What do you think?
Rate this book
The Pawn and The Puppet
The Fortress and The Figurine
War came and left. But no one made it out. Not really.
Ruth, though valiant in heart, battles the worst of her demons yet. Unable to cope, she unwittingly presents Warrose with the challenge of bringing her back to life despite the darkness that now infects her mind. How far will one man go to deliver the woman he pines for from hell and back to the throne that calls her name?
Marilynn must follow in the footsteps of the prophecy. The one that she must bear secrets to alone. With the misogynistic Demechnef laws that stifle women, it's up to her and the man who carries the heart of gold to change the laws written. And with the Demechnef heir along the way, Niles has never gleamed so bright.
From lambs into lions, this is only the beginning of a new era to come.
Triggers: Accessibility issues, emotional distress, Infantilization, Loss of independence and dignity, suicidal thoughts, bullying, traumatic flashbacks, torture, depression, gore, sexism, eating disorder, mention of animal cruelty (off page), animal death, disturbing imagery, infantilization, graphic violence and gore, sexism and misogyny, self-deprecating language or negative self-talk, mention of kidnapping, mental health issues, sexually explicit content.
Do not continue if you are unsure of the contents of this book.
Ruth, though valiant in heart, battles the worst of her demons yet. Unable to cope, she unwittingly presents Warrose with the challenge of bringing her back to life despite the darkness that now infects her mind. How far will one man go to deliver the woman he pines for from hell and back to the throne that calls her name?
Marilynn must follow in the footsteps of the prophecy. The one that she must bear secrets to alone. With the misogynistic Demechnef laws that stifle women, it's up to her and the man who carries the heart of gold to change the laws written. And with the Demechnef heir along the way, Niles has never gleamed so bright.
From lambs into lions, this is only the beginning of a new era to come.
Triggers: Accessibility issues, emotional distress, Infantilization, Loss of independence and dignity, suicidal thoughts, bullying, traumatic flashbacks, torture, depression, gore, sexism, eating disorder, mention of animal cruelty (off page), animal death, disturbing imagery, infantilization, graphic violence and gore, sexism and misogyny, self-deprecating language or negative self-talk, mention of kidnapping, mental health issues, sexually explicit content.
Do not continue if you are unsure of the contents of this book.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2024
92 people are currently reading
2172 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 5, 2024
A story of pain and loss but also love snd strength. All of these characters were broken in that prison and now have to navigate their new lives especially Ruth. She has to heal not only externally but internally and we go on that journey with her. We see the battles all of them face and how they’ll handle them together and individually. Plus let’s just say we get to see new sides to these characters that we haven’t seen before 😉
I loved that we got to see a closer look at each person with this book. (Warrose has my entire heart. *He’s a good man Savannah* He never gives up and has a heart of gold.) There’s a lot of challenges they have to face but every woman is a badass who won’t take any man’s shit. Icons fr.
This is the perfect lead up to the final installment to this series. All of your favorite characters have a story to tell and Brandi makes sure to tell it beautifully.
Get ready for what’s to come…
I loved that we got to see a closer look at each person with this book. (Warrose has my entire heart. *He’s a good man Savannah* He never gives up and has a heart of gold.) There’s a lot of challenges they have to face but every woman is a badass who won’t take any man’s shit. Icons fr.
This is the perfect lead up to the final installment to this series. All of your favorite characters have a story to tell and Brandi makes sure to tell it beautifully.
Get ready for what’s to come…
February 1, 2026
I hardly know where to start with this review. Sitting here with tears in my eyes, reflecting on these characters and their epic journey, I’m struggling to find the right words to express to Brandi just how deeply this series has touched my soul. It’s a story I’ll treasure in my thoughts always and forever. What an incredible rollercoaster ride!
This novella served as the perfect segue between the events of book four and the highly anticipated final installment. It bridges the gap seamlessly while offering a grand glimpse into what lies ahead. This series has consistently left me awestruck, and I can’t imagine the conclusion being any less extraordinary.
From the very beginning, I’ve felt like I’ve been on this epic journey alongside these characters, and I’ve grown to love them all deeply—man and beast alike. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried (oh, how I’ve cried), I’ve swooned and melted, gasped in horror, and shared in the fiery triumph of revenge and victory. Each moment has been unforgettable, shared with Skylenna, Ruth, Marilynn, Warrose, Niles, Chekiss, Knightingale, and DaiSzek.
But above all, my heart belongs to Dessin, Kane, Greystone, Aquarus… I miss him and just want him to come home. I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s to come in the final book, but I am so ready to follow Sapphire and Niklaus into the past to rewrite the future. I can’t wait to experience some pivotal moments again, this time through their eyes.
I know I’ve been vague in this review, but trust me—you don’t want anything spoiled if you haven’t started this series yet. Looking back over everything that’s happened, every puzzle piece that’s brought us closer to the finale, I’m in absolute awe of what Brandi has created. This is why The Pawn and The Puppet series is my Roman Empire.
This novella served as the perfect segue between the events of book four and the highly anticipated final installment. It bridges the gap seamlessly while offering a grand glimpse into what lies ahead. This series has consistently left me awestruck, and I can’t imagine the conclusion being any less extraordinary.
From the very beginning, I’ve felt like I’ve been on this epic journey alongside these characters, and I’ve grown to love them all deeply—man and beast alike. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried (oh, how I’ve cried), I’ve swooned and melted, gasped in horror, and shared in the fiery triumph of revenge and victory. Each moment has been unforgettable, shared with Skylenna, Ruth, Marilynn, Warrose, Niles, Chekiss, Knightingale, and DaiSzek.
But above all, my heart belongs to Dessin, Kane, Greystone, Aquarus… I miss him and just want him to come home. I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s to come in the final book, but I am so ready to follow Sapphire and Niklaus into the past to rewrite the future. I can’t wait to experience some pivotal moments again, this time through their eyes.
I know I’ve been vague in this review, but trust me—you don’t want anything spoiled if you haven’t started this series yet. Looking back over everything that’s happened, every puzzle piece that’s brought us closer to the finale, I’m in absolute awe of what Brandi has created. This is why The Pawn and The Puppet series is my Roman Empire.
Want to read
November 12, 2024FINALLY!!!!
October 20, 2025
I was so excited to receive this as an ARC read as I could not wait to get another fix of the characters I have grown to love in the Pawn and The Puppet series.
The narratives of Niles, Ruth and Marilynn are hauntingly beautiful, and every moment spent unraveling their stories was worth it.
I also thought I could not love another couple as much as Dessin/Kane and Skylenna, however, Waitrose and Ruth have proved me wrong 💕
This is an emotional rollercoaster that offers a rare and tender honesty into several difficult topics, so please ensure you read the disclaimers 🙏 It was also the perfect addition while we eagerly await the next installment.
Thank you Brandi for the opportunity to read this book and experience such a deeply moving read .
The narratives of Niles, Ruth and Marilynn are hauntingly beautiful, and every moment spent unraveling their stories was worth it.
I also thought I could not love another couple as much as Dessin/Kane and Skylenna, however, Waitrose and Ruth have proved me wrong 💕
This is an emotional rollercoaster that offers a rare and tender honesty into several difficult topics, so please ensure you read the disclaimers 🙏 It was also the perfect addition while we eagerly await the next installment.
Thank you Brandi for the opportunity to read this book and experience such a deeply moving read .
October 22, 2024
ARC-
As we near the end of this incredible series, we are brought this beautiful novella. A novella where we get to see the rest of our family and what they are up to after this war. And what’s to come with the prophecy. With Warrose, Ruth, Marilynne, Niles ft Chekiss and Skylenna, (and our fury friend DaiSzek) we get to see the hurt the pain the love and the loyalty of our found family. So what’s to come with Dessin? Only time will tell. Time.
I can assure you all that this novella is important in the series. I can assure you this series is one of the greatest things written in our time. It is a series so important and close to my heart.
You don’t want to miss out on these adventures. I urge readers to start from the begging, and don’t skip out on this! And be prepared for our last adventure in the next book.
To Brandi,
Thank you for your heart breaking, beautifully written words. Words of hope and loss and grief and dignity and family. We love you.
As we near the end of this incredible series, we are brought this beautiful novella. A novella where we get to see the rest of our family and what they are up to after this war. And what’s to come with the prophecy. With Warrose, Ruth, Marilynne, Niles ft Chekiss and Skylenna, (and our fury friend DaiSzek) we get to see the hurt the pain the love and the loyalty of our found family. So what’s to come with Dessin? Only time will tell. Time.
I can assure you all that this novella is important in the series. I can assure you this series is one of the greatest things written in our time. It is a series so important and close to my heart.
You don’t want to miss out on these adventures. I urge readers to start from the begging, and don’t skip out on this! And be prepared for our last adventure in the next book.
To Brandi,
Thank you for your heart breaking, beautifully written words. Words of hope and loss and grief and dignity and family. We love you.
October 29, 2024
I received this as an ARC while on a vacation. It was so good I finished it on this vacation a three day one.I cried for most of this book. It was so heart wrenching. The way that they celebrated there wins but mourned the losses. The last chapter was as so sad and heart wrenching. Please tell me that this story does not end on a sad note.
October 28, 2024
I loved this book so much. I 10/10 recommend this novella but I recommend the first 4 books also. I will definitely be getting a physical copy of this book.
May 26, 2025
I freaking need the rest of this series asap i am obsessed
February 27, 2026
4.5⭐️ i loved SO MUCH having ruth’s and marilynn’s povs, and seeing more of niles and warrose.
October 31, 2024
And just like that I’m having to write this review with puffy eyes just like the rest of the series. Not only did I cry when I got the email for being chosen to read this book early, but I could not get enough of my favorite book family. This one is truly a closer look into the chaos of the mind and body after brutal trauma and the tears that came with this book have me spiraling and truly NEEDING the last book. Getting to know my book family even closer and witnessing the journey and the strength is pure inspiration. Brandi, I applaud you once again for an incredible book and I will forever remain a loyal fan! Eagerly awaiting the final part of the story.. and thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader this go round.
October 23, 2024
Brandi consistently produces exceptional stories. I was honored to be selected as an Advanced Reader Copy reviewer for this title. As a fan of the series, I appreciate the depth of character development throughout. This installment was particularly engaging, and I highly recommend it.
October 22, 2024
Every book in this series has been amazing so far and this one did not disappoint! I love this found family so much, seeing Ruth grow through her trauma, and FINALLY getting to see spicy Niles leaves me wanting moooore!🌶️🌶️ Cannot wait to see how it ends with the last book!
November 29, 2024
It was a good Novella of Ruth and Mar. can’t wait for book #5 of the series!
November 8, 2024
Oh my heart!! This broke my heart and put it back together multiple times! You know Brandi always keeps us hanging! Always keeps us wanting more! But I truly loved how this was more in depth for side characters! I don't want to give out spoilers, but if I could give more stars I would!! Haha! I definitely can't wait until the next book comes out!! *ARC reader*
November 21, 2024
Such a good filler book…this will hold me over until the final book is published
November 20, 2024
That had no business being as cute as it was 😭 I feel like some part of me has healed after what happened in book 4 🥹
November 7, 2024
This is my absolute favorite series!! 💖
January 30, 2026
This book is everything I wanted, everything I feared, and everything I didn’t know I needed.
The Fortress and The Figurine feels like the culmination of every dark, twisted, emotionally brutal thread woven throughout the series and it delivers with devastating precision. The psychological depth, the obsession, the power shifts, the emotional carnage… all of it reaches a level that feels both catastrophic and inevitable.
What hit me hardest is how earned everything feels. The characters aren’t redeemed. They aren’t softened. They aren’t saved. They are simply fully realized in all their broken, monstrous, complicated glory. Their bond is still toxic, still consuming, still wrong... and somehow more intimate and intense than ever.
This book understands its characters on a cellular level. It doesn’t flinch. It doesn’t moralize. It lets the darkness breathe. And that fearless commitment to telling this story, exactly as it is, is what makes it extraordinary.
I felt hollow. I felt satisfied. I felt ruined. I felt obsessed. I sobbed. I always sob with this series...
Five stars. No hesitation. No recovery.
The Fortress and The Figurine feels like the culmination of every dark, twisted, emotionally brutal thread woven throughout the series and it delivers with devastating precision. The psychological depth, the obsession, the power shifts, the emotional carnage… all of it reaches a level that feels both catastrophic and inevitable.
What hit me hardest is how earned everything feels. The characters aren’t redeemed. They aren’t softened. They aren’t saved. They are simply fully realized in all their broken, monstrous, complicated glory. Their bond is still toxic, still consuming, still wrong... and somehow more intimate and intense than ever.
This book understands its characters on a cellular level. It doesn’t flinch. It doesn’t moralize. It lets the darkness breathe. And that fearless commitment to telling this story, exactly as it is, is what makes it extraordinary.
I felt hollow. I felt satisfied. I felt ruined. I felt obsessed. I sobbed. I always sob with this series...
Five stars. No hesitation. No recovery.
February 12, 2026
[ᵁⁿᵇᵉᶻᵃʰˡᵗᵉ ᵂᵉʳᵇᵘⁿᵍ ˢᵉˡᵇˢᵗ ᵍᵉᵏᵃᵘᶠᵗ]
»Jede Nacht, die ich nicht an deinem Bett verbracht habe, war traurig und einsam.«
Skylenna so gebrochen und traurig zu sehen war das Schlimmste für mich und hat mein Herz komplett zerstört
Rezension zu
The Fortress and The Figurine (The Pawn and The Puppet 4,5)
𝗠𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘇𝗶𝘁
Diese Novelle ist eine einzige Achterbahn an Gefühlen. Ich habe so oft gelacht, noch mehr geweint und war nach dem Buch wieder vollkommen zerrissen und gebrochen. Ich weiss überhaupt nicht, was ich gerade fühlen soll oder ob ich überhaupt etwas fühle. Ich habe das Gefühl, mit jedem weiteren Buch der Reihe wird mir die Seele und das Herz mehr und mehr zerstört.
Brandi Elise Szeker schreibt so unfassbar gut. Ich habe das Buch innerhalb von 3 Stunden gelesen.
Skylenna und Dessin werden in dieser Novelle jedoch eher im Hintergrund gehalten, da sich die Geschichte vor allem auf Ruth, Warrose, Niles und Marilynn konzentriert und da bin ich so unfassbar happy, haben wenigstens einige ihr Happily Ever After. Und doch verstehe ich nicht, weshalb Dessin und Skylenna so leiden.
Diese Bücher sind einfach aussergewöhnlich gut, anders kann ich es gar nicht sagen. Sie sind voller Verzweiflung, Hoffnung und Schmerz zugleich und das Herz wird dir immer wieder aufs Neue zerrissen, aber auf eine wunderschöne und tiefgründige Art und Weise. Ich bin absolut obsessed mit dieser Buchreihe.
Ich bin unglaublich gespannt auf den letzten Teil und hoffe so sehr auf ein Happy End für alle.
Was ich mich aber frage, ist: Ist es nötig, dass Sapphire wirklich eine so grosse Last tragen muss und das mit 7?
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
🖤 Dark Romance 🕯️🔥
⚖️ Morally Grey Characters 🌫️🖤
✨ Chosen One 🔮👑
📜 Prophecy 🔥📖
🛡️ Rescue Romance ⚔️❤️🔥
💔 Trauma & Healing 🩸🤍
👑 Return to Power 🏰👑
𝗞𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁
Ruth, wenn auch tapfer im Herzen, kämpft noch immer mit den schlimmsten ihrer Dämonen. Unfähig, sie zu besiegen, stellt sie Warrose unwissentlich vor die Herausforderung, sie, trotz der Dunkelheit, die nun ihren Geist infiziert, wieder zum Leben zu erwecken. Wie weit wird ein Mann gehen, um die Frau, nach der er sich sehnt, aus der Hölle zu befreien und zurück auf den Thron zu bringen, der ihren Namen ruft? Marilynn muss den Pfaden der Prophezeiung folgen. Die Prophezeiung, deren Geheimnisse sie allein tragen muss. Angesichts der frauenfeindlichen Demechnef-Gesetze liegt es an ihr und dem Mann mit dem Herz aus Gold, die geschriebenen Gesetze zu ändern.
Von Lämmern zu Löwen – dies ist erst der Beginn einer neuen Ära.
𝓧𝓞𝓧𝓞 𝓮𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓡𝓪𝓱𝓮𝓵'𝓼 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀
»Jede Nacht, die ich nicht an deinem Bett verbracht habe, war traurig und einsam.«
Skylenna so gebrochen und traurig zu sehen war das Schlimmste für mich und hat mein Herz komplett zerstört
Rezension zu
The Fortress and The Figurine (The Pawn and The Puppet 4,5)
𝗠𝗲𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝘇𝗶𝘁
Diese Novelle ist eine einzige Achterbahn an Gefühlen. Ich habe so oft gelacht, noch mehr geweint und war nach dem Buch wieder vollkommen zerrissen und gebrochen. Ich weiss überhaupt nicht, was ich gerade fühlen soll oder ob ich überhaupt etwas fühle. Ich habe das Gefühl, mit jedem weiteren Buch der Reihe wird mir die Seele und das Herz mehr und mehr zerstört.
Brandi Elise Szeker schreibt so unfassbar gut. Ich habe das Buch innerhalb von 3 Stunden gelesen.
Skylenna und Dessin werden in dieser Novelle jedoch eher im Hintergrund gehalten, da sich die Geschichte vor allem auf Ruth, Warrose, Niles und Marilynn konzentriert und da bin ich so unfassbar happy, haben wenigstens einige ihr Happily Ever After. Und doch verstehe ich nicht, weshalb Dessin und Skylenna so leiden.
Diese Bücher sind einfach aussergewöhnlich gut, anders kann ich es gar nicht sagen. Sie sind voller Verzweiflung, Hoffnung und Schmerz zugleich und das Herz wird dir immer wieder aufs Neue zerrissen, aber auf eine wunderschöne und tiefgründige Art und Weise. Ich bin absolut obsessed mit dieser Buchreihe.
Ich bin unglaublich gespannt auf den letzten Teil und hoffe so sehr auf ein Happy End für alle.
Was ich mich aber frage, ist: Ist es nötig, dass Sapphire wirklich eine so grosse Last tragen muss und das mit 7?
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀
🖤 Dark Romance 🕯️🔥
⚖️ Morally Grey Characters 🌫️🖤
✨ Chosen One 🔮👑
📜 Prophecy 🔥📖
🛡️ Rescue Romance ⚔️❤️🔥
💔 Trauma & Healing 🩸🤍
👑 Return to Power 🏰👑
𝗞𝗹𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁
Ruth, wenn auch tapfer im Herzen, kämpft noch immer mit den schlimmsten ihrer Dämonen. Unfähig, sie zu besiegen, stellt sie Warrose unwissentlich vor die Herausforderung, sie, trotz der Dunkelheit, die nun ihren Geist infiziert, wieder zum Leben zu erwecken. Wie weit wird ein Mann gehen, um die Frau, nach der er sich sehnt, aus der Hölle zu befreien und zurück auf den Thron zu bringen, der ihren Namen ruft? Marilynn muss den Pfaden der Prophezeiung folgen. Die Prophezeiung, deren Geheimnisse sie allein tragen muss. Angesichts der frauenfeindlichen Demechnef-Gesetze liegt es an ihr und dem Mann mit dem Herz aus Gold, die geschriebenen Gesetze zu ändern.
Von Lämmern zu Löwen – dies ist erst der Beginn einer neuen Ära.
𝓧𝓞𝓧𝓞 𝓮𝓾𝓻𝓮 𝓡𝓪𝓱𝓮𝓵'𝓼 𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴𝓑𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀
January 24, 2026
Hi, Brandie, I’m just here to let you know you’re doing great! And of course talk about your books and your effect on me.
Hi, hun! 🙂 First thing you should know is that those videos you did explaining this plot wayyyy back when you first started, worked. Second thing you should know is, you single handedly inspired me to make a booktok because I needed to talk about this story, you moved me (and STRESSED ME OUT) so much I needed to make sure people heard about you. Third thing you should hear is that my son and your daughter are siblings in love because we baked babies together. I watched you grow your darling and I prayed for you like you could hear me girl. I am so proud of you and happy you made it through all of that. I only caught the outline and I think this is a plot point of the greatest love story yet. Have some faith, you deserve some more good.
Now that I’ve gushed over you enough 🤭, let’s talk about this novella.
First of all how dare you make it all make sense and set the final book up in less than 400 pages, perfectly! I am furious, scared, sad and hopeful. Also the bit about that demons mom being a demon? GOLDEN. I have never immediately understood a sadist like I understand Meridei (cool name btw but I feel like I spelled it wrong 😑). I like your spice level, although I could have screamed at you when I thought you faded to black for Niles😂, you got me. But oooooh my blood pressure went up immediately! The ending? Superb! And I don’t think I have ever felt worse for anyone than Marylynn. I watch her struggle and it rips something in my heart a little bit. Very underrated character imo. Anyways, I am so scared of you but I am so excited to see what you do with this, I’m confident I’ll scream and cry (bc I watch your updates and YOU cried lol so now I’m scared). Good luck with everything. Know that baby L has an internet aunt who prays for her every time she crosses my feed and that you’re also covered. Love the books of course but you are what makes it magnificent and I hope you publish another series to help my withdrawal from this one 😉.
Hi, hun! 🙂 First thing you should know is that those videos you did explaining this plot wayyyy back when you first started, worked. Second thing you should know is, you single handedly inspired me to make a booktok because I needed to talk about this story, you moved me (and STRESSED ME OUT) so much I needed to make sure people heard about you. Third thing you should hear is that my son and your daughter are siblings in love because we baked babies together. I watched you grow your darling and I prayed for you like you could hear me girl. I am so proud of you and happy you made it through all of that. I only caught the outline and I think this is a plot point of the greatest love story yet. Have some faith, you deserve some more good.
Now that I’ve gushed over you enough 🤭, let’s talk about this novella.
First of all how dare you make it all make sense and set the final book up in less than 400 pages, perfectly! I am furious, scared, sad and hopeful. Also the bit about that demons mom being a demon? GOLDEN. I have never immediately understood a sadist like I understand Meridei (cool name btw but I feel like I spelled it wrong 😑). I like your spice level, although I could have screamed at you when I thought you faded to black for Niles😂, you got me. But oooooh my blood pressure went up immediately! The ending? Superb! And I don’t think I have ever felt worse for anyone than Marylynn. I watch her struggle and it rips something in my heart a little bit. Very underrated character imo. Anyways, I am so scared of you but I am so excited to see what you do with this, I’m confident I’ll scream and cry (bc I watch your updates and YOU cried lol so now I’m scared). Good luck with everything. Know that baby L has an internet aunt who prays for her every time she crosses my feed and that you’re also covered. Love the books of course but you are what makes it magnificent and I hope you publish another series to help my withdrawal from this one 😉.
October 31, 2024
This series is absolutely my favorite of all time!
When I tell you I’ve read this series twice and listened to the audio books for each book already I am not joking. After getting doused by the slow burn of book 1 I immediately fell into the rabbit hole that is this series. I cannot stress this enough when I say that this series has FINISHED ME rather than me finishing it.
I’ve come so close to these characters that I feel as though I’ve lived through their grief, sorrow, and pain with them after every damn chapter and have stained my pages with physical tears. These books are dark, spicy, romantic, heart wrenching, thrilling, suspenseful, and just outright captivating. If you’re looking for a next series to completely take over your life the way ACOTAR did then stop waiting and start reading because these won’t disappoint you.
****SPOILER ALERT****
After screaming and crying at the top of my lungs after finishing books 3 & 4 I just knew I needed to read this novella the SECOND it was released. I absolutely needed to know if Dessin was ever going to come back, if Niles ever gets his Soulmate and happy ending, or if Ruth ever becomes whole again… so I did what all obsessed readers do… I applied to be an ARC reader for its upcoming release and I devoured this novella practically overnight… I was once again left dangling off the cliff of suspense and heartbreak! But it wouldn’t be a good book if it didn’t do that to me! After finding out the title of the 5th and final book of the series (the Clock and the Carnival) and finishing this Novella on the POV of Dessin’s daughter I am feeling like we’re about to go back in time and experience the horror of the meat Carnivals first hand and I couldn’t be more excited!
APRIL CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH!
When I tell you I’ve read this series twice and listened to the audio books for each book already I am not joking. After getting doused by the slow burn of book 1 I immediately fell into the rabbit hole that is this series. I cannot stress this enough when I say that this series has FINISHED ME rather than me finishing it.
I’ve come so close to these characters that I feel as though I’ve lived through their grief, sorrow, and pain with them after every damn chapter and have stained my pages with physical tears. These books are dark, spicy, romantic, heart wrenching, thrilling, suspenseful, and just outright captivating. If you’re looking for a next series to completely take over your life the way ACOTAR did then stop waiting and start reading because these won’t disappoint you.
****SPOILER ALERT****
After screaming and crying at the top of my lungs after finishing books 3 & 4 I just knew I needed to read this novella the SECOND it was released. I absolutely needed to know if Dessin was ever going to come back, if Niles ever gets his Soulmate and happy ending, or if Ruth ever becomes whole again… so I did what all obsessed readers do… I applied to be an ARC reader for its upcoming release and I devoured this novella practically overnight… I was once again left dangling off the cliff of suspense and heartbreak! But it wouldn’t be a good book if it didn’t do that to me! After finding out the title of the 5th and final book of the series (the Clock and the Carnival) and finishing this Novella on the POV of Dessin’s daughter I am feeling like we’re about to go back in time and experience the horror of the meat Carnivals first hand and I couldn’t be more excited!
APRIL CANNOT COME FAST ENOUGH!
October 31, 2024
I started this series not expecting to love it as much as I did honestly. I was HOOKED from book 1 and this is, by far, the ABSOLUTE BEST series I have ever read. I have never read something this exciting and fun. The downside to reading such an amazing series is now I can’t find anything like this and it’s driving me crazyyy.
Dessin, Kane and Skylenna, omg my babies. I can’t wait for them to have their happily ever after in book 5 (April needs to come alreaddyyy). While the focus of the 4 books were mainly about Dessin, Kane and Skylenna, it was such a fun read to read about Warrose and Ruth and Niles and Marilynn. I LOVED reading about Ruth’s resiliency and off to the adventures to better Vexamen. And, omg Niles, I’m so happy he found love and oh my, the man that he is 🤭.
Every chapter with Skylenna trying to reach and find Dessin and Kane and not succeeding BROKE MY HEART. I REALLY THOUGHT SHE’D REACH HIM IN AMBROSE OASIS UGH. Now I’m dying to read book 5.
I went through all kinds of different emotions just reading this series in the best ways possible. The characters felt alive, it was like actually being with them in the book. I have never been this obsessed with a series before. I devoured the whole series in less than a month.
Brandi, I love you and your books but waiting for book 5 is gonna kill me😩. However, thank you for releasing such an amazing series into the world. The way I wish I could re-read this series over and over again for the first time again. This series will forever have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait for all your future books to come!
Dessin, Kane and Skylenna, omg my babies. I can’t wait for them to have their happily ever after in book 5 (April needs to come alreaddyyy). While the focus of the 4 books were mainly about Dessin, Kane and Skylenna, it was such a fun read to read about Warrose and Ruth and Niles and Marilynn. I LOVED reading about Ruth’s resiliency and off to the adventures to better Vexamen. And, omg Niles, I’m so happy he found love and oh my, the man that he is 🤭.
Every chapter with Skylenna trying to reach and find Dessin and Kane and not succeeding BROKE MY HEART. I REALLY THOUGHT SHE’D REACH HIM IN AMBROSE OASIS UGH. Now I’m dying to read book 5.
I went through all kinds of different emotions just reading this series in the best ways possible. The characters felt alive, it was like actually being with them in the book. I have never been this obsessed with a series before. I devoured the whole series in less than a month.
Brandi, I love you and your books but waiting for book 5 is gonna kill me😩. However, thank you for releasing such an amazing series into the world. The way I wish I could re-read this series over and over again for the first time again. This series will forever have a special place in my heart and I can’t wait for all your future books to come!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
Since the book isn’t even out yet I’m going to keep this spoiler free!!
First of all, I love Brandi’s words and this was once again a beautiful addition to this world. If you have read the fourth book already you are well aware of all of the trauma we have to work through with these characters. This book honestly is less traumatic, and quite a lot more of a healing journey for some of our friends in the pages. It’s such a sweet story. War-Man really is the a trooper for just never giving up. Niles is the sweetest baby golden retriever to ever walk on page. It was nice to get to spend more time with them. (Even if Dessin is my favorite book boyfriend probably of all time and I’m still mad about book 3… and 4)
Did I read this all in one sitting? Yes, yes I did. I can’t wait for everyone else to be able to get their hands on this. And I am even more excited now for the next one.
This book was definitely a bridge so we know where everyone is at and I have no doubt all the questions I have will be answered in the last one. Brandi, thanks for letting me ARC read for you. One of the greatest pleasures of my life.
Last year I accidentally got the doll and the domination early due to an Amazon mistake, so I’ve been waiting for this one since 12/1, when I read that book in one sitting and I believe I was also the first to review that one on goodreads. Can’t wait for the last book, but also I really don’t want this story to end.
Great job Brandi. I loved it.
First of all, I love Brandi’s words and this was once again a beautiful addition to this world. If you have read the fourth book already you are well aware of all of the trauma we have to work through with these characters. This book honestly is less traumatic, and quite a lot more of a healing journey for some of our friends in the pages. It’s such a sweet story. War-Man really is the a trooper for just never giving up. Niles is the sweetest baby golden retriever to ever walk on page. It was nice to get to spend more time with them. (Even if Dessin is my favorite book boyfriend probably of all time and I’m still mad about book 3… and 4)
Did I read this all in one sitting? Yes, yes I did. I can’t wait for everyone else to be able to get their hands on this. And I am even more excited now for the next one.
This book was definitely a bridge so we know where everyone is at and I have no doubt all the questions I have will be answered in the last one. Brandi, thanks for letting me ARC read for you. One of the greatest pleasures of my life.
Last year I accidentally got the doll and the domination early due to an Amazon mistake, so I’ve been waiting for this one since 12/1, when I read that book in one sitting and I believe I was also the first to review that one on goodreads. Can’t wait for the last book, but also I really don’t want this story to end.
Great job Brandi. I loved it.
November 5, 2024
I’m SO in love with this book series!! I started when Brandi released her first book and I literally re-read the series every time a new book comes out. I was not expecting to love this one as much as the others because I’m so in love with Skylenna but HONEY! She did her thing with this book! It didn’t really feel like a break from the series because I still got updates on all the characters. It has the same elements of the rest of the series: dark, heartbreaking, shocking, joyous, empowering, humorous, and a fucking inspiration. Ruth’s story went further and was written better than I could have ever imagined and Brandi is always good at ending on a cliff hanger! Just enough for you to feel satisfied, but also puzzled, but also itching for the next book. I don’t know how she is going to wrap this series up in the final book, but I have FULL confidence in her as an author 🥳 my only critique (which is not really a critique) is that this book was so short that I flew through it! And I’m abundantly impatient for her final book, even though I don’t want this series to end. She could make this series another 5 books and I would read every single one of them. Definitely recommend this book. Do NOT skip it in the series or you’ll miss many precious moments!
November 8, 2024
The one with the vomit bucket.
*shouts in rage* Why was this book so short?
I wanted to hear all about the Vexamen (sp?) battle and the meat carnival. This book focuses on Ruth’s recovery after she lost her legs in the previous book. Heart wrenching doesn’t quite convey the emotion. I do not understand what she went through, but Lord do I empathize. I was crying while she was recovering, and also when she confessed feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness. This poor girl. She deserves all the great things. Warrose is her dark knight!!!
Niles’s and Marilynn also have their stories in this one, and we get to see them come together. No pun intended.
Skylenna finds out she’s pregnant (which was revealed in the previous epilogue). The story also encompasses her emotional trauma of losing her soulmate to the coma. The book ends with her seven year old daughter confessing to Warrose that she can’t save her dad. He tells her she’s going to be astonishing. Ugh I cannot wait!!!!
There’s foreboding throughout this book based on a prophesy. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m stoked to find out.
*shouts in rage* Why was this book so short?
I wanted to hear all about the Vexamen (sp?) battle and the meat carnival. This book focuses on Ruth’s recovery after she lost her legs in the previous book. Heart wrenching doesn’t quite convey the emotion. I do not understand what she went through, but Lord do I empathize. I was crying while she was recovering, and also when she confessed feelings of worthlessness/hopelessness. This poor girl. She deserves all the great things. Warrose is her dark knight!!!
Niles’s and Marilynn also have their stories in this one, and we get to see them come together. No pun intended.
Skylenna finds out she’s pregnant (which was revealed in the previous epilogue). The story also encompasses her emotional trauma of losing her soulmate to the coma. The book ends with her seven year old daughter confessing to Warrose that she can’t save her dad. He tells her she’s going to be astonishing. Ugh I cannot wait!!!!
There’s foreboding throughout this book based on a prophesy. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but I’m stoked to find out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2025
Title: The Fortress and the Figurine
Author: Brandi Elise Szeker
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Slow Burn
✨ emotional trauma
✨ disability
✨ Novella
✨ Pregnancy Kink
✨ Multi POV
Quote: Put up with you? Baby girl I am enamored by you. I.. just want to be around you.
This novella was a good look into the side characters and what they go through! We have Ruth and Warrose. Niles and Marilynn and we see a little of Skylenna.
We see the struggles with Ruth with the lost of her legs. We see warrose refusing to leave their side while she goes through her trauma and emotions. But we also see her rise into a queen!
Niles and Marilynn’s relationship kick it up a notch and I’m here for it!! They grow even though she resists but she can’t and falls into Nile’s. We see her taking back power and showing she’s a bad a** even though they chant women can’t rule!
We saw some of skylenna and her struggles with Dessin in a coma and I’m eager to see if he comes out of it!! The ending kept you on your toes!
I can’t wait for the final book to come out patiently waiting!!
Author: Brandi Elise Szeker
Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
✨ Slow Burn
✨ emotional trauma
✨ disability
✨ Novella
✨ Pregnancy Kink
✨ Multi POV
Quote: Put up with you? Baby girl I am enamored by you. I.. just want to be around you.
This novella was a good look into the side characters and what they go through! We have Ruth and Warrose. Niles and Marilynn and we see a little of Skylenna.
We see the struggles with Ruth with the lost of her legs. We see warrose refusing to leave their side while she goes through her trauma and emotions. But we also see her rise into a queen!
Niles and Marilynn’s relationship kick it up a notch and I’m here for it!! They grow even though she resists but she can’t and falls into Nile’s. We see her taking back power and showing she’s a bad a** even though they chant women can’t rule!
We saw some of skylenna and her struggles with Dessin in a coma and I’m eager to see if he comes out of it!! The ending kept you on your toes!
I can’t wait for the final book to come out patiently waiting!!
February 22, 2026
4.5/5 - I’ve been waiting forever for this book and honestly it didn’t disappoint. I was so skeptical for how the author would save the coma plot line but I actually really liked where she went with it. It lowkey took me way too long to realize who Sapphire and Niklaus were. But when i did it was like omfg. I’m glad that everyone was able to retain memories from when Dessin was and wasn’t there. I wish there could have been a reunion between him and Niles. I lowkey wish the book was longer so we could have seen Sapphire really hone in on her powers like her mother. As sad as it is with all the deaths at the end, part of me appreciates it because there’s no way this series could have ended without casualties (technically they do get reunited but still). Overall I’m happy with the ending. It feels so bittersweet bc I don’t want it to end. Everything really comes full circle and it’s so nice to see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2024
BRANDI IS QUEEN
Wooow. I’m at a loss for words and I’m not even surprised. I felt every emotion reading this book. Happiness, sadness, mourning, laughter, anger. But it was so beautiful and rewarding to be with these characters again that feel so much like family. It broke my heart to read what Ruthie was going through and what pain she was feeling and knowing that she wanted to sleep forever but was it powerful to watch her become the queen we all knew she was meant to be with warrose by her side. Marilyn and Niles were the cutest and I loved that Marilyn gave into herself and fell in love with our pure heart that is Niles. I hated seeing Skylenna sad. After everything she’s been through I hate seeing her depressed but she has her family by her side. WE WILL GET THE ENDING WE DESERVE BRANDI LOVES US AND THIS STORY AND WE WILL SEE IT END BEAUTIFULLY.
Wooow. I’m at a loss for words and I’m not even surprised. I felt every emotion reading this book. Happiness, sadness, mourning, laughter, anger. But it was so beautiful and rewarding to be with these characters again that feel so much like family. It broke my heart to read what Ruthie was going through and what pain she was feeling and knowing that she wanted to sleep forever but was it powerful to watch her become the queen we all knew she was meant to be with warrose by her side. Marilyn and Niles were the cutest and I loved that Marilyn gave into herself and fell in love with our pure heart that is Niles. I hated seeing Skylenna sad. After everything she’s been through I hate seeing her depressed but she has her family by her side. WE WILL GET THE ENDING WE DESERVE BRANDI LOVES US AND THIS STORY AND WE WILL SEE IT END BEAUTIFULLY.
October 27, 2025
Wer die „the Pawn and the Puppet“ - Bücher bereits gelesen hat, kommt nicht an Band 5 (eigentlich Band 4,5) vorbei. In „the Fortress and the Figurine“ geht es um die Geschichte von Ruth und Warrose, beide bekannte Charaktere aus den anderen Büchern. Deshalb unbedingt erst die anderen Bücher lesen, sonst kommt man kaum in diese Geschichte rein.
Die Novelle hat 272 Seiten, weshalb ich das Buch auch an meinem freien Tag recht schnell gelesen habe. Ich bin wieder schnell in die Geschichte rein gekommen, der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und mit vielen Gefühlen, die sehr nah gehen. Trotzdem kommt die Novelle für mich nicht an die anderen Bücher heran, mehr Spannung und Tiefe hat mir gefehlt.
Daher 4/5 Sterne ⭐️
Bitte lest die Triggerwarnungen, bevor ihr euch das Buch (oder die Serie) holt.
Die Novelle hat 272 Seiten, weshalb ich das Buch auch an meinem freien Tag recht schnell gelesen habe. Ich bin wieder schnell in die Geschichte rein gekommen, der Schreibstil ist fesselnd und mit vielen Gefühlen, die sehr nah gehen. Trotzdem kommt die Novelle für mich nicht an die anderen Bücher heran, mehr Spannung und Tiefe hat mir gefehlt.
Daher 4/5 Sterne ⭐️
Bitte lest die Triggerwarnungen, bevor ihr euch das Buch (oder die Serie) holt.
February 7, 2026
This book hit me in all the feels. The Fortress and the Figurine isn’t just a story about war and power—it’s about the scars left behind and the courage it takes to fight through them. Ruth’s struggles felt raw and real, and watching Warrose navigate the impossible lengths he’ll go to for her was intense and heartbreaking. Meanwhile, Marilynn’s journey to carry the prophecy and challenge the oppressive Demechnef laws gave the story heart and a sense of purpose that elevates it beyond just action and intrigue.
The world-building is sharper than ever, the stakes feel massive, and the characters grow in ways that make every choice weighty and meaningful. This installment left me thinking about it long after I closed the book, and I’m already hungry for the next chapter in this series.
The world-building is sharper than ever, the stakes feel massive, and the characters grow in ways that make every choice weighty and meaningful. This installment left me thinking about it long after I closed the book, and I’m already hungry for the next chapter in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews