keep piling up on each other, the intrigue, tension and angst reaching unimaginable levels. The unspeakable terrors that our main characters must endure had me shivering with fear as I read about their experiences.
I was constantly impressed by the author's way of portraying the characters and their stories.
She manages to balance the plot, romance and character development in a way not many authors can and that's one of the reasons she's one of my favorite authors. Not to mention the plot twists she keeps throwing our way with any chance she gets.
� Worldbuilding
The worldbuilding's also not neglected. Reaching the land of the Fae, the setting changes and I would lie if I said I wasn't impressed with Tar Mesa, despite the unimaginable horrors happening between its walls. Alfheimr is such a magical land, I felt lost in the landscape every time it was described.
� Characters
� Estrella
My blood and vengeance-thirsty FMC had such a glow-up in this book!
The power she exuded would've brought me to my knees, and I would've gone willingly, if she were to lay eyes on me. Estrella's still struggling to understand herself and to accept the dark parts of her soul and is holding tight onto her humanity, unwilling to let it go, even though by now we all know she's no human. She's a special one and we are uncovering some secrets about her nature that I did not see coming.
A force to be reckoned with, she's grown so much from the first book!
� Caldris
Our possessive God has done some wrong things in the past, including mistreating and lying to his mate. However, his love for Estrella can't is unquestionable.
He's starting to accept the fact that she's not a damsel in distress and is worthy of being his equal, his partner in crime (literally). His loyalty is proven time and time again and my admiration for this man keeps growing with every book.
“Would you just let me protect you from how ugly thisworldis?�
He'd burn the world down for her and I'm here for it.
“She wanted to know if I saw myself as the hero of my story, but I didn't. I only saw myself as the villain of hers.�
� Romance
The two of them are one of my favorite power couples and one of the things I loved most this novel, was their relationship's development.
When Estrella inadvertently catches the attention of the unhinged Queen, they know nothing good can come of it. But they remain united in the face of danger and uncertainty.
“I would burn the world if it meant saving him, sacrifice every shred of my dignity and morals if it meant hewasunharmed.�
They are willing to go to any extent for each other and to sacrifice whatever it takes to protect one another.
“My star, I would plunge the world into eternal darkness if it meant one more moment with you like this. Nothing else matters.�
� Conclusion
This is one of the series that's just getting better with every installment. I can't wait for the fourth book! 😭
April 4, 2023
I've loved this series so much... but it's starting to get drawn out and the writing is lacking compared to the other books in the series. This series definitely could've been wrapped up in a nice bow by the end of this book, but practically nothing happened except for Estrella and Caldris digging themselves into a deeper grave than before with literally no resolution by the end of the book. I wouldn't be surprised if this series had 3 more books just to wrap it up. I wish I could give this book a better rating, but it was very lackluster compared to the last 2 books and every chapter felt very repetitive and doom and gloom with nothing really positive happening the entire book. With that being said, I'll always love those first 2 books.
March 20, 2023
*I received the ARC*
I love this series so much. honestly, between the fantasy setting, the spice, and the adventure, it's one of my favorite series. this book wasn't exactly my favorite. I feel like not a lot happened for as long as it was. I felt like it missed the (no-pun intended) magic that the first two had to draw me in. it wasn't a bad book whatsoever. I still enjoyed it but it felt like it was a little drawn out. I will still read book 4 but I guess it was just missing the elements that made the first two books so special to me if that makes sense.
this author is very talented and this was a well-written book, just not necessarily the favorite. I'm excited to see where else this series goes.
I love this series so much. honestly, between the fantasy setting, the spice, and the adventure, it's one of my favorite series. this book wasn't exactly my favorite. I feel like not a lot happened for as long as it was. I felt like it missed the (no-pun intended) magic that the first two had to draw me in. it wasn't a bad book whatsoever. I still enjoyed it but it felt like it was a little drawn out. I will still read book 4 but I guess it was just missing the elements that made the first two books so special to me if that makes sense.
this author is very talented and this was a well-written book, just not necessarily the favorite. I'm excited to see where else this series goes.
April 4, 2023
Can I just say that Caldris is my number 1 book boyfriend ever, the things this man does and says …I’m a puddle!🥵
April 29, 2024
This one was good and I enjoyed it, though I still think out of the three books number two is by far the strongest in terms of plot and my overall engagement. I am invested though in what is unfolding and I'm loving the fact that our fated Fae mates are now both on the same page in regards to what they feel. I still think the romance is swoon-worthy and the spice between Estrella and Caldris seriously smoking.
This turned up the dial on the darkness and Mab is truly terrifying and pure evil. The action in this third instalment was non-stop and the pace was fast. Estrella is growing into her new skin and has shed a lot of the humanity that was holding her back, but she is still herself just a scarier version of it, she has also finally realised that when it comes to her mate all else can burn which is exactly how Caldris feels about her.
I do wish they could have caught more of a break though as the torture and mistreatment both faced regularly at the hands of Mab was relentless and getting somewhat old. I now want them to stamp her out of existence and I'm looking forward to the moment she finally gets her just reward it will be sweetly satisfying.
We left this on another pivotal point and I will definitely be picking up book four as soon as it releases in April, I already have it on preorder. I recommend this series for all those who like spicy romantasy.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
March 30, 2023
Edit: The more I stew on this the more annoyed I get with this book. I'm dropping my rating down from two stars to one. I have done this because I have realized that if you kept the first few chapters and the last few chapters, absolutely nothing plot wise would have changed. 90% of this book seems to be meaningless fluff. The cliffhanger at the end happens for NO DAMN REASON. WHY did the FMC make this choice?! WHY didn't our villain just do this sooner?! Shouldn't it have been the first step in this whole book?! Could have saved us a ton of monotony. Now I'm just annoyed and angry.
After a long wait after the last book I was revved up with so much excitement for this and was left disappointed. It was honestly a bit of a slog to get through. Lots of internal monologues with not much actually happening. The same events and threats happened over and over, like getting dressed and having hair/makeup done, stuck in a room, or the monotonous "I kill your mate by squeezing my hand". I felt like the choices the MCs made were terrible, childish, or done with no good reason, especially at the end. The darker elements were appreciated but I felt like the cliffhanger at the end of the last book wasn't rewarded. Nothing in this book left me with any heart stopping excitement for what was happening. I stopped caring pretty quickly. As of right now, zero anticipation for the rest of the series.
After a long wait after the last book I was revved up with so much excitement for this and was left disappointed. It was honestly a bit of a slog to get through. Lots of internal monologues with not much actually happening. The same events and threats happened over and over, like getting dressed and having hair/makeup done, stuck in a room, or the monotonous "I kill your mate by squeezing my hand". I felt like the choices the MCs made were terrible, childish, or done with no good reason, especially at the end. The darker elements were appreciated but I felt like the cliffhanger at the end of the last book wasn't rewarded. Nothing in this book left me with any heart stopping excitement for what was happening. I stopped caring pretty quickly. As of right now, zero anticipation for the rest of the series.
April 2, 2023
I added the spoiler tag. But. I still don’t know what I’m doing. Lol. So ***SPOILERS****
Ok. I woke up today a LITTLE less annoyed. But still annoyed lol. And. You know. I’m thinking it’s a ME problem. I wanted to love this book. I really did. But unfortunately I did not. I stayed pretty hooked until about 40%. Then it just felt repetitive. Torture, threaten of SA, repeat. I’m sorry, after reading ZA8, there is only so much torture without doing anything with the plot I can handle. Lol.
And the cove scene? Straight out of left field. Like, wtf is going on right now?
The cliffhanger? Again. Wtf was that!? We fought the WHOLE book so Mab doesn’t get Estrella’s powers, and that just ended up happening anyways!? She could’ve started with that 400 pages ago 😩.
Anyways. Majority seem to really have enjoyed this book. I’m so sorry, I just could not 😩
Ok. I woke up today a LITTLE less annoyed. But still annoyed lol. And. You know. I’m thinking it’s a ME problem. I wanted to love this book. I really did. But unfortunately I did not. I stayed pretty hooked until about 40%. Then it just felt repetitive. Torture, threaten of SA, repeat. I’m sorry, after reading ZA8, there is only so much torture without doing anything with the plot I can handle. Lol.
And the cove scene? Straight out of left field. Like, wtf is going on right now?
The cliffhanger? Again. Wtf was that!? We fought the WHOLE book so Mab doesn’t get Estrella’s powers, and that just ended up happening anyways!? She could’ve started with that 400 pages ago 😩.
Anyways. Majority seem to really have enjoyed this book. I’m so sorry, I just could not 😩
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
”My star, I would plunge the world into eternal darkness if it meant one more moment with you like this. Nothing else matters.�
DEEP BREATHS. Okay…here we go. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’m still not quite sure what to write because this book had me feeling too much. It was darker. It was graphic. It was violent. Much more so than the previous two books, which is something to keep in mind as you’re getting into this.
Estrella and Caldris both continue to steal my heart. But Estrella�.what can I say? She’s a fighter, and she is strong. The things she goes through in this book are TOUGH. But despite the things she endures, it doesn’t dim her light. Plus, we start to learn more about who she is and what she may be. I have a lot of theories, and the stakes have definitely be upped.
And Caldris. This handsome, strong, frustrating fae. I seem to fall more and more in love with him through every book. His love for Estrella is all-encompassing. And everything he is put through…you just know it’s going to be worth it.
Overall. I loved it. Despite writing this with frustration because waiting for the next book is just impossible.
Thanks to the author for an e-ARC. The thoughts in this review are my own.
DEEP BREATHS. Okay…here we go. This book was such an emotional rollercoaster for me. I’m still not quite sure what to write because this book had me feeling too much. It was darker. It was graphic. It was violent. Much more so than the previous two books, which is something to keep in mind as you’re getting into this.
Estrella and Caldris both continue to steal my heart. But Estrella�.what can I say? She’s a fighter, and she is strong. The things she goes through in this book are TOUGH. But despite the things she endures, it doesn’t dim her light. Plus, we start to learn more about who she is and what she may be. I have a lot of theories, and the stakes have definitely be upped.
And Caldris. This handsome, strong, frustrating fae. I seem to fall more and more in love with him through every book. His love for Estrella is all-encompassing. And everything he is put through…you just know it’s going to be worth it.
Overall. I loved it. Despite writing this with frustration because waiting for the next book is just impossible.
Thanks to the author for an e-ARC. The thoughts in this review are my own.
March 28, 2023
4/5 ⭐️
3/5 🌶�
Tropes
� Fated mates
� Hidden identity
� Touch her & you ⚰️
THAT ENDING HAS ME GASPING FOR AIR! 🤯
This was definitely darker than the previous books in the series, so make sure you check the trigger warnings.
I loved the character development we got for Estrella. I love how strong she was and how she never backed down.
As always, I LOVED Caldris. He is everything. 🫶🏼😫
This couple really goes through it in this one but it showed how resilient their love really is for one another.
Mab is� of course awful. And I can’t wait for book 4! I’ll be miserable until it releases. 😭
3/5 🌶�
Tropes
� Fated mates
� Hidden identity
� Touch her & you ⚰️
THAT ENDING HAS ME GASPING FOR AIR! 🤯
This was definitely darker than the previous books in the series, so make sure you check the trigger warnings.
I loved the character development we got for Estrella. I love how strong she was and how she never backed down.
As always, I LOVED Caldris. He is everything. 🫶🏼😫
This couple really goes through it in this one but it showed how resilient their love really is for one another.
Mab is� of course awful. And I can’t wait for book 4! I’ll be miserable until it releases. 😭
December 8, 2024
2.5
We literally learnt nothing
We literally learnt nothing
March 29, 2023
4.5 � - ARC REVIEW
First, thank you to Harper L. Woods for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reviewer. I am absolutely blown away with this series, these characters, and the worlds you have created.
This is the third book in the Of Flesh and Bone series.
"𝙼𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛, 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜."
WOW okay where do I begin... this book was WAY darker than what I think I was mentally expecting. Darker in the sense of gore and violence. But that also provided insight into other characters and the Fae world that is needed for the next step of Estrellas journey. We needed to see HOW bad and hard it is because without the dark the light cannot shine.
Caelum and Estrella's love and bond are everything you could ask for in a "mated" pair. These two have gone on such a journey for one another. I liked that we saw a different side of Caelum within this book one where he would not only kneel before her but showed his flaws and weaknesses too, and how his Star loves him flaws and all.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒋𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈.
Read if you like:
🖤 Fated Mates/ Romantasy
✨Cliff hangers
🖤 Dark stories
� Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Touch her and 💀
"𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂." "𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈."
First, thank you to Harper L. Woods for the opportunity to read this book as an ARC reviewer. I am absolutely blown away with this series, these characters, and the worlds you have created.
This is the third book in the Of Flesh and Bone series.
"𝙼𝚢 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚛, 𝙸 𝚠𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚙𝚕𝚞𝚗𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜. 𝙽𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚎𝚕𝚜𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜."
WOW okay where do I begin... this book was WAY darker than what I think I was mentally expecting. Darker in the sense of gore and violence. But that also provided insight into other characters and the Fae world that is needed for the next step of Estrellas journey. We needed to see HOW bad and hard it is because without the dark the light cannot shine.
Caelum and Estrella's love and bond are everything you could ask for in a "mated" pair. These two have gone on such a journey for one another. I liked that we saw a different side of Caelum within this book one where he would not only kneel before her but showed his flaws and weaknesses too, and how his Star loves him flaws and all.
𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒆, 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒋𝒂𝒈𝒈𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈.
Read if you like:
🖤 Fated Mates/ Romantasy
✨Cliff hangers
🖤 Dark stories
� Enemies to Lovers
🖤 Touch her and 💀
"𝑰 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑬𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂." "𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒎𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑰 𝒅𝒐 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒎𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈."
March 21, 2023
“I see all of you, Estrella. There is nothing left that you can hide from me, and there is no corner of you I do not love with every thread of my being�
ARC Review 📝 Thank you so much for this eARC @harperlwoodsauthor @adelaideforrestauthor :
I screamed.
I screamed.
I screamed.
I would scream all over again.
I would scream until I had no voice.
I would.
Because this book was mighty fiiiiiine 🤌🏼
Because she said it.
Because I know.
And Caldris puts all other fantasy book boyfriends to shame.
And Caldris keeps showing up.
And Caldris keeps raising that bar.
Meanwhile, Estrella is a glorious star.
Estrella is a national treasure.
Estrella is a queen and nobody else compares.
I can’t give any spoilers away BUT� you’re going to lose it with how good this book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤DzԱ
🖤fated mates
🖤touch her/him and I’ll unlive you
🖤I’m your monster
🖤🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
⭐️ Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ times a million
ARC Review 📝 Thank you so much for this eARC @harperlwoodsauthor @adelaideforrestauthor :
I screamed.
I screamed.
I screamed.
I would scream all over again.
I would scream until I had no voice.
I would.
Because this book was mighty fiiiiiine 🤌🏼
Because she said it.
Because I know.
And Caldris puts all other fantasy book boyfriends to shame.
And Caldris keeps showing up.
And Caldris keeps raising that bar.
Meanwhile, Estrella is a glorious star.
Estrella is a national treasure.
Estrella is a queen and nobody else compares.
I can’t give any spoilers away BUT� you’re going to lose it with how good this book is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
What’s inside:
🖤fantasy romance
🖤DzԱ
🖤fated mates
🖤touch her/him and I’ll unlive you
🖤I’m your monster
🖤🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳
⭐️ Adult. 5 stars ⭐️ times a million
January 19, 2024
Last update: We are finally here� and the count down begins.
Update: I am counting down till March.. doesn’t look so bad from February anymore 🙃😁
This is too far 😭�
Update: I am counting down till March.. doesn’t look so bad from February anymore 🙃😁
This is too far 😭�
March 28, 2023
What. A. Read! My ARC ebook, which I am so grateful to have received, is positively bursting with highlights of amazing quotes, my theories, and my reactions to these characters and the situations they find themselves in (my app crashed multiple times due to the sheer quantity of comments)!
Even the dedication in this book is beautiful, "For the survivors who rise like the stars."
"I need to know what they did to you so that I know how much to make them suffer."
"Perhaps it is time for you to realize that I am not the one in need of protection." Me: BOW DOWN.
"I don't know how I will ever recover from such a grave insult to my character. That one stung right in the place where I do not care."
"And one of these days I will cut off your 🍆 and feed it to you...I have no interest in your screams." When I tell you I cheered at this point. 👏
Estrella is an ABSOLUTE QUEEN (in all senses of the term) and shows so much growth in this book! She is still hopeful enough and GOOD enough that she tries to help her "fellow humans" when Mab tries to use them against her, but she is also bloodthirsty enough to grin and laugh when her mate presents her with the heart and tongue of someone who offended her. Like I said, Queen. She is a prisoner for most of this book, but she still manages to make her circumstances her own. Estrella learns more and more about her magic, even while collared with iron to suppress it, and she is even able to learn some about who/what she is keeping the enemies surrounding her in the dark on the matter. I don't want to give too much away, but I was VERY worried around chapter 7 that Mab was going to be able to use Caldris' position as future King of Winter as the catalyst for a villain arc for Estrella. And around chapter 18 Estrella thinks something that a lot of abused/manipulated women think when they discover they don't know much about their partner's past, "It didn't matter, I told myself. All that mattered was how much I loved him," which gave me a horrible sense of foreboding for where their relationship was headed. But she ends up becoming the male-who-would-burn-the-world-for-his-female character alongside Caldris, and I. Am. HERE. For. It. "I would burn the world if it meant saving him, sacrifice every shred of my dignity and morals if it meant he was unharmed." We love reciprocation!!!
"Every God wanted to be loved so thoroughly that someone would sacrifice themselves to protect him."
"If you suffer, I suffer too. If you bleed, I bleed as well. If you die, then I will follow."
Caldris is just as strong, protective, and sexy as ever 🥵🥵🥵 #bookboyfriend material for sure. He really comes through in this book for me! He is supportive and protective and accepting that he isn't the most powerful one in the relationship and that maybe it was always supposed to be that way, whereas before he thought he was the one who would always be in the protector role (which more power to you), but it is his response to the knowledge that really puts him over the top for me. And we are even introduced to some new characters who I absolutely love and who might just break your heart! Looking at you Rheaghan.😭😭😭
This book had some definite steam to it and there were more than a few comments of mine that included the 🥵 emoji. 😅 ritual in the Cove anyone? 👀👀
But that ending! I was ecstatic and hopeful and utterly destroyed by the last chapter of this book. Up until about 70%, I was not aware that this was not the final install (which I'm not at all mad about because I love these characters), but I knew that there was no way everything would be tidily wrapped up in a little bow for us by the end...and boy was I right.
Rating: 5�
Even the dedication in this book is beautiful, "For the survivors who rise like the stars."
"I need to know what they did to you so that I know how much to make them suffer."
"Perhaps it is time for you to realize that I am not the one in need of protection." Me: BOW DOWN.
"I don't know how I will ever recover from such a grave insult to my character. That one stung right in the place where I do not care."
"And one of these days I will cut off your 🍆 and feed it to you...I have no interest in your screams." When I tell you I cheered at this point. 👏
Estrella is an ABSOLUTE QUEEN (in all senses of the term) and shows so much growth in this book! She is still hopeful enough and GOOD enough that she tries to help her "fellow humans" when Mab tries to use them against her, but she is also bloodthirsty enough to grin and laugh when her mate presents her with the heart and tongue of someone who offended her. Like I said, Queen. She is a prisoner for most of this book, but she still manages to make her circumstances her own. Estrella learns more and more about her magic, even while collared with iron to suppress it, and she is even able to learn some about who/what she is keeping the enemies surrounding her in the dark on the matter. I don't want to give too much away, but I was VERY worried around chapter 7 that Mab was going to be able to use Caldris' position as future King of Winter as the catalyst for a villain arc for Estrella. And around chapter 18 Estrella thinks something that a lot of abused/manipulated women think when they discover they don't know much about their partner's past, "It didn't matter, I told myself. All that mattered was how much I loved him," which gave me a horrible sense of foreboding for where their relationship was headed. But she ends up becoming the male-who-would-burn-the-world-for-his-female character alongside Caldris, and I. Am. HERE. For. It. "I would burn the world if it meant saving him, sacrifice every shred of my dignity and morals if it meant he was unharmed." We love reciprocation!!!
"Every God wanted to be loved so thoroughly that someone would sacrifice themselves to protect him."
"If you suffer, I suffer too. If you bleed, I bleed as well. If you die, then I will follow."
Caldris is just as strong, protective, and sexy as ever 🥵🥵🥵 #bookboyfriend material for sure. He really comes through in this book for me! He is supportive and protective and accepting that he isn't the most powerful one in the relationship and that maybe it was always supposed to be that way, whereas before he thought he was the one who would always be in the protector role (which more power to you), but it is his response to the knowledge that really puts him over the top for me. And we are even introduced to some new characters who I absolutely love and who might just break your heart! Looking at you Rheaghan.😭😭😭
This book had some definite steam to it and there were more than a few comments of mine that included the 🥵 emoji. 😅 ritual in the Cove anyone? 👀👀
But that ending! I was ecstatic and hopeful and utterly destroyed by the last chapter of this book. Up until about 70%, I was not aware that this was not the final install (which I'm not at all mad about because I love these characters), but I knew that there was no way everything would be tidily wrapped up in a little bow for us by the end...and boy was I right.
Rating: 5�
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
4.5 stars because what in the actual…�.WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
This took me a hot minute to fully get into because unfortunately I kind of forgot some major plot points. I read book 2 nearly six months ago and have read countless books since, so I had to dive deep into my brain to remember certain things. I think that took away some of the enjoyment and it probably would’ve been five stars if I would have read this immediately after the second installment�
ANYWAY. Estrella is THAT girl. We may not know what she actually is, but regardless she’s still a BAMF. Her suffering at the hands of Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness, was so brutal and descriptive that at points this book was actually hard to read. That has never happened to me before while reading anything, but the scene with Estrella’s back actually made me recoil and I had to take a break. Her humility and bleeding heart are her biggest strength, even though they are preyed on as if they were a weakness. Every interaction she had with the Llaidhe no matter how small, to her pure joy at the smallest taste of freedom from running through the forest with her magic (such a beautiful moment in the book) really cemented how much I love her and I am desperate for her to just WIN.
Caldris…oh my god how I love this male. I loved him in the first book, even when he was deceiving Estrella, and this installment made me love him even more. He worships her and you see him come to terms and accept that she very well may be the strongest of their pairing, and to me that was so important. I may be biased because Fated Mates is one of my favorite tropes, but his love for her just goes beyond everything. I also am not one to annotate but there were multiple times where I almost found a pen to mark the things he said to her. He didn’t just say “I love you� no, that would be too simple. He said:
“You are always my Goddess, min asteren. I worship at your altar with every breath—every moment of my existence. Not only because you are my mate and the Fates determined that we were made for one another, but because I love 𝘺𝘰𝘶. The person you’ve become is a sight to behold, and I am privileged to stand at your side as you embark on your journey.�
LIKE WHAT?! How does one compete with that? You can’t. The pure love and respect that oozed from that statement had my heart clenching.
There wasn’t TOO much that happened, but it all slowly built up to the Tithe, which was a whole experience in itself. The ending had me stressed to the max and I am genuinely willing October to come sooner. These two have been through so much and I don’t know how much more my heart can take (on their behalf). The fact that this is only book 3 of 6…�
I have a lot of questions, because the last 15% of the book threw some twists into the mix.
This took me a hot minute to fully get into because unfortunately I kind of forgot some major plot points. I read book 2 nearly six months ago and have read countless books since, so I had to dive deep into my brain to remember certain things. I think that took away some of the enjoyment and it probably would’ve been five stars if I would have read this immediately after the second installment�
ANYWAY. Estrella is THAT girl. We may not know what she actually is, but regardless she’s still a BAMF. Her suffering at the hands of Mab, Queen of Air and Darkness, was so brutal and descriptive that at points this book was actually hard to read. That has never happened to me before while reading anything, but the scene with Estrella’s back actually made me recoil and I had to take a break. Her humility and bleeding heart are her biggest strength, even though they are preyed on as if they were a weakness. Every interaction she had with the Llaidhe no matter how small, to her pure joy at the smallest taste of freedom from running through the forest with her magic (such a beautiful moment in the book) really cemented how much I love her and I am desperate for her to just WIN.
Caldris…oh my god how I love this male. I loved him in the first book, even when he was deceiving Estrella, and this installment made me love him even more. He worships her and you see him come to terms and accept that she very well may be the strongest of their pairing, and to me that was so important. I may be biased because Fated Mates is one of my favorite tropes, but his love for her just goes beyond everything. I also am not one to annotate but there were multiple times where I almost found a pen to mark the things he said to her. He didn’t just say “I love you� no, that would be too simple. He said:
“You are always my Goddess, min asteren. I worship at your altar with every breath—every moment of my existence. Not only because you are my mate and the Fates determined that we were made for one another, but because I love 𝘺𝘰𝘶. The person you’ve become is a sight to behold, and I am privileged to stand at your side as you embark on your journey.�
LIKE WHAT?! How does one compete with that? You can’t. The pure love and respect that oozed from that statement had my heart clenching.
There wasn’t TOO much that happened, but it all slowly built up to the Tithe, which was a whole experience in itself. The ending had me stressed to the max and I am genuinely willing October to come sooner. These two have been through so much and I don’t know how much more my heart can take (on their behalf). The fact that this is only book 3 of 6…�
I have a lot of questions, because the last 15% of the book threw some twists into the mix.
April 8, 2023
I don’t even know tbh� I didn’t dislike all of it but I disliked quite a lot of it and the ending was unnecessarily infuriating and annoying, so 2 stars for Caldris because he’s the only good thing at this point? 🤧
(can we stop dragging book series out for no reason? There is not enough plot for 4 books.. there’s barely enough for 2..)
(can we stop dragging book series out for no reason? There is not enough plot for 4 books.. there’s barely enough for 2..)
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