Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Stars and Shadows #4

A Kingdom of Fire and Fate

Rate this book
Passion ignites, torn between desire and duty.

Love and loyalty collide in the aftermath of war, where Sorin consumes my every thought. Haunted by nightmares, the intensity of our connection blazes brighter than ever.

In the dead of night, he visits, whispering promises of a future that weakens my resolve. The fear of losing him becomes an inferno, overshadowing all else.

But destiny takes a wicked twist. When news arrives that the human king, now allied with Evren's father, has invited Starblessed contenders to compete for his hand in marriage, I embark on a perilous journey into enemy territory. My goal: to uncover the enigmatic ruler's hidden secrets.

Yet, Sorin, fierce and unwavering, refuses to let me face this danger alone. He risks everything to protect me.

Together, we navigate a treacherous realm of secrets and deception, shrouding my true identity as we unravel the twisted web spun by the human king.

As our desires intensify, so does the peril that surrounds us. Loyalties blur, and the line between friend and foe fades amidst an imminent threat.

In a world where trust is fragile and danger lurks at every step, we confront choices that shall shape our destiny. Will we betray our hearts in the name of duty, or plunge into the flames of an all-consuming love that could set realms ablaze?

In this breathtaking installment of the Stars and Shadows series, Thalia must confront her deepest fears, summon the strength to follow her desires, and embrace the power that lies within her. The kingdom's future hangs in the balance, and the choices she makes will shape the very fabric of all she holds dear.

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2023

1612 people are currently reading
17374 people want to read

About the author

Holly Renee

28 books7,296 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2,276 (21%)
4 stars
3,775 (35%)
3 stars
3,408 (32%)
2 stars
846 (8%)
1 star
182 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 804 reviews
Profile Image for Lauren.
304 reviews671 followers
August 1, 2023
I’m actually crying.

One of my favorite, most beloved series is officially coming to an end. This world, these characters, mean so much to me and it’s a bittersweet feeling that it’s over.

Thalia’s story is amazing and I’m so excited for you all to read it.
Profile Image for Kursed Reads.
801 reviews9,272 followers
October 24, 2023
Suffering emotionally in the aftermath of the war with Gavril and loss of Jorah, Thalia becomes more closed off than ever.

When King Henrick puts out a call to find a Starblessed to become his wife, Thalia sees this as her opportunity to purge her guilt, do her part.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from AKOFF. Holly never disappoints and Sorin and Thalia are no exception. The push and pull as they learn how they fit, is so true to their character. I’m so sad we’ve reached the end of the Stars & Shadows series, but I couldn’t imagine a better ending.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥
Darkness: 🩶
Heat: 🌶️🌶️
Range of Emotions: 🥺😬🫤🥵😍
Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual}

🗂 Genre: Fantasy Romance

✨ Tropes: Found Family, Forced Proximity, Friends-to-Lovers, Jealous/Possessive, Touch-Her-and-💀

💋 Kinks: n/a

⚠️ Warning: This sweet and steamy read will leave you wanton.

🚩 Safety Squad: There are potentially triggering elements. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📣 Type: A Kingdom of Fire & Fate is part of the Stars & Shadows series and will be best enjoyed when read in order.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.
Profile Image for Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads.
695 reviews164 followers
August 17, 2023
I was lucky enough to not only receive an ARC of @authorhollyrenee’s A Kingdom of Fire and Fate, but I also got to buddy read it IN PERSON with @forever_fantasy_books (and virtually with @honeyy.fae and @southernbellbookworm - so much fun as usual!!). This is an awesome follow-up story to the Stars and Shadows series, I’m so glad to have more to read in this world!

To avoid spoilers, I won’t be writing up a summary, just reactions. Oh gosh, Thalia and Sorin’s story is TOUGH! Thalia has a lot of unresolved grief and trauma (for REASONS 🤐), but poor Sorin has been in love with her for ages and is willing to do absolutely anything to get her to commit. This results in both of them doing some pretty crazy stuff while on a spying mission - Evren really should’ve thought more about the logistics of this whole situation before sending them out! While Sorin is no Evren (I mean, no one else can really beat the king of dirty talk 🥵), the spice is super hot and I love how possessive and jealous he gets. This book has a bride competition plot, which I don’t necessarily love… but it’s executed well, mostly by providing Sorin an opportunity to really express his feelings for Thalia. And oh wow, she really turns into a pillar of strength, her growth is impressive in this book (and she’s already a strong character).

I’m wondering if there will be more follow ups to this book. While there’s a HEA, there are some loose ends remaining… maybe we will get a book with both couples?! Would not mind ONE BIT!!
Profile Image for Lauren.
393 reviews31 followers
August 29, 2023
TLDR; AI could’ve written a romantasy far better than this one. One of the worst books I’ve read this year.

Listen… I loved the first two books. As formulaic as they were, they were just super entertaining. The last two books were not entertaining in the slightest. I’m not sure who did Holly’s editing, but there were multiple mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors in this that I had a hard time concentrating.

This was so, so rushed. Neither the story or the characters contained any depth at all. One of the cheapest plots I’ve ever read and it was so predictable that it made the ending laughable. The scenes between Sorin and Thalia didn’t feel meaningful. It felt like the author took lines from the past three books and added “my love” to them to add a little pizazz. Their relationship was surface-level at best.

Look, I was not looking for literary perfection AT ALL when I started these books, but the bar is in hell at this point.
Profile Image for Ren.
35 reviews
August 22, 2023
2.5 stars--Disappointing. Rushed. Predictable Ending.
I really struggled with rating this one, I wanted to love it so badly because I loved the series, and I loved Sorin & Thalia's dynamic. At first I rated it 3 stars, but I felt that was misleading, and if it had been a stand alone book I would have only given it 2, so I edited my previous rating and decided to pour my heart out in a review.

When I recommend the series, I feel I have to add a cautionary "skip Kingdom of Fire & Fate." The story felt rushed, all the action was in the last 30ish minutes, the "turning point" of the story was at about 1.5 hrs left and was so predictable in its trajectory that I almost didn't finish the book. That "what are you doing you idiot?! You're going to get yourself killed!" feeling belongs in bad horror movies...not romance novels. Sorin & Thalia are the kingdom's /greatest warriors/ not stupid teens. Their relationship has layers...why did it fall so flat?

SPOILERS: The book picks up where the last one left off, this surprised me but wasn't bad. It would have been a lot better if after the first chapter we got an interlude showing the beginning of S&T's story. Then maybe back to the story as is, because the mission started out interesting. It makes sense for Sorin to be protective and for Thalia to self-sacrifice, that fits whit what we previously knew about them and with how the trauma of losing Jorah would have extenuated these characteristics. But I think a lot of us loved their dynamic before the trauma, so maybe another interlude from their past, more stolen glances and flirtation in taverns, more playfulness...maybe some who-will-she-choose moments with Jorah?The characters didnt feel consistent with who they were established to be. The mission storyline was not well thought out, it didn't have enough intrigue to carry the story, it made S&T's dynamic...boring. I just can't get over how these "warriors" made such fools of themselves and so stupidly threw their mission... SREAMING his name??? Against the door with a enemy guard at post??? REALLY?? The sex could still be lust-filled, I-can't-control-my-want-for-you, in an adult way. Warriors have restraint and patience and cunning. This was the stupidity and futility of two 15yo first-loves poisoning themselves for no reason other than lacking a fully developed frontal cortex (Romeo & Juliet). This love story deserved more maturity and complexity after all these two have been through together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pia.
291 reviews122 followers
August 12, 2023
Rating: 4✨
Spice: 2.5🌶

I would first like to thank the author for the eARC opportunity. Like always, this review is voluntary & honest.

After the end of Evren & Adara's books, I had been on the edge of my seat waiting for Sorin's and Thalia's story & it did NOT disappoint. I knew Sorin would be a possessive type of love interest & it had me gasping & screeching at times. I also knew Thalia's story would be an emotional one with amazing growth & that delivered as well!

This book picked up right where we left off in AKOVAV, the aftermath of the war against the Fae Kingdom. Thalia in the beginning was one filled with guilt & the need to protect those she cares for that are still with her. She is filled with selflessness, not allowing herself to get too close to the one that keeps her pain & anxiety away, while also making her heart & body sing. We knew Thalia was a warrior inside & out, a force not to be messed with, but the Thalia we see in the end was one we couldn't help but tear up for. A Thalia that allows herself to love & be happy while also allowing herself to BE loved & cared for. She also had her badass moments that had me screaming YES QUEEN, GO OFF.

Sorin, have merthy. This man has been a goner for Thalia since we first met him. And reading his point of view, seeing his love & need for her evolve more & more with each chapter had my heart warm while I felt all tingly. Like I said, this man is possessive but also supports Thalia being her own woman & making her own decisions. He gives himself so wholly to her, never expecting anything in return. He is fiercely loyal & showed he was unapologetically hers, even if she did not show she returned his feelings.

Their love was so deep & true. I truly loved their story & journey. I felt there were some loose ends, some plot points that weren't fully resolved that may have been done on purpose... maybe for some possible future books? 👀

This was such an amazing, quick read & I really enjoyed it. You should definitely give this a read if you love Evren's and Adara's story. It made it even better that we got to see them in this book because they were truly missed as well! 🩷
Profile Image for rachel, x.
1,795 reviews938 followers
March 19, 2024
#1) A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows ★★★★☆
#2) A Kingdom of Blood and Betrayal ★★★☆☆
#3) A Kingdom of Venom and Vows ★★★☆☆


2.00 ★

I can't do cheating in books, so this was an instant nope for me. The fact that I didn't, for a single nanosecond, feel one ounce of longing from Thalia meant this did nothing for me. Mutual pining or nothing for me.

Trigger warnings for .

BlogTrigger Warning DatabaseStoryGraph
Profile Image for Shira.
389 reviews141 followers
January 19, 2024
this one was so emotional for me!! Once I started reading this book I finished it in a few hours I couldn’t put it down!

I definitely suggest reading the other books in this series before this one since it starts off where the last ones ends. We met Thalia in the other books so going into this one I was already emotionally connected to her and wanted her to have her HEA.

I really liked the premise of this story the plot was really interesting! I couldn’t decide who I trusted in this story and it left me with my heart in my throat!!! With that being said the ending wrapped up to quickly. I also wish we found out what happened to the star-blessed who lost the “challenge” for the Kings hand (unless I missed it?).

Overall this was a fun, exciting and easy read! Thank you to Valentine PR for the eARC.
Profile Image for madie dragoo.
682 reviews119 followers
May 14, 2024
2/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

i honestly only picked this book up because it was a quick read and i’m trying to finish series that i have started but never completed. i think this series honestly just got drug on wayyyyy too long. the first two book were decent and spicy and fun and exciting and the third book and this one were just draggy. i feel like the author was just searching for things to extend the plot. i really started to dislike thalia’s character in this book because i felt like she just lost all of the characteristics that i liked about her from the first two books. she was just annoying and couldn’t make up her mind about anything and her constant “i love you sorin” “get away from me sorin” was so exhausting to read about. regardless, another series done ✅

“i would let the entire world burn before i would choose any of them over her.”
Profile Image for MarissaIsBooked.
605 reviews101 followers
August 15, 2023
I’m all for angst, but tbh this was just frustrating. I know there’s a lot of emotions to deal with after the ending of book 3, but my gawdddd.

I loved the first 2 books in this series, but the pacing was just..off in these last 2. The endings have come VERY abruptly. Almost like the plot wasn’t fully fleshed out so the ending just had to sort of happen, leading to an abrupt, anti-climactic ending.

Tropes & Highlights:
- Fantasy Romance
- He falls first
- Friends-to-lovers
- Mutual pining
- Strong FMC
- Found family

⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5
🌶️🌶️/5

I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for charisse ♡.
505 reviews58 followers
January 3, 2024
finally, sorin and thalia. also, everyone's so fucking hot
Profile Image for Kacie Clark.
696 reviews12 followers
August 17, 2023
But I would wait for her until every star in the sky had turned to dust.  I would wish upon her skin, I would pray against her lips.  There wasn't a world in which I wouldn't feel a desperation for her that was capable of eating me alive.

I adored Evren and Adara’s story in the first trilogy so I was so excited to get a spin-off with Thalia and Sorin. I really enjoyed them as side characters so I knew they could hold their own in a new book. The plot set up for this story was great, sort of a pageant Hunger Games for Starblessed and I love me a competition storyline that puts a lot on the line for characters. Thalia is a great, strong MFC but I enjoyed seeing how Holly introduced her vulnerability and some mental health rep for her throughout the book. Sorin is such a cinnamon roll when it comes to Thalia and his boy obsessed nature just made me smile. He loves her but wants her to succeed on her own, that’s a man to get behind. The tension between these two is 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨🥵🥵🥵🥵 I am all for it if Holly writes a spicy scene 😋 overall, the book follows the fast paced nature of the previous books and takes off running. If you’re looking for a Romantasy to get into quickly and that keeps you on edge, this one is for you!
Profile Image for Maggie Timmons.
64 reviews
August 18, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

was i aware this was the last book in this universe going into it? no. am i devastated? yes, yes i am. it’s so bittersweet to read endings of your favorite books. i hate endings but love when they are done so well. Holly, i fell in love with this universe, these characters and this book was no exception. Sorin & Thalia’s story was absolutely beautiful. hopefully one day you will revisit this world in some capacity but either way i found you as a writer through these books and i can’t wait to see where you go from here.

very grateful to have recieved an ARC of this book. thank you, valentine PR & Holly Renee.
Profile Image for Shelby.
126 reviews9 followers
August 21, 2023
A lovely ending to a fantastic series of books. Loved seeing things from different POVs than the rest of the series. Wish it was a bit more fleshed out, but still a great book!
Profile Image for Lunarbookwyrm aka Phoebe.
585 reviews227 followers
August 8, 2023
Rating 4.5/5 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 💫
Spice Level 3.5/5🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶


🌟 Friends or comrades to lovers
🌟 fantasy romance
🌟 stand alone
🌟 Possesive MMC
🌟 Will burn the world for her!
🌟 Fierce and strong FMC! LITERALLY A WARRIOR!

OMG, Holly is crying! I really love THALIA and SORIN, but omg seriously, tho! How could you make me fall for you know who? I shall not him, but anyways moving on. It is interesting to focus the story on these two when we think the threat is over, NUH-UH.

This book helps focus on tying up loose ends in the story after A Kingdom of Venom and Vows. I read the 3rd book and went directly to this ARC. People were grieving, especially Thalia and Sorin. The dynamic of their relationship changed a bit, and they were trying to figure out what they were.

Even if Evren and Adara we're happily enjoying their couple's life, Thalia wants to help the Kingdom at the same time she is struggling with her past, and the only person that can comfort or help her is Sorin. A Human King is now a new threat seeking out a Starblessed bride from every corner of the Kingdom, and Thalia volunteers as tribute to find out his intentions.

But bro, we can't let Sorin's jealousy get in the way now, can we? The ending did feel like it was shockingly quick, but I'm happy and adored this series, the characters, and this world. It was sad to see it end, but happy that everyone got their ending. I can't wait to see what Holly has in store for us next!

Profile Image for Madison.
100 reviews101 followers
August 22, 2023
Ok y’all Sorin is hot, Thalia is hot, Evren is still hot as hell and yeah you get the gist. Everyone is hot and I loved the continuation of this world following Sorin and Thalia’s romance 🥰 poor Thalia has been through so much, but watching her be strong and courageous to defend her kingdom was so badass. While I wish there was a little more at the ending since it resolved quite quick, the plot was exciting! And of course who doesn’t love a possessive man who will burn down the world to get to his lady? 😏

Read if you like:
- vampires
- magic
- chosen one
- “who hurt you?”
- 🌶️🌶️.5/5

Thank you to Valentine PR and Holly Renee for my arc!
Profile Image for Caitlin.
97 reviews18 followers
September 13, 2025
Ok I read this book almost 2 years ago, but I loved it and still think about this series. I have 3 different SEs of this series.

Thalia was such a badass FMC and I’m so happy that we got her story. She deserved more than anything to have a HEA. And Sorin… 😮‍💨 Devoted, obsessed, full of longing. I loved them so much together. And Holly writes some of the best spice. I think there could’ve been more than one book or maybe a longer book, but I still really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Crayton Shepherd.
45 reviews
August 26, 2023
“Bring the king back to your room if you must, but do not feign ignorance when he shows up dead the following day”

Ah, it’s good to be back!!

A Kingdom of Fire and Fate is the last book in the Stars and Shadows series 😩. It is also my favorite book in the series. I love Sorin and his possessiveness (see quote above). Seeing him and Thalia’s relationship grow throughout this book was amazing. There’s a little bride competition that goes on between Thalia and some other Starblessed for the hand of the human king (I’ll give you one guess on who wins…).

Although I gotta say, poor Jorah. Dude got ripped apart in the beginning of this book.

”Jorah’s death was one of the hardest things I had ever had to face, and still I was thankful it was him instead of Sorin

The man is dead Holly!!! Let him rest in peace.

4/5 stars. Can’t wait to see what Holly comes up with next!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for chelsie marie.
399 reviews
July 10, 2024
4x/5 ⭐️🌶️ loved sorin’s undenying and unwavering love for thalia
Profile Image for Mandy (Bookishlove85).
999 reviews81 followers
October 6, 2025
I liked the side characters story in this one! Wasn’t sure how I’d like the “love triangle” but it all worked out after all. Another quick but enjoyable read!
Profile Image for Charmaine.
76 reviews6 followers
August 4, 2023
A Kingdom of Fire & Fate
Holly Renee
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I gobbled this up in a day 😅 When I tell you I abandoned every single book I was reading to read Thalia & Sorins story… Ima just say, I never ran so quick!!!

The way Sorin had me in the first couple of chapters - I was literally HOOKED. I love him as much as I love Evren …but in so many different ways. I love how he’s so openly in love with Thalia and so vulnerable around her. Touch her and you die energy at its finest. Thalia on the other hand, guarded & protective of her heart… healing from her past trauma, grieving the loss of her close friend was frustrating at times but I bowed down to the warrior in her. She radiated confidence and never failed to protect her friends and kingdom.

Yet again, Holly Renee served with the story line. I was wondering where she was going to take this story, especially with how the last one ended… she did not fail to captivate me!!! I ATE !!! I couldn’t take my eyes off, every single page had me interested, focused, and intrigued.
The ending had me in happy tears. I swear this whole series is my TOP fav series of all time.

The entire Stars and Shadows series really reeled me in and made me fall in love with fantasy romance. Ugh, I can’t wait to get my hands on the physical copy! But I am sad that this world is coming to an end. This series means so so much to me and I have become so attached to the characters. It truly holds a special place in my heart. I need more and hope Holly Renee continues to write fantasy romance books because she SLAYS at it!
Bowing down to her because she did it once again. Painted this beautiful world, brought to life amazing characters… created another sexy, dirty, protective MMC, accompanied with a hot romance filled with spice, tension, angst and forced proximity.

Ps. I absolutely loved Jorah and wish he would have had his happy ending or rather a book just about him 🫶🏽

Thanks again to @valentine_pr_ & @authorhollyrenee for this #arc - I didn’t want it to end 😭♥️

Ps. I absolutely loved Jorah and wish he would have had his happy ending or rather a book just about him 🫶🏽
Profile Image for Emily Brittain.
108 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2023
If you asked me to describe this book, I would give you a silly answer like… a fantasy version of The Bachelor, but that would just be skimming the surface.

This story picks up right where KOVAV left off, so I would say reading the first 3 books of this series would be beneficial even though it follows other characters.

Thalia is sent to the human realm to try and win over the human king who is looking for a star blessed wife. I won’t lie, King Henrick definitely charmed me (sorry Sorin) sometimes to the point that I forgot we were on a top secret mission for Evren. Though true colors do show and the beautiful love story of Thalia and Sorin shines the brightest.

Holly has mastered these Romantasy novels and I hope she never stops giving us what we love! Thank you again for the ereader ARC, I feel so blessed that I was able to read this very special book. ❤️
Profile Image for Destiny Rhodes.
91 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2023
I can’t believe this is the last of the “Stars and Shadows” series. I’ve been deeply obsessed with these characters all year. It was so nice to get a story from Thalia and Sorin. Watching them convince themselves finally they had feelings for one another was everything I needed from this series.
Profile Image for Shannon Case.
207 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2023
To say I'm obsessed with this world would be an understatement. I was so excited when Holly Renee announced that we would be getting Thalia and Sorins story and it did not disappoint! This book was so amazing, I couldn't put it down. I loved seeing their relationship blossom and the tension and desire between them. This book had an amazing plot. I am sad to see this fantasy world come to an end but I loved reading this series.
Profile Image for Em.
273 reviews11 followers
August 10, 2023
Thank you to Holly for the arc of this amazing book! I adore the world she has created, it is fantastic! The first series was amazing and this addition didn’t disappoint.

The gang are still coming to terms with the ending of the Stars and Shadows trilogy. The events of the end of the last book have hit hard. Especially for Thalia and Soren. These two are meant for each other but the survivors guilt is stopping them from taking it further. without spoilers this is all I can say. The angst between these two is INTENSE! I am a big fan of the tortured but can't stay away from you kind of love.

Sorin is wonderful - he's wonderfully possessive but also kind and sensitive. He's very mindful of Thalia's trauma but also can't wait to claim her... swoon! Thalia is hard core. Like so very hardcore. She's so independent and strong. She's sent on a mission and is determined to get the information/ win!

There's competition, a hunger games, bride style one. This is well executed and not the typical competition. I loved this part of the book!

I loved the ending - the final battle was epic, IYKYK! Not to give too much away but Thalia is 🔥🔥

It’s sad to see the end of this world - 🤞🤞 for more of it!! (Please?!)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 804 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.