Tarnished Illusions

Ashryn Barker #3

by Laura Greenwood

Can the past ever stay dead?

I've escaped the hunters guild twice. Which begs the question why I'm going back now.

At least this time I have my vampires with me. The men who are proving to be more than just allies.

My name is Ashryn Barker and I'm going to be your downfall.

Tarnished Illusions is a paranormal reverse harem and the final installment of the completed Ashryn Barker trilogy. Please be aware that some scenes may trigger readers sensitive to violence.

Genres: Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2018

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

The third and final book in the Ashryn Barker trilogy and what an explosive ending it is too. This book s the final showdown between the hunters guild and the vampires as Ashryn tries to make all things right between the two worlds. She really kicks some butt by this point. There are still some nice surprises thrown into the mix to keep the story fresh and I can admit that I am a little sad that the series is now over but I can always read it again when I want to. Great for vampire fans. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

The trilogy has always had an incomplete feeling. It’s never really made an impression on me. Overall I wouldn’t recommend it.

[Avid · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this novel. While the previous two were merely annoying in their incompleteness, this novel made me want to throw things. There's no change in the poor illustration of the characters. That continues here. There's no change in the poor editing. So many errors here. There's no change in the illustration of the romance. It's still as vague and questionable as before. But where this novel really enraged me was in its attempt to utilize and illustrate covert missions. There's narration about "setting up the guild" but readers never learn what the setup was or how it was accomplished. Literally, the only words the reader gets is "set up the guild."

The inconsistencies between the narration and what's already been resolved reach a zenith here and reveal the complete and utter lack of worldbuilding. What are the parameters of the vampire world? What does it mean to be a vampire? Alive, undead? That's resolved, and yet the main character is STILL wondering??? We learn about holy water, and the main character doesn't believe in God. Um, ok, then why does holy water have an effect?! How does the main character resolve that disagreement in her head? Has she even thought about it? When it comes to her special gift, readers learn nothing beyond the fact that she has it. It was established in the prior novel that the guild knew about it. So why is she still thinking the guild didn't know? Why is it a shock that Ravi learned it from her file? Why does Ravi's blood not heal her? What is he doing while she is taking her sweet time undoing all her bindings?


There's so much personal relationship conversation while the characters are supposed to be about their mission - IN THE GUILD COMPOUND - that it's as if they were merely taking a stroll through the back garden. At one point the main character says to herself "I really should stop letting myself get distracted by men." And Eric says at one point, "I guess we'd better get on with it." You think?! Ridiculous. And at the end, there are so many assumptions made by these "professionals" that I can't even decide where to begin. Is this the only guild compound? Why does destroying the building, but not the people, make ANY difference? The people can just regroup somewhere else. While the main character has been having personal conversations, the commander is not being killed, and so when the bombs begin to go off, they decide - in a very long-winded discussion, i might add - to just leave him. The whole purpose of the mission was to kill him. So they debate whether to do it for so long that they don't??!! How do they know he doesn't have a secret exit from his underground panic room? How do they know he's dead? Why didn't they even think about security cameras??? Why does no one bring a gun? What happened to her throwing stars? Assumptions left and right here. These people have no business being involved in any covert mission. I have no tactical training and even I can run this show better.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK ending
Ashryn has a plan on taking down the Hunter's Guild. It take a little convincing to get her men on board. She knows the hunters and the layout of the guild building, and her plan is solid. Ashryn wants to avoid killing anyone, the hunters are victims of how they were raised, they deserve a second chance.
Ashryn is more of a cocky smart aleck, than a badass, and while she is highly skilled, she lacks confidence and is easily distracted. So came as no surprise that she is captured, since she was to busy flirting then following her own plan. She manages to escape. They succeed in their mission and rescue the two sociopath hunter on their way out. I really had to say why. The ending is pretty rushed. She decides to stay with her four vampires, they are happy and that is pretty much the end.
Over all the series was good. Give it 3 stars. Ashryn is an annoying but fun character. Her vampire boyfriends are a little underdeveloped. Bram being the exception since she spent practically the whole second book with him. The Series started out promising, the end just felt rushed.

[SJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awwwwww! So sad this trilogy is concluded, this is the third and final Ashryn Barker story in the series and I am so sad to see it end. This has been a brilliant trilogy, well written and packed full of excitement and drama, the story really ended in a high and I am excited to see what this writer comes up with next

[Nathalie Bookwurm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tarnished Illusions is a character-driven romantic fantasy about secrets, shattered facades, and emotional growth. As hidden truths surface, trust and relationships are tested, leading to a slow-burn romance filled with tension and vulnerability. Dark, introspective, and beautifully written, it’s a compelling story about truth, redemption, and learning to be seen.

[Sue Wallace]

Tarnished Illusions by Laura Greenwood.
This was a fantastic read with great characters. I didn't like Ravi though. Even though I didn't want it to end I loved how it ended. Perfect. 5*.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vampire hunter turned vampire; hunter now become the hunted.

This is a exhilarating read where not only Ashryn not only connects and understands her men more but finishes what was started a long time ago.

The only thing that confused me and was not explained well, was the possibility for children. Statement from this book and book one contradict itself and/or was not explained fully.

I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an unbiased , honest review.

[Catherine Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tarnished Illusions
(Ashryn Barker Trilogy book 3)
By Laura Greenwood
A former vampire hunter, now she is a vampire on a mission with plans on taking down the Hunter's Guild. Her plan is solid for destroying the Hunter's Guild, and this time she on the right side; not wanting to kill anyone. Succeeding in their mission; while rescuing the two-sociopath hunter, on their way out; an unusual vampire world that seems very sexy and interesting!
She is a fun character to read; but, she is an annoying, more of a haughty smart aleck, than a badass. She knows the hunters and the layout of the building; but, she does not strike me as the type to just sit around doing nothing. Her vampire boyfriends are a little underdeveloped, compared to hers. The hunters are victims of how they were raised; orphaned children brought to the guild, brainwashed, trained to fight and forced to kill with no rules.
The Series started out promising, this is the third and final book in the series; a thrilling episode, that did something that I never expected. I enjoyed the characteristic a lot; though it leaves the door open, and it could have gone on to a fourth book with all the unresolved issues. I have grown to like this series and the characters quite a bit; learning more about the characters and their world, helps to immerse the reader in the story. The series has one continuing arc that has changed over the course of the trilogy, that reflects new information and changes in their relationships. I love adventure, especially those involving romance; which, Greenwood has delivered once again; which I didn't think would happen after book one.
I'd highly recommend this series to all fans of vampire and vampire hunter fiction, and for this series to be read in order, as each book starts where the last ended. I found it to be an easy to read, fast paced book and makes for a brilliant third book in the series; though the final book does disappoint, at the ending is rushed. Over all the series was good and I give it 3 stars. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my HONEST review based solely on my own opinions

[Da'ad · Rating 1 out of 5]

The trilogy was mostly fun, although in this last book, I couldn't stand the heroine or the bullshit message the book was sending. She was horrifyingly wishy washy and shockingly lacking in tactical knowledge about where she lived all her life... The book just didn't feel consistent to me in character. It was frustrating on pretty much all accounts.
(spoiler ahead)
She had to save the serial rapist?? She worried about him? They hoped he'd get reformed? Jeez. Let the f***er die, it's the least he deserves. Same for his enabling girlfriend who she just 'had' to save as well while almost getting them all killed. This from a long time killer... Yeah. I sound hateful but if you were, or know a loved one who was raped you'd get what an atrocity that is. And a serial rapist? Nope.
Letting rapists get away with it is like saying what they did isn't so bad. It's unforgivable! Maybe the author knows a rapist personally or something and identified with him, maybe she just picked a random atrocity to get her (bad) point across. Maybe the person she knows had an excuse (unlikely). This guy doesn't. Pissed me off, the message this book was sending. 'Save the monsters, even they deserve a chance'. People do deserve a second chance, even a fifth, but not a one hundredth. And it didn't matter how he was raised either, a person who consistently does this and enjoys it is beyond any chances. She looked into his eyes and saw absolutely nothing if that was her reaction. Or she is an airhead. I vote both.
Oh and the guys were cardboard cutouts in the background of her wishy washiness. I especially loved that one who sent her to off to get tortured, no sweat :{ seriously?

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Juvenile and confusing

This series was very remedial in both its story and its writing. The author’s dialogues between characters made no sense most of the time. Bran’s reason for “ignoring” her made no sense. Oh, but at least she is “going out” with Remus now....wait, what? When did that happen, sarcasm intended. And suddenly since they have all kissed her, they talk about it and decided it’s ok and they all want to share her? That is another huge jump in logic. Their are also major inconsistencies. In the first book Ashryn thinks she has never used holy water on a vampire before and she is not sure it will work. In the next two book Ashryn makes it clear several times that she is well versed in the use of holy water. Another huge inconsistency is in the first book, Demtri tells her how the guild killed a child. He proceeds to explain that vampires can have children and 80% of vampires are born not made. Then in this book suddenly Ashryn is crying about how she can’t have kids. If it was meant to imply that Demtri was lying, it didn’t explain that at all. There are many other reasons I did not like these books, but if I make this any longer no one will read it. 😉

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

vampire hunters are made - orphaned kids brought to the guild, trained to fight and taught nothing but the vampires are evil.

but for centuries, concords have been in place. except for rogues, vampires are born, and otherwise only made in case of severe injury.

but the commander goes after all vampires, even the children. no rules, no compulsions, and no non human hunters or hunters with special gifts allowed - if a human life is at stake, stake the vamp then look to the human.

little compassion, and levels upon levels of abuse.

Ashryn and her men face the guild, even though she has been caught and kept - and tortured - twice.

in the end, destroying the guild entirely is their goal. what to do with the hunters remaining, a challenge.

can they end it, and find a new beginning, without bogeymen who hunt?

an unusual vampire world that seems very sexy and interesting!

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

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review copy kindly provided by the author in exchange for a honest review
The final book in the series does disappoint, give these are fast action paced books. I wanted to know who she would end up with as I had an inkling on a certain character . The series has one continuing arc that has changed and over the course of the book to reflect new information and changing relationships. So I was more than ready for my mind to be blown away as I wanted some action of a different kind.
As much I love my adventure action, I need to seem physical action and whilst Greenwood delivered once again on her terms. I did find my wants being satisfied interestingly enough on a level that I didn’t expect. Greenwood actually did something with this series that I never expected and I enjoyed that aspect a lot. For terms of story and Ashryn getting a conclusion, the story ends on a note that I feel everyone will be happy with. Whilst it leaves the door open, I hope. Ashryn has found her place and my mind wonders to all the possibilities happening right now




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[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the series. As mentioned in my previous reviews, I highly recommend that this series be read in order as each book starts where the last ended.

I have grown to like this series and the characters quite a bit, something which I didn't think would happen after book one. But the writing remained good and got better, while learning more about the characters and their world helped immerse me in the story. I found it fast paced and easy to read, which I consider a good combination.

The ending was also very good and, while it might be frustrating to some, I liked the open ended nature of it. We resolved the main conflict, but left lots of unanswered questions, which is like real life. Didn't expect that in a fantasy story, did we?

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Brianna Belbin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great conclusion to the series! Ashryn and her men set out to take down the Hunter’s Guild once and for all. I really enjoyed the the parts leading up to the action scenes and the action scenes themselves. Everything about the Hunter’s Guild is revealed in this book which gives some shocking information. I feel like Ashryn has grown up so much from the first book while staying true to herself and I loved the journey that she went through. The series did end on an open note and I would love if there could be a spin off or continuation later on!
Once again Charlotte did an amazing narration! She kept me hooked from the start and really brought the story to life.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
@AudiobookObsession

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashryn Barker, former vampire hunter, now a vampire. Now she plans to destroy the Hunter's Guild once and for all so that no other child is brainwashed and forced to kill like Ashryn. She won't be alone either. Her four vampires will be with her during the mission and afterward if things go right! Life as a vampire is more than she could have ever expected.

Tarnished Illusions is the conclusion of the Ashryn Barker trilogy. Ashryn fully comes into her own as a vampire and as a woman. She still has her love for her weapon of choice, her sai but now she wants something much more. Someone(s) to be exact. She's on a mission, this time on the right side but she also takes time to connect with her men and make things clear and maybe sneak in a kiss or two. Wonderful ending.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third and final Ashryn Barker book is a thrilling episode, though I do feel they could've done a fourth book with all the unresolved questions - eg did they really kill the guild master, what happened with the other vampires and hunters, what will they do with the two captured ones, what will happen between Ashryn and 'her' men, what will Ashryn do next (she doesn't strike me as the type to just sit around doing nothing!)...? However, that aside, it's a good read and makes for a brilliant third book in the series. I'd definitely highly recommend this series to all fans of vampire and vampire hunter fiction, especially those involving romance.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashryn Barker was a vampire hunter, until something went very wrong and she became the thing she used to hunt. Now she’s on a mission to destroy the Vampire Hunter’s Guild while not killing anyone in the process. She is also learning more about the members of her vampire team of Remus, Bram, Eric and Dimitri.

It seems people either like Ashryn’s snarky attitude or want to punch her for being that way. I’m on the side that likes the humor and it continues to be a fun, enjoyable read for me. The characters are likable, the twists and turns keep things exciting, and the reader will still find some surprises along the way! I’m not a fan of the torture scene, however, despite being warned by the author. Don’t miss this final book in the series!

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sorry this is the end of Ashryn Barker's story. Vampire hunter turned vampire. Ashryn has adapted extremely well considering. I love this world and the fascinating history of the Hunters Guild and how it went wrong. Ashryn and her four vampires are going to take them down or die trying. Her strength in the extreme situation is admirable. I also loved how they were on a serious mission but still managed to have a couple of private moments. Exciting end to a fast-paced unexpected romance. Laura Greenwood writes fantastic fantasy books and I highly recommend checking out this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Ketty · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Vampires vs Hunters
- Why Choose/Reverse Harem
- Mentions of SA (not done by or to a main character, off-page)
- Torture (On-page)

Spice Level: 🌶

The thrilling conclusion. The great plan to end the Guild once and for all is in full motion. Ashryn will stop them even if it kills her.

I was torn on a rating for this one and really I think the ending solidified the four vs five for me. It felt...rushed sort of? Or maybe abrupt. But also....WHY THE HELL DID THEY HAVE TK RISK THEIR LIVES FOR A KNIFE LAST BOOK?! It was not mentioned. Or explained. Or anything. I think there could have been more flushed out...but it was a quick fast-paced and nice closed-door/implied romance with not as much focus on the romance and more the vampires.

Needed more time with the men. More tension and romance. But that's a personal preference. I was expecting more given its Reverse Harem status. Overall I still liked it. Remus is Bae.

[Linda (ellsky) Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

An ok finale to this trilogy. Things seemed to get tidied up a little too easily at the end, and I found it hard to believe that the whole guild of vampire hunters would just stop wanting to hunt vampires (which they had been indoctrinated since childhood to want to do), just because their commander fell. The reverse-harem situation also felt a bit forced and each relationship didn't really have enough time to get me invested in it. Not a favorite, but there are many other series by this wonderful author that I do love.

[Courtney Borgstedt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending to this trilogy

Ashryn is a vampire who used to a vampire hunter. Yep, pretty confusing right? What’s more confusing than this? Finding out a vampire created the hunters guild. Now it’s up to Ashryn and her four guys to bring the corrupt group down. No problem right?

Laura Greenwood packed some definite turns into this book, and made Ashryn work for her happy ending. Loved it!

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashryn and her friends set out to destroy the Guild of Hunters and their commander - but some things never go to plan. Will they all survive? And will they succeed in their mission? What will happen to Ashryn now that she is a vampire? The only life she has ever known has been with the guild. An awesome finish to this great trilogy - I love Laura's work!

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

[Lynall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good continuation to the series- Ashryn is finding her place in her new reality, and falling for her vampire protectors. It is sort of a soft reverse harem because there is only some mild kisses among all the action, with hints of more to come. There is no explicit s*x, or ménage . The story is good, the writing is entertaining and the characters are interesting.

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

[Mrs R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, it has a good ending for Ashryn. I did get extremely frustrated with all the internal monologues Ashryn seemed to have, even more so when she was in the middle of a mission. I quite happily scan read most of them just to get to the action parts. Far too many.
Ashryn went from a stone-hearted hunter to a soft-hearted vampire determined to free the guild.
The overall story was good.

[Mom2three · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough wonderful things about this series, and this book is no different. The adventure and action continued to the very end and there were no loose strings. I loved reading about Ashryn and Barker and I loved that the ending left the possibility of more stories in the future (PLEASE!). The ending was perfect, though, and everything I could have hoped for.

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dissapointing. It's like being offered chocolate but finding out it's just a weird stuff that looks like it. The reverse harem was a juke here. The information we learned in 'book' 1 and 2 got reversed or simply forgotten. I can't believe that could happen with how little information we were given in the first place.

[Renée · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashryn, Dimitri, Remus, Bram and Eric are on a mission to take out the Hunters Guild in this fantastic conclusion to Ashryn Barker’s story.
I highly recommend this paranormal reverse harem series, and I hope there’s more adventures of Ashryn and her vampires to come in the future.
Note: there’s a little bit of a trigger warning on this one.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She had escaped the guild twice already so why is she going back. This time she has her vampires with her and their worth. Why is she going back? Is she about to put a stop to it all? See what she is about to do

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

[Agata Jędrzejewska · Rating 4 out of 5]

They have a plan, as perfect as possible. But even it is crumbling in pieces. Ashryn is strong, stronger than anyone thought. She is special. And she is finally found her place. And the men to share it with. And the perfect solution to finish all her past was., saving as many as possible on the way. It was great ending.