A Dawn of Gods and Fury - Review

A Dawn of Gods and Fury (Fate and Flame, # 4)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: September 3, 2024 by Penguin

528 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--"Prophecy always finds a way."

The will of the fates has come to pass. Monsters swarm from the depths, while dragons soar overhead. And the throne of Islor lies vacant… but not for long.

Fleeing the merciless sirens, Tyree and Annika find themselves stranded on a distant shore. Forced together to survive, they find old magics and terrifying new enemies.

For Romeria and Zander, the long-held secrets of the casters’ magic reveal a chance to finally master the power that has held all their lives in the balance for too long. But with power comes betrayal. And sacrifices must be made.

The final book in the captivating Fate & Flame series.

The previous book ended with Romeria killing Queen Neilina and assuming the crown for Ybaris. The rift is open, and monsters and beasts are coming out at night. Some have been wounded. And now Zander has to figure out how to get his throne back. Early in the book, he takes a trip to Islor's capital and finds Malachai, the god of fire, on his throne. He has to make a hasty retreat. And Malachai lets it be known that he intends to rule more than just Islor. With Sofie by his side, protecting him by default as she tries to protect Elijah makes it even harder to get rid of him.

Romeria and Zander play a huge role in A Dawn of Gods and Fury, but truthfully, I was more excited to read Tyree and Annika's chapters. Of course, the process of falling in love is more exhilarating than maintaining a relationship. Tyree and Annika were in much more of an unknown situation crossing the sea and entering into an unknown country. I really appreciated their pieces of the puzzle because they helped keep things interesting and fresh. Add in KA Tucker addressing the tension between Jarek and Romeria. I wasn't expecting her to actually bring it up even if the reader was able to see it easily. 

My biggest complaint revolves around the anti-climatic ending. Again, KA Tucker actually says that the ending is anti-climatic but poetic. And it reminds me of how people often make fun of themselves before others get a chance to so that it won't hurt when others make fun of that same thing. By letting us know she knows the ending was anti-climatic, it's like saying "You don't have to tell me, I already know." 

Some pieces that included Malachai felt gratuitous. I suppose they were included to show how bad he was. But these portions were mostly unnecessary if you ask me. 

Favorite quote:

-"Kings and queens are known to influence what the realm may remember of them and the gods they serve, and sometimes society chooses to erase history as if it never happened rather than confront the dark side of it."

The other things I highlighted had more to do with foreshadowing or things I wondered if they would come back around. Some did. Some didn't. 

A Dawn of Gods and Fury was a good ending to an enjoyable series. I feel like this book deserves 4 Stars. Everything I needed to see wrapped up was. I enjoyed the inclusion of Tyree and Annika. Even Atticus wrapped up well enough even if I wish we could have seen a little more firsthand of his reunion with the Gracen. I did find the battle and ultimately the climax to be a little bit of a letdown. But overall, I'm still happy with the series ender. Have you read A Dawn of Gods and Fury? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for A Dawn of Gods and Fury

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Dawn of Gods and Fury (Fate and Flame, # 4)

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: September 3, 2024 by Penguin

528 pages

Genre: Adult, Fantasy, Fae

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Fates collide in this epic conclusion to the Fate & Flame series by K.A. Tucker

There's zero description for this book, which is somewhat annoying. But I can't wait any longer to feature it. What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review of A Queen of Thieves and Chaos

A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, # 3)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: September 5, 2023

606 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the third novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy novel that should be read in series order.

"You betrayed your brother to steal a broken crown."

The kingdom stands on the brink of chaos. Atticus' grip on the realm is faltering, and as threats arise ever closer to home, he is driven to increasingly desperate acts to hold onto power.

With Islor's fate now in the balance, Zander stands to defend the Rift from the oncoming Ybarisan army. With the king's forces scattered, he must risk unlikely new alliances.

And behind the walls of Ulysede, secrets wait for its new queen. Romeria knows that the paths of the hidden city will lead her to answers. But will they be enough to save the realm – or is their fate already sealed?

A Queen of Thieves and Chaos was simultaneously one of my most anticipated books and also one of my most dreaded. I had a fear about the path these books were headed down and I didn't want to be right. In the end, I wasn't right or wrong. I will say that KA Tucker didn't go in the direction that I was concerned about...yet. Romy hasn't exactly surpassed Zander in that Zander is still acting in a monarchial role for Islor even though Romy has the rule of Ulysede and theoretical ties to Ybaris. Zander and Romy are working together, of course, but Romy isn't dictating to Zander because she's reached some status he's unable to attain. ...Yet anyway. KA Tucker could still go in that direction, but as of this book it didn't seem like that would be where she'd headed.

A Queen of Thieves and Chaos is different from the previous two books in that additional narrators have been added. Mostly, Atticus, Gracen, and Agatha. Atticus's POV was needed to know what was happening in the heart of Islor since Zander is on the run. Gracen is needed to humanize Atticus. Plus since Zander and Romy have made it to pretty solid ground in their relationship, the introduction of a new romance is great for holder reader's attention who also loves this aspect in books. *raises hand* Me. It's me. I'm that reader. Agatha was a little more boring for me because she's all technical behind-the-scenes information. Necessary, but not as interesting as the exciting bits of the story. Agatha is the Master Scribe. 

We have two big bads for the most part in this book. There's the original Princess Romeria's mom, Queen of Ybaris. And there's also Atticus who has taken control of Islor. Atticus is facing his own enemies. The royals that seek to overthrow him just as he overthrew Zander. And then, of course, Zander intends to take back his throne as well. Atticus is doing his best to strategize. And reading his perspective makes it easy to see what he sees, but Atticus isn't the best statistician. 

All of the side characters are important and come off the page as I'm accustomed to KA Tucker doing. There are old friends of Romy's that are still in Cirilea, some are still in the palace and have made friends with Gracen. Some a new. Of course, there's Jarek. He's one of my favorites. There was a chemistry or tension that seemed to float between him and Romy that I had to kind of question. Again, I was getting Blood and Ash vibes. Eden. Zander and Atticus's sister that I can't remember her name right now. Tyree. Elias. And others that are even spoilers.

Favorite quotes:

-"The rich don't like giving up being rich."

-"You have already lost. You just haven't realized it yet."

-"People believe what they want to believe, even when the truth is laid bare, unfiltered and undeniable, before them."

-"You ar the worthiest of causes I have ever met, that I ever will meet, and I will follow you into the rift if you ask it of me. But do not ever ask me to leave your side."

As I said A Queen of Thieves and Chaos was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023. I was dying to get my hands on it. Yet I was apprehensive about Zander turning into a subject of Romy's. So far that hasn't happened, and both are working together and separately to achieve their collective and individual goals. I like this approach. I felt like one of the Big Bads I mentioned above was handled a little too easily. There was a lot of build-up for a short conflict. Either way, I'm stoked to continue the series with book 4. Atticus and Gracen's relationship has helped to continue building interest beyond Romy and Zander. A Queen of Thieves and Chaos gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Queen of Thieves and Chaos? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Can't Wait for A Queen of Thieves & Chaos

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, # 3)

By: KA Tucker

Expected Publication: September 5, 2023

606 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal

( Goodreads | Amazon )

*Note: The above link to Amazon is an affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the third novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy novel that should be read in series order.

"You betrayed your brother to steal a broken crown."

The kingdom stands on the brink of chaos. Atticus' grip on the realm is faltering, and as threats arise ever closer to home, he is driven to increasingly desperate acts to hold onto power.

With Islor's fate now in the balance, Zander stands to defend the Rift from the oncoming Ybarisan army. With the king's forces scattered, he must risk unlikely new alliances.

And behind the walls of Ulysede, secrets wait for its new queen. Romeria knows that the paths of the hidden city will lead her to answers. But will they be enough to save the realm – or is their fate already sealed?

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases of Q3/Q4 2023

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. This week's topic is Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases of Q3/Q4 2023

1. A Soul of Ash & Blood (Blood & Ash, # 5) by Jennifer L Armentrout
2. Light Bringer (Red Rising, # 6) by Pierce Brown
3. A Queen of Thieves & Chaos (Fate & Flame, # 3) by KA Tucker
4. To Have and to Heist by Sara Desai
5. Pixels & Paint (Trinket Sisters, # 1) by Kristi Ann Hunter
6. Committing to the Cowgirl (Colorado Cowgirls, # 1) by Jody Hedlund
7. Calling on the Matchmaker (A Shanahan Match, # 1) by Jody Hedlund
8. Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel
9. The Queen's Crown (Leauge of Rules, # 1) by Jennifer Anne Davis
10. Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino

Which books are on you most anticipating from the second half of 2023? Let me know!

All Things Halloween Review of A Curse of Blood and Stone

A Curse of Blood and Stone (Fate & Flame, # 2)

By: KA Tucker

Publication: July 12th 2022 by K.A. Tucker

485 pages

Genre: New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Libraryhttp://sandyfarmer.blogspot.com/2021/04/from-blood-and-ash-review.html

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--“I do not know how to love you and be a good king to my people.”

From jewelry thief to interloper to queen-in-waiting, Romeria flees Cirilea a traitor to all. But the yawning distance between her and Zander troubles her more than any king’s bounty on her head. While Zander may have escaped by her side, he seeks to regain his throne, and no immortal will ever welcome her as Islor’s queen. She fears it won’t be long before Zander abandons her as everyone else she’s ever loved has.

Zander sacrificed his crown to save Romeria’s life, yet he dreads what her existence means for the future of his realm. As Ybaris’s plan to destroy Islor unfurls, a more insidious threat, orchestrated by rival fates, lurks beneath the surface. He can offer his allies no honest explanation for why he protects the Ybarisan princess and takes counsel from Queen Neilina’s caster, leading those closest to doubt his wisdom—and his allegiance.

As their company aims for the Venhorn Mountains, steered by prophecy, Romeria is desperate to wield her newfound abilities to undo Princess Romeria’s treachery before the kingdom tears itself apart. But with the mortal rebellion swelling, bolstered by the gift of Ybaris’s poison, it may already be too late. From internationally bestselling author K.A. Tucker comes the second novel in her Fate and Flame series, an adult fantasy story that should be read in series order.

When I finished A Fate of Wrath & Flame I wanted to wait to pick up A Curse of Blood & Stone because 1) I'm cheap and didn't want to spend the money for it and 2) because I was behind on writing book reviews and wanted to write my review for book 1 so the stories didn't merge into each other too much. But in the end I did neither. I didn't write my review for A Fate of Wrath & Flame before starting this book, and I also ended up spending the money to purchase this one out of pocket. I was just so curious what was going to happen next. A Fate of Wrath & Flame ended with Zander and Romy on the run and officially broken up. See what I mean? How can you just stop there?

Romy is coming to terms with being a key caster which means she's extremely powerful. She's just not ever purposely done anything with her power to know how to use it. She has a journey to go on to learning about herself and that power. I said in my review for A Fate of Wrath & Flame that this series reminds me of Jennifer L Armentrout's Blood and Ash series and this book reminded me of it even more. Romy doesn't intentionally work to win over the mortals of Islor but her actions towards them wherever she goes wins over their hearts and in the end a lot of their loyalty. But she has to keep her power a secret from even those in her traveling party.

Zander is faced with the reality that his father (and himself) didn't do what they should have for the mortals of Islor. Since the elven are dependent upon the mortals to survive you would think they would treat them better, but that hasn't been the case. Fear often provokes people to behavior that wouldn't otherwise be considered and KA Tucker plays up the fear and how it turns into mob mentality in this book and series.

I've struggled with the feminist movement in so many ways. I am all for women's empowerment but does it have to be at the expense of men? I enjoy reading books about female characters that are strong and not victims but I'm seeing a trend of books where the female characters start out subject and under the power of a king and grow to be a queen that surpasses the kings they were under. I'm thinking of the Blood and Ash series I already mentioned but then there's also Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas and I'm sure many others. Maybe this is just an enthralling character arc to read about, but I was kind of looking forward to reading a story where the female character elevates the already strong male character. Like the sum of the parts are greater than the whole. And I suppose the two aren't completely separate. We haven't finished the series so I don't know how things will end. Zander is still the true king of Islor so maybe the partnership will be the true end result of the series, but I can't say I want to see every strong male become subservient to every strong female character. It's just a trend I'm noticing.

That being said, I did actually tear up over Romy's relationship with Zander when she says "Don't worry, I'm used to being a pawn." My heart just broke for her because she has truly been used over and over again for what she can do for others and not because she was wanted for who she was. Anyone would hurt over that. And it's true that in chess the queen is the most powerful piece and the king is the weakest. So maybe that's the angle KA Tucker was trying to take.

Favorite quotes:

-“I have the people of Islor to think of, and I must do what’s best for them, no matter the cost.” “And what exactly is this costing you?” His chuckle is derisive. “What hasn’t it cost me?”

-“Trust is easy enough to lose even after it is gained."

-"We’re sitting here in a room full of truths, and you’re still using me.”

-“These people see only what surrounds them in this tiny town in this mountain range. It’s all that matters. It is their whole world. They cannot see the cascading effect of their actions toward the cataclysmic ruin of Islor.”

Besides the relationship between Zander and Romy, I was most excited about Romy and Jarek. They have a ribbing banter and start out as enemies. I appreciated the slow build to their friendship. Even platonic relationships can have a enemies to friends path that makes them so enjoyable to read about.

A Curse of Blood & Stone sucked me in and spit me out. I read it so quickly and was annoyed when I had to put it down. I needed answers so badly it defied both my cheapskateness and my desire to review book 1 before starting this book so I could know what was going to happen next. If I had book 3 I would have finished it already. A Curse of Blood & Stone gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Curse of Blood & Stone? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

All Things Halloween Review - A Fate of Wrath & Flame

A Fate of Wrath & Flame (Fate & Flame, # 1)

By: K.A. Tucker

Publication: May 25th 2021 by K.A. Tucker

533 pages

Genre:New Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library (birthday present)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.

Gifted thief Romeria has flourished from her days as a street kid pilfering wallets to survive. Now she thrives, stealing jewels from the rich under the involuntary employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a startling realm of opposing thrones, warring elven, and elemental magic she cannot begin to fathom.

Her quest is straightforward: Steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her certain death. But the identity she has inexplicably assumed is that of the captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy to Islor after she poisoned their beloved king and queen on the day she was to marry the prince.

Her betrothed, the newly crowned King Zander, detests her with every grain of his handsome being. Fortunately for Romeria, she is more valuable to him alive than dead. Zander gives her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in exposing the growing plot against him.

Romeria sees no other option and embraces the tricky role of smitten queen-to-be until she can escape, a ruse that brings her far closer to the king than she anticipated and threatens more than her safety. As she digs deeper into this sacred garden and the ancient feud between Ybaris and Islor, she discovers monstrous truths that could spell ruin for all.

I have been a fan of KA Tucker for a while. When I saw she wrote a fantasy series, I knew I wanted to read it. However, I've been in a historical fiction mood for a couple of years. I still read fantasy but just not as frequently. I'm glad I finally picked up A Fate of Wrath & Flame because I devoured it.

The beginning was slow for me. Necessary, but slow. The reader needs to understand Romy's life before getting pulled into this fantasy world. But that made me struggle a little because I want to get hooked into a story quickly. Almost as soon as Remy wakes up in the fantasy world, I was hooked like I wanted to be.

A Fate of Wrath & Flame reminded me of Jennifer L Armentrout's Blood and Ash series. The two don't mimic storylines, but you have a twist on typical vampires. They both feel medieval with castles and castes systems, courts and royalty. There's magic because, well, it's fantasy. And there's a lowly girl who finds out that she's not who she's always thought she was. A prince...in one story, the prince is about to be king, and in the other story, the prince becomes king right before we meet him. There are several similarities and a similar feel. Plus an enemy to lover romance in both.

I felt sorry for Romy because she is slammed into this world that she knows nothing about. And she has to pretend to be someone quite hated by pretty much everyone around her. She does come up with an excuse, amnesia, that helps others begin to see that she truly has no recollection of facts she should know if she were lying about amnesia. And she finds a few allies even though those are tenuous at best.

Zander was easy to feel bad for as well. His parents were murdered on the day he was supposed to marry the woman he was in love with...by that very same woman. He is angry and hurt. And he learns that much is not what it appeared to have been nor what appears to be coming. Some of his closest advisors don't understand his choice to keep Romeria alive or close to his side. They believe he's under some sort of spell which makes him a king to be questioned. Most of all, he wants to figure out the plot against his kingdom because he's not the only one in danger.

I ended A Fate of Wrath and Flame and immediately jumped into the second book. I told myself I wouldn't forget where one stopped and the second began, but I was lying to myself to think that I could separate the two books completely when it came time to write my reviews. I get so frustrated with myself when this happens. I remember that Zander and Romy weren't in a good place when book 1 ended and book 2 began. So you've got that conflict spurring you on to keep reading.

Favorite quotes:

-"I am a king. For every enemy I face, there are ten I cannot name, but they are always there, waiting for an opening." "Which one do you focus on?" "The One that is most dangerous at that given moment."

-"Welcome to the throne. Threats come from every direction, and they do not wait in line for their turn."

-"Betrayal rarely approaches from a straight line."

-"I'm always testing you, Romeria." Quietly, he adds, "And you are always testing me."

-"Tonight did not satisfy your curiosity?" "No, actually. I've been left completely unsatisfied," I counter...

-...I'm used to being abandoned by those closest to me, and I'm not about to beg him to stay.

A Fate of Wrath & Flame was so good. The beginning was slow, but once I got hooked, I was in. I even jumped pretty quickly to purchase book 2 when I often wait because I had to know what was going to happen next. The intrigue about the state of Islor and the plots against the kingdom and against Zander had me trying to figure everything out. Romeria and Zander had a delicious hate to love relationship that, of course, wasn't in a good place at the end of book 1. I can't wait to dive deeper into the series. I've already read book 2, so I'm dying for book 3, which hasn't be released yet. If you enjoyed Jennifer L Armentrout's Blood and Ash series, I think you will like this as well because they are similar without being repeats of each other. And I hate that I waited so long to read this book, except that doing so allowed me to go straight into book 2. A Fate of Wrath & Flame gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read A Fate of Wrath & Flame? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.