Betrayed by Bartoli and the man that was once supposed to be my King consort, I now realize that I never needed another’s power. All I need is my Kingdom, for which I will return.
Aerea, the Goddess of fire, lives in my veins. I am Awakened. I am angry.
With my newfound abilities and my Blood General at my side, nothing else matters.
I am the rightful Queen of Rozentine and I will take my throne back.
The time for peace is over. The only path left is revenge.
If Nasir thinks he can keep my Kingdom hostage, he’ll learn that an Awakened Queen is a death sentence.
There were parts of the book that were slow, I wish I had gotten more from it. For being the third book in the series there was still a lot of world building that I didn’t expect and I expected more action which really came in the last 10% of the book.
People o expected to betray her, never did and it almost made the story line too easy. I liked the book but for the conclusion it just wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be. It was almost too straight forward for me.
The end to the trilogy did not disappoint! I really wish this series got the attention it deserves. It takes me back to my early days of getting back into reading with ACOTAR and Throne of Glass. If you want a series to send you back to those feelings this is the one!
Book 2 was my absolute favorite and was phenomenal!
This one wraps up with the perfect HEA. I am so happy for Devonry and Solomon. They deserve to be happy!
My only irk with it is something’s felt left unexplained or got tied up too quickly.
The whole gods thing was eluded to throughout the series, but when they actually came on scene it was over so fast. I just wish we had more build with their story. I was confused about the woman… was that her sister or best friend who fell in love with her?
I also feel like Nasir was a fantastic villain, and his motives made so much sense. He was fantastic to hate. Then again real quick wrap up of his demise leaving us wondering if he was actually that horrible or not.
I loved so much about this series! I just would have liked MORE in the final book.
But I didn’t care much for parts of ACOWAR either. So maybe it’s just a me thing and my want for so much in the last book.
But seriously this series needs a hella lot more hype! The magic system is so good! The characters are funny and endearing. Overall series gets 5 stars from me for complete enjoyment it brought me!
Wings Of Sunfire and Darkness is the third and final book in the Awakened Fates Series. It is a bodyguard, royals, fantasy romance with betrayal, intrigue, suspense, and plenty of action and steam.
This is a fantastic finale to Solomon and Devonry’s story. I fell in love with these characters from the very start and loved seeing them transverse the obstacles that stood in their way and finally get their HEA. The development of their relationship throughout the story was terrific. This entire series is an intriguing page turner! I couldn’t have loved it more.
The writing, pace, and flow of the story are incredible, as is the character development, storytelling, world building, storyline, characters, and relationship development. If you love fantasy romance then I would highly recommend this book and series.
This is the third book in the Awakened Fates series. First off, the cover of this book is beautiful. This book jumps right into the action and had me hooked from the very first page. What an amazing way to conclude the series. Solomon and Devonry were both fully-developed characters and it was a wild ride getting them to their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third and finally book in this series and while I am said to see it end, it was a great ride. I enjoyed the growth of the characters and the HEA they received. The drama and intrigue was strong in book and had me really enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to more books from Lucinda and Rebecca soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is spicier than the other two, but it's also a satisfying conclusion to the entire series.
Princess Devonry has escaped the Bertoli Kingdom only to be captured by the second Bertoli Prince in her own Queendom! Her only goals are to right the wrongs done to her people, reclaim the throne, and stop the disease claiming her queendom.
This ties all the plots up very nicely and even has a plot twist or two... ;)
Trigger warning: this describes a pandemic. Which, I don't know about you, I'm still not quite over the real world one, which pulled me out of the actual plot of this book. It's why this is a 3.5 star at most.
Also, at the very end of this review is an epilogue spoiler warning that is also a major trigger. If you wish to know it, read the end of this review.
***QUOTES, TROPES AND CHARACTERS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***
Tropes: Arranged marriage, friends to enemies to lovers, forbidden love, fated mates, one horse, one bed, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, found family, human magic (not fae!), who did this to you?
Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ - a few scenes, consensual and fairly descriptive, but not enough to be considered 4-🌶️. Close, though.
Action/War level: 💥💥💥💥 Moderately High - The escapes, the fighting, almost full on war. Lots of action in this book compared to the previous two. It should keep your adrenaline pumping!
FMC: Devonry - Her powers, her fortitude, her ability to think through logically to make a selfless decision for her people... She's a leader anyone could get behind. I have really enjoyed reading her growth this series and is the main reason I keep coming back for more. She is *not* a damsel in distress nor does she really need anyone to help her, much.
MMC: Solomon - We finally know why he's so attached to Dev. And it's more than just fated mates. There's an entire history he plays into and its fascinating the predicaments the author has him in this time. He's basically a cinnamon roll, but a very lethal one.
Main antagonist: Prince Nasir - We find out some very surprising things about Prince Nasir at the end. He's vile and disgusting, yet he's redeemable.
Side Characters: Argyle - A friend of Solomon's who works with underground people. Celine - A disgraced member of the courts who is also a seer and becomes Dev's confidant. Yulis - A friend of Argyle's that assists with Devonry's awakening Frederic - Previously a contender for Dev's hand, but is a healer and plays a pivotal role in the adventure to come. Lenorn - Ally of Frederic, but can he be truly trusted? Lord Ahren - Solomon's Uncle plays a pivotal role in our story. Wolfe - ;)
Quotes:
“Whatever it is,” Solo begins, leaning down so I can feel the hot rush of his breath over my face, “I’ll give it to you. All you have to do is ask and it’s yours.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, unable to move from where I stand. The press of our bodies renews the flutter of desire between my legs. “For the bath or for the orgasm?”
“It’s okay to be sad about losing the life you thought you were meant to live.” His words are quiet. Gentle but firm. “Don’t let that sorrow tear away the ability to live the life that’s set before you. It’s all too easy to lose the will to live on after tragedies like the ones we’ve—you’ve faced. If you give in, they win. And I don’t know about you, Princess,”—the way he says my title was once so antagonizing, as if he was taunting me for it. Now, it feels like an endearment— “but I’m not willing to let the choices I’ve made in the past define my future.”
“You know, typically, those who do not wish for power make the greatest leaders.”
"The world could end. Humankind could cease to be. And still, I would know her, still I would want her."
**Okay, you made it. Thanks for sticking it out with me. The epilogue describes in very minute detail the act of childbirth. All of the pains, fears, potential losses, etc. It's *very* graphic. It is, for all intents and purposes, accurate. If this is a trigger for you, just be aware. It also may scare off some of you.**
"I blame Solomon’s size. I am barely a few inches above five feet. He, on the other hand, is a monstrously tall and broad-shouldered warrior with barbarian blood running through his veins. The size of our child’s head is all his damned fault."
SYNOPSIS - A princess, Devonry, betrayed by her best friend escapes with the help of her bodyguard and arch nemesis, Solomon. Together they travel in hopes of fighting back to regain her throne and protect her people. She is forced to expand her horizons as she is exposed to some of the darker parts of her kingdom and learns the kind of ruler she truly wants to be. A destiny forged long before them, both Devonry and Solomon find themselves intertwined and desperate to keep the other safe.
REVIEW - I didn't really enjoy reading this series. I can even say.... at 87% on the final book... I was tempted to just put it down for something else. I know this seems harsh and I know a lot of other people enjoyed this and for them - go you! It just didn't work for me. The pacing was grueling at times. Most all of book 1 felt like inner monologues. Beyond that, decision making felt terrible. If I find out I've awakened - something I have been praying desperately for as a means to fight back for my people - I'm not going to just be like "Cool" and move on. I'm going to hone that shit! I'm going to fight back and do everything I can to not be a liability. Throughout this series, Dev is growing. She was a sheltered princess thrown viciously into the wild by the betrayal of a loved one. That's a lot and can shake you. But it can also motivate you.... unless you're Devonry. Solomon wasn't written much better. The game of push/pull he uses throughout is exhausting. I keep asking myself if it's because I'm older and just don't have the patience for this kind of character flaw or what but it's not an "attractive" trait. Also... um.. what was Argyle's power because he's written fantastically as a character and friend but he's also awakened and does next to nothing the entire time. At first I thought maybe he cancelled out abilities because he snuffed her flames when she first tried training but that was it. We never see him do anything else again. It's all just a mess and doesn't make sense. Even the grand reveal at the end regarding felt like a stretch. Had it been foreshadowed a bit maybe it would've wrapped things up nicely but felt like it was intended to be a POW! Ain't you impressed?
Wow that was ranty... I'm sorry, truly. I feel a bit brutal in this review but there was just so much time and potential wasted. I'm trying to figure out what I enjoyed and it's not there. I wanted to at least give credit to the side characters (because Argyle was great) but even they didn't get much dimension or background which I would've loved because they seemed to have interesting (if not depressing) pasts. Frederick was such a great ally but that's basically all he was. He was hot. He was loyal. Nothing more. Celine even got very little love. Her ability and backstory both were interesting as hell.
Sidenote: I also saw some accusations about this story (at least originally) be plagiarized from an anime. I can't vouch for that one way or another and did not allow it to reflect in my review. Hopefully that's not the case and because I didn't see it myself, I'm going to give the authors the benefit of the doubt on this.
I liked this but I didn't engage as much as I had done with book two; this is one of those where I wish there were half stars available as its between a three and a four star read for me. I like Devrony and enjoyed her development in this as she comes to terms with forging her own path as well as her chemistry with Solo although Argylle is still my favourite; he was such a great side character. I have always been invested in the mythology of the series and enjoyed the ending and the epilogue was a very sweet send off to these characters.
However, I felt it was just a little disjointed as a follow up to book two. There had been a truly epic stand off with Prince Enver with Devonry but its not really touched on significantly again and I felt I was missing a bit of closure on that storyline. Although in fairness there was an epilogue at the end of book two, it just felt like a hard left turn for the plot to have moved forward from that to focussing on Celine being ill and a disease which had swept the land instead of mentioning what had happened to Devonry (both mentally and physically). I felt like a lot of things had happened off page although I did enjoy seeing things like Celine and Argylle's relationship evolve via Devonry and Solo's POVs. There was also a lot of journeying from place to place in this and as much as I love the one horse trope I was ready for the action to kick up a gear which for me led to the finale feeling a bit rushed after three books of build up. I really enjoyed the third act though, I just wished for more of it and Nasir as I was on the edge on my seat throughout those chapters was engaged completely.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My interpretation of the star system; 3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again 4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series 5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
I gave the Awakened Fates series 4 stars because it really hit all the right spots but Devonrys behavior and being so naïve had me pulling my hair out at times. I went through book 1 with an open mind. I’m all about a slow burn usually after all.But here’s where it got hard for me.
Deveory was a spoiled princess. With a very sheltered life she had not known hardship, loss, or consequences. Book 2 is when she constantly had to fight, strive to survive and grow mentally and physically- all the while having Solomon ( her bodyguard ) by her side. So many time she surprised me at her level of maturity in such a small amount of time but then I’d lose something for her when she digress back to that spoiled naive young girl whenever it came to Solo. LIKE EVERYTIME with Solo. It became infuriating. One minute she is a bad ass woman, taking a stand, holding herself like the Queen she is and the next she is acting like a 12 year old when Solo is involved.
Book 3 finally showed signs the Devonry is kinda on the same page as Solo, even if she’s holding him an arms length. I start to feel the connection between them and it strengthens both of the characters once Devonry gets the ball rolling. The romance is epic once it starts and I could not read to the next chapter fast enough. The plot is great and had me biting my nails. The loss of her father, friends, home and sanity is heartbreaking and all the while I’m rooting for her and Solo to take back what was stolen and get revenge. Once she is awakened, and her powers are available, she and Solo start to make progress. It is slow at times but the in between battles are filled with naughty dreams that fill the void.
The ending of book 3 was great and no shortage of excitement and suspense. And finally she realized Solo is her soulmate.
All in all this was a great series and I will recommend it to anyone who loves a good love story filled with romance, fantasy, friends, and commitment to others.
The first thing I wanted to say about this book is that it was an absolutely freaking amazing conclusion to Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey’s Awakened Fates trilogy.
In the previous two books, our two main characters: Solomon Winett, the Blood General, and Devonry Estand, the rightful Queen of Rozentine, had been through hell and back, and their troubles still weren’t over.
Solo was such an utterly swoony character. Yes, he’s grumpy at times, but he’s spent his entire life believing and being told that he wasn’t worthy of Devonry, when nothing could be further from the truth.
I really admired his devotion to Devonry, and it was obvious that he was utterly obsessed with her and would burn the world down to save her - he gives off serious “touch her and die” vibes, which I always love!
As for Devonry, I love her character development in this one. At the beginning of the trilogy, Devonry was reserved and demure, and she didn’t know how to fight or stand up for herself.
By the end, she’s become strong, confident, capable, and able to defend herself when necessary, but she also has a good heart and truly cares for her all of her subjects, not just the nobility.
Even though I’m feeling a little bittersweet over the ending of Solomon and Devonry’s story, I’m really glad I read this trilogy. This trilogy is perfect for fans of the bodyguard trope and fated love. I highly recommend!!!
What an absolutely spectacular conclusion! All questions are answered. Each piece of the puzzle comes together and the whole picture is presented. The book kept me in the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. So much suspense and action, secrets uncovered and a love years in the making awakens. Solomon and Devonry go through so much. Their trials and tribulations, their loss and anguish are full force in this final book. But they also experience the beautiful bliss of their physical attraction and the deep seated love that resides in their hearts and souls. Both Devenry and Solo have a lot of growth and character development here. And it was amazing to see their progression in themselves as individuals and as a couple. But no good things come easily. And they go through absolute hell to find their good things. But everything comes at a cost. What will be the cost each will have to pay? You will find out when you their final book. The story is brilliantly written. So vivid and clear with the details and descriptions of the characters, environment and events that take place and happen. For me it was more like watching a movie, rather than reading. The words come to life off the pages. I thought Wings of Sunfire and Darkness was freaking outstanding. And the trilogy as a whole truly superb ❤️
The final confrontation and explanation of "why" was disappointing
I was disappointed with how the end of the series played out. The majority of the series was Solo and Devonry on the run from Nasir. Devonry training to fight and learning her powers. Don't get me wrong. I loved Solo and Devonrys story and the moments between them, and the little side stories, but they built up talk of war to get Devonrys kingdom back and needing an army, but in the end it was a small battle and all the "training" Devonry did she ignored and didn't even use or need it seems because she awakens fully at the last minute to easily defeat Nasir. It almost made all the traveling and preparation, training, and talk seem like pointless time waisted. Plus i was disappointed by the reasoning of it all being so short. The beginning of the series was built up, but it just plateaus and you anticipate a big climactic ending but it ends so quickly and with such little fan fare it could have ended in the first book with how little the "war" was that takes place in a single room. I loved the characters and writing but, to write the first book with so much energy, action and angst and to have you on the edge of your seat only to not bring that same level of energy to the last book and the highly anticipated confrontation is disappointing.
I loved this series, but final books are hard. I think authors struggle with their characterization the most in the final book. I understand that the plot needs to go in certain directions, but having the characters behave in abnormal behavior, or having them struggle when they otherwise wouldn't kind of cheapens everything you know about them and the books before them. And that's exactly what happened in this book with both Devonry and Solomon, even Nasir. Honestly, I think this series really could've done without the reincarnation of gods. They just didn't really serve a purpose except for one plot line, which added nothing, absolutely nothing to the read. If their story had been more integral to the series, it would've worked better, but it ultimately killed this book for me. The 3 stars are for the other plot lines, which I think were fine, and also for the potential this series had from the first book, but sadly fell flat with this one.
As sad as I can be to say goodbye to these characters, I must say this finale for the Awakened Fates series was beautiful.
I think Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grey and Lucy Smoke did an amazing job with these novels. They are intriguing and kept me hooked to the pages until dawn. The building of Solomon and Devonry’s relationship was breathtaking just as much the description of the other characters. The pace to this last installment was the best, in my opinion, and I love that my babies finally have their Happy Ever After.
If you are dwelling if reading it or not, don’t worry, you won’t regret it, especially if you are into the fated mates and the slow burn tropes, you are in for a roller coaster of emotions and you don’t want to miss it🖤.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This story could have been told with half the words. Seriously. The needless droning on and on about the same thing. How many times did they need to repeat how much she hates him, and how much he loves her? Gag. I love romance, high fantasy, war, and good plot development. This was lacking. It's like the authors had a word count to complete so they did we we've all done on an essay and repeated the same thing over and over using slightly different words. The fmc is wishy-washy, never actually finds her footing, and not fit to be the queen they go on and on about her being. Solomon is a love sick puppy who could have been such a great character.
I'm so glad it's over. I ended up skimming about 70% so it wouldn't hit my dnf pile since I'm trying to meet a reading goal.
In the enthralling climax of this romantasy saga, Devonry rises from the ashes of betrayal, channeling her divine heritage and fierce determination to reclaim her kingdom. The transformation from a queen in despair to an avenger with the fire of a goddess is masterfully depicted. The intertwined love story of Solomon and Devonry, evolving from adversaries to soulmates amidst chaos, adds depth and passion to the story. Their journey, fraught with hardship and sacrifice, showcases significant growth and the power of love to overcome all. The vivid descriptions and dynamic character arcs kept me riveted, making the series' conclusion satisfying and poignant. This book brilliantly wraps up the saga, leaving a lasting impression of resilience, devotion, and triumph.
What a great series. I liked seeing how the FMC had grown throughout the books and yet stayed true to herself. And Solo was so well written, you could feel his devotion to her. I thought the amount of steam was pretty appropriate (I usually like high steam books) and it didn't take away from the story at all with the action and dialogue. The side characters also added depth and some humor to the story and I'm glad they had their happy ending too. The conclusion with Nasir kind of came out of left field but it worked. The story wrapped up nicely and the epilogue was a perfect little ending.
Talk about a rollercoaster ride. An amazing ending to Devonry and Solomon's story. This book is full of everything you could ever want in the final chapter of characters you have grown to love. The twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, the growth of the FMC as she comes into her own considering the scared and broken girl she was in the first book, FMC finding out about her being a fated mate, fighting to get her kingdom back and medeling deities. You couldn't ask for more.
An epic ending to a amazing storey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The perfect conclusion to this series, complete with HEA.
As we follow Devonry and Solomon back to the Palace of Sunfire to win back the thrown, the character growth from book 1 is amazing. Devonry is no longer the whiny noble disillusioned into believing a happy marriage with a crappy prince. Also, Solomon is no longer the masochist who is convinced he gets nothing in life and that’s exactly what he deserves. Instead these two have matured and accepted who they are together, as well as what they mean to each other.
The epilogue is a little bonus for the reader I think. I would have been fine with ending it at the final chapter. Enjoy!
Devonry is still weak and never does anything impressive. Solomon is still too good for her. And although it wrapped up fine, it was pretty bland for me. Not a lot of emotion or struggle. Devonry was too business. Even as she gives herself to Solomon she continues to say, "but I'm a Queen and must marry for alliance." Which wasn't as bad as, "I can't hurt anyone, that's not what my momma taught me." Good grief woman... the man you claim to love is strung up on the wall by chains and dying by the minute. Heaven forbid you don't get world peace by wishing on a star! I just never could get into Devonry. Solo I loved!
2.5 stars rounded up. It was one of those stories where I can't say a whole lot I don't like, but also I can't say a whole lot that I do like, if you know what I mean. Sometimes there was great chemistry between the MCs, and others it felt like there was toooo much of the MMC going on and on about how much he cares for the FMC and sometimes I think that takes me out of the story. This must be a preference thing, because I am sure some people LOVE that, but for me it starts to border on creepy/unhealthy/objectifying almost? This is certainly not the first story I have read like this, but it was a bit to much for me in this book as well.
WIngs of Sunfire & Darkness is the 3rd and final book in the Awakened Fates series. As Devonry and Solomon's story comes to an end, revelations come to light, discoveries are made, the danger escalates and emotions and spice ramp up. Devonry continues to grow as a character and I've loved reading how strong she has become throughout this series and this final book shows just how strong she has become. Absolutely fantastic series!.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the Awakened Fates series, and it brings everything to a close with a perfect wrap up for everyone involved. It is not a standalone and the books need to be read in order. Devonry has grown into the person she was always meant to be and stayed true to herself while paying homage to her parents. Solomon’s feelings were clear as day when it came to Devonry and the constant love between them. Overall, it is one well written, impactful storyline full of love, loss, growth and faith that will take you on an amazing journey when all is said and done.
Wings of Sunfire and Darkness kept me engulfed the entire time. Lucinda and Rebecca did a phenomenal job bringing this series to life and all reader's hearts.
With the final book we are given it all, suspense, fantasy romance, betrayal, action and so much more. The characters' story comes full circle, which was much needed because as readers we always fall in love with the characters and want to see their adventures to the end. The story is easy to follow, thanks to the amazing writers.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This series as a whole is very action packed and constantly moving. The world building and development continues all the way to the end which I kind of didn't like! It's not a bad thing I expected a HEA but I wanted it more for her and not for them but I can see why they did it that way. I liked how they brought in the gods and fates I didn't really see that being a thing of significance never mind the whole story. I think I would have liked a different epilogue with the side characters and about her rule but can I really ask for more after everything.
The conclusion of Awakend Fates were as expected. No more, no less. I knew from the second book what the epilog would be, but still had hopes that I would be surprised. I was not. Ofcourse, sometimes one want something predictable. Viewed from that perspective was the conclusion everything one could hope for. I truly don't know what more to say, most of the time i thought "please move on with the story," so I would not say it was the best mediocre series i have read, but perhaps the best of the worst.
An amazing conclusion to Solomon and Devonry's story! The drama picked up and kept going until the end. I enjoyed seeing everyone banding together and their relationships growing and blossoming.
The only reason this didn't get that fifth star was because there were some spots that seemed rushed. Some things left me still wondering what happened with them.
The epilogue was my favorite part though. I was laughing so much yet it was sweet at the same time. (I found it totally relatable.)
Just an excellent series!! So many twists and turns and just an amazing cast if characters!!! I do have to admit that the main female character,Devonry, pissed me off to no end sometimes! I mean come on you have these awesome powers so freaking use them!!! I'm really hoping these two amazing writers will continue to right additional books especially with a character whom shall not be named due to it being a huge spoiler!!