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Onyx Cage: Volume I: A Lochlann Feuds Companion Novel
I had spent a lifetime perfecting the art of planning ahead, accounting for every known variable and a few that were mere speculation. It was necessary, to live the life I had, to do the things I had done and come out on the other side.
So by the time I arrived at the storms-forsaken Summit, I had spent every day of the years prior carefully, meticulously assessing each situation and weighing the best potential outcome, knowing that my clansmen lived and died on my ability to do it well.
In spite of that, I don’t believe there was anything in this world or the next that could have prepared me for her.
*Onyx Volume I will cover the first two books of the Lochlann Feuds series from Evander’s perspective. It is strongly encouraged for readers to wait until *after* Lochlann Feuds to read this companion novel.
So by the time I arrived at the storms-forsaken Summit, I had spent every day of the years prior carefully, meticulously assessing each situation and weighing the best potential outcome, knowing that my clansmen lived and died on my ability to do it well.
In spite of that, I don’t believe there was anything in this world or the next that could have prepared me for her.
*Onyx Volume I will cover the first two books of the Lochlann Feuds series from Evander’s perspective. It is strongly encouraged for readers to wait until *after* Lochlann Feuds to read this companion novel.
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 20, 2024
251 people are currently reading
399 people want to read
About the author
Robin D. Mahle
39 books1,230 followersRobin D. Mahle started out as a pen name I shared with my husband for The World Apart Series, but since then, I've absconded with it to delve into the wonderful world of fairy tale retellings and fantasy romances with my partner in crime, Elle Madison.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
When I'm not writing, you can find me spending time with my seven hundred cats and drinking wine by the barrel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 6, 2024
You can find this review of Onyx Cage on my blog, Heart's Content!
A big shout out and thank you to the authors and to Luna Blooms PA Services for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! As the nature of this book is a companion novel to the main series and reads in the POV of another main character, please expect spoilers for the main series. Do not venture further if you do not wish to be spoiled!
I think there’s something wonderfully devastating about being ruined by the same series twice.
I first came across the Lochlann Feuds series through BOMM (so big shout out and thank you to them). I wasn’t sure what I expected diving into the series but I cannot ever forget all the emotions the books churned within me. When the series was then revealed to contain four books instead of three, there was likely no one happier than me. And then, there was promise of the main character in the book getting their own POV. As readers, we’ve all been sitting on pins and needles, because is it possible to actually capture the inner workings of this character that we all fell in love with. Whom, we hated, then begrudgingly understood, then laughed with, then cried with, then fell and fell and fell for.
To be reading a book in Evander’s perspective was daunting; which makes me wonder how it must’ve been for the authors to have to sit and write it. But whatever it is that Mahle and Madison felt if it was anxiety, or fear or worry or trepidation, none of that is reflected in their work. In fact, I don’t think there could have been any way in which this book could’ve been better than it was. I have no feedback, no complaints; only feelings. Intense, heartbreaking ones. Too big for my body ones. Take over your world ‘til you’re finished with the book ones.
I think a lot of the struggle with writing a MMC perspective book is dealing with the hype of it, living up to the expectations and love of the readers, ensuring the book does not read like a repeat of the original perspective and all this while being true to the character. Especially an MMC like Evander who has always been a harsher character whose lighter, softer aspects we grow to see and love. The worry is can the readers handle the ugly truth of the harsher sides? Will we fall out of love with him? See the beast and forget the man? But does this mean the character’s darker shades should be hidden? No. The true injustice is in doing that and I’m so proud of the authors for not shying away from shedding light on the pain and burden of being an Heir of a Clan.
(Can you tell I have a lot of feelings about this?)
What I’ve noticed thus far is how pleasantly surprised I’ve been by two books that I’ve read in the MMC’s perspective. One, was this (of course) and the other was The Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer—which I was personally surprised by and enjoyed. Often when you read a single POV book that focuses on the FMC’s life, there’s a lot of gap in information about many things that the MMC is doing; from their current situations, past experiences, to their motives and usually we enjoy the mystery of that… of finding out about all this slowly and we don’t think too much about what they’re doing when they’re off-scene on a page. These books now need to fill in those gaps and I think Onyx Cage (which is by the way, only Vol 1) has done a fantastic job of doing this and of balancing the presence of the very many elements quoted above.
My favourite part of this book—which my best friend can attest to because it was her favourite too—was just how much Rowan frustrated Evander. The emotional progress that you see in Tarnished Crown in Rowan is what you see (in his own unique way, of course) in Evander in Onyx Cage. The way the laughed and laughed and laughed at the Heir to Clan Bear who goes from both loving to hate her and tolerating her to understanding her, reluctantly admiring her and then… more.
It was interesting to find out that there was so much more complexities to perceive in the same circumstances as books one and two while being in Evander’s mind. Truly, it explains how much the Princess missed and how much wider our understanding grows about the world and its politics. Big brownie points for the way the authors ensured the world we see through Rowan’s eyes is not the world Evander lives in and of course, in its own way, vice versa.
As much as I loved being in Rowan’s head and enjoyed her take on things, there’s something extremely deep, difficult, complex and of course sarcastic, in being in Evander’s mind and I can’t wait for the rest of the series just to see him further manoeuvre between what he wants and the politics of getting it (as, in this book he leans more into balancing things rather than pursuing what he wants; for good reasons of course).
Five stars. HIGHLY recommend. There’s always one word that reading Tarnished Crown made me think of during its more intense and inside-our-own-bubble sequences (loved living through those scenes again omg) and Evander doesn’t shy away from calling it that exact word. Nearly cried, not gonna lie.
I’m not sure if I did a good job reviewing as much as I gushed, but OC has released and is available for FREE for all KU subscribers. Book two releases November and I’m so grateful to be on the ARC team I could cry.
A big shout out and thank you to the authors and to Luna Blooms PA Services for providing me with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review! As the nature of this book is a companion novel to the main series and reads in the POV of another main character, please expect spoilers for the main series. Do not venture further if you do not wish to be spoiled!
I think there’s something wonderfully devastating about being ruined by the same series twice.
I first came across the Lochlann Feuds series through BOMM (so big shout out and thank you to them). I wasn’t sure what I expected diving into the series but I cannot ever forget all the emotions the books churned within me. When the series was then revealed to contain four books instead of three, there was likely no one happier than me. And then, there was promise of the main character in the book getting their own POV. As readers, we’ve all been sitting on pins and needles, because is it possible to actually capture the inner workings of this character that we all fell in love with. Whom, we hated, then begrudgingly understood, then laughed with, then cried with, then fell and fell and fell for.
To be reading a book in Evander’s perspective was daunting; which makes me wonder how it must’ve been for the authors to have to sit and write it. But whatever it is that Mahle and Madison felt if it was anxiety, or fear or worry or trepidation, none of that is reflected in their work. In fact, I don’t think there could have been any way in which this book could’ve been better than it was. I have no feedback, no complaints; only feelings. Intense, heartbreaking ones. Too big for my body ones. Take over your world ‘til you’re finished with the book ones.
I think a lot of the struggle with writing a MMC perspective book is dealing with the hype of it, living up to the expectations and love of the readers, ensuring the book does not read like a repeat of the original perspective and all this while being true to the character. Especially an MMC like Evander who has always been a harsher character whose lighter, softer aspects we grow to see and love. The worry is can the readers handle the ugly truth of the harsher sides? Will we fall out of love with him? See the beast and forget the man? But does this mean the character’s darker shades should be hidden? No. The true injustice is in doing that and I’m so proud of the authors for not shying away from shedding light on the pain and burden of being an Heir of a Clan.
(Can you tell I have a lot of feelings about this?)
What I’ve noticed thus far is how pleasantly surprised I’ve been by two books that I’ve read in the MMC’s perspective. One, was this (of course) and the other was The Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer—which I was personally surprised by and enjoyed. Often when you read a single POV book that focuses on the FMC’s life, there’s a lot of gap in information about many things that the MMC is doing; from their current situations, past experiences, to their motives and usually we enjoy the mystery of that… of finding out about all this slowly and we don’t think too much about what they’re doing when they’re off-scene on a page. These books now need to fill in those gaps and I think Onyx Cage (which is by the way, only Vol 1) has done a fantastic job of doing this and of balancing the presence of the very many elements quoted above.
My favourite part of this book—which my best friend can attest to because it was her favourite too—was just how much Rowan frustrated Evander. The emotional progress that you see in Tarnished Crown in Rowan is what you see (in his own unique way, of course) in Evander in Onyx Cage. The way the laughed and laughed and laughed at the Heir to Clan Bear who goes from both loving to hate her and tolerating her to understanding her, reluctantly admiring her and then… more.
It was interesting to find out that there was so much more complexities to perceive in the same circumstances as books one and two while being in Evander’s mind. Truly, it explains how much the Princess missed and how much wider our understanding grows about the world and its politics. Big brownie points for the way the authors ensured the world we see through Rowan’s eyes is not the world Evander lives in and of course, in its own way, vice versa.
As much as I loved being in Rowan’s head and enjoyed her take on things, there’s something extremely deep, difficult, complex and of course sarcastic, in being in Evander’s mind and I can’t wait for the rest of the series just to see him further manoeuvre between what he wants and the politics of getting it (as, in this book he leans more into balancing things rather than pursuing what he wants; for good reasons of course).
Five stars. HIGHLY recommend. There’s always one word that reading Tarnished Crown made me think of during its more intense and inside-our-own-bubble sequences (loved living through those scenes again omg) and Evander doesn’t shy away from calling it that exact word. Nearly cried, not gonna lie.
I’m not sure if I did a good job reviewing as much as I gushed, but OC has released and is available for FREE for all KU subscribers. Book two releases November and I’m so grateful to be on the ARC team I could cry.
September 28, 2024
The Lochlann Feuds series is one of my all time favourites, so getting the story from Lord Aalio's perspective was a wonderful treat, as always is with Elle and Robin's bonus content!
You definitely need to read Rowan's series before this one, as it will naturally spoil some of the main plot points in the series, but if you've already finished Feuds this companion novel will give you additional insight to our favourite Socairan Lord, and his reactions to the flame haired mystery that is Rowan Pendragon.
I can't wait for part two for Evander's POV of the events of Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne!
You definitely need to read Rowan's series before this one, as it will naturally spoil some of the main plot points in the series, but if you've already finished Feuds this companion novel will give you additional insight to our favourite Socairan Lord, and his reactions to the flame haired mystery that is Rowan Pendragon.
I can't wait for part two for Evander's POV of the events of Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne!
September 23, 2024
I am a big fan of companion novels and I have been waiting for this one since finishing Obsidian Throne for the first time in December 2021. This did not disappoint and was everything I hoped it would be. Of course there were scenes we had already seen but I loved the new content and even getting to know some of the other Bear soldiers better since there were conversations that Rowan wouldn’t have heard in her point of view. I don’t want to spoil it but I was so impressed with the subtle way that you can see his feelings change as the story goes on and he battles with his thoughts about Rowan.
Elle and Robin are must read authors for me and I cannot wait for the second half of Evander’s story. If you are a fan of The Lochlann Feuds, don’t miss this book!
Content Notes: Kisses
Elle and Robin are must read authors for me and I cannot wait for the second half of Evander’s story. If you are a fan of The Lochlann Feuds, don’t miss this book!
Content Notes: Kisses
September 16, 2024
As this is the MMC’s point of view to Scarlet Princess and Tarnished gown, this review has mild spoilers if you’ve not yet read the original series.
Onyx Cage volume 1 is the companion novel I never knew I needed. The only thing that could’ve made it better is if I did a tandem read! While Logie Bear will likely always be my favorite Lochlann MMC, getting to see into Evander’s mind made me swoon. I enjoyed getting to read a bit into the behind the scenes of Rowan’s books as well as get his back story and a look into his mind during all of her shenanigans. Revisiting some of my favorite scenes also was a delight - from Booby daggers to Eunuch Guard Davin, I got a chance to laugh to myself yet again.
Even though I know how the rest of the series goes, the book left us on a cliffhanger that gave me a pit in my stomach, even if it was heralded with the return of a beloved character.
I have loved all the Madison and Mahle books I’ve read, but the Lochalnn world always sucks me in. This story reminded me just how magically they weave their words, get me right in the feels, and make it so I never want to leave the story behind. I am so excited for volume two and to see what else these two have in store!
Onyx Cage volume 1 is the companion novel I never knew I needed. The only thing that could’ve made it better is if I did a tandem read! While Logie Bear will likely always be my favorite Lochlann MMC, getting to see into Evander’s mind made me swoon. I enjoyed getting to read a bit into the behind the scenes of Rowan’s books as well as get his back story and a look into his mind during all of her shenanigans. Revisiting some of my favorite scenes also was a delight - from Booby daggers to Eunuch Guard Davin, I got a chance to laugh to myself yet again.
Even though I know how the rest of the series goes, the book left us on a cliffhanger that gave me a pit in my stomach, even if it was heralded with the return of a beloved character.
I have loved all the Madison and Mahle books I’ve read, but the Lochalnn world always sucks me in. This story reminded me just how magically they weave their words, get me right in the feels, and make it so I never want to leave the story behind. I am so excited for volume two and to see what else these two have in store!
September 19, 2024
Lochlann Feuds (along with most of ElBin's books) will always be an automatic re-read for me. I thought I was satisfied with Rowan's incredible quartet of books, that is, of course, until Robin and Elle decided to give us a companion novel!
Onyx Cage is written from the POV of Evander, the heir to Clan Bear, Rowan's captor and the storm cloud to her sass. As it is a companion novel, I wouldn't recommend reading this before the Lochlann Feuds series as it will simply be too confusing. This would, however, be perfect once you have binged Rowan's journey so you can prolong your time in Socair. It would also be great for a tandem read.
Onyx Cage is a perfection: witnessing Rowan's chaos through Evander's eyes whilst simultaneously providing depth to well loved main and side characters alike is a juggling act that shouldn't be possible. The evolution from Rowan as "Princess Pain-in-the-arse" to "My feral Princess" was exquisite and the angst was palpable. Elle and Robin even managed to bring a bit of humour to our beloved aalio.
Moody MMC energy, angst, saunas and arseprint competitions: what's not to love?
Onyx Cage is written from the POV of Evander, the heir to Clan Bear, Rowan's captor and the storm cloud to her sass. As it is a companion novel, I wouldn't recommend reading this before the Lochlann Feuds series as it will simply be too confusing. This would, however, be perfect once you have binged Rowan's journey so you can prolong your time in Socair. It would also be great for a tandem read.
Onyx Cage is a perfection: witnessing Rowan's chaos through Evander's eyes whilst simultaneously providing depth to well loved main and side characters alike is a juggling act that shouldn't be possible. The evolution from Rowan as "Princess Pain-in-the-arse" to "My feral Princess" was exquisite and the angst was palpable. Elle and Robin even managed to bring a bit of humour to our beloved aalio.
Moody MMC energy, angst, saunas and arseprint competitions: what's not to love?
September 27, 2024
I highly recommend either reading Rowan/The Lochlann Feuds 1-4 first or reading these chapters in tandem with the events in Rowan (the authors have posted the order on their social media) so you can get the most out of this story.
With that out of the way…
It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I CANNOT wait for volume 2 to be released to watch the rest of this journey unfold from Evander’s point of view, but the way his voice has come through and how much we’ve gotten to see into his morally grey mind…incredible!
With that out of the way…
It was amazing. Absolutely amazing. I CANNOT wait for volume 2 to be released to watch the rest of this journey unfold from Evander’s point of view, but the way his voice has come through and how much we’ve gotten to see into his morally grey mind…incredible!
September 20, 2024
It really says something when you come to the end of a book that you already know how the story ends and you're crying anyway.
I will say that Evander's POV really brings to light a lot of the growth Rowan desperately needed. Thankfully, she does mature quite a bit in this volume. I can't wait for volume 2!
I will say that Evander's POV really brings to light a lot of the growth Rowan desperately needed. Thankfully, she does mature quite a bit in this volume. I can't wait for volume 2!
October 27, 2024
Lochlann Feuds is a series I could be happy reading and rereading continuously for the rest of my life. I loved this second perspective of the first half of the series and am really looking forward to the second half of it.
November 29, 2024
Onyx Cage is a companion series to the Lochlann Feuds series and should be read after the original series. It contains Evander's point of view from book one, Scarlett Princess, and book two, Tarnished Crown.
I feel like writing alternating chapters from a female then male perspective is hard enough, but to re-write a whole series from the opposite genders perspective? Personally I've never seen that done before. But that's something I enjoy about this duo, who I think has burned me out on fantasy a little bit. Don't worry, the true draw will come back, I just need a bit of a break. With that in mind, it took me an embarrasing amount of time to make it through this series. And an even more embarrasing amount of time to get around to writing this review for authors and a series that I adore.
You definitely need to read Rowan's story first, because this would not make sense otherwise. It's actually been long enough that I did struggle to remember a thing or two at first, but it easily came back to me, these authors are really good at that somehow. Evander's point of view has been really incredible to read. I was a little hesitant at first, and struggled a little to get into book one because of it, but the second book, part, whatever, really drew me in and I loved everything we've been given so far. I can't wait to delve into Volume two, but I know it will be a while for me yet, so it will not come in the form of an ARC or even a late ARC review like this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I feel like writing alternating chapters from a female then male perspective is hard enough, but to re-write a whole series from the opposite genders perspective? Personally I've never seen that done before. But that's something I enjoy about this duo, who I think has burned me out on fantasy a little bit. Don't worry, the true draw will come back, I just need a bit of a break. With that in mind, it took me an embarrasing amount of time to make it through this series. And an even more embarrasing amount of time to get around to writing this review for authors and a series that I adore.
You definitely need to read Rowan's story first, because this would not make sense otherwise. It's actually been long enough that I did struggle to remember a thing or two at first, but it easily came back to me, these authors are really good at that somehow. Evander's point of view has been really incredible to read. I was a little hesitant at first, and struggled a little to get into book one because of it, but the second book, part, whatever, really drew me in and I loved everything we've been given so far. I can't wait to delve into Volume two, but I know it will be a while for me yet, so it will not come in the form of an ARC or even a late ARC review like this one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
October 4, 2024
I will always love this series and will continue to stan Rowan and Evander so getting the books from his perspective is just everything I needed🤝
November 24, 2024
We love a dark, broody, moody, boy 🫶🏻
March 1, 2025
Perfection. Love this world.
June 14, 2025
Love it
Love these books so much and I really liked getting Evander point of view. I loved getting to know more characters in their story too
Love these books so much and I really liked getting Evander point of view. I loved getting to know more characters in their story too
October 29, 2024
I liked seeing Evander's pov from the beginning but at the same time....made me see how irrational he actually was 😂
Fun read though and a MUST for any Lochlann fan! I think i need to read this in tandem next time to really hit home 🤭
Fun read though and a MUST for any Lochlann fan! I think i need to read this in tandem next time to really hit home 🤭
October 11, 2024
Feuds was already in my top 5 book series to re-read again and again, and Evander's POV just adds so much incredible depth to the tale that stole my heart. Seeing each interaction through his eyes was absolutely fascinating, turning a few things you think you knew about the original story, only to open your eyes and make you see it in a whole new way. I can't wait to see Vol 2 come out and for both volumes to join Rowan on my shelf 🥰
November 3, 2024
I love book series that do duel POVs but to have a whole book with the second POV is amazing.
I always want to read my favorite books a second time and having a book that is the same story but from the other main characters pov is like getting to do that with out feeling guilty about not reading something else off of your TBR. If you are like me your TBR is never ending.
I love all the books that are about Lochlann and Socair. I am going to read every single one of them. Plus the new covers are GORGEOUS!
You ladies know your way around a fantastic read!! If you ever need a ARC reader I’m totally in!!
I always want to read my favorite books a second time and having a book that is the same story but from the other main characters pov is like getting to do that with out feeling guilty about not reading something else off of your TBR. If you are like me your TBR is never ending.
I love all the books that are about Lochlann and Socair. I am going to read every single one of them. Plus the new covers are GORGEOUS!
You ladies know your way around a fantastic read!! If you ever need a ARC reader I’m totally in!!
Read
April 21, 2025This book was absolute perfection 🥰 Robin and Elle did a phenomenal job giving insight into the way Evander thinks, and I have a whole new understanding of his character and the decisions he made throughout the entire series. I’m on my way to go re-read all of Lochlann Feuds just so I can appreciate his character growth throughout the series that much more after this glimpse into his side of the story! The authors struck the perfect combination of new information we hadn’t seen in the original books of the series and the nostalgic well-loved scenes with the added twist of the MMCs perspective. It was everything I was waiting for and so much more than I knew I needed ❤️
October 13, 2024
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP. I LOVED THIS!!!
I was nervous I wouldn't like this going into this, sometimes there's an element to a new POV that feels extremely fake to read. Especially if it's recounting events that have already been witnessed by a reader.
Once I got reading though, my apprehension melted away and I found myself reading the book with tears “glistening in my very eyeballs” (IYKYK)There was so much added context, things that Rowan missed, or misinterpreted.My next reread of Scarlet Princess and Tarnished Crown is going to be amazing!!! (Que crying.)
This book was wonderful! The next thing I didn't even know I needed!!! I am ready to absolutely devour Vol. 2!!
I was nervous I wouldn't like this going into this, sometimes there's an element to a new POV that feels extremely fake to read. Especially if it's recounting events that have already been witnessed by a reader.
Once I got reading though, my apprehension melted away and I found myself reading the book with tears “glistening in my very eyeballs” (IYKYK)There was so much added context, things that Rowan missed, or misinterpreted.My next reread of Scarlet Princess and Tarnished Crown is going to be amazing!!! (Que crying.)
This book was wonderful! The next thing I didn't even know I needed!!! I am ready to absolutely devour Vol. 2!!
October 6, 2024
DNF at 50%. I adored the Feuds series and gave them all 5 stars, loved this character and was excited to read this. However, having read half of the book and not being interested in it, I just couldn’t keep going. I tried for a week to read this and every time after a couple of chapters I got bored and walked away 🤷🏻♀️
I love the author and their other books, this one just didn’t do it for me.
I love the author and their other books, this one just didn’t do it for me.
September 20, 2024
Onyx Cage: Volume 1: The Lochlann Feuds Companion Novel takes place over the course of the first two books of Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison's The Lochlann Feuds series. Evander's story starts during the annual Socairan Summit of clans, where he meets "her." Rowan, a princess of Lochlann, was captured while trying to smuggle vodka out of Socair through the mountain pass. Currently, she is a political pawn in the dukes' games. Some are shouting for her death to send an example to their enemies. Others want her for a powerful alliance that could secure Socair's obsidian throne.
What Lord Evander sees in Rowan is utter chaos. As the heir of the most powerful and ruthless clan in the kingdom, he has the most to lose if this situation leads to war. He takes control. He calls in a blood debt upon Rowan's family and takes her as his captive, or "pet." Lemmikki, he calls her.
She is nothing to him but a nuisance -- a petulant child who is too selfish and spoiled to recognize the danger she has caused. She is endlessly frustrating and wildly unpredictable. He feels nothing for the tiny princess but contempt.
Then, things begin to change. (wink, wink)
I find that Mahle and Madison consistently write their characters with care. This book is no different. Evander's complexity and growth throughout Onyx Cage is exceptional. He is clearly struggling with this princess who traipsed into his kingdom (and his life) unannounced with such vibrancy and determination. With her mass of crimson curls and blazing spirit, she breathes life into his world of deadly, cold calculation. The events and conversations that break his heart open with something different toward his lemmikki seem authentic. An unlikely yet powerful connecting of two souls.
Evander's journey seriously brought tears to my eyes. The last four chapters of the book in particular held me breathless. (Even though I already knew what would happen from reading Tarnished Crown!) Through Evander's POV, Mahle and Madison elevate Rowan and Evander's story in a way that honors everything I love about this series in the first place.
Imagine what they'll do with the second volume! I can't wait!
What Lord Evander sees in Rowan is utter chaos. As the heir of the most powerful and ruthless clan in the kingdom, he has the most to lose if this situation leads to war. He takes control. He calls in a blood debt upon Rowan's family and takes her as his captive, or "pet." Lemmikki, he calls her.
She is nothing to him but a nuisance -- a petulant child who is too selfish and spoiled to recognize the danger she has caused. She is endlessly frustrating and wildly unpredictable. He feels nothing for the tiny princess but contempt.
Then, things begin to change. (wink, wink)
I find that Mahle and Madison consistently write their characters with care. This book is no different. Evander's complexity and growth throughout Onyx Cage is exceptional. He is clearly struggling with this princess who traipsed into his kingdom (and his life) unannounced with such vibrancy and determination. With her mass of crimson curls and blazing spirit, she breathes life into his world of deadly, cold calculation. The events and conversations that break his heart open with something different toward his lemmikki seem authentic. An unlikely yet powerful connecting of two souls.
Evander's journey seriously brought tears to my eyes. The last four chapters of the book in particular held me breathless. (Even though I already knew what would happen from reading Tarnished Crown!) Through Evander's POV, Mahle and Madison elevate Rowan and Evander's story in a way that honors everything I love about this series in the first place.
Imagine what they'll do with the second volume! I can't wait!
September 21, 2024
You know how some readers wish they could go back and read a book again as if for the first time? Or how you wish you could read your favorite scene but from the other characters pov?
Well Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison kind of answered their readers’ wishes with this shiny new onyx gem.
This is an entire book from the pov of Evander! The male main character from their second series in Lochlann. It will spoil the other books as it follows along with the other books but if you read them before or want to start the series from Scarlett Princess and read them simultaneously it’s a great addition that takes this great series already to an entirely different level.
The series is 4 books and this covers books 1 and 2.
I was so confused when it came to Evander’s character because he was portrayed as the villain but as we got to know him more I began to see him in a different light and this pov made me fall completely in love with him.
Plus his pov shows how deeply he truly feels for his men, clan and how fell for Rowan first…and hard!
And his pov with the healing scenes and the only one bed scenes made me swoon. He feels so much and has the world on his shoulders.
A m/f epic fantasy romance with lots a political intrigue, enemies to lovers, one bed trope, magic, battles, camaraderie and a darker edge.
This is Evander’s pov told in first person
I have absolutely loved the Lochlann series since book one and I have continued to love each and every story that’s been added. I’m beyond grateful for this arc and can not wait for more. This new pov series is giving me those first time reading the whole series feelings and bringing even more depth to the characters and the story.
Like I said before you need to read the other books either first or simultaneously or this will feel unfinished and like you’re missing something. This is a companion to the Lochlann Feud series.
Well Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison kind of answered their readers’ wishes with this shiny new onyx gem.
This is an entire book from the pov of Evander! The male main character from their second series in Lochlann. It will spoil the other books as it follows along with the other books but if you read them before or want to start the series from Scarlett Princess and read them simultaneously it’s a great addition that takes this great series already to an entirely different level.
The series is 4 books and this covers books 1 and 2.
I was so confused when it came to Evander’s character because he was portrayed as the villain but as we got to know him more I began to see him in a different light and this pov made me fall completely in love with him.
Plus his pov shows how deeply he truly feels for his men, clan and how fell for Rowan first…and hard!
And his pov with the healing scenes and the only one bed scenes made me swoon. He feels so much and has the world on his shoulders.
A m/f epic fantasy romance with lots a political intrigue, enemies to lovers, one bed trope, magic, battles, camaraderie and a darker edge.
This is Evander’s pov told in first person
I have absolutely loved the Lochlann series since book one and I have continued to love each and every story that’s been added. I’m beyond grateful for this arc and can not wait for more. This new pov series is giving me those first time reading the whole series feelings and bringing even more depth to the characters and the story.
Like I said before you need to read the other books either first or simultaneously or this will feel unfinished and like you’re missing something. This is a companion to the Lochlann Feud series.
November 8, 2024
I discovered the Lochlann Feud series earlier this year, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorites. When the authors announced they were working on a companion novel from Evander's point of view, I was ecstatic! Initially, I thought we’d only get Evander’s perspective for the first book, but the authors went above and beyond, delivering his viewpoint for the entire four-book series. Onyx Cage Vol. 1 covers Evander’s experience through the first two books in the series, Scarlett Princess and Tarnished Crown.
Though it had been a few months since I last read the series, I was instantly pulled back into its world, feeling as if no time had passed. Seeing the story through Evander’s eyes added incredible depth, especially with his reactions to pivotal moments, like the first time he saw Rowan. In Tarnished Crown, Evander was absent for a significant part of the story while visiting villages, and it was fascinating to finally see what he was doing behind the scenes. I’ve loved the companion novel so far (with part 2 set to release at the end of November 2024).
However, experiencing Rowan through Evander’s perspective was a bit jarring. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Rowan, but in Onyx Cage, her immaturity and impulsiveness really stand out. She often came across as vexing and childish, especially compared to the other characters. The authors did give us a heads-up about this, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
All in all, Onyx Cage Vol. 1 is an amazing addition to the Lochlann Feud series. I’m so grateful the authors chose to write this companion novel—it added a whole new layer to the story, giving me that “first-time” reading experience all over again. If you haven’t started the Lochlann Feud series, what are you waiting for? It’s one of the best Romantasy series out there, with the perfect blend of romance, adventure, and banter. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend checking out Scarlett Princess to get started!
Though it had been a few months since I last read the series, I was instantly pulled back into its world, feeling as if no time had passed. Seeing the story through Evander’s eyes added incredible depth, especially with his reactions to pivotal moments, like the first time he saw Rowan. In Tarnished Crown, Evander was absent for a significant part of the story while visiting villages, and it was fascinating to finally see what he was doing behind the scenes. I’ve loved the companion novel so far (with part 2 set to release at the end of November 2024).
However, experiencing Rowan through Evander’s perspective was a bit jarring. Don’t get me wrong, I adore Rowan, but in Onyx Cage, her immaturity and impulsiveness really stand out. She often came across as vexing and childish, especially compared to the other characters. The authors did give us a heads-up about this, so it wasn’t entirely unexpected.
All in all, Onyx Cage Vol. 1 is an amazing addition to the Lochlann Feud series. I’m so grateful the authors chose to write this companion novel—it added a whole new layer to the story, giving me that “first-time” reading experience all over again. If you haven’t started the Lochlann Feud series, what are you waiting for? It’s one of the best Romantasy series out there, with the perfect blend of romance, adventure, and banter. I loved every moment of it and highly recommend checking out Scarlett Princess to get started!
October 1, 2024
** I received this book as an ARC in exchange for a completely honest review **
*this book is the first volume and is a companion novel for Lochlann Feuds - it shows Evander’s POV for the last several chapters in Scarlet Princess and all of Tarnished Crown*
Let me just start with. I have always loved Evander. I loved how he was morally grey and fell for the spunky, bright, obnoxious, and sarcastic princess. BUT getting to see his thought process, his unsureness of how he felt about her, his evolution of being annoyed by her to not being able to breathe when she isn’t around?? I SWOOON
I loved that going into this we knew how morally grey, closer to morally black, he was based on reading Lochlann Feuds and the rumors and the things that were hinted at. But the way he talked and thought about the things he had to do because of his father and because of his rank made me FEEL for him. He didn’t give off “woah is me my life sucks” vibes, but you could feel how haunted he was by the things he had to do when he would have flashes of memories or feelings.
I felt like I got a whole other side and understanding of Evander (like I said, I’ve already loved him since day 1) that this book was able to provide and it makes the reader want him to win because of that evolution you see in his feelings, thoughts, and actions.
10000000/10 highly recommend! Now I just need the second volume and a guide for reading Evander’s books with Rowan’s books!
*this book is the first volume and is a companion novel for Lochlann Feuds - it shows Evander’s POV for the last several chapters in Scarlet Princess and all of Tarnished Crown*
Let me just start with. I have always loved Evander. I loved how he was morally grey and fell for the spunky, bright, obnoxious, and sarcastic princess. BUT getting to see his thought process, his unsureness of how he felt about her, his evolution of being annoyed by her to not being able to breathe when she isn’t around?? I SWOOON
I loved that going into this we knew how morally grey, closer to morally black, he was based on reading Lochlann Feuds and the rumors and the things that were hinted at. But the way he talked and thought about the things he had to do because of his father and because of his rank made me FEEL for him. He didn’t give off “woah is me my life sucks” vibes, but you could feel how haunted he was by the things he had to do when he would have flashes of memories or feelings.
I felt like I got a whole other side and understanding of Evander (like I said, I’ve already loved him since day 1) that this book was able to provide and it makes the reader want him to win because of that evolution you see in his feelings, thoughts, and actions.
10000000/10 highly recommend! Now I just need the second volume and a guide for reading Evander’s books with Rowan’s books!
September 28, 2024
Onyx Cage* had me hooked from the very first line, with Evander's razor-sharp, meticulously calculated mind drawing me into a world of high stakes, stormy landscapes, and impossible choices. Reading from his perspective felt like stepping into the mind of a master tactician—who's thrown for a serious loop when "she" walks in.
Evander’s POV is the perfect balance of tension and intrigue. He's spent years planning every move with military precision, only to realize that no strategy could have prepared him for the chaos of love and loyalty in the middle of the storms-forsaken Summit. The constant tug between his duty to his clansmen and the emotional whirlwind that "she" represents is *chef's kiss*.
What I loved most? Evander isn’t just a stoic leader. He’s deeply human, with vulnerability cracking through that perfectly polished armor. And when those cracks widen, it’s explosive.
This story serves up a powerful mix of epic world-building, pulse-pounding action, and heart-wrenching moments that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Seriously, by the end, I felt like *I* had been meticulously strategizing alongside Evander, only to be caught completely off-guard by this thrilling, emotional ride. I adored Lochlann Fueds.. and this just raised the bar!
Evander’s POV is the perfect balance of tension and intrigue. He's spent years planning every move with military precision, only to realize that no strategy could have prepared him for the chaos of love and loyalty in the middle of the storms-forsaken Summit. The constant tug between his duty to his clansmen and the emotional whirlwind that "she" represents is *chef's kiss*.
What I loved most? Evander isn’t just a stoic leader. He’s deeply human, with vulnerability cracking through that perfectly polished armor. And when those cracks widen, it’s explosive.
This story serves up a powerful mix of epic world-building, pulse-pounding action, and heart-wrenching moments that kept me flipping pages like my life depended on it. Seriously, by the end, I felt like *I* had been meticulously strategizing alongside Evander, only to be caught completely off-guard by this thrilling, emotional ride. I adored Lochlann Fueds.. and this just raised the bar!
September 24, 2024
Onyx Cage is the first volume in the Lochlann Feuds companion novel series. Readers who enjoyed the Lochlann Feuds featuring Rowan are not going to want to miss out on this companion collection. If you’ve ever wanted to read Rowan’s story, but get more of Evander then this is the book for you.
Onyx Cage is Evander’s story in all of the chaos that is Rowan. If you’ve read the Lochlann Feuds then you know that we got some glimpses of Evander, but not enough. He was cast as the “big bad guy” tormenting Rowan, but there are two sides to every story and this is his.
It is perfectly written, and we loved every moment of it. We get so much insight into him, and the story is broken up between the first two books of the Lochlann Feuds. It’s easy to follow along, and the amount of detail we get is worth everything.
Rowan is still challenging, but we get to see the exact extent of patience and tolerance Evander has to muster up. LOL! Brace yourself for a cliffhanger, and maybe grab a tissue. LOL! The ending will leave you howling, but you’ll be eagerly anticipating volume 2.
Can’t wait.
Onyx Cage is Evander’s story in all of the chaos that is Rowan. If you’ve read the Lochlann Feuds then you know that we got some glimpses of Evander, but not enough. He was cast as the “big bad guy” tormenting Rowan, but there are two sides to every story and this is his.
It is perfectly written, and we loved every moment of it. We get so much insight into him, and the story is broken up between the first two books of the Lochlann Feuds. It’s easy to follow along, and the amount of detail we get is worth everything.
Rowan is still challenging, but we get to see the exact extent of patience and tolerance Evander has to muster up. LOL! Brace yourself for a cliffhanger, and maybe grab a tissue. LOL! The ending will leave you howling, but you’ll be eagerly anticipating volume 2.
Can’t wait.
September 15, 2024
Just when I thought I was satisfied with a series, because I was! I had read and read and reread Lochlan Feuds and pronounced it my favorite, and then, and THEN they released Onyx Cage. Onyx Cage gives us what we always wanted. . . More Evander! As if his character wasn’t always deep and dark and dreamy and wonderfully morally grey and in his own way romantic and sweet, now we have MORE.
As you watch his struggle for mastery and understanding over his feelings for this slip of a princess who is both walking chaos and a peaceful balm to a troubled soul, you love him even more than you thought you could.
Seeing his life, and how much of it he kept from Rowan in an effort to keep her safe is amazing and endearing.
As always these ladies weave a gorgeous tapestry with words and emotions so real and moving it is hard not to see ourselves in these stories and just want to jump into the page. You want to laugh and cry with these characters like they are your own family and that is the definition of a good read.
As Meg Ryan once said “Read it. I know you’ll love it”
As you watch his struggle for mastery and understanding over his feelings for this slip of a princess who is both walking chaos and a peaceful balm to a troubled soul, you love him even more than you thought you could.
Seeing his life, and how much of it he kept from Rowan in an effort to keep her safe is amazing and endearing.
As always these ladies weave a gorgeous tapestry with words and emotions so real and moving it is hard not to see ourselves in these stories and just want to jump into the page. You want to laugh and cry with these characters like they are your own family and that is the definition of a good read.
As Meg Ryan once said “Read it. I know you’ll love it”
September 23, 2024
It’s so hard to review this book on its own! Don’t read this if you haven’t read the Lochlann Feuds. But if you read Scarlett Princess and thought it was amazing but you wish you had more insight into Evander and his POV as he falls in love with Rowan, you NEED to read Onyx Cage!
I read Scarlet Princess a few years ago and quickly devoured the rest of the series as soon as it was available. The characters and plot have continued to live in my head, and to date it is one of my very favorite romantasy series. When I heard Onyx Cage had released as a companion novel, I immediately dropped everything and grabbed it!
It was totally amazing. It can’t be read as a standalone, there are plot holes that you would only get from the originals, but I fell in love with the story all over again. Rowan continues to be amazing and hilarious no matter who’s POV is being told, but it is so good to have a better understanding of the grumpy, stoic Evander and why he puts duty above all else until Rowan comes into his life.
I read Scarlet Princess a few years ago and quickly devoured the rest of the series as soon as it was available. The characters and plot have continued to live in my head, and to date it is one of my very favorite romantasy series. When I heard Onyx Cage had released as a companion novel, I immediately dropped everything and grabbed it!
It was totally amazing. It can’t be read as a standalone, there are plot holes that you would only get from the originals, but I fell in love with the story all over again. Rowan continues to be amazing and hilarious no matter who’s POV is being told, but it is so good to have a better understanding of the grumpy, stoic Evander and why he puts duty above all else until Rowan comes into his life.
September 23, 2024
There are two things I love more than anything when it comes to books- enemies to lovers and getting to read the MMC’s pov. Onyx Cage delivered both of those things and I completely devoured every minute of this book.
It’s no secret that I adored Rowan’s story and totally fell in love with Evander over the series. When I found out that we were getting the series from Evander’s point of view, I was ecstatic. I had very high expectations and I was not disappointed!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see into Evander’s head and see his struggles and rationale with the situation he was in. It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch him deal with the things he was forced to do.
Evander and Rowan’s relationship was just as satisfying (if not more so) see unfold through Evander’s eyes. I am a complete sucker for a morally gray “bad boy” that will do anything for the person he unwillingly falls for.
I also really enjoyed getting to see the side characters and soldiers through Evander’s POV.
Even though I know how the story ends, I am ravenous for the next volume!
It’s no secret that I adored Rowan’s story and totally fell in love with Evander over the series. When I found out that we were getting the series from Evander’s point of view, I was ecstatic. I had very high expectations and I was not disappointed!
I thoroughly enjoyed getting to see into Evander’s head and see his struggles and rationale with the situation he was in. It was absolutely heartbreaking to watch him deal with the things he was forced to do.
Evander and Rowan’s relationship was just as satisfying (if not more so) see unfold through Evander’s eyes. I am a complete sucker for a morally gray “bad boy” that will do anything for the person he unwillingly falls for.
I also really enjoyed getting to see the side characters and soldiers through Evander’s POV.
Even though I know how the story ends, I am ravenous for the next volume!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2024
I have been dreaming about this book ever since I finished the Feuds series the first time and the authors had hinted at possibly creating this. To finally have it in my hands and able to emerge myself back into Socair and Lochlann was exactly what I needed at the exact moment I needed it. I don’t recommend starting this until you have read the first two books in the series, because this goes hand in hand with it. But this first book has just made the entire series that much richer. Hearing Evander’s thoughts and getting more of a backstory on his men was everything and more. It filled in so many of the details that were vaguely mentioned in Rowan’s Version and I didn’t think that it was possible to fall anymore in love with Evander, but I definitely did.
I have loved Robin and Elle’s books for years now, so much that their series are definitely in my top 10 favorites of all time. The storylines and witty banter have you falling in love with their books and always wanting and needing more. I cannot wait for the second half of Evander’s story.
I have loved Robin and Elle’s books for years now, so much that their series are definitely in my top 10 favorites of all time. The storylines and witty banter have you falling in love with their books and always wanting and needing more. I cannot wait for the second half of Evander’s story.
October 1, 2024
Given the option, I will always, ALWAYS pick dual POV between main characters in a book—it’s saying something that even without it, this series was easily one of my favorites by this author duo!
But now that we have it?
YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES!
There’s no going back. I must read the series over again in tandem with Onyx Cage. Already there was so much depth and nuance to each character in this story, but having Evander’s perspective just paints a fuller picture of the dynamics of their relationship and the ins and outs of the culture differences and tensions between their people. It was a valuable insight into the background workings of Socairan politics, but it was more than that; it fleshed out Evander’s character further and deepened the chemistry between him and Rowan in a way that left no doubt to the love slowly building between them in this truly enemies-to-lovers story.
I am immensely excited to continue the series with his POV in the next volume!
Wonderfully done, Madison and Mahle!
But now that we have it?
YES. A THOUSAND TIMES YES!
There’s no going back. I must read the series over again in tandem with Onyx Cage. Already there was so much depth and nuance to each character in this story, but having Evander’s perspective just paints a fuller picture of the dynamics of their relationship and the ins and outs of the culture differences and tensions between their people. It was a valuable insight into the background workings of Socairan politics, but it was more than that; it fleshed out Evander’s character further and deepened the chemistry between him and Rowan in a way that left no doubt to the love slowly building between them in this truly enemies-to-lovers story.
I am immensely excited to continue the series with his POV in the next volume!
Wonderfully done, Madison and Mahle!
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