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Season of the Elf #3
A War of Ruin and Reckoning: Season of the Elf
A reckoning is coming… but who will it hurt the most?
When environmental activist Nova Morales wakes thousands of years after a nuclear fallout, she is surrounded by magic, monsters, and war. The earth she fought to protect is in pieces, along with her heart. Everyone she loved is dead. All she wants is to find answers, but instead, she finds herself the unwilling prize in an Unseelie mate hunt.
Elf Guardian Leaf has always prioritized duty to the Well. His fate is his own, despite what the Prime and that insufferable psychic Clarke say about him being fated to a human from the old world. He doesn’t have time for love when a blight on their magic source has the enemy breathing down their necks. But when avoiding his duty throws him into the path of a beautiful war prize who claims they used to be lovers, he’s forced to question everything—even his memory.
The trouble with questions is they lead to answers better left buried. And as more painful secrets come to light, Leaf starts to wonder who the truth will ruin most—the Prime with her machinations, the unhinged Unseelie Queen and her war of vengeance, the crow shifter with a chip on his wings, the lost daughter of an ally… or Nova, the woman he’s falling in love with.
A War of Ruin and Reckoning is the Ninth Fae Guardians Novel and the final in the Season of the Elf Trilogy. More in the Fae Guardians series is coming.
When environmental activist Nova Morales wakes thousands of years after a nuclear fallout, she is surrounded by magic, monsters, and war. The earth she fought to protect is in pieces, along with her heart. Everyone she loved is dead. All she wants is to find answers, but instead, she finds herself the unwilling prize in an Unseelie mate hunt.
Elf Guardian Leaf has always prioritized duty to the Well. His fate is his own, despite what the Prime and that insufferable psychic Clarke say about him being fated to a human from the old world. He doesn’t have time for love when a blight on their magic source has the enemy breathing down their necks. But when avoiding his duty throws him into the path of a beautiful war prize who claims they used to be lovers, he’s forced to question everything—even his memory.
The trouble with questions is they lead to answers better left buried. And as more painful secrets come to light, Leaf starts to wonder who the truth will ruin most—the Prime with her machinations, the unhinged Unseelie Queen and her war of vengeance, the crow shifter with a chip on his wings, the lost daughter of an ally… or Nova, the woman he’s falling in love with.
A War of Ruin and Reckoning is the Ninth Fae Guardians Novel and the final in the Season of the Elf Trilogy. More in the Fae Guardians series is coming.
498 pages, Hardcover
Published October 16, 2023
325 people are currently reading
1041 people want to read
About the author
Lana Pecherczyk
58 books2,326 followersLana lives in Perth, Western Australia and loves writing Paranormal/ Fantasy and Sci-fi Romance. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her creating art and designing book covers. She also fights evil by moonlight, wins love by daylight and never runs from a real fight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
October 15, 2023
I love this series so much but I find myself disappointed with the last three books in the series. They don’t have the same magic that the first six books did.
I found myself bored while reading this latest addition to the series. It doesn’t help that the leads got on my nerves so much. They were terrible at communicating with each other and they had zero chemistry. They just constantly yelled at each other. There was no banter or tension or angst. It was just very bland. I also found that their romance tropes weren’t executed very well.
However, the author always does a good job at keeping me excited for the next book in the series. I mean the entire battle at the end was actually insane. There were so many twists and turns and I have several questions that I need the answers to ASAP. So while this wasn’t my favorite of the series, I don’t think it was the worst either. It falls somewhere in the middle for me. And I also believe it did a good job of setting up a lot of things up for the crows and the Sluagh. I honestly can’t wait for the crows to get their own books, especially Cloud.
All in all, I still have a lot of love for this series. I mean this is going to be a twelve book series (more if you include the Six) so there are definitely going to be some books that I won’t like as much as the others.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I found myself bored while reading this latest addition to the series. It doesn’t help that the leads got on my nerves so much. They were terrible at communicating with each other and they had zero chemistry. They just constantly yelled at each other. There was no banter or tension or angst. It was just very bland. I also found that their romance tropes weren’t executed very well.
However, the author always does a good job at keeping me excited for the next book in the series. I mean the entire battle at the end was actually insane. There were so many twists and turns and I have several questions that I need the answers to ASAP. So while this wasn’t my favorite of the series, I don’t think it was the worst either. It falls somewhere in the middle for me. And I also believe it did a good job of setting up a lot of things up for the crows and the Sluagh. I honestly can’t wait for the crows to get their own books, especially Cloud.
All in all, I still have a lot of love for this series. I mean this is going to be a twelve book series (more if you include the Six) so there are definitely going to be some books that I won’t like as much as the others.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
dnf
May 23, 2024DNF At 43%
I want to love these books so badly! The covers are GORGEOUS! But alas, I can’t connect with them. I don’t think it’s the writing. The characters come off as bland and quite annoying for the majority of this book though. I’m starting to realize that just because I adore the covers to this series and its spin-offs doesn’t mean that they are for me, unfortunately 🥲
I want to love these books so badly! The covers are GORGEOUS! But alas, I can’t connect with them. I don’t think it’s the writing. The characters come off as bland and quite annoying for the majority of this book though. I’m starting to realize that just because I adore the covers to this series and its spin-offs doesn’t mean that they are for me, unfortunately 🥲
February 11, 2025
WARNING: The following review contains a plethora of spoilers, because I genuinely don't know how to talk about this book without spoiling the fuck out of it... I did my best to mark them all, but regardless, please proceed with caution.
Y'all, this book fucking WRECKED me. 😭 The first half made me cry multiple times; and the second half was so damn stressful and tense and fast-paced, I'm still reeling. The revelations we get in this book! 😱🤯
It should be a surprise to no one that knows me that I am certifiably IN LOVE with Lana Pecherzyk's Fae Guardians series. Each book is better than the last as the stakes continue to rise to unprecedented heights, and each new twist and revelation repeatedly blows my mind, even if I manage to guess it in advance. It's like all of these pieces Lana has spread out across these books start coming together and clicking into place and goddamn, it's just so good!
A decade has passed since the events of A Crown of Cruel Lies and let me tell you, that passage of time is an adjustment. Certain kiddos of the Twelve are growing up way too fast (my babies! 🥹), but so much of what we've been building toward since Willow was taken to the human city is coming to a head, as all of Nero's chess pieces are just about in place.
My immediate concerns when I realized how great the passage of time was included: what has happened in the ten years since we saw Willow and Rory last? Has Willow been completely corrupted by Nero's evil influence? What's his end-game? How did we even get here? And how big of a stubborn ape is Leaf going to continue to be before he finally surrenders to the will of fate and the Well?
So many questions get answered in this book as previous plot points and story arcs are completed and the seeds for new ones (which I’m still freaking out about) are planted.
But first things first: All of these threads coming together was truly Lana at her finest. I won't get into the details surrounding those particular revelatory bombs because the unravelling of them is something that needs to be experienced. We do get a number of pretty obvious hints early on in the book, but still... the twists! I swear, the world-building in this series is nothing short of fantastic. Lana's talent for crafting such a complex and engaging story really shines through here.
But Nova and Leaf's romance is just one part of this tale as the machinations of the villainous Nero finally comes to a head. The epic battle between the Seelie and Unseelie that takes place during the latter third of the book is fast-paced, insanely tense, and you'd think Lana was done dropping bombs on us, but NOPE! Needless to say I am SO FREAKING EXCITED for the Season of the Sluagh and the Season of the Crow. I need those books in my possession ASAP.
Certain pieces on the board may have made their exit as new players join the game, but it genuinely feels like we’re only getting started on some level, and regardless, I can't 👏🏻 fucking 👏🏻 wait! 👏🏻
Now, all of those epic revelations, plot twists, and future possibilities aside, let's touch on a few things that made my heart ache in the best sense.
1. The found family vibes between the Twelve and their mates. I can't begin to tell you how much I love when all of these characters we've come to know and care for share time together on the page - the different dynamics between each of them, the distinct personalities and relationships. So much of this book (especially the second half) really did feel like one big family reunion and I was totally here for it.
2. The relationship between Nova and Leaf. There is so much angst and grief and yearning and stubbornness between those two, but the depth and breadth and sheer scope of their love, what these two have been through... not going to lie, most of the times I cried while reading this book was in that first half as these two navigated through their complex feelings and newfound relationship. And Leaf's character development in particular was *chefs kiss* - I have no notes. 😚🤌
Excuse me as I simultaneously swoon and sob my heart out. And if that wasn't enough to totally wreck me...
You guys don't understand, I love them so much!! 😭
3. Cloud. Yeah, don't act surprised - he had to have his own bullet point. The last decade has done a number on my favorite crow shifter, and not exactly for the better. He's on the fringe of madness, driven by a desperate need for vengeance. He's clearly hurting and we see sides of him that genuinely broke my heart, and the way things were left... I know Lana will give us an HEA where he and are concerned at the end of the day, but still... man, that entire confrontation and its aftermath hurt. 🥺💔
And oh, how my poor sweet crow is being punished! Even if so much of it is self-inflicted. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to seeing how Cloud's arc finishes out. He's been through so much, but it's clear he still has quite a ways to go.
TL;DR: A War of Ruin and Reckoning was well worth the wait. It was the perfect conclusion to the Season of the Elf. It wrapped up certain story arcs beautifully, and it laid the foundations for things to come that leave me positively giddy just thinking about them. This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, melt, hold my breath, bite my nails from the tension and anxiety, gasp in horror and disbelief, and even cheer out loud. I couldn't have asked for a better book for Leaf. 11/10 recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"The Well brought you here to me." Leaf kneeled before her and touched her knees. "I spent a decade avoiding my fate - I'm sure Clarke will tell you all about how stubborn I've been running from it. But I found you anyway, and you'd only thawed months before. The Well wants what it wants, Nova."
"You make this Well sound all-powerful, but if it is, then why is my brother winning?"
Emotion shuttered in his eyes, and he stood. Nova thought he wouldn't answer for a moment, but he stared out the window and said, "Crimson heard whispers from the Well. Some of these whispers became prophecies. The Well can control certain things like whether to preserve a human from the old world and when to let them thaw. But the Well can't control certain events, like free choice, or love and hate. That's where we come in. It's given us what our heart desires, even if we fight it at first, inevitably, we all find our lives enriched by this relationship. It's only right that in return, we fight for what it needs to survive."
Her eyes watered. "You think I enrich your life?"
"Not just me. Everyone's life."
He lifted her from the bed and pulled her into his embrace. "The Well is just like all of us. It wants a happy ending."
Y'all, this book fucking WRECKED me. 😭 The first half made me cry multiple times; and the second half was so damn stressful and tense and fast-paced, I'm still reeling. The revelations we get in this book! 😱🤯
It should be a surprise to no one that knows me that I am certifiably IN LOVE with Lana Pecherzyk's Fae Guardians series. Each book is better than the last as the stakes continue to rise to unprecedented heights, and each new twist and revelation repeatedly blows my mind, even if I manage to guess it in advance. It's like all of these pieces Lana has spread out across these books start coming together and clicking into place and goddamn, it's just so good!
A decade has passed since the events of A Crown of Cruel Lies and let me tell you, that passage of time is an adjustment. Certain kiddos of the Twelve are growing up way too fast (my babies! 🥹), but so much of what we've been building toward since Willow was taken to the human city is coming to a head, as all of Nero's chess pieces are just about in place.
My immediate concerns when I realized how great the passage of time was included: what has happened in the ten years since we saw Willow and Rory last? Has Willow been completely corrupted by Nero's evil influence? What's his end-game? How did we even get here? And how big of a stubborn ape is Leaf going to continue to be before he finally surrenders to the will of fate and the Well?
So many questions get answered in this book as previous plot points and story arcs are completed and the seeds for new ones (which I’m still freaking out about) are planted.
But first things first: All of these threads coming together was truly Lana at her finest. I won't get into the details surrounding those particular revelatory bombs because the unravelling of them is something that needs to be experienced. We do get a number of pretty obvious hints early on in the book, but still... the twists! I swear, the world-building in this series is nothing short of fantastic. Lana's talent for crafting such a complex and engaging story really shines through here.
But Nova and Leaf's romance is just one part of this tale as the machinations of the villainous Nero finally comes to a head. The epic battle between the Seelie and Unseelie that takes place during the latter third of the book is fast-paced, insanely tense, and you'd think Lana was done dropping bombs on us, but NOPE! Needless to say I am SO FREAKING EXCITED for the Season of the Sluagh and the Season of the Crow. I need those books in my possession ASAP.
Certain pieces on the board may have made their exit as new players join the game, but it genuinely feels like we’re only getting started on some level, and regardless, I can't 👏🏻 fucking 👏🏻 wait! 👏🏻
Now, all of those epic revelations, plot twists, and future possibilities aside, let's touch on a few things that made my heart ache in the best sense.
1. The found family vibes between the Twelve and their mates. I can't begin to tell you how much I love when all of these characters we've come to know and care for share time together on the page - the different dynamics between each of them, the distinct personalities and relationships. So much of this book (especially the second half) really did feel like one big family reunion and I was totally here for it.
2. The relationship between Nova and Leaf. There is so much angst and grief and yearning and stubbornness between those two, but the depth and breadth and sheer scope of their love, what these two have been through... not going to lie, most of the times I cried while reading this book was in that first half as these two navigated through their complex feelings and newfound relationship. And Leaf's character development in particular was *chefs kiss* - I have no notes. 😚🤌
"Aleksandra said something that made me think. Memories fade, but the heart never forgets."
She searched his eyes and believed he was as confused as her. She could almost feel his heartache, his longing and fear. "What are you saying?"
"Something isn't right about the truth." He dropped his forehead to hers. "I've run from relationships because giving my heart away felt wrong. It felt like a betrayal, and it made no sense. When they told me I was next to find my mate, I couldn't do it. I convinced myself I had to search for other answers and ran. But when I first saw you..." He pulled back and looked deeply into her eyes. "For the first time, my heart wasn't telling me to run."
"The heart never forgets." A silent tear trickled down her cheek.
Excuse me as I simultaneously swoon and sob my heart out. And if that wasn't enough to totally wreck me...
"We may have been apart, and I may have lost my way, but you never did. Your convictions never wavered...You are my North Star. Wherever you go, I follow you.”
You guys don't understand, I love them so much!! 😭
3. Cloud. Yeah, don't act surprised - he had to have his own bullet point. The last decade has done a number on my favorite crow shifter, and not exactly for the better. He's on the fringe of madness, driven by a desperate need for vengeance. He's clearly hurting and we see sides of him that genuinely broke my heart, and the way things were left... I know Lana will give us an HEA where he and are concerned at the end of the day, but still... man, that entire confrontation and its aftermath hurt. 🥺💔
Immortality wasn't a gift. It was a punishment without happiness.
And oh, how my poor sweet crow is being punished! Even if so much of it is self-inflicted. Needless to say, I am very much looking forward to seeing how Cloud's arc finishes out. He's been through so much, but it's clear he still has quite a ways to go.
TL;DR: A War of Ruin and Reckoning was well worth the wait. It was the perfect conclusion to the Season of the Elf. It wrapped up certain story arcs beautifully, and it laid the foundations for things to come that leave me positively giddy just thinking about them. This book made me laugh, cry, swoon, melt, hold my breath, bite my nails from the tension and anxiety, gasp in horror and disbelief, and even cheer out loud. I couldn't have asked for a better book for Leaf. 11/10 recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
He suddenly realized why each Guardian and Mage had a single teardrop representing their dedication to the Well. Alone, a single drop of water was nothing. Together, they filled a well, powered a wave, or carried a ship.
This was the point.
The people. Their connections. Their family. Not just one single obsession. All of them.
April 16, 2024
I was torn between starting this series from the beginning again or just jumping right into this one - I chose to go directly to this one, and surprisingly I quickly remembered what happened in the previous books 🙌. "A War of Ruin and Reckoning" was just as entertaining and great as the others. In this one, we follow Nova and Leaf’s POVs in this magical world. Nova is from “the old world”, where she was an environmental activist, with a psychotic twin brother. Leaf is an Elf Guardian, with a surprising backstory. He is very anti-love and prioritizes his duty to the Well. Their paths cross, and the story unfolds.
In this final installment of the “Season of the Elf” Trilogy, there are secrets, love, mystery, magic, a bit of spice, a hunt, a battle, and of course, the consequences of uncovering the past.
It might be around 4.25⭐️’s ..maybe a bit more 🤔
In this final installment of the “Season of the Elf” Trilogy, there are secrets, love, mystery, magic, a bit of spice, a hunt, a battle, and of course, the consequences of uncovering the past.
It might be around 4.25⭐️’s ..maybe a bit more 🤔
October 17, 2023
I have loved this entire series but this latest installment fell a little flat. In fact, I think if I didn’t already love the series, I would have rated this book lower.
Starting with what I love: I continue to love the dysfunctional found family trope throughout the entire series that is the fae guardianship council. I enjoy the scenes with characters we’ve already read about and continuing to see their interactions. The entire premise of the series continues to be interesting: a darker fantasy series that involves post-apocalypse themes, an over arching war plot, and fated mates in each book. Leaf and Nova were great to read on page- however, the chemistry was very insta-love and had very very very little build-up to create reader buy in.
Following that note: this book really struggle with the battle sequences. It lasted what- 1 or 2 chapters- and it lacked any true detail. It read as BOOM, big event occurs, character pivot and focus on something else. ANOTHER BOOM, big event occurs. Characters remark it and then pivot to something else happening in the battle. It was so disjointed and truly did nothing but add chaos and haphazardly attempt to tie up some major plot points. Again- the characters had chemistry (mainly because Lana can write a good spice scene) but lacked any relationship and character build-up to have anyone truly invest in the relationship.
At this point I’m 9/12 books in, so I might finish the series depending on the next installment, but this particular book fell flat- which is incredibly disappointing when considering this book covered a MAJOR plot point that’s been built up to this point.
Starting with what I love: I continue to love the dysfunctional found family trope throughout the entire series that is the fae guardianship council. I enjoy the scenes with characters we’ve already read about and continuing to see their interactions. The entire premise of the series continues to be interesting: a darker fantasy series that involves post-apocalypse themes, an over arching war plot, and fated mates in each book. Leaf and Nova were great to read on page- however, the chemistry was very insta-love and had very very very little build-up to create reader buy in.
Following that note: this book really struggle with the battle sequences. It lasted what- 1 or 2 chapters- and it lacked any true detail. It read as BOOM, big event occurs, character pivot and focus on something else. ANOTHER BOOM, big event occurs. Characters remark it and then pivot to something else happening in the battle. It was so disjointed and truly did nothing but add chaos and haphazardly attempt to tie up some major plot points. Again- the characters had chemistry (mainly because Lana can write a good spice scene) but lacked any relationship and character build-up to have anyone truly invest in the relationship.
At this point I’m 9/12 books in, so I might finish the series depending on the next installment, but this particular book fell flat- which is incredibly disappointing when considering this book covered a MAJOR plot point that’s been built up to this point.
October 23, 2023
I love Leaf!!! He and Nova are perfect for each other! Still reading these for any crumb of Cloud 😅
October 16, 2023
"I protect what's mine, Nova. To my dying breath and then some."
5 stars!
WTF, Lana. This book honestly blew my mind and expectations out of the Well-blessed lake, and I am still reeling from all of the plot twists and truth bombs that Lana gifted us with in this brilliant story. I don't know how Lana manages to create an even more unique and heart-stopping romance with each book in this series, but Leaf and Nova's journey managed to have me entranced from the very first page.
Leaf has been the arrogant, no-nonsense leader of the Twelve since Rush and Clarke's story, but now--nearly twenty years after Clarke's awakening--the Cadre's fearless leader seems to have become solely fixated on Jackson Crimson's fate. He refuses to find his mate no matter how many times Clarke urges him to, but in his quest to clear the Taint, he may just find the answers to questions that have plagued him for centuries...and an unwanted mate.
When Nova first meets Leaf, she is stunned and overwhelmed to see the mirror image of her past lover, Jace. However as Leaf and Nova are forced to travel together, she discovers that while Leaf is not Jace, they both feel an inexplicable tether of attraction and completion weaving them together. I cannot even express how much I loved Leaf and Nova as a couple; Nova was the fire that Leaf needed in his strict life, while Leaf carried the devotion of the past with the protection and security Nova needed for her future. It was also such an honor for me to help give Nova a voice to celebrate her Hispanic culture, so thank you, Lana, for giving us a fiery Latina heroine! This story was truly a reckoning of numerous conflicts and hidden truths--some we had no idea were even on the board--and I cannot freaking wait to see where Lana takes us next as we finally get to meet the crow's mates🖤
Tropes: fated mates, hate-to-love-you, fake relationship, alpha jp hero, heroine-in-danger, forced proximity, reincarnated lovers, secondchance romance, political intrigue, secrets revealed, band of brothers, found family, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by author, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
March 27, 2024
So glad I finally read this one!
I had been waiting for the audio book and I'm glad I did. These books are always wonderfully narrated and that gets me sucked in so quick! This time by Jack Calihan & Ramona Master. Just brilliant.
Also, I read this after reading Castles of Never and Nightmares and that probably wasn't the smartest as I felt kinda lost in that one. It was still great, but now after going back to see the "big battle" that gets referenced in that one. Well, here it is.
But Leaf and Nova were such an interesting pair. Seeing how past and present connected was so riveting. I was HOOKED.
I can't wait for the Season of the Crow and more from Willow and her Six.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
I had been waiting for the audio book and I'm glad I did. These books are always wonderfully narrated and that gets me sucked in so quick! This time by Jack Calihan & Ramona Master. Just brilliant.
Also, I read this after reading Castles of Never and Nightmares and that probably wasn't the smartest as I felt kinda lost in that one. It was still great, but now after going back to see the "big battle" that gets referenced in that one. Well, here it is.
But Leaf and Nova were such an interesting pair. Seeing how past and present connected was so riveting. I was HOOKED.
I can't wait for the Season of the Crow and more from Willow and her Six.
4 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
January 22, 2024
Started as a five star read, fell to three in the middle and then flew back up a star with the great ending! I loved Leaf a lot more than I thought I would, wasn’t my fav trope and wish we could have just stopped taking about her ex at some point caaaauuusseee idk I get why we didn’t but it still felt unfair to him idkkk🤨 Anyways, this series freaking ROCKS, if I go into a coma don’t pull the plug until it’s done and you’ve played the audio books for me
November 12, 2023
Can't waite till the crowshifters
October 19, 2023
Quick thoughts:
- Loved Leaf and Nova
- Loved getting Leaf’s backstory and why he’s so Leaf-y
- At 9 guardians paired up, I was wondering how we would move forward without the books feeling like a lot of repeats. I feel like this book was a great transition novel to the final (ish) part of the story.
- I have been fascinated by the Slaugh since the first book. I appreciated their role in this book… and that The Six are getting a spin-off.
- The countdown to Crows is on!!
Finally, I appreciated that the big reveal wasn’t dragged out. (I'm trying to explain this spoiler-free; sorry if it doesn’t make sense). It was a great mix of planting seeds to get our attention, then it was like, ta-da, and the story moved forward without dragging out the secret for suspense.
- Loved Leaf and Nova
- Loved getting Leaf’s backstory and why he’s so Leaf-y
- At 9 guardians paired up, I was wondering how we would move forward without the books feeling like a lot of repeats. I feel like this book was a great transition novel to the final (ish) part of the story.
- I have been fascinated by the Slaugh since the first book. I appreciated their role in this book… and that The Six are getting a spin-off.
- The countdown to Crows is on!!
Finally, I appreciated that the big reveal wasn’t dragged out. (I'm trying to explain this spoiler-free; sorry if it doesn’t make sense). It was a great mix of planting seeds to get our attention, then it was like, ta-da, and the story moved forward without dragging out the secret for suspense.
October 24, 2023
I didn't like this book as much as the previous ones. Why?
- It started really good. I was invested in this story and I was enjoying myself. I don't know exactly when but at some point I started to disconnect and ended up not caring at all.
- I hated The Sluagh part.
- I cringed every time Nova said "papi".
- One sex scene in a book is enough for me, no need to be more.
- I didn't and still don't give a flying f*ck about Willow or Aurora.
That being said, I can't wait for another book.
- It started really good. I was invested in this story and I was enjoying myself. I don't know exactly when but at some point I started to disconnect and ended up not caring at all.
- I hated The Sluagh part.
- I cringed every time Nova said "papi".
- One sex scene in a book is enough for me, no need to be more.
- I didn't and still don't give a flying f*ck about Willow or Aurora.
That being said, I can't wait for another book.
March 26, 2024
I was battling between 4 & 5 ⭐️ cause this series just has me in a vice grip. Im gonna give it a 4.5. Loved the pacing tbh everything flowed well and into their mini war situation happening.
I mean I cared about Leaf & Nova but more for the pieces of the overarching story they filled in & for that along with the smut they were cool in my eyes.
Being like 9 books in at this point it’s clear there will be a lot of characters to remember. Was a little disoriented in the beginning but I slowly started recalling certain things (I def thinks this series would be a better read once it’s all out so you can binge it and not forget about characters but yeah) character descriptions were slightly lacking esp for people we already knew but didn’t take away from the story.
There was a twist I really didn’t see coming toward the end and other events left so many other questions regarding certain Crows, certain Daughters, and certain future plans of sociopaths.
This was a calm cliffhanger that didn’t leave me crazy stressed for the next one so with that being said, can’t wait for the crow seriesss !! Very excited for River’s POV
I mean I cared about Leaf & Nova but more for the pieces of the overarching story they filled in & for that along with the smut they were cool in my eyes.
Being like 9 books in at this point it’s clear there will be a lot of characters to remember. Was a little disoriented in the beginning but I slowly started recalling certain things (I def thinks this series would be a better read once it’s all out so you can binge it and not forget about characters but yeah) character descriptions were slightly lacking esp for people we already knew but didn’t take away from the story.
There was a twist I really didn’t see coming toward the end and other events left so many other questions regarding certain Crows, certain Daughters, and certain future plans of sociopaths.
This was a calm cliffhanger that didn’t leave me crazy stressed for the next one so with that being said, can’t wait for the crow seriesss !! Very excited for River’s POV
October 28, 2023
I’ve been waiting for Leaf’s book since that broody leader first appeared. I wanted to know his secrets and why he was the way that he was. And after reading his book, I’m still in awe thinking about all the things he went through.
Leaf and Nova were such a fun couple. She was the perfect match for him. She knew his history but didn’t use it against him. She was a thinker and never let him get away with too much.
So many thing transpired during this book. We got more Nero centric chapters that gave us a glimpse of his madness. The time jump and getting to meet an adult Willow was amazing and heartbreaking in the best way. The author keeps surpassing my expectations with each book. And I am excited for more.
Leaf and Nova were such a fun couple. She was the perfect match for him. She knew his history but didn’t use it against him. She was a thinker and never let him get away with too much.
So many thing transpired during this book. We got more Nero centric chapters that gave us a glimpse of his madness. The time jump and getting to meet an adult Willow was amazing and heartbreaking in the best way. The author keeps surpassing my expectations with each book. And I am excited for more.
October 15, 2023
HOLY SH*T!!!!!
It’s 1:24 am and I just finished reading my ARC copy of the latest addition to the Fae Guardians series and I am absolutely BLOW AWAY!! Lana P Is an absolute GENIUS author!
First off, the main ongoing plot continues to unravel with each book but THIS book answered a ton of questions! And now there are all new questions and I’m so HERE FOR IT! It’s absolute GENIUS!
Secondly…. THE SPICE!!! Leaf was always the jerk in every book but it took a spicy Latina to put him in his place! I love their love story! Leaf and Nova were sooooo sexy together! I would have never guessed I would be swooning over Leaf! The shocking truth about who they are left me screaming!!
3rd and Last thought… THE CLIFFHANGER!!! WOW! There was so much nonstop action but that ending just left me desperate for more!! I’m looking forward to what happens next!!
It’s 1:24 am and I just finished reading my ARC copy of the latest addition to the Fae Guardians series and I am absolutely BLOW AWAY!! Lana P Is an absolute GENIUS author!
First off, the main ongoing plot continues to unravel with each book but THIS book answered a ton of questions! And now there are all new questions and I’m so HERE FOR IT! It’s absolute GENIUS!
Secondly…. THE SPICE!!! Leaf was always the jerk in every book but it took a spicy Latina to put him in his place! I love their love story! Leaf and Nova were sooooo sexy together! I would have never guessed I would be swooning over Leaf! The shocking truth about who they are left me screaming!!
3rd and Last thought… THE CLIFFHANGER!!! WOW! There was so much nonstop action but that ending just left me desperate for more!! I’m looking forward to what happens next!!
October 16, 2023
Thank you to the lovely Lana Pecherczyk for allowing me to be on her ARC team! I have loved everything she has written, and being on this team brings me a lot of joy.
Leaf and Nova's story isn't simple, but honestly, none of the other couples are either. There were several twists and turns in this one. It makes me more excited for the Sluagh.
There is a significant time difference between the last book and this book. I was surprised, and it just made me even more interested to find out what has been going on.
I love how Nova would go off on Leaf and he is only soft for her. They truly are perfect for each other. Their story had so many factors to it, and all of them were needed.
All of Lana's books are available on KU. This series is 9 books deep so far, and it's not stopping anytime soon!
Leaf and Nova's story isn't simple, but honestly, none of the other couples are either. There were several twists and turns in this one. It makes me more excited for the Sluagh.
There is a significant time difference between the last book and this book. I was surprised, and it just made me even more interested to find out what has been going on.
I love how Nova would go off on Leaf and he is only soft for her. They truly are perfect for each other. Their story had so many factors to it, and all of them were needed.
All of Lana's books are available on KU. This series is 9 books deep so far, and it's not stopping anytime soon!
October 19, 2023
5++++⭐️
Holy Crimson what did I just read??? I am shooketh with the amount of 💣 Lana dropped in this book! I had some of my theories confirmed and some derailed and I’m reeling over these reveals! This is going to be one of those reviews where I’m in a state of shock and hungover from this rollercoaster that I have limited words (shocker I know lol). The plot was amazing, Daddy Leaf 🫠, top notch spice, jaw dropping, heart pounding, range of emotions, just absofuckinglutely incredible! Lana you are a genius 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and should totally mic drop after this book! Thanks for another ARC Angel read and I’m here for all the next stories!
Holy Crimson what did I just read??? I am shooketh with the amount of 💣 Lana dropped in this book! I had some of my theories confirmed and some derailed and I’m reeling over these reveals! This is going to be one of those reviews where I’m in a state of shock and hungover from this rollercoaster that I have limited words (shocker I know lol). The plot was amazing, Daddy Leaf 🫠, top notch spice, jaw dropping, heart pounding, range of emotions, just absofuckinglutely incredible! Lana you are a genius 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and should totally mic drop after this book! Thanks for another ARC Angel read and I’m here for all the next stories!
December 4, 2023
Lana is at it again. What a great way to have this arc come to a close and for a new one to begin. Lots of resolution happens for the Guardians during Leaf's book. But don't you worry. There are sooooo many other things happening that Lana keeps in her back pocket to keep us in this beautiful brutal world. I can't wait for the continuation of this story along with her spin offs she has decided to do :).
October 16, 2023
Actual Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For me this was okay, it was very middle of the road for the Fae Guardians Series so far. In terms of the relationship between Leaf and Nova I feel like it was secondary to everything else and I would have preferred more of a focus on them. To me it seems like Nova forgave Leaf too easy and brushed things aside too much.
The plot was very confusing and felt disjointed and I only really started to get into it in the last 15%. Similar to A Crown of Cruel Lies there were a lot of chapters from the POV of quite a few other characters. Normally I enjoy the occasional different POV but for me there were too many of them and it just contributed to the chaotic and confusing plot. This also kinda robbed the peak into the next book in the series that Lana Pecherczyk always adds of its importance and made it very difficult for me to tell which character was next.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
For me this was okay, it was very middle of the road for the Fae Guardians Series so far. In terms of the relationship between Leaf and Nova I feel like it was secondary to everything else and I would have preferred more of a focus on them. To me it seems like Nova forgave Leaf too easy and brushed things aside too much.
The plot was very confusing and felt disjointed and I only really started to get into it in the last 15%. Similar to A Crown of Cruel Lies there were a lot of chapters from the POV of quite a few other characters. Normally I enjoy the occasional different POV but for me there were too many of them and it just contributed to the chaotic and confusing plot. This also kinda robbed the peak into the next book in the series that Lana Pecherczyk always adds of its importance and made it very difficult for me to tell which character was next.
October 22, 2023
Omg!!! Lana!!! This book had so many bombs drop and twist!! I loved every minute of being Elyphyne again! Leaf is so stubborn, but so is Nova, and she knows just how to handle him! I can't wait for the Slaugh's story and the Crows!
April 1, 2024
This one surprised me.. I actually really enjoyed the “reincarnated lovers” vibe this had going. Like their souls remembering each other… love. Also there were very interesting twists towards the end that I really liked. I did not think I was gonna go straight into the spin off about the sluah, but alas, I’m heavily intrigued.
🌟🌟🌟.5
🌶️🌶️
🌟🌟🌟.5
🌶️🌶️
October 15, 2023
I received this book as an ARC and OMG, this book definitely kept me turning pages. So many truths revealed, yet so many questions left. Not only do you learn so much, there is a shift in the storyline, and I can't wait to see where things go from here. With each book, more and more things are being tied together to shed light on everything that happened to create this post-apocalyptic world.
October 27, 2023
amazing!
Lana knocked it out of the park with this one, wow. So much happened in this book, I can’t wait for more to see where this is all going. Read the series you won’t be sorry.
Lana knocked it out of the park with this one, wow. So much happened in this book, I can’t wait for more to see where this is all going. Read the series you won’t be sorry.
November 5, 2024
It would have gotten a 5 if the FMC hadn’t kept calling the MMC “Papi”. Eww and no.
October 18, 2023
Alright if anyone has seen the show "On My Block" and knows the scene where Olivia goes apeshit on everyone and yells at them in Spanish except the actress doesn't actually speak Spanish.... this is how I imagined the main character speaking Spanish. That made the first half hard to get through. That being said I will definitely read the next one if/when it comes out. Good world building, good spice.
December 30, 2023
This is one of my favorite series but this is the first book from that I have rated as a 3-star and I'm honestly surprised at myself and Lana.
✅ Here's what worked: THIS BOOK EXPLAINS SOME MAJOR PLOT HOLES AND QUESTIONS WE HAD FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS. I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IT!!! Ok, rant over, but I seriously can't explain how good it felt reading all the puzzle pieces just slowly fit together. In truth, most of these revelations did not concern Leaf and Nova as this book has a lot more characters involved as opposed to the handful we've seen in each book before. However, it works in this book, considering my not-so-fave things below were Leaf Nova...
❌ Nova and Leaf were an okay couple. Not my favorite though and as a result, I found myself not interested in what was going on with them, but with everyone else. Even the spice was just the same old compared to prior books and didn't quite have that edge like past books: Shade, Thorne, Indigo, Aeron, etc.. It was a little disappointing because I'd been interested in his story the most, but now looking it over, I feel like the Season of the Elf had the most simplistic, insta-lovely tropes, no-angst tropes of all the books. I'm a stickler for an enemies-to-lover romance, and the way Leaf was as a character led me to believe that this book may be similar - it wasn't. But that is okay.
❌ I will continue the series because I think Lana has done a great job overall, but I am hoping to see that she highlights the nationality or inclusiveness of some of the characters she's already mentioned or weaved in. Those descriptions are super important to reiterate within the book because I'd personally nearly forgotten what and who Aleksandra and Maebe were to each other and still don't recall what they look like. I'd have to reread past books for that. Hopefully, she will include more descriptions in the next books and also focus on the relationship-building aspect of the story to convince me as she did with the other stories. If you've read the Season of the Vampire, or Wolf, you know what I mean. I'm not always opposed to spice from the get-go, but there is a reason slow-burn books tend to be better for me. The spice and the build are always better. And with so many characters in this book, I wish the series had more character art or more description in the story. I know what the men look like bc of the covers obviously but am finding it hard to visualize and keep track of everyone else save for Clare with her firebright hair and Silver whose hair is silver and I recall her being Pakistani. I'm also able to picture Melody because of her name and hair being described a tad like Marilyn Monroe which helped stick. The rest of them, I can't really say who is who or what they look like and that sucks when reading book after book.
✅ Having resorted to rereading the first book of Season of the Vampire while we wait for the next installment, it is ironic that Lana does exactly this with prior characters. For example, Indigo has past trauma he focuses on fixing and learning from, and throughout the story, he focuses on helping Violet do the same before any banging happens. It's important in my opinion but also more believable to a romance story. I'd also say the angst was more tangible as well in prior books as a result of Lana making her characters do the "work" and build the relationship and trust.
But focusing back on Season of the Elf, I'd say my favorite was Aeron's story, Forrest, then Leafs. In particular, I think Aeron's book was a 4-star. This is NOT A BOOK YOU CAN SKIP IF YOU READ THIS SERIES!!!! It just may not be your favorite but if it is, all the better!
✅ Here's what worked: THIS BOOK EXPLAINS SOME MAJOR PLOT HOLES AND QUESTIONS WE HAD FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS. I WAS THRILLED TO SEE IT!!! Ok, rant over, but I seriously can't explain how good it felt reading all the puzzle pieces just slowly fit together. In truth, most of these revelations did not concern Leaf and Nova as this book has a lot more characters involved as opposed to the handful we've seen in each book before. However, it works in this book, considering my not-so-fave things below were Leaf Nova...
❌ Nova and Leaf were an okay couple. Not my favorite though and as a result, I found myself not interested in what was going on with them, but with everyone else. Even the spice was just the same old compared to prior books and didn't quite have that edge like past books: Shade, Thorne, Indigo, Aeron, etc.. It was a little disappointing because I'd been interested in his story the most, but now looking it over, I feel like the Season of the Elf had the most simplistic, insta-lovely tropes, no-angst tropes of all the books. I'm a stickler for an enemies-to-lover romance, and the way Leaf was as a character led me to believe that this book may be similar - it wasn't. But that is okay.
❌ I will continue the series because I think Lana has done a great job overall, but I am hoping to see that she highlights the nationality or inclusiveness of some of the characters she's already mentioned or weaved in. Those descriptions are super important to reiterate within the book because I'd personally nearly forgotten what and who Aleksandra and Maebe were to each other and still don't recall what they look like. I'd have to reread past books for that. Hopefully, she will include more descriptions in the next books and also focus on the relationship-building aspect of the story to convince me as she did with the other stories. If you've read the Season of the Vampire, or Wolf, you know what I mean. I'm not always opposed to spice from the get-go, but there is a reason slow-burn books tend to be better for me. The spice and the build are always better. And with so many characters in this book, I wish the series had more character art or more description in the story. I know what the men look like bc of the covers obviously but am finding it hard to visualize and keep track of everyone else save for Clare with her firebright hair and Silver whose hair is silver and I recall her being Pakistani. I'm also able to picture Melody because of her name and hair being described a tad like Marilyn Monroe which helped stick. The rest of them, I can't really say who is who or what they look like and that sucks when reading book after book.
✅ Having resorted to rereading the first book of Season of the Vampire while we wait for the next installment, it is ironic that Lana does exactly this with prior characters. For example, Indigo has past trauma he focuses on fixing and learning from, and throughout the story, he focuses on helping Violet do the same before any banging happens. It's important in my opinion but also more believable to a romance story. I'd also say the angst was more tangible as well in prior books as a result of Lana making her characters do the "work" and build the relationship and trust.
But focusing back on Season of the Elf, I'd say my favorite was Aeron's story, Forrest, then Leafs. In particular, I think Aeron's book was a 4-star. This is NOT A BOOK YOU CAN SKIP IF YOU READ THIS SERIES!!!! It just may not be your favorite but if it is, all the better!
October 20, 2023
༊·˚༅ “𝑬𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒊 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆 𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂 𝒅𝒆𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆. 𝑫𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒆𝒓𝒂 𝒒𝒖𝒆 𝒗𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒐.”
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐, 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝
⭐ 5/5
🌶 2/5
💦 6/10 [cliterature wetometer]
💬 third-person, main dual/multiple POV
omg. wth. mind blown.
i've said it before & i'll probably keep repeating myself forever: Lana is a mastermind👏👏👏
this book. this freaking book..🤯🤯😭 i'm actually speechless. i finished it at around 2 am & i couldn't fall asleep.. how am i supposed to move along with my life now?? i wanna go back to Elphyne, i *need* moreee!!!
okay so to say this book was a rollercoaster is a huge understatement. right from the freaking start it had me in a chokehold!! the fact that this book is set a DECADE after ACOCL, like excuse me?? but trust Lana to make it make sense, the time jump was very needed, i totally undertood it in the end, and Leaf is the most stubborn MC ever so ofc it would take him so long to accept his fate & finally find his mate😩 and when i say it took him soo long... gosh even thinking about it makes me tear up😭😭😭 sooo freaking glad he finally got his well-earned & hard-fought HEA in this book!!😤😭😭
and Nova.. gosh, i felt so much for her too😭😭 these MCs couldn't catch a break istg.. but they were so perfect together🍃🌟
this book felt a bit different from the others in the series, i wanna say about half of it focused on Leaf & Nova, and their romance - which was perfect, i enjoyed every second of it, even when my heart was bleeding for them haha -, and the other half was.. well, everything. like all the freaking twists & turns🤯 all the things that got revealed🤯 all the other characters & their roles & their pain🦉🦇😭🐺 all the found family dynamics💞 all the scheming & anti heros💀🐦⬛... there were also multiple POVs so it was really well-rounded, and i could feel so much for each & every character🥺
and despite the fact that so many things got revealed, still so many questions remain along with new ones..🤯 i cannot wait to see what Lana comes up with in the next books, with the Crows, with the Sluagh, with Willow, with the Guardians' other kids...🤯
this series has my whole heart🖤
tropes:
🍃 F/M
🍃 fated mates
🍃 fae elf × human
🍃 post-apocalyptic dystopian world
🍃 second chance
🍃 grumpy × sunshine
🍃 Mexican heritage - Latina sass
🍃 slow burn, fast paced
⚠️ TW: fantasy typical fights and violence, waking up the dead (zombies), description of gore & blood (not too graphic), betrayal, manipulation, mention of parricide/parenticide (not graphic), grief
༊·˚༅ q͙u͙o͙t͙e͙s͙:
-- this & the "fever disease" situation were golden💀
╔══════•:•:•.🚨•:•:•.═════╗
🚩SPOILER🚩
//personal reminders//
𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐, 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝
⭐ 5/5
🌶 2/5
💦 6/10 [cliterature wetometer]
💬 third-person, main dual/multiple POV
omg. wth. mind blown.
i've said it before & i'll probably keep repeating myself forever: Lana is a mastermind👏👏👏
this book. this freaking book..🤯🤯😭 i'm actually speechless. i finished it at around 2 am & i couldn't fall asleep.. how am i supposed to move along with my life now?? i wanna go back to Elphyne, i *need* moreee!!!
okay so to say this book was a rollercoaster is a huge understatement. right from the freaking start it had me in a chokehold!! the fact that this book is set a DECADE after ACOCL, like excuse me?? but trust Lana to make it make sense, the time jump was very needed, i totally undertood it in the end, and Leaf is the most stubborn MC ever so ofc it would take him so long to accept his fate & finally find his mate😩 and when i say it took him soo long... gosh even thinking about it makes me tear up😭😭😭 sooo freaking glad he finally got his well-earned & hard-fought HEA in this book!!😤😭😭
and Nova.. gosh, i felt so much for her too😭😭 these MCs couldn't catch a break istg.. but they were so perfect together🍃🌟
this book felt a bit different from the others in the series, i wanna say about half of it focused on Leaf & Nova, and their romance - which was perfect, i enjoyed every second of it, even when my heart was bleeding for them haha -, and the other half was.. well, everything. like all the freaking twists & turns🤯 all the things that got revealed🤯 all the other characters & their roles & their pain🦉🦇😭🐺 all the found family dynamics💞 all the scheming & anti heros💀🐦⬛... there were also multiple POVs so it was really well-rounded, and i could feel so much for each & every character🥺
and despite the fact that so many things got revealed, still so many questions remain along with new ones..🤯 i cannot wait to see what Lana comes up with in the next books, with the Crows, with the Sluagh, with Willow, with the Guardians' other kids...🤯
this series has my whole heart🖤
tropes:
🍃 F/M
🍃 fated mates
🍃 fae elf × human
🍃 post-apocalyptic dystopian world
🍃 second chance
🍃 grumpy × sunshine
🍃 Mexican heritage - Latina sass
🍃 slow burn, fast paced
⚠️ TW: fantasy typical fights and violence, waking up the dead (zombies), description of gore & blood (not too graphic), betrayal, manipulation, mention of parricide/parenticide (not graphic), grief
༊·˚༅ q͙u͙o͙t͙e͙s͙:
❝ A sob tore out of her lips. Leaf flinched as fluid leaked from her eyes and nose. He should probably get her something to wipe it. Humans leaked a lot more than fae. ❞
-- this & the "fever disease" situation were golden💀
❝ “¡Ay, qué menso! Of course, I love you.” She continued in Spanish, laughing about how the big warrior with muscles as thick as her thighs and an ego as big as the tree outside was hurt by her little joke. ❞
❝ “You got it wrong. It’s not you who is the prize, it’s me. I only exist to serve, protect, and love you.” ❞
❝ He suddenly realized why each Guardian and Mage had a single teardrop representing their dedication to the Well. Alone, a single drop of water was nothing. Together, they filled a well, powered a wave, or carried a ship. ❞
╔══════•:•:•.🚨•:•:•.═════╗
🚩SPOILER🚩
//personal reminders//
March 2, 2025
This novel was really good. It was so emotional. It made me feel everything. The first half was heartbreaking. I felt everything Leaf was feeling, and the second half was action-packed, tense and stressful. I’m still reeling from it all.
I love this series. Each novel is better than the last and the stakes keep rising to unprecedented heights. The twists usually surprise me, but I had a suspicion about Leaf from the start. The little pieces that the author has spread across the novels keep growing, but there was a big culmination in this particular novel and everything clicked into place.
A decade has passed since the events of A Crown of Cruel Lies. I didn’t expect so much time to have passed, but it also isn’t surprising since I know this novel leads to the spinoff series.
Leaf has been the arrogant, no-nonsense leader of the Twelve since Rush and Clarke's story, but now--nearly twenty years after Clarke's awakening--the Cadre's fearless leader seems to have become solely fixated on Jackson Crimson's fate. He refuses to find his mate no matter how many times Clarke urges him to, but in his quest to clear the Taint, he may just find the answers to questions that have plagued him for centuries, and an unwanted mate.
When Nova first meets Leaf, she is stunned and overwhelmed to see the mirror image of her past lover, Jace. However, as Leaf and Nova are forced to travel together, she discovers that while Leaf is not Jace, they both feel an inexplicable tether of attraction and completion weaving them together.
I just loved every moment of Nova and Leaf’s romance. Nova was the fire that Leaf needed in his strict life, while Leaf carried the devotion of the past with the protection and security Nova needed for her future. It was interesting to see them navigate this new relationship. Leaf is Jace. They have the same appearance, and Nova has so many memories of her love and life with Jace, while he doesn’t. It was heartbreaking at times to see her embrace Leaf and try to accept his new personality while still having old feelings for the person he used to be. I can’t imagine anything so difficult. It would be hard for me to embrace the present and just let go of the past.
Leaf is resistant towards Nova at first. He’s staunchly determined not to have a mate, but even he can’t resist this unexplainable pull he feels towards her for long. I loved watching them slowly reconnect and start anew. Leaf may not have his memories, but the heart hasn’t forgotten who they are to each other. They had such a strong, genuine love for each other in the past. They feel the same strong connection towards each other now. There was a complication in their previous relationship before the fallout, and Nova’s brother was the cause. They are both determined not to make the mistakes of the past. Nova carries some guilt for her part in the relationship, too. It was heartbreaking but also beautiful to see them fight for each other. They have earned their happiness. It’s even more special when Nova realizes that her old love had been searching for her and loving her from afar even when he couldn’t find her.
Leaf’s personality makes sense. He’s a stickler for rules. He has a hardness to him, and he doesn’t get along easily with others. It’s only when he meets Nova and she informs him of his past, that he’s able to understand himself a little more. Once he finds happiness with Nova, there is a lighter side to him. He’s playful in his interactions with Nova, and he’s also a better leader. He’s kinder and more open to those close to him, and he no longer does things that the old version of himself would do without hesitation when he didn’t have a mate. Nova is a such a positive influence on Leaf. I love that she speaks her mind, and that he allows her to interrupt sometimes.
The passage of time was a bit of an adjustment. The children of some of the Cadre of Twelve are now teenagers. The events that have been happening since Willow was taken to Crystal City are coming to a head. We get some chapters from Willow’s perspective on her thoughts about herself and what her life has been like living in the human city. All of Nero’s chess pieces are falling into place. We get to see a little of what’s happened to Rory over the decade, how she’s changed and how her relationship with Willow has changed. When I first read Willow’s perspective, I wasn’t sure if she would be corrupted by Nero or not. The answer isn’t so black and white.
The majority of the twists shocked me. I was wondering if Leaf would ever accept the idea of having a mate, but the answer isn’t so simple. At first, I thought that Leaf was a reincarnation of Nova’s old flame Jace. I was definitely surprised to learn that Nero and Nova are twins and that Jace, Nova and Nero (previously known as Niles) were all friends before the nuclear fallout. Leaf is actually Jackson Crimson, the fae who founded the Order, but was human in the old world before he became a fae. The only catch is that Leaf doesn’t have any of his memories from when he was Jackson/Jace and no knowledge of the old world. He sacrificed his memories because he didn’t feel like he was good enough to be with Nova. I guess he needed to forget to be able to move forward in this new life, but at some point, I thought he would go ahead and retrieve his memories. I thought there would have been some way to retrieve them firsthand. Although, I don’t think Leaf would have been interested in retrieving them anyway.
There are many questions that get answered in this novel. Story arcs are completed, and the world building is incredible. There are new seeds that are planted for the future.
I’m even more excited to read the spinoff series considering the revelations in this novel. I’m glad that Willow was finally reunited with her family despite the delicate nature and uncertainty of the situation. Willow’s clearly traumatized. I can’t wait to read more of her story. I love this world and these characters so much.
I love this series. Each novel is better than the last and the stakes keep rising to unprecedented heights. The twists usually surprise me, but I had a suspicion about Leaf from the start. The little pieces that the author has spread across the novels keep growing, but there was a big culmination in this particular novel and everything clicked into place.
A decade has passed since the events of A Crown of Cruel Lies. I didn’t expect so much time to have passed, but it also isn’t surprising since I know this novel leads to the spinoff series.
Leaf has been the arrogant, no-nonsense leader of the Twelve since Rush and Clarke's story, but now--nearly twenty years after Clarke's awakening--the Cadre's fearless leader seems to have become solely fixated on Jackson Crimson's fate. He refuses to find his mate no matter how many times Clarke urges him to, but in his quest to clear the Taint, he may just find the answers to questions that have plagued him for centuries, and an unwanted mate.
When Nova first meets Leaf, she is stunned and overwhelmed to see the mirror image of her past lover, Jace. However, as Leaf and Nova are forced to travel together, she discovers that while Leaf is not Jace, they both feel an inexplicable tether of attraction and completion weaving them together.
I just loved every moment of Nova and Leaf’s romance. Nova was the fire that Leaf needed in his strict life, while Leaf carried the devotion of the past with the protection and security Nova needed for her future. It was interesting to see them navigate this new relationship. Leaf is Jace. They have the same appearance, and Nova has so many memories of her love and life with Jace, while he doesn’t. It was heartbreaking at times to see her embrace Leaf and try to accept his new personality while still having old feelings for the person he used to be. I can’t imagine anything so difficult. It would be hard for me to embrace the present and just let go of the past.
Leaf is resistant towards Nova at first. He’s staunchly determined not to have a mate, but even he can’t resist this unexplainable pull he feels towards her for long. I loved watching them slowly reconnect and start anew. Leaf may not have his memories, but the heart hasn’t forgotten who they are to each other. They had such a strong, genuine love for each other in the past. They feel the same strong connection towards each other now. There was a complication in their previous relationship before the fallout, and Nova’s brother was the cause. They are both determined not to make the mistakes of the past. Nova carries some guilt for her part in the relationship, too. It was heartbreaking but also beautiful to see them fight for each other. They have earned their happiness. It’s even more special when Nova realizes that her old love had been searching for her and loving her from afar even when he couldn’t find her.
Leaf’s personality makes sense. He’s a stickler for rules. He has a hardness to him, and he doesn’t get along easily with others. It’s only when he meets Nova and she informs him of his past, that he’s able to understand himself a little more. Once he finds happiness with Nova, there is a lighter side to him. He’s playful in his interactions with Nova, and he’s also a better leader. He’s kinder and more open to those close to him, and he no longer does things that the old version of himself would do without hesitation when he didn’t have a mate. Nova is a such a positive influence on Leaf. I love that she speaks her mind, and that he allows her to interrupt sometimes.
The passage of time was a bit of an adjustment. The children of some of the Cadre of Twelve are now teenagers. The events that have been happening since Willow was taken to Crystal City are coming to a head. We get some chapters from Willow’s perspective on her thoughts about herself and what her life has been like living in the human city. All of Nero’s chess pieces are falling into place. We get to see a little of what’s happened to Rory over the decade, how she’s changed and how her relationship with Willow has changed. When I first read Willow’s perspective, I wasn’t sure if she would be corrupted by Nero or not. The answer isn’t so black and white.
The majority of the twists shocked me. I was wondering if Leaf would ever accept the idea of having a mate, but the answer isn’t so simple. At first, I thought that Leaf was a reincarnation of Nova’s old flame Jace. I was definitely surprised to learn that Nero and Nova are twins and that Jace, Nova and Nero (previously known as Niles) were all friends before the nuclear fallout. Leaf is actually Jackson Crimson, the fae who founded the Order, but was human in the old world before he became a fae. The only catch is that Leaf doesn’t have any of his memories from when he was Jackson/Jace and no knowledge of the old world. He sacrificed his memories because he didn’t feel like he was good enough to be with Nova. I guess he needed to forget to be able to move forward in this new life, but at some point, I thought he would go ahead and retrieve his memories. I thought there would have been some way to retrieve them firsthand. Although, I don’t think Leaf would have been interested in retrieving them anyway.
There are many questions that get answered in this novel. Story arcs are completed, and the world building is incredible. There are new seeds that are planted for the future.
I’m even more excited to read the spinoff series considering the revelations in this novel. I’m glad that Willow was finally reunited with her family despite the delicate nature and uncertainty of the situation. Willow’s clearly traumatized. I can’t wait to read more of her story. I love this world and these characters so much.
January 14, 2024
I loathed Nova and Leaf. I didn't like the plot twist. As a romance, this book was terrible. As a story, it wasn't bad. I did like the different character perspectives; however, it seems to me that the author drank the SJM Kool-Aid with needing to have 20 thousand different characters and very little time spent on the actual main characters of the book. I am with others and their reviews that the first six books were great, but these last three not so much. I am excited for the crows stories.
August 19, 2025
4.5 Stars
Holy moly the ending of this one - it was crazy but also super fun! If anyone asked me, I'd say for this book specifically it's important to have read the previous book. There's lots of plot threads and characters that you see where I think the context is important. There are some plot threads that are wrapped up in this one, but there's still more to be tied up.
I liked this one a lot. It hit my feels hard though, especially when you get into Leaf and Nova's relationship.
Holy moly the ending of this one - it was crazy but also super fun! If anyone asked me, I'd say for this book specifically it's important to have read the previous book. There's lots of plot threads and characters that you see where I think the context is important. There are some plot threads that are wrapped up in this one, but there's still more to be tied up.
I liked this one a lot. It hit my feels hard though, especially when you get into Leaf and Nova's relationship.
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