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Beasts of the Briar #6
Stolen by Shadows
The next in Elizabeth Helen's Amazon top 5 and Sunday Times bestselling Beasts of the Briar series, a spicy Beauty and the Beast retelling filled with enchanted fae, morally gray characters, a stupidly hot villain, and a princess who has found her Prince Charming. All five of them.
Once upon a time, I used to look upon the sun. Now, there is only darkness.
And the Prince of Thorns.
I am his captive, his thrall. Caspian, the man he used to be, is nothing but a memory. And if the Prince of Thorns gets his way, all of the Enchanted Vale―and the four other princes bound to my heart―will fall to ruin.
As I navigate the treacherous Below, my mates risk everything to reach me. But the Green Flame is spreading across the realms, corrupting all it touches. If they can't fight it, Caspian won't be the only one consumed by its power.
It's now or never. Either we defeat the god who seeks to tear our world apart…or we die together, becoming nothing but shadow.
But I've learned something down here. Beautiful things can grow in the dark. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my home and family…and bring Caspian back to me.
Once upon a time, I used to look upon the sun. Now, there is only darkness.
And the Prince of Thorns.
I am his captive, his thrall. Caspian, the man he used to be, is nothing but a memory. And if the Prince of Thorns gets his way, all of the Enchanted Vale―and the four other princes bound to my heart―will fall to ruin.
As I navigate the treacherous Below, my mates risk everything to reach me. But the Green Flame is spreading across the realms, corrupting all it touches. If they can't fight it, Caspian won't be the only one consumed by its power.
It's now or never. Either we defeat the god who seeks to tear our world apart…or we die together, becoming nothing but shadow.
But I've learned something down here. Beautiful things can grow in the dark. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my home and family…and bring Caspian back to me.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Elizabeth Helen
18 books4,258 followersElizabeth Helen is the combined pen name of sister writing duo, Elizabeth and Helen. Elizabeth and Helen write fantasy romance and love creating enchanting adventures for their characters. When they’re not writing, you can find them snuggling their cats, exploring their rainforest home in British Columbia, Canada, or rolling the dice for a game of Dungeons & Dragons. You can connect with them on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
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Website: https://elizabethhelen.carrd.co
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Website: https://elizabethhelen.carrd.co
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
July 24, 2026
I just adore this series. You can’t help but feel a torrent of emotions when you have this many characters at play. The scale of this battle is certainly felt in this book - as the penultimate book, everything is starting to go wrong as we hurtle towards some kind of outcome. But it’s also where some of the hardest personal battles are won, and Elizabeth Helen manages to strike a balance that keeps you turning the pages in turmoil. I had goosebumps towards the end, holding my breath as if that would change the outcome. It felt a little less strong than some of the others in the series, but the grand finale feeling is certainly building up to something huge.
July 17, 2026
YESSSS we get the scene we’ve been dying for *insert maniacal laugh*
This book is another emotional rollercoaster, and it’s a good thing we only have to wait a short period before the final book is released.
I will say, some of the issues that were resolved seemed like they were too easy to fix. And while I have always loved having the POVs from the princes, I think Rosie feels distant to me now. Since we don’t have as much focus on her character, I no longer feel as strong of a connection to her as I used to…
I did enjoy some of the side characters that had a slightly larger role this story, and I think that could be interesting in the next book.
Also I only cried a little bit, but I’d recommend having tissues within reach…
This book is another emotional rollercoaster, and it’s a good thing we only have to wait a short period before the final book is released.
I will say, some of the issues that were resolved seemed like they were too easy to fix. And while I have always loved having the POVs from the princes, I think Rosie feels distant to me now. Since we don’t have as much focus on her character, I no longer feel as strong of a connection to her as I used to…
I did enjoy some of the side characters that had a slightly larger role this story, and I think that could be interesting in the next book.
Also I only cried a little bit, but I’d recommend having tissues within reach…
July 26, 2026
Poor fmc is a complete afterthought in her own story, why not just ctrl+delete her and write a mm romance when that's obviously what you're interested in writing. Waste of time and money for me as a reader.
July 28, 2026
Through every season and every storm.
We'll be woven together forever.
I don't know what Elizabeth and Helen were playing at writing this. But ooooo full on snot cry! This hit me harder than broken by daylight.
There was more detail i feel in this book, there was more character growth, more emotions, alot less smut but what we did have *chef kiss, there was a better understanding to Cas.
I cannot tell how this series will end. I'm not ready for this to be over. But this is an incredible penultimate book!
We'll be woven together forever.
I don't know what Elizabeth and Helen were playing at writing this. But ooooo full on snot cry! This hit me harder than broken by daylight.
There was more detail i feel in this book, there was more character growth, more emotions, alot less smut but what we did have *chef kiss, there was a better understanding to Cas.
I cannot tell how this series will end. I'm not ready for this to be over. But this is an incredible penultimate book!
July 23, 2026
(4.25/5) WHAT DO YOU MEAN I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK 😭😫
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: July 21, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Bloom Books
This book was SO bingeable. I rotted on my couch for a day to binge this and finished it in 3 sittings.
It's crazy to think we're 6 books into this series. What began as a close reimagining of Beauty and the Beast has become SO much more. It's wild to think the story began that way because of how much this world and its characters have been developed and shaped beyond its origins.
Beasts of the Briar has quickly become one of my favorite why choose fantasy romance series of all time. I adore each and every one of these characters. It's interesting because I've seen reviews where people think certain characters are annoying—but I actually think them being "annoying" at times makes them a believable character. With the number of main characters in this book, it would be extremely unbelievable for every character to be perfect at all times.
I'm not honestly sure what I expected for the direction of this book, but I was definitely along for the ride Elizabeth Helen took us on. The focus of this book was obviously Caspian, and I wanted to hug his character at so many moments. Rosie truly goes through it with his character...and I'm going to leave it at that to avoid any spoilers with this review.
Like the other books in this series, I'm glad each of our main characters got some spotlight time. I feel like each got the right amount of attention to help push the story along while maintaining their importance in Rosie's life and this overarching story.
My primary reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars comes down to how the side characters and villains were pulled into the story. I'm not sure if the right word is "disruptive," but it didn't feel like a natural progression/introduction? Like the characters would just appear without much context as to how they got to that point. This ultimately created some weird pacing at times for me as a reader.
Nonetheless, I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book. I can't believe we're almost at the end of this series...not sure I'm going to be emotionally prepared to say goodbye to these characters and this word.
🗓️ ARC Review. Pub Date: July 21, 2026 🗓️
🎁 ARC gifted to me by Bloom Books
This book was SO bingeable. I rotted on my couch for a day to binge this and finished it in 3 sittings.
It's crazy to think we're 6 books into this series. What began as a close reimagining of Beauty and the Beast has become SO much more. It's wild to think the story began that way because of how much this world and its characters have been developed and shaped beyond its origins.
Beasts of the Briar has quickly become one of my favorite why choose fantasy romance series of all time. I adore each and every one of these characters. It's interesting because I've seen reviews where people think certain characters are annoying—but I actually think them being "annoying" at times makes them a believable character. With the number of main characters in this book, it would be extremely unbelievable for every character to be perfect at all times.
I'm not honestly sure what I expected for the direction of this book, but I was definitely along for the ride Elizabeth Helen took us on. The focus of this book was obviously Caspian, and I wanted to hug his character at so many moments. Rosie truly goes through it with his character...and I'm going to leave it at that to avoid any spoilers with this review.
Like the other books in this series, I'm glad each of our main characters got some spotlight time. I feel like each got the right amount of attention to help push the story along while maintaining their importance in Rosie's life and this overarching story.
My primary reason for not giving this book the full 5 stars comes down to how the side characters and villains were pulled into the story. I'm not sure if the right word is "disruptive," but it didn't feel like a natural progression/introduction? Like the characters would just appear without much context as to how they got to that point. This ultimately created some weird pacing at times for me as a reader.
Nonetheless, I absolutely love this series and can't wait for the next book. I can't believe we're almost at the end of this series...not sure I'm going to be emotionally prepared to say goodbye to these characters and this word.
June 21, 2026
This was one of the most heartbreaking books for the losses and sacrifices, but it was also filled with healing and hope.
I don’t want to give away too much, but the journey that Cas has to go through and then the love that is shared between Rosie and the rest of her mates just shines with absolute certainty in who they are to each other. I can’t wait for the next book…but I’m also not ready for this series to end!
I don’t want to give away too much, but the journey that Cas has to go through and then the love that is shared between Rosie and the rest of her mates just shines with absolute certainty in who they are to each other. I can’t wait for the next book…but I’m also not ready for this series to end!
July 31, 2026
“𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒆. 𝑴𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒊𝒕'𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒚 𝒔𝒌𝒚. 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚... 𝒃𝒍𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚.”
I cried more reading this book than I have while reading for a very long time. I think that is a testament to how much Elizabeth & Helen have made me adore these characters and care about their world.
I love this series so much and it was fascinating to focus on Caspian for most of Stolen by Shadows. This book was such a rollercoaster. I’m still reeling from that ending and can’t stop thinking about what might happen next.
I absolutely can’t wait to read Crowned by Roses in October 🥹
July 12, 2026
Me thinking I’d make it through this book without crying 🤡
July 14, 2026
Ladies the utter devastation I was left in was worse then book 4 omg… my heart hurts… I need book 7 like now..
May 31, 2026
First, thank you so so much for this ARC! I have no words for how I felt throughout this book except W.T.F. I have loved Cas from the beginning of the series but getting to see him turn into the man that everyone but himself knew he could be was so heartwarming and heartbreaking! I laughed, cried, cried some more, and laughed again throughout this book and genuinely wanted to throw my kindle across the room a million times. In my heart of hearts I always knew about Farron and Dayton… With all of the curses broken and Sira being the one who can damn them all… I’m so much more excited for the final book!! This was absolutely my favorite book in this series and I am dreading the wait for book seven!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2026
....what has happened to this series? All the lore, rules of the magic, and plot drivers have gone completely out the freaking window and I'm genuinely pissed.
Books 1-4 IMMACULATE. No notes. Everything adds up. Enter the end of book 5: wtf was that?
Now book 6, the authors seem to be making things up as they go and the plot runs on convenience. Rules about the magic and bargains is getting very muddy and convoluted. You can't use the same type of "twist" multiple times in the same book and get the same emotional reaction. At least the stakes were somewhat raised in this book. The entire plot of the first 5 books (breaking the princes' curses) is not brought up once, nor does it play into the story anymore. Which is insane.
And where was the smut????? There was *the scene* but the other couple scenes were completely unsatisfying and out of character. They didn't feel the same as they have in previous books.
Also, where was Rosalina? She felt like a ghost in this book and not bc she started out thralled to Caspian.
I'm heartbroken. I had a bad feeling this was going to happen. I don't think releasing 3 massive books in the same year was the way to end a 7 book series.
The book is fun to read overall. But this is my favorite series so I'm taking notes, dissecting every chapter. I have done this with all the books. But with this one, I'm finding myself saying, "wtf is going on" and "this doesn't make sense" to myself a lot.
I'm obviously going to finish the series. But my expectations have now lowered a lot. Which makes me very sad.
Books 1-4 IMMACULATE. No notes. Everything adds up. Enter the end of book 5: wtf was that?
Now book 6, the authors seem to be making things up as they go and the plot runs on convenience. Rules about the magic and bargains is getting very muddy and convoluted. You can't use the same type of "twist" multiple times in the same book and get the same emotional reaction. At least the stakes were somewhat raised in this book. The entire plot of the first 5 books (breaking the princes' curses) is not brought up once, nor does it play into the story anymore. Which is insane.
And where was the smut????? There was *the scene* but the other couple scenes were completely unsatisfying and out of character. They didn't feel the same as they have in previous books.
Also, where was Rosalina? She felt like a ghost in this book and not bc she started out thralled to Caspian.
I'm heartbroken. I had a bad feeling this was going to happen. I don't think releasing 3 massive books in the same year was the way to end a 7 book series.
The book is fun to read overall. But this is my favorite series so I'm taking notes, dissecting every chapter. I have done this with all the books. But with this one, I'm finding myself saying, "wtf is going on" and "this doesn't make sense" to myself a lot.
I'm obviously going to finish the series. But my expectations have now lowered a lot. Which makes me very sad.
July 21, 2026
Unfortunately, some things felt like they wrapped up so quickly that it felt like we barely got to see Caspian be the prince of thorns. Especially since the first few chapters we were in Rosalina’s thralled pov but he was avoiding her at all costs. I understand we get his reasoning for why he was but to me it kind of defeated the purpose of him having her by his side thralled if he hated her like that anyway. He could have released her from that at any point but chose to engage with her once she had fought it off herself. And yes, I know it’s because it “reflects his inner conflicts with his true self vs green flame” but it still felt pointless because he was back to being Caspian shortly after she was no longer fully thralled. At times Rosalina felt like an afterthought of a character because the other couple dynamics took precedence and Rosalina was just there to watch. The same was felt with Ezyrn because he seemed to be the only one still prioritizing Rosalina. And I think the authors tried to make up for this by writing *that group scene* but in my opinion it didn’t make up for it. I think their other books have done better at balancing everyone’s relationships.
I also felt like the frequent deaths were overused to cause angst and shock. I like the twists at the end that set up the high stakes for the final book but did we really need 2 big deaths and one almost death that was resolved in like 5 pages? By the third death I just thought to myself, “Again?”.
Considering how big other books have been and the fact that this one isn’t short either, somehow I was left feeling that more pages were needed in this one to properly execute some plot points. Hopefully the next one is a big and satisfying conclusion because the ending to this left Alot to be resolved in the next.
I also felt like the frequent deaths were overused to cause angst and shock. I like the twists at the end that set up the high stakes for the final book but did we really need 2 big deaths and one almost death that was resolved in like 5 pages? By the third death I just thought to myself, “Again?”.
Considering how big other books have been and the fact that this one isn’t short either, somehow I was left feeling that more pages were needed in this one to properly execute some plot points. Hopefully the next one is a big and satisfying conclusion because the ending to this left Alot to be resolved in the next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2026
This was the most painful book of all. I was so looking forward to it but it was bad. It was messy, boring, zero spice, and felt like a filler. Sorry but I cannot get on board with this book. I don’t even wanna read more. It felt like a different author and a different vibe. You can not read it and still wait for the future book and you would not be lost. So disappointing
July 4, 2026
So again I cannot believe that I was lucky enough to ARC read this… thank you so much to Elizabeth and Helen for accepting me on the team. This series just takes you through every emotion you can imagine, and I’m so lucky to have fallen upon it and be in this world.
The story follows exactly where we left off from the last one…. Rosalina is down in the below with Caspian as a thrall due to the bargain with Kel. While all our favorite princes are trying to find out a way to get her and Cas back while also dealing with their own demons throughout. And holey hell a lot happens.
The story starts off slow with everything that is happening with Rose being in the thrall but she is in the place where she can learn all about sira and her plans while spending time in the below. But then the journey this book goes on not only the story but the emotions and all the characters too is just incredible throughout.
The romance between them all for me is just perfect and they all fit so well but in so many different ways…. The relationships between them all have their own unique personalities… whether that’s romantic.. or friendly. The spice be spicing…. When you read THAT Scene you will know what I mean …… dam I didn’t think it could get hotter 🥵
I fully enjoyed and died throughout this story… the world draws and keeps me in throughout every little thing works perfectly. The emotions this story brings out in me is crazy…. You are happy, you are hot under the collar… you are sad… you are angry… you fear for what is happening and you also become absolutely devastated and is now added to my short list of books that broke me into tears.
Everything in this book just makes you believe that no matter what life throws at you… the people you have around you and who you are yourself can battle through anything as long as you believe in the bonds you have.
MAGICAL throughout and I’m not ready for this series to end but also need to know how it ends as that ending just I don’t know how to go back from it
The story follows exactly where we left off from the last one…. Rosalina is down in the below with Caspian as a thrall due to the bargain with Kel. While all our favorite princes are trying to find out a way to get her and Cas back while also dealing with their own demons throughout. And holey hell a lot happens.
The story starts off slow with everything that is happening with Rose being in the thrall but she is in the place where she can learn all about sira and her plans while spending time in the below. But then the journey this book goes on not only the story but the emotions and all the characters too is just incredible throughout.
The romance between them all for me is just perfect and they all fit so well but in so many different ways…. The relationships between them all have their own unique personalities… whether that’s romantic.. or friendly. The spice be spicing…. When you read THAT Scene you will know what I mean …… dam I didn’t think it could get hotter 🥵
I fully enjoyed and died throughout this story… the world draws and keeps me in throughout every little thing works perfectly. The emotions this story brings out in me is crazy…. You are happy, you are hot under the collar… you are sad… you are angry… you fear for what is happening and you also become absolutely devastated and is now added to my short list of books that broke me into tears.
Everything in this book just makes you believe that no matter what life throws at you… the people you have around you and who you are yourself can battle through anything as long as you believe in the bonds you have.
MAGICAL throughout and I’m not ready for this series to end but also need to know how it ends as that ending just I don’t know how to go back from it
July 27, 2026
ELIZABETH AND HELEN!!! Y’all are lucky I hadn’t finished my arc for this before I got to your table because I would have CRIED and WAILED about that ending!!
Thank gods I’m on the arc team because I can’t wait until pub day to read Crowned by Roses!! 😩
Thank gods I’m on the arc team because I can’t wait until pub day to read Crowned by Roses!! 😩
July 24, 2026
**ARC review**
Redemption arc? Tragedy? I didn’t realize a book could break my heart, start to heal it, then utterly shatter it. I dont know how I am supposed to wait and survive reading other books until the last book comes out 😭
Redemption arc? Tragedy? I didn’t realize a book could break my heart, start to heal it, then utterly shatter it. I dont know how I am supposed to wait and survive reading other books until the last book comes out 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2026
What a freaking book. This was the one of the shorter books in the series, but man does it still pack a punch. I swear I cried at least 5 times over while reading it, but I would still go back and read it all again. The pain was worth it because the story is so damn beautiful.
We pick up with the story again right after the events of book 5. Everyone is in different places, all liking their wounds and trying to clean up, while Rosie is a thrall to Caspian in the Below. But Cas isn't the Cas that we have grown to love. He is fully taken over by the Green Flame, and while I hate it for him, I also kinda loved it at the same time? (Sorry Cas 😅) Seeing Rosie be airheaded and only thinking about Cas kinda threw me, but at the same time it was so rewarding to see her slowly start to remember things. At the same time, we learned more about what Sira was doing and ohhhh boy. The last book is going to hurt I just know it.
Let me tell you, the wait for everyone to get back together was long, but so so worth it. There were many spicy scenes in this book, and things that I have been wanting to happen since the start of the series finally happened. I wish I could tell more about it, but these are scenes I don't want to spoil in the least bit, or give any hints about what spicy things they are getting up to. Just know they are hot, hot hooooot 🥵
While this book broke my heart more than I ever thought it was going to - who am I kidding though, I knew it was going to hurt - I still laughed and cheered as much as I cried. The series is starting to come to an end, and the stakes are higher than they ever have been. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and I couldn't put it down. I will be forever thinking about this book, and this series. From the characters, to the setting, to the adventures we have been on, it's a beautiful ride, and I'm not ready for it to end. 🥺
We pick up with the story again right after the events of book 5. Everyone is in different places, all liking their wounds and trying to clean up, while Rosie is a thrall to Caspian in the Below. But Cas isn't the Cas that we have grown to love. He is fully taken over by the Green Flame, and while I hate it for him, I also kinda loved it at the same time? (Sorry Cas 😅) Seeing Rosie be airheaded and only thinking about Cas kinda threw me, but at the same time it was so rewarding to see her slowly start to remember things. At the same time, we learned more about what Sira was doing and ohhhh boy. The last book is going to hurt I just know it.
Let me tell you, the wait for everyone to get back together was long, but so so worth it. There were many spicy scenes in this book, and things that I have been wanting to happen since the start of the series finally happened. I wish I could tell more about it, but these are scenes I don't want to spoil in the least bit, or give any hints about what spicy things they are getting up to. Just know they are hot, hot hooooot 🥵
While this book broke my heart more than I ever thought it was going to - who am I kidding though, I knew it was going to hurt - I still laughed and cheered as much as I cried. The series is starting to come to an end, and the stakes are higher than they ever have been. I was on the edge of my seat the whole book, and I couldn't put it down. I will be forever thinking about this book, and this series. From the characters, to the setting, to the adventures we have been on, it's a beautiful ride, and I'm not ready for it to end. 🥺
July 8, 2026
5⭐️ Loved it! A must own book.
Read this if you like sprawling epic fantasy, morally questionable princes, and a world that somehow keeps getting bigger with every book.
📖What’s inside:
🥸 Espionage
Multi POV
Vouyerism 👀
On-page intimacy 🔴
👹Goblins/Magical creatures
Explicit language
“My wife” “mine” they’re all a little (a lot) possessive
Portal world 🕳️
✨Vibes: Lord of the Rings meets Alice in Wonderland but make it BDSM
Book boyfriend meter: ❤️ Would date. (I can fix him)
This book belongs to Cas, and yes—he’s still on the Book Boyfriend Leaderboard. But I’m Team Green, not Team Purple. If you know… you know. 💚😈
💭Thoughts: Every time I come back to this series, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Dangerous, morally questionable friends… but friends nonetheless. Somehow Elizabeth Helen keeps making this world bigger, more complex, and even more addictive. At six books into the series you’ve got to wonder how it could keep going and still be good, yet Elizabeth Helen proves they know exactly what they’re doing.
This isn’t just a spicy, why choose, Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling fantasy romance anymore.
It’s full-blown epic fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, nonstop action, and characters who are allowed to make mistakes and actually grow because of them. From beginning to end I was hooked. My only small criticism is that there’s a little repetition between POVs, but honestly? I barely noticed because I was having too much fun. At this point, I completely trust these authors. With the last book coming out in a few months, we are primed for an incredible finale. Especially after the ending of this one. An easy five stars.
➕Should you add this to your TBR? Absolutely.
This isn’t a series that’s running out of steam.
If anything… It somehow gets better with every single book. You don’t want to miss this installment.
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for an eARC copy of this book. Keeping it real with my honest thoughts as always. 🖤
For my full review + more fantasy book recs, check out my blog here → https://www.abookfortheendoftheworld.com
Read this if you like sprawling epic fantasy, morally questionable princes, and a world that somehow keeps getting bigger with every book.
📖What’s inside:
🥸 Espionage
Multi POV
Vouyerism 👀
On-page intimacy 🔴
👹Goblins/Magical creatures
Explicit language
“My wife” “mine” they’re all a little (a lot) possessive
Portal world 🕳️
✨Vibes: Lord of the Rings meets Alice in Wonderland but make it BDSM
Book boyfriend meter: ❤️ Would date. (I can fix him)
This book belongs to Cas, and yes—he’s still on the Book Boyfriend Leaderboard. But I’m Team Green, not Team Purple. If you know… you know. 💚😈
💭Thoughts: Every time I come back to this series, it feels like I’m catching up with old friends. Dangerous, morally questionable friends… but friends nonetheless. Somehow Elizabeth Helen keeps making this world bigger, more complex, and even more addictive. At six books into the series you’ve got to wonder how it could keep going and still be good, yet Elizabeth Helen proves they know exactly what they’re doing.
This isn’t just a spicy, why choose, Beauty and the Beast fairytale retelling fantasy romance anymore.
It’s full-blown epic fantasy with incredible worldbuilding, nonstop action, and characters who are allowed to make mistakes and actually grow because of them. From beginning to end I was hooked. My only small criticism is that there’s a little repetition between POVs, but honestly? I barely noticed because I was having too much fun. At this point, I completely trust these authors. With the last book coming out in a few months, we are primed for an incredible finale. Especially after the ending of this one. An easy five stars.
➕Should you add this to your TBR? Absolutely.
This isn’t a series that’s running out of steam.
If anything… It somehow gets better with every single book. You don’t want to miss this installment.
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for an eARC copy of this book. Keeping it real with my honest thoughts as always. 🖤
For my full review + more fantasy book recs, check out my blog here → https://www.abookfortheendoftheworld.com
July 16, 2026
Hooooooly crap. What was that? 😱
This series has taken me on the biggest emotional rollercoaster of my life, and now there's only one book left…
My heart shattered into a million pieces more than once during this book, and I cried more times than I can count. I'm scared shitless to see how they'll wrap everything up in book seven, but I'm also beyond excited to read the epic finale.
Because that's exactly what this series is: Epic.
The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing, it all comes together to create something truly unforgettable. It's a story about love, family, friendship, and found family at it’s absolute finest.
Why choose romances can sometimes feel repetitive. With so many characters, they can start to blend together, and if you didn't read their name, you might not even know who was speaking. Thankfully, this series is the complete opposite. Every character has their own distinct voice, personality, and journey. They grow, they make mistakes, they have agency, and they each feel so real, genuine and raw. After spending so much time with them throughout this series, I feel like I truly know them, their strengths, their flaws, their hopes, and their fears. These aren't just characters anymore. They're my people, my friends, and I care so deeply about what happens to them 💔
I have no idea how Elizabeth and Helen is going to tie all of this together in the final book, but if the rest of the series is anything to go by, I'm ready to have my heart broken one last time…
This series has taken me on the biggest emotional rollercoaster of my life, and now there's only one book left…
My heart shattered into a million pieces more than once during this book, and I cried more times than I can count. I'm scared shitless to see how they'll wrap everything up in book seven, but I'm also beyond excited to read the epic finale.
Because that's exactly what this series is: Epic.
The worldbuilding, the characters, the writing, it all comes together to create something truly unforgettable. It's a story about love, family, friendship, and found family at it’s absolute finest.
Why choose romances can sometimes feel repetitive. With so many characters, they can start to blend together, and if you didn't read their name, you might not even know who was speaking. Thankfully, this series is the complete opposite. Every character has their own distinct voice, personality, and journey. They grow, they make mistakes, they have agency, and they each feel so real, genuine and raw. After spending so much time with them throughout this series, I feel like I truly know them, their strengths, their flaws, their hopes, and their fears. These aren't just characters anymore. They're my people, my friends, and I care so deeply about what happens to them 💔
I have no idea how Elizabeth and Helen is going to tie all of this together in the final book, but if the rest of the series is anything to go by, I'm ready to have my heart broken one last time…
July 29, 2026
I love this world and these characters, so I’ll never give this series a particularly bad rating. But this book was the weakest of the bunch, and I didn’t have a great time with it. It felt like filler, and it wasn’t as enchanting as the others. The thing I love so much about this world is the beauty of the seasonal realms. Each realm feels vast and mysterious, with pockets of mythical plants and creatures straight out of a fairy tale. This book mainly took place in the Below, and it just wasn’t a compelling setting. There were some gems and a castle, and that was about it. So that didn’t help sustain my interest. It also didn’t help that Rosalina was a thrall for the first several chapters, and she and all of the princes were in separate places.
I was much more engaged in the second half when things started to pick up, but some of the conflicts felt too easily resolved. Farron was completely freed of the green flame when he refused to use it one time? That felt way too easy. As did Caspian finally gaining control of it by basically believing in himself and the power of love. It was kind of cheesy and not very satisfying after so much buildup. I do think Caspian, Keldarion, and Farron in particular had some strong moments in this book, but Rosalina, Ezryn, and Dayton felt kind of underutilized.
I’m still really looking forward to the last book in the series and seeing how the heroes find their way back after the bleak way this one ended (the ending wrecked me 😭). But I’m going to need more meaningful action and more challenging obstacles to make it feel truly rewarding. 3.5 ⭐️
I was much more engaged in the second half when things started to pick up, but some of the conflicts felt too easily resolved. Farron was completely freed of the green flame when he refused to use it one time? That felt way too easy. As did Caspian finally gaining control of it by basically believing in himself and the power of love. It was kind of cheesy and not very satisfying after so much buildup. I do think Caspian, Keldarion, and Farron in particular had some strong moments in this book, but Rosalina, Ezryn, and Dayton felt kind of underutilized.
I’m still really looking forward to the last book in the series and seeing how the heroes find their way back after the bleak way this one ended (the ending wrecked me 😭). But I’m going to need more meaningful action and more challenging obstacles to make it feel truly rewarding. 3.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2026
Oh, it’s pissing me off. Because what the fuck are we talking about? Grown ass adults who are supposed to be IN CHARGE of realms and their people, making dumbass decisions like they never learned common sense? WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU NEVER CHECKED THE FUCKING ROSE TO MAKE SURE IT WASN’T AN ILLUSION?! Like that wasn’t the most obvious outcome??? that’s ridiculous. I really hate the way that they are forcing these characters to make the dumbest most worst decisions but it’s “for the plot” so it’s fine? WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU LEAVE DAYTON, THE MAN WHO WAS JUST USED AS A THRALL, TO WATCH OVER GEORGE WHEN HE IS FINISHING THE ROSE. Like, they can’t be that stupid?? You’re forcing a fucking railroaded plot in the most nonsensical way possible! There are better ways the create the god damn plot then the shit show that’s formulated now.
I loved this series, it’s what got me to start reading again and I will finish it but by the gods, I am tired of the childish writing that has developed. Or maybe I was just blind to it in the beginning? Who knows. Either way, I’m (clearly) annoyed and just so tired.
I loved this series, it’s what got me to start reading again and I will finish it but by the gods, I am tired of the childish writing that has developed. Or maybe I was just blind to it in the beginning? Who knows. Either way, I’m (clearly) annoyed and just so tired.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2026
Thank you Elizabeth & Helen for the ARC!
Another fantastic addition to this series! Elizabeth & Helen continues to pull me into this world with beautiful writing, vivid details, and characters I can't get enough of.
This book is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. It’s packed with everything I love with laugh-out-loud moments, several heartbreaking scenes and of course there’s the spice. Every chapter kept me invested, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I need book 7 now 😭😭
Another fantastic addition to this series! Elizabeth & Helen continues to pull me into this world with beautiful writing, vivid details, and characters I can't get enough of.
This book is an emotional roller coaster from beginning to end. It’s packed with everything I love with laugh-out-loud moments, several heartbreaking scenes and of course there’s the spice. Every chapter kept me invested, and I couldn't wait to see what happened next.
I need book 7 now 😭😭
July 22, 2026
Was lucky enough to get to read this early, will make sure to keep it spoiler free but I need to gush about Stolen by Shadows.
Prepare to sob like you’ve never done before. This book…the character growth, the trauma, the loveeee surrounding these characters.
I remember reading bonded by thorns and thinking I knew where everything would lead. How naive of me to assume it would be a simple journey.
Everyone really faces their own struggles and we get to see the realest part of these fantasy novels, that grief and pain don’t look the same to everyone. That we can be powerful and still feel lost and scared. One thing I really love about this series is how vulnerable these men are. How coming into stolen by shadows these princes are no longer running away from what they feared but facing it head on with their very own princess.
The story telling in this was phenomenal, the details played out so perfectly in my mind.
From the moment this book began it took off and had me hooked, just like the rest of this series has. This one however just takes the cake. I was flustered every-time I had to stop reading.
Im already a very emotional reader and feel things to my very core and Stolen by Shadows really had me struggling to read without tears.
Book six brings in a lot of elements that really help round out this adventure. I think the development of plot, story, and the true depth of these characters really shines in this book.
These sisters know how to tug on a reader’s soul and pull us into the depths of the below along with them.
I don’t know how this will end but as always Rosalina has my allegiance for life and I am already dying to see how she overcomes her next hurdle. Each book has only gotten better so I know the seventh book will be a true powerful ending for our friends in the Vale.
Prepare to sob like you’ve never done before. This book…the character growth, the trauma, the loveeee surrounding these characters.
I remember reading bonded by thorns and thinking I knew where everything would lead. How naive of me to assume it would be a simple journey.
Everyone really faces their own struggles and we get to see the realest part of these fantasy novels, that grief and pain don’t look the same to everyone. That we can be powerful and still feel lost and scared. One thing I really love about this series is how vulnerable these men are. How coming into stolen by shadows these princes are no longer running away from what they feared but facing it head on with their very own princess.
The story telling in this was phenomenal, the details played out so perfectly in my mind.
From the moment this book began it took off and had me hooked, just like the rest of this series has. This one however just takes the cake. I was flustered every-time I had to stop reading.
Im already a very emotional reader and feel things to my very core and Stolen by Shadows really had me struggling to read without tears.
Book six brings in a lot of elements that really help round out this adventure. I think the development of plot, story, and the true depth of these characters really shines in this book.
These sisters know how to tug on a reader’s soul and pull us into the depths of the below along with them.
I don’t know how this will end but as always Rosalina has my allegiance for life and I am already dying to see how she overcomes her next hurdle. Each book has only gotten better so I know the seventh book will be a true powerful ending for our friends in the Vale.
July 21, 2026
Thank you so much to Elizabeth Helen for an ARC of book 6 for a free and honest review.
I know I say this every time but I loved this book!
So much happened. There were so many times I had to pause because I was scared of what was coming. It tore my heart out I cried so many times.
The growth of each of the characters can be seen with each new book.
The sweet heart melting romance is still there and the spice was spicing.
As always it didn’t disappoint.
Cannot wait for the next one but also scared for it to end.
Love the Beasts of the Briar world.
I know I say this every time but I loved this book!
So much happened. There were so many times I had to pause because I was scared of what was coming. It tore my heart out I cried so many times.
The growth of each of the characters can be seen with each new book.
The sweet heart melting romance is still there and the spice was spicing.
As always it didn’t disappoint.
Cannot wait for the next one but also scared for it to end.
Love the Beasts of the Briar world.
July 23, 2026
I absolutely love this series! I've become so attached to these characters, and it's truly become one of my comfort reads.
Caspian's villain era was everything I hoped it would be. He's easily my favorite character, and more than anyone else, I want him to get the ending he deserves.
I also appreciated that this book was a bit shorter than the last few books. It kept the pacing moving without feeling rushed.
Now I'm counting down the days until the epic conclusion in October!
Caspian's villain era was everything I hoped it would be. He's easily my favorite character, and more than anyone else, I want him to get the ending he deserves.
I also appreciated that this book was a bit shorter than the last few books. It kept the pacing moving without feeling rushed.
Now I'm counting down the days until the epic conclusion in October!
July 21, 2026
They have done it again!! Stolen by Shadows is an amazing addition to the series and I could not put it down. Prepare for emotional damage and to have your feelings hurt but on the flip side you are also getting the spiciest most delicious spice yet. I absolutely cannot wait for Crowned by Roses but also don’t want the series to end.
July 27, 2026
Not my favorite but not too bad
July 18, 2026
Thank you to Elizabeth Helen for this advanced copy. This is one of my favorite series and I’m so grateful to have been chosen as an ARC reader for this book and last book.
This one started a little slow for me but it eventually picked up and I feel like a lot happened. There were some heartbreaking moments, some sweet tender moments, some shocking moments, and of course, some yummy spicy moments.
I love how all these MMCs are so distinct in personality and truly shine each on their own. Cas broke my heart in this book but I loved the ending. And we have a new shadow daddy! I swooned at every “my wife” moment between Rosalina and Keldarion. I do feel like Ezryn didn’t get a lot of page time in this one. And Farron and Dayton’s love continues to be a highlight for me.
Elizabeth Helen are known for their hot spicy group scenes in each book and the one in Stolen was maybe the best one they’ve written 🤤🥵
I really liked how the plot moved forward and a lot of things from previous books came to fruition. I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the final book!
This one started a little slow for me but it eventually picked up and I feel like a lot happened. There were some heartbreaking moments, some sweet tender moments, some shocking moments, and of course, some yummy spicy moments.
I love how all these MMCs are so distinct in personality and truly shine each on their own. Cas broke my heart in this book but I loved the ending. And we have a new shadow daddy! I swooned at every “my wife” moment between Rosalina and Keldarion. I do feel like Ezryn didn’t get a lot of page time in this one. And Farron and Dayton’s love continues to be a highlight for me.
Elizabeth Helen are known for their hot spicy group scenes in each book and the one in Stolen was maybe the best one they’ve written 🤤🥵
I really liked how the plot moved forward and a lot of things from previous books came to fruition. I can’t wait to see how things wrap up in the final book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2026
4.5 stars
My thoughts whilst reading:
I am so thrilled this arrived three days before publication day - I’ve just sped read through the last 100 pages of my book (a reread) so that I can start it, lol.
I was gonna reread frozen by stardust before this arrived, but now I’ve got my hands on it, that will not be happening, lol.
I will be rereading them all before crowned by roses comes out though.
Huh. This is shorter than I was expecting it to be - frozen by stardust was fucking massive.
Okay, so Caspian is still partially in there, he flickers through at times. The Prince of Thorns keeps her at arms length (because Caspian’s awareness stirs more when she’s around?), and Sira seems to be waiting for something to happen.
It’s very Hades and Persephone - the Prince of Thorns having taken the fair maiden connected to flowers into the depths of the underworld, to a world of crystals and gemstones, where no light shines and no flowers grow.
Of course Rosalina manages to make friends with a goblin. She’s charmed Heidi as much as she did Astrid and Marigold. And I like how it gives more depths to the goblins than just being minions of the below.
She’s free!! Of course, it took the Prince of Thorns nearly killing Dayton… after he’d been mind controlled into handing over the reforged rose to him… but she’s free!
I love George, he’s great. He’s genuinely one of my favourite characters.
The love/hate confrontation and sex between Rosalina and the Prince of Thorns was hot and heavy, lol.
Well, shit. Farron attempted to wage war on the briar with only the armies of autumn, and it went very badly wrong… His soldiers trapped by flames, and briars, and goblins; and then the Prince of Thorns arrived and in attempting to resurrect his army using the green flame, Farron gave the Below another undead army to wield… Then everything went further to hell when Kel arrived, and he was pulled down into the Below by the Prince of Thorns.
But Farron and Dayton have reunited. And Farron is finally breaking down, weeping not only for the lives of his soldiers and for Dayton, but also his own.
Yay! Ezryn is officially High Prince of Spring once more.
Ohh okay. There’s the meaning of the title. Sira is using her magic, her shadows, to steal memories from her citizens, feeding them to the Baron as some kind of tether. Like Heidi’s love of the bloomies, and Rosalina’s memory of her wedding.
Of course it was the combination of Rosie and Kel that broke Caspian free from the power of the green flame. His chaining and collaring of Keldarion, and then accidental hurting of Rosie allowed him to shove it back into the box it came from.
I won’t lie, the scene from the artwork they already released, of the Prince of Thorns collaring Keldarion was hot, lol.
And now they’re scheming together to steal back the rose, with the other princes, George, and the twins making their way into the Below to break them out.
Welp. I guess that was the NSFW art that they had as the preorder bonus. Holy shit. Again, it puts ACOTAR to shame (chapter 44).
The exhibitionism, the scheming, the knowledge of being the distraction, that they’re going to destroy all of the revellers, Kel watching from above… oof.
Oh my god, it carried on. Them using the bargain to pass her between them, between throne and cage. All eyes on them.
Is this what the others are going to walk in on?
Oh no… I can’t believe Billy is dead…
Billy wanted to stay and release those trapped in the menagerie when they found out that Kel had been moved elsewhere. They did, and then they were attacked by Farron’s reanimated soldiers, and he fell over the edge of the cliff by Kel’s cage. It was an act of love and compassion that ended in tragedy.
But as he lay dying, Farron was able to send his spirit and the remnants of his soldiers back to through the winds of the autumn realm, and on to wherever they’ll take them…
He’s finally realised that he can’t save everyone, regardless of whatever power might be offered to him. Death comes for everybody eventually… It was a revelation he needed to come to, I just wish it hadn’t been like this…
This is not how I wanted them all to be reunited.
Them getting a magical girl transformation scene in the middle of a fight to the death is so fucking funny, lol.
If they permanently kill Dayton, I will never forgive them. Fuck him going in peace if they win this fight. Absolutely not.
Finally. Caspian has become one with the power of the green flame that runs through his veins. His shadows, his briars, and his flames, writhing and weaving together.
Oh, thank fucking god. Rosalina was able to tie Dayton’s life force to her and Farron’s. And I fucking knew that Farron and Dayton were mates.
I love that Anya and George are finally, properly, reunited again. Able to hold each other, able to be with each other again.
And that they’ve finally all returned to Castletree! We haven’t been there since before they went to the Summer realm. A Castletree where the princes and staff are finally free from the curse, for the first time in over 25 years.
I’m still not convinced that Caspian and Keldarion aren’t mates too.
Is that the end of the Baron then? His tether to the Enchanted Vale broken? Or does Sira have another way of bringing him through?
Chapter 67 onwards. What a delight. Brings back memories of a sauna.
Ahh. So that’s where Wrenley disappeared to. Another rose bush bloomed in the briar, and Wrenley escaped to the human world, to Orca Cove, through it. Hiding in the remnants of Rosalina and George’s life, in their cottage. Entombed in guilt, and anger, and grief, and self-hatred. I really do hope that she’s able to find happiness.
Ah shit. Was the rose they rescued a fake, one of Sira’s illusions, the entire time? Cause when they stole it back, I don’t think they ever opened the jar it was being contained in…
I knew things were going far too well.
Oh fuck. Anya is still bound with her bargain by her bargain with Sira, and she’s just forced her to turn Caspian human. He begged for it for years, so as to be free of the green flame, to be able to live on the surface, but he’s just come to accept each part of himself… And his briars are the only thing that is keeping Castletree standing, since Anya is still so weak. It’s going to come crashing down.
Ohhhh. Well spotted Rosie. A human cannot make a bargain with a fae. And Sira never specified who she wanted Anya to make human, so she was able to turn her magic on herself.
Although I am quite sad that the bargain between Caspian and Keldarion broke - not because they didn’t love each other anymore, but because Cas is now human.
Oh, phew. So he’s not entirely human, just significantly weakened - the bargain, and his thorns fading away. But I wonder what will still be left??
Okay, so Rosalina could save Castletree! She’s held up and reinforced parts of it before. Also, now would be a really good time for Wrenley to show up again as well, with her own briars.
There’s nothing like an army of mind-controlled creatures from the Below and a castle in the midst of falling down to really amp up the tension.
Oh this is very not good. If Castletree falls, so does George, and what happens when the source of the magic in the Vale dies? And the roses are currently losing all magic, and with them, so do the princes…
You’re really going to give Farron all of the trauma surrounding libraries aren’t you? Him not able to save Castletree’s like he was unable to save the Great Scriptorium in Autumn.
Nice timing Wrenley!
Well shit, so Wrenley’s briars are gone as well…
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Wrenley told Rosalina that she’d always dreamed of the father she never knew swooping in like a hero to save her from the Below, and that never happened. And now that they’ve properly met for the first time, with him knowing that she’s his daughter, he’s done just that. Leaped in front of the arrow aimed at her back, and taken it through the heart…
He spent so much of his life searching for Anya, knowing that she hadn’t just left in the very essence of his being, and now that they’ve finally been reunited, he’s been snatched away…
Anya’s bargain with Sira, to find out how to extend his life was about immortality, not invulnerability. Time couldn’t kill him, but a mortal wound still could.
Oh. The underfae let them go? Faking their escape attempt in the briar. A release and a warning all at the same time. Because of one simple kindness, a hand reaching out in the dark, showing empathy to an enemy. A little healing balm and a winged lion loaned for comfort.
And so it’s back to Orca Cove. The one place that Sira won’t care to look for them. Because nowhere in the Enchanted Vale is safe anymore now that Castletree is destroyed and the magic of the Vale is draining away…
Rosalina still has the roses, they just need a new place to take root. But until then, the princes are without magic, with only Caspian’s weakened shadows and flame remaining to them. And now they don’t even have their tokens, or presumably the weapons and armour contained within them. But maybe Justus can find something to do with them.
Awww. Despite his own grief, it’s Caspian that has taken the other’s despair, and grief, and desolation upon his shoulders. He’s known so much pain, known staggering through to make it to the other side. He’s going to help guide the other’s through theirs, to help them find hope again.
Oop. Sira’s going to end up with a rebellion on her hands if even her closest allies are starting to turn against her.
This ending is fucking BLEAK. Holy shit. What a place to end it.
And now I have to wait until October for the conclusion to this honestly, epic, series. Dammit.
My thoughts whilst reading:
I am so thrilled this arrived three days before publication day - I’ve just sped read through the last 100 pages of my book (a reread) so that I can start it, lol.
I was gonna reread frozen by stardust before this arrived, but now I’ve got my hands on it, that will not be happening, lol.
I will be rereading them all before crowned by roses comes out though.
Huh. This is shorter than I was expecting it to be - frozen by stardust was fucking massive.
Okay, so Caspian is still partially in there, he flickers through at times. The Prince of Thorns keeps her at arms length (because Caspian’s awareness stirs more when she’s around?), and Sira seems to be waiting for something to happen.
It’s very Hades and Persephone - the Prince of Thorns having taken the fair maiden connected to flowers into the depths of the underworld, to a world of crystals and gemstones, where no light shines and no flowers grow.
Of course Rosalina manages to make friends with a goblin. She’s charmed Heidi as much as she did Astrid and Marigold. And I like how it gives more depths to the goblins than just being minions of the below.
She’s free!! Of course, it took the Prince of Thorns nearly killing Dayton… after he’d been mind controlled into handing over the reforged rose to him… but she’s free!
I love George, he’s great. He’s genuinely one of my favourite characters.
The love/hate confrontation and sex between Rosalina and the Prince of Thorns was hot and heavy, lol.
Well, shit. Farron attempted to wage war on the briar with only the armies of autumn, and it went very badly wrong… His soldiers trapped by flames, and briars, and goblins; and then the Prince of Thorns arrived and in attempting to resurrect his army using the green flame, Farron gave the Below another undead army to wield… Then everything went further to hell when Kel arrived, and he was pulled down into the Below by the Prince of Thorns.
But Farron and Dayton have reunited. And Farron is finally breaking down, weeping not only for the lives of his soldiers and for Dayton, but also his own.
Yay! Ezryn is officially High Prince of Spring once more.
Ohh okay. There’s the meaning of the title. Sira is using her magic, her shadows, to steal memories from her citizens, feeding them to the Baron as some kind of tether. Like Heidi’s love of the bloomies, and Rosalina’s memory of her wedding.
Of course it was the combination of Rosie and Kel that broke Caspian free from the power of the green flame. His chaining and collaring of Keldarion, and then accidental hurting of Rosie allowed him to shove it back into the box it came from.
I won’t lie, the scene from the artwork they already released, of the Prince of Thorns collaring Keldarion was hot, lol.
And now they’re scheming together to steal back the rose, with the other princes, George, and the twins making their way into the Below to break them out.
Welp. I guess that was the NSFW art that they had as the preorder bonus. Holy shit. Again, it puts ACOTAR to shame (chapter 44).
The exhibitionism, the scheming, the knowledge of being the distraction, that they’re going to destroy all of the revellers, Kel watching from above… oof.
Oh my god, it carried on. Them using the bargain to pass her between them, between throne and cage. All eyes on them.
Is this what the others are going to walk in on?
Oh no… I can’t believe Billy is dead…
Billy wanted to stay and release those trapped in the menagerie when they found out that Kel had been moved elsewhere. They did, and then they were attacked by Farron’s reanimated soldiers, and he fell over the edge of the cliff by Kel’s cage. It was an act of love and compassion that ended in tragedy.
But as he lay dying, Farron was able to send his spirit and the remnants of his soldiers back to through the winds of the autumn realm, and on to wherever they’ll take them…
He’s finally realised that he can’t save everyone, regardless of whatever power might be offered to him. Death comes for everybody eventually… It was a revelation he needed to come to, I just wish it hadn’t been like this…
This is not how I wanted them all to be reunited.
Them getting a magical girl transformation scene in the middle of a fight to the death is so fucking funny, lol.
If they permanently kill Dayton, I will never forgive them. Fuck him going in peace if they win this fight. Absolutely not.
Finally. Caspian has become one with the power of the green flame that runs through his veins. His shadows, his briars, and his flames, writhing and weaving together.
Oh, thank fucking god. Rosalina was able to tie Dayton’s life force to her and Farron’s. And I fucking knew that Farron and Dayton were mates.
I love that Anya and George are finally, properly, reunited again. Able to hold each other, able to be with each other again.
And that they’ve finally all returned to Castletree! We haven’t been there since before they went to the Summer realm. A Castletree where the princes and staff are finally free from the curse, for the first time in over 25 years.
I’m still not convinced that Caspian and Keldarion aren’t mates too.
Is that the end of the Baron then? His tether to the Enchanted Vale broken? Or does Sira have another way of bringing him through?
Chapter 67 onwards. What a delight. Brings back memories of a sauna.
Ahh. So that’s where Wrenley disappeared to. Another rose bush bloomed in the briar, and Wrenley escaped to the human world, to Orca Cove, through it. Hiding in the remnants of Rosalina and George’s life, in their cottage. Entombed in guilt, and anger, and grief, and self-hatred. I really do hope that she’s able to find happiness.
Ah shit. Was the rose they rescued a fake, one of Sira’s illusions, the entire time? Cause when they stole it back, I don’t think they ever opened the jar it was being contained in…
I knew things were going far too well.
Oh fuck. Anya is still bound with her bargain by her bargain with Sira, and she’s just forced her to turn Caspian human. He begged for it for years, so as to be free of the green flame, to be able to live on the surface, but he’s just come to accept each part of himself… And his briars are the only thing that is keeping Castletree standing, since Anya is still so weak. It’s going to come crashing down.
Ohhhh. Well spotted Rosie. A human cannot make a bargain with a fae. And Sira never specified who she wanted Anya to make human, so she was able to turn her magic on herself.
Although I am quite sad that the bargain between Caspian and Keldarion broke - not because they didn’t love each other anymore, but because Cas is now human.
Oh, phew. So he’s not entirely human, just significantly weakened - the bargain, and his thorns fading away. But I wonder what will still be left??
Okay, so Rosalina could save Castletree! She’s held up and reinforced parts of it before. Also, now would be a really good time for Wrenley to show up again as well, with her own briars.
There’s nothing like an army of mind-controlled creatures from the Below and a castle in the midst of falling down to really amp up the tension.
Oh this is very not good. If Castletree falls, so does George, and what happens when the source of the magic in the Vale dies? And the roses are currently losing all magic, and with them, so do the princes…
You’re really going to give Farron all of the trauma surrounding libraries aren’t you? Him not able to save Castletree’s like he was unable to save the Great Scriptorium in Autumn.
Nice timing Wrenley!
Well shit, so Wrenley’s briars are gone as well…
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck.
Wrenley told Rosalina that she’d always dreamed of the father she never knew swooping in like a hero to save her from the Below, and that never happened. And now that they’ve properly met for the first time, with him knowing that she’s his daughter, he’s done just that. Leaped in front of the arrow aimed at her back, and taken it through the heart…
He spent so much of his life searching for Anya, knowing that she hadn’t just left in the very essence of his being, and now that they’ve finally been reunited, he’s been snatched away…
Anya’s bargain with Sira, to find out how to extend his life was about immortality, not invulnerability. Time couldn’t kill him, but a mortal wound still could.
Oh. The underfae let them go? Faking their escape attempt in the briar. A release and a warning all at the same time. Because of one simple kindness, a hand reaching out in the dark, showing empathy to an enemy. A little healing balm and a winged lion loaned for comfort.
And so it’s back to Orca Cove. The one place that Sira won’t care to look for them. Because nowhere in the Enchanted Vale is safe anymore now that Castletree is destroyed and the magic of the Vale is draining away…
Rosalina still has the roses, they just need a new place to take root. But until then, the princes are without magic, with only Caspian’s weakened shadows and flame remaining to them. And now they don’t even have their tokens, or presumably the weapons and armour contained within them. But maybe Justus can find something to do with them.
Awww. Despite his own grief, it’s Caspian that has taken the other’s despair, and grief, and desolation upon his shoulders. He’s known so much pain, known staggering through to make it to the other side. He’s going to help guide the other’s through theirs, to help them find hope again.
Oop. Sira’s going to end up with a rebellion on her hands if even her closest allies are starting to turn against her.
This ending is fucking BLEAK. Holy shit. What a place to end it.
And now I have to wait until October for the conclusion to this honestly, epic, series. Dammit.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2026
Oooof this book was definitely the most exciting so far and has officially pulled this series out of the "silly smutty fun" category into a genuinely riveting read that had my heart in my throat going NO SURELY NOT multiple times. There was definitely WAY less smut in this one than the previous books but I think that's fine given that there is a lot of very serious PLOT going on that kept everyone kinda busy. There were some genuinely emotional moments in this, I did ACTUALLY CRY at one point which like, insane. The last few chapters had me freaking out, I did not expect things to go so far and that was definitely something I didn't see coming.
I definitely guessed a few of the plot twists .
I enjoyed Caspian's arc - I think most of his real *growth* was in the last book so this was really just about pulling his shit together that last little bit, and I was glad to get to see everyone finally pull together - teamwork makes the dream work boys! And the group dynamics are so good, I would just have liked to see them together a bit more often throughout the book. Nothing works as well when everyone is apart, though from a writing standpoint I can appreciate it's probably easier for the authors.
As far as negatives, I do feel like the bad-guy bait and switch was a little . . . mmmn I don't know. Wasn't quite it for me. There was a lot of build up and it didn't feel like there was a satisfying conclusion to that arc. I thought the pacing was generally good but the first third was maybe a little slow, especially I think because Caspian isn't himself. Though with that said, the whole set up definitely got pulling on the heart strings and because the Kel/Cas relationship KILLS ME. However, on that note, I would have liked to have more Kel POV in the first part of the book, to let us see how he is feeling/ suffering/struggling with Cas being lost. Rosie's chapters are potent but they needed to be mixed in with more of what the rest of them were doing during that time.
Overall, I was literally chewing my nails this whole book, so it is definitely up there with book 5 as far as my enjoyment goes. The further I get through this series the less I'm able to dismiss them as silly, fun smut reads and the more I am having to really appreciate them as genuinely good fantasy books. So good on the authors for the development!
I definitely guessed a few of the plot twists .
I enjoyed Caspian's arc - I think most of his real *growth* was in the last book so this was really just about pulling his shit together that last little bit, and I was glad to get to see everyone finally pull together - teamwork makes the dream work boys! And the group dynamics are so good, I would just have liked to see them together a bit more often throughout the book. Nothing works as well when everyone is apart, though from a writing standpoint I can appreciate it's probably easier for the authors.
As far as negatives, I do feel like the bad-guy bait and switch was a little . . . mmmn I don't know. Wasn't quite it for me. There was a lot of build up and it didn't feel like there was a satisfying conclusion to that arc. I thought the pacing was generally good but the first third was maybe a little slow, especially I think because Caspian isn't himself. Though with that said, the whole set up definitely got pulling on the heart strings and because the Kel/Cas relationship KILLS ME. However, on that note, I would have liked to have more Kel POV in the first part of the book, to let us see how he is feeling/ suffering/struggling with Cas being lost. Rosie's chapters are potent but they needed to be mixed in with more of what the rest of them were doing during that time.
Overall, I was literally chewing my nails this whole book, so it is definitely up there with book 5 as far as my enjoyment goes. The further I get through this series the less I'm able to dismiss them as silly, fun smut reads and the more I am having to really appreciate them as genuinely good fantasy books. So good on the authors for the development!
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