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Flame and Thorns #4
Realm of Wind and Vines
Desperate times call for desperate measures. To take down the Iceheart Dynasty, Selena and her friends must turn enemies into allies and setbacks into opportunities. But the world is filled with more secrets than Selena can imagine, and untangling the twisted web of interconnected loyalties and hidden agendas is far from easy.
At the same time, tension within their group threatens to tear them apart. While Selena works desperately to undo the damage caused, she must also navigate changes to her own sense of self. The difference between who she used to be and who she must become is vast, and the path of change is a slippery one.
To succeed in their mission, Selena and her friends will need to outsmart some of the most cunning people in the realm. But victory requires sacrifice. Can they do what needs to be done without losing themselves in the process?
At the same time, tension within their group threatens to tear them apart. While Selena works desperately to undo the damage caused, she must also navigate changes to her own sense of self. The difference between who she used to be and who she must become is vast, and the path of change is a slippery one.
To succeed in their mission, Selena and her friends will need to outsmart some of the most cunning people in the realm. But victory requires sacrifice. Can they do what needs to be done without losing themselves in the process?
402 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2025
4192 people are currently reading
29228 people want to read
About the author
Marion Blackwood
29 books2,200 followersMarion Blackwood is the author of The Oncoming Storm series, the Court of Elves series, the Ruthless Villains series, the Ruthless Enemy trilogy, and the Flame and Thorns series. She has a Master's Degree in English and History Education, and she worked as a high school teacher before becoming a full-time author. When she's not busy writing fantasy books or traveling the world, she reads, binges shows, and loses at video games. Marion has previously lived in the US and China, but now she once again calls the beautiful country of Sweden home. To find out more, visit: www.marionblackwood.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,587 reviews
October 10, 2025
This is a hard review to write. It's no secret that I adore Marion Blackwood and her books, and up until now I don't think I've given one less than 4 stars, however, I came away from this book... disappointed.
In positive news:
First, I LOVE the side characters. Orion and Isera are absolutely amazing yet again in this book. I love the tension between them as they fight off their attraction and desire for the other. They are both perfect for the other and yet they can't get over trying to "one up" the other to see and accept it. And honestly? I am here for the slow burn tension between them! Alastair and Lyra also stole the show a couple of times with their budding romance. They are both so chaotic and yet they complement each other. I really need a love interest for Galen though because he is starting to feel a little left out!
Secondly, When the plot was plotting, I really enjoyed the connection to the world. I loved the way that the author shows us the world building and hints at the culture and development of the dragon clans. I feel like we could have had a bit more exposure to the other clans to really see the differences between them all and flesh out the world a bit more on the dragon side. As it stands we really have only been exposed to the Red Clan and the Silver clan in previous books. The way that the author also explains how the clans ended up under the rule of the Silver clan was touched on which was so intriguing. I would love to see that expanded on a bit more!
Third, Despite our Big bads being... you know... bad. The author does really try to ... not humanize them... but explain them. After seeing what they went through in their past, I can see exactly why they are the way that they are. I'm not excusing or condoning it, I just see it and so can Selena, especially because she almost crossed that line a few times in the book as well. Its such a fine line to walk and one little thing could tip you over the edge like it did for our Big Bads. I would really love to see a bit more of their past, their relationship with each other before they ended up subjugated and then turned into horrible horrible people.
In other news:
First, I understand that with the cliffhanger ending from book three, that there would be references to the new dynamic between Draven and Selena. She did what she had to do to save both of their lives, even as it destroyed their relationship and love. Suddenly, he hates her and there is nothing that she can do to get that unnatural flame of hatred out of his chest. However, the references to this hatred... became too much. It felt like this became the plot instead of actually progressing the story and every time that the plot began to move forward, suddenly it was pausing with Selena lamenting their relationship. It just got to be a bit much and off-putting personally.
Second, I feel like this series is going on just a little too long. I honestly thought that this book would be the final in the series but alas, it's not. Our group have had hit after hit against them. Every time you think something is finally going their way, there is a twist where they are shoved back down on the ground again and everything is going wrong. I understand having the Big Bads be smart, but honestly this book took it a bit too far. It felt like they knew exactly what the hero group was going to do before they do it, and unless there is a spy on the inside reporting back to the Big Bads, it felt.... too convenient that nothing would go right for our hero group.
Third, After everything that our couple have been through together, they just cant seem to be happy with each other for more than a day or two before something comes in to break it up. In book three, it was the unnatural hatred and now in book four its... well the cliffhanger that I won't spoil. I just ended up feeling really depressed after reading this book.
I have truly loved this series up to this point and I am holding out hope for book five. I just feel like with the cliffhanger it's getting a bit repetitive. It also puts the author in a precarious position of rehashing the story already told in this book between Draven and Selena. I really need to see some wins for our group (true wins) and I don't want it all to come rushing in at one time because that would end up feeling too convenient.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
In positive news:
First, I LOVE the side characters. Orion and Isera are absolutely amazing yet again in this book. I love the tension between them as they fight off their attraction and desire for the other. They are both perfect for the other and yet they can't get over trying to "one up" the other to see and accept it. And honestly? I am here for the slow burn tension between them! Alastair and Lyra also stole the show a couple of times with their budding romance. They are both so chaotic and yet they complement each other. I really need a love interest for Galen though because he is starting to feel a little left out!
Secondly, When the plot was plotting, I really enjoyed the connection to the world. I loved the way that the author shows us the world building and hints at the culture and development of the dragon clans. I feel like we could have had a bit more exposure to the other clans to really see the differences between them all and flesh out the world a bit more on the dragon side. As it stands we really have only been exposed to the Red Clan and the Silver clan in previous books. The way that the author also explains how the clans ended up under the rule of the Silver clan was touched on which was so intriguing. I would love to see that expanded on a bit more!
Third, Despite our Big bads being... you know... bad. The author does really try to ... not humanize them... but explain them. After seeing what they went through in their past, I can see exactly why they are the way that they are. I'm not excusing or condoning it, I just see it and so can Selena, especially because she almost crossed that line a few times in the book as well. Its such a fine line to walk and one little thing could tip you over the edge like it did for our Big Bads. I would really love to see a bit more of their past, their relationship with each other before they ended up subjugated and then turned into horrible horrible people.
In other news:
First, I understand that with the cliffhanger ending from book three, that there would be references to the new dynamic between Draven and Selena. She did what she had to do to save both of their lives, even as it destroyed their relationship and love. Suddenly, he hates her and there is nothing that she can do to get that unnatural flame of hatred out of his chest. However, the references to this hatred... became too much. It felt like this became the plot instead of actually progressing the story and every time that the plot began to move forward, suddenly it was pausing with Selena lamenting their relationship. It just got to be a bit much and off-putting personally.
Second, I feel like this series is going on just a little too long. I honestly thought that this book would be the final in the series but alas, it's not. Our group have had hit after hit against them. Every time you think something is finally going their way, there is a twist where they are shoved back down on the ground again and everything is going wrong. I understand having the Big Bads be smart, but honestly this book took it a bit too far. It felt like they knew exactly what the hero group was going to do before they do it, and unless there is a spy on the inside reporting back to the Big Bads, it felt.... too convenient that nothing would go right for our hero group.
Third, After everything that our couple have been through together, they just cant seem to be happy with each other for more than a day or two before something comes in to break it up. In book three, it was the unnatural hatred and now in book four its... well the cliffhanger that I won't spoil. I just ended up feeling really depressed after reading this book.
I have truly loved this series up to this point and I am holding out hope for book five. I just feel like with the cliffhanger it's getting a bit repetitive. It also puts the author in a precarious position of rehashing the story already told in this book between Draven and Selena. I really need to see some wins for our group (true wins) and I don't want it all to come rushing in at one time because that would end up feeling too convenient.
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
December 24, 2025
Draven is the first thing I think of in the morning and the last thought on my mind at night.
That’s all.
That’s all.
October 30, 2025
This was really awful. The first two books were incredible and then the quality of the story and writing consistently declined. The series did not need 5 books, but more importantly what happened to the writing? What time period is the author following? The plot is all over the place - last time Draven lost his memory, they spent the entirety of this book trying to get it back only for Selena to lose it at the end. This is just poor storytelling. The two stars are PURELY for Orion and Isera who provide much needed comedic relief and romance. I’m not even invested in the main characters anymore, disappointing.
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March 25, 2026ㅤ ᯓ★ RTC ⁀➷ ㅤ This didn't serve shit. I am mad.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆19-March-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ based on the ending of the last book, this has the potential to save the entire series for me and serve the best angst ever....
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆19-March-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ based on the ending of the last book, this has the potential to save the entire series for me and serve the best angst ever....
February 23, 2026
4.5 🌟 “𝘏𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘵.”
These books are so freaking fun to read, I love this world and these characters so much!
After the ending of the previous book, I wasnt sure how this one would play out. Let me say it did not disappoint!! This was action packed from start to finish, so addicting I didn’t put it down once!
Selena is entering her villain era (go off queen) and i don’t blame her at all. The end of Chapter 28 UGH my heart hurts 😭 the pain and guilt she has to endure 💔 she can not catch a SINGLE break
Dravennn AHHH this man! His bond to Selena is everything, I love them sm and NEED a HEA for them or I’ll actually riot 😩
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨,” 🫦🫦🫦
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨? 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨.” 🔪
Also please give us more from Alistair and Lyra and Orion and Isera! Their banter and tension 🔥
Now.. that cliffhanger ARE YOU JOKING?!?! No no no, you don’t understand. Literally jaw on the fking floor!
I am so excited for book 5 release tomorrow but also so sad it’s the last book 😭😭
·˖✶𓆩“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥? 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”𓆪✶˖·
These books are so freaking fun to read, I love this world and these characters so much!
After the ending of the previous book, I wasnt sure how this one would play out. Let me say it did not disappoint!! This was action packed from start to finish, so addicting I didn’t put it down once!
Selena is entering her villain era (go off queen) and i don’t blame her at all. The end of Chapter 28 UGH my heart hurts 😭 the pain and guilt she has to endure 💔 she can not catch a SINGLE break
Dravennn AHHH this man! His bond to Selena is everything, I love them sm and NEED a HEA for them or I’ll actually riot 😩
“𝙄𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙞𝙣, 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙪𝙩 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙨,” 🫦🫦🫦
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙗𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨? 𝙇𝙚𝙩’𝙨 𝙜𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙨.” 🔪
Also please give us more from Alistair and Lyra and Orion and Isera! Their banter and tension 🔥
Now.. that cliffhanger ARE YOU JOKING?!?! No no no, you don’t understand. Literally jaw on the fking floor!
I am so excited for book 5 release tomorrow but also so sad it’s the last book 😭😭
·˖✶𓆩“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥? 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯. 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘭𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘣𝘦𝘭. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”𓆪✶˖·
November 14, 2025
While I love that we're getting more of this world and its characters in February, I can't shake the feeling that it should've ended in this one.
Now, I knew that there was going be another book before I started this, so the fact that the ending is another cliffhanger wasn't surprising to me, but still.
For a good chunk of the book, we deal with Draven's hatred of Selena, and if you've read my review of book three, then you know exactly how I feel about it. Book four only solidified that.
So much page time was lost on REPETITIVE mussings about Draven hating her, then his conflicting feelings, I swear it was on every other page.
Every time Selena looked at him, he'd either be glaring at her/looking at her with hatred in his eyes, or saying something mean to her, and this happened over and over again, sometimes almost word for word.
I do get the point of that, but it felt more like filler than anything else. Then once they finally there was no grovelling to make up for how he treated her. And there should've been!!!
On top and deserved all the comfort in the world because of it, and she got none because oops, we actually have to have some plot progression too.
Ending wise...my most hated trope came into play, and I'm not even mad at this point, just disappointed. Like after ALL OF THAT, four books worth, THIS is what we get?? I am almost convinced the author doesn't want these characters to be happy, or to win every once in a while because what the hell??
I HOPE this gets fixed early on in book five because if I have to deal with the same shit again and only get to see them happy in the last few pages I will riot!!
3.5 because I gave the others 4 stars, and despite everything I mentioned above, I still love the story and manged to enjoy it.
Now, I knew that there was going be another book before I started this, so the fact that the ending is another cliffhanger wasn't surprising to me, but still.
For a good chunk of the book, we deal with Draven's hatred of Selena, and if you've read my review of book three, then you know exactly how I feel about it. Book four only solidified that.
So much page time was lost on REPETITIVE mussings about Draven hating her, then his conflicting feelings, I swear it was on every other page.
Every time Selena looked at him, he'd either be glaring at her/looking at her with hatred in his eyes, or saying something mean to her, and this happened over and over again, sometimes almost word for word.
I do get the point of that, but it felt more like filler than anything else. Then once they finally there was no grovelling to make up for how he treated her. And there should've been!!!
On top and deserved all the comfort in the world because of it, and she got none because oops, we actually have to have some plot progression too.
Ending wise...my most hated trope came into play, and I'm not even mad at this point, just disappointed. Like after ALL OF THAT, four books worth, THIS is what we get?? I am almost convinced the author doesn't want these characters to be happy, or to win every once in a while because what the hell??
I HOPE this gets fixed early on in book five because if I have to deal with the same shit again and only get to see them happy in the last few pages I will riot!!
3.5 because I gave the others 4 stars, and despite everything I mentioned above, I still love the story and manged to enjoy it.
October 29, 2025
Honestly this book sucks. The first two books were good and had me hooked. They were appropriately hyped. But then it all came crashing down. The whole book was just a mess. It kept coming back to how much Draven hates Selena. It became too much.
The fact that she SAVED everyone (breaking her and Draven’s bond) but everyone just stands by and lets him treat her like shit. You’re telling me that no one was like Draven stop. It bugged me.
Ok then all the sudden in the mess of the plot they get their bond back, and they are all good again. Like he should be begging for her forgiveness for how he treated her. She was so depressed and her feeling low was all the dialogue in the book. But there was not communication about what she went through between her and Draven. She’s so upset about her parents dying yet they never talk about it once he’s good again. Like what. It was so poorly written. It’s like the author gave up on their romance.
The group just kept getting defeated and defeated. Like come on just give them some sort of win. There was no joy or good feelings in this book and it was just depressing and repetitive. Like can they just get one break.
Then the ending. Like wtf. Amnesia is my most HATED trope. So thanks for that. It was so unnecessary and felt like a soap opera or like vampire diaries. Could she not have crafted a better ending. Again they can’t catch a break and I was just exhausted reading this book. It was no fun. I really expected more from this series. Reading it became just something I needed to get over with, all my feelings I had towards this books and all the emotions I felt for the characters disappeared after this book. I will read the lasts book just to check it off my list but I don’t really care for it anymore. That is all.
Do I regret reading this series. Not exactly. Would I recommend it to someone else after reading 4/5 books in the series. Hell no
The fact that she SAVED everyone (breaking her and Draven’s bond) but everyone just stands by and lets him treat her like shit. You’re telling me that no one was like Draven stop. It bugged me.
Ok then all the sudden in the mess of the plot they get their bond back, and they are all good again. Like he should be begging for her forgiveness for how he treated her. She was so depressed and her feeling low was all the dialogue in the book. But there was not communication about what she went through between her and Draven. She’s so upset about her parents dying yet they never talk about it once he’s good again. Like what. It was so poorly written. It’s like the author gave up on their romance.
The group just kept getting defeated and defeated. Like come on just give them some sort of win. There was no joy or good feelings in this book and it was just depressing and repetitive. Like can they just get one break.
Then the ending. Like wtf. Amnesia is my most HATED trope. So thanks for that. It was so unnecessary and felt like a soap opera or like vampire diaries. Could she not have crafted a better ending. Again they can’t catch a break and I was just exhausted reading this book. It was no fun. I really expected more from this series. Reading it became just something I needed to get over with, all my feelings I had towards this books and all the emotions I felt for the characters disappeared after this book. I will read the lasts book just to check it off my list but I don’t really care for it anymore. That is all.
Do I regret reading this series. Not exactly. Would I recommend it to someone else after reading 4/5 books in the series. Hell no
November 1, 2025
The rest of the series I would give four or five stars. This one I give two.
I didn’t like Selena at all in this book. Yes characters change and grow based on what happens and yes ok her parents died and yes she gets to grieve that and have trauma. But the stuff with Draven and the hatred flame just seemed like it was going on repeat forever. Once that was settled 60% in it felt like the pace picked up and things were moving more like the first three books.
And then the ending…. All that good information revealed…. And I was getting excited to leave it there and wait for book five… and then Selena gets hit with the memory spell and I came really close to chucking my kindle across the room. We just did almost an entire book of Selena has to try and get Draven to remember he loves her. If 2/3 of book five are the exact opposite it’s going to ruin the entire book. Honestly it will ruin the entire series. I really hope they can reverse that in the first chapter or two. I have never read a romantasy series where the main couple didn’t have at least one entire book to be a couple even in the middle of war or whatever else is going on.
I didn’t like Selena at all in this book. Yes characters change and grow based on what happens and yes ok her parents died and yes she gets to grieve that and have trauma. But the stuff with Draven and the hatred flame just seemed like it was going on repeat forever. Once that was settled 60% in it felt like the pace picked up and things were moving more like the first three books.
And then the ending…. All that good information revealed…. And I was getting excited to leave it there and wait for book five… and then Selena gets hit with the memory spell and I came really close to chucking my kindle across the room. We just did almost an entire book of Selena has to try and get Draven to remember he loves her. If 2/3 of book five are the exact opposite it’s going to ruin the entire book. Honestly it will ruin the entire series. I really hope they can reverse that in the first chapter or two. I have never read a romantasy series where the main couple didn’t have at least one entire book to be a couple even in the middle of war or whatever else is going on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2026
After the ending of the previous book, I was sure I was gonna love this one, in fact, the story had such good potential. Unfortunately, while reading, instead of loving it, I was disappointed and couldn’t wait for it to be over. The plot was repetitive and slow and really made me bored. I feel like this whole series could’ve easily been a good trilogy, but it was forcefully stretched into 5 books for idk what reason. I’ve also read the bonus scene (you can find it for free on the author’s website), but I still don’t like Isera and Orion as a couple, I’d like her more with Alistair. Also, the scene of them and the ice gag was one of the most cringe scenes I’ve ever read.
(SPOILER)
The amnesia in the end, in my opinion, was not an interesting plot twist at all, it seemed to me just an excuse to write and sell another book
(SPOILER)
The amnesia in the end, in my opinion, was not an interesting plot twist at all, it seemed to me just an excuse to write and sell another book
August 15, 2025
Is it just me or in the bonus chapter his hatred wasn’t at Selena directly but more at his love for her either that or I’m just trynna read into something that’s not there to help me survive
October 28, 2025
DNF at 18%. I’m so sad because I loved books 1 & 2. Book 3 was a flop for me and I was hoping this one would get me back into it but I just can’t continue. 8 chapters in and the amount of times we have been reminded that Draven hates Selena is too many to count. So so repetitive, along with writing that just feels…bad, for lack of a better word. I’m no expert but the way that scenes are written out or described just feels like an attempt to take up space. I mean the long description & scene about Dryads not eating & what they gave the group for food? Whyyyyy???
October 29, 2025
Ugh this was sooooo disappointing… the ending??? Sloppy. Lazy. Boring. Nobody had a single thought going through their heads except the Icehearts… honestly rooting for them atp bc they were the only smart people in this book. Selena was so insufferable holy shit what happened to the self aware baddie from the first three books????? Every choice she made was dead ass only with Draven in mind which like ok fair but come on girl stand up!!!! Get a grip!!!!!!
October 28, 2025
Basically the same ending as the last one but in a different way is giving overplayed. Yawn. Also getting really tired of Selena being nothing but whiny, when is she going to start getting a grip of her power. It’s like reading the same book over and over again. Does it take 5 books for one to boss up? Come on now.
October 27, 2025
WHY ARE THE ENDING OF THESE BOOKS SO EVIL.
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look you know imma eat up enemies to lovers back to enemies every single time, but damn that ending??? can i get one moment of peace pls i’m begging.
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look you know imma eat up enemies to lovers back to enemies every single time, but damn that ending??? can i get one moment of peace pls i’m begging.
November 4, 2025
Kažkaip labai ne taip buvo 😭😭😭 Taip laukiau šitos knygos su tokia anos pabaiga, galvojau yess pagaliau Selena’s evil era, bet deja.😮💨
Tikėjaus, kad tikrai bus jos koks lūžis ir ta jos priklausomybė jos jėgoms, dėl visų išgyvenimų pasileis, bet n i e k o panašaus, realiai kartojosi, kas jau buvo 3 daly.
Kažkaip ir banteris kažkoks ne toks buvo, Draven buvo vienas iš šių metų MMC fav, bet kai *dalykai ten išsisprendė, nebuvo jokio ryšio, jokio pokalbio net, tik visiškai tuščias smut. 😬
Pabaiga irgi nuvylė. Nors buvo ir įdomių momentų, bet pirmos 3 knygos man buvo 5⭐️, čia vos 3⭐️ spaudžiam.
Tikėjaus, kad tikrai bus jos koks lūžis ir ta jos priklausomybė jos jėgoms, dėl visų išgyvenimų pasileis, bet n i e k o panašaus, realiai kartojosi, kas jau buvo 3 daly.
Kažkaip ir banteris kažkoks ne toks buvo, Draven buvo vienas iš šių metų MMC fav, bet kai *dalykai ten išsisprendė, nebuvo jokio ryšio, jokio pokalbio net, tik visiškai tuščias smut. 😬
Pabaiga irgi nuvylė. Nors buvo ir įdomių momentų, bet pirmos 3 knygos man buvo 5⭐️, čia vos 3⭐️ spaudžiam.
November 4, 2025
First book was 5 stars, second book was 4 stars, third book was 3 stars… and this? Well I can’t believe I finished it. I said in my last review that the quality of writing declined with each book & that stands true with number 4. I skimmed through every scene with Selena and Draven - he hates her we get it. It was so repetitive it became annoying & I stopped caring about their storyline entirely. I only finished this because of Isera & Orion, thank god for their banter… & I somewhat cared about the plot. I cannot handle another book from Serena’s POV. I had such high hopes for this series & I’m so disappointed
October 28, 2025
FOR FUTURE PAIGE: When the last book comes out DO NOT waste your time xxx
Did not finish
March 18, 2026DNF at 5%
How unfortunate of an end considering how promising this series started off. This series is suffering from the same thing that the Blood And Ash JLA universe currently suffers from. It’s like the author doesn’t know when to stop. This should have ended in Book #3. There comes a point where there isn’t much more to tell and we’re just collectively running around in circles. Frankly, I’m nauseous.
How unfortunate of an end considering how promising this series started off. This series is suffering from the same thing that the Blood And Ash JLA universe currently suffers from. It’s like the author doesn’t know when to stop. This should have ended in Book #3. There comes a point where there isn’t much more to tell and we’re just collectively running around in circles. Frankly, I’m nauseous.
October 30, 2025
What the AF. I really wanted to like this book and I’m so disappointed it was a total bomb. The good: side characters were scene stealers. Alastair really grows on you and Isera and Orion are endgame (please?!?)- if either one dies and/or no HEA for these two I will never read another Marion Blackwood book again. Call me toxic, but I love a mean and grumpy book bf. The bad: Selena, Selena, Selena… you can’t even blame her being a dumb dumb on account of her being young because isn’t she like, 200 years-old?! Did not need to be reminded over and over and over again that she pushed her hate magic into Draven’s heart. WE GET IT, thanks. Dare I say Selena Hale is even more aggravating than Diem Bellator?? Book five better make up for this stinker.
October 31, 2025
2.5/5
The writing was awkward and repetitive most of the book. I liked book one a lot, but it’s getting harder to enjoy the series as we go on
The writing was awkward and repetitive most of the book. I liked book one a lot, but it’s getting harder to enjoy the series as we go on
October 7, 2025
I just finished this book, and I am trying to figure out where to even begin describing how much I just loved this book! I firmly believe that this has been the best of this series so far! After the ending of book 3 I was wondering how Marion would put me back together again, and she didn’t fail to deliver on everything! Usually more often than not by this point in a series the plot and the story can’t help but drag a bit, but Marion just took this to another level. Not only did she give us the feeling of slow burn tension, enemies to lovers vibe again between Draven and Selena, but she also just completely expanded the plot line! She gave us more depth into the overarching story. She gave us more scheming. She gave us more betrayal and more secrets! This book was like a giant game of chess that everyone was playing, but yet they had no idea they were playing. So many moves and twists and turns just kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. And Draven and Selena were just absolute fire in this book! I loved how Marion resolved issue of Selena’s magic between them. And Draven just proved that he’s book boyfriend goals! I am so excited to see what happens in the next book, and where Marion takes this next!
October 30, 2025
While I quite enjoyed Book 3, with its trials (think Hunger Games), this book fell flat for me. There was so much repetition about the anger that Selena carries. The need for revenge, the need to get back at the Icehearts, the regret for not reaching out to her parents, or the regret for pushing hate into Draven. Chapter after chapter had to repeat this angst over and over again. I'm sorry, but I get the point. I also struggled with jumping ahead in time from one chapter to the next. While I understand an author may do so to speed through time rather than allowing something to drag on, there were times when I was really confused about how we got to that point of the timeline; it would take me half a page to grasp where we were in the events.
All in all, I was looking forward to reading how Draven and Selena progress in their relationship, or lack there of due to events in Book 3, but felt I really had to force myself to come back and finish the book. I was bored.
All in all, I was looking forward to reading how Draven and Selena progress in their relationship, or lack there of due to events in Book 3, but felt I really had to force myself to come back and finish the book. I was bored.
November 2, 2025
4.5⭐️
Where do I start? 🥺
The ending of the last book broke my heart a little, but… I actually loved the vibes between Selena and Draven and the argument the HUGE argument they had… I was gobsmacked 😱
The writing made me feel like I was there in that book part of the argument…
Furthermore, I absolutely love the side characters. Isera and Orion give such good vibes that I would love to see the book written from their POV.
The plot twists in the book are coming left and right, and the war between the Icehearts is like the are playing a never ending game of chess ♟️
“You want to destroy the world? I’ll help you burn it down. You want to kill everyone? I’ll help you slit their throats. There is nothing you can do that would make me stop loving you. I love you, little rebel. All of you.”
Where do I start? 🥺
The ending of the last book broke my heart a little, but… I actually loved the vibes between Selena and Draven and the argument the HUGE argument they had… I was gobsmacked 😱
The writing made me feel like I was there in that book part of the argument…
Furthermore, I absolutely love the side characters. Isera and Orion give such good vibes that I would love to see the book written from their POV.
The plot twists in the book are coming left and right, and the war between the Icehearts is like the are playing a never ending game of chess ♟️
“You want to destroy the world? I’ll help you burn it down. You want to kill everyone? I’ll help you slit their throats. There is nothing you can do that would make me stop loving you. I love you, little rebel. All of you.”
October 29, 2025
I’m really freaking disappointed in this book. I HATE enemies to lovers back to enemies, especially when we have witnessed from the last three books how beautiful Selena and Draven love is for each other. Secondly, this fucking ending made me depressed. We just got Draven back, and now we are thrown into yet another hole. I don’t think I can read the next book, I’m over it. I am also disappointed because I didn’t get to enjoy Draven character in this book, he was just mean and aggressive the whole time. utterly disappointed in this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
the tension in the book 🔥 the not knowing thought out
we get both iceheart and lavender backstories which explains so much as to what happen in the past books and why they do what they do
end on another cliffhanger with the plan that was well thought going wrong and it made sense once it was revealed how it all unfolds but I didn't see it coming
im shipping 2 more couples in this book cant say they arent going to happen after this book and all the hints poor Glen he needs to find his partner
we get both iceheart and lavender backstories which explains so much as to what happen in the past books and why they do what they do
end on another cliffhanger with the plan that was well thought going wrong and it made sense once it was revealed how it all unfolds but I didn't see it coming
im shipping 2 more couples in this book cant say they arent going to happen after this book and all the hints poor Glen he needs to find his partner
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2026
Gražinkit pirmų dalių FMC 😳 aš jau tiek investavau į šią seriją, kad tikiuosi paskutinė dalis išneš! 😏
November 26, 2025
Matyt buvo per dideli mano lūkesčiai šiai daliai. Nuvylė ir buvo kiek neįdomu skaityti 🫢
October 28, 2025
I was so excited to read this book but after reading it I feel like it didn’t meet my expectations. I was getting so frustrated when Draven hated Selena for most of the book; and at the end of the book when the spell finally breaks, instead of a heartfelt emotional connection with words they get right to it and have sex! Is that the only way they can connect?? The cliffhanger alludes to Selena’s memory loss so there’s that to look forward to which will no doubt be frustrating 🙄This should have been the last book in my opinion and I feel like it is now just dragging on. Will they ever get their HEA? I will not read the next book. I regret reading this one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2026
4.5 🌟 I could not put this one down!! I was nervous after how the third book felt like filler, but this installment did not disappoint. The angst between Draven and Selena!! The plot twists!! I’m shook from that ending.
January 6, 2026
Hey sometimes it's okay if we make one thing go right for our protagonist. And we don't need to make every book have a memory loss trope
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