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The Lost Witches of Aradia #3
The Illuminated
The borders between the dimensions are crumbling, yet all Lucius cares about is making Áine his Queen.
After surviving Nathaniel’s violent plot, Áine is fiercely determined to travel to the Akashic Records and uncover the dark reality behind Lucius’s unnatural rise to power. As she strives to fulfill her destiny to free the truth from its binds and restore the natural balance of the Universe, Lucius only grows more adamant that Áine is his—a gift from the heavens that ordained him King. To make matters worse, Nathaniel may have succeeded in planting the seed of doubt into the King’s mind, casting Daelon and Áine’s relationship under harsh scrutiny.
Caught in an escalating, magickal arms race, Lucius and Áine plot against each other and send the entire castle into clashing turmoil in their wake. All the while, Daelon and Áine’s dangerous, secret affair only grows more and more volatile and all-consuming. Now everyone is forced to choose a side, and the list of deceits, subterfuge, and cosmic mysteries only grows longer. Who will be left standing when this ethereal castle of lies, pleasure, and magick comes crashing down?
The Illuminated is the addictive, fast-paced third installment in The Lost Witches of Aradia series. Grab a copy today and fall under Áine’s spell as she guides you through a compelling journey through her multidimensional reality.
After surviving Nathaniel’s violent plot, Áine is fiercely determined to travel to the Akashic Records and uncover the dark reality behind Lucius’s unnatural rise to power. As she strives to fulfill her destiny to free the truth from its binds and restore the natural balance of the Universe, Lucius only grows more adamant that Áine is his—a gift from the heavens that ordained him King. To make matters worse, Nathaniel may have succeeded in planting the seed of doubt into the King’s mind, casting Daelon and Áine’s relationship under harsh scrutiny.
Caught in an escalating, magickal arms race, Lucius and Áine plot against each other and send the entire castle into clashing turmoil in their wake. All the while, Daelon and Áine’s dangerous, secret affair only grows more and more volatile and all-consuming. Now everyone is forced to choose a side, and the list of deceits, subterfuge, and cosmic mysteries only grows longer. Who will be left standing when this ethereal castle of lies, pleasure, and magick comes crashing down?
The Illuminated is the addictive, fast-paced third installment in The Lost Witches of Aradia series. Grab a copy today and fall under Áine’s spell as she guides you through a compelling journey through her multidimensional reality.
- GenresFantasyParanormalWitches
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2022
About the author
Maggie Sunseri
19 books247 followersMaggie Sunseri is the author of fantasy romance books by day and a witch, tarot card reader, and succubus by night. She has a bachelor's degree in Anthropology/Sociology. When she’s not traveling the world, you’ll find her curled up with a good book and a hot cup of tea, pretending it’s autumn no matter the season.
Sign up for her newsletter at https://maggiesunseri.com for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook for more frequent updates.
You can join her secret coven (reader group) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggi...
She also writes a Substack about spirituality, mental health, addiction, sexuality, and all things witchy and creative. https://maggiesunseri.substack.com/
Sign up for her newsletter at https://maggiesunseri.com for ARC opportunities, bonus content, and new releases, or follow her on Instagram and Facebook for more frequent updates.
You can join her secret coven (reader group) at https://www.facebook.com/groups/maggi...
She also writes a Substack about spirituality, mental health, addiction, sexuality, and all things witchy and creative. https://maggiesunseri.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 3, 2024
In this third installment in the Lost Witches of Aradia series, we pick up right where we left off after quite the cliffhanger. More happens in this book than in the last couple books action wise and this book progresses the story along quite well.
We see Áine experience some found family in this book which she so desperately needs after disconnecting with her human friends on Earth. Daelon and Áine experience many tests in their relationship which makes their bond and love that much deeper.
Overall, I truly love this world that Maggie Sunseri created. I’m immediately diving into book 4!
We see Áine experience some found family in this book which she so desperately needs after disconnecting with her human friends on Earth. Daelon and Áine experience many tests in their relationship which makes their bond and love that much deeper.
Overall, I truly love this world that Maggie Sunseri created. I’m immediately diving into book 4!
March 4, 2022
Nope. No words. Once again, I have been left completely and utterly speechless at the end of one of the author’s works. Aradia is such a rich and detailed tapestry. One wrong thread pulled and the whole thing could unravel, irrevocably. I feel like that’s as much as I can say about Áine’s latest travails without giving away all the amazing (and evil genius-inspired) twists this book takes. The groundwork is being laid for what’s to come and I’m desperate to know how it will all play out.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
March 16, 2023
Book 3 is edging up to 4.5 stars.
These books are so good! Seriously underrated.
The pace and tension in this book were top notch. The characters and the world building continue to be excellent and I almost don't want to finish reading this books. Really refreshing and I think I'll devour book 4 in the next 24 hours...
My only mild gripe is I feel these books could have been condensed into a hearty duology.
These books are so good! Seriously underrated.
The pace and tension in this book were top notch. The characters and the world building continue to be excellent and I almost don't want to finish reading this books. Really refreshing and I think I'll devour book 4 in the next 24 hours...
My only mild gripe is I feel these books could have been condensed into a hearty duology.
April 3, 2022
The drama! I was on the edge of my seat every chapter wondering what was going to happen. The world building in this series is top notch and watching this giant puzzle slowly come together is so thrilling and I never know what to expect next.
I'm extremely invested in the characters at this point, they are so relatable and real!
I'm extremely invested in the characters at this point, they are so relatable and real!
April 6, 2022
Fantastic
I love the world building! The characters are strong and the story is phenomenal. I am dying waiting for book 4!
I love the world building! The characters are strong and the story is phenomenal. I am dying waiting for book 4!
October 10, 2022
I read this book a couple of months ago and was so completely enraptured, I blazed through these without having done a review. This is the third book in Maggie Sunseri’s The Lost Witches of Aradia series and it just gets better and better. The Illuminated was deeply enthralling, enchanting and enigmatic, and I’m here for it! The reread did not disappoint.
This book picks up right where we left off after the cliffhanger from the last book. Áine and Daelon are still trying to restore Aradia to the peaceful, free world it used to be. Maggie Sunseri has a gift when it comes to world building! She creates this beautiful, vivid, rich atmosphere that literally pulls you into the story. I swear this world is the world I think of when I think of all things witchy. Like she’s plucked the ideas from my head and brought it to life. Her writing is flawless and dare I say, magical.
We’ve been introduced to a few new characters in this installment and I love them all! Relationships change and deepen between Áine and Daelon, Lucius, and Taryn. Still living for Daelon and Áine in this one. I love their love! Sunseri also gives us more of the backstory with Lucius which brings so much light to why he is the way he is. This was a page turner that again, I couldn’t put down! Finished this book in 2 days because it’s absolutely captivating. So much happens in this book but it brings the story together a bit more and yet has you begging for the next one. Definitely recommend this series if you love all things witchy and magical with a lot of tension and an almost forbidden romance. Now time to reread the 4th installment The Hunted before The Scorned is released on Samhain, because how perfect is that!
This book picks up right where we left off after the cliffhanger from the last book. Áine and Daelon are still trying to restore Aradia to the peaceful, free world it used to be. Maggie Sunseri has a gift when it comes to world building! She creates this beautiful, vivid, rich atmosphere that literally pulls you into the story. I swear this world is the world I think of when I think of all things witchy. Like she’s plucked the ideas from my head and brought it to life. Her writing is flawless and dare I say, magical.
We’ve been introduced to a few new characters in this installment and I love them all! Relationships change and deepen between Áine and Daelon, Lucius, and Taryn. Still living for Daelon and Áine in this one. I love their love! Sunseri also gives us more of the backstory with Lucius which brings so much light to why he is the way he is. This was a page turner that again, I couldn’t put down! Finished this book in 2 days because it’s absolutely captivating. So much happens in this book but it brings the story together a bit more and yet has you begging for the next one. Definitely recommend this series if you love all things witchy and magical with a lot of tension and an almost forbidden romance. Now time to reread the 4th installment The Hunted before The Scorned is released on Samhain, because how perfect is that!
November 2, 2024
4/10 ⭐️
At only 22, Áine knows she's different, after her moms died to protect her, giving her a bracelet to "dull out" her gift. At her birthday party, in order to save a friend, Áine is forced to remove her bracelet and unleash her power, attracting all kinds of dangers she was previously shielded from.
As she is now free to use her power, a male voice in her head begins to guide her and help her on her path. At the same time, Daelon, a male witch, appears out of nowhere, promising to be there to help her as his life purpose.
Áine is led to the kingdom of Aradia, where she realizes a power-hungry political war is ongoing, making Lucius the reigning king (not exactly the rightful one).
As the books evolve, it becomes obvious who the voice in Áines head belongs to, who her mothers were, who Daelon is and why everyone either sacrificed or is risking for her. As for Áine,
she develops an obvious relationship with Daelon and a not so obvious, totally weird relationship with someone else.
The battle for the kingdom continues, and the community of remaining witches sides either with Áine or Lucius in a rebellion.
Seven books are not necessary, the plot would fit in three at most.
We get the romance, we get the smut, we get the magic universe plot building... but what we also get is so many filler chapters. Sincerely, the last three chapters of each book sum up the juice of the advancing plot for that book.
Other than that, I have to praise the author for not filling the book with explicit smut in every chapter (it does have a bit in each book, but nothing shocking or exaggerated).
It gets tiring and dull, and by the last two books, I almost DNF’d, but I was curious about the ending.
At only 22, Áine knows she's different, after her moms died to protect her, giving her a bracelet to "dull out" her gift. At her birthday party, in order to save a friend, Áine is forced to remove her bracelet and unleash her power, attracting all kinds of dangers she was previously shielded from.
As she is now free to use her power, a male voice in her head begins to guide her and help her on her path. At the same time, Daelon, a male witch, appears out of nowhere, promising to be there to help her as his life purpose.
Áine is led to the kingdom of Aradia, where she realizes a power-hungry political war is ongoing, making Lucius the reigning king (not exactly the rightful one).
As the books evolve, it becomes obvious who the voice in Áines head belongs to, who her mothers were, who Daelon is and why everyone either sacrificed or is risking for her. As for Áine,
she develops an obvious relationship with Daelon and a not so obvious, totally weird relationship with someone else.
The battle for the kingdom continues, and the community of remaining witches sides either with Áine or Lucius in a rebellion.
Seven books are not necessary, the plot would fit in three at most.
We get the romance, we get the smut, we get the magic universe plot building... but what we also get is so many filler chapters. Sincerely, the last three chapters of each book sum up the juice of the advancing plot for that book.
Other than that, I have to praise the author for not filling the book with explicit smut in every chapter (it does have a bit in each book, but nothing shocking or exaggerated).
It gets tiring and dull, and by the last two books, I almost DNF’d, but I was curious about the ending.
March 13, 2022
Áine’s story continues. It gets deeper and darker as our main heroine learns and does actually find her purpose, the truth of what happened to both King Lucius and Aradia, the origin of Aradia’s evil shadow and why it has caused a multidimensional imbalance ripple through all realms including Earth. She meets some interesting characters along the way: Hecate, a former college professor and talking trees to name a few. This particular part of the series has a lot of details that gives the reader much to process. It isn’t a light read. Good news is that it does not conclude with a cliffhanger but there is more to the story as Áine and her love Daelon head toward their next quest to correct the wrong and restore balance.
March 22, 2022
The Best Volume Yet in what can only be described as a magical deadly adventure!
Aine has learned the secrets of how King Lucius had corrupted magic and came to power is told in the Acacia Records. Only she may go there if she had the proper keys. Okay that's A hurdle she can cross. Her lover, confidant and the Captain of the Guard and the King's brother may not travel the Astrals with her. She must go alone. Okay, sad to do as much but still determined until she's told, by the way you also must die first before going to the well of all knowledge in the Acacia Records! That's too much!
Oh you must read the first two before this to truly follow this deadly magic fight.
Aine has learned the secrets of how King Lucius had corrupted magic and came to power is told in the Acacia Records. Only she may go there if she had the proper keys. Okay that's A hurdle she can cross. Her lover, confidant and the Captain of the Guard and the King's brother may not travel the Astrals with her. She must go alone. Okay, sad to do as much but still determined until she's told, by the way you also must die first before going to the well of all knowledge in the Acacia Records! That's too much!
Oh you must read the first two before this to truly follow this deadly magic fight.
March 25, 2022
Maggie has answered so many questions in the latest installment of The Lost Witches of Aradia. She has also raised so many more! The unexpected is the norm. Just when you think you have it all worked out, a curveball is thrown. Áine proves herself and her strength over and over. Lucius will stop at nothing to have her as his queen. Daelon wants nothing more than to tell his "brother" Áine is his. The adventure is definitely not over with the revelations contained within these pages; it is just beginning! Can Áine and Daelon save Aradia and all the other realms before it's too late? I cannot wait for book 4 to see where this story goes next.
March 7, 2022
First off, wow. There are some heavy topics in this one. Just know that before you dive in. I was not prepared for a lot of the emotions I felt, but I do think it's important to see MCs that are relatable and go through the same struggles we do. I was looking forward to the next chapters in in Aine and Daelon's story, and I only wish we'd gotten more of them together in The Illuminated. Hopefully their trials here with help them grow together. I want that for them. I am glad we're learning more about Lucius and what motivates him. Perhaps more reveals to come? Kudos to Maggie for getting out so many books in such a short time, and while it will be a difficult wait, I'm looking forward to reading The Hunted.
March 12, 2022
This installment is packed with a lot or information and emotions. Lucius is trying to control Aine to become his Queen. Lucius is still trying to uncover the relationship between Aine and Daelon and they are all trying to survive. Magick is being threatened and the world is at stake. I enjoyed learning more about what drives Lucius and what Aine found on her journey to the Akashic Library. The ending is a wild ride. Can't wait for more.
March 15, 2022
Deeper into the mystery of Aradia and how to save the covens that are the fabrics of many realms. Aine and Daelon will need their love and faith to save their own souls not to mentions their world. No biggie. Piece of cake. Dying before you know the full history of your world. Slight problem. The illuminated is an enchanting entry into the spell weaving The Lost Witches of Aradia series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2022
Exciting and captivating
I received the first in this series free. Most books don't captivate me into buying the next, but I bought the next two and can't wait for the 4th one to come out. What a fascinating world the author has created. The storyline and characters are wonderful. You soon get immersed in their lives. Highly recommend this series for fantasy lovers.
I received the first in this series free. Most books don't captivate me into buying the next, but I bought the next two and can't wait for the 4th one to come out. What a fascinating world the author has created. The storyline and characters are wonderful. You soon get immersed in their lives. Highly recommend this series for fantasy lovers.
March 2, 2023
Magical and Mysterious!
As pieces of the bigger picture start to fall into place, you start to get an idea of just how intricately woven the backgrounds, history and mysteries of each character in this reality are. Wisdom flows from these pages that leaves you questioning your own existence. Along with the rest of the magic awaiting you in this book/series, you’ll find it hard to put down!
As pieces of the bigger picture start to fall into place, you start to get an idea of just how intricately woven the backgrounds, history and mysteries of each character in this reality are. Wisdom flows from these pages that leaves you questioning your own existence. Along with the rest of the magic awaiting you in this book/series, you’ll find it hard to put down!
March 13, 2022
This series is a great tail of good vs evil. One wrong move by Aine and her world will be changed forever. The evil is very very evil, is she strong enough to over come it? I can't wait for the next installment to see what happens next for Aine and Daelon.
December 11, 2022
Brilliant
Just finished the Lost Witches of Aradia trilogy and I simply cannot wait for the next book. Fantastic writing, and the characters are so wonderful, both the good and the evil. Absolutely worth reading, immersing in, and diving in deeply.
Just finished the Lost Witches of Aradia trilogy and I simply cannot wait for the next book. Fantastic writing, and the characters are so wonderful, both the good and the evil. Absolutely worth reading, immersing in, and diving in deeply.
March 9, 2022
like the story
I like this series a lot of filler in this book hope the next one is better. Still enjoy the characters they’re very interesting.
I like this series a lot of filler in this book hope the next one is better. Still enjoy the characters they’re very interesting.
March 15, 2023
this book was much better than the first and second ones, we finally have some anwsers and real conversations with lucius.
April 22, 2024
This series is so underrated! The world building and writing is just so divine!!! Loved getting some much anticipated answers in this one and cannot wait to keep devouring this universe.
March 22, 2022
In this third installment of the Witches of Aradia series, we finally get answers to what happened in the witchy world not only to make Lucius king, but why he is the way he is. I really enjoyed getting the back story on Lucius and actually enjoyed Anya’s and Lucius’ excursions. You can really see the broken boy trying to woo the girl in his own way. The word building gets more interesting and the magic really gets flying. Now just to wait for book four…. Sigh.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews