Scan barcode
booktiamo's review
5.0
This book was the perfect ending to the trilogy! The way that Clara dealt with the grief that Cass/Cat was going through and with the added pressure of her new responsibilities, was so well done. It didn't seem rushed at all and it really enriched the story. The plot was great so much detail and developments that had me on the edge of my seat wondering how it would all work out! A truly great final book!
tessa_talks_books's review
5.0
Legend of the Lakes is an emotional rollercoaster of a finale for the excellent Once and Future Queen trilogy by Clara O’Connor.
What I Loved
I loved how much the main character, Cassandra/Catriona matured from the first book to the last. She started as a shallow, two-dimensional young adult who was very hard to connect to or even like. But through the second and third installments of the trilogy, she learned about love, experienced profound losses, and became a multidimensional, caring, and relatable young woman who can carry the reader through the despair of feeling like there is no way out to the highs of her successes.
The world-building through the trilogy is so comprehensive and sensory that it pulled me in instantly. Once you are outside the walls of Londinium, you forget that you are in a version of a current day world and think you are in a historical fantasy taking place in King Arthur’s time. Instead, Londinium, an ancient Greek-inspired dystopian world, reminds you that you are in the present through the technology they use but otherwise feels every inch ancient. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of two very different civilizations that enhance the themes of power and corruption.
The magic system, found outside of the walls, is nature-based and is dying due to the corruption of the ley lines. The magic is not unlike folklore of Arthurian legend, but I enjoyed that the story stuck to what we know and added on to that system. The Lady of the Lake, other than giving Excalibur to Arthur, is an enigma, but through this story, I got a much deeper look at a possible version of the life and purpose of the Lady.
To Read or Not to Read
If you want to immerse yourself in an Arthurian-inspired fantasy world, you need to look no further than this immersive, emotional, and wondrous one found in the Once and Future Queen.
What I Loved
I loved how much the main character, Cassandra/Catriona matured from the first book to the last. She started as a shallow, two-dimensional young adult who was very hard to connect to or even like. But through the second and third installments of the trilogy, she learned about love, experienced profound losses, and became a multidimensional, caring, and relatable young woman who can carry the reader through the despair of feeling like there is no way out to the highs of her successes.
The world-building through the trilogy is so comprehensive and sensory that it pulled me in instantly. Once you are outside the walls of Londinium, you forget that you are in a version of a current day world and think you are in a historical fantasy taking place in King Arthur’s time. Instead, Londinium, an ancient Greek-inspired dystopian world, reminds you that you are in the present through the technology they use but otherwise feels every inch ancient. It’s a fascinating juxtaposition of two very different civilizations that enhance the themes of power and corruption.
The magic system, found outside of the walls, is nature-based and is dying due to the corruption of the ley lines. The magic is not unlike folklore of Arthurian legend, but I enjoyed that the story stuck to what we know and added on to that system. The Lady of the Lake, other than giving Excalibur to Arthur, is an enigma, but through this story, I got a much deeper look at a possible version of the life and purpose of the Lady.
To Read or Not to Read
If you want to immerse yourself in an Arthurian-inspired fantasy world, you need to look no further than this immersive, emotional, and wondrous one found in the Once and Future Queen.
ajlovesx's review
4.0
What a brilliant conclusion to a series that has captured my heart this year.
After having my heart literally ripped out and stomped on at the conclusion of Curse of the Celts I wasn’t sure where we were going to go with Legend but we went somewhere wonderful and I just love this world.
The author has built an incredible world and magic system and I enjoyed my time in it.
My only bug bear with Legend is there is an awful lot of history jammed in I don’t feel like we need to know the entire line of the Lady, when the pertinent parts would suffice but I understand why she added it.
Ooh and this is a lot more NA than the first book big stars for the spicy-ness!
Oh and I knew x was a wrongun!
After having my heart literally ripped out and stomped on at the conclusion of Curse of the Celts I wasn’t sure where we were going to go with Legend but we went somewhere wonderful and I just love this world.
The author has built an incredible world and magic system and I enjoyed my time in it.
My only bug bear with Legend is there is an awful lot of history jammed in I don’t feel like we need to know the entire line of the Lady, when the pertinent parts would suffice but I understand why she added it.
Ooh and this is a lot more NA than the first book big stars for the spicy-ness!
Oh and I knew x was a wrongun!
elsbooknook's review
4.0
“I had vowed to myself to grow strong in order to take on the Empire, to hone what abilities I had so that they could never hurt me or mine again.” —Clara O’Connor
I was so excited to have this ARC in my inbox. Curse of the Celts left off on a major cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat ready to see what would happen next. Legend of the Lakes picks up where Curse of the Celts left off. Devyn has been killed and Cassandra is married to Gideon, who has become the Griffin in order to protect her. She is grieving and in the midst of her grief, she is being asked to take up the mantle of the Lady of the Lake and develop her power.
This was not my favorite book in the series, but I did like the way it wrapped up the story. We learn more about the magic system and what it will take to make things right. Legend of the Lakes moves at a quicker pace than the other books in the series and contains quite a few revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed learning more about Gideon’s backstory and seeing Cassandra bond more with her brother Rion.
Cass goes through a lot in this book. She starts the book completely at odds with Gideon and continually pushes him away as she is still grieving the death of Devyn. After she gives birth to her daughter, she is pulled away to utilize her magic in order to clean the ley lines. This drains her and keeps her from her daughter for extended amounts of time as she is traveling and is constantly exhausted after using her magic. By the end of the second book, I was liking Cassandra more and more, but this book made it a little harder for me. I understand that she was going through a lot, but I just felt like her actions did not connect with the thoughts she has.
The tension between her and Gideon is palpable throughout the whole book. While Cassandra is working on repairing the ley lines, Gideon has been taking care of her daughter. This has kept them separated and further drives a wedge between them. Over the course of the book, they had so many moments of miscommunication and it was incredibly frustrating since I felt like if they were honest with each other, they would have been able to avoid a lot of hurt.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. There were quite a few twists and turns that I was not expecting and others that I was. Regardless, they kept me on the edge of my seat and I thought the book wrapped up the series really well! I would definitely recommend this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was so excited to have this ARC in my inbox. Curse of the Celts left off on a major cliffhanger that had me on the edge of my seat ready to see what would happen next. Legend of the Lakes picks up where Curse of the Celts left off. Devyn has been killed and Cassandra is married to Gideon, who has become the Griffin in order to protect her. She is grieving and in the midst of her grief, she is being asked to take up the mantle of the Lady of the Lake and develop her power.
This was not my favorite book in the series, but I did like the way it wrapped up the story. We learn more about the magic system and what it will take to make things right. Legend of the Lakes moves at a quicker pace than the other books in the series and contains quite a few revelations that kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed learning more about Gideon’s backstory and seeing Cassandra bond more with her brother Rion.
Cass goes through a lot in this book. She starts the book completely at odds with Gideon and continually pushes him away as she is still grieving the death of Devyn. After she gives birth to her daughter, she is pulled away to utilize her magic in order to clean the ley lines. This drains her and keeps her from her daughter for extended amounts of time as she is traveling and is constantly exhausted after using her magic. By the end of the second book, I was liking Cassandra more and more, but this book made it a little harder for me. I understand that she was going through a lot, but I just felt like her actions did not connect with the thoughts she has.
The tension between her and Gideon is palpable throughout the whole book. While Cassandra is working on repairing the ley lines, Gideon has been taking care of her daughter. This has kept them separated and further drives a wedge between them. Over the course of the book, they had so many moments of miscommunication and it was incredibly frustrating since I felt like if they were honest with each other, they would have been able to avoid a lot of hurt.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this book. There were quite a few twists and turns that I was not expecting and others that I was. Regardless, they kept me on the edge of my seat and I thought the book wrapped up the series really well! I would definitely recommend this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
richellemelynda's review
5.0
OH MY HEART AND SOUL! This is the final book in The Once and Future Queen series by Clara O’Connor and that ending does not disappoint! I am still reeling from this book and its been a week since I read it! Seriously it is one of those books where you cannot pick up a new one because it leaves you breathless. I think I cried throughout the whole thing! I know I didn’t stop crying until 1/4 through the first time i started crying. I definitely recommend to have a box of tissue with you when you are reading this and don’t be reading this in public!
The third book follows Cass as she navigates through grief, her numerous newfound responsibilities and her unexpected relationships. Clara O’Connor writes this so well and experiences Cass’ raw grief and disconnection from reality as Cass notices how everyone around her is moving on as the years go by. She grows so much throughout the trilogy and throughout this novel alone. I love, love, love Gideon (seriously he reminds me of my husband! Tall, strong and brooding haha.). I was really hoping to see a lot more of him after meeting him in Curse of the Celts and he did not disappoint. I hoped that things would work out for all the characters. Although, I loved Devyn and miss his sense of duty; I am glad that there was a more healthy relationship shown in this novel, despite its problems and their fighting. The side characters are also so well-written and you loved to hate them. Marcus, well the jury is still out on him…
Legend of the Lakes builds on the world building from Secrets of the Starcrossed and Curse of the Celts. So much information is given as Cass learns & explores her magic, and what her role in the Celtic society means to her and those surrounding her. Her understanding of the ley lines and the impact technology has on them is explored. Many questions were answers about the magic, the roles and the kingdoms. Legend of the Lakes completes the series and gives many things a full circle ending. Clara O’Connor did an amazing job looking back at the foreshadowing and planning of these three novels. I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future.
Overall, this was an EXCELLENT novel and series. I do not have enough descriptive words to use for this series. You are probably tired of reading me saying how good this series and book is already, but seriously I would put this series up with the big ones, like Throne of Glass and The Cruel Prince. Legend of the Lakes definitely exceeded my expectations until the very twisty-turny end. This series is amazing and now I need to go and preorder this paperback so I can complete my personal set!
I would like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter HC for sending me a free copy for review.
The third book follows Cass as she navigates through grief, her numerous newfound responsibilities and her unexpected relationships. Clara O’Connor writes this so well and experiences Cass’ raw grief and disconnection from reality as Cass notices how everyone around her is moving on as the years go by. She grows so much throughout the trilogy and throughout this novel alone. I love, love, love Gideon (seriously he reminds me of my husband! Tall, strong and brooding haha.). I was really hoping to see a lot more of him after meeting him in Curse of the Celts and he did not disappoint. I hoped that things would work out for all the characters. Although, I loved Devyn and miss his sense of duty; I am glad that there was a more healthy relationship shown in this novel, despite its problems and their fighting. The side characters are also so well-written and you loved to hate them. Marcus, well the jury is still out on him…
Legend of the Lakes builds on the world building from Secrets of the Starcrossed and Curse of the Celts. So much information is given as Cass learns & explores her magic, and what her role in the Celtic society means to her and those surrounding her. Her understanding of the ley lines and the impact technology has on them is explored. Many questions were answers about the magic, the roles and the kingdoms. Legend of the Lakes completes the series and gives many things a full circle ending. Clara O’Connor did an amazing job looking back at the foreshadowing and planning of these three novels. I cannot wait to read more of her work in the future.
Overall, this was an EXCELLENT novel and series. I do not have enough descriptive words to use for this series. You are probably tired of reading me saying how good this series and book is already, but seriously I would put this series up with the big ones, like Throne of Glass and The Cruel Prince. Legend of the Lakes definitely exceeded my expectations until the very twisty-turny end. This series is amazing and now I need to go and preorder this paperback so I can complete my personal set!
I would like to thank NetGalley and One More Chapter HC for sending me a free copy for review.
larslovesbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Fantastic conclusion to the series. We start with Cass reeling from the grief of losing Devyn and taking up her role as Lady of the lakes. Cass has grown from petulant spoilt pampered princess to a woman with a strong sense of duty - even at the expense of her family and loved ones. The dynamic with her and Gideon is … (smacks lips) - I love a good enemies to lovers trope. We also see the culmination of the war between Londinium and The Wilders with some very unforeseeable twists and turns.
This was a very enjoyable read - I did it in one sitting as I couldn’t put the book down. The series kept getting better and better. I didn’t enjoy the first book and I think that’s because I didn’t like the narrator of the audiobook ( maybe also because Cass came across as really whiny and entitled - which to be fair was in keeping with her character at the time). However, by the second book I was enthralled and was on tenterhooks for the finale and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended YA series with a great alternative (I guess dystopian) historical slant.
This was a very enjoyable read - I did it in one sitting as I couldn’t put the book down. The series kept getting better and better. I didn’t enjoy the first book and I think that’s because I didn’t like the narrator of the audiobook ( maybe also because Cass came across as really whiny and entitled - which to be fair was in keeping with her character at the time). However, by the second book I was enthralled and was on tenterhooks for the finale and it didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended YA series with a great alternative (I guess dystopian) historical slant.
rachrreads's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
3.5
I was gifted an eARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The final installment of The Once and Future Queen, was a great wrap up to the series. The previous book ended on a cliffhanger, so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. Cass is dealing with the loss of someone she loved deeply, while also trying to come to terms with her role in Mercia.
Upon the birth of her daughter, Féile, Cass then thrusts herself into healing the ley lines. Throughout the book, she struggles with her emotions—often getting too caught up in healing the lines that she forgets about her family. Gideon pleads with Cass to care for her daughter, later to realize there’s something off with her. Her powers are draining her and she’s overextending herself.
Things take a turn when her daughter is taken by Londinium. Cass will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back. Choices must be made, but can they live with those decisions?
The beginning felt so slow to me and the first 30% of the book definitely could’ve been shorter in my opinion. I did enjoy the tension between her and Gideon though. The constant back and forth that kept us wondering what would happen with them definitely kept me intrigued.
There was also what felt like a lot of info dumping about the history of the Lady of the Lake. I found myself skimming the book in these parts, pushing myself to keep reading.
The last 20% of the book was definitely worth the read. All questions are answered and the ending was very satisfying for me. The huge twist made me on edge, which is what I’m looking for in a fantasy series.
Also I still don’t like you Marcus. You suck.
Overall rating of the trilogy- 3.25/5
The final installment of The Once and Future Queen, was a great wrap up to the series. The previous book ended on a cliffhanger, so I was very excited to get my hands on this book. Cass is dealing with the loss of someone she loved deeply, while also trying to come to terms with her role in Mercia.
Upon the birth of her daughter, Féile, Cass then thrusts herself into healing the ley lines. Throughout the book, she struggles with her emotions—often getting too caught up in healing the lines that she forgets about her family. Gideon pleads with Cass to care for her daughter, later to realize there’s something off with her. Her powers are draining her and she’s overextending herself.
Things take a turn when her daughter is taken by Londinium. Cass will do whatever it takes to get her daughter back. Choices must be made, but can they live with those decisions?
The beginning felt so slow to me and the first 30% of the book definitely could’ve been shorter in my opinion. I did enjoy the tension between her and Gideon though. The constant back and forth that kept us wondering what would happen with them definitely kept me intrigued.
There was also what felt like a lot of info dumping about the history of the Lady of the Lake. I found myself skimming the book in these parts, pushing myself to keep reading.
The last 20% of the book was definitely worth the read. All questions are answered and the ending was very satisfying for me. The huge twist made me on edge, which is what I’m looking for in a fantasy series.
Also I still don’t like you Marcus. You suck.
Overall rating of the trilogy- 3.25/5
donna_reads's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
My, my goodness.......it's just so, so good.....but why is it over??? Honestly, that's all I could think when I finished, why can't it just go on!!! I am in love with these people, this story and this world and I just didn't want it to end and as each book in the series just was better and better and this conclusion just brings it all home beautifully. After the tragic events at the end of The Curse of the Celts, we pick up immediately with Catriona, Gideon and Rion heading back to Carlisle for the birth of her child and her training to take up the mantle of the Lady of the Lake. Catriona's entire journey through this book, all of the emotional trauma, the effects of using her magic, her connection to the Griffin are such a roller coaster of feelings, hurt, betrayal, love, loss, duty and you feel every bit of it as she works to save herself and the people of the North. But I wasn't prepared for Gideon to be the heart and soul of this book, and his journey from snarky, aloof warrior to devoted father, lover and husband was heart-warming, heart-breaking and he has become one of my favorite characters. The push, pull, give, take of his relationship with Cat and all the revelations of his past and how they affect all he does are wonderfully written and I love their story. Such great twists, betrayals and Calchas has become one of my most hated villains, the glee and joy as he manipulates all around him is just marvelously done. I cannot recommend this series enough, the world is beautifully realized, the combination of Roman and Druid worlds, plus characters you truly care for make this an absolute must read!!
ARC provided by One More Chapter and NetGalley
ARC provided by One More Chapter and NetGalley