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Darkwood Trilogy #3
Red as Flame
Two worlds. A princess in exile. And the sorcerous flames that will consume everything...
Rose Valrois thought she'd sacrificed everything to save those she loves - but fate has other ideas. Now that the red priests have arrived, hidden truths are revealed that force Rose to make yet another impossible choice.
With her sister trapped in the magical land of the Dark Elves, and her heart given to the guardian of the Darkwood, Rose must travel deep into enemy territory to discover her own powerful magic, and find the answers she so desperately needs.
The final, anticipated book in the Darkwood Trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp. A fantasy fairy-tale weaving elements of Snow White & Rose Red with romance, magic, and dangerous secrets that will destroy a kingdom.
Rose Valrois thought she'd sacrificed everything to save those she loves - but fate has other ideas. Now that the red priests have arrived, hidden truths are revealed that force Rose to make yet another impossible choice.
With her sister trapped in the magical land of the Dark Elves, and her heart given to the guardian of the Darkwood, Rose must travel deep into enemy territory to discover her own powerful magic, and find the answers she so desperately needs.
The final, anticipated book in the Darkwood Trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp. A fantasy fairy-tale weaving elements of Snow White & Rose Red with romance, magic, and dangerous secrets that will destroy a kingdom.
388 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2022
45 people are currently reading
4627 people want to read
About the author
Anthea Sharp
135 books1,292 followersGrowing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 12, 2022
Wow that was a really good read.
I loved how each book was set mostly in a different place, for example this book was more about the the red priest, how they live, and what training and tests they have to pass to become red priest. I found this really interesting as they were in the last book when Rose was running for her life while the red priest chased them across the sea throwing fire balls to sink there ship.
I recommend this book to people who like a lot of story, with some wholesome romance to keep things interesting and off balance. After all when you are in love, and everyone is trying to marry you off to anyone but the person your in love with, that is a less than ideal situation.
Happy Reading 📚📙📚📗📖📘📗📚📒📓📕📘📔📗📖📙📚📗📘📒📚📙📘📕📗📔📖
I loved how each book was set mostly in a different place, for example this book was more about the the red priest, how they live, and what training and tests they have to pass to become red priest. I found this really interesting as they were in the last book when Rose was running for her life while the red priest chased them across the sea throwing fire balls to sink there ship.
I recommend this book to people who like a lot of story, with some wholesome romance to keep things interesting and off balance. After all when you are in love, and everyone is trying to marry you off to anyone but the person your in love with, that is a less than ideal situation.
Happy Reading 📚📙📚📗📖📘📗📚📒📓📕📘📔📗📖📙📚📗📘📒📚📙📘📕📗📔📖
Currently reading
January 26, 2022Make sure to add this book to your TBR, as I'll be doing hardcover giveaways on Goodreads closer to the end of the year and that way you'll get a notification and won't miss out on your chance to enter!
Now up for preorder on all retailers!
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Now up for preorder on all retailers!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XTH7BB5
B&N - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/red-...
Kobo - https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/red-...
Apple - https://books.apple.com/us/book/red-a...
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
January 24, 2022
In this the final chapter in the trilogy Rose finds herself without Neeve her sister, as she has remained to seek a cure in Elfhame and without Thorne, her beloved, the Galadhir of the darkwood whilst she awaits the arrival of the red priests who are coming to investigate the fire magic which they have detected. Rose fears that she has brought the evil priests to Raine and she knew she would do anything to keep her loved ones safe but was very unprepared for the surprise which was thrown at her upon the arrival of the warder himself, Galtus Celcio, the power hungry leader of the sect of the twin Gods. Rose ended up going back to Parnese in order to get her magic training so that she would learn how to control her fire magic in the temple itself. She fears she is being used as a pawn by Celcio, but has to abide until the right moment arrives when she would attempt to return to Raine. However when she finally manages to return to Raine for the wedding of her beloved Neeve and her best friend Kian all hell is let loose as the red priests follow her and attack the castle and the darkwood. Will the vision she has seen come to pass, will she be forced to fight her beloved sister? I feel that we got the ending we were clamouring for regarding the romance between Rose and Thorne, but before we did that we had many heart wrenching and emotionally turbulent moments as we feared for Rose's life and the eradication of her beloved Darkwood. I love Anthea Sharp's style of writing and this trilogy is one of the best romantic, magical fantasy trilogies full of betrayals, suspense and fear but also a lot of love!
January 1, 2025
✨4.5✨
November 1, 2021
Riveting from the first page; this author KNOWS how to draw readers in. Her stories are well told with exciting characters and exotic locations. She paints her work with such detail, that this reader was left breathless with emotion. I REALLY didn't want the story to end.
My greatest hope is that the author will CONTINUE the story with some spin-off's; I'd love to see Thorne and Rose have babies, IF she can, and if so, can she deliver SAFELY? We know from the 1st book that Neeve's mother died giving birth. So, is that a genetic thing between humans and Elves, or maybe Ros's magic can help, and will her children have either of their magic's or BOTH? Questions abound! And the elf king, is he going to find his true love with the guard from this story? And (minor spoiler here, sorry) Kian and Neeve, will they have kids, CAN she? Please don't end here! 😁
My greatest hope is that the author will CONTINUE the story with some spin-off's; I'd love to see Thorne and Rose have babies, IF she can, and if so, can she deliver SAFELY? We know from the 1st book that Neeve's mother died giving birth. So, is that a genetic thing between humans and Elves, or maybe Ros's magic can help, and will her children have either of their magic's or BOTH? Questions abound! And the elf king, is he going to find his true love with the guard from this story? And (minor spoiler here, sorry) Kian and Neeve, will they have kids, CAN she? Please don't end here! 😁
March 21, 2023
Finally finished the series ! overall its a 4.5 star read I really enjoyed it! im so happy I found it recommended on Tiktok 😂 Great fantasy, lore, political plots, Loved the realistic reactions of Rose and I loved her bond with her sister Neeve and how they both came to care for eachother and went from being stepsiblings who didn’t care for eachother to being a bonded family ❤️ also happy ending so that was wonderful for everyone involved 🌸
September 17, 2024
I found Rose pretty annoying and insufferable but that could have been partially because I listened to it as an audiobook and I found the reader was awful.
February 14, 2023
I enjoyed this final instalment of the trilogy. The characters were still engaging and I liked the further development across the worlds. It did feel bit like there were a few too many strands that needed to be tidied up so there were some things where I felt the pacing was a little off, either rushed or slow. Overall though I enjoyed being in this world and sad to see it wrapped up.
October 31, 2024
Great series!
November 13, 2024
Great trilogy! This is a very appropriate book for youth!
November 21, 2024
About 3.5 stars
A bit lackluster, not much happened but at the same time it felt quite short. Could have been a lot more in depth with each plot element that was going on.
Thorne lowkey giving Edward Cullen tho
Special mention to cat character that was introduced in this book
A bit lackluster, not much happened but at the same time it felt quite short. Could have been a lot more in depth with each plot element that was going on.
Thorne lowkey giving Edward Cullen tho
Special mention to cat character that was introduced in this book
December 19, 2024
3.25/5
I felt like this was the weakest one in the trilogy. The big danger of the book, although hinted at in the two previous ones, became a threat as suddenly as it died out. There just wasn't as big of a punch as there should have been. In typical young adult fashion, everything was wrapped up in a nice neat little bow. I love that for this series! However, there were three things that specifically bothered me, some of which had been building as I read the other ones.
NOTE: Spoilers from here to the bottom.
1.) Rose has issues with her mom, which is fair. Her mom did hide things from her. Yet this thought she had that her dad was better or that her mom never loved her was over the top. It's very evident these are not true. Even Rose will sense how evil her dad is and brush it off. It just felt like the mommy issues were forced into the story.
2.) What was the point of the little voice in Rose's head? This was never explained. I found its addition annoying from book one, but let it pass because I thought it would lead to something. Except it doesn't. So why was it included? Just to give Rose something to talk to herself about?
3.) I'll say it. I don't think Rose and Thorne are a good couple. Their relationship never built enough to reach the point of being together, let alone marriage. It was like one moment there was a girl with a crush and the next they were kissing like their lives depended on it. I wish we'd seen more cute moments or a buildup of their relationship. It would've made their first kiss more meaningful and filled with the warm fuzziness you'd expect from what Sharp was trying to make of this relationship.
Overall, I still think this was a good read for the right age demographic. I'd recommend it to them for sure. Just, maybe not for adults unless they're interested in reading something easy, entertaining, and something they can have a good time with without thinking too much.
I felt like this was the weakest one in the trilogy. The big danger of the book, although hinted at in the two previous ones, became a threat as suddenly as it died out. There just wasn't as big of a punch as there should have been. In typical young adult fashion, everything was wrapped up in a nice neat little bow. I love that for this series! However, there were three things that specifically bothered me, some of which had been building as I read the other ones.
NOTE: Spoilers from here to the bottom.
1.) Rose has issues with her mom, which is fair. Her mom did hide things from her. Yet this thought she had that her dad was better or that her mom never loved her was over the top. It's very evident these are not true. Even Rose will sense how evil her dad is and brush it off. It just felt like the mommy issues were forced into the story.
2.) What was the point of the little voice in Rose's head? This was never explained. I found its addition annoying from book one, but let it pass because I thought it would lead to something. Except it doesn't. So why was it included? Just to give Rose something to talk to herself about?
3.) I'll say it. I don't think Rose and Thorne are a good couple. Their relationship never built enough to reach the point of being together, let alone marriage. It was like one moment there was a girl with a crush and the next they were kissing like their lives depended on it. I wish we'd seen more cute moments or a buildup of their relationship. It would've made their first kiss more meaningful and filled with the warm fuzziness you'd expect from what Sharp was trying to make of this relationship.
Overall, I still think this was a good read for the right age demographic. I'd recommend it to them for sure. Just, maybe not for adults unless they're interested in reading something easy, entertaining, and something they can have a good time with without thinking too much.
May 1, 2024
Considering how slow going the first book was I felt like this last book was rushed.
Rose Declaration of love for the guardian of the dark woods & his reciprocated declaration.
Then she met her father no one was surprised to find out that he’s the leader of the red priests. Her mother never really redeemed her self in the book she’s vain & selfish, well her father was power hungry & selfish.
It was quite boring to be honest I thought there was going to be a bigger story but it’s all as I guessed back in book 1 down to her pinky finger 🤦♀️ just very predictable.
The way she blindly trusted her old friend who was like teachers pet to her father & having never suspected that her guard was compromised by being in a relationship was infuriating, like honestly how stupid could she be!
The only good part about this book was her true sisterly bond & her love story (even though that left a lot to be desired!!!!)
The battle at the end was quick & I thought it was stupid that they just wiped the memory of the remaining red priests because they will be back! 🤦♀️
Rose Declaration of love for the guardian of the dark woods & his reciprocated declaration.
Then she met her father no one was surprised to find out that he’s the leader of the red priests. Her mother never really redeemed her self in the book she’s vain & selfish, well her father was power hungry & selfish.
It was quite boring to be honest I thought there was going to be a bigger story but it’s all as I guessed back in book 1 down to her pinky finger 🤦♀️ just very predictable.
The way she blindly trusted her old friend who was like teachers pet to her father & having never suspected that her guard was compromised by being in a relationship was infuriating, like honestly how stupid could she be!
The only good part about this book was her true sisterly bond & her love story (even though that left a lot to be desired!!!!)
The battle at the end was quick & I thought it was stupid that they just wiped the memory of the remaining red priests because they will be back! 🤦♀️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2022
I can’t say enough about this series!
From book one to now so much has happened. You get to see Rose and Neeve grow into young women and find their place in this world. We get to go hand in hand with them through some of their toughest most defining moments in life.
This book just brings so much more depth to the world. We get to go deep into the heart of the red priests. We finally get answers to some of the series big questions.
Plus all the feels in this one. Talk about a roller coaster ride. Anxiety, drama, suspense, magic, romance…oh the romance! Plus battles of survival, sacrifice and family! 🤗
I don’t want this series to be over! I love that we get a sweet clean read of fantasy romance with a happily ever after. I’ve loved reading this series with my young teenage son. The magic, creatures and characters have been so fun to grow with.
From book one to now so much has happened. You get to see Rose and Neeve grow into young women and find their place in this world. We get to go hand in hand with them through some of their toughest most defining moments in life.
This book just brings so much more depth to the world. We get to go deep into the heart of the red priests. We finally get answers to some of the series big questions.
Plus all the feels in this one. Talk about a roller coaster ride. Anxiety, drama, suspense, magic, romance…oh the romance! Plus battles of survival, sacrifice and family! 🤗
I don’t want this series to be over! I love that we get a sweet clean read of fantasy romance with a happily ever after. I’ve loved reading this series with my young teenage son. The magic, creatures and characters have been so fun to grow with.
November 6, 2024
Lord, spare me the teen pining!
Though this book has the best premise yet, we are subjected to Rose, who is apparently old enough to be married, but not old enough to act like a big girl. And while she may be genuinely pining, we should not have to read an inner monologue about this every few pages.
Despite this, the series is still clean, with things only hinted at that younger readers would miss. Though some of the tropes are the usual concerningly secular ones, the trilogy is decent fantasy that you can safely pass onto a teen. In a literary sense the book has quite a few elements that could be improved upon, but for the target audience this is irrelevant. This is a series best enjoyed by a younger audience, though is still moderately enjoyable for all lovers of YA.
Though this book has the best premise yet, we are subjected to Rose, who is apparently old enough to be married, but not old enough to act like a big girl. And while she may be genuinely pining, we should not have to read an inner monologue about this every few pages.
Despite this, the series is still clean, with things only hinted at that younger readers would miss. Though some of the tropes are the usual concerningly secular ones, the trilogy is decent fantasy that you can safely pass onto a teen. In a literary sense the book has quite a few elements that could be improved upon, but for the target audience this is irrelevant. This is a series best enjoyed by a younger audience, though is still moderately enjoyable for all lovers of YA.
September 23, 2022
My rating system:
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
I just could not get into this story. I found the characters annoying and I didn't think there was a connection between the sisters and their men.
5 stars - Absolutely loved it! I would definitely read again anytime!
4 stars - Really liked it! Will most likely read again sometime.
3 stars - Liked it. Glad I read it but probably won't read again.
2 stars - Didn't like it. Glad I'm done with the book and I'll never read it again.
1 star - Very rare rating. Absolutely hated the book. Will never read again and I'll probably burn any copies I come across.
I just could not get into this story. I found the characters annoying and I didn't think there was a connection between the sisters and their men.
January 13, 2024
Complete Series TLDR: Girl dreams of possessing magic. Zealots rise to power. She is raised without a father, and is missing most of her left pinky finger, due to an "accident" when she was young. The girl's mother suddenly marries a strange king in a distant kingdom. They move. She inherits a standoffish new stepsister. Stepsister has secrets. Girl is nosey. Girl follows stepsister into the woods, meets elf, discovers stepsister is half-elf. The woods want to kill the girl upon her arrival. She is saved by a bear. To solve this more permanently she is magically bound to the boy, the woods, and her stepsister. Girl has several weird situations with fire-magic, that "isn't hers" because everyone is CERTAIN that she doesn't have any magic.
Girl gets seriously ill every year on her birthday, so severely that she almost dies at least twice. One year she's taken back to her homeland, where she undergoes some sketchy medical practices, has a weird almost-romance with her sister's fiance-not-fiance, who her sister "doesn't like." A fire-wielding priest tries to kill her (and company) as they escape back to the distant kingdom.
The girl's stepsister decides to go on an impromptu sightseeing trip to the otherworld, taking her fiance-not-fiance with her, which closes the portal between worlds and causes a diplomatic incident that may or may not lead to war with a previously allied country, revealing precious secrets about her kingdom and that of the elves. AND creating a situation in which the girl has to marry the stepsister's scary uncle, instead of her childhood crush- resulting in her panic+burning down the elven court and being ejected from the realm by the oracles. AND inflicting herself with a deadly illness that she would have escaped had she stayed in the human realm. (It's okay though because the elves have a treatment, but she has to be separated from her fiance-not-fiance-who-she-finally-agreed-to-marry-because-she-DOES-love-him-but-is-not-a-soft-feely-person for an indeterminable amount of time).
The red priests (zealots) come to visit, and SURPRISE, the one who tried to kill the girl, he's daddy dearest. She DOES have fire magic, and daddy dearest is the most powerful fire sorcerer in all the land. Some emotional manipulation and weak world building later, the girl discovers that she's just a pawn in her power-hungry father's games, he thinks she's a reincarnation of one of his deities, and escapes back home under the guise of her stepsister-who-finally-feels-like-an-actual-sister's wedding, where she learns that not only did her mother withhold her father's identity, and her ability to wield fire magic herself, BUT ALSO she is the reason her daughter got deathly ill every year when her magic tried and failed to manifest
Meanwhile, SURPRISE a second time, daddy dearest followed her with an army, ruins her sisters wedding, at which time her supposed-to-be-bodyguard her childhood best friend knock her out and deliver her to her father, whereupon she faces the downfall of her entire found family, until her stepsister challenges her father to a champion's duel- where SURPRISE AGAIN he selects the girl as his champion, this pitting sister against sister. Instead, the girl chooses her found family, finds her own power, incinerates her father, and eventually marries the love of her life. Happily ever after. More or less.
The "dark elves" thing felt weird because of the racist undertones in DnD in particular. Like, I get it- the realm is dark and they live in the darkwood- but it still felt weird. Also... Elves age differently... Sooooo how old is Thorne actually? Because for a hot second... I thought too hard about it and then it felt like a weird grooming situation bc FMC is so young at the start of the books while it's unclear how old he is... And I grossed myself out... So I might stop thinking so hard about that.
Girl gets seriously ill every year on her birthday, so severely that she almost dies at least twice. One year she's taken back to her homeland, where she undergoes some sketchy medical practices, has a weird almost-romance with her sister's fiance-not-fiance, who her sister "doesn't like." A fire-wielding priest tries to kill her (and company) as they escape back to the distant kingdom.
The girl's stepsister decides to go on an impromptu sightseeing trip to the otherworld, taking her fiance-not-fiance with her, which closes the portal between worlds and causes a diplomatic incident that may or may not lead to war with a previously allied country, revealing precious secrets about her kingdom and that of the elves. AND creating a situation in which the girl has to marry the stepsister's scary uncle, instead of her childhood crush- resulting in her panic+burning down the elven court and being ejected from the realm by the oracles. AND inflicting herself with a deadly illness that she would have escaped had she stayed in the human realm. (It's okay though because the elves have a treatment, but she has to be separated from her fiance-not-fiance-who-she-finally-agreed-to-marry-because-she-DOES-love-him-but-is-not-a-soft-feely-person for an indeterminable amount of time).
The red priests (zealots) come to visit, and SURPRISE, the one who tried to kill the girl, he's daddy dearest. She DOES have fire magic, and daddy dearest is the most powerful fire sorcerer in all the land. Some emotional manipulation and weak world building later, the girl discovers that she's just a pawn in her power-hungry father's games, he thinks she's a reincarnation of one of his deities, and escapes back home under the guise of her stepsister-who-finally-feels-like-an-actual-sister's wedding, where she learns that not only did her mother withhold her father's identity, and her ability to wield fire magic herself, BUT ALSO she is the reason her daughter got deathly ill every year when her magic tried and failed to manifest
Meanwhile, SURPRISE a second time, daddy dearest followed her with an army, ruins her sisters wedding, at which time her supposed-to-be-bodyguard her childhood best friend knock her out and deliver her to her father, whereupon she faces the downfall of her entire found family, until her stepsister challenges her father to a champion's duel- where SURPRISE AGAIN he selects the girl as his champion, this pitting sister against sister. Instead, the girl chooses her found family, finds her own power, incinerates her father, and eventually marries the love of her life. Happily ever after. More or less.
The "dark elves" thing felt weird because of the racist undertones in DnD in particular. Like, I get it- the realm is dark and they live in the darkwood- but it still felt weird. Also... Elves age differently... Sooooo how old is Thorne actually? Because for a hot second... I thought too hard about it and then it felt like a weird grooming situation bc FMC is so young at the start of the books while it's unclear how old he is... And I grossed myself out... So I might stop thinking so hard about that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
I accidentally found this trilogy one day while scrolling through Audible because I had run out of credits, and it was free with my subscription.
The audiobooks and ebooks of the trilogy were my first reads by Anthea Sharp.
Over the past year, I have gotten more into fantasy. I love a good dark/smut novel. However, this was a very interesting young adult fantasy collection.
I listened to the first two on Audible, then I HAD to find the third in ebook because it was no longer offered for free on Audible (at the time) and I HAD to find out what happened next. Yes, I was drawn in.
This author has a wonderful writing style that had me drawn in like I was watching a movie in my mind's eye, whether I was listening or reading. The plot and characters were well defined and thought out. It's not like I didn't know certain things were or would happen. The timing and development of the scenes were perfect. I felt compelled to know what was coming even when I KNEW WHAT WAS COMING.
I loved how the settings changed from book to book but connected easily with each other. There was enough description to allow you to picture each location but left enough room for imagination. I also loved Rose and Neeve's relationship. It wasn't always pretty, perfect, or easy, but it was real... like you could relate to it. No sister, much less half-sisters, has perfect relationships. And to throw in OOF... I love that their personalities clashed. I loved how you get to see the relationship change and grow as the sisters favor the odds and their unique circumstances.
I liked that the plot focused more on the development of the main characters but gave you enough background/insight/history to form opinions on the secondary characters without going on and on into a new plot or storyline. BUT BUT also not all at once. Like it was part of the development of each book's theme. However, they all reconnected and focused on ONE MAIN THEME.
Solid 3-4 READ IT
The audiobooks and ebooks of the trilogy were my first reads by Anthea Sharp.
Over the past year, I have gotten more into fantasy. I love a good dark/smut novel. However, this was a very interesting young adult fantasy collection.
I listened to the first two on Audible, then I HAD to find the third in ebook because it was no longer offered for free on Audible (at the time) and I HAD to find out what happened next. Yes, I was drawn in.
This author has a wonderful writing style that had me drawn in like I was watching a movie in my mind's eye, whether I was listening or reading. The plot and characters were well defined and thought out. It's not like I didn't know certain things were or would happen. The timing and development of the scenes were perfect. I felt compelled to know what was coming even when I KNEW WHAT WAS COMING.
I loved how the settings changed from book to book but connected easily with each other. There was enough description to allow you to picture each location but left enough room for imagination. I also loved Rose and Neeve's relationship. It wasn't always pretty, perfect, or easy, but it was real... like you could relate to it. No sister, much less half-sisters, has perfect relationships. And to throw in OOF... I love that their personalities clashed. I loved how you get to see the relationship change and grow as the sisters favor the odds and their unique circumstances.
I liked that the plot focused more on the development of the main characters but gave you enough background/insight/history to form opinions on the secondary characters without going on and on into a new plot or storyline. BUT BUT also not all at once. Like it was part of the development of each book's theme. However, they all reconnected and focused on ONE MAIN THEME.
Solid 3-4 READ IT
December 16, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
w o a h h h
this last book was amazing, i need more hype on this series because i’ve seen NOTHING. the character development in this was incredible, the plot and the climax! i’m so happy my girls are happily married now with my boys, i would LOVE another book featuring their later life and children but i think this ended beautifully, there is simply no other installment that could compare.
“I leaned forward and pressed my lips to Thorne’s, infusing the kiss with all my hope, all my yearning, all the promise of our lives to come.
“Awake, love,” I whispered. “We’re waiting for you.”
guys if he was really dead i wouldn’t have finished this book. no joke.
“Despite all my flaws, I love you. I have since the moment you blazed into the Darkwood, full of questions and life and impatience.”
“I know.” I smiled at him. “And yes, Thorne Windrift, I forgive you. But if we’re to share a future, you must always be honest with me. Even if the Oracles don’t agree.”
He nodded slowly. “I can make you that promise. Rose Valrois, are you willing to pledge our lives together, no matter what fate might bring? Will you marry me?”
“Of course, you foolish man. I thought you’d never ask.”
🥹🥹
“Welcome home, love,” he whispered.
Wherever Thorne was, that was my home.” 🩷
“My life had opened, petal by petal, blossoming like a nirwen flower, until I stood at its bright and shining heart.
It was all I’d ever wanted.
It was enough.“
i love love love this as my first audio book journey! i will never forget this experience, and thank you ANTHEA SHARP for this masterpiece ✨
w o a h h h
this last book was amazing, i need more hype on this series because i’ve seen NOTHING. the character development in this was incredible, the plot and the climax! i’m so happy my girls are happily married now with my boys, i would LOVE another book featuring their later life and children but i think this ended beautifully, there is simply no other installment that could compare.
“I leaned forward and pressed my lips to Thorne’s, infusing the kiss with all my hope, all my yearning, all the promise of our lives to come.
“Awake, love,” I whispered. “We’re waiting for you.”
guys if he was really dead i wouldn’t have finished this book. no joke.
“Despite all my flaws, I love you. I have since the moment you blazed into the Darkwood, full of questions and life and impatience.”
“I know.” I smiled at him. “And yes, Thorne Windrift, I forgive you. But if we’re to share a future, you must always be honest with me. Even if the Oracles don’t agree.”
He nodded slowly. “I can make you that promise. Rose Valrois, are you willing to pledge our lives together, no matter what fate might bring? Will you marry me?”
“Of course, you foolish man. I thought you’d never ask.”
🥹🥹
“Welcome home, love,” he whispered.
Wherever Thorne was, that was my home.” 🩷
“My life had opened, petal by petal, blossoming like a nirwen flower, until I stood at its bright and shining heart.
It was all I’d ever wanted.
It was enough.“
i love love love this as my first audio book journey! i will never forget this experience, and thank you ANTHEA SHARP for this masterpiece ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2022
I first met Anthea Sharp in the exciting Feyland series, which was a wonderful LitRPG series. The Darkwood series has an entirely different feeling. Its language and vocabulary are reminiscent of classics (maybe Jane Austen or Charles Dickens) but with a supernatural fantasy setting and characters. There is unrequited love, self-sacrifice for the greater good, jealousy between sisters, arranged marriages, and a male-dominated culture. It’s a Romance as well as an Adventure.
For the greatest enjoyment and understanding, read “Heart of the Forest”, “White as Frost” and “Black as Night” first, in sequence, and finally ”Red as Flame”. The complete series is best binge-read to keep straight the many characters, several realms and worlds, the complicated relationships, and to understand the characters' changing motivations and interactions.
In this final book, we learn why Warder Galtus Celcio has come to Raine in a surprise announcement that shocks everyone. Rose must make an extremely difficult decision. She chooses to sacrifice herself to protect Raine and the Darkwood. In Parnese, training with the Red Priests, she has a series of very difficult choices to make. Many mysteries from the first books are finally revealed. Rose has many nagging conversations with her inner voice. The marriage of Neeve to Kian brings her back to Raine, to her great joy, and she reconnects with Thorne. But her trials take on an even greater intensity as the exciting conclusion brings the series to a surprising and gratifying conclusion.
For the greatest enjoyment and understanding, read “Heart of the Forest”, “White as Frost” and “Black as Night” first, in sequence, and finally ”Red as Flame”. The complete series is best binge-read to keep straight the many characters, several realms and worlds, the complicated relationships, and to understand the characters' changing motivations and interactions.
In this final book, we learn why Warder Galtus Celcio has come to Raine in a surprise announcement that shocks everyone. Rose must make an extremely difficult decision. She chooses to sacrifice herself to protect Raine and the Darkwood. In Parnese, training with the Red Priests, she has a series of very difficult choices to make. Many mysteries from the first books are finally revealed. Rose has many nagging conversations with her inner voice. The marriage of Neeve to Kian brings her back to Raine, to her great joy, and she reconnects with Thorne. But her trials take on an even greater intensity as the exciting conclusion brings the series to a surprising and gratifying conclusion.
March 25, 2022
Rose and Neeve have grown from step sisters to the best of friends. While her relationship with Thorn as grown to a blissful binding of souls.
Rose was blindsided with the arrival of the Red Priests and the declaration by Warder Celcio that Rose is his daughter and she chooses to come back with him to further her training, against her better judgement.
Rose returns to Raine for Neeve’s wedding and of course her love Thorn. Just as the ceremony ends, The red priest attack and Rose is betrayed yet again. Her powers manifest beyond what she could hope for and with Neeve’s help she defeats Warder Celico and finds her happing ending with Thorn.
I am leaving so much out of review , because I do not want to spoil this for other readers. Once you start reading or listening to Red as Flame, you will not want to put it down. You are sucked into the story and find yourself there with the characters.
Rose was blindsided with the arrival of the Red Priests and the declaration by Warder Celcio that Rose is his daughter and she chooses to come back with him to further her training, against her better judgement.
Rose returns to Raine for Neeve’s wedding and of course her love Thorn. Just as the ceremony ends, The red priest attack and Rose is betrayed yet again. Her powers manifest beyond what she could hope for and with Neeve’s help she defeats Warder Celico and finds her happing ending with Thorn.
I am leaving so much out of review , because I do not want to spoil this for other readers. Once you start reading or listening to Red as Flame, you will not want to put it down. You are sucked into the story and find yourself there with the characters.
April 30, 2024
Rose again sacrifices herself for those she loves, on an even grander scale than before.
The Red Priests and their cult-like attitude was a bit wearisome, but Rose and her defiance made it bearable.
It was interesting how everything the girls had seen in that first scrying vision came to pass – if not in quite the way they had at first interpreted it.
I liked that the White Stag was again in this book and that the hobnies repaid their debt in such a dramatic fashion. And I’m glad the Nightshade lord has found an equal partner in such a no-nonsense warrior.
A lot of interesting magic, worldbuilding, politics, and romance.
I had a problem with the italics as it messes with my eyes and head, making it difficult to read and enjoy the book. Authors and publishers: please consider the neurodivergent when making decisions about italics so books are accessible to all.
A thrilling conclusion to the trilogy.
The Red Priests and their cult-like attitude was a bit wearisome, but Rose and her defiance made it bearable.
It was interesting how everything the girls had seen in that first scrying vision came to pass – if not in quite the way they had at first interpreted it.
I liked that the White Stag was again in this book and that the hobnies repaid their debt in such a dramatic fashion. And I’m glad the Nightshade lord has found an equal partner in such a no-nonsense warrior.
A lot of interesting magic, worldbuilding, politics, and romance.
I had a problem with the italics as it messes with my eyes and head, making it difficult to read and enjoy the book. Authors and publishers: please consider the neurodivergent when making decisions about italics so books are accessible to all.
A thrilling conclusion to the trilogy.
September 12, 2024
3.75 stars rounded to 4 stars
A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Before I complain, let it be known that I did enjoy the story and trilogy as a whole, though I had my reservations going in.
A sweet YA romantasy retelling of Snow White and Rose Red.I wish this series would have had a little more of the original fairy tale in it, but that's a small complaint. The story offers great atmosphere and some interesting magic.
I think this trilogy could have been stronger as a multi-pov story. Rose is not the most interesting protagonist. I think having Neeve, Thorn, and Kian be alternate POVs would have added some much needed dimension to the story.
My biggest complaint was the betrayal in the last 3rd of the book, saw that coming a mile away and so should have Rose.
Overall, I think this is a decent retelling that is clean and would be a good read for teens. Adults might find the story lacking a bit, but it is still a good adventure to undertake.
A fitting conclusion to the trilogy. Before I complain, let it be known that I did enjoy the story and trilogy as a whole, though I had my reservations going in.
A sweet YA romantasy retelling of Snow White and Rose Red.I wish this series would have had a little more of the original fairy tale in it, but that's a small complaint. The story offers great atmosphere and some interesting magic.
I think this trilogy could have been stronger as a multi-pov story. Rose is not the most interesting protagonist. I think having Neeve, Thorn, and Kian be alternate POVs would have added some much needed dimension to the story.
My biggest complaint was the betrayal in the last 3rd of the book, saw that coming a mile away and so should have Rose.
Overall, I think this is a decent retelling that is clean and would be a good read for teens. Adults might find the story lacking a bit, but it is still a good adventure to undertake.
July 2, 2025
This trilogy is labeled as young adult and I think it is great for a 12 to 13 year old. Tame and silly. It was a constant eye roll for me. It definitely gave Disney princess from the 90s with the falling in love with someone she spent like two minutes with. I also never want to hear or read the word "beloved" again. Rose said it so many times, I was so close to not finishing the book just to not to have to hear it another time.
I thought Rose would get less annoying through this trilogy as she grew up but she actually got more annoying. She was so naive and made ridiculous choices. She literally saw her father burn people alive and he even tried to kill her but then just goes with him like oh, he's so nice, he's going to love me the way my mom never could. Then she's shocked when he is a terrible human. You're an idiot, Rose. Justice for Pietro.
I'd rather read this series from Neeve's perspective.
I thought Rose would get less annoying through this trilogy as she grew up but she actually got more annoying. She was so naive and made ridiculous choices. She literally saw her father burn people alive and he even tried to kill her but then just goes with him like oh, he's so nice, he's going to love me the way my mom never could. Then she's shocked when he is a terrible human. You're an idiot, Rose. Justice for Pietro.
I'd rather read this series from Neeve's perspective.
February 20, 2022
Happy and satisfied :D
Final part of the series and is great 3,75 so ended up of 4. Lot of adventure and many personal development. Still love the world building and the story as well as the ending of the series.
So why I gave only 4ish?
I felt at some point of the book that there is no happy moment only failure and make me felt low. And that she was succesful in the fireball and until to the very last moment she kind of did nothing. She even didnt try to calm the fire which they all previously practiced. This made me nuts. But otherwise still a good read! Happy to picked it :) and hope to read about J and his adventure in the next book/series (?)
One error: she went to save T and he woke up and stroke her non existing hair.
Final part of the series and is great 3,75 so ended up of 4. Lot of adventure and many personal development. Still love the world building and the story as well as the ending of the series.
So why I gave only 4ish?
I felt at some point of the book that there is no happy moment only failure and make me felt low. And that she was succesful in the fireball and until to the very last moment she kind of did nothing. She even didnt try to calm the fire which they all previously practiced. This made me nuts. But otherwise still a good read! Happy to picked it :) and hope to read about J and his adventure in the next book/series (?)
One error: she went to save T and he woke up and stroke her non existing hair.
November 12, 2022
The final book comes together well and I have to say is probably my favorite of the three. Don’t get me wrong Rose still annoyed me but I have to give kudos to the narrator for that. She definitely matured in this book and I love the bond that Neeve and Rose create over the course of the series. I also enjoyed that the main focus was on that bond and not just romantic interests even though there was a little. There was more action this time around and Rose learning to master her power was fun. I love the twist of the prophecy. Just goes to show it’s all up to interpretation. All around I enjoyed the series as a whole. It was a slow start but that just leads to great world building. I have to say that I was invested in the characters and the story.
April 10, 2022
Anthea Sharp is back, with Red as Flame, the finale of her The Darkwood Trilogy (though it’s really book 4 if you count the prequel). This is a wonderful Dark Elf fairytale with echoes of Snow White and Rose Red. Well written, with superbly crafted characters (it’s been particularly great following along as Rose and Neeve develop personally and in their relationships as they grow into wonderfully complex characters), romance, adventure, and magic. Also dangerous secrets and a really excitingly complex story arc which somehow comes to a perfect close in this concluding novel. Fantastic stuff that was a total pleasure to read, and is easy to highly recommend.
June 21, 2024
This is based on the series as a whole, not just this book.
The pacing felt so slow on the first but then rushed at the end. While I did get to know Rose, I felt there was not enough development of supporting characters for me to really want to explore this world more. As you only ever get Rose’s perspective it often got really repetitive, whereas when reading other books with one character’s POV you can see growth and change, Rose just felt pretty stagnant.
As a YA for a younger reader in the tweens this could be a good series, but anyone wanting more detail, character arc and growth and world development, this is not that.
The pacing felt so slow on the first but then rushed at the end. While I did get to know Rose, I felt there was not enough development of supporting characters for me to really want to explore this world more. As you only ever get Rose’s perspective it often got really repetitive, whereas when reading other books with one character’s POV you can see growth and change, Rose just felt pretty stagnant.
As a YA for a younger reader in the tweens this could be a good series, but anyone wanting more detail, character arc and growth and world development, this is not that.
May 2, 2022
Alas this series was p cute and although it wasn’t my ultimate favorite YA fantasy novel it was just cute. The romance between the MC and love interest wasn’t all that great. Neave had a better romantic partner. I just felt that there was nothing charming about Thorne. Anyway, this book was way more interesting and exciting plot wise, and I was happy to see Rose step into herself finally!! Great resolution. Would recommend to a younger audience aka its target audience LOL but overall glad i read this series.
December 18, 2022
I loved Neeve's character development in this book. Although it didn't change her whole personality she grew warmer, which I loved for her. Rose agitated me alot in this her thinking and choices caused me to call her dumb and smart alot of the times. Although she learns from her mistakes I didn't always agree with her choices, alot of things could have been explained much sooner if she only put two and two together earlier in the books. Other than that I loved seeing the two sisters grow to become their own selves and didn't let anyone define them or their future.
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