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Savage Lands #3
Dead Lands
Kidnapped by the notorious rebel group, Provstat, Brexley finds her connection goes deeper than she ever imagined. Reunited with old acquaintances and an uncle she never knew, Brexley is thrown into the vicious world of politics, where human and fae leaders will do anything to come out on top. Here dangerous associations and meticulous plots are far more dangerous and cutthroat than any game she survived in Halálház.
If her life wasn’t complicated enough, her relationship with the infamous legend is growing stronger. The more she tries to untangle the link between Warwick and her, the thicker it wraps around them both, entwining them in a world between life and death, where brutal passion and fury collide.
When whispers of a coveted magical substance, called the nectar, start buzzing louder, Brexley’s strange bond to the fae book leads her on an unexpected journey. One that brings her closer to the answers she seeks.
But once she opens the door, all the secrets and lies of her past come flooding out.
Truths she’s not ready to face.
And betrayals that cut bone deep.
If her life wasn’t complicated enough, her relationship with the infamous legend is growing stronger. The more she tries to untangle the link between Warwick and her, the thicker it wraps around them both, entwining them in a world between life and death, where brutal passion and fury collide.
When whispers of a coveted magical substance, called the nectar, start buzzing louder, Brexley’s strange bond to the fae book leads her on an unexpected journey. One that brings her closer to the answers she seeks.
But once she opens the door, all the secrets and lies of her past come flooding out.
Truths she’s not ready to face.
And betrayals that cut bone deep.
446 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2021
About the author
Stacey Marie Brown
43 books5,180 followersStacey Marie Brown is a lover of hot fictional bad boys and sarcastic heroines who kick butt. She also enjoys books, travel, TV shows, hiking, writing, design, and archery. Stacey swears she is part gypsy, being lucky enough to live and travel all over the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,022 reviews
September 6, 2022
some improvements, some minor annoyances, but this is honestly such an addicting series. i knew this story would be my latest obsession after the first book, and i was right.
so, whats improved? the “romance.” im so glad the relationship has finally progressed beyond the hateful angst. finally feelings are being acknowledged and it makes me so happy. yes, the mysterious war between fae, humans, and everything in between is exciting and progressing as well, but major strides were made between brexley and warwick and the slow burn has nearly finally ended. thank goodness.
what is still annoying me is the fact that getting answers to questions is like pulling teeth. seriously, its halfway through the series and brexley still has no idea what she is, what she can do, or why warwick is similar. its like each book gives you a little hint, but then creates even more questions. its starting to feel a little dragged out…
but none of this takes away from the addictive nature of the story. something about the drama and adventure of it all sucks you right in and you cant resurface until youve flipped the last page. sooo entertaining.
PS - a book hits different when youve been to the place its set. since reading the first two books, i visited budapest! and i was totally freaking out each time they mentioned a place/location and i knew exactly what/where they are talking about because i was just there!
↠ 4 stars
so, whats improved? the “romance.” im so glad the relationship has finally progressed beyond the hateful angst. finally feelings are being acknowledged and it makes me so happy. yes, the mysterious war between fae, humans, and everything in between is exciting and progressing as well, but major strides were made between brexley and warwick and the slow burn has nearly finally ended. thank goodness.
what is still annoying me is the fact that getting answers to questions is like pulling teeth. seriously, its halfway through the series and brexley still has no idea what she is, what she can do, or why warwick is similar. its like each book gives you a little hint, but then creates even more questions. its starting to feel a little dragged out…
but none of this takes away from the addictive nature of the story. something about the drama and adventure of it all sucks you right in and you cant resurface until youve flipped the last page. sooo entertaining.
PS - a book hits different when youve been to the place its set. since reading the first two books, i visited budapest! and i was totally freaking out each time they mentioned a place/location and i knew exactly what/where they are talking about because i was just there!
↠ 4 stars
May 21, 2022
Another jaw dropping book. The end has me crying and screaming 😩😩 These cliffhangers are so epic.
Also, "the grey"?! I honestly was thinking it's going to be called something cool like- the dark phoenix 😂😂🙈
The plot🤌The drama🤌The characters🤌The smut🤌The fact it keeps me guessing and interested🤌
This series is truly an underrated gem and I'm enjoying every word of it.
Warwick and Brex are such an iconic duo. Although at times they do get on my nerves. Like please sort out your issues and just TALK😩😩There are so many great supporting characters in it, and they're not just there for the sake of it but actually contribute to the story and are written in such a likable manner. I do want to see more of Killian. The tension between him and Brex is just swoon worthy. Any chance this is a Reverse Harem?👀😩
I need to find out what happens next. Really becoming OBSESSED with this series.
Also, "the grey"?! I honestly was thinking it's going to be called something cool like- the dark phoenix 😂😂🙈
The plot🤌The drama🤌The characters🤌The smut🤌The fact it keeps me guessing and interested🤌
This series is truly an underrated gem and I'm enjoying every word of it.
Warwick and Brex are such an iconic duo. Although at times they do get on my nerves. Like please sort out your issues and just TALK😩😩There are so many great supporting characters in it, and they're not just there for the sake of it but actually contribute to the story and are written in such a likable manner. I do want to see more of Killian. The tension between him and Brex is just swoon worthy. Any chance this is a Reverse Harem?👀😩
I need to find out what happens next. Really becoming OBSESSED with this series.
September 19, 2021
Dead Lands
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warnings:
Violence
Gun violence
(I managed to delete my list I made + I couldn’t find any so please comment more if you’d like)
Spicy scale:
🌶🌶🌶 Aaand the sexual tension finally exploded.
Review:
I cannot even BEGIN to describe what this book did to me. Okay I can; I’m dead.
I feel like romance is so different when it’s fantasy, a lot of stakes and risks and all that which either strengthens or ruins the relationship. But it’s so good when the author does it right!
When he’s described as arrogant and cruel (he is, don’t get me wrong) but worships her I- only in books people…
To give you an inkling of the atmosphere, here's a word count for:
grunt: 34
rumble: 35
growl: 68
fuck: 123
😄😙
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trigger warnings:
Violence
Gun violence
(I managed to delete my list I made + I couldn’t find any so please comment more if you’d like)
Spicy scale:
🌶🌶🌶 Aaand the sexual tension finally exploded.
Review:
I cannot even BEGIN to describe what this book did to me. Okay I can; I’m dead.
I feel like romance is so different when it’s fantasy, a lot of stakes and risks and all that which either strengthens or ruins the relationship. But it’s so good when the author does it right!
When he’s described as arrogant and cruel (he is, don’t get me wrong) but worships her I- only in books people…
To give you an inkling of the atmosphere, here's a word count for:
grunt: 34
rumble: 35
growl: 68
fuck: 123
😄😙
July 28, 2021
I really did enjoy the first book of this series, but it began to feel so repetitive during the second and third. How many more motorcycle chases are we going to go on? Wait let me guess, there’s people shooting at you too, bullets whizzing right by your head. Brex stuck in a sticky situation? Don’t worry, Warwick will be by any second to blow something up. The repeating plot lines began to feel lazy, even the fact that every single man she ever met is “drawn” to her (how many times do we have to hear that word?) Or how about the word “BOOM”. Why not just omit that?
I didn’t find many typos, which is a huge pet peeve of mine in books so that was well done. However, the way the author wrote certain words with extra letters: “Noooooooo!” Felt fan-fictiony and immature. There are ways to express an emotion without using this sort of writing. The plot was faced pace, which I did enjoy but there’s a fine line between plot and development and just scene dumping. There were sometimes entire fight scenes that took place in one paragraph. If the author expects us to feel immersed in the scene and especially the stakes of an intense scene, the details are important.
Lastly, I am a sucker for a dark, brooding rude man who only has eyes for the MC, but we have now been through three books and hardly even know Warwick. The character development of him seems to have fallen flat, and there have been things laid about about his life and personality that don’t come into play later. For example, he supposedly is already falling for Brexley when he hands her over to Killian, but he’s able to make this extremely hard decision because of how much he loves his sister and nephew. He said he literally was willing to sacrifice anyone or anything, yet when they get kidnapped by Killian and held hostage, he does the whole “Noooooooo!” Thing once, then moves on and is joking with Ash and having sex with Brex like 20 minutes later. They literally didn’t even have a conversation about it the rest of the book. But supposedly he cares about these people more than anything? This would have been a great opportunity to show a frantic, softer side of Warwick who needed reassurance and comforting from Brexley, adding a new depth and dynamic to their ever changing relationship. PS……why is this mans penis constantly hard? Brexley could be like being eaten alive by rabid wolves and the author would feel the need to mention the last thing she saw before her eyes closed forever was Warwick’s erection. It’s always brought up at the strangest moments.
I didn’t find many typos, which is a huge pet peeve of mine in books so that was well done. However, the way the author wrote certain words with extra letters: “Noooooooo!” Felt fan-fictiony and immature. There are ways to express an emotion without using this sort of writing. The plot was faced pace, which I did enjoy but there’s a fine line between plot and development and just scene dumping. There were sometimes entire fight scenes that took place in one paragraph. If the author expects us to feel immersed in the scene and especially the stakes of an intense scene, the details are important.
Lastly, I am a sucker for a dark, brooding rude man who only has eyes for the MC, but we have now been through three books and hardly even know Warwick. The character development of him seems to have fallen flat, and there have been things laid about about his life and personality that don’t come into play later. For example, he supposedly is already falling for Brexley when he hands her over to Killian, but he’s able to make this extremely hard decision because of how much he loves his sister and nephew. He said he literally was willing to sacrifice anyone or anything, yet when they get kidnapped by Killian and held hostage, he does the whole “Noooooooo!” Thing once, then moves on and is joking with Ash and having sex with Brex like 20 minutes later. They literally didn’t even have a conversation about it the rest of the book. But supposedly he cares about these people more than anything? This would have been a great opportunity to show a frantic, softer side of Warwick who needed reassurance and comforting from Brexley, adding a new depth and dynamic to their ever changing relationship. PS……why is this mans penis constantly hard? Brexley could be like being eaten alive by rabid wolves and the author would feel the need to mention the last thing she saw before her eyes closed forever was Warwick’s erection. It’s always brought up at the strangest moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2021
So, this book is one of my anticipated releases this year (after only reading the first two books this February). Needless to say, expectation is high and I was pumped prior to this book.
And it delivered. It was still action-packed and fast paced as the other two books. In addition of new development in the romance department (and yeah, they did it. 😉 They even shook the building with it.)
However, I was conflicted with some of the repetitive scenes in this series, and what was twists and betrayals now became almost expected. All I hope for the next installments, something needs to give. And stop with recycling the scenes, sure it was exhilarating but after awhile, it did get tedious.
But it is still a great addition to the series! And you bet I'm gonna continue on the series.
And it delivered. It was still action-packed and fast paced as the other two books. In addition of new development in the romance department (and yeah, they did it. 😉 They even shook the building with it.)
However, I was conflicted with some of the repetitive scenes in this series, and what was twists and betrayals now became almost expected. All I hope for the next installments, something needs to give. And stop with recycling the scenes, sure it was exhilarating but after awhile, it did get tedious.
But it is still a great addition to the series! And you bet I'm gonna continue on the series.
January 8, 2023
A család nem egy fontos dolog. A család a legfontosabb. That was a phrase my dad said a lot. “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”
Absolutely loved this one and not just because it was full of spice and and amazing quotes.
Sure, the writing is a bit repetitive after a while, and some situations seem copy-pasted from the previous books, but there was a lot going on and I can say by now that I'm definitely hooked on this series.
I'm gonna take a break from it tho, before I forget how to read other books.
“How do we know this isn’t some setup? That he’s telling them where we are and to come attack us?”
“We don’t.” Warwick tipped his chin down, our bodies close, his gaze heavy, his physique immersing mine. “But I have a feeling he really doesn’t want to start a war with me. One he knows he won’t win. I am the legend, Warwick Farkas, after all.”
“Having some trouble fitting that ego in this universe?”
“No, but I am having trouble fitting my dick in these pants right now.”
(Honestly, I don't even know why this quote made me laugh so much, but I love it when grumpy characters get sarcastic once they warm up to their LI and their entourage of pictoresque friends)
I love the side characters almost as much as I like the main ones (Opie and Blitzy and Ash and Rosie and Luk and Birdie are my faves), but most of all, I love how everyone in these books is obsessed with Brexley and Warwick's sex life.
I mean...that FarkAss🤌✨
I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how this will all end.
“Good plan, princess.”
“Thank you.” I tipped my head to him, neither of us actually opening our mouths.
“You know it will be like stealing treasure from a dragon’s lair.” Ash rubbed his brow. “Very dangerous. We might not make it out.”
A devious sneer hinted on Warwick’s mouth. “Sounds exactly up our alley.”
🚩𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙱𝙻𝙴 𝙿𝚁𝙾𝙱𝙻𝙴𝙼𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚃 𝙰𝙻𝙴𝚁𝚃!*🚩
*𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜, 𝚜𝚒𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍/𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌/𝚝𝚘𝚡𝚒𝚌/𝚍𝚊𝚛𝚔 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎.
𝙸, 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠, 𝚊𝚌𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚕𝚎𝚍𝚐𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚗𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍, 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚖𝚢 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚏𝚘𝚛𝚝 𝚣𝚘𝚗𝚎, 𝚌𝚑𝚘𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚗𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚓𝚘𝚢𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚛 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗, 𝚋𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎:
-𝙸 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚒𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚛𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚏𝚒𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚢;
-𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 𝚋𝚎𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚘𝚛𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎;
-𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚘𝚛 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚌𝚎𝚛𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗 "𝚙𝚛𝚘𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚌" 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜/𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜/𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜, 𝚍𝚘𝚗'𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚍𝚎𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗;
-𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚐𝚘𝚝𝚝𝚊 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚂𝙴 𝙱𝙾𝙾𝙺𝚂, 𝚢'𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠?
January 1, 2023
Well, I finally finished my last book of 2022! 🎉🎉 I'm still impressed by how good this series is - if you like fantasy romance you definitely need to read it!
✅ IT'S STILL AS ENGROSSING and exciting as the first couple of books, which I feel is pretty hard to do with a series that's this long. Usually, there's a lull around book 3 but not in this one! I think it's primarily because we're still being introduced to new characters and new settings, which keeps it exciting.
✅ THE TENSION BETWEEN Brexley and Warwick is finally leading to something and their scenes are fire 🔥🔥 There are still some commitment issues before they can become an official power couple but it's definitely trending in the right direction 🥰
✅ WE GOT A LOT of answers in this book but somehow I have even more questions now!?! At least that will keep me reading the next couple of books haha
❌ SOME OF THE ACTION scenes were a bit repetitive, especially how any time they need to get out of a seemingly impossible situation, there is an extremely convenient explosion that happens and gives them the distraction they need 😒
Overall, I'm still very happy with this series and will definitely be continuing. It has a great mix of a strong leading heroine, an interesting magical world, and a steamy romance 💕 I might take a break and read something else but will plan to come back and finish this up sometime soon 😊
✅ IT'S STILL AS ENGROSSING and exciting as the first couple of books, which I feel is pretty hard to do with a series that's this long. Usually, there's a lull around book 3 but not in this one! I think it's primarily because we're still being introduced to new characters and new settings, which keeps it exciting.
✅ THE TENSION BETWEEN Brexley and Warwick is finally leading to something and their scenes are fire 🔥🔥 There are still some commitment issues before they can become an official power couple but it's definitely trending in the right direction 🥰
✅ WE GOT A LOT of answers in this book but somehow I have even more questions now!?! At least that will keep me reading the next couple of books haha
❌ SOME OF THE ACTION scenes were a bit repetitive, especially how any time they need to get out of a seemingly impossible situation, there is an extremely convenient explosion that happens and gives them the distraction they need 😒
Overall, I'm still very happy with this series and will definitely be continuing. It has a great mix of a strong leading heroine, an interesting magical world, and a steamy romance 💕 I might take a break and read something else but will plan to come back and finish this up sometime soon 😊
October 6, 2022
2.5 I don’t even know anymore man 😂 I guess I am just continuing by the sheer madness of it all at this point. This series had such potential but it’s just squandered on the thirstiest two people I have ever read, and in the most ridiculous way! The whole “she’s special, not like other girls” is just grating at this point. Warwick is still just a one dimensional character after three books and the plot( which is about 15% of the book in favor of horny times with our MCs) is so repetitive! It goes something like this:
Every guy in a 5 mile radius lusts after Brexley. Brexley is such a badass fighter, until she inevitably isn’t and Warwick has to save her.
Brexley gets kidnapped.
Motorcycles.
Bombs.
Insert written sound effects- Boom, crack, pop, bam every other page.
Brexley and Warwick lust after each other every second of every day no matter WHAT life/death situation is happening around them. It actually is like foreplay and if all else fails they beat the crap out of each other and fall into each other bc sexy!
And now it’s the placenta?!!!! 🤣😂🤣 WTF?!
Anyway, taking a break, will probably be back bc I already bought the series and I’m too stubborn to just DNF.
Every guy in a 5 mile radius lusts after Brexley. Brexley is such a badass fighter, until she inevitably isn’t and Warwick has to save her.
Brexley gets kidnapped.
Motorcycles.
Bombs.
Insert written sound effects- Boom, crack, pop, bam every other page.
Brexley and Warwick lust after each other every second of every day no matter WHAT life/death situation is happening around them. It actually is like foreplay and if all else fails they beat the crap out of each other and fall into each other bc sexy!
And now it’s the placenta?!!!! 🤣😂🤣 WTF?!
Anyway, taking a break, will probably be back bc I already bought the series and I’m too stubborn to just DNF.
November 13, 2021
This series is just going in circle.
Every books follow the same type of recipe and it’s repetitive and predictable. I’m not even kidding, they are all the same, the story doesn’t progress that much and it’s a struggle to get to the interesting parts.
Every books follow the same type of recipe and it’s repetitive and predictable. I’m not even kidding, they are all the same, the story doesn’t progress that much and it’s a struggle to get to the interesting parts.
December 18, 2022
One of my favorite things about this series is that SMB is a master at give and take. An author's relationship with her readers throughout a long/multi-part series depends entirely on what they reveal vs. what they hold back in suspense.
A SHORT PREVIEW:
If you read the last book, you know Brexley was kidnapped at the end. Without giving too much away, she realizes that the notorious rebel group in Prague, Provstat, is much closer to home than she ever imagined. With yet another faction warring to control these dystopian Eastern European lands, the race to find a mysterious substance called the Nectar is more crucial than ever. (Not to mention that Brexley, doesn't know where her loyalties lay or what her true heritage is?)
THINGS I LOVED ABOUT (DEAD LANDS) #3 IN THE SERIES:
- For the first time in this series.. we get to see Brexley confronted with the people of her past away from the world and the indoctrination they know. This was perhaps my favorite part of this book because it really gives you a clear look at how different you'll view the world if you get away from your roots. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen and depends on you.. but can be summed up in a few quotes:
" It wasn't until I was outside the walls of HDF, fighting for my life in Halalhaz, that I realized HDF is the one brainwashing. The world is so different outside those gates."
" War is always the same no matter what time period."
- So much is explained in this book, but some pretty great cliffhangers are left, like what Brexley's heritage is and how her old friends will mesh with her new friends.
- Brexley's memories of herself etc.. you'll see what I mean, but they're so crucial to what's coming in the next books, I think!
NOTES:
- Dark romantasy (18+) 🌶🌶🌶/5 (Very much an enemies-to-lovers situation. Emphasis on enemies lol... )
- Super fast read
- Easy story to follow. It's fantasy but there aren't so many layers to the magical system that you can't follow.
- LGBTQ+ themes/ representation
- Setting: Dystopian Eastern Europe
- I haven't wanted to keep going in many series over the years, and as the years go on - I finish fewer and fewer of them. This is a series I think I may actually finish!!
A SHORT PREVIEW:
If you read the last book, you know Brexley was kidnapped at the end. Without giving too much away, she realizes that the notorious rebel group in Prague, Provstat, is much closer to home than she ever imagined. With yet another faction warring to control these dystopian Eastern European lands, the race to find a mysterious substance called the Nectar is more crucial than ever. (Not to mention that Brexley, doesn't know where her loyalties lay or what her true heritage is?)
THINGS I LOVED ABOUT (DEAD LANDS) #3 IN THE SERIES:
- For the first time in this series.. we get to see Brexley confronted with the people of her past away from the world and the indoctrination they know. This was perhaps my favorite part of this book because it really gives you a clear look at how different you'll view the world if you get away from your roots. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen and depends on you.. but can be summed up in a few quotes:
" It wasn't until I was outside the walls of HDF, fighting for my life in Halalhaz, that I realized HDF is the one brainwashing. The world is so different outside those gates."
" War is always the same no matter what time period."
- So much is explained in this book, but some pretty great cliffhangers are left, like what Brexley's heritage is and how her old friends will mesh with her new friends.
- Brexley's memories of herself etc.. you'll see what I mean, but they're so crucial to what's coming in the next books, I think!
NOTES:
- Dark romantasy (18+) 🌶🌶🌶/5 (Very much an enemies-to-lovers situation. Emphasis on enemies lol... )
- Super fast read
- Easy story to follow. It's fantasy but there aren't so many layers to the magical system that you can't follow.
- LGBTQ+ themes/ representation
- Setting: Dystopian Eastern Europe
- I haven't wanted to keep going in many series over the years, and as the years go on - I finish fewer and fewer of them. This is a series I think I may actually finish!!
May 10, 2022
⚜𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄⚜ Here we are again with my next Re-read of this incredible series and i gotta say Dead Lands 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐀𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐄. Every scene, every moment, ever character just 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 had my heart beat so fast i needed a minute to breath and take a break.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I'm pretty sure the first two books drained me from any useful insight i could possibly write. I don't think there are any more words i could use to describe my love for this series. Everything i said in my last 2 reviews still applies to this book.
The friendships in this one evolved marginally and i couldn't be more happier for it. I devoured every scene and every moment i read, it didn't matter if it was of 𝐉𝐨𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡, i took it all and wanted more. But my brain went in overload with everything 𝐒𝐌𝐁 gave us in this one.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
These two are killing me, their bond, dynamic, and interaction are impossible to ignore. I could practically feel their aura burst with energy around my room. And when the moment we were all waiting for happened, when they 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 and not their Shadow selves but them them, 𝐈 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐃, 𝐍𝐎 𝐈'𝐌 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃. 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍.
That 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄. It was too much and not enough, i swear the Devil himself could've been standing in front of me and i wouldn't have noticed. And if that wasn't enough the scene at Ms. Kitty finished the job of shredding my heart and turning my brain into mush.
“You got it all wrong, Kovacs.” Anger and desire stormed through his eyes as a deep growl shook the room, raking down every nerve and bone in my body. “It’s us who needs you.” His fingers curled around my ponytail, yanking my head back roughly.
Ecstasy and pain sizzled down my vertebrae. His free hand slid up my jaw, cupping the back of my head.
“Warwick?” His name came out a question. A want. A plea.
“For once, princess, shut up.” His hands clutched my ass, lifting me up, my legs wrapping around him.
“Make me.”
His mouth crashed into me like an explosion. Life. Death. Love. Hate. With just a kiss, everything ignited [...] The feel of his actual lips on mine was ruthless and vicious, snapping fire and electricity into my nerves. Pure pleasure. Pure pain. Downright feral...”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Not to mention Brex's 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐁*𝐓𝐂𝐇 moment at the train station. 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 girl, I was screaming like a lunatic. 𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍!! kill those motherfu#ker and let them know who's in control. Plus the graveyard scene. 𝐅#𝐂𝐊.
Everything about her changed in this book and I couldn't take it anymore I honestly don't know what to say. There were so many things happening and I feel like I couldn't possibly express how much reading it all affected me. So many scenes between her and Farkas were 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋. 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓. 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇. 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍. 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋. 𝐑𝐀𝐖. I melted like ice in the Sahara Desert, there was no fighting it. I was as helpless as any of them, so i simply accepted my fate and surrendered.
“I hope... or maybe something about me. What I am.”
His head turned in my direction. “What you are... is mine... Sotet démonom.” His turquoise eyes flamed with a possessiveness. No matter how many times he called me his dark demon, it affected my body with urgent desire. His shadow flicked at my breasts with his tongue, fingers tracing down my stomach to my pussy, melting my brain to slush. I needed him now.
“Is that so?” His eyes tracking my naked body, his lust rubbing against my skin. His eyes shifted down me, his desire hardening him instantly, making me smirk.
“And here I thought I wasn’t your type, Farkas. Too skinny and bony.”
A wicked grin tipped the side of his mouth. “Guess that changed.” He grabbed my thighs, pulling me between his legs.
“Or you lied.”
“That too.” A roguish grin glinted his eyes.“
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Also not really important but I felt the need to have a mini rant. I didn't like Mykel being like don't disappoint me and you need to prove yourself to me, show me I can trust you. Like 𝐁*𝐓𝐂𝐇 you are the one who sent your thugs after her, who drugged and kidnapped her, then told her the only reason she was there was because of information she had and then called her a traitor and spy. 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅#𝐂𝐊 𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄. You're the one who needs to prove himself and show her you're not like the others, just a power hungry 𝐂*𝐍𝐓. So get off your high horse and your self-righteousness you arrogant bastard.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I'm so very tired now, i feel like i need an entire day of sleep to recharge. It's rare a book does that to me but when it happens i cherish them like they're my precious. But i'm too overwhelmed to continue, even tho there are so many moments i want to talk about especially my favorite trio Ash, Opie and Bitzy. Plus Kek, Luk and. . .Tad 𝐅#𝐂𝐊 that hurts. But i absolutely cannot, my brain won't allow it. I'm done.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I'm pretty sure the first two books drained me from any useful insight i could possibly write. I don't think there are any more words i could use to describe my love for this series. Everything i said in my last 2 reviews still applies to this book.
The friendships in this one evolved marginally and i couldn't be more happier for it. I devoured every scene and every moment i read, it didn't matter if it was of 𝐉𝐨𝐲, 𝐒𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫, 𝐇𝐨𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡, i took it all and wanted more. But my brain went in overload with everything 𝐒𝐌𝐁 gave us in this one.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
These two are killing me, their bond, dynamic, and interaction are impossible to ignore. I could practically feel their aura burst with energy around my room. And when the moment we were all waiting for happened, when they 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐊𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 and not their Shadow selves but them them, 𝐈 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐃, 𝐍𝐎 𝐈'𝐌 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐃. 𝐋𝐈𝐊𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐆𝐀𝐈𝐍.
That 𝐖𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐄. It was too much and not enough, i swear the Devil himself could've been standing in front of me and i wouldn't have noticed. And if that wasn't enough the scene at Ms. Kitty finished the job of shredding my heart and turning my brain into mush.
“You got it all wrong, Kovacs.” Anger and desire stormed through his eyes as a deep growl shook the room, raking down every nerve and bone in my body. “It’s us who needs you.” His fingers curled around my ponytail, yanking my head back roughly.
Ecstasy and pain sizzled down my vertebrae. His free hand slid up my jaw, cupping the back of my head.
“Warwick?” His name came out a question. A want. A plea.
“For once, princess, shut up.” His hands clutched my ass, lifting me up, my legs wrapping around him.
“Make me.”
His mouth crashed into me like an explosion. Life. Death. Love. Hate. With just a kiss, everything ignited [...] The feel of his actual lips on mine was ruthless and vicious, snapping fire and electricity into my nerves. Pure pleasure. Pure pain. Downright feral...”
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Not to mention Brex's 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐁*𝐓𝐂𝐇 moment at the train station. 𝐆𝐎𝐃𝐃𝐀𝐌𝐍 girl, I was screaming like a lunatic. 𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍!! kill those motherfu#ker and let them know who's in control. Plus the graveyard scene. 𝐅#𝐂𝐊.
Everything about her changed in this book and I couldn't take it anymore I honestly don't know what to say. There were so many things happening and I feel like I couldn't possibly express how much reading it all affected me. So many scenes between her and Farkas were 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐋. 𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓. 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇. 𝐋𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍. 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋. 𝐑𝐀𝐖. I melted like ice in the Sahara Desert, there was no fighting it. I was as helpless as any of them, so i simply accepted my fate and surrendered.
“I hope... or maybe something about me. What I am.”
His head turned in my direction. “What you are... is mine... Sotet démonom.” His turquoise eyes flamed with a possessiveness. No matter how many times he called me his dark demon, it affected my body with urgent desire. His shadow flicked at my breasts with his tongue, fingers tracing down my stomach to my pussy, melting my brain to slush. I needed him now.
“Is that so?” His eyes tracking my naked body, his lust rubbing against my skin. His eyes shifted down me, his desire hardening him instantly, making me smirk.
“And here I thought I wasn’t your type, Farkas. Too skinny and bony.”
A wicked grin tipped the side of his mouth. “Guess that changed.” He grabbed my thighs, pulling me between his legs.
“Or you lied.”
“That too.” A roguish grin glinted his eyes.“
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
Also not really important but I felt the need to have a mini rant. I didn't like Mykel being like don't disappoint me and you need to prove yourself to me, show me I can trust you. Like 𝐁*𝐓𝐂𝐇 you are the one who sent your thugs after her, who drugged and kidnapped her, then told her the only reason she was there was because of information she had and then called her a traitor and spy. 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅#𝐂𝐊 𝐃𝐎 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐀𝐑𝐄. You're the one who needs to prove himself and show her you're not like the others, just a power hungry 𝐂*𝐍𝐓. So get off your high horse and your self-righteousness you arrogant bastard.
]|I{•---------⋘⋙---------------•⪼⦕࿅⦖⪻•---------------⋘⋙---------•}I|[
I'm so very tired now, i feel like i need an entire day of sleep to recharge. It's rare a book does that to me but when it happens i cherish them like they're my precious. But i'm too overwhelmed to continue, even tho there are so many moments i want to talk about especially my favorite trio Ash, Opie and Bitzy. Plus Kek, Luk and. . .Tad 𝐅#𝐂𝐊 that hurts. But i absolutely cannot, my brain won't allow it. I'm done.
May 29, 2022
Even after the 2nd time, this is absolutely still a 5 star book. For SO many delicious reasons (mainly Warwick & Ash.) Quite possibly my favorite of the series.
November 10, 2021
Holy Shamoly...
I can't believe how good this series is. It's hard to read at times and intensely dark, but I LOVE IT!
Can't talk (review) now, I must go on.
Trigger people, don't do it, gritty readers...DO IT!!!!
I can't believe how good this series is. It's hard to read at times and intensely dark, but I LOVE IT!
Can't talk (review) now, I must go on.
Trigger people, don't do it, gritty readers...DO IT!!!!
June 24, 2021
4,5. This was just what I liked: badass girl, alpha man, fights, action and a lot of story well telling!!!
I need the next book ASAP😬.
It’s worth the reading!
I need the next book ASAP😬.
It’s worth the reading!
June 18, 2021
This series is getting worse with every book....
I've no idea why I assumed this was going to be a trilogy. I wanted to read Books 2 and 3 together once Dead Lands was published. But Book 3 here ends with another cliffhanger.
First of all, I love the world-building in the Savage Lands series. It's quite unique and enthralling; fae fighting humans might be an old plot but the way the author spins it with politics, mystery and so much suspense, all set out in a dystopian world, makes it stand out easily. In Wild Lands, Brexley is still navigating the world outside the palace she grew up in and is still getting introduced to the other chess pieces on the board. The mystery about her identity and her past deepens, and makes you want to cling to every clue thrown in to figure out who (or what) she really is! There are so many characters, all of whose interests entwine and overlap creating the potential of an epic drama.
But again, it remains only potential... still...
I said in my review of the first book that this series has great potential. This is my first series by this author so I don't know if all her other books have such gripping plots. The larger plot in the Savage Lands series is still as unpredictable as the first book was. But the day to day life of our heroine Brexley has become veryyyy predictable.
The only time she is not lamenting in her mind is when she is getting kidnapped, being (eagerly) used by her kidnappers to further their plot or is getting rescued by Warwick. This girl had so much potential! She was thrown in one of the deadliest prisons, survived there against all odds, learned to fight and understand how people in the real world were motivated by selfishness and greed. After all that and the cliffhanger in Book 1 , this girl did not memorize her lessons well. Even though she is headstrong, she is quite stupid. Running into all kinds of trouble without any regard for the people around her and creating more problems than solving them.
Not only does she act quite foolishly for most of the book, but she is also not as strong a fighter as everyone claims to be. Apart from "kicking ass" during training or sparring, she cannot fight even when her life is on the line! Every freaking time, it was Warwick who had to come and rescue her. The whole rescuing thing became old long ago and by the time Book 3 ended, it had become quite irritating.
Warwick, Warwick, Warwick... ugh
How can a character be mentioned so much all throughout the books, have every character either fearing him or lusting after him and still have such poor character development! Good lord, the man (half-fae) had no personality. The man knew only three things - fucking like a sixteen-year-old virgin left free in a brothel, rescuing our heroine and riding a motorcycle. I don't count grunting, acting like a stupid alpha male and treating people around him with no respect whatsoever as a whole personality. It can be a small character trait, but it cannot be the entire personality of a man, esp. the hero.
Last rant, I swear...
I get that Fae and sex are something that has become a certainty in the Fantasy genre and most of the readers love it, including me. But there is more to a Fae story than sex. Where are the word games, the mythology and the history? Most throughout Book 3, Brexley only thought about having sex with Warwick. Her world is literally crumbling down around her and all she can think about is the man who not only betrayed her and has mood swings only in the extremes but has repeatedly treated her like she was some irritating bug he wanted to swat away. Also, I get that Brexley is unique, but what's up with everyone wanting to have sex with her all the time! Even Warwick's best friend is no exception.
A pendulum swinging...
I may have found the best analogy for this series while writing this review. This series really swings between a sheer genius, epic plot and the mind of a horny teenager, having the first burst of hormones.
The only reason I am writing this long review is that I really love the plot of this series. It is unique and captivating, and honestly, I don't want the series to become another disappointment like so many in this genre have (case in point, Fever series by Karen Moning). I think the author needs to slow it down a little and actually work on the small plots now. I get that people love the fast-paced book, but this is not really a shut-your-brain action drama. It's dystopian fantasy and it needs to be developed a little slower. Explaining the history of characters more, their motivations, their feelings, adding some mythology and tying it all together with deeper connections other than sexual cravings (or in our heroine's words, the legendry 'draw') might steer this series in a better direction. Right now, every time I look at Brexley and Warwick, all I can think of are the characters written by Amelia Hutchins, and we all know how they turned out.
Maybe I'll read the next books only to confirm my theories about who Brexley is, but I'm not eagerly waiting for them right now.
I've no idea why I assumed this was going to be a trilogy. I wanted to read Books 2 and 3 together once Dead Lands was published. But Book 3 here ends with another cliffhanger.
First of all, I love the world-building in the Savage Lands series. It's quite unique and enthralling; fae fighting humans might be an old plot but the way the author spins it with politics, mystery and so much suspense, all set out in a dystopian world, makes it stand out easily. In Wild Lands, Brexley is still navigating the world outside the palace she grew up in and is still getting introduced to the other chess pieces on the board. The mystery about her identity and her past deepens, and makes you want to cling to every clue thrown in to figure out who (or what) she really is! There are so many characters, all of whose interests entwine and overlap creating the potential of an epic drama.
But again, it remains only potential... still...
I said in my review of the first book that this series has great potential. This is my first series by this author so I don't know if all her other books have such gripping plots. The larger plot in the Savage Lands series is still as unpredictable as the first book was. But the day to day life of our heroine Brexley has become veryyyy predictable.
The only time she is not lamenting in her mind is when she is getting kidnapped, being (eagerly) used by her kidnappers to further their plot or is getting rescued by Warwick. This girl had so much potential! She was thrown in one of the deadliest prisons, survived there against all odds, learned to fight and understand how people in the real world were motivated by selfishness and greed. After all that and the cliffhanger in Book 1 , this girl did not memorize her lessons well. Even though she is headstrong, she is quite stupid. Running into all kinds of trouble without any regard for the people around her and creating more problems than solving them.
Not only does she act quite foolishly for most of the book, but she is also not as strong a fighter as everyone claims to be. Apart from "kicking ass" during training or sparring, she cannot fight even when her life is on the line! Every freaking time, it was Warwick who had to come and rescue her. The whole rescuing thing became old long ago and by the time Book 3 ended, it had become quite irritating.
Warwick, Warwick, Warwick... ugh
How can a character be mentioned so much all throughout the books, have every character either fearing him or lusting after him and still have such poor character development! Good lord, the man (half-fae) had no personality. The man knew only three things - fucking like a sixteen-year-old virgin left free in a brothel, rescuing our heroine and riding a motorcycle. I don't count grunting, acting like a stupid alpha male and treating people around him with no respect whatsoever as a whole personality. It can be a small character trait, but it cannot be the entire personality of a man, esp. the hero.
Last rant, I swear...
I get that Fae and sex are something that has become a certainty in the Fantasy genre and most of the readers love it, including me. But there is more to a Fae story than sex. Where are the word games, the mythology and the history? Most throughout Book 3, Brexley only thought about having sex with Warwick. Her world is literally crumbling down around her and all she can think about is the man who not only betrayed her and has mood swings only in the extremes but has repeatedly treated her like she was some irritating bug he wanted to swat away. Also, I get that Brexley is unique, but what's up with everyone wanting to have sex with her all the time! Even Warwick's best friend is no exception.
A pendulum swinging...
I may have found the best analogy for this series while writing this review. This series really swings between a sheer genius, epic plot and the mind of a horny teenager, having the first burst of hormones.
The only reason I am writing this long review is that I really love the plot of this series. It is unique and captivating, and honestly, I don't want the series to become another disappointment like so many in this genre have (case in point, Fever series by Karen Moning). I think the author needs to slow it down a little and actually work on the small plots now. I get that people love the fast-paced book, but this is not really a shut-your-brain action drama. It's dystopian fantasy and it needs to be developed a little slower. Explaining the history of characters more, their motivations, their feelings, adding some mythology and tying it all together with deeper connections other than sexual cravings (or in our heroine's words, the legendry 'draw') might steer this series in a better direction. Right now, every time I look at Brexley and Warwick, all I can think of are the characters written by Amelia Hutchins, and we all know how they turned out.
Maybe I'll read the next books only to confirm my theories about who Brexley is, but I'm not eagerly waiting for them right now.
Currently reading
May 23, 2023me & Jeanette’s buddy-read quest continues 🫡
August 22, 2021
This is probably my favorite of the series so far. Just when I thought things couldn’t get grittier we get the church scene. Pheweee. If you thought there was no way the actual culmination could live up to the sexual tension that’s been building for two books, you are very wrong my friend. Brown knows how to write some sex. Let me tell you. This is still the perfect pacing of world expansion and questions being answered while new ones arise. I could not be more impressed with this series. DYING FOR BOOK FOUR NOW.
March 21, 2022
4 stars ~ [7.94/10]
I love that the formula for the romance in this series is basically just: Warwick fucks off somewhere, Brexley gets into trouble and all hope seems lost, Warwick arrives just in time to save the day - often with a quippy one-liner as his grand entrance, they shadow shag or something, lather, rinse, repeat. It's not annoying me at all, which is actually the greatest twist of this entire series. I don't know why it's not annoying me, when it's something that would have really thrown me out of another series. Maybe I'm just more easygoing this year? Who knows. I am really learning a lot about myself with these books and having an absolute blast reading them too.
This was my favourite book of the series so far. I don't know why because whilst the writing is better than the first two nothing is really foreshadowed other than the big mystery. But, all these other reveals keep happening out of nowhere, like surprise, here's another family member you thought was dead, etc. It's making me laugh a lot, and honestly keeping me on my toes :D
Finally and most importantly... bells ringing, klaxons sounding, confetti throwing for Brexley and Warwick finally getting DTF, the fact that they can also interact physically through their minds has been a real game-changer for the sexy stuff in this series. I love it and I want to talk to everyone about it but none of my friends have read these books, so the tension of the books is manifesting in my real life and I will suffer in silence until one of them inevitably caves.
I love that the formula for the romance in this series is basically just: Warwick fucks off somewhere, Brexley gets into trouble and all hope seems lost, Warwick arrives just in time to save the day - often with a quippy one-liner as his grand entrance, they shadow shag or something, lather, rinse, repeat. It's not annoying me at all, which is actually the greatest twist of this entire series. I don't know why it's not annoying me, when it's something that would have really thrown me out of another series. Maybe I'm just more easygoing this year? Who knows. I am really learning a lot about myself with these books and having an absolute blast reading them too.
This was my favourite book of the series so far. I don't know why because whilst the writing is better than the first two nothing is really foreshadowed other than the big mystery. But, all these other reveals keep happening out of nowhere, like surprise, here's another family member you thought was dead, etc. It's making me laugh a lot, and honestly keeping me on my toes :D
Finally and most importantly... bells ringing, klaxons sounding, confetti throwing for Brexley and Warwick finally getting DTF, the fact that they can also interact physically through their minds has been a real game-changer for the sexy stuff in this series. I love it and I want to talk to everyone about it but none of my friends have read these books, so the tension of the books is manifesting in my real life and I will suffer in silence until one of them inevitably caves.
April 16, 2022
Really torn on how to rate this one. Tension and spice were 4-5 stars. Everything else was 2-3. Sigh.
The sexual tension is still great, but the writing is getting really repetitive. Scenery, dialogue, conflict, and long descriptions about Obie and Bitzy’s outfits just repeat themselves over and over. My interest kept fading in and out so much that this took almost three weeks to read, mostly because I couldn’t get myself to push through the last third of the book. I could tell the circular plot had started over once again for the 48378th time and that this wasn’t going to lead to any answers, so just the thought of reading more than a few pages made me feel instantly fatigued.
Eh. Maybe I’ll take a break for a week before continuing with the series. My goldfish memory should fix my issues by then.
The sexual tension is still great, but the writing is getting really repetitive. Scenery, dialogue, conflict, and long descriptions about Obie and Bitzy’s outfits just repeat themselves over and over. My interest kept fading in and out so much that this took almost three weeks to read, mostly because I couldn’t get myself to push through the last third of the book. I could tell the circular plot had started over once again for the 48378th time and that this wasn’t going to lead to any answers, so just the thought of reading more than a few pages made me feel instantly fatigued.
Eh. Maybe I’ll take a break for a week before continuing with the series. My goldfish memory should fix my issues by then.
March 25, 2022
Is this a reverse harem or what?🤭😏
The heroine is such a badass.
The betrayal was sweet (yes, I know that I need therapy), and The tension between Killian and Brex almost killed me 😭🤤
I loved EVERYTHING about this book except the romance 🥲
The heroine is such a badass.
The betrayal was sweet (yes, I know that I need therapy), and The tension between Killian and Brex almost killed me 😭🤤
I loved EVERYTHING about this book except the romance 🥲
May 25, 2023
ah the cliffhangers
January 24, 2022
The books just keep getting better and better. As Brexley uncovers one secret, more crop up. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the entire time and oh my gah - this is one the best series I’ve read!
July 9, 2021
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Do you hear that? That buzzing sound? Yeah, that sound. That's the sound of my heart beating out of my chest right now. I just legit crossed the threshold of maybe not okay. But that's all right. I expected it. Reading a book by Stacey Marie Brown will do that to you. When you pick up her newest book in the Savage Lands series make sure that you read the warning label because your heart is going to have all sorts of side effects during and after reading this doozy of a sequel.
It's ever so hard to review this without giving much away so I will try to be as thorough with my thoughts and equally as vague as possible.Sorry, not sorry. First off, where do all of these compelling ideas come from? Stacey's brilliance seriously baffles me time and time again. She always manages to outdo herself every time she releases a book. I am in such constant awe of her storytelling genius. The twists and turns in her stories always leave my mind blown and leave me wanting more. Stacey's creativity in crafting her stories really knows no bounds. So many things were revealed in this book and yet I have even more questions now. I am absolutely salivating for the next piece of this story.
Stacey's world-building is a thing of beauty. It is truly remarkable the way that she implants the reader into the story with detailed descriptions and atmospheric writing. I absolutely feel as though I am living as the main character throughout the story. This book takes place mostly in an apocalyptic Budapest. I love the way that Stacey incorporates landmarks and histories into the story but also gives Budapest an apocalyptic feel that coincides with the events within the series.
One of my favorite aspects of Stacey's writing is her character development. While she really shines in all aspects, it is her unparalleled aptitude for creating complex and intriguing characters that really brings it home for me. And it isn't just her main characters that get this treatment. Her entire cast of characters are significant and multifaceted. I absolutely love that she writes side characters that you would die for. Characters that you want to be best friends with. Characters that get under your skin so much that they sink in your bones. You love or hate (I'm looking at you General Markos) her characters so absolutely and completely. Her side characters give so much life to the story and you will root along for them right alongside the main characters.
The romantic aspect of this series has been pretty slow burn up until this book. Let me tell you right now though, the slow burn is absolutely worth it! The heat in this book is hotter than the depths of Hades. Warwick and Brexley heat up the pages in this book quicker than a blowtorch and I am so on board for their brand of romance. They like it a little rougher and meaner than most and I am here for it all day long. They had my darkling heart in a tizzy, that's for sure. I think that what I love most about this couple is the intensity of the connection that they share. Warwick and Brexley's relationship really grows through the course of this book. And not just the sexual stuff but the emotional stuff. Though the sexual tension between these two is powerful stuff. I didn't think that their chemistry could be any more fierce but I was so wrong on that front.
Overall, I was completely over the moon for this installment of the Savage Lands series. (As I always am when I read Stacey's stories.) If you love this series then this book will hit all your bookish buttons until you're screaming for more Warwick and Brexley. If you haven't started this series yet then why the heck not? This series is a rare gem in the fantasy/paranormal book world, as are all of Stacey's series. These are books that you are going to want to read again and again. So pick up Savage Lands today and join the dark side. We'll be waiting for you with open arms.
👑BLOG ⚔️ FACEBOOK ⚔️ INSTAGRAM ⚔️ TWITTER ⚔️ BOOKBUB ⚔️ AMAZON ⚔️ PINTEREST👑
Do you hear that? That buzzing sound? Yeah, that sound. That's the sound of my heart beating out of my chest right now. I just legit crossed the threshold of maybe not okay. But that's all right. I expected it. Reading a book by Stacey Marie Brown will do that to you. When you pick up her newest book in the Savage Lands series make sure that you read the warning label because your heart is going to have all sorts of side effects during and after reading this doozy of a sequel.
It's ever so hard to review this without giving much away so I will try to be as thorough with my thoughts and equally as vague as possible.
Stacey's world-building is a thing of beauty. It is truly remarkable the way that she implants the reader into the story with detailed descriptions and atmospheric writing. I absolutely feel as though I am living as the main character throughout the story. This book takes place mostly in an apocalyptic Budapest. I love the way that Stacey incorporates landmarks and histories into the story but also gives Budapest an apocalyptic feel that coincides with the events within the series.
One of my favorite aspects of Stacey's writing is her character development. While she really shines in all aspects, it is her unparalleled aptitude for creating complex and intriguing characters that really brings it home for me. And it isn't just her main characters that get this treatment. Her entire cast of characters are significant and multifaceted. I absolutely love that she writes side characters that you would die for. Characters that you want to be best friends with. Characters that get under your skin so much that they sink in your bones. You love or hate (I'm looking at you General Markos) her characters so absolutely and completely. Her side characters give so much life to the story and you will root along for them right alongside the main characters.
The romantic aspect of this series has been pretty slow burn up until this book. Let me tell you right now though, the slow burn is absolutely worth it! The heat in this book is hotter than the depths of Hades. Warwick and Brexley heat up the pages in this book quicker than a blowtorch and I am so on board for their brand of romance. They like it a little rougher and meaner than most and I am here for it all day long. They had my darkling heart in a tizzy, that's for sure. I think that what I love most about this couple is the intensity of the connection that they share. Warwick and Brexley's relationship really grows through the course of this book. And not just the sexual stuff but the emotional stuff. Though the sexual tension between these two is powerful stuff. I didn't think that their chemistry could be any more fierce but I was so wrong on that front.
Overall, I was completely over the moon for this installment of the Savage Lands series. (As I always am when I read Stacey's stories.) If you love this series then this book will hit all your bookish buttons until you're screaming for more Warwick and Brexley. If you haven't started this series yet then why the heck not? This series is a rare gem in the fantasy/paranormal book world, as are all of Stacey's series. These are books that you are going to want to read again and again. So pick up Savage Lands today and join the dark side. We'll be waiting for you with open arms.
👑BLOG ⚔️ FACEBOOK ⚔️ INSTAGRAM ⚔️ TWITTER ⚔️ BOOKBUB ⚔️ AMAZON ⚔️ PINTEREST👑
May 30, 2021
When you read something so amazing and you hope the book world loves it as much as you do. This book is everything you want it to be and more. The heat, passion, intensity, secrets being revealed, new information to set you back to figure out, this book is off the charts! Can’t wait for the world to read this on June 15!
July 14, 2022
muchhh better than the last onr. but the amount of random bombings in this series is so funny😭
June 10, 2021
5 SCORCHING STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
HOLY MOLY WAS THIS BOOK EVERYTHING AND MORE. Dead Lands is book #3 in the Savage Lands series by @staceymariebrown coming this June 15th.
Since the beginning this series has stuck with me, scarping at the surface for always wanting more but just getting enough. Diving into the third book I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for these charcters. The instesity, sexual tension, excitment and the thrill of this series is off the charts. This story line is like nothing I have ever read before. The thrills and excitement, my heart beating out of my chest with what is going to happen next. Each scene has you on the edge of your seat.
The passion, heat and hate of the two main charters is enough to torch any place they touch. I can’t say enough amazing things about this series and Dead Lands was just as exciting and if not hotter than Savage Lands and Wild Lands combined.
The author left me wanting more, as always but I found out so much more in this book that I can’t wait to see the path we will go down in the next book. The twists and turns keep you on guard the whole book. Will she go this way or that? You have no idea what she will do with this book and I love that. I love the unknown. The risks. The torture. The adventure. The intensity. This book is a wild ride and I am in it for the long haul!
Stacey is a master at her craft and I was engulfed in her words. A spy in the bacground eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. Bring on BAD LANDS!!!
HOLY MOLY WAS THIS BOOK EVERYTHING AND MORE. Dead Lands is book #3 in the Savage Lands series by @staceymariebrown coming this June 15th.
Since the beginning this series has stuck with me, scarping at the surface for always wanting more but just getting enough. Diving into the third book I couldn’t wait to find out what was in store for these charcters. The instesity, sexual tension, excitment and the thrill of this series is off the charts. This story line is like nothing I have ever read before. The thrills and excitement, my heart beating out of my chest with what is going to happen next. Each scene has you on the edge of your seat.
The passion, heat and hate of the two main charters is enough to torch any place they touch. I can’t say enough amazing things about this series and Dead Lands was just as exciting and if not hotter than Savage Lands and Wild Lands combined.
The author left me wanting more, as always but I found out so much more in this book that I can’t wait to see the path we will go down in the next book. The twists and turns keep you on guard the whole book. Will she go this way or that? You have no idea what she will do with this book and I love that. I love the unknown. The risks. The torture. The adventure. The intensity. This book is a wild ride and I am in it for the long haul!
Stacey is a master at her craft and I was engulfed in her words. A spy in the bacground eagerly waiting to see what would happen next. Bring on BAD LANDS!!!
May 30, 2021
THOUGHTS COMING, BUT THIS ONE WAS FLAMING HOT, INTENSE AND EVERYTHING I HOPED IT WOULD BE!!!
August 6, 2021
I put it off for an hour playing Animal Crossing New Horizons, but I guess I must review this *sigh*. This series had a lot of potential, but it's progressively getting worse. So, we're gonna start there this time.
The Problem
Any of y'all watch Never Have I Ever on Netflix? My boyfriend and I are nearly done with the second season, and it's not because we like the main character. We're addicted to the trainwreck. The protagonist of the show, Devi is unbelievably self-centered and inconsiderate. You know who she reminds me of? Brexley. For both of them, you want to consider their trauma and all the terrible things they have experienced, yet they somehow make it impossible for you to continue to be understanding.
Brexley is a fucking leech. I don't care if she's been betrayed about a gazillion times. She has no consideration for the care that people are giving her. She has not spent a single dime throughout all three books. Not. A. Dime. Everything is taken care of her—food, clothes, hygiene, security, etc. Outside of her times with Istvan, the people who are giving her everything she needs are poor and downtrodden, just trying to survive.
But does Brexley care about that enough to actually try and pay these people back or at least stop intentionally and unintentionally destroying shit and inconveniencing people every time she wants Warwick to break her back ?
No.
She can't even apologize properly. After making a terrible remark about sex workers to her friend Rosie, who is a sex worker and another person constantly taking care of Brexley, she does feel bad. But she only feels bad enough to apologize after she realizes what she said could also be hurtful to Warwick. Not wanting him to think badly of her, she apologizes—to him. Later on, she does apologize to Rosie but only because she needed Rosie to do something for her. And when Rosie said no? She manipulated her into agreeing.
Throughout the novel, she wonders if people are only hanging around her because they're drawn to her. I would like to say no, but she's kind of the worst. Sooo...
Oh, and I could get into how Brexley and Warwick are toxic as hell and beat the shit out of each other when they're arguing and then call it a kink after they inevitably get turned on by the close proximity and blood. But I'm not going to.
The Experience
Just go ahead and start pretending that the protagonists are not Brexley and Warwick. Maybe Ash. He'd be a good choice. By the time you get a fourth of the way into the book, it starts to dawn on you that the plot and a few side characters are becoming the only enjoyable part of the series. Curiosity about what Brexley is (though it's kinda predictable) and who will come out on top in this fight are the only reasons to keep reading. So honestly, if you weren't that curious about it or already figured it out from the past two books then don't bother. You're just gonna make yourself annoyed.
The Takeaway
Themes:
Betrayal
Emotional breakdown
Self-discovery
Violent and toxic Relationships
Real-World Things:
Look, I believe there's always something to learn from a book, but I'm not even trying with this one. Don't jump to conclusions, or they'll punch you in the face—maybe literally. That's it.
xx
I recommend reading this book if you're still invested in mysteries like Brexley's identity and the winner of the war, but you could really live without.
The Problem
Any of y'all watch Never Have I Ever on Netflix? My boyfriend and I are nearly done with the second season, and it's not because we like the main character. We're addicted to the trainwreck. The protagonist of the show, Devi is unbelievably self-centered and inconsiderate. You know who she reminds me of? Brexley. For both of them, you want to consider their trauma and all the terrible things they have experienced, yet they somehow make it impossible for you to continue to be understanding.
Brexley is a fucking leech. I don't care if she's been betrayed about a gazillion times. She has no consideration for the care that people are giving her. She has not spent a single dime throughout all three books. Not. A. Dime. Everything is taken care of her—food, clothes, hygiene, security, etc. Outside of her times with Istvan, the people who are giving her everything she needs are poor and downtrodden, just trying to survive.
But does Brexley care about that enough to actually try and pay these people back or at least stop intentionally and unintentionally destroying shit and inconveniencing people every time she wants Warwick to break her back ?
No.
She can't even apologize properly. After making a terrible remark about sex workers to her friend Rosie, who is a sex worker and another person constantly taking care of Brexley, she does feel bad. But she only feels bad enough to apologize after she realizes what she said could also be hurtful to Warwick. Not wanting him to think badly of her, she apologizes—to him. Later on, she does apologize to Rosie but only because she needed Rosie to do something for her. And when Rosie said no? She manipulated her into agreeing.
Throughout the novel, she wonders if people are only hanging around her because they're drawn to her. I would like to say no, but she's kind of the worst. Sooo...
Oh, and I could get into how Brexley and Warwick are toxic as hell and beat the shit out of each other when they're arguing and then call it a kink after they inevitably get turned on by the close proximity and blood. But I'm not going to.
The Experience
Just go ahead and start pretending that the protagonists are not Brexley and Warwick. Maybe Ash. He'd be a good choice. By the time you get a fourth of the way into the book, it starts to dawn on you that the plot and a few side characters are becoming the only enjoyable part of the series. Curiosity about what Brexley is (though it's kinda predictable) and who will come out on top in this fight are the only reasons to keep reading. So honestly, if you weren't that curious about it or already figured it out from the past two books then don't bother. You're just gonna make yourself annoyed.
The Takeaway
Themes:
Betrayal
Emotional breakdown
Self-discovery
Violent and toxic Relationships
Real-World Things:
Look, I believe there's always something to learn from a book, but I'm not even trying with this one. Don't jump to conclusions, or they'll punch you in the face—maybe literally. That's it.
xx
I recommend reading this book if you're still invested in mysteries like Brexley's identity and the winner of the war, but you could really live without.
July 7, 2021
One name. Warwick. I've already read this more than once, so I'm clearly hooked. Ready to see how this battle for power plays out. Thank you SMB for writing a story that keeps up the intensity!
June 10, 2021
WHAT? How does Stacey just keep getting better and better? Seriously, she is magic...
Dead Lands picks up where Wild Lands left off with more action and suspense than I thought could be packed into a story. Brexley and Warwick's story is fast paced, electric and sexy beyond belief. I think lovers of the series will be equal parts happy and stabby :-)
Dead Lands picks up where Wild Lands left off with more action and suspense than I thought could be packed into a story. Brexley and Warwick's story is fast paced, electric and sexy beyond belief. I think lovers of the series will be equal parts happy and stabby :-)
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