Warrior of Embers

Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin #3

by Alaya Wells

Lost in a maze where tricks and lies twist the mind, Lore and I must hold onto our love before we forget it ever existed.

I thought our love was enough. That together, Lore and I could defy fate, outmaneuver curses, and carve a new future. I was wrong.

Halendor Court was waiting for us. King Tallin, with his cruel smirk and power-soaked arrogance, had already set a trap. When we stepped across his borders, he threw us into his labyrinth. Reach the end, and we’ll receive the second talisman.

But the labyrinth isn’t just a maze. It’s a living, twisting thing, and I suspect it’s alive. It’s watching us. Hunting us. Contorting reality until we can’t tell what’s real and what’s meant to break us. It steals memory, time, and reality, replacing what we know with whispers and lies that feel more real than truth. If we don’t reach the end soon, it will consume us.

The labyrinth has stolen kings before. It will not claim mine.

Warrior of Embers, Book 3 in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin Series, is a romantic fantasy/romantasy with dark secrets. Expect a gothic world full of tricks and danger, he*at, a touch-her-and-face-his-fury hero, banter, all the yearning, he will adore her forever, and a sweet pet, because all heroines should have a fluffy friend.

Trigger Warnings: blood, gore, injuries, violence, grief, death, mourning the loss of a prior love, references to childhood trauma, killing attacking creatures. This is set in a labyrinth, after all.

Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin:
Bride of Ashes
Lady of Cinder
Warrior of Embers
Queen of Flames

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romantasy

450 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2025

Reviews

[Danielle Pulliam · Rating 4 out of 5]

**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑾𝒂𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝒍𝒂𝒚𝒂 𝑾𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒔 (𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑹𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 #3)

Release Date: September 1, 2025

3.75⭐️4🌶

This series continues to keep me on the edge of my seat and wanting more. This newly married couple are facing down all manner of monsters and physical trials. This book picks up right where Lady of Cinders left off. With Reyla just having solved the first part of the curse placed on Lore's family by the maligned Sorceress Prager, she has found out there is at least one more part to the curse that needs to be solve in order to save her beloved Lore.

Lore and Reyla, King and Queen of Evergorne Court, have traveled to King Tallan's Kingdom of Halendor to retrieve the Irridain talisman and end the second part of Lore's curse. Upon arrival, King Tallan throws them both into an unbeatable labyrinth in which Tallan's own son failed to solve and survive.

I will say that the first third of this book is very difficult to get through. With all the mind games and physical challenges, it seems that the main couple do not even have a second to rest. Well, maybe, a few spicy seconds to rest. Other than that, this book is go go go for the whole first half.

I'm hoping we get to see this couple have some peace after the end of this book. Plus, I will continue to read whatever Ms. Alaya Wells writes next.

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Arranged Marriage
🍁Body guard romance
🍁Enemies to lovers
🍁Class Systems
🍁Shadow Daddy
🍁Finding love after death
🍁Dragon riders

TW:
✨Violence
✨Poverty/hunger
✨Grief
✨Mourning the loss of prior love
✨Explicit spicy content
✨Power hungry courtiers who attempt killing each other and the royals

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Warrior of Embers✨

I have come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter what Alaya writes, I am going to read it, love it, and die over the romance because it’s always so beautiful and deep.

Here we are in book three of her most recent series (with ONE BOOK left coming out later this year!), following our delicious MCs. Now, because book 1&2 are so full of a wonderfully unique premise with our MMCs, I am going to keep names to a minimum. 🤭🤭

Ok, ok. So we arrive RIGHT where we left off at the end of book two: facing the labyrinth. In search of the second out of three talisman’s to save our MMC’s life, our MC’s are thrust into a vicious maze unlike any I’ve read about. It’s sentient and it’s harboring deep dark secrets. There are so many mind games; damning memories and accusations; hallucinations and promised futures; and it takes everything our MCs have to figure out how to best navigate it without losing themselves and their memories of each other.

Seeing our couple move through this maze with such grace and love despite the agony, was so fulfilling. Alaya always knows how to write a GREAT ROMANCE and it was just so delicious getting to see them work together while this labyrinth attempts to tear them apart. We still have steam, yearning, and quite a bit of spice! I think this could’ve been executed in half the time- perhaps added to the beginning of the finale, book four, as there’s a bit of repetition. But I do still love getting to be with our characters because I like who they are. This series is definitely a perfect fit for Romantasy lovers.

Tropes you may find in WOE are pet sidekick, established relationship, medium high spice, sentient labyrinth + trials, forced proximity, fated mates, mind games, prophecies, ever-shifting landscape, what can you truly trust?, love declarations, no one and no thing can be trusted, burn the world for him/her, touch him/her and 💀, and a cliffhanger, which is unusual for Alaya (🤭😜).

As always, it is a pleasure to be a part of your arc team, Alaya! Five arcs in with you, two series. It’s just such an honor!

[realms.of.romantasy (Cara B) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay Alaya, that was a wild ride! The action and suspense just never stopped! A sentient Labyrinth that is dark and dangerous and compelling. You just never knew what it was going to do next. The characters were amazing. Reyla went through so much trauma on her journey through the labyrinth in this book and like her badass self, she turned it all back 10 fold. The patience and perseverance she maintained was incredible. But once again, Alaya has left us dangling by the pinkie from that cliff.

If you want a Dark fantasy romance series that’s an easy read with a solid dose of spice, this is it!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent dark fantasy romance! Spinechilling and suspenseful.. Devastating and fiery.. Amazing characters!

[123_Romantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75⭐️
2.5🌶️

I have LOVED this series but book 3 is probably my least favorite so far. I still enjoyed it but I struggled at points to want to keep going.

This installment is Reyla and Lore’s travels through the Labyrinth to obtain the 2nd talisman to break Lore’s curse. There are a lot of trials, both physical, mental, and emotional for the pair. Who’s controlling this labyrinth? Prager or is it an entity of its own?

I liked this setting of the labyrinth and the trials but some of them just fell flat. One thing I’ve been waiting for in this series is to really tackle the idea of love after loss. I’ve felt like Kinart has barely been brought up when to me it’s key to Reyla’s growth. We finally got some scenes with him coming up, etc but I felt like we whisked by it so fast. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE how Reyla and Lore’s love is so true and supportive. I don’t need a Lore who’s jealous of a dead person obviously, but still would have loved more dive into that.

However, the big thing that truly saved and kept me in this book IS Reyla and Lore’s love. Talk about relationship goals. Lore is truly top tier book husband. That man is in awe of his wife and I love it!

We get a new character added in here too that I love and am so intrigued by! 😍

Also, I’m very curious in the direction this is going because not only are we dealing with Lore’s curse, but do we have other curses of dark magic that’s even older than that at play? There’s something going on with the other courts too, which I assume we’ll get to know the third court here next book.

We still get some good spice in here 🌶️ despite all that’s going on. I kind of actually love how it was kind of a “f*** what’s going on around us, we’re going to be with each other” vibe 🤣

Overall, still in love with this series. While book 3 took a small dip for me, it will not prevent me from reading book 4 at all!

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin Series :
❌ 1. Bride of Ashes (March 1, 2025)
❌ 2. Lady of Cinders (June 1, 2025)
❌ 3. Warrior of Embers (September 1, 2025)
❌ 4. Queen of Flames (December 1, 2025)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DG991S1M?...

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Together evermore

This was another engaging installment of this dark romantic fantasy. I fell head first into this hard to put down story. This beautifully crafted and expertly delivered dark romantic fantasy novel will give you all the feels while also keeping you on the edge of your seat trying to figure stuff out. Expect a roller coaster of a story because instead of a slow ratcheting up of the intrigue, danger, mystery, and suspense, this part of the story starts with intensity and just never lets up. The book picked up right where the last book left off immediately after the first part of the curse is broken. Merrick and Lorant have merged and the first talisman had been located. Reyla and Lore have traveled to the Kingdom of Halendor to find the second talisman. Unfortunately, King Tallin and Prager are waiting for them and they are immediately thrust into the magical sentient labyrinth that no one has ever made it through. Now, without access to their magic, they will need to survive all the physical, emotional and psychological traps in the labyrinth in order to obtain the second talisman, try to save Lore’s life and break the curse before his 30th birthday. And oh boy the things the labyrinth throws at them while it is pawing through all their cracks and crevices. I loved that Reyla and Lore’s characters, despite their painful pasts, powerful families, and the task they have taken on, are portrayed as flawed and scarred people. They are kind, self-deprecating, and at times resentful which makes them very likeable and relatable heroes. They are heroes that value love above all else. The story has a little bit of everything just like you would expect from this genre - sweet moments, spice, real life issues, imperfect characters, dangerous moments, mystery, supernatural creatures, secrets, plot twists, painful pasts, evil actors, and love. This is book three in a continuing story which includes an overarching story arc woven throughout so to get the most enjoyment, start with book one. I am excited to read the final book in this series to see what happens next with Reyla and Lore as they try to break the next part of the curse especially after the cliffhanger. 4.5 stars.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a heart wrenching journey through the labyrinth I thought Reyla and Lore would beat the curse. Nope...Alaya Wells has left my heart aching yet again with her cliff hangers. She even apologies for it at the end of the book.
This was such a well written story. It's very difficult,I imagine, writing so much emotion and soul destroying challenges for characters to face, when there are only 2 characters to build the plot from. It was engaging, as I said before, heart wrenching but also great to define the love Reyla and Lore have for each other. The hopeless romantic in me always wants love to conquer all.
Now I'm going to drink lots of cups of tea and bring my heart rate back to normal. I hope it's not too long for the next book????

[Aimee · Rating 2 out of 5]

painful

This book was painful to read. They were stuck in a labyrinth and it felt like a continuous repetition of the same torture with a slight twist each time. Every encounter was described in extreme detail and didn’t add anything to the story. I skimmed every sex scene and the declarations of love were far too many and often. Honestly this whole book could have been a third or a quarter of the size with some better editing.

[Eva Rochford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proud ARC reader ✨️

If you thought Alaya's previous book in the series ended on a cliffhanger, start to mentally prepare for this HUGE cliffhanger! (the apology is NOT accepted Alaya 🤣). Warrior of Embers takes place in a twisted and mind bendingly awful labyrinth. To get to the end, Reyla and Lore must battle their way through. And let me tell you, it's a wild ride! At some points it felt we got a bit lost but overall I really enjoyed the book and the journey it took me as the reader on. A good addition to the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to say this but I was really disappointed by this one. It took me 5 days to read it, which is really long for me. I was OBSESSED with the 1st book and loved the 2nd. I so wanted to love this one, but I was bored until about 70% and had to force myself to keep reading. All that happened before then was them walking thru the maze and declaring their love for each other every other sentence. And I was really confused by the magic and how it all worked with the labyrinth. I’ll read the last bc I’m committed, but I hope it’s better than this one.

[Booksighted · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I was all in after the first book - sign me up for adventure, magic,and drama!

🥱🥱Then Warrior of Embers happened, and I was trapped with Lore and Reyla wandering around a sentient labyrinth (Maze) desperately searching for an exist sign or a window just for me to jump off😬

Every trial conquered with the sheer might of LOVE (all caps, because god forbid they miss a chance to remind us). If I had one euro for every time their love was reiterated, I would have enough a ticket out of that maze.


*Monotony-coma averted just in time*

By the time King Talllin of Halendor’s son showed up - name escapes me, but at least he brought some much needed caffeine - I was almost awake again.

Tschüss for now, but I’ll be back for the next book because hope springs eternal.

⭐️⭐️

[Sam Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just loving this series. I never know quite what to expect from each book except that it will be a complete rollercoaster of a ride and will no doubt have the most unexpected and jaw dropping cliffhanger, that leaves you wanting the next book immediately. WoE is no exception. I couldn’t read it quickly enough and it was definitely a page turner for me.

This book starts off right where book 2 finished, with our MCs ready to face the labyrinth and whatever horrors it holds. The whole book centres around their journey through this labyrinth and the trials they face within it. Can they stick together? Can love actually conquer all and get them through? It quickly becomes clear that the labyrinth is sentient and it throws the couple into trials that make them face their deepest darkest fears and failures. They are up against illusions, mind games and future predictions.

I liked the switch to focusing on the two MCs in this book, without their usual supporting cast of characters. It gave the book a slightly different feel to the previous ones as a result. The dialogue between the two MCs felt repetitive a number of times throughout the story, but this didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment of the narrative for me. There was plenty of action and plot twists to keep the story engaging, immersive and well paced.

That cliffhanger though!!!! Alaya what are you trying to do to us? I’m trusting in the process though and very much looking forward to the final book in this series.

I was privileged to be given the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy - thank you Alaya. All thoughts and opinions are my own and honestly/voluntarily given.

[Emily Rice · Rating 1 out of 5]

The best word is disappointing….. This book had SO MUCH potential. But it got muddled out by inconsistent plot, overly repetitive proclamations of love, and confusing paragraph structure to the point it’s unclear who’s talking.

it’s hard to explain without spoiling, but I’m going to try. Especially because the book hasn’t officially come out yet. I went on Amazon to pre-order it and it just shipped it.

Right off the bat I was upset by the information changing. She’s done this in smaller ways throughout the series, which is super frustrating given that this is supposed to be a romance fantasy with puzzles and mystery. The first chapter is a retelling of the last chapter of book two from a different POV. And key information is changed. Which seems to be a bad habit for this author. Please, please, please plot better!!!

There was way too much telling and not showing. And oh my goodness, it felt like half the book was the two leads proclaiming the depths of their love in the most swallow of ways. There was real opportunity to grow their bond, and strengthen their love, give it real teeth. But instead they stayed in the passion filled honeymoon superficial love.

Just really disappointed. Do not recommend.

[Rune Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a huge fan of the first two books in the series, I was beyond excited to get my hands on an ARC of Warrior of Embers — and wow, what a ride!

This installment takes everything I love about the series and dials it up: the emotional depth, the character development, the high-stakes tension. Lore and Reyla's bond is tested like never before, and you truly feel the intensity of their love, fear, and the sacrifices they’re willing to make for one another. It’s raw, heartfelt, and absolutely gripping.

Just when you think you know where the story is going, Wells throws in twists that left me stunned. And that cliffhanger? I literally had to put the book down and take a breath. It’s that good.

Thank you, Alaya, for letting me be part of your ARC reading team — it’s an honor to witness this story unfold early. I already can't wait for the next one.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warrior of Embers is the third book in the Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin series which returns readers to the fantasy world of leads Reyla and Lore.
Dark secrets, distorted realities are what they find in the Halendor Court when they are trapped in a living labyrinth that must be traveled through to receive a second talisman at it’s end.
I enjoyed the author’s writing and world building as always which never fails to pull you into the story of these characters and their fierce struggle for a better future for each other and their world.
With another engaging fantasy to settle in with of danger, sorrow, intrigue, action, adventure, suspense, passion, and emotion, a moment of happiness and success after a hard fought journey does not last for long… Cliffhanger ending!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle Valdez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I struggled a bit with this book to get through. I do read a couple books at a time I wondered if it was the other one. But really I felt like this just didn’t land much with me and I LOVED the other ones.

Reyla and Lore deeply love eachother. Their relationship is what we all dream about. But it was a lot of telling and not showing. And in a book that sometimes happens. But it was almost too much of “love you” and love is everything. I found myself struggling to want to keep going.

About 70% in we are introduced to a new character and I did enjoy the mystery and figuring out the maze. I felt like this book was a bit of a filler book. That being said I love this series and I’m excited to read book 4. I still love the characters and I do have a lot of questions that need answers! Overall this series is great.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I read the final words of Lady of Embers, Book 2 of Alaya's Kingdom of Shadow and Ruin, I knew the next installment would be different and bring a new set of challenges. And, wow, was I right!

This entire book unfolds within a sentient labyrinth. At first, one might think that a single backdrop could potentially make a book feel static, but trust me, it is anything but. This part of the journey is filled with mind games, illusions, and self-reflection. It almost gives you a feel of a hall of mirrors, each reflection revealing your deepest, darkest thoughts and your most secret desires, pulling you in.

Reyla and Merrick are forced to confront every doubt, fear, and thought they had locked away. They are faced with their failures (real and self-imposed), along with glimpses of pasts and futures that never were, and never could be. So, what will they choose? The tempting illusions or the reality, as grim as it is?

Even when thrust into the darkest corners of their minds, Reyla and Merrick fight tooth and nail, not just for themselves, but for each other. Because, in the end, what prevails is love in all its forms. The strongest and purest force of them all.

Still, could even love conquer the wickedest of foes? That cliffhanger left my heart in pieces, but I hold onto hope that love will triumph in the end. So, please, Alaya, soothe my aching heart with the epic finale I know you will deliver.

And thank you for having me on your ARC team, for what now feels like forever. Your stories and ideas never cease to amaze me, and I'm honored to follow your author journey.

[Nicole Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This curse is a giant series of unfortunate events. Reyla and Lore have tried so hard to make progress and I feel like every time they think they are getting to the goal-something impedes the progress. This story takes place in a dark, dank labyrinth that essentially is trying to suck the life out of them. There are lots of "tests" thrown at them and they are physical and emotional. It is quite the adventure with unexpected twists and turns. Is it the labyrinth or Prager or Tallin? I am equally intrigued about the new character that was introduced and how they play into breaking Lore's curse. Well that is if Reyla and Lore make it out of the labyrinth alive! Highly recommended but beware of the giant cliffhanger!!

[thebooksuccubus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by say I have loved this series from that start, with that being said I struggled with this one. I understand the point of the labyrinth and for this to be changing a new trial at each turn but it also felt like the underlying answer to each trial was love. So in part of that it felt a little repetitive. With that being said I just love how much the MMC and FMC trust and support one another and it was a nice twist with the character that shows up towards the end so I am interested to see where that leads. The ending was interesting, some feel like it is a major cliffhanger but I know that it can't be the end for what is happening so it didn't have be feeling devastated. Sorry if that doesn't make sense but I don't want to explain it more and it be a spoiler.

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lore and Reyla have made it far to keep their love alive. Now facing the labyrinth it’s a whole new twist and danger. They are running out of time and this book tests their love, sanity and faith that they can make it through. I love this series and Alaya Wells books but this one was a bit laggy at times. I still loved the characters and the trials they faced but it’s not as good as the first two books. However best believe I will be reading the fourth book when it comes out!!.

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

[Cristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the two previous books in this series and I absolutely loved them, this one though didn't quite hit the mark for me. The first three quarters of the book was monotonous and mundane. Yes, there was plenty of action and mind blowing experiences and scenario's, but dang move it along.

The ending though is the cliffhanger of all cliffhangers. Despite my indifference I am looking forward to the final book 🤞🤞

[Holly Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alaya Well's epic saga continues in Warrior of Embers as Lora and Renna Search for the second talisman to thwart te cruel curse on the men in Lore's family. This time they are thrown into an ever-changing labyrinth determined to finish them both, but their love shows them the way to defeat it. Warning: major cliff hanger!

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't started the series yet, you might want to wait until the conclusion is written. My only complaint is that this ends on a cliffhanger.

Rayla and Lore have to fight to survive in this whirlwind story. The romantic moments are hot and sweet. Several mysteries are unraveled and many more questions are posed. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

[Sara Lunsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

kind of a letdown

Spoilers

I really did not like all of the really inappropriately timed sex scenes. They interrupted the story and the suspense of the labyrinth. It was “fine” but it really didn’t live up to the other books in my opinion. Looking forward to the next release, hopefully this was just a necessary filler.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLIFFHANGER! OMG, I almost didn't lead with that. We are with Lore and his Wildfire. They are searching for the artifacts and they have a lead but the witches there and we know she looking for our bestes boy. This was a surprise al the way to the last page. I am so into the love and steamy pages, Lore's confidence is unshakable and I'm totally here for that. I NEED the next one!

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment in this continual story does not disappoint. It begins at the point book 2 lets off and it starts with a bang. What follows is non stop action with lots of passion sprinkled in. This book does stop on a cliff hanger but it is well worth the read.

[Teddi Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved that this book started exactly where we left
Off in the last book. This was a fun and wild ride. There is a sentient maze! I really loved the FMC and how she kicked butt this time around. Excellent dark romance!!!

[Carolyn McKinney · Rating 3 out of 5]

loved the story but . . .

I loved the story in this book, but I felt like it was a fill-in between the sex. The sexual part of this book outweighs the story. The details dont need to be so explicit every time.

[Cottage_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series keeps me intrigued. It is definitely engaging, action packed and heavy on the romance.

I am excited to see what the next installment will bring.

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

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