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Riehse Eshan #3
A Shadow and a Storm
Devastated by Mathias’ decision to return home, Ren knows he should be focusing on the challenges that ruling his country will bring. Yet a fateful encounter in the foothills of Quareh sees him fall into the hands of his enemy, and Valeri Velichkov is out for Aratorre blood.
Now it’s Mat’s turn to choose between his duty to his family and the man he loves. But if the devout north discovers the truth about his relationship with Ren, he risks losing a whole lot more than his newfound freedom.
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An enemies-to-lovers M/M dark fantasy romance where Reign meets Captive Prince . Dual POV, first person, and an eventual HEA.
A Shadow and a Storm is the third book in this series. Recommended for adults only; reader discretion is advised.
Now it’s Mat’s turn to choose between his duty to his family and the man he loves. But if the devout north discovers the truth about his relationship with Ren, he risks losing a whole lot more than his newfound freedom.
-
An enemies-to-lovers M/M dark fantasy romance where Reign meets Captive Prince . Dual POV, first person, and an eventual HEA.
A Shadow and a Storm is the third book in this series. Recommended for adults only; reader discretion is advised.
420 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
66 people are currently reading
335 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 2, 2023
So SO worth the self imposed wait I put on myself in reading this. Not only because of the cliffhanger at the end (ahh!) but because now I can just continue with my Ren and Mat/Nat love fest into the last book of this series.
I'll start off by saying I absolutely loved this. Could I say it was my favorite so far? Possibly. And it felt the least angst-y of the three so far. At least for Ren and Mat, relationship wise.
They are full in it with each other by now. Fully in love and wanting forever. And aside from a small hiccup where Ren tries to push Mat away for his "protection", it was pretty much smooth sailing for their relationship.
I mean, outside forces try to tear them apart at almost every turn, yes, but as for their relationship, they're SO solid and I was SO here for that.
Mat has come such a long way from the first book. Where he let the prejudices of the north keep him from giving into who he is, he's fully embraced who he is and his love for Ren, consequences be damned.
This also went in a different direction than I thought it would and I was SO thankful for that. It played against the usual tropes. I thought these two would be separated for a LONG while, and they thankfully weren't. I thought this would take into the North for a long time, and it didn't. We're still in the South for all of this story.
I thought Nat's brother Valeri and sister Mila would be enemies for most of this, but actually become great characters in their own right throughout this. Val takes a bit to get over his prejudices as well, but then he comes to mostly accept his brother and Ren and them together. Mila is a cool new added character, a badass in her own right who also doesn't really have a problem with Nat and Ren at all.
I was also worried that even now, Ren would actually want to be with others, but aside from him keeping his lovable over the top flirtatious nature and wild sex jokes, he's actually devoted to Mat and I LOVE it. It'll just always be like Ren to make inappropriate sex jokes and be overtly flirtatious. But the only one he means it with is Mat. We even get him thinking about how another is good looking, but Mat has ruined everyone else for him 😍.
The plot, of course, was really good. Tentative peace is started between at least Ren's country and Nat's country, before things go to shit at the end because of course it's not going to be so easy to get that HEA we're all wanting for these two, and all three countries on this continent.
Can't wait to dive into the final book in this series and see Ren and Mat's hard fought for HEA, because after all this bullshit, they deserve it!
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Riehse Eshan Series:
🔅 A Knife and a Blade: 5 stars (my review)
🔅A Whisper and a Breath: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 A Shadow and a Storm: 5 stars
🔅 An Oath and a Promise: Currently Reading
I'll start off by saying I absolutely loved this. Could I say it was my favorite so far? Possibly. And it felt the least angst-y of the three so far. At least for Ren and Mat, relationship wise.
They are full in it with each other by now. Fully in love and wanting forever. And aside from a small hiccup where Ren tries to push Mat away for his "protection", it was pretty much smooth sailing for their relationship.
I mean, outside forces try to tear them apart at almost every turn, yes, but as for their relationship, they're SO solid and I was SO here for that.
Mat has come such a long way from the first book. Where he let the prejudices of the north keep him from giving into who he is, he's fully embraced who he is and his love for Ren, consequences be damned.
This also went in a different direction than I thought it would and I was SO thankful for that. It played against the usual tropes. I thought these two would be separated for a LONG while, and they thankfully weren't. I thought this would take into the North for a long time, and it didn't. We're still in the South for all of this story.
I thought Nat's brother Valeri and sister Mila would be enemies for most of this, but actually become great characters in their own right throughout this. Val takes a bit to get over his prejudices as well, but then he comes to mostly accept his brother and Ren and them together. Mila is a cool new added character, a badass in her own right who also doesn't really have a problem with Nat and Ren at all.
I was also worried that even now, Ren would actually want to be with others, but aside from him keeping his lovable over the top flirtatious nature and wild sex jokes, he's actually devoted to Mat and I LOVE it. It'll just always be like Ren to make inappropriate sex jokes and be overtly flirtatious. But the only one he means it with is Mat. We even get him thinking about how another is good looking, but Mat has ruined everyone else for him 😍.
The plot, of course, was really good. Tentative peace is started between at least Ren's country and Nat's country, before things go to shit at the end because of course it's not going to be so easy to get that HEA we're all wanting for these two, and all three countries on this continent.
Can't wait to dive into the final book in this series and see Ren and Mat's hard fought for HEA, because after all this bullshit, they deserve it!
Onto the next!
My Ratings for the Riehse Eshan Series:
🔅 A Knife and a Blade: 5 stars (my review)
🔅A Whisper and a Breath: 5 stars (my review)
🔅 A Shadow and a Storm: 5 stars
🔅 An Oath and a Promise: Currently Reading
November 13, 2023
I am fucking obsessed with these guys. And all the side characters.
God I fucking loooove them. This book got a few more laughs out of me than the others did as well. I cannot praise this enough!
“Enough of the nonsense. We’re not doing any of that miscommunication or martyr shit, okay? Spill.”
God I fucking loooove them. This book got a few more laughs out of me than the others did as well. I cannot praise this enough!
August 22, 2023
noooo seriously?
i hope the last book is good. i never thought I'd be saying this about this series but there was too much damn smut. i hope that's not the case in the last book.
i hope the last book is good. i never thought I'd be saying this about this series but there was too much damn smut. i hope that's not the case in the last book.
May 17, 2024
Well, what a third installment!
This one's my favourite out of them all for now: I adored "A Shadow and a Storm", and I managed to devour it, start to finish.
I was absolutely hooked!
I'm so glad I decided to give this series another go, after not loving book one, because I swear these keep getting better and better. The writing is wonderful, despite some word usage being a bit too modern and jarring for the high fantasy atmosphere, and the pacing is absolutely fantastic: I swear I was on the edge of my seat the whole damn time, drowning in what-the-hell-will-happen-now anxiety, but I still managed to enjoy the story a whole lot. I loved seeing Mat and Ren (finally, FINALLY) at such a good point in their relationship, and I adored seeing them both so devoted and in love with one another. I swooned a whole lot.
Also, I think this is the first time I've actually loved them wholeheartedly start to finish: character arc and development, better writing, or maybe I've just given in and my heart is firmly in the "they're my sons, your honour" stage now? I don't know, and I don't care. I loved them, and I loved them as a couple too. The kinky D/s relationship they share is explored a smidge more, and whew *fan herself*, thank you Adelaide Blaike for that.
I loved the side characters a whole lot too: Mat's siblings, and of course El and Luis and Jiron (AND if something were to happen to them, especially after losing Ad.... I swear I'll- *sobs*). I cannot wait to read book four: I already know it's going to be epic, especially after THAT cruel, cruel ending.
This one's my favourite out of them all for now: I adored "A Shadow and a Storm", and I managed to devour it, start to finish.
I was absolutely hooked!
I'm so glad I decided to give this series another go, after not loving book one, because I swear these keep getting better and better. The writing is wonderful, despite some word usage being a bit too modern and jarring for the high fantasy atmosphere, and the pacing is absolutely fantastic: I swear I was on the edge of my seat the whole damn time, drowning in what-the-hell-will-happen-now anxiety, but I still managed to enjoy the story a whole lot. I loved seeing Mat and Ren (finally, FINALLY) at such a good point in their relationship, and I adored seeing them both so devoted and in love with one another. I swooned a whole lot.
Also, I think this is the first time I've actually loved them wholeheartedly start to finish: character arc and development, better writing, or maybe I've just given in and my heart is firmly in the "they're my sons, your honour" stage now? I don't know, and I don't care. I loved them, and I loved them as a couple too. The kinky D/s relationship they share is explored a smidge more, and whew *fan herself*, thank you Adelaide Blaike for that.
I loved the side characters a whole lot too: Mat's siblings, and of course El and Luis and Jiron (AND if something were to happen to them, especially after losing Ad.... I swear I'll- *sobs*). I cannot wait to read book four: I already know it's going to be epic, especially after THAT cruel, cruel ending.
Read
June 12, 2023DNF
April 29, 2023
“Because without changing what our tomorrow looks like, our yesterdays will always be the same,”
I do want to write a proper review but i don't have words because that end messed up with my head and I'm trying to take control of it. I just can't get enough of them and even though this is a perfectly average sized book, it felt short. I love every single character and how they fit with each other. The Velichkov's are just amazing, especially Mila and it was fun to watch Valeri and Ren butt heads. The relation between Ren's guards and Ren is so precious that my little heart can't take it. Jiron I love you. Hope you all are safe.
Although at some places Mat was just very stupid but that's just his style for doing things, I love him for that. All my Captive Prince fans, you have to read this. This might be softer than CP but the twists are just as good. Eagerly waiting for October to come.
Here have a piece of my heart.
Mat:But none of that is going to stop me from feeling what I feel for you, Renato, for you are worth every lash they would lay on me for it.
Ren: You’ve screwed with my head, my body, and my damned soul, mi sol , because all of them want you in a way I’ve never wanted anything before.
I do want to write a proper review but i don't have words because that end messed up with my head and I'm trying to take control of it. I just can't get enough of them and even though this is a perfectly average sized book, it felt short. I love every single character and how they fit with each other. The Velichkov's are just amazing, especially Mila and it was fun to watch Valeri and Ren butt heads. The relation between Ren's guards and Ren is so precious that my little heart can't take it. Jiron I love you. Hope you all are safe.
Although at some places Mat was just very stupid but that's just his style for doing things, I love him for that. All my Captive Prince fans, you have to read this. This might be softer than CP but the twists are just as good. Eagerly waiting for October to come.
Here have a piece of my heart.
Mat:But none of that is going to stop me from feeling what I feel for you, Renato, for you are worth every lash they would lay on me for it.
Ren: You’ve screwed with my head, my body, and my damned soul, mi sol , because all of them want you in a way I’ve never wanted anything before.
June 1, 2025
4.5***** stars
Bahaha, these intros of the two main characters rehashing what happened previously are really gold!
After spending the last two books in the southern, misogynistic country it was almost like a breath of fresh air now being in the company of notherners, seeing women be valued and in powerful positions. But yeah, seeing the other extreme there, the deeply rooted homophobia was agony in and of itself too. Good thing, Mat was so brave still, standing up not only to his big brother but everyone else, too.
Another book that had me shouting WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??!! It sure was a thrilling and fast-paced ride.
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
Bahaha, these intros of the two main characters rehashing what happened previously are really gold!
Ren: Dios mio, do you remember what happened in the last book? I was like (makes hand gesture) and Mat was like (makes another gesture) and it was fucking hot.
Mat: Ren. The reader can’t see you.
After spending the last two books in the southern, misogynistic country it was almost like a breath of fresh air now being in the company of notherners, seeing women be valued and in powerful positions. But yeah, seeing the other extreme there, the deeply rooted homophobia was agony in and of itself too. Good thing, Mat was so brave still, standing up not only to his big brother but everyone else, too.
“You can’t be,” he insisted, teeth flashing as he grimaced. “Because that would be wrong. Heretical. A violation of God’s laws.” […]
“I’ve been in Quareh for months, participating in alleged sin and enjoying the fuck out of it. I haven’t been struck down by the divine yet. I’ll take my chances.”
Another book that had me shouting WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??!! It sure was a thrilling and fast-paced ride.
*************
Riehse Eshan Series
Book 1 - A Knife and a Blade - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - A Whisper and a Breath - 4.5 stars
Book 3 - A Shadow and a Storm - 4.5 stars
Book 4 - An Oath and a Promise - 4.0 stars
novella - The Guard and the Gardener
novella - A Throne and a Crown - 4.25 stars
September 13, 2025
The draaaaammmmaaaaaaaa!! More twists and turns, more of our princes being sassy assholes to each other, political machinations and more battles!
We got more of Mat’s family in this one, and whilst I was initially geared up to hate them, they really grew on me!
Straight onto the next one!
We got more of Mat’s family in this one, and whilst I was initially geared up to hate them, they really grew on me!
Straight onto the next one!
April 16, 2023
This third book was in all points exactly what I needed and wanted to read.
I am the kind of reader that get unreasonably attached to characters that are fleshed-out and endearing. Ren and Mat have depth, they have qualities and flaws, they take decisions that we can sometimes relate to and sometimes curse for their stupidity, and I love them so much. El, Luis and Jiron are equally amazing, even if they’re only the supporting characters.
When I get that attached to characters, I want to see them interact all the time and I can never get enough of seeing their everyday life. This is what I love so much about this series. The author manages to further the political plot and make it exciting, with important stakes, and still give us all the small moments between Mat and Ren. I can’t get enough of seeing them and laughing out loud at the banter between these too. Ren’s impertinence and Mat’s sarcasm give me life and I have underlined so many passages that I felt I never wanted the book to end just so I could stay with them.
This series is fun, sexy and exciting, it will make you laugh, aw, rage, and roll your eyes, you will want some people to die and will promise to die yourself for your favorite characters. Is the book absolutely perfect? Maybe not. But did I have such a good time reading it that it doesn’t matter? Hell yes.
If you’re looking for a great time with a sexy romantasy that still has a solid plot and political shenanigans, dive in, you won’t regret it.
I am the kind of reader that get unreasonably attached to characters that are fleshed-out and endearing. Ren and Mat have depth, they have qualities and flaws, they take decisions that we can sometimes relate to and sometimes curse for their stupidity, and I love them so much. El, Luis and Jiron are equally amazing, even if they’re only the supporting characters.
When I get that attached to characters, I want to see them interact all the time and I can never get enough of seeing their everyday life. This is what I love so much about this series. The author manages to further the political plot and make it exciting, with important stakes, and still give us all the small moments between Mat and Ren. I can’t get enough of seeing them and laughing out loud at the banter between these too. Ren’s impertinence and Mat’s sarcasm give me life and I have underlined so many passages that I felt I never wanted the book to end just so I could stay with them.
This series is fun, sexy and exciting, it will make you laugh, aw, rage, and roll your eyes, you will want some people to die and will promise to die yourself for your favorite characters. Is the book absolutely perfect? Maybe not. But did I have such a good time reading it that it doesn’t matter? Hell yes.
If you’re looking for a great time with a sexy romantasy that still has a solid plot and political shenanigans, dive in, you won’t regret it.
October 30, 2024
C'è una cosa che un libro non deve mai fare ed è annoiarmi a morte.
Se leggo ancora una volta di Ren che fa innuendi sessuali nelle situazioni peggiori possibili con la storia che vuole convincermi che sarebbe un buon sovrano potrei non rispondere di me stessa.
Se leggo ancora una volta di Ren che fa innuendi sessuali nelle situazioni peggiori possibili con la storia che vuole convincermi che sarebbe un buon sovrano potrei non rispondere di me stessa.
July 25, 2023
Eh, I feel like the whole good descended into clumsy attempts at bdsm peppered through with awkward conversations … interrupted by attempts at advancing story plot 😑
Also, masochist is a relatively modern term invented in 1892, same goes for “brain cells”, terms of “top” and “bottom”, middle finger gesture, which absolutely does not fit medieval setting of the story… And don’t get me started on “tsunami”, just because author made a horrible decision to pilfer other languages for “atmosphere” continuous usage of word, which don’t fit the setting detract from the story and decrease the overall quality of the book.
I wish author would rather focus on the plot rather than cringe-worthy descriptions of dirty talk by main couple. Because the plot got cliche-y and annoyingly predictable towards the end of the book. Instead of holding my breath at a cliffhanger, I am irritated with yet another over the top crisis.
Also, masochist is a relatively modern term invented in 1892, same goes for “brain cells”, terms of “top” and “bottom”, middle finger gesture, which absolutely does not fit medieval setting of the story… And don’t get me started on “tsunami”, just because author made a horrible decision to pilfer other languages for “atmosphere” continuous usage of word, which don’t fit the setting detract from the story and decrease the overall quality of the book.
I wish author would rather focus on the plot rather than cringe-worthy descriptions of dirty talk by main couple. Because the plot got cliche-y and annoyingly predictable towards the end of the book. Instead of holding my breath at a cliffhanger, I am irritated with yet another over the top crisis.
September 24, 2023
Cons
The smut...its like they were being controlled by their dicks instead of their brains. I dont usually mind the smut but they have no sense of time and place and im here wondering how r they not yet caught by others.
The reveal...while i liked how the brother and sister found out...the way the public found out was stupid to say the least. But considering they held out for soo long i should probably just clap for them.
The plot...i feel like the plot didnt get much thought..the focus was mostly on the smut and their kink....which s cool but i was here for the plot and violence dammit.😑
Pros
Their chemistry...loved it end of story.😌
No misunderstanding bullshit... i was sooo glad they dindnt play into this trope... thanku Mat/Nat.
All in all it was a fun read but i dont think ill be reading the next book.
Out of the 3 books in this series...i think 1st s the best.
The smut...its like they were being controlled by their dicks instead of their brains. I dont usually mind the smut but they have no sense of time and place and im here wondering how r they not yet caught by others.
The reveal...while i liked how the brother and sister found out...the way the public found out was stupid to say the least. But considering they held out for soo long i should probably just clap for them.
The plot...i feel like the plot didnt get much thought..the focus was mostly on the smut and their kink....which s cool but i was here for the plot and violence dammit.😑
Pros
Their chemistry...loved it end of story.😌
No misunderstanding bullshit... i was sooo glad they dindnt play into this trope... thanku Mat/Nat.
All in all it was a fun read but i dont think ill be reading the next book.
Out of the 3 books in this series...i think 1st s the best.
April 30, 2023
Every time I enter this world, I'm taken aback by the world building, the complex characters, and the story.
The dynamic between Mat and Ren gets better each book and I always enjoy their banter immensely. It's sexy, it's sweet, it's fun. But each of them have their own complex traumas that they work through and over come every time and I live for it. However, it's not just Mat and Ren, but even the side characters get moments to shine and show their personalities. I really loved seeing Mat's family dynamic in this book and the way they interact with each other and other characters.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
The dynamic between Mat and Ren gets better each book and I always enjoy their banter immensely. It's sexy, it's sweet, it's fun. But each of them have their own complex traumas that they work through and over come every time and I live for it. However, it's not just Mat and Ren, but even the side characters get moments to shine and show their personalities. I really loved seeing Mat's family dynamic in this book and the way they interact with each other and other characters.
I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.
I received an arc copy of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
October 20, 2023
LOVE
As always, Blaike can do no wrong with these two chaotic men. Absolutely loved everything about it. The romance, the political intrigue and machinations. All of it was flawlessly executed.
As always, Blaike can do no wrong with these two chaotic men. Absolutely loved everything about it. The romance, the political intrigue and machinations. All of it was flawlessly executed.
June 18, 2023
Wow. I mean… wow. The third book in the Riehse Eshan series had a lot to live up to. And boy, was doesn’t it just do that?
I loved every second of reading this book, just as I had enjoyed the last two. With mystery, intrigue, politics, action, and even a little bit of romance (both cute and… otherwise), what’s not to love. In reading the first two books, I was promised a tightly woven plot with every page filled with excitement and every sentence carefully crafted for my enjoyment. It went above and beyond in delivering just what I was expecting.
As with the previous two books, it is clear that Blaike is an expert wordsmith, and is especially talented at delivering concise and clever dialogue. This is probably the easiest way to sell her book to an unsure potential reader: the dialogue is worth it if nothing else is. But it goes beyond dialogue - the descriptive prose is just as perfectly crafted. I was able to picture every scene just as it was written clearly, but at no point did I think “oh, get on with it” and start skim-reading. I have been known to skim books, so finding a book where I eat up every word is… well worth a looksee.
Ren and Mat, as our two protagonists, are on point as always. They both have their own POV chapters, and we see the world through each of their eyes and get to know them on a deeply personal level. Despite outward appearances, it is amazing just how deep their emotions run, and I adore both of them all the more for it. Now that I know these characters rather well, I was surprised to find them both defying what I thought they were about to do (spoiler-free but there was this one moment where I had to put the book down, completely shocked by what had just happened (looking at you, Mat)).
In this book, we are also properly introduced to more supporting characters, as well as enjoying the quick wit and deadpanned faces of the characters we have come to know and love. I’m going to petition for a novella about Elias, I think. Big fan of his.
This book did have me vacillating between multiple emotions in a very short space of time. Some good, some not so good. Many opportunities to voice my disgruntlement. Even more to grin at the page. The worst part is that I cannot predict how the series is going to end (book 4 is some months away)… I don’t like not knowing and have no idea how I’m going to fill my time between now and then when I desperately need to know how Ren and Mat end up. Sigh.
Now, as always, this book comes with a number of warnings: it’s queer fantasy, unapologetically so. With a dark romance. It also contains unparalleled homophobia. If these things are not for you, then best skip this series. If you can tolerate both of these things, then I highly recommend the series. An easy 5 stars.
I loved every second of reading this book, just as I had enjoyed the last two. With mystery, intrigue, politics, action, and even a little bit of romance (both cute and… otherwise), what’s not to love. In reading the first two books, I was promised a tightly woven plot with every page filled with excitement and every sentence carefully crafted for my enjoyment. It went above and beyond in delivering just what I was expecting.
As with the previous two books, it is clear that Blaike is an expert wordsmith, and is especially talented at delivering concise and clever dialogue. This is probably the easiest way to sell her book to an unsure potential reader: the dialogue is worth it if nothing else is. But it goes beyond dialogue - the descriptive prose is just as perfectly crafted. I was able to picture every scene just as it was written clearly, but at no point did I think “oh, get on with it” and start skim-reading. I have been known to skim books, so finding a book where I eat up every word is… well worth a looksee.
Ren and Mat, as our two protagonists, are on point as always. They both have their own POV chapters, and we see the world through each of their eyes and get to know them on a deeply personal level. Despite outward appearances, it is amazing just how deep their emotions run, and I adore both of them all the more for it. Now that I know these characters rather well, I was surprised to find them both defying what I thought they were about to do (spoiler-free but there was this one moment where I had to put the book down, completely shocked by what had just happened (looking at you, Mat)).
In this book, we are also properly introduced to more supporting characters, as well as enjoying the quick wit and deadpanned faces of the characters we have come to know and love. I’m going to petition for a novella about Elias, I think. Big fan of his.
This book did have me vacillating between multiple emotions in a very short space of time. Some good, some not so good. Many opportunities to voice my disgruntlement. Even more to grin at the page. The worst part is that I cannot predict how the series is going to end (book 4 is some months away)… I don’t like not knowing and have no idea how I’m going to fill my time between now and then when I desperately need to know how Ren and Mat end up. Sigh.
Now, as always, this book comes with a number of warnings: it’s queer fantasy, unapologetically so. With a dark romance. It also contains unparalleled homophobia. If these things are not for you, then best skip this series. If you can tolerate both of these things, then I highly recommend the series. An easy 5 stars.
August 21, 2023
My favorite of this series yet!
April 16, 2023
A Shadow and a Storm is indeed a shadow and a storm with lots of unpredictable and shocking turns of events. The author, Adelaide Blaike, certainly displays her ingenuity of weaving an incredible and very intricate multi-prongs of plots a s story arcs full of mystery and intrigue. And I just love how Ren is just so possessive of Mat/Nat.
April 15, 2023
Love This Series
I absolutely love this new book in this series. It is an amazing story that pulled me in from the start. I can't wait for the final bookto come out. Also, I adore the recaps in the beginning.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
I absolutely love this new book in this series. It is an amazing story that pulled me in from the start. I can't wait for the final bookto come out. Also, I adore the recaps in the beginning.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
April 30, 2023
dude i have to wait until october for the next book??
May 12, 2023
I am OBSESSED with this series and it’s characters. This book starts off with a bang (yes, I know Ren is laughing) and keeps going. There are some wonderfully surprising twists with characters and plenty of loose (Shut up, Ren) ends that I’ll have to agonizingly wait for the next book to settle. Looking back across how far we’ve come across the three books, (Ok, Ren. I’ll give you that one. It sounds dirty as heck.) the amount of character change and development is stunning. The world building is lovely. And Ren’s dam (not a misspelling) plan was genius. I never want to leave this world!
June 9, 2023
This book, luckily, once again starts right where the previous cliffhanger left us. Now that we’re so familiar with these characters, it’s easy to sympathize with Mat’s frustration and accept Ren’s inability to have a “normal” reaction to anything emotional. The resulting immediate angst comes from two different directions, but it’s an effective emotional hook that works well with the fascinating new political developments, which have only grown in intensity from book to book.
Even after Mat and Ren reunite, their circumstances mean we’re back to a slow burn, physically, that still manages to be incredibly hot. Then, when that burn ignites, it’s absolutely explosive. This stage of their journey is appropriate for the confessions of love that finally emerge, but I appreciate that Blaike ensures this proper acknowledgment of what they mean to each other does nothing to diminish their delightfully contrary dynamic. Meanwhile, none of this happens in the previously relative safety of Ren’s palace, and they face a new set of prejudices, heartbreaking in a different way from Quareh’s strict gender roles, as Blaike develops another cultural facet of this well-crafted low-fantasy world.
As a function of who they are to their respective countries, Ren and Mat’s connection cannot be separated from the inevitable political maneuverings between two factions at a knife’s edge. As a slightly impartial observer, I’d argue that their romance gets in the way of peace because they could have put forth their genuine friendship to aid in building a truce. But that’s not nearly as fun or dramatic as what actually happens, with ridiculous political manipulation that wouldn’t work for anyone but someone with Ren’s loose grasp of mental stability. Not to be outdone, Mat being Mat results in the most epic plot twist yet to this engaging storyline.
Though I knew at this point in the series that I was facing another cliffhanger ending, I do have to note that each book does contain a full arc that results in a satisfying resolution—the ongoing story just doesn’t conclude there. It’s that last 15% where everything goes haywire, and I white-knuckled my way through this ending. Another last-minute “surprise” villain could have been repetitive after the previous book, but this time the source comes from a vastly different direction and works well with both the established groundwork of Blaike’s world building and the buildup of intensity for this series. I’m already counting down the days until the final book.
Even after Mat and Ren reunite, their circumstances mean we’re back to a slow burn, physically, that still manages to be incredibly hot. Then, when that burn ignites, it’s absolutely explosive. This stage of their journey is appropriate for the confessions of love that finally emerge, but I appreciate that Blaike ensures this proper acknowledgment of what they mean to each other does nothing to diminish their delightfully contrary dynamic. Meanwhile, none of this happens in the previously relative safety of Ren’s palace, and they face a new set of prejudices, heartbreaking in a different way from Quareh’s strict gender roles, as Blaike develops another cultural facet of this well-crafted low-fantasy world.
As a function of who they are to their respective countries, Ren and Mat’s connection cannot be separated from the inevitable political maneuverings between two factions at a knife’s edge. As a slightly impartial observer, I’d argue that their romance gets in the way of peace because they could have put forth their genuine friendship to aid in building a truce. But that’s not nearly as fun or dramatic as what actually happens, with ridiculous political manipulation that wouldn’t work for anyone but someone with Ren’s loose grasp of mental stability. Not to be outdone, Mat being Mat results in the most epic plot twist yet to this engaging storyline.
Though I knew at this point in the series that I was facing another cliffhanger ending, I do have to note that each book does contain a full arc that results in a satisfying resolution—the ongoing story just doesn’t conclude there. It’s that last 15% where everything goes haywire, and I white-knuckled my way through this ending. Another last-minute “surprise” villain could have been repetitive after the previous book, but this time the source comes from a vastly different direction and works well with both the established groundwork of Blaike’s world building and the buildup of intensity for this series. I’m already counting down the days until the final book.
January 22, 2025
This is the third book in the Riehse Eshan series and after loving the second book last year, I’ve been so excited to continue the series. This is a fantasy romance series with an enemies-to-lovers romance, and even though I didn’t rank my favorite books of 2024, the second book was definitely up there with my absolute favorite reads of the year.
In this book the story picks up where the previous one ended (did I mention that it ended on a huge cliffhanger???) and I finally got to find out what happened next with Mat and Ren. I obviously don’t want to say too much since this is the third book in a series, but what I will say is that I still absolutely LOVE Mat and Ren. One of my favorite things about this book was the way they truly felt like a team, in an us-against-the-world kind of way, and I loved that so much.
Another thing I very much enjoyed was the fact that while the previous book focused a lot on Ren’s family, this book was more about Mat’s family, in particular his siblings. As someone who loves reading about family relationships and dynamics, I really liked that aspect of the book.
This book covered a lot and I found the pacing a little off at times – some parts dragged a bit while in others it felt like things happened too fast – but really, that’s pretty minor compared to everything that I enjoyed. This continues to be one of my favorite fantasy romance series, and I can’t wait to continue the story in the next book!
In this book the story picks up where the previous one ended (did I mention that it ended on a huge cliffhanger???) and I finally got to find out what happened next with Mat and Ren. I obviously don’t want to say too much since this is the third book in a series, but what I will say is that I still absolutely LOVE Mat and Ren. One of my favorite things about this book was the way they truly felt like a team, in an us-against-the-world kind of way, and I loved that so much.
Another thing I very much enjoyed was the fact that while the previous book focused a lot on Ren’s family, this book was more about Mat’s family, in particular his siblings. As someone who loves reading about family relationships and dynamics, I really liked that aspect of the book.
This book covered a lot and I found the pacing a little off at times – some parts dragged a bit while in others it felt like things happened too fast – but really, that’s pretty minor compared to everything that I enjoyed. This continues to be one of my favorite fantasy romance series, and I can’t wait to continue the story in the next book!
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April 30, 2023
4.5 stars ☆
"And then Dios sent me exactly that," I said softly, "and what I believed I had, I didn't. What I believed was impossible to ever have, I did. The chance to see you, talk to you - argue with you," I added, and Mat snorted, "got me out of the bed in the morning. Making you smile became an obsession. You gave me a reason to hope for something better: for myself, and my people. You challenge me, encourage me, and no matter what fucked up things I do, you're somehow still here. You've screwed with my head, my body, and my damned soul, mi sol, because all of them want you in a way I've never wanted anything before.
"No," I said quietly, almost to myself. "I need you."
MATHIAS AND REN STILL HAVE MY HEART. 😭😭
the plot in this book specifically didn't have me as invested compared to the previous two books (certain side characters were interesting though), but i still adored Mathias/Ren and their relationship. although there is a cliffhanger at the end, plot-wise, i didn't mind it bc it only bothers me if the cliffhanger was related to the relationship itself and it wasn't here, thankfully lol. i'm excited for the final book bc i love ? 🥹
"And then Dios sent me exactly that," I said softly, "and what I believed I had, I didn't. What I believed was impossible to ever have, I did. The chance to see you, talk to you - argue with you," I added, and Mat snorted, "got me out of the bed in the morning. Making you smile became an obsession. You gave me a reason to hope for something better: for myself, and my people. You challenge me, encourage me, and no matter what fucked up things I do, you're somehow still here. You've screwed with my head, my body, and my damned soul, mi sol, because all of them want you in a way I've never wanted anything before.
"No," I said quietly, almost to myself. "I need you."
MATHIAS AND REN STILL HAVE MY HEART. 😭😭
the plot in this book specifically didn't have me as invested compared to the previous two books (certain side characters were interesting though), but i still adored Mathias/Ren and their relationship. although there is a cliffhanger at the end, plot-wise, i didn't mind it bc it only bothers me if the cliffhanger was related to the relationship itself and it wasn't here, thankfully lol. i'm excited for the final book bc i love ? 🥹
November 13, 2023
when i tell you i love a good plot twist
DAMN.
anyways fuck kolya panarin that stupid ass fucker.
he deserves every bad thing that happens to him. - straight up being obsessed with mat for YEARS what a weirdo.
and why do so many people try to sexual assault matthias what is up with that. - even kolya. - like you claim to have mat's intentions in mind, but really he was just fucking obsessed and only cared about himself.
but MAN i was not expecting that at all.
and not the ending either.
but i have one more book so of course mat and ren better get their fucking happy ending.
ive seriously been obsessed with this series and i'm gonna be so sad once i'm done with the last book man. 😪
i love how mat has made ren a bit soft. - even if he's still a big hoe, and has a mouthy attitude. he definitely agrees with matthias more and sees his side of things about the injustices about the laws their countries have.
- only dislikes again are the russian/spanish words because like its annoying having to flip back and forth and having to google stuff.
- the smut in this seems a bit less than when mat & ren first were getting together. like considering what ren is into i feel like it could have been spicier. - but all the scenes were well written
DAMN.
anyways fuck kolya panarin that stupid ass fucker.
he deserves every bad thing that happens to him. - straight up being obsessed with mat for YEARS what a weirdo.
and why do so many people try to sexual assault matthias what is up with that. - even kolya. - like you claim to have mat's intentions in mind, but really he was just fucking obsessed and only cared about himself.
but MAN i was not expecting that at all.
and not the ending either.
but i have one more book so of course mat and ren better get their fucking happy ending.
ive seriously been obsessed with this series and i'm gonna be so sad once i'm done with the last book man. 😪
i love how mat has made ren a bit soft. - even if he's still a big hoe, and has a mouthy attitude. he definitely agrees with matthias more and sees his side of things about the injustices about the laws their countries have.
- only dislikes again are the russian/spanish words because like its annoying having to flip back and forth and having to google stuff.
- the smut in this seems a bit less than when mat & ren first were getting together. like considering what ren is into i feel like it could have been spicier. - but all the scenes were well written
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
This series is seriously dangerous to me and my sleep. I sat on this third book for several weeks waiting for an open time in my schedule because sure enough, once I started, not much else mattered until I finished. So be warned.
If you loved Captive Prince, you'll probably adore this series. If you are into hurt/comfort, if you enjoy sassy, no holds banter, intensity, and deep, deep commitment, this series is for you. The sex is hot and matters to the plot (you won't nod off bored or be skipping over because you've read it all before and there's not character in it, there's tons of character in EVER scene). The dialogue is sharp. Each character has his or her own way of talking. Plot points matter, there's full world development in tightly written, plot revealed moment. No long winded info dumps here, just what the reader needs when the reader needs it as the plot hurls forward at 90 miles and hour for the third long installment.
I don't know this author personally, but I think I need to!
If you loved Captive Prince, you'll probably adore this series. If you are into hurt/comfort, if you enjoy sassy, no holds banter, intensity, and deep, deep commitment, this series is for you. The sex is hot and matters to the plot (you won't nod off bored or be skipping over because you've read it all before and there's not character in it, there's tons of character in EVER scene). The dialogue is sharp. Each character has his or her own way of talking. Plot points matter, there's full world development in tightly written, plot revealed moment. No long winded info dumps here, just what the reader needs when the reader needs it as the plot hurls forward at 90 miles and hour for the third long installment.
I don't know this author personally, but I think I need to!
September 14, 2023
"And then Dios sent me exactly that," I said softly, "and what I believed I had, I didn't. What I believed was impossible to ever have, I did. The chance to see you, talk to you - argue with you," I added, and Mat snorted, "got me out of the bed in the morning. Making you smile became an obsession. You gave me a reason to hope for something better: for myself, and my people. You challenge me, encourage me, and no matter what fucked up things I do, you're somehow still here. You've screwed with my head, my body, and my damned soul, mi sol, because all of them want you in a way I've never wanted anything before."
"No," I said quietly, almost to myself. "I need you."
Oh, this book hurt me in more ways than it should have. Yes, it's flawed, nowhere near perfect, but Ren and Matias are perfect together and that's all I really want. Plus, the sibling dynamics in this book are to die for. I am just frustrated that my two love birds can never catch a break. I am dying for the next and final instalment.
4.25/5 stars!
January 16, 2025
so basically, i’m not finishing the book and, consequently, am not finishing the series
i was enjoying book 1 and 2 of the series and when i started book 3, that enjoyment quickly dropped. i bought all four books thinking i would enjoy them all but book 3 was severely lacking in anything good imo.
this was genuinely just smut with a few grains of plot
| spoilers ahead |
i enjoyed mat coming out to his brother and also finding out his sister in law was also queer but every other page was just mat and ren making a move on each other
it felt less like a book and more like a sex-induced oneshot fanfic i would’ve written in high school about the object of my dreams rather than an entire fleshed out novel
i genuinely feel bad being so negative bc the series started out so well. mat and ren’s playful banter was so cute and the spice in the book was, how you say, well-seasoned; but the plot seemed to devolve imo and i couldn’t even finish the book, let alone the series.
i was enjoying book 1 and 2 of the series and when i started book 3, that enjoyment quickly dropped. i bought all four books thinking i would enjoy them all but book 3 was severely lacking in anything good imo.
this was genuinely just smut with a few grains of plot
| spoilers ahead |
i enjoyed mat coming out to his brother and also finding out his sister in law was also queer but every other page was just mat and ren making a move on each other
it felt less like a book and more like a sex-induced oneshot fanfic i would’ve written in high school about the object of my dreams rather than an entire fleshed out novel
i genuinely feel bad being so negative bc the series started out so well. mat and ren’s playful banter was so cute and the spice in the book was, how you say, well-seasoned; but the plot seemed to devolve imo and i couldn’t even finish the book, let alone the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2025
After all the hardship they have gone through in this book I expected at least a good ending but I’m so mad for how it ended because I want this two to be happy not taken hostage or having assassination attempts or being shot at. They were so cute for each other and this is the first book when they go all in and Nat is in fact the bottom. Poor Nat. Jiron stress level is probably up against the wall for how much Ren made himself captured and all his plots and play. The next book must be a happy ending because I’m going to lose it if not. I also hated Nat brother because that man really hated the idea of his brother getting it from a man so much that he made me wish he died. Also I hate everything that came between my babies but I always love how they have zero effect on keeping this two apart.
April 24, 2023
Part three of this amazing series is just as beautifully complicated and unpredictable as the previous books. The depth of the world building and all the characters, not just the MCs, is just incredible. I really love the constant twists and turns in the plot, I never quite know what will happen next, and that for me is really rare. Mat and Ren have grown so much during the story so far, and I'm hoping they will do wonderful things for everyone in their world. By the way the summary in the beginning was hilarious.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am happy to leave a voluntary review.
January 12, 2025
This book introduced some new characters to the story of the two princes.
While dealing with the aftermath of the death of the king of Quareh and Mat’s disappearance, Ren ends up stumbling into the Temarian camp, coming face to face with Mat’s siblings who are out for blood.
Despite their initially rocky start, the two siblings end up becoming reluctant allies after they see the depth of their brother’s feelings for Ren.
The Mazekhstani get drawn in too - and we get to see what has been alluded to up to this point with their prince Kolya and his history with Mat.
All in all, especially with the way this story ended, it sets up for what should be an action-packed finale.
While dealing with the aftermath of the death of the king of Quareh and Mat’s disappearance, Ren ends up stumbling into the Temarian camp, coming face to face with Mat’s siblings who are out for blood.
Despite their initially rocky start, the two siblings end up becoming reluctant allies after they see the depth of their brother’s feelings for Ren.
The Mazekhstani get drawn in too - and we get to see what has been alluded to up to this point with their prince Kolya and his history with Mat.
All in all, especially with the way this story ended, it sets up for what should be an action-packed finale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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