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Age of the Andinna #5
The Enemy's Triumph
Everyone is someone’s enemy. The Elvasi and the Andinna are enemies. Alchan and Shadra stand against each other as rulers of opposing forces. Two races, locked in a deadly battle for control, each trying to out maneuver the other with their best strategies, their best warriors, and the all power at their disposal.
And Mave?
Mave faces her old nemesis. Prince Lothen of the Elvasi Empire.
His cruelty is renowned. The memories she has of him mark her skin in the form of permanent scars, forever telling the tale of her time in Elliar, like her tatua tell the tale of her freedom.
Old rage bubbles and boils over. Fury buried deep in her heart, Mave confronts him with a single-minded purpose. Mave has never let her anger get the best of her. Until now.
Someone’s enemy will always triumph on the battlefield. Mave can only hope it’s not her own.
Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead collect her lovers as the series progresses.
There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It’s recommended for mature audiences.
And Mave?
Mave faces her old nemesis. Prince Lothen of the Elvasi Empire.
His cruelty is renowned. The memories she has of him mark her skin in the form of permanent scars, forever telling the tale of her time in Elliar, like her tatua tell the tale of her freedom.
Old rage bubbles and boils over. Fury buried deep in her heart, Mave confronts him with a single-minded purpose. Mave has never let her anger get the best of her. Until now.
Someone’s enemy will always triumph on the battlefield. Mave can only hope it’s not her own.
Age of the Andinna is a reverse harem epic fantasy series. The female lead collect her lovers as the series progresses.
There is triggering content in this series including but not limited to: abuse, violence, mature language, and sexual content. It’s recommended for mature audiences.
490 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2020
207 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Banet
27 books1,392 followersKristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.
Check out her social media to catch what's going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kristenbanet...
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBa...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
July 6, 2020
3 stars
Still moving really slow and the relationships are starting to fall apart for me.
Still moving really slow and the relationships are starting to fall apart for me.
June 18, 2020
3 stars I finished the book today. a pro of the book is that there is character and story building, a con in this book is that sometimes the book is too slow. Ironically for me there wasn't enough conflict, nothing really happened. some new characters were introduced and they were somewhat interesting, but overall meh.
I will read the last 2 books, but I was overall left with an overall feeling of "blah."
I will read the last 2 books, but I was overall left with an overall feeling of "blah."
Currently reading
June 28, 2020 91% is how far I’ll read of this book until the next one
I’m so pissed that ...fuc* I’m really pissed I’ll number the reasons . Can have some spoilers because I’m pissed hahaha I used “pissed” a lot of times uh ?
1~ Damn I think my love for Mave is almost done really...most I really mean most of the book she just ignored Trevan like ? Bit*h he fuc*ing saved you and you just ignores him ? Ok she gives him a gift and I was like FINALLY!!! But then she makes a comment and I almost dropped the book in 77% .
2~ She was thinking Emerian is pretty... when he was sparring with Luykas and Trevan ... that got so much in my nerves because .... really Kristen ? She will take Emerian before Trevan ? REALLY? I’m waiting for her and Trevan like ? What ? Since the first book ? And now this ...that he is there she thinks Emerian is pretty ? I had knowledge that each book is for one of the guys ...and this one was going to be about Zayden and blah blah blah but I hopped more with Trevan .
3~ My couple got in me nerves and this is the main reason I stopped in 91% , ok when I say my couple I’m talking about Alchan and Rainev ( see? I used his entire names that is how much I’m pissed ) Alchan is more dominant than Mave ? And how damn is he going to have a heir ? Look I really like them together but I really don’t know how is he going to do this , He can be with Rainev and someone else too it’s a damn RH for fu*k’s sake and if its going to be something like just take a female in her fertile period I’m going to drop everything and be done , but I’m really pissed is that in the cave ...Mave was what ? Afraid of Alchan the old Mave was never going to be like this ... and look Alchan is like what? An all powerful dominant male and blah blah blah but ...damn something I’m not liking and maybe I’ll know when the sixth book cames and I finish this one , yeah because I’ll finish just for my man Trevan .
4~ Luykas pissed the hell out of me ... when he was sparring and before Mave gave Trevan his gift, everyone was most ignoring Trevan or like “yeah he is the Elvasi that saved Mave and Matesh .” “ yeah he is a good Elvasi “ and giving him what a mediocre job of being Dave’s guard ? Damn no one remembers that THEY JUST SAVED MAVE TOO BECAUSE TREVAN WAS THE ONE THAT WAS JUST GOING TO HELP IF THEY SAVED HER ok now I’ll say what pissed me ....Trevan was in a dark place because he was being treated like a outcast and Luykas like said bye to him and takes Emerian to include him in everything and blah blah blah grrrrrrrr.... this almost made me drop the book in what ? 56% ?
I’m so pissed that ...fuc* I’m really pissed I’ll number the reasons . Can have some spoilers because I’m pissed hahaha I used “pissed” a lot of times uh ?
1~ Damn I think my love for Mave is almost done really...most I really mean most of the book she just ignored Trevan like ? Bit*h he fuc*ing saved you and you just ignores him ? Ok she gives him a gift and I was like FINALLY!!! But then she makes a comment and I almost dropped the book in 77% .
2~ She was thinking Emerian is pretty... when he was sparring with Luykas and Trevan ... that got so much in my nerves because .... really Kristen ? She will take Emerian before Trevan ? REALLY? I’m waiting for her and Trevan like ? What ? Since the first book ? And now this ...that he is there she thinks Emerian is pretty ? I had knowledge that each book is for one of the guys ...and this one was going to be about Zayden and blah blah blah but I hopped more with Trevan .
3~ My couple got in me nerves and this is the main reason I stopped in 91% , ok when I say my couple I’m talking about Alchan and Rainev ( see? I used his entire names that is how much I’m pissed ) Alchan is more dominant than Mave ? And how damn is he going to have a heir ? Look I really like them together but I really don’t know how is he going to do this , He can be with Rainev and someone else too it’s a damn RH for fu*k’s sake and if its going to be something like just take a female in her fertile period I’m going to drop everything and be done , but I’m really pissed is that in the cave ...Mave was what ? Afraid of Alchan the old Mave was never going to be like this ... and look Alchan is like what? An all powerful dominant male and blah blah blah but ...damn something I’m not liking and maybe I’ll know when the sixth book cames and I finish this one , yeah because I’ll finish just for my man Trevan .
4~ Luykas pissed the hell out of me ... when he was sparring and before Mave gave Trevan his gift, everyone was most ignoring Trevan or like “yeah he is the Elvasi that saved Mave and Matesh .” “ yeah he is a good Elvasi “ and giving him what a mediocre job of being Dave’s guard ? Damn no one remembers that THEY JUST SAVED MAVE TOO BECAUSE TREVAN WAS THE ONE THAT WAS JUST GOING TO HELP IF THEY SAVED HER ok now I’ll say what pissed me ....Trevan was in a dark place because he was being treated like a outcast and Luykas like said bye to him and takes Emerian to include him in everything and blah blah blah grrrrrrrr.... this almost made me drop the book in what ? 56% ?
June 20, 2020
Phew!!
Overall this was a decent book.
Overall this was a decent book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
Reread 24.01.2022
I love the series and I’ll continue reading until the last book. The only thing that spoiled my reading was the over use of terms like “wife” “husband” and other modern ones, which I’ve never thought matches the setting of the book. Hopefully the author will use them less in her next works.
I love the series and I’ll continue reading until the last book. The only thing that spoiled my reading was the over use of terms like “wife” “husband” and other modern ones, which I’ve never thought matches the setting of the book. Hopefully the author will use them less in her next works.
June 18, 2023
I’m crying, this series is so Incredible
Re-read 18/06/23
Re-read 18/06/23
July 1, 2020
I’m in love with this series.
*swoooon*
Excuse me while I put on my rose colored glasses and just unleash a heavy dose of enamored in this review.
So happy to see the story and characters progressing nicely.
And that’s probably what I love most about this series.
It’s always a healthy mix between character development and plot furthering, with a dash of continued world building. Every time. Yes, this is important.
Some authors don’t execute this as flawlessly as Banet has managed to in this series.
Bravooooo.
So:
Zayden finally joins the mayara. Long time comin’ pretty boy.
Trevan & Dave finally reach Mave, with the pretty Emerian in tow.
(If I’m seeing this correctly, Emerian and Trevan are the last two to join the harem. Yes? I think yes.
We shall seeee.)
The war continues with the Company slaying Lothen. Wooooo.
And Shadra thinks she’s gonna win. Sorry honey but your daughter hates you too. Booooo.
Ouch.
RAIN AND ALCHAN FINALLY GO PUBLIC.
Ughhhhhh MY HEART. I freakin love them together. *happy tears*
I knew Mave and Zayden would find out the way they did, lol. Kinda predictable, that part.
I’m just so damn happy.
They’re like Christian and Anna, all dominant vs submissive and just fucking PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER.
I’m hoping the next installment has more Mat + Bryn + Mave. Just sayin’... can’t go forgetting your roots, Banet.
Excuse me while Ipatiently wait for the next book.
*swoooon*
Excuse me while I put on my rose colored glasses and just unleash a heavy dose of enamored in this review.
So happy to see the story and characters progressing nicely.
And that’s probably what I love most about this series.
It’s always a healthy mix between character development and plot furthering, with a dash of continued world building. Every time. Yes, this is important.
Some authors don’t execute this as flawlessly as Banet has managed to in this series.
Bravooooo.
So:
Zayden finally joins the mayara. Long time comin’ pretty boy.
Trevan & Dave finally reach Mave, with the pretty Emerian in tow.
(If I’m seeing this correctly, Emerian and Trevan are the last two to join the harem. Yes? I think yes.
We shall seeee.)
The war continues with the Company slaying Lothen. Wooooo.
And Shadra thinks she’s gonna win. Sorry honey but your daughter hates you too. Booooo.
Ouch.
RAIN AND ALCHAN FINALLY GO PUBLIC.
Ughhhhhh MY HEART. I freakin love them together. *happy tears*
I knew Mave and Zayden would find out the way they did, lol. Kinda predictable, that part.
I’m just so damn happy.
They’re like Christian and Anna, all dominant vs submissive and just fucking PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER.
I’m hoping the next installment has more Mat + Bryn + Mave. Just sayin’... can’t go forgetting your roots, Banet.
Excuse me while I
June 16, 2020
Holy damn it was sooo good, i always love seeing Mave and her males. Mave got to finally kill her nemesis, i aint gonna tell ya who. I just love her when she is in her killing mood, even if she aint in a good state she is on fire. Zayden has finally joined Maves mativa/fam , i rooted that he would be in her harem as well and it turned out to be true. I really like how different all Maves males are, it makes sense how they fit in her life. In book five we get to know more about Mave´s dreams that she have every night almost.
I felt like it kind of ruined my reading when i had read all the teasers Kristen had published in her group, i mean it was my own choice so it´s my own fault. But i felt like i already knew what was gonna happen ish just because of the teasers which was fucking mean :( Ya´ll know what mean
That ending tho made me regret that i finished this book way to fast. Now i have to wait until the next. There is only 2 books left in this series, which makes me both relieved cuz then i don´t have to wait for the next book but also sad cuz i will miss this world and all the characters. There is also apparently 4/6 members of Maves fam left so the other 2 guys has to be Trevan, Emerian or Dave , i guess
I felt like it kind of ruined my reading when i had read all the teasers Kristen had published in her group, i mean it was my own choice so it´s my own fault. But i felt like i already knew what was gonna happen ish just because of the teasers which was fucking mean :( Ya´ll know what mean
That ending tho made me regret that i finished this book way to fast. Now i have to wait until the next. There is only 2 books left in this series, which makes me both relieved cuz then i don´t have to wait for the next book but also sad cuz i will miss this world and all the characters. There is also apparently 4/6 members of Maves fam left so the other 2 guys has to be Trevan, Emerian or Dave , i guess
December 5, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
June 18, 2020
I restarted my KU subscription for this bad boy, and it did NOT disappoint ;)
To be entirely objective, this book is probably a 4 stars in terms of general plotting and pacing (admittedly, there were sections that definitely lagged), but in terms of sheer enjoyment and the waterfall of emotions I experienced, it's a knockout. I adore all the character relationships in this series, everyone is just so interesting! I love Mave a ton, and she deserves everything in the world :')
There were so many highly-anticipated moments in this book that have been built up to for ages, like the happy reunion between Mave and her Coli pals and... the rather unpleasant reunion between Mave and her Coli enemies. I might have actually cried when Dave talked about his predecessors.
In other news, I highkey despise Shadra, but she's a great villain with nuance. She's like a fantasy Cersei Lannister... except more evil? I don't know how she managed to raise three very different kids, but I'm happy to see more of Nyria. Nyria has learned all of her mother's best tricks, while retaining her own morals, and I can't wait to see her take a more active role in the story.
I'm actually f*cking WHEEZING, Kristen confirmed that
Also, I can't believe Zayden is actually a bratty bottom. Amazing.
To be entirely objective, this book is probably a 4 stars in terms of general plotting and pacing (admittedly, there were sections that definitely lagged), but in terms of sheer enjoyment and the waterfall of emotions I experienced, it's a knockout. I adore all the character relationships in this series, everyone is just so interesting! I love Mave a ton, and she deserves everything in the world :')
There were so many highly-anticipated moments in this book that have been built up to for ages, like the happy reunion between Mave and her Coli pals and... the rather unpleasant reunion between Mave and her Coli enemies. I might have actually cried when Dave talked about his predecessors.
In other news, I highkey despise Shadra, but she's a great villain with nuance. She's like a fantasy Cersei Lannister... except more evil? I don't know how she managed to raise three very different kids, but I'm happy to see more of Nyria. Nyria has learned all of her mother's best tricks, while retaining her own morals, and I can't wait to see her take a more active role in the story.
I'm actually f*cking WHEEZING, Kristen confirmed that
Also, I can't believe Zayden is actually a bratty bottom. Amazing.
December 26, 2025
Representation: Bisexual main character, Gay main character, Bisexual and non-verbal supporting character, Bisexual supporting character, Achillean main relationship, Achillean side relationship
Overall: 5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
Overall: 5-stars
Safety: Safe
Possible Triggers:
Ending:
June 19, 2020
Wow, this was great! I've read it in one go, couldn't stop.
I'm in love with this series. Everything is so perfect (well, for me and what I'm looking for in reverse-harem romance). I love these characters, they're alive and real. The Heroine is a total badass.
Since book 1 I hoped for something to happen, because I thought it would be amazing. And then as I read more books I realized that perhaps this thing wouldn't come true. I didn't dread reading this one, because I had faith in Kristen Banet and I just thought that it wouldn't be that bad if this thing wouldn't happen like I wanted it to.
But then "BOOM" and it was right there, happening as I was reading. And I'm in love. More than ever. It feels like this book was perfectly written for me. I enjoyed it immensely.
Now I look forward to the last 2 books in this series. Can't wait for this amazing journey to continue.
I'm in love with this series. Everything is so perfect (well, for me and what I'm looking for in reverse-harem romance). I love these characters, they're alive and real. The Heroine is a total badass.
Since book 1 I hoped for something to happen, because I thought it would be amazing. And then as I read more books I realized that perhaps this thing wouldn't come true. I didn't dread reading this one, because I had faith in Kristen Banet and I just thought that it wouldn't be that bad if this thing wouldn't happen like I wanted it to.
But then "BOOM" and it was right there, happening as I was reading. And I'm in love. More than ever. It feels like this book was perfectly written for me. I enjoyed it immensely.
Now I look forward to the last 2 books in this series. Can't wait for this amazing journey to continue.
February 27, 2024
Estos libros son god
December 20, 2023
Well shit, this is one way to end the book. No cliffhanger but the defeat of a top enemy for Mave! I'm damn happy things have been going well for everyone including Mave and all her close pals. So far even with the evil Empress amassing her armies, the gang has been able to avoid death, though many Andinna are still lost each battle. I was not expecting the Prince to meet his end. It was both wonderful and a huge moment of relief. Now though the Queen plans to join the war-front and I imagine she'll be bringing some powerful sorcerers and coming at them with only death and destruction. I'm so worried someone close to Mave or part of the company will be gravely injured, feels like I'm holding my breath!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2021
Oh Meh
I enjoy Kristen Banet's books, I have read most of them. This story is full of action and magic that really pulls you into the Andinna's world. However what drops my rating lower is that over time reading different Banet series' is that even when dealing with heavy topics such as, war, rape, imprisonment, love, that the emotional depth of the characters is actually very shallow. Every indiscretion is forgiven and swept over so easily, and I have seen it so many times in these books that it is now predictable. It just makes for very 2D characters and I find myself skipping ahead... What's the point in dealing with these heavy topics when you don’t see the true repercussions of these situations and the emotional responses it invokes in all those involved. Instead these characters are essentially just super nice to each other all the time, in a pat on the back ‘hey it will all be ok’ type of way, I find it’s not a natural response when dealing with life changing topics.
I enjoy Kristen Banet's books, I have read most of them. This story is full of action and magic that really pulls you into the Andinna's world. However what drops my rating lower is that over time reading different Banet series' is that even when dealing with heavy topics such as, war, rape, imprisonment, love, that the emotional depth of the characters is actually very shallow. Every indiscretion is forgiven and swept over so easily, and I have seen it so many times in these books that it is now predictable. It just makes for very 2D characters and I find myself skipping ahead... What's the point in dealing with these heavy topics when you don’t see the true repercussions of these situations and the emotional responses it invokes in all those involved. Instead these characters are essentially just super nice to each other all the time, in a pat on the back ‘hey it will all be ok’ type of way, I find it’s not a natural response when dealing with life changing topics.
June 18, 2020
Can't wait!
May 3, 2021
Another great story with solid world building and relatable characters. Well, as relatable as a flying warrior/gladiator female with 3 (oops 4) freaking handsome husbands that is helping lead a rebellion to finally free her people from over 1,000 years of slavery. :) Sooo relatable.
I love Zayden, I feel like we got to know him better than the rest. The banter that started when they sheltered Mave to the banter when he moved into her home- it was all good. And 'Stumpy'- really? That was hilarious.
I feel like this book was a good balance of humor, grit, battle and growth all while moving the story forward- really great and I am looking forward to more. I like the softer side of Mave. I am curious where her dreams from the goddess are taking her.
There are lots of characters and sometimes my eyes cross, but I am glad I started the series all over before reading 5, 6 & 7 so I have a good picture in my mind about these people. Worth it!
Alchan and Rain- finally free to be a couple. Kristen tells us that there will be 6 in her mayara, but I have a horrible feeling that someone dies in the next book, so who knows where this is heading...
I love Zayden, I feel like we got to know him better than the rest. The banter that started when they sheltered Mave to the banter when he moved into her home- it was all good. And 'Stumpy'- really? That was hilarious.
I feel like this book was a good balance of humor, grit, battle and growth all while moving the story forward- really great and I am looking forward to more. I like the softer side of Mave. I am curious where her dreams from the goddess are taking her.
There are lots of characters and sometimes my eyes cross, but I am glad I started the series all over before reading 5, 6 & 7 so I have a good picture in my mind about these people. Worth it!
Alchan and Rain- finally free to be a couple. Kristen tells us that there will be 6 in her mayara, but I have a horrible feeling that someone dies in the next book, so who knows where this is heading...
October 6, 2025
hell yeah
i loved this one. going to take a slight break from this series and read a standalone, then get right back into it. so excited for this war to be over so mave can enjoy her husbands lmao. i’m including trevon and emerian in that statement because i KNOW they’re endgame. i won’t accept anything else. okay thank you bye.
i loved this one. going to take a slight break from this series and read a standalone, then get right back into it. so excited for this war to be over so mave can enjoy her husbands lmao. i’m including trevon and emerian in that statement because i KNOW they’re endgame. i won’t accept anything else. okay thank you bye.
June 24, 2020
4.25 stars
December 31, 2020
4.5+
These just keep getting better.
These just keep getting better.
February 9, 2021
3.5 stars
Sadly, didn’t enjoy this one as much. It was still well written, but it felt like there was more distance between the characters, which was sad for me since the character dynamics/relationships have been my favorite part of this series.
We added another character to the mayara in this book, and while the character grew on me, I can’t help but feel like splitting the attention between so many makes it so Mave’s relationships with the others take a hit. Apparently, two more will be added (pretty obvious who they will be), but I worry that the lack of intimacy becoming apparent now will worsen as page time has to be split between more and more characters. While I’m fine with the potential new 2 guys as individual characters, I don’t know if I’ll like them being added to the family. I kind of wish it had been capped at the original 3 (I guess the 4th is ok, but it didn’t feel as...dynamic? In depth? Compelling? As the others). I still find the Andinna culture super interesting and the mayara is a cool concept that I think has actually been done very well, but the lessening page time to the characters is draining the depth and intimacy of the relationships developed early on.
Take Matesh for instance. I loved him in the first few books, and he is very clearly still Mave’s anchor, but I feel like we barely see him interacting with Maeve anymore outside of cursory interactions. All of that depth from early on feels flatter now because there is constant attention to having Maeve collect all the guys rather than developing and exploring her relationships with the ones she currently has. It almost begins to feel like Maeve is just playing pokemon with her drive to collect all the men she finds interesting. It doesn’t help that she’s already got 4 in 2 years, which feels a bit rushed. There’s even a line about her eyeing another guy even as she’s standing next to one she’s already pursuing. She even has a conversation with the others about adding and adding. It just feels very meh to me. The more guys, the more shallow it begins to feel because we start to lack further development beyond the initial courtship. :/
I still enjoyed the relationship dynamics developing with other characters, like what we see with Rain and Alchan or Senri’s family. We also got to learn more about Nevyn and Varon (finally! Yay). Other characters kinda of disappear like Seanev and Leshaun, which I guess has to be expected with an ever expanding cast of characters. I just hope some of these characters get a stronger showing in the next book. (Come to think of it, whatever happened to the old Company guy who showed up in book 2? The one without a hand who used to be so angry? We got a warning about him and then he vanished, never to be heard of again. Is he ever going to show up again or have plot relevance or is that just....a random event?)
Rebellion is definitely developing, which was cool to see. Some more logistics talks than I probably wanted to read, though haha. I felt the stakes could have been a bit higher at the end, but at least we know more danger is coming in book 6.
Overall, more flaws in this one for me, but I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one. :)
Sadly, didn’t enjoy this one as much. It was still well written, but it felt like there was more distance between the characters, which was sad for me since the character dynamics/relationships have been my favorite part of this series.
We added another character to the mayara in this book, and while the character grew on me, I can’t help but feel like splitting the attention between so many makes it so Mave’s relationships with the others take a hit. Apparently, two more will be added (pretty obvious who they will be), but I worry that the lack of intimacy becoming apparent now will worsen as page time has to be split between more and more characters. While I’m fine with the potential new 2 guys as individual characters, I don’t know if I’ll like them being added to the family. I kind of wish it had been capped at the original 3 (I guess the 4th is ok, but it didn’t feel as...dynamic? In depth? Compelling? As the others). I still find the Andinna culture super interesting and the mayara is a cool concept that I think has actually been done very well, but the lessening page time to the characters is draining the depth and intimacy of the relationships developed early on.
Take Matesh for instance. I loved him in the first few books, and he is very clearly still Mave’s anchor, but I feel like we barely see him interacting with Maeve anymore outside of cursory interactions. All of that depth from early on feels flatter now because there is constant attention to having Maeve collect all the guys rather than developing and exploring her relationships with the ones she currently has. It almost begins to feel like Maeve is just playing pokemon with her drive to collect all the men she finds interesting. It doesn’t help that she’s already got 4 in 2 years, which feels a bit rushed. There’s even a line about her eyeing another guy even as she’s standing next to one she’s already pursuing. She even has a conversation with the others about adding and adding. It just feels very meh to me. The more guys, the more shallow it begins to feel because we start to lack further development beyond the initial courtship. :/
I still enjoyed the relationship dynamics developing with other characters, like what we see with Rain and Alchan or Senri’s family. We also got to learn more about Nevyn and Varon (finally! Yay). Other characters kinda of disappear like Seanev and Leshaun, which I guess has to be expected with an ever expanding cast of characters. I just hope some of these characters get a stronger showing in the next book. (Come to think of it, whatever happened to the old Company guy who showed up in book 2? The one without a hand who used to be so angry? We got a warning about him and then he vanished, never to be heard of again. Is he ever going to show up again or have plot relevance or is that just....a random event?)
Rebellion is definitely developing, which was cool to see. Some more logistics talks than I probably wanted to read, though haha. I felt the stakes could have been a bit higher at the end, but at least we know more danger is coming in book 6.
Overall, more flaws in this one for me, but I still enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next one. :)
April 21, 2021
A fantastic Epic Fantasy with engrossing characters and world building so vibrant you can almost reach out and touch it...
Mave has grown so much since her days as the Champion in the Gladiator Pits of the Elvasi Empire. Now, she stands at the right hand of her own Andinna King, a Champion for a different, but far nobler, cause. The rage that once consumed her has tempered her soul and soothed, surrounded by her growing family...somewhat.
While the maturity and stability that Mave has found is apparent, this book is all about continuing that path, and the struggles that face ALL of them along the way. Her anger may have muted, but it is far from gone, and when events conspire to send a face from her nightmares to the base of her people's mountains, that anger brews anew. It's volatile, testing and rather glorious.
That pivotal plot point is bracketed by other, equally interesting and transformative, events. Her household, the dreams, Alchan, the returning Gladiators, Trevan.... there are answers here, even as we are left with a few more questions. Like all good Epic Fantasy series, this is the point where the characters really start to find their feet and the cohesive dynamics needed for victory really start to gel. It's not a lull, but merely a continuation and stepping stone for a people, and their allies, that we have grown to love.
*I received an ARC of this book and I am thrilled to share my honest opinion*
Perspective:
~Third Person, Multiple POV
Rating:
~Adult
Ending Type:
~Episodic, Continuation
Romantic Dynamic:
~MMMMF (And growing)
Character Age Range:
~Adult
Mave has grown so much since her days as the Champion in the Gladiator Pits of the Elvasi Empire. Now, she stands at the right hand of her own Andinna King, a Champion for a different, but far nobler, cause. The rage that once consumed her has tempered her soul and soothed, surrounded by her growing family...somewhat.
While the maturity and stability that Mave has found is apparent, this book is all about continuing that path, and the struggles that face ALL of them along the way. Her anger may have muted, but it is far from gone, and when events conspire to send a face from her nightmares to the base of her people's mountains, that anger brews anew. It's volatile, testing and rather glorious.
That pivotal plot point is bracketed by other, equally interesting and transformative, events. Her household, the dreams, Alchan, the returning Gladiators, Trevan.... there are answers here, even as we are left with a few more questions. Like all good Epic Fantasy series, this is the point where the characters really start to find their feet and the cohesive dynamics needed for victory really start to gel. It's not a lull, but merely a continuation and stepping stone for a people, and their allies, that we have grown to love.
*I received an ARC of this book and I am thrilled to share my honest opinion*
Perspective:
~Third Person, Multiple POV
Rating:
~Adult
Ending Type:
~Episodic, Continuation
Romantic Dynamic:
~MMMMF (And growing)
Character Age Range:
~Adult
July 31, 2020
Love everything Andina. Great war saga style RH. So damn good, I dont want it to ever end.
March 14, 2024
“Ah. I think I’ve heard that before, but thank you for the refresher.” - Mave, chapter 26
All is said.
Wonderful worldbuilding, terrible pacing and even worse writing.
No joke, it feels like you are in a work meeting and stuff has to be presented over and over again because not everyone was there last time, they did not read the report or were not listening.
I kinda grew attached to the andinna universe so I will finish the saga, but some paragraphs do make me wish I never started it.
All is said.
Wonderful worldbuilding, terrible pacing and even worse writing.
No joke, it feels like you are in a work meeting and stuff has to be presented over and over again because not everyone was there last time, they did not read the report or were not listening.
I kinda grew attached to the andinna universe so I will finish the saga, but some paragraphs do make me wish I never started it.
January 10, 2024
Yes please. What an ending; this was one of those good cliff-hangers. The war is on their doorsteps, and I for one can't wait to see what happens next. I'm definitely getting ready to read more about Mave's relationships and seeing what our dear war-god has in store for us.
September 17, 2022
Loved this whole series. Strong world building. Strong character development.
August 27, 2021
HELL YES.
Once again, another beautifully written book in this series; definitely a fast-paced read where we still get a healthy dose of drama but also more action scenes than before, especially as the war is happening full-force now.
The company all knows about Rain and Alchan now, so that clears the air there. The way Mave and Zayden found out was a delicious little moment of surprise and was executed perfectly. I’m loving that Alchan and Rain are going to be official consorts but one thing that keeps irking me is the knowledge that Alchan will have to father an heir, meaning he will fuck another girl, most likely in the next book. Knowing this is currently making me uncomfortable and I don’t think I’ll ever be okay with him having sex with another girl who isn’t Mave…(I know, just bear with me) as weird as that sounds, since I know they consider each other siblings but I was rooting for them in the beginning; and even though she’s dominant and not submissive, they always seemed to have a closeness about them idk. Moving on.
Also how will Rain feel??
Ugh I’m just so attached to them as a couple and I don’t want ANYONE interrupting.
Zayden has been claimed finally!!
It was an incredibly drawn out and angst-filled lead up to them sealing the deal. If you would have told me in the first book of this series that Zayden would be part of mayara I would have been hard pressed to believe it; however, now I couldn’t imagine it any other way, he fits so seamlessly into their family and the banter between him and Mave is simply delectable. The way she dominates him was FUCKING SINFUL.
I abso-fucking-lutely need more of them in the books to come.
Finding out from Kristen at the end of the book that there will be 6 men in the harem was a HUGE and incredibly pleasant shock to me; I was already betting on Emerian since the beginning but I can’t think of who else would make up the last addition. If I had to throw out a prediction, I would say Trevan, just based on what he did for her and their budding relationship. Also, he is long-lived and it would make sense. However, I can’t be convinced of that just yet.
When Mave becomes officially part of Senri’s family, I near leaked all the tears from my eye sockets. That was an incredibly touching and heartfelt moment that broke through the intense action and drama of everything. Same with the king giving Mave her armour at the beginning of the book, it was so emotional and such a lovely introduction.
Prince Lothen meets his end at the hand of the king’s champion, rightfully so. Shadra is there to witness it and she returns home to pick up the pieces in her grief, fully ignorant to the fact that her daughter is actively planning to take her place. I’m excited to see what other moves the princess has in store, especially now that she can communicate with her estranged half-brother Luykas.
Mave has been receiving a visitor in her dreams for some time now and I knew from the start that it was Kristanya. I’m extremely intrigued to know what she wants to carry out while using Mave (if I had to guess, it would be as her “sword”) but if the tatua she received out of nowhere are anything to go by, Mave is destined for bigger things in the upcoming books. I want her to finally talk to Varon about the gods and I think that might be coming soon.
Just another exquisitely written novel in this awe-inspiring series. I truly cannot say one bad thing about this book or any others in the series thus far; for in each one, we are graced with a gripping progression to the plot, beautifully-written character development, panty-soaking relationship progression, unique emotional connections between various characters, unexpected twists and utterly gut-wrenching moments.This book (and it’s prequels) are truly everything and beyond what I could possibly ask for in a series;
It’s absolutely NEVER a dull moment and to that end, I’m thoroughly CHERISHING each and every single one.
I can’t believe I only have two books left, it’s really not fair; I’m already dreading the day when I’ll have to leave this captivating world behind… until then, book 6 awaits.
~4.5 stars~
Once again, another beautifully written book in this series; definitely a fast-paced read where we still get a healthy dose of drama but also more action scenes than before, especially as the war is happening full-force now.
The company all knows about Rain and Alchan now, so that clears the air there. The way Mave and Zayden found out was a delicious little moment of surprise and was executed perfectly. I’m loving that Alchan and Rain are going to be official consorts but one thing that keeps irking me is the knowledge that Alchan will have to father an heir, meaning he will fuck another girl, most likely in the next book. Knowing this is currently making me uncomfortable and I don’t think I’ll ever be okay with him having sex with another girl who isn’t Mave…(I know, just bear with me) as weird as that sounds, since I know they consider each other siblings but I was rooting for them in the beginning; and even though she’s dominant and not submissive, they always seemed to have a closeness about them idk. Moving on.
Also how will Rain feel??
Ugh I’m just so attached to them as a couple and I don’t want ANYONE interrupting.
Zayden has been claimed finally!!
It was an incredibly drawn out and angst-filled lead up to them sealing the deal. If you would have told me in the first book of this series that Zayden would be part of mayara I would have been hard pressed to believe it; however, now I couldn’t imagine it any other way, he fits so seamlessly into their family and the banter between him and Mave is simply delectable. The way she dominates him was FUCKING SINFUL.
I abso-fucking-lutely need more of them in the books to come.
Finding out from Kristen at the end of the book that there will be 6 men in the harem was a HUGE and incredibly pleasant shock to me; I was already betting on Emerian since the beginning but I can’t think of who else would make up the last addition. If I had to throw out a prediction, I would say Trevan, just based on what he did for her and their budding relationship. Also, he is long-lived and it would make sense. However, I can’t be convinced of that just yet.
When Mave becomes officially part of Senri’s family, I near leaked all the tears from my eye sockets. That was an incredibly touching and heartfelt moment that broke through the intense action and drama of everything. Same with the king giving Mave her armour at the beginning of the book, it was so emotional and such a lovely introduction.
Prince Lothen meets his end at the hand of the king’s champion, rightfully so. Shadra is there to witness it and she returns home to pick up the pieces in her grief, fully ignorant to the fact that her daughter is actively planning to take her place. I’m excited to see what other moves the princess has in store, especially now that she can communicate with her estranged half-brother Luykas.
Mave has been receiving a visitor in her dreams for some time now and I knew from the start that it was Kristanya. I’m extremely intrigued to know what she wants to carry out while using Mave (if I had to guess, it would be as her “sword”) but if the tatua she received out of nowhere are anything to go by, Mave is destined for bigger things in the upcoming books. I want her to finally talk to Varon about the gods and I think that might be coming soon.
Just another exquisitely written novel in this awe-inspiring series. I truly cannot say one bad thing about this book or any others in the series thus far; for in each one, we are graced with a gripping progression to the plot, beautifully-written character development, panty-soaking relationship progression, unique emotional connections between various characters, unexpected twists and utterly gut-wrenching moments.This book (and it’s prequels) are truly everything and beyond what I could possibly ask for in a series;
It’s absolutely NEVER a dull moment and to that end, I’m thoroughly CHERISHING each and every single one.
I can’t believe I only have two books left, it’s really not fair; I’m already dreading the day when I’ll have to leave this captivating world behind… until then, book 6 awaits.
~4.5 stars~
June 17, 2020
Spoilers afoot :)
things are getting intenser and intenser for mave and the ivory shadows this book was action packed from start to finish and equally hectic and crazy mave and her males and everyone are working on getting things squared away after helping the liberated andinna get adjusted after they escaped from the elvasi in the last book things are tense between mave and the gladiators and while i was hoping there would be way found to try and address things more fully it hasnt happened as of yet but heres to hoping it will happen mave was also adopted which suprised her but she keept the lorren name which im personally glad she did speaking of the lorrens or well the one other lorren left mave didnt really intereact with her brother in this book yes there was lot going on but still would have liked to have seen something happened as way of showing they are working on things i dont expect things to happen over night but nods was still disappointing but what had been most disappointing was that seanev her brother didnt leave leria after the messed up things she did i honestly did not like seeing her get mentioned at all in this book i maybe the only one who feels this about her but yeah i think shes the main reason for why there has been no progress between mave and seanev or atleast part of the reason and i honestly think the best thing for leria is to be killed off or to dissapear so that seanev can be with someone who doesnt pull the kind of things that leria did and yes i dont plan to forgive her so hopefully what i want will happen but if not then so be it :) things with zayden got more interesting in this book as well and was also unexpected but glad mave has her next mate and that the next mate is zayden :) mave also got to confront and deal with more of her past when she fought captured and executed prince lothen for all the things he did to her and the andinna as whole on the elvasi side of things nyria shadras daughter suprised me immensely and its a good suprise :) in working against her mother and helping freeing the andinna i look forwaed to seeing more of her and i also look forward to seeing nyria grow closer with lukyas im also curious to see what will happen when mave and nyria meet if they do end up meeting overall nyria i think would be better empress then shadra and that with her at helm the elvasi will be bettet as a whole once the ones who think slavery is good thing are dealt with accordingly etc but nofs overall i loved this book minus the couple things i didnt really like as i mentioned above looking forward to seeing what happens next with mave and ivory shadows well done kristen banet
things are getting intenser and intenser for mave and the ivory shadows this book was action packed from start to finish and equally hectic and crazy mave and her males and everyone are working on getting things squared away after helping the liberated andinna get adjusted after they escaped from the elvasi in the last book things are tense between mave and the gladiators and while i was hoping there would be way found to try and address things more fully it hasnt happened as of yet but heres to hoping it will happen mave was also adopted which suprised her but she keept the lorren name which im personally glad she did speaking of the lorrens or well the one other lorren left mave didnt really intereact with her brother in this book yes there was lot going on but still would have liked to have seen something happened as way of showing they are working on things i dont expect things to happen over night but nods was still disappointing but what had been most disappointing was that seanev her brother didnt leave leria after the messed up things she did i honestly did not like seeing her get mentioned at all in this book i maybe the only one who feels this about her but yeah i think shes the main reason for why there has been no progress between mave and seanev or atleast part of the reason and i honestly think the best thing for leria is to be killed off or to dissapear so that seanev can be with someone who doesnt pull the kind of things that leria did and yes i dont plan to forgive her so hopefully what i want will happen but if not then so be it :) things with zayden got more interesting in this book as well and was also unexpected but glad mave has her next mate and that the next mate is zayden :) mave also got to confront and deal with more of her past when she fought captured and executed prince lothen for all the things he did to her and the andinna as whole on the elvasi side of things nyria shadras daughter suprised me immensely and its a good suprise :) in working against her mother and helping freeing the andinna i look forwaed to seeing more of her and i also look forward to seeing nyria grow closer with lukyas im also curious to see what will happen when mave and nyria meet if they do end up meeting overall nyria i think would be better empress then shadra and that with her at helm the elvasi will be bettet as a whole once the ones who think slavery is good thing are dealt with accordingly etc but nofs overall i loved this book minus the couple things i didnt really like as i mentioned above looking forward to seeing what happens next with mave and ivory shadows well done kristen banet
August 10, 2021
Mave Finally Connects with Trevan
*****Spoilers*****
Along for the ride, Mave finally speaks to Trevan. Long past due but her social awkwardness continues unabated despite her advances in other areas of her life outside the pits. Zayden is dragged into the mayara and it takes Mave getting on top of him to do it. Alchan rolled Mave and we learn he could've always done it but didn't before because he enjoyed the challenge. Not really felling that explanation in the storyline but the reason he did so was to protect Rain since Mave and Zayden stumbled upon the hidden relationship between Alchan and Rain. I've been uncomfortable with what they had going on since they go together for a number of reasons but it's to be official now that all of the Company knows. Mave has her eye on potentially more males but we'll see what happens. I keep waiting on someone to show jealousy but haven't gotten it yet. Mat has taken a back seat in the last few books when he was so prominent early. Not a fan of that and wish he was in more scenes. Luykas is a favorite and got his hand slapped for astral projecting himself to his half sister in the empire without communicating with Mave about it beforehand. While I agree with Mave being angry with him, I thought it was a little overkill for her to threaten him with removal from the mayara. All's well with them in the end but Luykas is a bit more emotionally fragile and didn't handle it well and kept himself away for a long time.
Lothan and the army from the empire give the Andinna some trouble in the mountains with their flying mounts but he's captured in a planned attack on his army camp. He's executed in a battle with Mave though she had trouble controlling her rage. Thankfully Mave got it together before her emotions got her killed but Shadra watched the fight via astral projection. In the midst of war though, it struck me as odd that both sides would pause for the empire to go into mourning Lothan's death. I get it from Alchan because he's been doing his best to play by the rules when possible and stick to honorable battle strategies but can't for Shadra. Turns out, those nightmares Mave has been having are for a reason and it looks like at least one of the gods whom Mave has shunned and cursed is helping her. New tatua on Mave's body are the most recent physical evidence outside of the dreams. To be learned I'm sure as to what it means in future books.
*****Spoilers*****
Along for the ride, Mave finally speaks to Trevan. Long past due but her social awkwardness continues unabated despite her advances in other areas of her life outside the pits. Zayden is dragged into the mayara and it takes Mave getting on top of him to do it. Alchan rolled Mave and we learn he could've always done it but didn't before because he enjoyed the challenge. Not really felling that explanation in the storyline but the reason he did so was to protect Rain since Mave and Zayden stumbled upon the hidden relationship between Alchan and Rain. I've been uncomfortable with what they had going on since they go together for a number of reasons but it's to be official now that all of the Company knows. Mave has her eye on potentially more males but we'll see what happens. I keep waiting on someone to show jealousy but haven't gotten it yet. Mat has taken a back seat in the last few books when he was so prominent early. Not a fan of that and wish he was in more scenes. Luykas is a favorite and got his hand slapped for astral projecting himself to his half sister in the empire without communicating with Mave about it beforehand. While I agree with Mave being angry with him, I thought it was a little overkill for her to threaten him with removal from the mayara. All's well with them in the end but Luykas is a bit more emotionally fragile and didn't handle it well and kept himself away for a long time.
Lothan and the army from the empire give the Andinna some trouble in the mountains with their flying mounts but he's captured in a planned attack on his army camp. He's executed in a battle with Mave though she had trouble controlling her rage. Thankfully Mave got it together before her emotions got her killed but Shadra watched the fight via astral projection. In the midst of war though, it struck me as odd that both sides would pause for the empire to go into mourning Lothan's death. I get it from Alchan because he's been doing his best to play by the rules when possible and stick to honorable battle strategies but can't for Shadra. Turns out, those nightmares Mave has been having are for a reason and it looks like at least one of the gods whom Mave has shunned and cursed is helping her. New tatua on Mave's body are the most recent physical evidence outside of the dreams. To be learned I'm sure as to what it means in future books.
August 30, 2020
I put off reading this book for about as long as I could. I knew that I would want to immediately jump into the next book which isn't out yet and then I would be in agonized suspense. Believe me, I still am. I just don't have to wait quite as long now. 😂
Honestly, this series just keeps getting better and better! So much happened with the rebellion and so much happened for Mave personally.
Finally, we got to see the next member added to her mayara and oof!!! Those fireworks were hot hot hot 🔥🔥🔥
It was fantastic to see Dave, Trevan, and Emerian make it to free Andinna soil. It has been a long time coming for Dave and Trevan. It was also nice to see Emerian have the opportunity to not be a complete asshat. His reaction to Mave is something that was a surprise for me.
The second to last chapter? Omg!!! I so can't wait to see how that plays out!!! It's been a long time coming.
I think I have Mave’s mayara members nailed down in my mind and that gives me warm fuzzies. It will be interesting to see if some of my other thoughts on possible outcomes for plot closures will come to fruition or if Kristen has something else entirely in mind. I'm also saying a few prayers to her writing gods that they don't exact a steep price on the Company and any losses that do happen will be true warrior sacrifices and not just arbitrary because it's trendy to kill off important characters. Thankfully all Andinna deaths in the series have not been frivolous. They have been honored by Alchan and blessed by Kristanya.
I highly recommend this book, this series, and this world to anyone who loves fantasy slow burn reverse harem style stories. For me, it's 100% unputdownable. The writing is incredible, the characters are well developed, the world is easy to immerse yourself in, and of course, the individual and overall plots are compelling. Join me as the Andinna continue their fight for freedom. You won't be sorry.
Honestly, this series just keeps getting better and better! So much happened with the rebellion and so much happened for Mave personally.
Finally, we got to see the next member added to her mayara and oof!!! Those fireworks were hot hot hot 🔥🔥🔥
It was fantastic to see Dave, Trevan, and Emerian make it to free Andinna soil. It has been a long time coming for Dave and Trevan. It was also nice to see Emerian have the opportunity to not be a complete asshat. His reaction to Mave is something that was a surprise for me.
The second to last chapter? Omg!!! I so can't wait to see how that plays out!!! It's been a long time coming.
I think I have Mave’s mayara members nailed down in my mind and that gives me warm fuzzies. It will be interesting to see if some of my other thoughts on possible outcomes for plot closures will come to fruition or if Kristen has something else entirely in mind. I'm also saying a few prayers to her writing gods that they don't exact a steep price on the Company and any losses that do happen will be true warrior sacrifices and not just arbitrary because it's trendy to kill off important characters. Thankfully all Andinna deaths in the series have not been frivolous. They have been honored by Alchan and blessed by Kristanya.
I highly recommend this book, this series, and this world to anyone who loves fantasy slow burn reverse harem style stories. For me, it's 100% unputdownable. The writing is incredible, the characters are well developed, the world is easy to immerse yourself in, and of course, the individual and overall plots are compelling. Join me as the Andinna continue their fight for freedom. You won't be sorry.
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