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yamuna_rai's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
pb06's review
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
raintje's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
geethr75's review against another edition
5.0
This was so intense, and I pulled an all nighter to finish it, but totally worth it. I had to stop at times and breathe because I was so afraid of what might happen next. This book and the series destroyed me, but I don't regret it.
This one starts off where the last book ends, with Vasili in Alissand's hands. Niko is chasing them, and with the help of Yasir and Liam and Adamo, they find and rescue him. Searching for answers, they go back to Bucland Manor and then to the gutted palace, but what they find there changes everything. But before they could process, they're ambushed by Elves who capture Niko and Vasili. Facing his worst nightmares, Vasili surrenders to the dark flame and escapes after killing his captors.
The rest of the book is a whirlwind of action and emotion as Niko desperately chases after Vasili in an effort to save him. But he's not the only one. Alissand has Amir and he wants Vasili as well.
Vasili and Niko's character development through the course of the series is so good. To me, that was the highlight of these books. The two of them start off as adversaries, but by the end, they're ready to do anything for each other, including dying. Or even sacrificing the other so the dark flame would not win. Vasili has lived with that curse for so long that he does everything in the awareness that he is a doomed man, but he can't resist Niko all the same. He thinks it a terrible weakness, and Niko who once hated Vasily so wholeheartedly is now ready to sacrifice the whole world if it will keep him alive.
But even the Yazdan stubbornness is no match for the power of the dark flame.
Again, the books and the series has a lot of disturbing stuff, including r**e, non consensual drug use, non consensual blood transfusion, mind control etc. But for all that, it's an enjoyable series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This one starts off where the last book ends, with Vasili in Alissand's hands. Niko is chasing them, and with the help of Yasir and Liam and Adamo, they find and rescue him. Searching for answers, they go back to Bucland Manor and then to the gutted palace, but what they find there changes everything. But before they could process, they're ambushed by Elves who capture Niko and Vasili. Facing his worst nightmares, Vasili surrenders to the dark flame and escapes after killing his captors.
The rest of the book is a whirlwind of action and emotion as Niko desperately chases after Vasili in an effort to save him. But he's not the only one. Alissand has Amir and he wants Vasili as well.
Vasili and Niko's character development through the course of the series is so good. To me, that was the highlight of these books. The two of them start off as adversaries, but by the end, they're ready to do anything for each other, including dying. Or even sacrificing the other so the dark flame would not win. Vasili has lived with that curse for so long that he does everything in the awareness that he is a doomed man, but he can't resist Niko all the same. He thinks it a terrible weakness, and Niko who once hated Vasily so wholeheartedly is now ready to sacrifice the whole world if it will keep him alive.
But even the Yazdan stubbornness is no match for the power of the dark flame.
Again, the books and the series has a lot of disturbing stuff, including r**e, non consensual drug use, non consensual blood transfusion, mind control etc. But for all that, it's an enjoyable series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
aepolosauthor's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
petra_reviews_mm's review
5.0
This series was nothing short of amazing. Maybe my all-time favorite!
But let's first talk about the third book.
I must admit that I did not love the book as I loved Reign of Darkness. Well, I did like it. But only the second half. The first half took me a bit to delve into. To ravish it and not want to be parted with it. I hated it when Vasili and Niko were separated, and I was also not a fan of the alternating POVs. I understand that without Yasir's POV, the loss of one of the characters would not be as impactful, but I wish that character were a bit more fledged through Niko's POV.
However, the second half was breathtaking! And the finale?! The lump in my throat, the tears begging to be freed. Ugh. I was a mess.
It is true that the smut is just secondary, barely there. But the love is still there. You feel them longing for each other, absolutely adoring each other. And so, for some, the lack of smut might be a downside, but it would feel misplaced and forced if it were there to please the readers.
To say what I think about the whole series:
Ariana is a master at character development. There was no stone left unturned. Everything just fell into place, and every decision made sense. I absolutely loved the angst, desperation, the darkness but also the light that awaited, even though it seemed so far away the whole time.
Vasili is my favorite character of all, and his Niko too. The second book was my favorite, as it just was so intense.
I cannot wait to read the novella too.
But let's first talk about the third book.
I must admit that I did not love the book as I loved Reign of Darkness. Well, I did like it. But only the second half. The first half took me a bit to delve into. To ravish it and not want to be parted with it. I hated it when Vasili and Niko were separated, and I was also not a fan of the alternating POVs. I understand that without Yasir's POV, the loss of one of the characters would not be as impactful, but I wish that character were a bit more fledged through Niko's POV.
However, the second half was breathtaking! And the finale?! The lump in my throat, the tears begging to be freed. Ugh. I was a mess.
It is true that the smut is just secondary, barely there. But the love is still there. You feel them longing for each other, absolutely adoring each other. And so, for some, the lack of smut might be a downside, but it would feel misplaced and forced if it were there to please the readers.
To say what I think about the whole series:
Ariana is a master at character development. There was no stone left unturned. Everything just fell into place, and every decision made sense. I absolutely loved the angst, desperation, the darkness but also the light that awaited, even though it seemed so far away the whole time.
Vasili is my favorite character of all, and his Niko too. The second book was my favorite, as it just was so intense.
I cannot wait to read the novella too.
dinohakari's review
5.0
So amazing story and original plot. And so so so sexy characters... Passion, love, hate, angst, you get never disappointed!!!
wildfaeriecaps's review
4.0
I officially love this series. This final volume was so emotionally fraught and I was legit concerned about the ending making me cry. PHEW! It's been a roller coaster. But damn, do I love these books!
goblingking's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
3.75