Freedom from tyranny comes with a cost.No one could have prepared Sage and Tehl for the ruin the Warlord would wreak on the world to get to Aermia. Sage thought she knew how to play his deadly games, but his warped crimes prove she’s out of her depth. To dethrone the demon, she enlists the help of her former enemies.A spy with ulterior motives.A monarch known for wicked crimes.A traitor with ties to a dark, twisted past.A Sirenidae intent on gaining her freedom.A dragon thirsty for vengeance.Five unlikely allies. One impossible battle. Uniting the kingdoms against the monster that plagues them might be the only thing that stands between the world and complete destruction.Spy’s Mask by Frost Kay returns the breathtaking world of Aermia in this pulse pounding enemies - to - lovers dark fantasy that’s perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black. One click to read now!
USA Today Bestselling Author Frost Kay is a certified book dragon with an excessive TBR, and a shoe obsession. If you love bewitching fantasy and sci-fi, epic adventures, dark promises, thrilling action, swoon worthy anti heroes, and slow burning romance; her books are for you!
She claims ownership to the bestselling young adult series The Aermian Feuds packed with adventure, secrets, and betrayal.
Fans of Frost Kay love her epic and science fiction teen titles for their "witty banter and exquisitely crafted sentences (that) never leave you bored or wanting," and "find the writing on par with Queen (Sarah J.) Maas and Elise Kova."
Oh my I didn't think I'd make it! The first half was such a drag. I can see why it was important to introduce a new character in the second last book but doesn't mean I had to enjoy it. I couldn't wait to get back to POVs of characters I've come to love. There was no progress on the war front for like 90% of the book. The story did reel me in during the second half but too little, too late. I want to see how this ends but this series could have been awesome. It's a pity it stayed at mediocre.
I am going to be giving a review of this entire series. First of all, let me say that I read all the books. I don’t know why, but how bad they were kept me entertained. I cringed so many times at the author’s horrible writing and crappy dialogue, but I continued to torture myself because I’m stupid.
So let’s start off with the plot. It’s the basic unoriginal YA fantasy that you’ll find in any book. It has the rival kingdoms with an evil warlord who has lived for hundreds of years. You have a kingdom in need of help, a rebellion, and a few other kingdoms. Sure, some parts of this plot are interesting but they are overall completely and utterly unoriginal. So many tropes are repeated over and over and over. In the first book, we deal with Sage almost getting raped and dealing with trauma after and nightmares. Not only is this poorly executed and does a horrible job of showing what a victim goes through, the author decides to repeat this exact same plot device in the third book where Sage is almost raped AND has nightmares. The author uses this to strengthen the bond between Tehl (love interest) when he cares for Sage during her nightmares. Like ok, I kind of get it. But also if you have no knowledge on how to explain the trauma a rape victim goes thorough, DONT write about it continuously. I’m pretty sure the author has a rape fetish.
The romance in this book is complete shit. Every single person in this book is a sexist ass. The two main leads meet and the guy threatens to “rape” her. Literally no joke. But obviously he only does this with good intentions at heart and doesn’t mean any offense. The entire book seems like some weird kinky and fetishy mix up. It seems like a fourteen year old girl wrote some fanfic or whatever. Also, let’s not forget how all the main female characters are “not like other girl.” They are so “different” and “unique.” All other woman fall into one single category but NOT these special snowflakes. They are just God’s gift to mankind. Literally, the male leads always say, “Have you met another woman like so and so? Treat her with respect because she’s special,” like stfu.
Also, there are so many sexual innuendos made about every single thing. Sage (main character) climbs a wall or some shit and some prince goes, “wOw lOoK hOw fLeXibLe, I wOndeR wHat sHe cOuLd dO iN mY BEd.” And sure, you could say it’s just a part of that characters personality, but literally every male is like this. Also, for some reason every single dude feels a sort of possessiveness over Sage, who’s basically a Mary Sue. This unhealthy behavior is glorified and supposed to be “sweet” and “romantic.” Ew
Dialogue is sooo cringey and unnatural. I feel like the author has never had a real conversation with anyone, ever.
The characters are horrible. They are underdeveloped and just stupid. Sage is just a perfect, unique, different special snowflake. She’s also so beautiful and ALWAYS smells like cinnamon, even after not bathing for a month. She makes everyone gawk at her and she’s a goddess. Tehl is quiet and a good man. He’s just misunderstood and needs a girl like Sage to help fix him up. He doesn’t have time to be with woman until he meets Sage. Sam, tehl’s Brother, is a man whore. Except he’s not because he secretly uses all the woman as spies. He NEVER underestimated woman and is the epitome of a male feminist. Throughout the entire book, none of the characters develop. They don’t become better people, only a glorified version of themselves. They go through ordeals that don’t change them whatsoever because they were already perfect before. There are so many other important characters liek Jasmine, Marq, Lilija, and Jacob but I’m too lazy to go into that.
The worst part about this book which I’ve already mentioned is the authors obsession with rape. I read review about how even a skilled write couldn’t easily capture this issue, but this author just jumps right in and butchers it. That perfectly explains this. The author is an amateur and she has no idea how to talk about this. Yet it’s mentioned over twenty times. Like it’s gross.
This book was funny to read because of how horrible it was. Thanks to the author for this comedy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a bore for about 95% of the book. There some random chapters here and there that were interesting and the last few and that was it. There was basically no actual plot movement. This read more like a novella (Sam's) than a proper book. It would have worked great as Sam's novella! But most definitely not as a book. Such a disappointment and a struggle to get through.
Because here’s the real deal. I am an absolute sucker for a ladies' man falling in love trope. I know technically, that’s not the case here, but I’m still a sucker! So, while not a lot happened in this book to move the plot forward (what else is new…) I really liked the relationship development of Sam and Jas. I stopped even caring about Sage and Tehl. At this point in the series, my whole heart gets to live with Sam and Jas.
I have to admit, though, I’m tired of being sad. There is not enough happiness in this book to outweigh all of the heartbreak and trauma and death that is so rampant from book to book.
The series is really dragging for me. I was hoping for a conclusion to the whole story. I felt that book two drug a lot as well. I enjoy the characters and how diverse they are, and the different cultures. However, it seems to be a primitive world but they use a lot of modern terminology and things. Like taking a shower. Having running water in the bathroom. Having a closet and a nightstand. These types of things pull me right out of the story.
There were quite a few typos. I noted them in the highlights. It seems like this whole series could be reworked into a good three or four solid books. Cutting out the fluff, and extra passages that don’t advance the story. The whole book that was devoted to Sage’s recovery from being tossed in the dungeon and integration into the family could be cut down to three chapters and this book could probably be cut down to 6 to 8 chapters. It seems like the only thing the characters did was sit in camp the whole time while the Scythians destroyed parts of their country. Where were the scouts? Why was this a big surprise?. And you’re going to tell me that the warlord snuck into their camp with nothing but a cloak on and no one noticed? He is huge and stands head and shoulders above the rest. No one noticed a big Hulking dude in their midst?
Also, I didn’t understand where Mer was fighting. How did she get her injury? Was it from the Scythians? Or her own countrymen? Too many stories going on. I thought Dor’s story was interesting. But it was very confusing to learn of it in the middle of other things going on. I glazed over most of it to get back to the characters I knew. Although when I get back to them, it was disappointing, because they didn’t really do anything.
Some of the dialogue between the characters felt the same. Like they have the same personality and sense of humor. Sometimes it was really difficult to tell who was who based on their language patterns. Nothing really distinguished the male Aermian characters’ dialogue or thought patterns. Same with the women. I really don’t feel they were brought to life fully with their own personality and linguistic patterns.
I thought that the side stories, were much more interesting and detailed. The story of Lilja and Hayjen and the Warlord’s sister. Maybe because they were shorter they were more impactful and had less fluff.
I do like the series. I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time wading through murky to enjoy the gold nuggets. I’m not excited anymore about the next book coming out. I really want to be. I think the series could use a really good editing and it would be phenomenal. Take out the modern terminology and use of modern inventions, flavor up the characters a little with distinctive personalities and humor, edit out what does not advance the story, and correct the typos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Spy's Mask is book five in Frost Kay's Aermian Feuds series and this book hits the ground running. The Warlord is wreaking havoc wherever he goes. He is intent on claiming what it is that he wants and he doesn't care what it takes. He has his sights set on Sage and that brings danger to all who surround her. Can they manage to outwit him and bring him down so that they can restore peace to their ravaged lands? Or will he be what breaks them in the end? I have to admit that when I first started reading this book I was hooked! I loved the addition of new characters and how the author gives us more points of views with different characters. The Warlord was truly eye-opening and bizarre at times. He's an interesting character but twisted at the same time. I liked it! LOL! I loved that the author takes us to a darker place as well with other characters. We've seen the ones who live in the cities, on the outskirts, and even in other kingdoms, but none that lived in truly dark and desolate places of were drawing any attention is a true danger. This more than anything kept me page-turning as I wanted to know the fate of those characters and how they would survive their struggle. There isn't much that I didn't like about this book. I liked the secrets and revelations that came to light. I loved seeing the continued developments of the characters as well. Tehl is disappointed in a certainin individual when the truth comes to light, but he allows Sage to have her say. Leaps and bounds in growth and development! I love it! I am rating this book 4.5 out of 5 stars. The characters kept me hooked, and I liked how the author kept me engaged throughout.
This series is seriously a great read and this installment was no exception! I loved all of the point of views in the story since I feel it gives all of the characters more depth and me, as the reader, the ability to really understand them. The storyline itself broke my heart several times, pieced it back together and then left me with a cliffhanger that left me screaming at the book. Not sure why as this is Frost's MO and I've read all of her books so not a surprise. But you just get so involved in the story that...well it just makes me anxious for 2020 so that I scoop up the next book. All in all Frost makes every cliffhanger worth it so don't let it stop you. This is series is worth picking up for sure!
The world of Aermia typically draws me in, but I wasn't as wrapped up in this book as usual. Overall, I think I was overwhelmed by the amount of perspective's in this novel. Dor's storyline was confusing to me because for a long time I didn't understand how she fit in the puzzle, and once I felt interested in her story line there was no more to be had.
I think there has been so much tragedy in this series that my heart was tired. However, I did love seeing the relationship between Tehl and Sage continue to blossom as well as seeing Sam's devotion to Jas. Jasmine's existence as a whole is just so depressing and the spymaster only knows how to give a little of himself rather than show the whole thing. While he is very devoted to her, he isn't honest. No one ever said a marriage was built on devotion.
I still look forward to finishing out the series as I know there is great victory and heartache still to come and I can't wait to see the Warlord get what's coming to him.
Wow! Just wow! This book! It consumed me. I was left somehow whole and broken at the same time. How is this even possible? Frost, is a brilliant author, that's how. I don't know how to write anything more without giving away spoilers but I can tell you that I happy cried and sad cried multiple times. I've always loved this series but this book is way beyond love... absolute devotion is more like it. Please read it!
Frost Kay's work is intense, she has created world that has been so intriguing. The book takes you on a rollercoaster as you read it! I really enjoy the interactions between the character, how they're each so different. Frost's writing intrigues you, keeps you wanting more and to get to know the characters as well. I recommend it if you like action and intensity in a book especially if you'll read it in one sitting.
This was so unnecessary. Nothing happened in this book until the last chapter. I don't understand why we didn't just end the series at 5 books...
For some reason, the author decided to through in a new pov, one of a character we have never met before in the fifth novel of the series. I got the gist of her story and skimmed over her chapters because I simply didn't care.
On a high note, I did like some of Jasmine and Sam's chapters.
Spy’s Mask is an amazing addition to The Aermian Feuds Series! It was dark and intense. I absolutely love the characters each in their own way! I would highly recommend this series!
This is a very dark fantasy book with a few (just a few) light moments interspersed here and there. Very well written. I had to put it down from time to time just to catch a breath and hold my stomach to recoup. One moment in particular was when Sage found the little girl who had died in the tunnel. I thought of my grandchildren and how I would feel if anything happened to any one of them. I think I would feel just as Sage felt. I must say that Ms Frost Kay really knows how to vividly paint a world and characters that really touch the emotions. On the lighter side, we get to see the tender side of Sam, one that is a daddy and husband. It was one of those happy moments that made me smile. I loved the King’s heartfelt care of the twins. It was so gratifying I couldn’t help but be touched by that moment. Of course all these actions led to the big battle between the Aermians and Scythians. I became so engrossed by it I found myself madly rocking in my chair. Ms Kay describes the battle so vividly. I was saddened by the loss of those that were dear to Sage and Tehl. Now we have to wait. Wait until the spring of 2020??? That’s so far away! I will definitely be agonizing until I get my hands on that book!
Another wonderful and heart wrenching book in the Aermian Feuds sereis!
Once again Frost has ripped my heart and and left it broken on the floor. This book leads up to the big battle we all have known is coming. While we don't see a lot of Sage and Tehl is this book we meet a new character Dor in Scythia who I think will play a huge part in bringing down the warlord and I can't wait to see what happens with her next. We also see Jasmine and Sam's relationship start to blossom throughout this book. You finally get to see the parts of Sam he hides from everyone else. Once again Frost leaves us with a cliffhanger but instead of one there are multiple. The big battle starts at the end and we are left wondering what is going to happen with everyone.
This book was amazing. Just amazing. It was gut-wrenching and intense. Frost has created a villain so evil, you can practically feel it oozing out of the book. There were some parts in this book that took my breath away, where I had to stop and step away for a moment because it was so intense, so emotional. Frost is an exceptional writer. This series is not for the faint hearted. But it’s so worth the ride. I need the next book now. I hope Sage is the one that puts Zane down...
When this book opens, things are not looking good for Sage, Tehl and the Aermian army as they sit on the border waiting to see what the Scythian Warlord is going to do next in his quest to regain Sage. Sam is managing his spies and settling into married life with a wife who is not entirely sure she trusts him or wants to trust him. I love the interactions between Sam and Jasmine because they are both unsure of each other and how to react to the other. They both have feelings for each other that they do not understand and that makes it more interesting. The other interesting part of this book are the scenes that happen behind the Scythian lines. Things are not all that they seem in that country and the Warlord might find himself fighting a war on two fronts. Things are coming to a head in the war between Aermia and the Scythians.
Spy’s Mask is the fifth novel in Frost Kay’s riveting Aermian Feuds series and is an addictive and enthralling instalment that is full of romance, danger and action.
War is on the horizon with the Warlord of Scythia beginning to breach Aermia’s borders. Sage and Tehl are prepared to stand against him and all the monstrosity he brings, but first they will need to convince some former enemies to side with them. Can they convince their neighbouring kingdoms to join them in their fight for justice or will they be forced to stand alone? No one knows more about what the Warlord is capable of than Sage but as she journeys into the war camp will the nightmares of her past become too much for her to bare? Or will Sage discover how to utilise all the Warlord did to her to become the one thing he isn’t prepared for; his destruction.
At this point I’m pretty darn besotted with this series. Frost Kay has created a darkly woven fantasy world full of personable characters, building dangers and blossoming romance. Each novel sucks me in and leaves me more invested in the characters and their fight for survival. I feel that that each novel is deftly written and engaging----I genuinely love reading about all the characters and their stories.
Unlike the previous instalments in the series, Spy’s Mast doesn’t follow Sage and Tehl as the primary voices in the book. Instead Spy’s Mask primarily follows Sam and Jasmine as well as a newly introduced character named Dorcus. We still follow Sage and Tehl often but their experiences seem to take a backseat to the other characters. It was odd to see a new addition to the story so late in the series but given who Dorcus is I do think there is a purpose to her involvement and inclusion in the series. It did help to see this side of the Scythian people and discover their plight---Frost made it evident that not all are evil where this race and society is concerned.
My favourite part about Spy’s Master was having the opportunity to follow and get to know Sam and Jas so well. After the atrocities done to her, Jas is attempting to build a new future for herself and her twin charges and I love seeing she and Sam navigate their new marriage. Frost Kay really does know how to build romances I can get behind and that develop on a basis of friendship and shared circumstances. Sam has literally found himself with two children and a pregnant wife overnight, but it was so very sweet to see them becoming a family. I loved seeing the slow build to trust between Jas and her new family unfold—I think the initial attraction between Sam and Jas has beautiful potential and I’m very much enjoying seeing it blossom.
Spy’s Mask is not without its emotion and heartbreak. There are unexpected losses and dangers in this novel as well as a cliff-hanger ending that leaves many of the characters—especially Jas—in precarious situations. Having come to the series late, this is the first time I will not be able to jump straight into the next novel and I have never wanted to more so than now. With the sixth novel set to be the last, I for one am dying to see how The Aermian Feuds comes to a close and will be crossing my fingers that all the characters I’ve come to love with get their happily ever afters!
WOW I have loved every single book that Frost Kay has written in this series. This one knocked me off my feet as much as the rest did. Let me start by saying that I was kind of afraid with so many POVs, but what I love about this book is that all POVs are broken down chapter by chapter which made it easier to understand. I loved how it would change from Sage and Tehl while they had moments together. The same went for Sam and Jasmine. As Dor, which I found her character so unique and different. I loved her compassion for others, her need to put other's miseries above her own. I just thought she was so courageous. I loved seeing Meave and excuse me if I spelled her name wrong. I read a prequel about her that Frost Kay released before this book, so I understood what was going on. when she appeared and is rebelling against her brother along with everyone at the pit.
Now going onto characters, I loved being able to see more of Sam and Jasmine. I thought it was perfect to see their love for one another bloom even in the mist of war. We got to see a side of both that we did not in the book prior. So many questions still left to be answered and I just think the next book will be glorious. As for Sage, as much as this book shows her weakness which is seeing her people die, she was also so brave in so many ways, courageous even and I was proud of her for standing up to the warlord and refusing him, I was terrified she would go running into his arms to end everything. I was glad she didn't. This review is mostly me venting about the book because I honestly was blown away at the plot! I can't wait to read Court's Fool and honestly I am hoping for a happy ending. hopefully no one I love dies, I already saw one of my favorite characters die in this one and I was honestly crushed! I want to say to Frost Kay she did an amazing job and im so proud for her because this book is AMAZING!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What can I say about this newest instalment? Wow just wow! Frost Kay has done it again!
I have enjoyed and loved this series but this book has just completely blew the others out of the water in my opinion. The writing is phenomenal; descriptions, emotions, the full dimensional characters. This book is dark and gritty and explores the different sides of humanity and suffering. We are introduced to new characters which fit in the larger scheme of things, one being a girl called Dor and her family. We got to explore what it’s like growing up and living in the pit and having to deal with their captives and the atrocities that are commented there alongside the poor living conditions. There’s been many references to this pit in the other books so it was great having an inside feel to what the Warlord has been doing and how he needs to be stopped. I feel like in this book a lot of the original characters have grew a lot even though each are struggling in their own way. I love the relationship between Sage and Tehl I wasn’t keen on them at first but I’m totally shipping them now as well as Sam and Jasmine. The ending was left on a sort of cliff hanger in concerns to Jasmine and I really want to find out what will become of her as she is one of my favourite characters. The death of one critical character almost had me bawling my eyes out especially seeing the reaction of the people left behind.
This book has had many ups and down and kept me on my toes. It has been a rollercoaster of emotions throughout and I have loved every minute of reading this book. Spring 2020 seems so far away for the next instalment however, if it’s anything like this one it be worth the wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Holy heck I'm pissed Howwww could she end the book like that??
It was slower to get through this one since most of the book was introducing a new character. I did end up liking Dor's character but I of course wanted to read jas and sages stories more. I still wish jas and sage and Mira and lilja (and partners) were all together battling through this and confiding in eachother but oh well. I appreciate that the author put sages story on hold by having her just waiting at the war camp so we could get to know jas and the twins and Sam a little better.
This book was basically just build up for the war and then the last like 10 pages were the start of the war. This is where I'm pissed. Lilja. LILJA. KAY JUST KILLED HER OFF FOR NOTHING. I hate myself for saying this but Hayjen or Blair or Zacheal or Rafe or literally anyone else should've died not her. Lilja literally died for nothing. Garreth at least died protecting sage but lilja literally just was mad and ran to fight the warlord and didn't even scratch him. And now everyone is falling apart with grief and I miss her. AND THEN JAS IS TAKEN. Kay just wanted to crush our hearts with this one didn't she. I swear if jas gets taken to scythia again I'm gonna riot. Like ok I'm sure if she gets taken back there then Dor is gonna save her but still I don't wanna hear it. War sucks. Sage for real got the short end of the stick in life having to deal with all this jeez.
I don't want the series to end but of course I gotta read the next one. Hopefully not too many people I like die. Sage has changed soooo much since the first book wow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It still kind of bothers me that I’m going into these stories without trigger warnings and feel the need to add them to my reviews. I personally don’t need the TW, but if you’re going into these stories with hopes of a wonderful, easy fantasy read and don’t anticipate the topics, it’s jarring. Sexual assault, PTSD, r@pe all included in this story- so be mindful. Another Aermian Feuds book, probably the least exciting of them all. This book set up information, gave our characters a (mostly) happy period that’s well deserved. War is coming, and Sage, Tehl, Sam, and the lot are figuring out how to take on the Warlord. We are also introduced to some new characters- ones that I am intrigued by and liking the new perspectives. I do like how quick of a read these books are, and though there are a heavier set of topics covered in the plot, I’ve more or less enjoyed them. There isn’t so much of a plot that I feel confused, and the way the books have been divided feels natural. Probably not my favorite fantasy series- the world feels half built at this point as the author tries to build it for us with allies and war and mythical creatures that don’t necessarily fit. I’ll still likely finish the series, as I am interested to see how the plot continues to twist with the newer additions and the plans that have been built by our protagonists.
I waited to read this until closer to the final book, and regret not completely waiting! The book was great. There was much less Sage and Tehl, and alot more Sam and Jas which makes sense if this book was supposed to be Sam's. There is also alot of a brand new character which annoyed me at first, but I'm sure will play out as some big piece next book.
We get to know Jas alot better and I do like her character, but shes very similar to Sage plus kids. Just like with Sage, her mentality towards her marriage and the way she treated Sam was really annoying to me. You've got this guy who is giving up his future to help you out and you hate him for it? You didnt have to agree to marry him. Anyway, she comes around and it's much better at the end. I am anxiously waiting where Sam finally tells her his secrets, and where the book left off I dont see it happening until later/end of story.
This book had me laughing and crying. I wish I didnt read the excerpt for book 6 because I knew Lilja was going to die and just had to wait for it. It got to me for sure when Sage and Tehl had their cry session at the end. I love them together though and how happy they are.
I cant wait to see how the warlord dies. Whose gonna be the one that gets to kill him? I need to know....
This review for the entire Aermian Feuds series. I flew through all six books of these books in one week. I almost feel like this series could be three longer books instead of six 350ish page novels. I really enjoyed the journey and LOVED all of the characters in these stories. The romance is definitely slooooow-burn through the first few books but it is well worth the wait. I love getting caught up in a series like this where you just keep 1-clicking until you reach the end :) It's been a while since I found a series that kept me intrigued until the very end. Overall very satisfying experience and will definitely be re-reading through it again. If you like any of the following - Throne of Glass, Darkest Drae, Chronicles of the Warlands, Tairen Soul, Folk of the Air - Aermian Feuds has similar themes, romance, world-building, plot lines, etc. Frost Kay is a skilled writer and does a wonderful job with character development. I know some reviews mention certain problematic aspects (i.e. masochism, violence, abuse, torture, threats of rape) but i feel all of it serves an important part of the plot and is supposed to be recognized as something problematic, if that makes sense.
This one continues from book 4. Jas & Sam are seemingly able to coexist, until Mer. Then, another misunderstanding. I wish Sam would just tell Jas. It seems completely counterproductive. Sage & Tehl's relationship is flourishing. But everyone's nightmare is slowly encroaching on Sanee. The series continues to be crude and crass. The innuendoes are prevalent in all the books. PG-13: Profanity, war, blood & death, sensuality, no sex, marriage bedroom talk, murder, groping and attempted ravishment. Cliffhanger. We meet new characters in this one. Dor who works in the "Pit." It's a mining pit in Scythia. And there's a dragon!! The battle has (finally) begun. Two kingdoms against one seems to be good odds, unless you're fighting creatures bred for war. There was a lot of storytelling up until the warlord's summons was answered. He is very sneaky. And we leave Jas & the twins in peril at the end of this book. Not cool! Onto the last book. I've been told it's a satisfying ending; let's hope so. This series took me WAY off my TBR pile for the year.
Spy's Mask was a full on read! The plot took all new turns and had the introduction to new characters, whom do not cross over, yet, with the current characters story but I can't wait to see what they bring to Court's Fool, book six. Sage & Tehl are at the beginning of the war they have anticipated on coming, since Sage's escape from the Warlord. They are fighting a battle that continues to grow each day and starts hitting them from two sides, leaving them almost defenceless. Sam & Jasmine, left at the castle, are beginning their marriage with avoidance but slowly grow the intimacy and trust needed to build their lives together with the twins and babe on the way. A lot happens at the end of this book, l'm heartbroken. Characters who deserved a happy ever after are out of luck. I'm lost with what is going to come next. This has been such an enchanting and thrilling read.. I don't know how I feel that it is almost over.
I don't like the writing style. Sometimes I don't understand who is talking to whom tbh. New characters again out of the blue? Pass. The insta love for sam annoyed me so much... where did that come from? Just because his character needed a love interest? I would have supported it if it gad made sense. It made more sense for him to develop feelings for sage than the random jasmine. There are many scenes that are just "missing" because they refer to instances that happened off page. That was annoying. The fade to black was disappointing. Overall I was just skimming through because it was all "war is coming" the whole book and "you dont know who you are up against" and nothing happening and nobody explaining anything. Maybe I missed something in my skimming but is Rafe one of those creatures skye is? Is anyone a shifter? Also what are we waiting for exactly? Everything is just "talks and meetings" to solve the war and stuff but that's it...
Four and a half stars, rounded up. It was great to visit back with Sage, Tehl, Lilja and the rest. Plot moves forward, characters' relationships progress, evil warlord warlords, my OTP (Sage x Tehl) is together and beyond perfect, what more could a girl ask for?
Half a star subtracted because I just can't warm up to Jasmine. In fact, she annoys me. In theory, I totally get what the author is going for and why she is the way she is, but in practice, her never-ending prickles on top of prickles are annoying to read about and I genuinely do not feel the connection between her and Sam and do not understand why he is obsessed with her when all she does is grouch - I can't ship an OTP where I cannot see them being happy or having fun together no matter the circumstances. I want them happy but going their separate ways.
So when I finished I saw this- "...If you need some moral support, you can join my Facebook group: Frost Fiends, and commiserate with other fellow book dragons." - & it's true. I do feel like I need a bit of moral support. I don't think I was in the best mood to read this installment. I need something a little lighter because this was a little heavy. I don't think you'd do this, but in case you have come across book 5 in this series without having read any of the prior ones, stop here & go back to book 1. Different POVs from characters already introduced and one brand new one will be potentially confusing if you haven't already met these people. Surely things can only get better for this group of fighters. They have gone through a LOT. Things will surely be looking up- maybe, finally- in the last book.