Stolen Embers

Severed Flames #2

by Annie Anderson

Light bringer. Curse breaker. Queen—if she can live that long…

Vale Tenebris never intended to honor the pact with the cursed Beast of a king, nor did she expect to fall so hard for the dragon shifters who saved her life. But when the ruthless Guild infiltrates the kingdom, this witch finds herself caught between impending war and the promise she never meant to keep.

With the kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction and war on the horizon, Vale must uncover the secrets of the ancient curse before the men she loves are stolen from her forever.

And that is only if she can master the wild magic threatening to consume her.

No pressure.

**Stolen Embers is a fiery dragon romantasy set in the Severed Flames universe. Expect three dangerously seductive, fiercely protective dragon shifters who will stop at nothing to keep their mate safe. This book contains mature themes. Reader discretion is advised.**

Genres: Fantasy, Dragons, Romantasy, Romance, Why Choose, Audiobook, Paranormal

424 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

About the author

Annie Anderson is the author of the international bestselling Rogue Ethereal series. A United States Air Force veteran, Annie pens fast-paced Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy novels filled with strong, snarky heroines and a boatload of magic. When she takes a break from writing, she can be found binge-watching The Magicians, flirting with her husband, wrangling children, or bribing her cantankerous dogs to go on a walk.

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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amount of times this girl's been near death could pay off my student loans

[Laurie Krebs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my honest review. I love this author and Ruined Wings so much, so I was super excited to read book 2. However, it felt like some of the magic from book 1 was lost in book 2. I dont generally do spoilers in my reviews, but to explain my 3 star rating, I feel I must.

The first 3/4 of the book was phenomenal. I loved the progress of the relationships, and the storyline was captivating. Unfortunately, it was the last 50 or so pages that felt rushed, and the plot felt like it fell apart.

Spoilers:






1. First, I WAS really disappointed that the wedding was only between Vale and Idris.

Because the ceremony was only between Vale & Idris, it made it appear as if her other two bonded mates are unimportant; and the entire plot of the curse was because Idris was selfish with his love, yet doing the wedding without Xadin & Kian said to me that Idris still hadn't really grown in that aspect. Yet, even with that selfish act, he still somehow managed to begin breaking the curse through bonding with Vale?

It would have made more sense if Idris allowed all four of them to complete the bonding ceremony together, therefore proving that his willingness to grow and accept multiple loves was the ultimate key to breaking the curse. I understand it was mentioned that the "two additional mates" needed to remain secret, but I also didn't really understand that plot point, either. Why? It wouldn't have lessened Idris's power to protect Vale. It seemed more like an act of selfishness.

2. I didn't understand why--after the curse and Zammara were released, and killing Vale was now pointless‐-Malvor was still attacking Vale. He said that Zammara wouldn't come after him as long as she was focused on trying to kill Vale, so why would he want to take Vale out of the equation and give Zammara a reason to come after him quicker. It didn't make any sense. The entire battle made no sense, considering Vale had already released Rune back to Idris before Malvor arrived, and Zammara had already been released. What was he fighting for?

3. Why on earth is Vale being blamed for what happened? Rune gave her no choice. They all wanted the curse broken. Nobody had any idea what was going to happen after the curse was broken, yet for some weird reason, they all blamed Vale? I dont understand their grievances with her, and it really ruined the end of the book. I understood that they were upset that she put her life in danger to release the curse, but WHY are they blaming her for what happened after?

All 3 of them thought Vale was dead, and yet instead of celebrating the fact that she's alive, they're shunning her over breaking a curse they all wanted broken, and because of consequences that no one knew would happen.

The last 50 pages really left me feeling deflated, empty, and honestly, I ultimately felt disconnected from all the characters by the last page.

I'm left with odd, uncertain feelings about this book. Did I hate it? No. Did I adore it as much as book 1? No.

[samisabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other have said, this book made me feel empty and uncertain by the end of it. Like a lot of stuff just didn’t make sense by the end and I don’t understand why she can’t tell them what’s going on and just left like I’m a bit confused by the whole ending of the book. It just didn’t do anything for me so I’m not super excited to be going into the last book of this trilogy. I guess we shall see

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 ⭐️

[Tyler | bookishwithty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing from the cliffhanger left by Ruined Wings, we dive into the next chapter of the saga! This thrilling journey is filled with fresh beginnings and endings, hidden secrets and prophecies, as well as themes of love, fate, and war—this book truly encompasses it all! We witness Vale embrace her power while confronting challenges of the curse. Heartbreak and sacrifice abound, yet the fight is far from finished! I look forward to book three to hopefully see the enemy defeated and bonds and love prevail.

[Anna Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

fated mates x curses x why choose

This feels like the natural progression of the first book with uncovering some of her past, learning about the curse, exploring more of the world, and political tension. Like previously, we’re here for the vibes and the spice, not a twisting and shocking plot lol but I went into it with that expectation so I had no problems! There is a cliffhanger.

Read this if you’re in the mood for…
- why choose
- dragons
- fated mates
- breaking a curse
- big battles
- political intrigue

Overall, I liked-ish this second book! If I’m being brutally honest - there isn’t a ton of character development and it feels a jumpy. She did gain some confidence and worked on protecting the MMCs instead of her just wanting them to step it up. She’s VERY focus on her sister still which is a large part of her character but she also doesn’t try to learn more about her magic so that she can be strong enough to rescue her? I’m going to continue reading but it’s mainly for closure.

Still unsure if I’d recommend!

[Nikki Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my wow!! I thought book one was amazing, but this one totally blew it out of the park!! I was so hooked that I could not put it down. I honestly don't even know how to put my feelings into words for this review. I loved reading about Vale's transformation throughout the story, and of course her pining dragon trio. There were parts of the story that definitely kept me guessing and I loved that. The ending though...come on, Annie!! I hope book 3 is not far behind! lol

[Jen • Just One More Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, that book was a good bit of a disappointment. it still had its great moments, Idris's spicy parts are just ON POINT, and it definitely is full of amazing fantasy aesthetic, but just... I'm not catching much personality at all to Vale, other than "rage boiling up inside" (which I admit I really loved at first, but damn it got overused fast), being an absolute and insufferable brat (and not the endearing kind), and a Katniss-style desperateness to protect her sister. the cognitive dissonance around Vale not bothering to keep herself safe so she can be around to take care of her, and the condescension of always calling a 14-year-old a "baby sister" and like someone who can't make any decisions for herself beyond the level of a toddler, really grated on me by the end. I want this whole thing to end with Vale finding Nyrah perfectly hale and healthy and sitting on the guild leader's corpse or something. "Baby sister" my ass.

and there were some reactions that didn't make sense (why the hell was everyone so mad at Vale at the very end? Idris especially? I don't understand that at all). I didn't like how everything seemed to transpire purely "for the aesthetic" of it all (I love aesthetic, I REALLY do, don't get me wrong, but events need to have a purpose behind them other than just "HEY THIS LOOKS REALLY COOL"). and the ending coming about as it is just because of a misunderstanding? because Vale never bothered to explain exactly HOW what happened happened? I just - it's so lazy. all she had to do was tell them.

and the awkward dialogue and out of place modern colloquialisms continued from the first novel - not as badly, it felt, but they were still prevalent. just, add in everything else I just listed off and I couldn't look past them much at all this time.

and this last thing is a personal gripe - it is SO lazy that this book's cover is literally just a recoloring of the first cover. the first one is so pretty! roses on fire! it fits so well with the story! but... here it's just colorized purple. ugh.

oh... and the brilliant leftism in the beginning of book one hasn't been touched on again. ugh again.

sigh, I still enjoyed this enough, I still like the characters enough - Freya and Rune are probably my favorites - and although the aesthetic was gratuitous and without purpose I admit I did still like it. *huff.* that wedding, especially. I would love to see fanart of that. I did still decide on three stars, after all.

just, there was so much potential. I loved book one so much. five stars to three kind of stings. ;; ;; I'll still finish the series, a book three is coming - maybe the third time will be redeeming?

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this one as much as I loved the first book. I was so happy to watch Idris and Vale’s relationship blossom. What I wasn’t prepared for was the whole wedding scene..





**************** BIG SPOILER **************





Why marry only Idris? I understand needing some monogamy on that occasion for the sake of being king and queen. But the fact that they have to hide her being mates with Kian and Xavier- after this whole war started because of a jealous feud between brothers- seems like they should have been included as part of Idris’s growth. Then, after Vale FINALLY breaks the damn curse she has to STAB Rune and Idris to merge them. She slips into the Dreaming and meets her maker only to be granted a sort of approval and SENT BACK TO HER MATES. But now they are all mad at her for dying and unleashing their immortal enemy. Instead of being grateful she is alive, help her through what she went through in the dreaming, and come up with a plan to defeat Zamara, THEY SHUN HER! What?! So naturally, she runs away to try and face it herself. Ugh.. miscommunication is my least favorite trope. Let’s all grow up here and just talk about our feelings instead of taking it out on each other..

[Air Loves to Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel there is just too much going on. Vale almost dies every other page of this damn book (which isn’t really too far off from the first). Time is just moving too fast, all of this is happening within DAYS from the very beginning of the entire series. Too much too soon. There’s no real time for Vale and her mates to settle and get to know each other. They love each other, but it’s just sex because there’s zero time for them outside of sex and almost dying. In all honesty, it’s exhausting.

Also, the ending really pissed me off. Vale didn’t betray anyone and Idris is ridiculous. She did the very thing they recruited her to do and the consequences of that were not her fault in any way, in my opinion. And they’re all freaking out because she died. Big whoop it’s like the 5th time that’s happened.

I was feeling okay about this series with the first book, I know there were some things to work on but I was still interested. Now, I’m just annoyed. I’m not sure if I’ll be finishing this series.

[Jenn Beck · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.0 ⭐️ | Well this went downhill fast. Vale was such a pick me girl, even more so this time around, and was absolutely insufferable. Her insistent whining was annoying and had me wanting to tell her to STFU every other chapter.

And the relationships, even with Rune that I loved in book 1, felt so forced that I just didn’t care when the mating bonds were complete and the curse was broken.

Ohh and don’t get me started on the magic system. Still don’t understand it and really don’t care to at this point.

Started skimming at 60% and I’ll probably only read book 3 if I’m bored or needing a palate cleanser

[Lynn Marbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review. All reviews are my own opinion and do not reflect the views of anyone else. I don't sugar coat or lie in my reviews. What would even be the point in writing them if I did?**

Oh my goodness. My main complaint is that both Ruined Wings and Stolen Embers were relatively short, so I wasn’t ready for either of them to be over. I do appreciate a good sub-300 pager, but I want my friends back, too. I can’t believe how much plot & character development Annie was able to fit into those 267 pages. I could’ve read it in a day, but I wanted to savor it. 

Vale is coming into her own power on her journey from a starving, imprisoned Lumentium miner to the Luxa born to free a kingdom from a centuries old curse. The transition from most helpless to most powerful is well underway - if the pent-up power doesn't kill Vale first. 

A few small things I did not like; there were a few instances of more modern phrases, idioms, or colloquialisms used, which kind of took me out of the fantasy world. I also could have used another 50 pages, which I stated above. 

A few things I loved; Vale is 26 years old, not a baby 18 year old. Her love interests do not want to have to share her, but they are all her fated mates, so they have no choice but to learn to play nice. The fantasy world is rich and unique but not so complex that you spend the entire book trying to figure out where you are.

The spice was scrumptious, yet all of the scenes were integral to the plot. I’m not saying I don’t like spice for the sake of spice, but I appreciate how Annie uses those scenes to further the story and character development. I found myself falling in love with each of her mates one by one alongside Vale. And being infuriated by them, in turn, too. The dynamic is crucial to any reverse harem story and this one does a great job with the relationships between her mates as well as her relationship with each of them and how it all comes together as a unit. 

The ending was excellent and also drove me crazy. But I honestly think I would have done the same thing as Vale. Now I live in purgatory until book 3 comes out!

[Chi · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The symbol burned into me had once been a mark of shame, meant to strip me of my dignity, meant to break me down, meant to keep me a slave forever. Now, it was on full display for all to see—a stark, unflinching declaration of what I’d survived.”

I really liked the first book but this one took the cake ! It was fast paced and action packed. I also feel like the writing grew as well. Don’t even get me started on the spice 🔥🔥 Man did it ramp up in this book and I loved every minute of it .

My why-choose and fated mate loving heart soared in this book ! The development between each one of her sexy dragon shifters was delicious ! Don’t get me started when Vale and Idris had their moment. I read it so slow so I could soak up every word and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT!

The plot thickened and the world building grew, which had me captivated from start to finish

Good luck choosing a favorite MMC … we get more points of views from them and it was swoon worthy for sure .

So ready for the next book

For lovers of
⭐️why-choose
⭐️fated-mates
⭐️enemies to lovers
⭐️one bed
⭐️dragons
⭐️they fall first
⭐️arrange marriages
⭐️forced proximity
⭐️magic
⭐️witches , shifters , vampires , dragons ➕more

🌶️- 3.5

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been patiently waiting for Stolen Embers since I finished Ruined Wings, and the wait was so worth it. By gods, this book was epic.


Vale's temper will get them all in trouble one day, but at least she's becoming a badass. Vale might not have total control of her powers, but she puts on a pretty good show. I loved Kian and Xavier, but I'm so glad that this book had more of Idris in it. The man is sex on a stick, and frankly, I'm surprised by it. He had all the right words, backing up those words with actions, yes, please. His relationship with Vale is evolving, and I'm more than happy about it.


Annie expanded the world, including new places, factions, and more mythology. Luxa's origin story was just one of the many things I loved about this book. Freya's scenes were good; I would love it if she were included more. This book also had me unexpectedly tearing up a few times, including that last leg of the book where things just went wild.


Wow! Just, wow! I did not expect the turn of events at the end of Stolen Embers. Talk about my blowing. I can't wait to see what Annie has planned next for Vale and her guys. The lyrics "Give it to me baby" keep playing in my head when even I think about Broken Fates. I'm beyond excited.

[Barb Shuler · Rating 5 out of 5]

1- My eye is twitching
2- I can’t believe the turd (Annie) did that!
3- I’m going to need book 3, asap

This story, as any other Annie Anderson book, was full of chaos and mayhem. Legit, those are the only words that describes it all.

Vale, Kian, Xavier and Idris…. The four of them—they’re a bag of marbles that can’t settle into the right hole yet. Each of them has their own issues but when you put them all together they’re either great or at each other’s throats. Fear rides them, as it should. They never know what’s going to be slung their way. Or who is slinging it. The curse takes all their concentration and when an enemy shows, they’re in a fight for their lives.

It causes a chain of events that were a circus ride that has me sitting here not knowing if I want to cry or stab something. 😂 It’s a great, page-turning rollercoaster of crazy!

[Karly · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.25/5) Unfortunately, I struggled with this book, and I am still not feeling entirely grounded in this world and its magic system.

Book 1 was fun—I don’t mind insta love and lust as long as the relationships deepen throughout the rest of the books. Personally, I haven’t felt the deepening of the relationships in this book when I believe the author introduced a lot of moments that should have. It felt like a lot of showing versus telling, which I struggled with since this is told in 1st person multiple POV.

I actually like a lot of the mystery elements that were introduced and that things are not as they appear, which is why I gave this above 3 stars.

I’m reading book 3 before making up my final opinions on this trilogy.

[Ani Conda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author. Every story she weaves sits its claws into you and refuses to let you go. This book has me wanting to shake her and demand the next book right now!

I stated the book feeling like Vale was bratty and needed to grow and by the end I was walking shoulder to shoulder with her into the dark. Dragons become hotter vampires becoming the friend you needed and a begrudging ally finds out the answer to F*** around and find out.

Broken bonds, unknown curses and the sizzle of untapped lust. Annie Anderson made the last seen so maddeningly good I grabbed my phone and shuck it. I need more, I need the rest real darn fast. I’m not sure I’ll break this book hangover without it!

[Doris Scales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from the beginning of the book to the end and it’s written so well full of ups and downs and drama. I am quite enthralled with this book.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t even know where to start writing my review for this one. It’s full of hot fun times, action, drama, adventure. Wonderful world building by Annie Anderson. This is book 2 of Vale and her men’s story. War has come to the kingdom and castle. And things are looking pretty grim for Vale and her dragons. Looking forward to the 3rd book.. which can’t come soon enough.

[Carly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hate to say it... but what happened?
Is this the same storyline as book 1?
Where did our admirable FMC go? Her priorities?
* spoilers ahead *
My sisters missing... sure, let's get married. We know it won't break the curse... but why not? We don't need her here anyways.

My sisters missing... but let's take political trips all over the country. I mean, I'm not Queen yet... and have no real political influence, but again, why not?

My sisters missing... so instead of forcing my King of a fiance (or General mate) to assemble a team to even look for her, I'm just going to spend 7,000 moments having illogical sěx with these three dudes. Yes, one of them is literally dying right now, as I bang another of the three... but it's stressful, okay? You need to read 12 pages about how great it is and how I climax four times then immediately realize, "Oops! Silly me. My other boyfriend is in the other room waiting on me to pull my pants up!"

Again, sorry. The first one was stellar. I had the special editions from her site in my shopping cart just waiting to click "Place Order." But this second one, like many follow-ups, fell flat on its face for me. I'm hopping off the bandwagon.

[KayTheBookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books have been addicting for me! I binged the first one. The second one only took me slightly longer because adulting got in the way of reading.

I need the 3rd book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second instalment in the series and it was a stellar follow on from the first one. Can’t get enough of this series! Top tier 👏🏻 and hello Daddy Idris 🫠❤️‍🔥 the spice is spicing in this one gals 🔥

[Elyssa · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF yikes

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

2🌶

Annie Anderson, why would you do me dirty like this?!? I was not expecting to be sobbing my heart out like i did. Full on ugly crying.

Hooked on this series!

[Megan Heinrich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok this was so good but the ending hit a little flat. Definitely emotional ending but still a little flat.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series. They must be read in order. Vale is feeling the pressure. She needs to figure out how to break this curse but every time she turns around someone is trying to kill her. There is more going on than she knows. What is worse is she knows there are things they aren't telling her or that they can't tell her. Her bounds with her dragons are strengthening. She is beginning to feel more for the king as well. Her powers are strengthening as well. But that may not be so great if she can't figure out how to control them. She keeps almost offing herself by using to much power at once. Maybe there is something worse waiting for them if she does break the curse. This series is a fantastic read. Annie is a must read author for me. She should be for you too. Be sure to check out her other books.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too muddled, fractured

The story keeps getting buried in what ifs, dead ends, angst. It's too character driven and not enough world building. The way the story is unfolding it needs both but it's too focused on the characters and their feelings instead of what else is going on. The plot has become barely a background story. And it ends on a TSTL moment. *sigh* Because and angst filled MFC has decided running away will make everything better. Ugh. Can we please quit making them damsels loaded with distress and running into danger? Maybe allow their braincells to bump together instead of their pelvises?

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two of the Severed Flames series and sees Vale Tenebris shortly to be married to the cursed king Idris, who has promised to help her find her sister Nyrah and is forcing her to marry him in the hope it will break the curse. She is the last known Luxa witch, and he has been separated from his dragon side, Rune, since the curse struck. Vale has already bonded with two of his trusted friends, Xavier and Kain, both dragon shifters like Idris, but they have access to their dragons, whilst Idris doesn’t. Rune knows more about how to break the curse, but like all others who also know, they are magically prevented from telling them how to do so. The curse affects his whole kingdom and whilst some are keen to see Vale dead and the curse unbroken, others would like to see magic come back into their world. There have already been multiple attempts on Vale’s life, with Idris’ own brother, Arden, being one of the culprits. Vale keeps getting pulled into the Dreaming Realm in search of her sister, a dangerous place that she could get stuck in if she isn’t careful. Any harm that comes to her there, will happen to her body in this realm. Idris has to pull her out at the start of the book, and she has left Kain and Xavier distraught at the thought of losing her! Idris has to figure out who in his inner circle are actually loyal to him and the crown, as more attempts get made on Vale’s life.

She knows very little about her actual magic, with her parents never allowing her to use it and dying before ever training her about it. All of her kind had been hunted down and killed, so she is lucky to be alive. The first of the Ashbourne line was Orin and he was the keeper of the magic in Credour, and he met Lirael in the Dreaming Realm and wanted to stay with her to ease his loneliness after he fell in love with her, but she was a goddess and keeper of the Dreaming, and neither could live in the other’s world, without the magic being lost. She barred him from entering Dreaming ever again and created the first Luxa witches, who could walk both worlds. Vale has a lot to learn about her magic and refuses to give up on searching for her sister, even though that would put a target on her sister as well. She refuses to acknowledge much of the danger she is in and has to be kept as a near prisoner in his home, as none of them know who to trust! Idris demands she share his bed, so he can be close enough to pull her from a dreamwalk if she is stuck again. Someone is tricking her into going there unconsciously and want her out of the way. Everything there is not as it seems, and she could be tricked easily.

Her true powers come out unexpectedly, when she overhears Idris talking about killing whole families of those plotting to hurt her or the crown, but he was trying to get any traitors to reveal themselves, before they could attack her again. She must travel to get a book her parents hid, which should give her clues about the cure, but someone has removed a vast section and has again tricked her into a place of their choosing. Xavier and Kain have to get used to the idea that although they are her fated mates, they will not be able to marry her or be recognised as her mates, only the king will be. One leader did not reply to the king’s request to all y with them in the fight against his brother that all know is coming, and so the five of them travel to the home of that leader, only to fall into a trap, as was pretty much expected. The leader has made a huge mistake in believing in the killing of Vale as being the only way to win and get the realm back to what it was. But Idris’ brother and his love have been making plans for ages and what Vale and her people suffered under the mountain, was not as it seemed, as it was for a more dangerous outcome, that will bring destruction to both worlds! She is beginning to understand her role in the two worlds, as she finally gets more knowledge from her dragon shifters, but a sacrifice is about to be needed, to ensure the curse is broken. A simple bonding marriage between the pair will never be enough. Her sacrifice will break the balance between the realms, and she is the only one who can restore it. The attack on the palace has been just a distraction and the real danger is yet to come!

What will come next is unknown and Idris needs to work with Xavier and Kain to protect his people and the kingdom, and Vale has broken their trust yet again with her actions that Idris won’t even look at her. She knows hat she has to do, and her dragons are not going to be happy with her, but she must do what she thinks is right and save her sister. The one dragon shifter she was determined to hate for forcing her into this position and keeping things from her, turns out to be one she ends up loving, as she does her other two. They have lots of desperate times together, but also some filled with shared enjoyment and lots of sexy images shared between them, especially from her unclosed mind! Loads of action and steam all mixed in with danger and attempts to stop her breaking the curse. Maybe if some of their enemies had explained what it would do if she broke the curse, maybe she would have made a different choice, but that’s unlikely. So much more to come for Vale and her dragon shifters, and they won’t be happy once they find out what she has done! I can’t wait to see the eruptions that follow. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Nicole Serwinowski · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 24%

I pretty much never give up on a book because I’m too stubborn but I couldn’t keep reading this. I’d hoped after the first book the relationships would build a little but they haven’t at all. The timeline of the story and the instant love is driving me crazy I’m like cringing while reading.

[Kali McKellips · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don’t like Idris, and it pisses me off that the author can’t cohesively mesh the rh. It’s always chapters about one at a time and let’s just pretend that the rest don’t exist. Like it’s perfectly okay to have Vale be with one of her mates and then another the next day. It really pisses me off that the author could only focus on one mate at a time, and then what felt like forever would pass and she would literally only have an interaction with one mate that whole time. I also feel like how she develops the relationship with vale and Idris is just not it. Like he literally does nothing to gain Vale’s trust or love, she’s just drawn to him??? After he literally made her so many empty promises and bargained with her to even be with him in the first place. While Kian is out training his soldiers and Xavier spends most of his time reviving Vale, not to mention they knew her for 2 DAYS before deciding they wouldn’t bring her into a world of hurt and were willing and ready to change the course of their whole lives to keep her safe, yet this wholeeeeee book is just about Idris. They don’t have the strongest connection, they don’t have good communication skills, and this whole time all he’s done is said he’s the King while the rest of the rh gets their hands dirty and then he gets the whole book to himself while the others just have to shut up and don’t get to express their feelings??? And this is AFTER a whole book of Xavier and Kian doing nothing but choosing Vale, protecting her, and straight up changing their whole lives to be with her. But oh yay, Idris is King and loved an evil bitch and now everyone has to help him overcome while he sits on his ass and gets all the glory. It also pisses me off that they didn’t make it more of a plot that it’s literally Idris’ fault, like everyone is just overlooking that part?? And then they get attacked because they want Vale’s power??? Not to make the King suffer who’s made them suffer by getting cursed in the first fucking place?? And then took more than two hundred years to even begin breaking the curse while whole blood lines are being wiped out because of their strength??? Like no one’s seeking to avenge their powerful families over a fucking Eskimo brothers’ lovers spat?? Like, how is nothing his fault?? How does he have the softest background story and then he still gets a whole book to himself and how he’s Vale’s 1st mate or something. It’s ridiculous. It comes off as he’s the chosen one for god knows whatever fucking reason. The author shouldn’t have even made it an rh if that’s how the book was going to be, it seems to me like Xavier and Kian are much more deserving of Vale and this whole time the ONLY reason they have a mate at all is to punish Idris?? Like Idris is the one who isn’t deserving of a mate, Kian and Xavier deserve the world, and their only reason of being in the book is to punish Idris, that’s so fucked up.