A Court of Swords and Silver

The Fourth Guild #5

by Tia Didmon

When the wards fall, only blood and flame will decide who survives.

Lady Belana’s assassination sends Warriath into chaos. The noble courts splinter, alliances fracture, and whispers of war rise with every heartbeat. As Zander and Ashe hunt for the killer, a darker truth emerges beneath the palace the ancient fae wards protecting their realm are dying. And once they fail, nothing will stop the dark fae from consuming them all.

Desperate to preserve the realm, Ashe delves into forbidden magics and dragon trials that test not only her strength, but her fragile, evolving bond with Kaelith. Her dragon's shocking transformation, and deepening connection to Hein, shifts everything Ashe thought she understood about power, loyalty, and love.

But the Blood Fae King will not be thwarted. To force Ashe’s surrender, he abducts someone Zander cannot live without.

As the prophecy unfurls will Ashe choose to follow the path fate carved for her… or break it entirely and become the weapon the world fears most.

Find out what scorches the skies of Warriath by reading A Court of Swords and Silver, the enemy-to lovers, fantasy fiction series readers are comparing to Sarah J. Maas, Stephanie Garber, and Carissa Broadbent.

One click to continue this Fantasy Romance adventure now!

Genres: Fantasy

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2026

About the author

Tia Didmon is a USA Today bestselling author of Fantasy, PNR and PWF romance. When Tia isn't busy writing about sexy shifters and dreamy demons, she spends her time binge-watching The Order and reruns of The Vampire Diaries, cooking with her daughter, and serving her cat. Her love of writing stems from a self-diagnosed book addiction.

Subscribe to Tia's newsletter at tiadidmon.com for a free book and start your journey through Tia's supernatural world today!

Reviews

[Laura Moylan]

With the assassination of Theron’s bride, he goes on a rampage. Zander and Ashe are in the crosshairs and have to hunt down the assassin. Plus, it looks like the power structure of the Kingdom is breaking down. With all of the warders that have been killed, there isn’t enough of them to keep the wards outside of Warriath itself up. That means that the people of those other kingdoms are in danger from the Blood Fae, and others. The intrigue at court gets even worse and now the different guilds are at each other’s throats, taking sides with whom they believe should rule when the King passes. The King is still in stasis from Kaelith’s spell. But, she can’t keep it up forever. The wards are beginning to fail on and off and there is a reason behind that, that is horrifying.

Elara, the youngest of the royals plays a major role in the book and it is all that Zander and Ashe can do to keep her safe. Even Theron has a hissy fit. Once again poor Cordelle is attacked. I guess most people know that he is the weakest when it comes to fighting. But, it is beginning to tick me off. He is a dragon rider nerd, which means I must love him, lol. There are so many shocking revelations in the book.

I’ve wanted to punch Remy before. But, in this book, he really ticks me off. He is really annoying with Ashe and says hurtful things that made me cry, and upset her a lot. Zander, when he found out, got ticked. Kaelith finally says an ultimatum where Remy is concerned that is terrifying. I kinda agree with her. At a few points in the book, it felt like someone was trying to rip my heart out through my throat with the things that happen. We finally get to meet Ashe’s grandfather, who is something to behold and not nice. Nope. Evil incarnate. I’m livid over Theron and Cade. I’m always livid about Perin. Thrall squad had to face some situations in this book that freaked me out. Things are getting down right horrifying and Zander has to step up. I hate that Ashe is feeling like Zander might have to let her go, for the good of the Realm, with a political marriage.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Hill]

A Court of Swords and Silver is the fifth book in Didmon's Fourth Guild series. It picks up where the fourth left off.

As always, there's a lot going on in this series. Some of the highlights include:
-Lady Belana's assassination sends the court into chaos as Ashe and Zander and ordered to find the murder or suffer the consequences
-Quinn alerts Ashe that their warders continue to fall, and reveals a secret about the fae wards which have been protecting their realm
-Ashe accidentally calls to the lost horde, and they come but insist on testing her before committing to an alliance
-We learn more about Zander's little sister Elara, and the gifts she unknowingly possesses
-Ashe's grandfather organizes and abduction to lure her to his court and make her a generous offer
-Dorian makes an appearance before disappearing once again
-Theron tries to bully Zander into a royal marriage
-The court is split in their opinion on who should be king
-We learn more about the mysterious and delightful Siergen
-The war begins
-... and more!

While there is some time between releases, as soon as I start reading the newest installment I instantly remember everything that came before and am once again sucked back into the story. It is both captivating and engaging, and I'm already eager to read A Court of Darkness and Dragons which is expected in September.

If you're a lover of fantasy series, you might want to check this one out. Just be sure to start from the beginning though as each book builds on the last.

[Avis]

The story starts where the previous one ends, so it would be advisable to read from the beginning of the series.
There is a lot going on with Ashe and the dragon riders. Betrayal and deceit present.
We learn more about Zander's sister Elara and her unique gifts.
It was interesting to see the lost horde's representatives. Their way of life so different than what the riders are used to.
Siergan gives a gift to the Thrall Squad.
The squads and the kingdom may not be united but the Thrall Squad and their dragons are. They support each other, especially Ashe.
Quill presents a huge problem that may or may not have a solution.
I love how Kaelith seems to know when Ashe and the squad need more. And her defense of them.
Can't wait to see what will happen next and how Ashe and Zander will help.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leah D]

Okay, listen, 5 books in and we have barely made a dent in the whole machiavellian plot.

Who is the traitor? No idea
Who do we trust? Hmmm still no idea
What the hell is happening 90% of the time? Not a clue

It’s the same thing on repeat at this point. Something goes wrong. It’s a distraction to hide something else. On loop. The something else changes from time to time but overall you’ve got all the same players, all the same groups. Not really any progress. Other than hating Theron and Inderia more.

The whole blood fae part is sooooo underwhelming. She finally goes to their isle. What happens? Some riddles, some surprises but not much else.

I’m hoping in the next book we make some actual progress but I’m not holding my breath at this point.

3.5⭐️
1.5🌶️

[Denise]

Things are continuing to deteriorate in Warriath as Zander and Ashe try to hold the court together. Wards are failing, royalty is being murdered, kidnapped, or just disappearing. Ashe accidentally makes a long-distance call that could either save them or make things worse. Riders are turning against each other and so are dragons. There is a spy and an assassin lose in the castle. Are they the same person or is one directing the other? A new family member is discovered that might help or hinder. Someone develops (or reveals) unexpected powers. War is coming and nobody is in charge. Cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Johanna]

Book 5 of The Forth Guild. Books should be read in series order for maximum enjoyment.

'As the prophecy unfurls will Ashe choose to follow the path fate carved for her… or break it entirely and become the weapon the world fears most.'

The characters were very complex and complicated and compelling. Plot was intriguing and exciting and well paced. World building continues to excel and impress. All in all a great addition to the series. Enjoyed immensely and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kai A. Kesinger]

A yoyo of a read... Predictable

It seemed the highs and lows were often and evenly spread throughout the story. Many outcomes of events were the same and therefore predictable. I started skipping through to get through the fluff. Storyline in determining who's guilty of betrayal is the same, they never get closer to determining who it is. Isn't this book 5?? Shouldn't we have more knowledge by now?? Makes me want to just put it down and move on. So close to quitting.
Overall this story isn't for me. I don't think it begins to compare with Fourth Wing. I have spent too much time on it already.

[The Book Ssirren]

Lady Belanas assassination has turned things upside down. There’s no one in control. Chaos is ensuing everywhere and everyone. Riders are turning on each other, as are the dragons. Ashe and Zander are found whatever they can to try find a way to bring control and get things back in order. This one was so intense. The conflict and disarray was getting so bad. I was literally on the edge of my seat with this one. I was feeling the chaos, my heart was pounding. This was such a great and intense read. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Sue MacKenzie]

Ashe's bond with Kaelith is becoming stronger and Ashe's genetics come to light.
But someone is still out to hurt them all and they will all have to fight together, for their way of life to continue.
The dragon's are putting their foot down as their way of life becomes put at risk.
It's time for the mortals to realise who's really in charge.
Especially when there's someone out there trying to end them all.
This gets very hard to put down once you start reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robbiega]

“A Court of Swords and Silver” is the fifth book in a The Fourth Guild Series, by Tia Didmon. Zander and Ashe are looking for Lady Belana’s killer. They are also trying to keep the youngest of the royals, Elara, safe.
This is my favorite Tia Didmon series! That is saying something as all her series are full of entertaining stories with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this series, but I do recommend you start with Book 1 (A Court of Thralls and Thorns) as each story builds on the next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane]

In book five you learn that the enemy within is getting bolder. They have killed Lady Belana and framed others. I liked how the dragons protect their own and even the Leaders are told that if anyone touches their riders they will have to deal with dragons. The problem is you don’t know who the enemy is. The Dark Fae and the Blood dragons are helping the enemy as well. It will be interesting to see who the enemy is and what happened to the King and his sons. Can’t wait for the rest of the story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen G]

4.5 stars ⭐️

It did drag a little and I wanted to skip forward as it was more repetitive. There were two squad members that are hurt. Same as in previous books. The ongoing saga between Remy, Ashe and Zander. Still the same. Some growth in the story that I feel it could have been blended into whatever this final book is. Make it a little longer book.
Who is the sister? Is she for real or a plant?
The kidnapping 🫪
Cade 🫪
Love the dragon retribution. 🐉 🔥

[Nan]

Things for Ashe just get more and more complicated in the fifth book of the series. One prince continues to try to consolidate power and demonize Ashe, her fellow commoners and the dragons. The crown prince continues to be almost completely out of touch. And her prince is pulled by all of his various responsibilities as he tries to hold everything together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre]

We pick up from where we left off and it is chaos everywhere! After Lady Belanas assassination, everything is out of control and Ashe and Zander try their best to sort things out. It’s a captivating and engaging read full of secrets, betrayal, danger and drama and you find yourself hanging onto the edge of you seat. War is coming and the kingdom is falling apart. I am eager for the next instalment.

[L KQ]

Crossroads

There is so much going on in this fifth book and the situation with the realm is worsening at every turn. It almost feels like the chaos won't get any better since Zander and Ashe maybe at a crossroads due to their responsibilities within the kingdom. I am definitely looking forward to the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christina Luberts]

Action, suspense, loyalty, power and more. Everything is falling apart. Can Kaelith, Zander and Ashe keep it together? Or will they fall apart like all the others? We are learning more about the characters. It will keep you reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LizJ.]

A Court of Swords and Silver Book 5 of The Forth Guild series by Tia Didmon is a captivating and engaging story with so much going on it's hard to catch my breath! I find it so hard to wait between books but so worth the wait as the action starts from page one and you just can't put it down!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodie Cary]

This was another great, exciting book to read. I was hooked back into the characters lives right from the start and couldn’t put the book down. I love the characters and the storyline. I love the Dragons. I can’t wait to read the next instalment. Awesome read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sissy Satterfield]

This series has pulled me in and each book is even better than the previous one! I am captivated by the world building and the characters, this fifth book is amazing and I am totally excited for more! I Very Highly Recommend this as a great read!!! No Spoilers!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LeAnna Russell]

I can't get of this series. This book also starts where book 4 left off. The ongoing saga between Remy, Ashe and Zander continues with the trials of being a prince and Alpha dragon riders. As they lead there squadrons into battle.

[Janne]

Even more intense

Now they are on the brink of war, can they survie whats to come? Everytime they think they know who to trust they are proven wrong. I can't wait to read the next book

[Daisy]

I have voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this title given to me via Booksprout. This was just a wonderful book to read and it was just easy to lose yourself in the story. I can’t wait to read more from this.

[Kimberly]

Another great addition to the series. This picks up where the last left off. Lady Belanas is assassinated and Ashe and Zander have to look for the assassin before the whole kingdom falls apart.

[Ladyhawke]

these books go nowhere

How long can you stretch out a plot
Well 5 books is it for me
This war has been coming since book 1
And I am done