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The Broken Kingdoms #8
Reign of Stars and Fire
Nothing is as it seems. It never was.
With darkness spreading across the fae isles, the reluctant raven queen seeks the aid of Calista, the storyteller, and unwittingly falls into a dark tale of twisted fates. To save Ari from being lost in a fae sleep, Saga will reach into the past and uncover deadly secrets left behind by her brother, the last fate king.
Both Saga and Ari must unravel the lies of their world if they are to stand a chance at defeating the fiercest enemy yet.
But when their actions will end in the destruction of every kingdom, Saga and Ari must make a choice: risk the lives of those they love, or burn the world to save each other.
Return to the epic, passionate love story of Ari and Saga in the spicy new adult fantasy romance where fae Vikings come to life with heart-stopping battles, dangerous magic, and tantalizing romance.
With darkness spreading across the fae isles, the reluctant raven queen seeks the aid of Calista, the storyteller, and unwittingly falls into a dark tale of twisted fates. To save Ari from being lost in a fae sleep, Saga will reach into the past and uncover deadly secrets left behind by her brother, the last fate king.
Both Saga and Ari must unravel the lies of their world if they are to stand a chance at defeating the fiercest enemy yet.
But when their actions will end in the destruction of every kingdom, Saga and Ari must make a choice: risk the lives of those they love, or burn the world to save each other.
Return to the epic, passionate love story of Ari and Saga in the spicy new adult fantasy romance where fae Vikings come to life with heart-stopping battles, dangerous magic, and tantalizing romance.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2023
1,829 people are currently reading
15.6k people want to read
About the author
L.J. Andrews
62books5,078followersWriting 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 399 reviews
March 7, 2025
"You ought to know, I realized I'm violently in love with you."
"You've only just realized this?"
I grinned. "As in, I think I will cause a great deal of violence in your name and there would not be a drop of guilt."
4.5 stars
There is just something about this series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's incredibly additicing and entertaining all the same.
This was probably the second best installment to this entire series. More action than its predecessor and a little more weight than some of the previous stories were lacking. This one really got into the juicy parts of the story and it just felt more epic than the others.
But this is still a mammoth of a storyline and these last couple books just don't do the main characters any justice. If anything, the first two couples should have had duologies and these last ones should have been trilogies. There is just so much more history and everything is coming to a head.
Ari and Saga are probably on par with Kase and Malin. Both couples were really entertaining, but I also had my individual issues with them, mostly the ladies.
But I think Calista and Silas are gonna be 🤌🏻 they only get one book so no time for fucking around ⚔️
"You've only just realized this?"
I grinned. "As in, I think I will cause a great deal of violence in your name and there would not be a drop of guilt."
4.5 stars
There is just something about this series. It's not perfect by any means, but it's incredibly additicing and entertaining all the same.
This was probably the second best installment to this entire series. More action than its predecessor and a little more weight than some of the previous stories were lacking. This one really got into the juicy parts of the story and it just felt more epic than the others.
But this is still a mammoth of a storyline and these last couple books just don't do the main characters any justice. If anything, the first two couples should have had duologies and these last ones should have been trilogies. There is just so much more history and everything is coming to a head.
Ari and Saga are probably on par with Kase and Malin. Both couples were really entertaining, but I also had my individual issues with them, mostly the ladies.
But I think Calista and Silas are gonna be 🤌🏻 they only get one book so no time for fucking around ⚔️
March 3, 2025
I think this is my favorite book in this series so far!! The way so many things connected in this book was insane. The plot and the world just continue to build and get more intricate and I love it!! I love Saga and Ari together so much. I’m nervous but excited to start the final book
November 17, 2024
I don’t want to give anything away about what made this book so special. But good lord. If you have read this series then you will know exactly what I’m feeling and what made *certain* chapters so special. I’m floored by how progressively better this series gets book after book.
February 18, 2025
4.5!!! The way everything wove together in this was!!! unreal!!!!
December 23, 2024
the way LJ masterfully wrote these plot lines to intersect is INSANE to me.
this book felt like a love letter to the kings & queens we’ve journeyed alongside so far, as well as a perfect segue into the highly anticipated story of our best girl, Calista.
i’ll always be recommending this series from now on, so you might as well add it to your tbr now 🫶🏼
this book felt like a love letter to the kings & queens we’ve journeyed alongside so far, as well as a perfect segue into the highly anticipated story of our best girl, Calista.
i’ll always be recommending this series from now on, so you might as well add it to your tbr now 🫶🏼
May 28, 2024
This series is the best thing I’ve ever read.
December 23, 2024
The world binding in this series is just top tier. I’ve enjoyed these last books so much! The characters all have very distinct personalities and it’s so fun to see them all together
August 17, 2023
This book was everything we needed for the second last book of the series! I loved reading Ari and Saga's story unfold and the missing pieces of the past being filled in. This series never ceases to impress me with the beautiful world that L.J. Andrews has created and the fierce characters we have grown to love. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to see how the story wraps up. Thank you so much to L.J. Andrews for the opportunity to read the ARC of this magical book. I loved every word she has written.
July 4, 2023
I was already obsessed with this series but this book just took my obsession a step further. Not only did I fall in love even more with these characters but this book was pretty spicy compared to previous books in the series. So many questions from previous books have been answered but sooo many more questions arose while reading this book. I cannot wait for the next book but I can’t help but be scared for what’s in store. I highly highly highly recommend this entire series. As always happy reading!
May 22, 2024
3.5 stars
This was super slow for me and it didn’t pick up until around 60%. I liked how all my favorite characters from the first books are in this, but I wasn’t really invested in Ari and Saga’s love story like I was for Valen and Elise or Kase and Malin. Overall an okay read, but I will take a short break before I jump into book 9 😮�
This was super slow for me and it didn’t pick up until around 60%. I liked how all my favorite characters from the first books are in this, but I wasn’t really invested in Ari and Saga’s love story like I was for Valen and Elise or Kase and Malin. Overall an okay read, but I will take a short break before I jump into book 9 😮�
March 27, 2025
FIVE FREAKING STARS I CANT BELIEVE THIS BOOK WAS WILD WAS AMAZING WAS INTRIGUING WAS MYSTERIOUS WAS EVERYTHING AND ALSO SAD AND I was at the edge of my freaking feet every single second of this book with all the stuff that was happening and the fates and the tales and the fights and the love ugh i love these characters so so much IM OBSESSED WITH THIS WORLD !!
never thought ari and saga's story could be this wholesome and sad and adventurous but this book definitely beat the others WOW how everything kinda comes together in this?? how since the beginning the big villain was all the same damn i was speechless and AMAZED AND SO GOOD I LOVE IT!!
ari and saga's bond is so unbreakable and seeing the other couples too and their love and their children and all was so wholesome AND my heart is full i love my family, they're definitely all a big family always there for each other no matter what and will fight against anyone who wants to harm them i love them and this series definitely has a found family!! right now i know my top 5 fave characters of these series, valen and elise are number one period, then ari and halvar are second i just can't pick one so deal with it then third is definitely kase, malin and eryka and gunnar and also calista tho i need to read her book so definitely see hmm fourth is saga and ash then fifth niklas and tor and i mean all the characters who fought who still come back to fight the battles and help and are part of this big amazing family own my heart tho i think this is my top 5 tho it might change on the last book so I will do a better one in my review so yeah!!
ari and saga's journey was so powerful, I mean all the couples went through hell until they get their happy ending but damn saga and ari from enemies to "forced" marriage to soulmates was IMMACULATE i didn't thought they could own me this much but they do, ari isn't really surprising because i love him since he first appeared in the second book so not surprised but saga definitely surprised me and i love that, she grow so much and she's finally herself and the best and the baddest i mean power couple for sure, all of them are but yeah ari and saga deserve the world and so happy for them finally together and happy and with a kingdom and their extended family!! now im ready for calista's book and to know more about her and the west kingdom, im so so intrigued ugh let's go!!
never thought ari and saga's story could be this wholesome and sad and adventurous but this book definitely beat the others WOW how everything kinda comes together in this?? how since the beginning the big villain was all the same damn i was speechless and AMAZED AND SO GOOD I LOVE IT!!
ari and saga's bond is so unbreakable and seeing the other couples too and their love and their children and all was so wholesome AND my heart is full i love my family, they're definitely all a big family always there for each other no matter what and will fight against anyone who wants to harm them i love them and this series definitely has a found family!! right now i know my top 5 fave characters of these series, valen and elise are number one period, then ari and halvar are second i just can't pick one so deal with it then third is definitely kase, malin and eryka and gunnar and also calista tho i need to read her book so definitely see hmm fourth is saga and ash then fifth niklas and tor and i mean all the characters who fought who still come back to fight the battles and help and are part of this big amazing family own my heart tho i think this is my top 5 tho it might change on the last book so I will do a better one in my review so yeah!!
ari and saga's journey was so powerful, I mean all the couples went through hell until they get their happy ending but damn saga and ari from enemies to "forced" marriage to soulmates was IMMACULATE i didn't thought they could own me this much but they do, ari isn't really surprising because i love him since he first appeared in the second book so not surprised but saga definitely surprised me and i love that, she grow so much and she's finally herself and the best and the baddest i mean power couple for sure, all of them are but yeah ari and saga deserve the world and so happy for them finally together and happy and with a kingdom and their extended family!! now im ready for calista's book and to know more about her and the west kingdom, im so so intrigued ugh let's go!!
October 3, 2024
This book was beautifully written. There was so much thought put into this entire series and this book really showcases the authors talent. Everything is starting to come together and I am loving it.
January 24, 2024
Ok i still really love the gang- and i love the stories of all the different characters but when it comes to the villains- those don’t need to be dragged out. i have started the next already and LOVING the flash forward.
February 4, 2025
No notes just amazing
This book was by far my favorite one thus far of the series.
The world building on this whole series is so magical. Also the magic system on this one was so wonderful. Learning of the connection Saga and Ari have to the land was beautiful.
Saga and Ari are so adorable on this one. Saga fighting to get Ari back and Ari fighting his own battle while asleep had me on edge. Their love is so wholesome. Their dream experience is so steamy. Loved seeing how wicked Ari was and how they just couldn’t get their hands off each other. Their connection is truly beautiful and how they were always meant to be together 😩. The spice 🌶� is mild to medium with a few scenes but never too much.
The found family was a whole other level on this one and one of my top favorites ive ever read. We get to see Saga open up to friendship but also see all the kingdoms unite and have eachothers back. Omg just so well done!
The ending was epic. Calista being an heir. Saga and Ari always being fated. And them now being King and Queen. The broken kingdoms history being a lie Riot created to protect the royal line. Hodag dying 😩.
The epilogue was also so good. Seeing all of them 10 years later with all the children was so freaking cute. And seeing how each child has magic of their own. And most importantly Calista being called to sing a song 😱😱😱.
This book was by far my favorite one thus far of the series.
The world building on this whole series is so magical. Also the magic system on this one was so wonderful. Learning of the connection Saga and Ari have to the land was beautiful.
Saga and Ari are so adorable on this one. Saga fighting to get Ari back and Ari fighting his own battle while asleep had me on edge. Their love is so wholesome. Their dream experience is so steamy. Loved seeing how wicked Ari was and how they just couldn’t get their hands off each other. Their connection is truly beautiful and how they were always meant to be together 😩. The spice 🌶� is mild to medium with a few scenes but never too much.
The found family was a whole other level on this one and one of my top favorites ive ever read. We get to see Saga open up to friendship but also see all the kingdoms unite and have eachothers back. Omg just so well done!
The ending was epic. Calista being an heir. Saga and Ari always being fated. And them now being King and Queen. The broken kingdoms history being a lie Riot created to protect the royal line. Hodag dying 😩.
The epilogue was also so good. Seeing all of them 10 years later with all the children was so freaking cute. And seeing how each child has magic of their own. And most importantly Calista being called to sing a song 😱😱😱.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2024
This was the perfect second half of Ari and Sagas story! Saga had to work with old friends and once enemies to rescue Ari. Even tho Ari was in a deep sleep, they both had to solve riddles and look deep within their own hearts to find their way back to each other.
Lots of darkness, war and scheming but, we get the characters from the other books back again, as they work to protect each other in every way that they can!
Calista has a hard time trusting and wanting to gain some of her memories back and we get introduced to one more character for the very last book and I’m SO sad I’m coming to the end. 🥺🥺🥺
One more book you guys! I hope you’ve enjoyed all my posts on this series and even if I’ve convinced only one person to begin, my heart would be so happy! ♥️
Lots of darkness, war and scheming but, we get the characters from the other books back again, as they work to protect each other in every way that they can!
Calista has a hard time trusting and wanting to gain some of her memories back and we get introduced to one more character for the very last book and I’m SO sad I’m coming to the end. 🥺🥺🥺
One more book you guys! I hope you’ve enjoyed all my posts on this series and even if I’ve convinced only one person to begin, my heart would be so happy! ♥️
May 28, 2024
LJ Andrews is a genius. This book is a beautiful masterpiece, a testament to interwoven plot lines, and overall a stunningly fantastic read.
I am not ready for this series to be over�
I am not ready for this series to be over�
July 22, 2024
I really loved how the author made all of these books come together and I am not even finished! But it does make sense as to why all of the kingdoms were going through what they were! A nice little bow on this series for sure.
I LOVE ARI AND SAGA. They are my favorite
I LOVE ARI AND SAGA. They are my favorite
December 17, 2024
ONE MORE!!!
January 1, 2025
frothing at the mouth like a rabid dog every time kase eriksson (👁️🫦👁️) is mentioned/appears like pavlov would be so smug about it
April 23, 2025
Better, but now I just want to get to the end.
I enjoyed this one and all of its parts, of which there were many. Yet, I’m really excited to just get to the end because this story feels like it’s been dragging on for an eternity. 😂
🌶️🌶️
I enjoyed this one and all of its parts, of which there were many. Yet, I’m really excited to just get to the end because this story feels like it’s been dragging on for an eternity. 😂
🌶️🌶️
March 3, 2025
3.5/5.0
The same nail-biting, can’t-put-down story, I just didn’t connect as closely with Saga and Ari and I have the previous couples. Only one more book to go in this fabulous series, though!
The same nail-biting, can’t-put-down story, I just didn’t connect as closely with Saga and Ari and I have the previous couples. Only one more book to go in this fabulous series, though!
July 13, 2023
keeps getting better
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Turn back if you haven’t read the other books in the series!
I stumbled upon the broken kingdom series a little bit ago, back when there was
only two books out and we got to the end of book 3 and I was devastated that Elise and Valen’s story was over. But then I was taken over by Malin and Kase and their story and growth and I thought again how can I ever love any characters anymore than I do with Elise and Valen, and Malin and Kase? But then enters Ari and Saga and man I don’t know if I will be able to survive the impending end of this series.
I have always loved Ari’s character from the time he entered back in the northern kingdom. He’s funny, sarcastic, smart and witty. I was so worried how this story would go after he was put into the fae sleep. The relationship that Saga and Ari built was so raw and deep. Both characters have painful pasts but they were able to find each other. It was perfect torture waiting for them to be reunited. When they are together though, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Of course my anxiety through this book was sky high. My mind racing through scenarios and questions. I had to stop myself from speed reading to get to the next piece of information. There is a lot to take in. So much interconnection from book to book and through all the characters and I LOVED it!
And the banter! The banter between all of the characters is perfect. The characters use sarcasm and witty remarks to help get through some of the worst tragedy they’ve experienced.
Not one character in any of these books is left unscathed. Everyone has their demons that they’re not proud of, but each and every one of these characters is working to make a better place for them and their loved ones to live.
I am so excited for book 9 In August. It will be bitter sweet seeing how these stories wrap up.
Quotes:
“Pick her over me, Stieg,� I whispered. “If it comes to that, I’m asking as a friend, pick her over me.�
“I need your mouth screaming my name soon, sweet menace. I need you to come apart, because I can’t wait to feel you around me much longer.�
“Saga was worth my every breath, my every heartbeat. She was not a love I simply felt in my heart, she was a love I tasted, one trimmed on every thought, every touch yearned to be hers.�
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Turn back if you haven’t read the other books in the series!
I stumbled upon the broken kingdom series a little bit ago, back when there was
only two books out and we got to the end of book 3 and I was devastated that Elise and Valen’s story was over. But then I was taken over by Malin and Kase and their story and growth and I thought again how can I ever love any characters anymore than I do with Elise and Valen, and Malin and Kase? But then enters Ari and Saga and man I don’t know if I will be able to survive the impending end of this series.
I have always loved Ari’s character from the time he entered back in the northern kingdom. He’s funny, sarcastic, smart and witty. I was so worried how this story would go after he was put into the fae sleep. The relationship that Saga and Ari built was so raw and deep. Both characters have painful pasts but they were able to find each other. It was perfect torture waiting for them to be reunited. When they are together though, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Of course my anxiety through this book was sky high. My mind racing through scenarios and questions. I had to stop myself from speed reading to get to the next piece of information. There is a lot to take in. So much interconnection from book to book and through all the characters and I LOVED it!
And the banter! The banter between all of the characters is perfect. The characters use sarcasm and witty remarks to help get through some of the worst tragedy they’ve experienced.
Not one character in any of these books is left unscathed. Everyone has their demons that they’re not proud of, but each and every one of these characters is working to make a better place for them and their loved ones to live.
I am so excited for book 9 In August. It will be bitter sweet seeing how these stories wrap up.
Quotes:
“Pick her over me, Stieg,� I whispered. “If it comes to that, I’m asking as a friend, pick her over me.�
“I need your mouth screaming my name soon, sweet menace. I need you to come apart, because I can’t wait to feel you around me much longer.�
“Saga was worth my every breath, my every heartbeat. She was not a love I simply felt in my heart, she was a love I tasted, one trimmed on every thought, every touch yearned to be hers.�
July 4, 2023
So disappointed
I loved every book un thos series until this one. So bad, the majority of the book was riddles from the gates, on and on thoughts from Calista, all about the fates and the past etc, so little of it was actual characters talking about other things like battles and such. So boring I almost skipped finishing it, took me a few days because it was so dull.
I loved every book un thos series until this one. So bad, the majority of the book was riddles from the gates, on and on thoughts from Calista, all about the fates and the past etc, so little of it was actual characters talking about other things like battles and such. So boring I almost skipped finishing it, took me a few days because it was so dull.
March 5, 2024
This might be the best series of books I've ever read. The way they line up to unfold a bigger story at the end! Talk about a good plot and phenomenal character development. Sad I'm on the last book :(
July 19, 2023
The first part of this review contains no spoilers!
Book overall rating: 4.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Ease of reading: 3/5
Spice Rating: 1.5/5
I was super privileged to receive an ARC of this, prior to reading it I did a full reread of all the other books in the series to prepare and I am so glad I did. I made the mistake of not doing this before reading book #7 and it made it difficult to get into.
Overall, I was super happy with the direction this book went, and without spoilers I though Ari & Saga were separated for the right amount of time.
Tropes checks
✔️Adversaries to Friends to Lovers
✔️Golden Retriever but also protective MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Fated Mates
✔️Slow Burn Romance
✔️Found Family
✔️Curses & War
✔️Ѳٱ
The next part of this review contains spoilers
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Spoiler thoughts.
� Chapter 1 being Valen POV � like straight of the bat like that, let me tell you I squealed 😲
� I noted straight away that it was super suspicious that the Western Kingdom was so forgotten without anyone knowing their rulers name/questioning why they don’t know or want to know.
� Ari thinking that Saga was dead when she dream-walked to him was so cute and heart breaking.
🥹 “No. No you can’t be dead, Saga.� Ari’s face contorted in a look of despair. “Tell me you’re not-� “Ari.� I trapped his face in my palms, stroking the sides of his jaw until the tension released. “I’m not dead. You’re not dead. You…you know that right?� 🥹
💞 He nipped at the love of my ear before whispering, “This can’t be a dream, you’re top delectable. Npt even a dream could conjure up such sweetness.� 💞
� I was so sure that Ari’s spirit guide was going to be Saga’s brother originally, I made so many notes about it haha.
� I made a note that Cal’s brother referring to Saga as ‘Princess� had a deeper meaning, but I didn’t guess the truth until near the end.
� Chapter 9 � Fuck yeah now its my favourite gloomy boy the Nightrender’s POV.
� There is either a slight plot error or I got myself confused (highly likely) but when did Bo get free? At the end of Book #7, Den of Blades & Briars, Bo is captured by Saga and she promised not to kill him unless she has to. Then the next time we see him he is attacking the Blood court?
🥹 “You are worth every risk, Ari Sekundar.� Saga’s voice was distant. “Believe that and return to me.� “Saga.� I turned my head in time to see the shape of her fading. I jolted to sitting, reaching for her. “No, no, no, stay here. Gods! Just a little longer.� 🥹
� Sofia just losing the plot was so sad, before she became a total traitor.
� The below quote made me laugh, but I also thought it reminded me of a quote from #7 (Den of Blades & Briars) when Ari joked something similar as they were being chased. Also the quote below from Ari later in the book, it show how great they are for each other.
🗡� “Cease the fight, Saga. You stand no chance.� I bared my teeth. “Then why am I winning?� 🗡�
🗡� “Stop fighting, Awakener. You wont win.� “Does that actually work?� My lip curled. “Have you ever met someone on the battlefield who simply gave up because you asked?� 🗡�
� Gorm’s inability to not take things literally is still comedy gold, it is done just the right amount that it is hilarious every time and not overdone slapstick. My favourite was Saga pausing at the door to regain her composure and him explaining how a door handle works to her.
� Gunner taking time to learn as much about Erika’s glamour so that he can support her as best possible is so adorable, I honestly just cant we these two they are fantastic.
� The arrival of the other to the Southern Island and Kas threatening Saga so on point for how each of their characters would react.
🗡� “I want to know where you’ve taken my Kyrv.� A low, dangerous rasp lifted the hair on my arms. “You play games with the earth, but everyone can break under the pressure of fear.� 🗡�
� Davorin stealing the last sleep-walking spell that Saga had and going to fight Ari 😲 😲 😲
� Halver & Kari trying to kill each other whilst under Davorin’s influence, then their reactions after were golden. Honestly Halvar is one of my favourite supporting characters almost entirely because of how he treats Kari.
� Sofia trying to set the fate in motion that undoes the curse, and what it would mean for everyone.
😥 Calista swiped her sleeve under her nose when I asked. Emotions she didn’t care to show were alive in her eyes. “Fated crowns were united Kingdoms. You unwind that and there is no telling if their paths will ever cross. No curses where beasts fall for kind hearts. No masquerafes where littles are stolen and locked in cages No frozen hearts, and no golden ambassadors to bring the thaw.� 😥
� The brutality of Riot’s reaction when he found what Davorin had done to Saga. It had me feeling things for Riot let me tell you🔥 🔥 🔥
🗡� “Find out how many of these traitors he’s forced upon her. Rack them up, flay them, then I take their spines piece by piece.� The king kicked the man in the jaw. He let out a long groan. “When they scream, the process slows, the knife deepens.� 🗡�
� Valen bowing before Saga for saving Elise whilst she was pregnant was so cute.
� Ari telling Elise she must stop pining for him as he is vowed now, after 7 books of him playful telling her she should leave her husband for him 🤣
🤣 “I hate you for the worry you’ve caused,� Elise said. “Lies. I’m too wonderful to despise in earnest. I even convinced enemies to love me.� Ari patted Elise’s back. “Which reminds me, I’m afraid you must stop this endless pining over me, Elise; I am a vowed man now.� 🤣
� Erika asking Hagen if she can called him Daj, because her family have been murdered had me crying all over the place. 😥 😥 😥
� Hodag dying was so shocking I didn’t accept that it had actually happened and reread it several times. Then cried, when Stieg lost his shit over it as well. 😥
� 10 year gap for the next book, I like the little updates we got.
� Overall I really enjoyed this book, the last time we had a book where the main characters crossed over, #6 Dance of Kings & Thieves, I felt it got a little busy but this was done really well.
Other Quotes.
💞 “I have need for you to cease whatever is going on here, wife. I need to see you and touch you, or I will grow rather violent.� 💞
🥹 “Stop.� Ari’s eyes darkened with irritation. “This is a habit of yours and must stop now. No more placing yourself below others in my life, Saga. I would rule a damn empire against my will if it meant I sat beside you. Remember what I told you-no one has ever taken the place where I hold you in my heart. “I am uneasy because I have always been loyal to my Kingdom, yet I feel that loyalty is severely divided. For the first time in my life, my heart and blood are not in Etta. They are here with you. I feel rather traitorous for it, and I don’t know what it looks like to stand beside my king anymore.� 🥹
Book overall rating: 4.5/5
Enjoyment: 3.5/5
Ease of reading: 3/5
Spice Rating: 1.5/5
I was super privileged to receive an ARC of this, prior to reading it I did a full reread of all the other books in the series to prepare and I am so glad I did. I made the mistake of not doing this before reading book #7 and it made it difficult to get into.
Overall, I was super happy with the direction this book went, and without spoilers I though Ari & Saga were separated for the right amount of time.
Tropes checks
✔️Adversaries to Friends to Lovers
✔️Golden Retriever but also protective MMC
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️Fated Mates
✔️Slow Burn Romance
✔️Found Family
✔️Curses & War
✔️Ѳٱ
The next part of this review contains spoilers
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Spoiler thoughts.
� Chapter 1 being Valen POV � like straight of the bat like that, let me tell you I squealed 😲
� I noted straight away that it was super suspicious that the Western Kingdom was so forgotten without anyone knowing their rulers name/questioning why they don’t know or want to know.
� Ari thinking that Saga was dead when she dream-walked to him was so cute and heart breaking.
🥹 “No. No you can’t be dead, Saga.� Ari’s face contorted in a look of despair. “Tell me you’re not-� “Ari.� I trapped his face in my palms, stroking the sides of his jaw until the tension released. “I’m not dead. You’re not dead. You…you know that right?� 🥹
💞 He nipped at the love of my ear before whispering, “This can’t be a dream, you’re top delectable. Npt even a dream could conjure up such sweetness.� 💞
� I was so sure that Ari’s spirit guide was going to be Saga’s brother originally, I made so many notes about it haha.
� I made a note that Cal’s brother referring to Saga as ‘Princess� had a deeper meaning, but I didn’t guess the truth until near the end.
� Chapter 9 � Fuck yeah now its my favourite gloomy boy the Nightrender’s POV.
� There is either a slight plot error or I got myself confused (highly likely) but when did Bo get free? At the end of Book #7, Den of Blades & Briars, Bo is captured by Saga and she promised not to kill him unless she has to. Then the next time we see him he is attacking the Blood court?
🥹 “You are worth every risk, Ari Sekundar.� Saga’s voice was distant. “Believe that and return to me.� “Saga.� I turned my head in time to see the shape of her fading. I jolted to sitting, reaching for her. “No, no, no, stay here. Gods! Just a little longer.� 🥹
� Sofia just losing the plot was so sad, before she became a total traitor.
� The below quote made me laugh, but I also thought it reminded me of a quote from #7 (Den of Blades & Briars) when Ari joked something similar as they were being chased. Also the quote below from Ari later in the book, it show how great they are for each other.
🗡� “Cease the fight, Saga. You stand no chance.� I bared my teeth. “Then why am I winning?� 🗡�
🗡� “Stop fighting, Awakener. You wont win.� “Does that actually work?� My lip curled. “Have you ever met someone on the battlefield who simply gave up because you asked?� 🗡�
� Gorm’s inability to not take things literally is still comedy gold, it is done just the right amount that it is hilarious every time and not overdone slapstick. My favourite was Saga pausing at the door to regain her composure and him explaining how a door handle works to her.
� Gunner taking time to learn as much about Erika’s glamour so that he can support her as best possible is so adorable, I honestly just cant we these two they are fantastic.
� The arrival of the other to the Southern Island and Kas threatening Saga so on point for how each of their characters would react.
🗡� “I want to know where you’ve taken my Kyrv.� A low, dangerous rasp lifted the hair on my arms. “You play games with the earth, but everyone can break under the pressure of fear.� 🗡�
� Davorin stealing the last sleep-walking spell that Saga had and going to fight Ari 😲 😲 😲
� Halver & Kari trying to kill each other whilst under Davorin’s influence, then their reactions after were golden. Honestly Halvar is one of my favourite supporting characters almost entirely because of how he treats Kari.
� Sofia trying to set the fate in motion that undoes the curse, and what it would mean for everyone.
😥 Calista swiped her sleeve under her nose when I asked. Emotions she didn’t care to show were alive in her eyes. “Fated crowns were united Kingdoms. You unwind that and there is no telling if their paths will ever cross. No curses where beasts fall for kind hearts. No masquerafes where littles are stolen and locked in cages No frozen hearts, and no golden ambassadors to bring the thaw.� 😥
� The brutality of Riot’s reaction when he found what Davorin had done to Saga. It had me feeling things for Riot let me tell you🔥 🔥 🔥
🗡� “Find out how many of these traitors he’s forced upon her. Rack them up, flay them, then I take their spines piece by piece.� The king kicked the man in the jaw. He let out a long groan. “When they scream, the process slows, the knife deepens.� 🗡�
� Valen bowing before Saga for saving Elise whilst she was pregnant was so cute.
� Ari telling Elise she must stop pining for him as he is vowed now, after 7 books of him playful telling her she should leave her husband for him 🤣
🤣 “I hate you for the worry you’ve caused,� Elise said. “Lies. I’m too wonderful to despise in earnest. I even convinced enemies to love me.� Ari patted Elise’s back. “Which reminds me, I’m afraid you must stop this endless pining over me, Elise; I am a vowed man now.� 🤣
� Erika asking Hagen if she can called him Daj, because her family have been murdered had me crying all over the place. 😥 😥 😥
� Hodag dying was so shocking I didn’t accept that it had actually happened and reread it several times. Then cried, when Stieg lost his shit over it as well. 😥
� 10 year gap for the next book, I like the little updates we got.
� Overall I really enjoyed this book, the last time we had a book where the main characters crossed over, #6 Dance of Kings & Thieves, I felt it got a little busy but this was done really well.
Other Quotes.
💞 “I have need for you to cease whatever is going on here, wife. I need to see you and touch you, or I will grow rather violent.� 💞
🥹 “Stop.� Ari’s eyes darkened with irritation. “This is a habit of yours and must stop now. No more placing yourself below others in my life, Saga. I would rule a damn empire against my will if it meant I sat beside you. Remember what I told you-no one has ever taken the place where I hold you in my heart. “I am uneasy because I have always been loyal to my Kingdom, yet I feel that loyalty is severely divided. For the first time in my life, my heart and blood are not in Etta. They are here with you. I feel rather traitorous for it, and I don’t know what it looks like to stand beside my king anymore.� 🥹
April 8, 2025
INFINITY STARS! OH. MY. GOD. I have no words for the sorcery of amazement that is this book. I have never, EVER had a series tie together so beautifully as it just did in this book. My flabbers are gasted. i can’t even formulate words to write a review right now. Holy. Shit. That was incredible!!!
Update: 4/9/25 i can’t stop thinking about this book.
I don’t even know where to start. This book truly took the words from me. Out of all the books I’ve ever read, this is one of my favorites. I don’t want to give anything away, so what I’ll say is that I have never, EVER, had a series come together in a way such as this. I have never had so many puzzle pieces fit together so impeccably. I have never had so many story lines fuse together so perfectly. But that is this book. It’s perfect. Infinity stars. There’s no way to rate it better than absolute perfection.
With that being said, I’m devastated this series is nearly over. The found family in these books? CHEFS KISS! I feel like they’re MY family. Their relationships with each other is almost unparalleled. I have never laughed out loud during a dark romantasy as much as I did from the real life personalities, *especially* Ari. And don’t even get me started on character development. Not only do you get to see Ari and Saga grow and learn themselves and each other, but you get to see Ari’s character grow and become stronger throughout 8 whole books! I wanna scream from the rooftops about this book and this series and all of it.
Thank you, LJ Andrews, for writing such an impeccable, palpable, beautiful series of books that I will cherish forever. I think Ari needs to be my new book husband. His character is one of the most lovable, funny, and strong characters I’ve ever read about and I am beyond obsessed. These definitely are added to my “cremate me with these� list.
My heart is bigger from the growth ring these books have formed in my big, sappy, romantasy loving heart! ♾️⭐️
Tropes
🐦⬛ found family like never before
💀 touch her and ☠️
🐦⬛ shifter magic
💀 kingdoms uniting
🐦⬛ parallel past timelines
💀 hidden family lore
🐦⬛ epic battles
Update: 4/9/25 i can’t stop thinking about this book.
I don’t even know where to start. This book truly took the words from me. Out of all the books I’ve ever read, this is one of my favorites. I don’t want to give anything away, so what I’ll say is that I have never, EVER, had a series come together in a way such as this. I have never had so many puzzle pieces fit together so impeccably. I have never had so many story lines fuse together so perfectly. But that is this book. It’s perfect. Infinity stars. There’s no way to rate it better than absolute perfection.
With that being said, I’m devastated this series is nearly over. The found family in these books? CHEFS KISS! I feel like they’re MY family. Their relationships with each other is almost unparalleled. I have never laughed out loud during a dark romantasy as much as I did from the real life personalities, *especially* Ari. And don’t even get me started on character development. Not only do you get to see Ari and Saga grow and learn themselves and each other, but you get to see Ari’s character grow and become stronger throughout 8 whole books! I wanna scream from the rooftops about this book and this series and all of it.
Thank you, LJ Andrews, for writing such an impeccable, palpable, beautiful series of books that I will cherish forever. I think Ari needs to be my new book husband. His character is one of the most lovable, funny, and strong characters I’ve ever read about and I am beyond obsessed. These definitely are added to my “cremate me with these� list.
My heart is bigger from the growth ring these books have formed in my big, sappy, romantasy loving heart! ♾️⭐️
Tropes
🐦⬛ found family like never before
💀 touch her and ☠️
🐦⬛ shifter magic
💀 kingdoms uniting
🐦⬛ parallel past timelines
💀 hidden family lore
🐦⬛ epic battles
July 24, 2023
This book took me too much time to read🤣 I am still giving it 4 stars because it just deserves them.
The plot of this series is SO COMPLEX I have no idea how could the author come up with so many things. How can a random girl mentioned in book one become a fated queen and the main character in the next and final book? I cannot wait to read Calista’s story!
That being said, there were a few things that weren’t exactly “my cup of tea�. I feel like because there were SO MANY things happening, we did not get to see characters evolving. This was still supposed to be Saga and Ari’s story and to me it felt a little more like Calista’s journey. I felt like at times the plot kind of “drowned� the character’s voices.
Also, I love that there were a lot of characters with their own stories and battles and everything, but it also felt a bit overwhelming trying to remember them all from the previous books. Especially when they have vikings names I can barely pronounce😆
And finally Ari and Saga. My babies, my loves. Ari has been my favourite since book 1 because of his banter. Where did his banter go? And maybe a little more angst between him and Saga would have been nice😫 because in den of blades and briars I WAS SO INTO IT. the hate, the banter, the “you are saga. You are mine.� He went from deadly but absolutely funny hot guy to cute overprotective hubby. Basically he became Valen🤣
I still loved the book. I loved the ending, I will love the next one and I will absolutely adore The ever king spin off which comes out in September.
The plot of this series is SO COMPLEX I have no idea how could the author come up with so many things. How can a random girl mentioned in book one become a fated queen and the main character in the next and final book? I cannot wait to read Calista’s story!
That being said, there were a few things that weren’t exactly “my cup of tea�. I feel like because there were SO MANY things happening, we did not get to see characters evolving. This was still supposed to be Saga and Ari’s story and to me it felt a little more like Calista’s journey. I felt like at times the plot kind of “drowned� the character’s voices.
Also, I love that there were a lot of characters with their own stories and battles and everything, but it also felt a bit overwhelming trying to remember them all from the previous books. Especially when they have vikings names I can barely pronounce😆
And finally Ari and Saga. My babies, my loves. Ari has been my favourite since book 1 because of his banter. Where did his banter go? And maybe a little more angst between him and Saga would have been nice😫 because in den of blades and briars I WAS SO INTO IT. the hate, the banter, the “you are saga. You are mine.� He went from deadly but absolutely funny hot guy to cute overprotective hubby. Basically he became Valen🤣
I still loved the book. I loved the ending, I will love the next one and I will absolutely adore The ever king spin off which comes out in September.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
THIS IS THE BEST ONE IN THE SERIES!!! IT ALL FINALLY COMES TOGETHER. Chapter 28 blew my fucking mind!! Her writing is so amazing. It reminds me of throne of glass. You fall in love with so many different characters but don’t get too attached bc there are deaths lol.
Not gonna lie this series kinda burnt me out for some reason. Idk why bc all the books are good! However, a lot has been happening in real life I haven’t been reading as much and been in a reading slump. This absolutely revived me and brought me back to life!! I got all the feels and I even cried at the end.
Ugh this was so good. I can’t wait to read the last book.
Not gonna lie this series kinda burnt me out for some reason. Idk why bc all the books are good! However, a lot has been happening in real life I haven’t been reading as much and been in a reading slump. This absolutely revived me and brought me back to life!! I got all the feels and I even cried at the end.
Ugh this was so good. I can’t wait to read the last book.
March 8, 2025
By far the best of the series. I complained throughout the first two books that there was not enough world building, but this book delivered in spades. Not only was the story of Ari and Saga full of turmoil and love, but we find out how all the other characters are connected together. I was actually impressed with how the author connected everyone together in unique ways. While I didn’t love Ari in the previous books, he has grown on me and become one of my favorite characters. I also really enjoyed being able to see our other couples from previous books doing well, but not changing their fierce personalities. I’m hooked and can’t wait to read the final book in the series!
January 10, 2025
5�
“When there seems to be no way out, it is in those moments we must dig inside and find the courage to choose for ourselves how we take the next step.�
Beautifully done!!! I could not put this book down. I’m 110% hooked and can’t wait for the final book. SO MANY twists, turns and answers were in this book - I can’t imagine how many more the last book will give us�. Especially with that damn epilogue!
“They’d sacrificed everything to bring us here. To unite families divided, and build a found family stronger than a former kingdom ever dreamed.�
“When there seems to be no way out, it is in those moments we must dig inside and find the courage to choose for ourselves how we take the next step.�
Beautifully done!!! I could not put this book down. I’m 110% hooked and can’t wait for the final book. SO MANY twists, turns and answers were in this book - I can’t imagine how many more the last book will give us�. Especially with that damn epilogue!
“They’d sacrificed everything to bring us here. To unite families divided, and build a found family stronger than a former kingdom ever dreamed.�
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