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Wicked Fae #3

Soul of Thorns

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Everything I’ve worked for is within reach. All I have to do is sacrifice my fated mate.
I knew entering the Schorchedlands would mean facing my worst nightmares. But I also knew that if I beat this cursed place— if I could meet terror face to face and survive— I would earn every one of my dreams.
I would be Prince Reveln of the Luminescent Court, savior of the fae realm and the new High Heir. I’d prove my father wrong. I’d live up to my brother’s legacy. I’d gain it all. That was the deal.
But once again, Caelynn has ruined everything. 
She’s ruined it by saving me, by sacrificing herself--again. Now that she’s here, it means I can still achieve all of my dreams—I’ll just have to leave her behind in this terrible place along with the wicked souls of fallen fae, and some of the most evil creatures to ever exist.
But I can’t. I can’t live my life knowing she is here, trapped. 
So now, not only must I complete my near-impossible task of saving the fae realm, I must also find a way to free Caelynn from the prison she chose for herself. And Caelynn is not the only being trapped within these walls that craves freedom. 
We are in the Night Terror’s realm now. And we’re playing her game.

276 pages, Hardcover

Published December 12, 2020

238 people are currently reading
726 people want to read

About the author

Stacey Trombley

23 books261 followers
Stacey Trombley is the author of several fantasy romance series including WICKED FAE and SHADOW HILLS ACADEMY. Her places to travel list is almost as long as her to-be-read list. Most recently, she spent 9 months living in a van with her family, traveling the US and Mexico. She has many more adventures in mind, both on Earth and in her imagination.


Follow her journey on Instagram and Tiktok @StaceyTrombleyAuthor and learn more about her books at www.StaceyTrombley.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Koisty.
421 reviews1,075 followers
January 6, 2024
1.5 Soul Stone Stars ⭐
Spicy Level: 0/5 (Kissing is not spicy!)

I can't do it anymore. I kept thinking I should DNF but persisted as I only had about 40% left in the book at that point and they were short so I could do it...BUT IT WAS AGONY and I have officially decided to give up the rest of the series. I just can't. do. it. anymore.

I checked about 4 times if this work was originally translated as there continue to be weird gender switches that would happen with the Night Render and Night Terror. The book also needed another pass at editing. While normally I don't hold grammatical errors and general "editing issues" against authors - especially since I read so many ARCs that are not fully edited, this book had so many of them that it felt sloppy and rushed out.

The issue I had with this is that it just feels like it is going in the same circles over and over with repeating aspects in the plot, dialogue and characters' actions. This annoying "will they won’t they" push and pull feels so outdone and juvenile when these characters are technically meant to be in their late 20s! The whole "woe is me" attitude was meant to be emotional but it was so overdone I wanted to rip my eyes out as the story was going nowhere slowly. And the same overdramatic drama of he left her, she left me, we both left each other...it felt like MELODRAMA and needs to STOP!

Again the only thing pulling me through was the outstanding world-building which I think was utterly amazing and done well! It was super creative and unique and TOP NOTCH. Aspects I have never seen before. Walking through fire that judges your soul, wraith tornados, sentient murderous trees (twice) and an entire lake shore made of bloodied dismembered body parts. It was harsh gruesome but incredibly inventive.

While I enjoyed aspects of this story, I don't want to be annoyed while reading so won't be continuing - unless someone can convince me otherwise...

The Tropes:
▶ Enemies to Lovers
▶ Shadow Mommy and Light Daddy
▶ Fated Mates
▶ Dual POV


Profile Image for Dayzee.
924 reviews14 followers
January 28, 2021
Oh my words. Beautiful. Ive never loved a female character this much !!♥️ Caelynn, shes everything. Not only is she strong and smart, but she is the most selfless giving person character ive ever read. You have to read in order, especially Night Bringer to understand her. see what kind of deal she made with the devil to survive and how her determination to save Rev at all costs: including her life. This is a beautiful gut wrenching story of survival, love, enemies to lovers, courage, it just gives you all the vibes!!!♥️ Im rooting for her. Her pain is so strong but so is her love and courage and you cant help but love her. She’s determined to save him..and he ..determined to kill her but now.. oh my. YOU HAVE TO READ IT! It was an impossible task, it picks right after book two and keeps you at the edge of your seat! I highlighted almost all the book! so many beautiful quotes and scenes. This is one of them by my girl Caelynn: “He presses his palm to his lips, eyes soft and so achingly sad. I don’t want Rev to ever be sad. I want him to be happy. That’s my last wish. The last thing I’ll ever be granted. I will find a way to win this fight and save Rev so that he can go on and live a good life without me. My own life was forfeit a long time ago. All I’ve ever been able to ask for is little moments of happiness “🖤
I could never be worthy of him. My soul is scorched and rotting. My heart shattered and scarred. Even if Rev could forgive me, I can’t.”
1,029 reviews20 followers
December 12, 2020
What a gripping, fast-paced new addition to this amazing series! I rushed through it and loved every second. This is the book where we see the most growth in Rev as he comes to terms with the truth of who Caelynn is and how she has been protecting him time and time again. He is forced to re-evaluate some long-held beliefs, deal with the guilt over his own behavior and past opinions, and figure out a new way forward for them both. If they manage to survive what the Night Terror and Night Bringer have in store for them … which seems nigh impossible. I love the Rev we get to know here, at once more vulnerable and stronger than in the two previous books. I have been a devoted Caelynn fan from the first, and my admiration and love for her have only grown deeper still. It’s rare that you come across a fictional heroine that is quite so well-rounded and inspirational and so very lovable even if she’s not exactly the cuddly, cheerful girl-next-door. She’s always been fierce, determined, self-sacrificing, resourceful, self-effacing, but her inner strength has never been under quite as much duress and insidious attacks as in this third book. The sense of hopelessness and impending doom is ever prevalent during the story up until the very end. Emotions have run high before, but again, in this third book, everything seems magnified, the tension, the heartache, the physical pain the characters suffer… And then the twist at the end. Wow. Completely unexpected turn of events, which leaves me anxious to start book 4! The story is high on action and suspense, but some gentleness sneaks in, hints at tenderness in between the gore and danger Rev and Cae continually face. Yay! They have a bit of a Frodo & Sam thing going as they are on their mission in the infamous Schorchedlands, which almost makes Mordor seem cozy. Still, there are also several fascinating, if not per se likable, secondary characters they meet along the way, showing up to help or hinder or try to maim and kill them. I especially loved what “their wraiths” brought to the story, with their dubious loyalty and hidden agendas. The worldbuilding and mythology in this series are incredibly detailed and imaginative. Absolutely recommend this.
Profile Image for Holly.
178 reviews1 follower
September 3, 2022
I still like this series. But the author needs an editor. Way too many easily spotted mistakes in the written work.

Love the story -the author could do big with this if they invested in editing and promotion.
Profile Image for Toshita.
579 reviews60 followers
July 6, 2024
Yeah we're back again. I'm going to sound like a broken record but my review for this book is essentially going to sound the same as my review for the previous book. The MCs continue to act like teenagers and have a weird attraction that is so intense for no reason other than them being fated mates but also it's not intense enough for them to actually believe that the other person likes them? WTF. The pronoun situation was much better in this book but the rest of my complaints remain especially my complaint about this being the worst slow burn ever. Also this book ended with no context for how the conflict was resolved. In one chapter they were in the middle of conflict/climax and in the next chapter they were safe. And honestly if that's what the author has to resort to, in order to keep people reading, I don't have a lot of faith in how the rest of this series is going to be. Will I be reading the next two books regardless? Yeah, and I admit that I am part of problem but also I live for the drama so what you can do.
Profile Image for Emily.
387 reviews16 followers
April 18, 2021
I can't spoil things. So many of my feelings about this book are all about the ending!!! But no spoilers.

The majority of this book takes place in the Schorchedlands. So there's a whole lot of darkness, goopy things, bones, not-dead-but-not-alive animals and creatures, and a whole lot of wraiths.

There are moments of semi-peace where Rev and Cae are basically safe for a period of time, but this task - getting the book - is the absolute driving force. Both Cae and Rev figure out more about each other and how their feelings are growing and changing. The psychological aspects of what they need to get through are equal to their physical challenges.

For me, I wanted the final showdown to be slightly condensed. You get both points-of-view without repeating every second of everything, but I think I wanted a bigger piece from one before switching to the other POV. But, ST knows how to keep you hooked!

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Rachel Osborne.
1,093 reviews19 followers
December 14, 2020
This third book was such a fantastic rollercoaster. I loved the character developments and how we got some much needed answers. The story just goes from strength to strength, action and drama at every turn. I absolutely loved how this book ended, yet that cliffhanger has me staring at the wall just imagining what's to come. Stacey has created a fantastic third book to this magical fae series that is such a beautiful world to read. Can't wait for the next book!
14 reviews
September 26, 2022
This was so slow, boring and repetitive i wanted to dnf so many times.
I'm not sure if I'm gonna go through with finishing this series. This book could've been an extra 60 pages in the last one and that's it but it was prolonged unnecessarily.
The writing was slow and boring as hell, the fighting/confrontation scenes were fast. It was just not done right.
Profile Image for Riniya.
315 reviews19 followers
May 29, 2023
Tropes/ Key Points:
Dual POV
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
I’ll let the world burn to save you
Political Coups
Fated Mates

3.5⭐️

TW: Death, Murder, Abuse, Attempted Harm

Blurb:

Caelynn has ruined everything. I was prepared to enter the Scorchedlands and face my worst fears. I knew that it would be the biggest trial of my life, but that it would be worth it. I would get everything I had ever dreamed of. I would become the Heir to the High Court, my father would be unable to deny me any longer, and I would supersede my brothers legacy. But she ruined it by choosing to come in after me, to save me again by sacrificing herself.

I can still complete my quest despite her presence, but knowing she is here means I can’t live my life. She will be trapped for eternity while I live out my wildest dreams. I can’t abandon my mate, no matter how angry at her I am. I will find a way to get us both out, as well as saving the fae realm. The only problem is we are now at the mercy of the Night Terror, and the game has only just begun.

Review:

The “I hate you” - “I love you” - “I hate you” is finally over. It was starting to get a bit irritating, I mean how clueless could Rev be? After everything that he learned about Cae, he still chose to only see the worst in her. At least it’s done, he knows the kind of person she is and we don’t have that back and forth going on anymore.

And yet, there’s something missing. I don’t think this series needs to be five books. There was quite a bit in this book that felt like filler. I think we had about ten chapters of our duo trying to make a decision, despite knowing there is literally no other option. We had a lot of pages of traveling and just sitting and talking, it just feels like it was being dragged out a bit too far. This of course is a pacing issue that is present throughout. Where as the last two books were evenly paced with action, this one fell short. We had bursts of activity followed by chapters of inaction that didn’t feel balanced in the way the first 2 books did. It just felt like it was dragging and I found myself growing bored. But, then the end of the book just sweeps you away with everything happening all at once. Suddenly, I couldn’t put the book down, eager to see what happens. It needs balancing.

The character development seems to have stalled. Once again, Rev is no longer angry and Cae and Cae is still talking about how much she hates herself. It feels repetitive and that we aren’t having much in the way of development, but the author is writing it so it seems like it is. Just an odd feeling overall and I’m ready for the two of them to get their stuff together.

The enemies are the best part of this book. I love the way that the Night Bringer, though not seen since book one, makes a reappearance in ways that you wouldn’t expect. You have this presence throughout the book that feels looming and like a thread about to snap at any moment. The Night Terror, (the Bringers Mate) is the big bad they have to face who is watching and waiting the entire time, once again just waiting for the right moment to make her move.

I love the Wraith character and the way he adds to the story. Him and Rev’s brother are some of the best parts of this story, despite their small parts they had to play. Unfortunately we are introduced to a side character in the form of a sentient wolf, who added nothing to the story except for convenient plot progression, which led to 10 chapters of indecision on the MCs parts. I felt like this wolf was unnecessary and that one of the established characters could have played this role instead of adding someone random, only to have them disappear a chapter later never to return.

I know this review is a bit harsher on the story than the last two, but If you are going to write a 5 book series that probably could have been done in three, then the details start to matter more. The repetition becomes noticeable and stagnant characters are left as irritants. I’m not annoyed enough to stop the series, but I hope book four brings back magic from the first two that is missing here.
Profile Image for BloodyKelpie.
323 reviews4 followers
April 10, 2021
Soul of Thorns

Goddess the relationship between Rev and Cae is so... interesting they really are accepting each other now ...ok more like Rev took the stick off his ass and is being less a dumb asshole hahahaha he saw how much Cae always sacrifices herself for him , how much she loves him and puts him before her , but now he probably doesn’t have enough time to repay her because she really did the utmost sacrifice for him , and she knows it so ...for them to not suffer more she’s giving him a cold shoulder hahahaha I’m liking because I think he deserves to feel it .

“One day, I want to give something meaningful back to her. I’ve taken so much without even realizing it. She shielded me from it all. She let me hate her when she could have come out with the truth and eased her punishment”

Poor Rev ... I’m seriously hahaha the poor guy is paying every evil thought he had before about Cae ... he is just so in love now and she is in a bad place more like in really strong suicidal mode , she is tired of the pain eating at her every day , almost everyone hates her ...her mate hated her for ten years for goddess sake !! And then we have the assholes Night couple that are extremely powerful and will destroy the world if they have her ...so she really doesn’t want to live anymore ...she is still trying just to help Rev finish his mission and then ...that’s it , she wants to die ... her thoughts... damn I feel a sadness so deeply in her , she is just humoring Rev , he wants her to have hope ? So she acts like she has , she is helping him but deep down when he is in a safe place she wants to retreat without him knowing and ... you know , just die .

Damn... this book is so interesting I’m really anxious for the next one !! The storyline is well done and the world building is deeply intriguing.
Profile Image for Regina Blume.
276 reviews
January 9, 2023
⭐️ 2.5

Book 2 & 3 of this series should have been one book. I had a feeling this might be the case when I finished the last book but I wanted to read this before coming to a conclusion. There is no resolution at the end of book two nor does it end on a cliff hanger or plot shift that opens up into book 3. This book just continues on like they are one and the same before resolving this part of the story at the end.
In this book the subject of Caelynn’s depression that has been not so tactfully hinted at really comes to the forefront and I just didn’t really connect with how it was portrayed. I feel like the author really wanted to explore the emotions and depth of what Caelynn was feeling but what came out what very repetitive and long winded without any depth or true emotion.
This one did really pull me into the story like the prior ones and I’m not as interested in reading the rest of this series now, between the less than stellar characters and now the story loosing steam I’m wondering if I should push through to see what comes next.
Profile Image for Juli.
1,559 reviews24 followers
February 21, 2023
KU*

This picks up right where we left off in Curse of Thorns, Rev and Caelynn are in the Schorchedlands.

Rev has a lot to unpack and he finally realizes all the things his mate, Caelynn, went and continues to go through to save him. He even fought his brother’s wraith to protect her because he now knows she is the one for him, but it may too late to save Caelynn.

This wasn’t my favorite book simply because there was so ouch going it was confusing. I couldn’t really follow what the heck their plan was, honestly I don’t think they had a plan and the evil ancient ones seemed to one step ahead at all times.

This book felt more like a puzzle in trying to defeat the bad guys and Rev’s realization that he loves Caelynn. Meanwhile, Caelynn is so depressed she is in a way starting to fade and even their so called Allie’s aren’t helping.

That ending, I’m still not sure what happened; I’m hoping Rev didn’t do something terrible after everything Caelynn went through.
42 reviews
May 19, 2021
These books are definitely getting better as the series goes on! Reading this book was the first time I stayed up past midnight reading in years (I'm a depressing adult who actually has to go to work these days 😂😭) so I know it must be good! Read 80% of it in one day and didn't even feel the time passing I was so engrossed. It's still a fairly guess-able plot so I wasn't particularly surprised by anything but I enjoyed it nonetheless and seeing the relationship between Caelynn and Rev develop was really well written and emotionally believable. I'm also guiltily pleased that Raven wasn't in this book since she still feels pretty irrelevant to me, so that was a bonus too 😅 But seriously I can't wait to read the next book and see the consequences of the choices made in this one!

*I was given an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jenny Grey.
166 reviews
December 29, 2022
Okay this was emotional! The back and forth between Rev and Caelynn got to me!

The angst and uncertainty in their journey makes the navigation of their feelings such an emotional experience.

We pick up in the Scortchedlands as Caelynn and Rev quest for the book to break the plague consuming their land.

This installment of the series gives us the inside perspective into the feelings blossoming between Rev and Caelynn. There is this tug of back and forth between the two about how they are coming to terms with what their future will be once this journey is complete. I appreciated the apprehension and concern they had for one another and how they struggled with what they believed to be the outcome of their fate.

There will be twists and turns to your heart and this story that will leave you wanting more! I need the next book ASAP!!d
Profile Image for Micheala.
1,227 reviews80 followers
December 15, 2020

ARC received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.

What an exciting installment of a great series! This book was so crucial for Rev and Caelynn’s relationship. Through all the crazy action, these two made strides in their relationship and by the end of the book Rev had me aww-ing in cuteness. I can’t wait to see where these two go next.

While this book was good, I didn’t find it the most thrilling. It was a bit slow, but with it ending being back in the fae courts, I do look forward to the next one, especially with Rev having accepted her now.

Only one more in the series it seems and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out!
634 reviews17 followers
April 18, 2021
Oh my, I really love this series! If you’ve enjoyed the first couple books you have to read this one! Rev and Caelynn are still stuck in the Schorchedlands, trying to find the spell book that can stop the plague and save their lands, all while trying to stay alive and out of the Night Terrors clutches. Beyond that I don’t want to say much because I don’t want any spoilers. Rev and Cae are awesome in this book and I think they grow as characters as they rely on each other to survive and finally start to trust each other. And I can’t wait for the next book after that ending!

I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Tyra Parker.
300 reviews
September 26, 2022
I don't understand what happened. My emotions are not still enough to write about

Our girl Caelynn was as badass as ever. Also omfg so fucking selfless. It breaks my heart to know that she doesn't seem to think her life is worth fighting for. I get dying for your love but what about living for it. Rev you were better than before I'll give you that. I like you now and i'm glad he felt guilty for the way he was treating her.

So much is happening right now. Thinking back to the trials god that wasn't shit. Now? The world is about to implode. But it was for the sake of love so I approve.

281 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2022
Soooooo

Now they “love” each other but he is just so dumb man.

He literally traded the entire world for her life - a life that they can’t even have because she is hated by everyone!!

I personally didn’t think it was worth it but whatevs

Oh and he didn’t even admit to himself that he loved her!!! I mean and every time she said things like “i would let the entire world burn for Rev” i just criged because he just became her obssession!! She traded her life for his and he didnt even deserve it!! And the fact that she never even spoke about it!! Girl i mean it would definitely change things if you had!!

Anyways im a little lazy about reading the next installments… well see.
Profile Image for O’rion Risher.
371 reviews5 followers
May 12, 2023
3.5 stars
The book needs some more editing, for sure. Misspelled or incorrect words in places.
I knocked down my rating because of the annoying amount of times things were repeated or the inner dialogue took over. And with the inner dialogue was the repetition. If you’re reading this book, you have to have read the previous books. So there no point in repeating what happened and what they’ve accomplished 4 more times. Or however many times. It seems it was done solely to extend the book. Fluff if you will.

Aside from that, this book was really good. I almost skimmed to the end due to what I’ve already stated, but I pushed through and enjoyed it quite a bit.
98 reviews
January 6, 2022
I didn't think I could love this story more than I did with the first 2 books, I was wrong. The emotions of this book are heart wrending. I love that the characters have what feels like real emotional struggle and revelation in a way that doesn't feel contrived. I am trying to articulate how they have successes and failures in emotional decision making that feels so much more human than I find a lot of fantasy has, where their magic doesn't just miraculously lead them to the perfect right answer the first try. I mean, that would be boring.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Carmen Estrada.
55 reviews
August 3, 2023
Enjoyable

The story is still good. Other than the-never ending-self-deprecating, self-loathing and fickleness of the main characters, the story progresses. Lots of action, twists, and some suspense. I did find myself pushing through some parts. It felt like emotional whiplash? Just when they seem to take a direction with their own inner turmoil, they digress. I don��t know, it’s bittersweet, my liking of the characters. I’m committed to finishing the series. especially, with the ending this book had. Did not see that coming! It is an enjoyable read 👍🏻
Profile Image for Jennifer Mullins.
475 reviews17 followers
December 31, 2020
Rev and Cae just can’t get a break! Stuck in the Schorchedlands, they have to learn to trust each other and work together. Feelings come to the surface that complicate things further. Rev and Cae each face unimaginable choices and learn some hard truths throughout. This ones a bit slower than the other books but it brings to light a myriad of hidden emotions and struggles for both. I’m excited to see what’s next for them abs hope they get a notch needed break in the next book!

Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
208 reviews
July 10, 2021
My favorite book in this series yet.
Feelings between Rev and Caelynn grows, and their I want you but dance is at the same time extremely frustrating as a reader but also extremely page-turning and angsty.
The danger of the night bringer grows as they came closer to the heart of the Scorchedlands and the fearful Night terror.
Line between allies, ennemies and relatives are blured with the wraith.
I couldn't put the book down and I am really excited to read what's next for Cae and Rev
Profile Image for Amanda.
198 reviews5 followers
December 25, 2023
This book had ups and downs

This book was great and I'm kind of sad not knowing the outcome of everything with the characters, but I think it's good for authors to not keep pushing and stretching their books out. The ending abruptly stopping isn't what I expected, but i respect it.

I enjoyed all these books, they went quickly, explained everything in enough detail and didn't repeat themselves over and over to the point of annoying me.
Profile Image for Denise.
152 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
Nonstop torture in a good way!

Rev and Caelynn are fated fae mates on a mission to capture a spell book to save their world. Their trapped in the dark world of the dead with the Night Terror plotting to bring them down. Their in constant fear of the terrors of the land, of known ground which spirits to trust, and of what will happen to each other. You won’t want to put it down.
Profile Image for Joanna Harris.
107 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2021
Much going on in this book. Lots of traveling thru hell and back. Demons to face, stories to interpret, lies to sort out. Rev and Cae only have each other to count on. What has to be done for them both to survive this? And will they do it no matter the cost? Who can be trusted?
Ready for the conclusion....
Profile Image for Chloë.
382 reviews7 followers
April 12, 2021
Thanks given to Stacey Trombley for the ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.

Soul of Thorns continues to deliver the emotional roller coaster of Caelynn and Rev's mateship. The book has you rooting for them, happy at times, angry with the characters at others. Best of all though, that ending; what a choice Rev! I am so eager to see where their path leads next.
106 reviews17 followers
May 27, 2021
wow I did not see that coming!
sure I expected them to both go back home but the choice.... just wow.
Less action packed than the last but the story moved along so much more, though it felt repetitive at times, especially Rev's POV. It was well written and I am just so glad to be done with the scorched lands. I think I need therapy.
106 reviews17 followers
June 19, 2021
wow I did not see that coming!
sure I expected them to both go back home but the choice.... just wow
less action packed than the last but the story moved along so much more though it felt repetitive at times, especially Rev's POV, it was well written and I am just so glad to be done with the scorched lands. I think I need therapy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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