3.55 AVERAGE

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous emotional medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Finally the long awaited conclusion to Thalia and Sorin’s angsty love story of longing and loss. These two are friends to lovers with SO many complications, and Holly has put obstacle after obstacle in front of them. We got to see them give into their long-time longing in a blissful moment of pre-war steamy connection in Adara and Evren’s final book….but as our heavy hearts know, that not ALL survived the battle for the Blood Kingdom, and their beautiful and passionate moment now feels tainted and heavy. Thalia in particular is struggling with her survivor's guilt and the heavy baggage of shame and trauma from her years of abuse as a starblessed, and sweet golden retriever teddy bear Sorin would do just about anything to carry that burden for her. He sacrifices his own needs, prioritizes her pain over his own, and is willing to stand by her side on her terms while she works through the tangled web that is her heart. OH THE ANGST!

Meanwhile, Holly digs into the aftermath of the battle of the brothers- as we find our characters trying to rebuild and start anew after so much loss…and with enemies still undefeated and questions that burn through their hard-fought and delicate sense of safety. A human king has now entered the mix of intrigue and politics, and his allegiances and motives are unclear and dubious as he seeks a starblessed bride in a Hunger Games meets the Bachelor type competition to be the new queen of the human realm. Who better to enter the contest as a spy than the warrior starblessed Thalia- only her espionage puts her straight in the line of danger, something devout, loyal, and so very desperate for her Sorin can’t bear. Thalia fights to secure the safety of her people, but Sorin is going to fight for the safety of his lover. Cue all the swoon- this man loves a big proclamation, and his level of patience, reverence, and unconditional love is the dreamiest. Most of all I loved how Sorin respects and honors her as a warrior and a partner- he’s protective, but he also lets her shine. And shine she does- yet again Holly gives us an epic moment of girl power for Thalia- and the once enslaved, disempowered, and broken starblessed continues to reclaim her power and open her heart.

I enjoyed seeing these two get their HEA and most of all loved Thalia finding more power and another victory. This story ended up surprising me in a lot of ways, particularly since unlike out trilogy this is a couple who already in the throws of their relationships. Their story really picks up midway, and I anticipated a lot of past context or history and Holly instead focuses heavily on closing the loops of the evil still at bay and a fun new kindgom. It's a story on the shorter side, so could feel more like a character-focused extended epilogue, but none the less is a satisfying glimpse into these two who have long since been searching for their conclusion. Holly also smartly sidelines Adara and Evren so their loud and sexy energy doesn't steal the show, giving these two secondary characters the chance to shine as mains.

SERIES NOTE: Fans of the series will enjoy seeing the conclusion of Thalia and Sorin's story- but I don't think this is an easy entry for those that are new, even though it is a different couple. The magic and world building are very much assumed here, and the story relies heavily on the aftermath of the trilogy and wrapping up those loose ends. Their story truly begins in the prior books, even if they are not the main characters, so I would definitely recommend reading all four books in order.

This was everything I could have hoped for Thalia and Sorin’s story! The slow burn was burning and Thalia had a chance to really come into her own. Thoughtfully placed spice. Saying goodbye to a series that I have loved so much is honestly bittersweet but I couldn’t have asked for a better end.

Thank you so much to Holly for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. Much love. xx

Holly has ruined me, both good and bad! I'm so sad this series is coming to an end. I'm obsessed with this world, and Soren, he is what dreams are made of! As always, Holly has given me another 5 star read.

3.5⭐️

Exquisite!

I loved this little side quest!

It was wonderful to stop once more in this 'verse and follow Sorin and Thalia as they are forced to confront their feelings, and finally open up to each other. Sorin's unwillingness to remind Thalia of the way she had been used in the fae kingdom, despite the fact that he clearly worshipped her and sought only to deepen their connecting was so well written and poignant. Thalia's acceptance of his love and her realization that returning it wouldn't be a weakness was beautiful to read.

I’m actually crying.

One of my favorite, most beloved series is officially coming to an end. This world, these characters, mean so much to me and it’s a bittersweet feeling that it’s over.

Thalia’s story is amazing and I’m so excited for you all to read it.

I love Thalia & Sorin

I absolutely loved This whole entire series! The only reason I gave this book four stars inside of five is because it did feel very similar to the first one! And I honestly would have been content with just Thalia and Sorin staying in the blood Kingdom and just finding their love that way. (Well Thalia admitting her love
dark emotional hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: N/A
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes