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Silk and Steel #3
Blood & Ice
An elven assassin. A dragon prince.
Three days they had together.
Three days was not enough.
There’s a traitor among the elves. A traitor who will stop at nothing to see Eroan pay for the crime of loving a dragon, and Eroan Ilanea will pay with blood.
Lysander has never been free to choose his fate. That is about to change. Finally, he learns what it means to be emerald, but knowledge is power, and power whispers its seductive curse into the ear of a broken prince.
Elf and dragon.
Leaders, lovers, fighters.
Fates entwined.
But as the dragonkin rise under a new king, will Eroan's and Lysander's boundless love save the world or destroy it forever?
***
The devastating and emotional bestselling Silk & Steel series concludes in Blood & Ice.
Silk & Steel is a m/m dark fantasy. The series has triggering content.
Three days they had together.
Three days was not enough.
There’s a traitor among the elves. A traitor who will stop at nothing to see Eroan pay for the crime of loving a dragon, and Eroan Ilanea will pay with blood.
Lysander has never been free to choose his fate. That is about to change. Finally, he learns what it means to be emerald, but knowledge is power, and power whispers its seductive curse into the ear of a broken prince.
Elf and dragon.
Leaders, lovers, fighters.
Fates entwined.
But as the dragonkin rise under a new king, will Eroan's and Lysander's boundless love save the world or destroy it forever?
***
The devastating and emotional bestselling Silk & Steel series concludes in Blood & Ice.
Silk & Steel is a m/m dark fantasy. The series has triggering content.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2019
About the author
Ariana Nash
45 books2,023 followersBorn to wolves, Ariana Nash only ventures from the Cornish moors when the moon is fat and the night alive with myths and legends. She captures those myths in glass jars and returning home, weaves them into stories filled with forbidden desires, fantasy realms, and wicked delights.
Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
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Her debut novel Silk & Steel hit Amazon's:
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Horror
#1 LGBT Bestsellers Fantasy
#1 LGBT Fantasy Hot New Releases
#1 LGBT Horror Hot New Releases - for 3 months!
Join her Goodreads group here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Sign up to her newsletter here: https://www.subscribepage.com/silk-steel
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
August 19, 2024
She spoke of elves and humans and dragons, of how they had once lived together, each helping the other. Until the dragons grew jealous of the humans and their wealth of land. The races split, each becoming weaker because of it. Elves lost their magic. Dragons lost their compassion. Humans lost their integrity. And so the end of the world began.
✅ Characters and character development
✅ Dragon-shifters and elves
✅ Dark, post-apocalyptic setting
✅ SO MANY FEELINGS (I did cry)
✅ Dark and angsty
✅ Sexual tension and hot smut
✅ Perfect and sweet romance (M/M)
✅ Plot
✅ Pace
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: abuse, rape, and torture.
Oh wow. What an adventure this series is! It’s my second time reading it, and still, I couldn't stop reading since I started the first book a few days ago.
This last book hurt. Eroan and Lysander have to stand together against the whole world, and it seems like their trouble will never end, and there will always be some obstacle to their happy ending.
After the crazy events of the second book, Eroan, and Lysander only have a few days of peace before disaster and betrayal strike again. Lysander is taken away, Eroan is exiled, and they are both apart from each other again and trying to find their way back to each other, while also trying to survive the dragons and find a way to end the war… Let’s just say that they had no chance to rest until it was all over, and I loved the fast pace and action-packed conclusion to their adventure.
“He’s been rumored dead before. It doesn’t stick. The world could end and Eroan would still be alive.”
Blood & Ice is a thrilling, heartwrenching, and heartwarming at times conclusion to Lysander and Eroan’s great adventure. It is as full of action and fast-paced as the other books in this series, and it was also full of emotions. I felt so many things while reading this book! There are betrayals, new friendships, and old ones being tested, there is smut and passion, heart-wrenching moments, tear-worthy moments, and much more!
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
“You are my home,” Lysander whispered before he could lose the moment.
The second book focused a little more on Eroan's growth, and how he changed from the stubborn proud elf assassin to a more open-minded and reasonable elf, but this book focused more on Lysander's journey. We follow him as he tries to find answers about the Emeralds, their special abilities, and the reason why they were all killed, and we can see how much he changes. He went through so much already in the two previous books, and I feared for his life a couple of times. I honestly would have been destroyed if he’d died or didn't get a satisfying ending. he deserves SO. MUCH. LOVE. and I am so happy that he finally found a place where he feels like he belongs.
“I’m practical and territorial and Seraph is a part of my brood whether she wants it or not.” He added a lofty, princely tone to his voice that Eroan hadn’t heard since the tower.
“You have a brood, prince?” Lysander waved a playfully dismissive hand.
“It’s full of elves. I hoard them like other dragons collect gems. Clearly, I am broken—” Eroan kissed him quickly, stealing the end of that sentence away.
“Never.”
If you have read my reviews for the previous books, you already know that I adore Lysander. I also love Eroan, and Seraph and their little trio is SO cute. Lysander is still amazing, protective, and never hesitates to put other people first, even after being betrayed and abused so many times. He is fierce, loyal, and passionate and I love him even more now than I did in the first and second books. Seeing him “adopting” the elves and finally feeling at home with some of them felt so good!
And there he was; Lysander’s stupid, stubborn elf who stood against the entirety of his people for a dragon.
I liked Eroan even more in this book. He is still brave and trying to change the world, but this time he is not afraid to stand up for Lysander in front of everyone, even his people. It melted my heart to see him finally feel confident enough in them to have the courage to show the world that he was in love with a dragon. Their romance is so intense, even if they spent most of the last year being apart from each other, fighting and being tortured and abused by cruel dragons. They went from trying to suppress and hide their feelings - because in no world could a dragon and an elf be together- to not giving a shit about anyone's opinion and being proud to stand together. It was a delight to read and I cheered out loud for them a few times.
“You don’t belong to anyone. Not anymore. And neither does Eroan. Oh, you’re both as stubborn as each other, you know that? He loves you and you love him. It’s that simple. You’re just making it difficult because you’re afraid.”
Seraph is also a great character in this series, even though I didn't talk much about her in my other reviews. She grows and becomes stronger and fiercer in this book, yet she seeks the good in people and is never afraid to stand up for what she believes. Her unwavering trust in Lysander and Eroan is also part of why I love her so much. She is a little firecracker that you can’t help but love and want to cuddle. Her support and love for Eroan and Lysander were everything.
Finally, there's Akiem. He takes more room in this book, and I admit that I was wary at first, because he was never kind or selfless in the previous books. The author did a great job with his character's development and the beginning of his redemption arc in this book. He realized a lot of things about himself and the choices he made in the past after going through what Lysander endured with Dokul, and it seemed to have pushed him towards a path to redemption (slowly, but surely I guess). He is declared dead at the end of the book, but the next book of this series is about him, so we know he survived, and I have to say that I’m curious to see what will happen to him.
Fuck the elves.
Fuck the Order.
Eroan shoved through the assassins and threw his arms around his dragon, pulling him close, breathing him in.
The twists and turns in this series kept me on the edge of my seat. The action, the emotions, and the details of the plot are woven together to create a highly addictive dark fantasy romance that I strongly recommend if you are looking for a dark and gritty series full of emotions, sexual tension, adrenaline, awesome slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and great character development.
“Whatever we do next,” he whispered, brushing the words softly against Lysander’s mouth, “we do together.”
This was how it would be now—Lysander and Eroan. Nothing could touch them just so long as they were together. And they would be together. Nothing could tear them apart.
0.5 Sealed with a Kiss ⭐⭐⭐.5
1. Silk & Steel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Iron & Fire ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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June 8, 2022
5 stars.
✦ get yourself a man who will eat all your enemies for you. literally.
“i’ll eat them all if you wish it. just say the word.”
✦ i fucking adored this series. full of adventure, fantastic world building, dragons, elves, action sequences, love, passion, magical elements, lovable characters, twisted and fucked up themes, betrayals, characters you absolutely hate and want to slaughter yourself. epic!
“he’d love this dragon to the ends of the earth. nobody could take that from them. ever.”
✦ Lysander and Eroan were such great characters to follow. i loved them both from the very beginning and my love only grew for them throughout this series.
✦ the way the storyline was tied up was beautiful! so magical. i loved it.
✦ very happy that this series isn’t over for me just yet. i still have two novellas to read and also Akiem’s book, which i’ve already started, because i just couldn’t wait lol. the black prince truly owns my ass.
✦ anyone who hasn’t tried Ariana Nash’s books yet, please do. such an incredible dark fantasy author!
“he’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. dragon and elf. dragon king and assassin of the order. and nothing could stop them.
a home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.” 🖤
✦ get yourself a man who will eat all your enemies for you. literally.
“i’ll eat them all if you wish it. just say the word.”
✦ i fucking adored this series. full of adventure, fantastic world building, dragons, elves, action sequences, love, passion, magical elements, lovable characters, twisted and fucked up themes, betrayals, characters you absolutely hate and want to slaughter yourself. epic!
“he’d love this dragon to the ends of the earth. nobody could take that from them. ever.”
✦ Lysander and Eroan were such great characters to follow. i loved them both from the very beginning and my love only grew for them throughout this series.
✦ the way the storyline was tied up was beautiful! so magical. i loved it.
✦ very happy that this series isn’t over for me just yet. i still have two novellas to read and also Akiem’s book, which i’ve already started, because i just couldn’t wait lol. the black prince truly owns my ass.
✦ anyone who hasn’t tried Ariana Nash’s books yet, please do. such an incredible dark fantasy author!
“he’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. dragon and elf. dragon king and assassin of the order. and nothing could stop them.
a home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.” 🖤
January 5, 2020
Audio – 5 +++ Stars!! Mr. Cornell Collins, I bow to you in admiration!! EPIC PERFOMANCE!!!
Story – 4.5 Vengeful Stars!!
OMFG!!! This series was Epic!!! Achim, I have to thank you again for turning me on to this series! xo
Dokul has got to be one of the vilest villains I’ve ever come across in a story, and I was happy to bid him a treacherous travel to the fiery pits of hell!
That’s all I’ve got because this book…this series has got me exhausted AF!! LOL
Story – 4.5 Vengeful Stars!!
OMFG!!! This series was Epic!!! Achim, I have to thank you again for turning me on to this series! xo
Dokul has got to be one of the vilest villains I’ve ever come across in a story, and I was happy to bid him a treacherous travel to the fiery pits of hell!
That’s all I’ve got because this book…this series has got me exhausted AF!! LOL
April 20, 2020
ALL THE 'MINDBLOWINGLY INTENSE AND FUCKING BEAUTIFUL' STARS
My first review for this book (don't worry, I didn't delete it, it's at the bottom) received so many cheers that I was even debating with myself to leave it be but then all the quotes I chose and gifs I collected would go to waste. So, here it is version 2.0
This story hurt. It made me feel such a palette of emotions that it was almost too much to handle sometimes. From the start of this series, I was there on this journey with Eroan and Lysander. Through all the pain they had to endure, all the battles they had to win, all the trials they had to face, and all that with basically all the world against them. Honestly, it was often hard to read about all those horrors. But there were so many joyful moments as well. Every smile, every laugh, every kind word or loving caress. It was 'cry from happiness' kind of beautiful.
They both went through so much and we finally got to see them having enough of it. Eroan gave all of his life to the Order. Trying to save them all and make them see the reason and yet he was met with disdain on every step. I was cheering him on when at last he put Lysander and himself in the first place.
And, of course, my precious darling Lysander. I wanted so much to be able to reach inside the book and hug him because his suffering was beyond heartbreaking. I was so proud of him when he proved wrong everyone who wanted to make him fall and became who he was born to be.
These words were spoken by Seraph. I adore how she was their number one fan from the start. And wasn't afraid to kick their asses when they were being impossibly stubborn. I think Lysander and Eroan have to thank her for being together. She was always there for them when they lost their way. In addition to that, her mischievous personality is just golden.
Giving all my love to Eroan, Lysander, and Seraph, I haven't expected to have any left to give but one more person managed to squeeze inside my heart. Akiem completely redeemed himself in my eyes.
(Try to imagine Eroan instead of Deanerys.)
As I said before that there were many joyful and happy moments. I enjoyed each and every single one of them when Eroan and Lysander got a chance to be together. And I had a feeling I was waiting forever for them to finally get some private time but diamonds in the sky it was worth it.
These two together... That was some serious sexy hotness!
The length of this review has got way out of control so I'm just gonna add that if you like dark fantasy MM this is a big must!
The most awesome BR with Melanie. Thank you for being on this fantastic journey with me. 😊❤
**********************************
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
YES, I KNOW THIS IS NOT EXACTLY A REVIEW BUT MY EMOTIONS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF I WANT TO SOB FROM JOY OR LAUGH HYSTERICALLY. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WRITE A REVIEW THEN?!?
#FEELINGHELPLESS
PROBABLY IT'S A GOOD THING THERE'S QUARANTINE, OTHERWISE, I WOULD NOW RUN OUTSIDE, SHOUTING HOW HAPPY I'M FOR EROAN AND LYSANDER!!!!!
P.S. DON’T WORRY, I'LL EVENTUALLY STOP WRITING IN CAPS LOCK. AND I PROMISE TO WRITE A PROPER REVIEW WITH ALL THE GORGEOUS GIFS, JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME TO REGAIN MY WITS
My first review for this book (don't worry, I didn't delete it, it's at the bottom) received so many cheers that I was even debating with myself to leave it be but then all the quotes I chose and gifs I collected would go to waste. So, here it is version 2.0
The tales never revealed that about love, about how much it hurt.
This story hurt. It made me feel such a palette of emotions that it was almost too much to handle sometimes. From the start of this series, I was there on this journey with Eroan and Lysander. Through all the pain they had to endure, all the battles they had to win, all the trials they had to face, and all that with basically all the world against them. Honestly, it was often hard to read about all those horrors. But there were so many joyful moments as well. Every smile, every laugh, every kind word or loving caress. It was 'cry from happiness' kind of beautiful.
And there he was; Lysander’s stupid, stubborn elf who stood against the entirety of his own people for a dragon. He hadn’t realized there was room in his heart to love Eroan more, but he’d been wrong. This thing between them was boundless. It beat like a second heart and shone like a star he’d never been able to catch. But Lysander had caught him, and Eroan was all his.
They both went through so much and we finally got to see them having enough of it. Eroan gave all of his life to the Order. Trying to save them all and make them see the reason and yet he was met with disdain on every step. I was cheering him on when at last he put Lysander and himself in the first place.
And, of course, my precious darling Lysander. I wanted so much to be able to reach inside the book and hug him because his suffering was beyond heartbreaking. I was so proud of him when he proved wrong everyone who wanted to make him fall and became who he was born to be.
“You don’t belong to anyone. Not anymore. And neither does Eroan. Oh, you’re both as stubborn as each other, you know that? He loves you and you love him. It’s that simple. You’re just making it difficult because you’re afraid.”
These words were spoken by Seraph. I adore how she was their number one fan from the start. And wasn't afraid to kick their asses when they were being impossibly stubborn. I think Lysander and Eroan have to thank her for being together. She was always there for them when they lost their way. In addition to that, her mischievous personality is just golden.
“He’s so big as dragon,” she threw her arms wide, “and you’re so small.” She made a tiny gap between her fingers. “It was adorable.”
Giving all my love to Eroan, Lysander, and Seraph, I haven't expected to have any left to give but one more person managed to squeeze inside my heart. Akiem completely redeemed himself in my eyes.
Lysander knew those matte black scales, those golden eyes, and that amethyst flame boiling low in the dragon’s throat. There was no other dragon like him.
Akiem.
(Try to imagine Eroan instead of Deanerys.)
“I’m practical and territorial and Seraph is a part of my brood whether she wants it or not.” He added a lofty, princely tone to his voice that Eroan hadn’t heard since the tower.
“You have a brood, prince?”
Lysander waved a playfully dismissive hand. “It’s full of elves. I hoard them like other dragons collect gems. Clearly, I am broken—”
As I said before that there were many joyful and happy moments. I enjoyed each and every single one of them when Eroan and Lysander got a chance to be together. And I had a feeling I was waiting forever for them to finally get some private time but diamonds in the sky it was worth it.
“If you want to stop me from walking among your kin, you’ll have to tie me up.” Lysander leaned closer, so all Eroan could see was the glittering green of dragonsight in his jewel-like eyes. “And we both know you prefer to be bound.”
These two together... That was some serious sexy hotness!
Fuck the elves.
Fuck the Order.
Eroan shoved through the assassins and threw his arms around his dragon, pulling him close, breathing him in.
The length of this review has got way out of control so I'm just gonna add that if you like dark fantasy MM this is a big must!
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
The most awesome BR with Melanie. Thank you for being on this fantastic journey with me. 😊❤
**********************************
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
YES, I KNOW THIS IS NOT EXACTLY A REVIEW BUT MY EMOTIONS ARE ALL OVER THE PLACE AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF I WANT TO SOB FROM JOY OR LAUGH HYSTERICALLY. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WRITE A REVIEW THEN?!?
#FEELINGHELPLESS
PROBABLY IT'S A GOOD THING THERE'S QUARANTINE, OTHERWISE, I WOULD NOW RUN OUTSIDE, SHOUTING HOW HAPPY I'M FOR EROAN AND LYSANDER!!!!!
P.S. DON’T WORRY, I'LL EVENTUALLY STOP WRITING IN CAPS LOCK. AND I PROMISE TO WRITE A PROPER REVIEW WITH ALL THE GORGEOUS GIFS, JUST GIVE ME SOME TIME TO REGAIN MY WITS
May 29, 2020
Silk & Steel series
Book 0.5 - Sealed With A Kiss
Book 1 - Silk & Steel
Book 2 - Iron & Fire
Book 3 - Blood & Ice
Book 3.5 - Lost & Found
Book 4 - The Black Prince
5 ‘Elf and Dragon’ ✨
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
Blood & Ice was a thrilling and heart-warming conclusion to Lysander’s and Eroan’s story. It was every bit of the emotional roller-coaster and fast-paced conclusion that I was expecting it to be. It was Lysander and Eroan finding their true calling and being as great as they were prophesized to be. From this conclusion, you can expect revelation of betrayals, friendships being tested, wavering loyalties, toe-curling passion, new families being formed, and much, much more!
He was so fragile a thing, his dragon. Strong and fierce and outright terrifying to some, but vulnerable in moments like these, the quiet, passionate moments none other but Eroan saw.
If you have read my reviews for the first two books of this series, you already how much I adore the characters in this series, specifically Lysander, Eroan, and Seraph. Lysander was still amazing and inherently protective. He foolishly never hesitates to save and put other people first, regardless if they are dragon, elf, or human. I will forever remember him as a fierce, loyal, and passionate dragon who captured my heart from the very first book!
“Whether you care to realize it or not, you each owe this dragon your life and your freedom,” Eroan flung a hand toward Lysander, “and if any of you so much as raise a blade to him, so help me Alumn, I’ll kill any and all where you stand.”
Eroan was the brave and honest leader that his people needed to bring a change in their world. The way he stands up for Lysander in front of the Order melted my heart. Throughout this series, I loved reading about how Seraph grew and developed into a strong and fierce character. They way she stands up for what she believes in and has unwavering trust in Lysander and Eroan made her one of my fav characters in this series.
He’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. Dragon and elf. Dragon King and Assassin of the Order. And nothing could stop them.
Lastly, this review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Akiem, Lysander’s brother. The black prince definitely realized a lot of things about himself and the impact of his actions and decisions earlier in the series after his stay with Dokul, the Bronze leader. This motivated him and set him on a path to redemption. He is declared dead at the end of the book, but he is getting his own book that is set after the events that occurred in this series so I’m curious to see what happened to him.
The twists and turns in this book and even the whole series will have you on the edge on your seats. I was even afraid to blink in fear of missing any details that are so smartly woven with amazing writing. I am just barely done with this series and I have already made plans to re-read this series so you can imagine what impact this series has made on me.
This was how it would be now—Lysander and Eroan. Nothing could touch them just so long as they were together. And they would be together. Nothing could tear them apart.
Silk and Steel series is a gem in the dark fantasy genre with M/M romance. But it is so much more, too! It has amazing world-building, immersive writing, heart-melting characters, and toe-curling romance between a misunderstood, tortured broken prince and a stubborn, arrogant elf assassin. I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone who wants to step into this world after reading the trigger warnings!
There is work to be done, but first, rest and heal. Your skies are clear. You are safe.
Book 0.5 - Sealed With A Kiss
Book 1 - Silk & Steel
Book 2 - Iron & Fire
Book 3 - Blood & Ice
Book 3.5 - Lost & Found
Book 4 - The Black Prince
5 ‘Elf and Dragon’ ✨
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
Blood & Ice was a thrilling and heart-warming conclusion to Lysander’s and Eroan’s story. It was every bit of the emotional roller-coaster and fast-paced conclusion that I was expecting it to be. It was Lysander and Eroan finding their true calling and being as great as they were prophesized to be. From this conclusion, you can expect revelation of betrayals, friendships being tested, wavering loyalties, toe-curling passion, new families being formed, and much, much more!
He was so fragile a thing, his dragon. Strong and fierce and outright terrifying to some, but vulnerable in moments like these, the quiet, passionate moments none other but Eroan saw.
If you have read my reviews for the first two books of this series, you already how much I adore the characters in this series, specifically Lysander, Eroan, and Seraph. Lysander was still amazing and inherently protective. He foolishly never hesitates to save and put other people first, regardless if they are dragon, elf, or human. I will forever remember him as a fierce, loyal, and passionate dragon who captured my heart from the very first book!
“Whether you care to realize it or not, you each owe this dragon your life and your freedom,” Eroan flung a hand toward Lysander, “and if any of you so much as raise a blade to him, so help me Alumn, I’ll kill any and all where you stand.”
Eroan was the brave and honest leader that his people needed to bring a change in their world. The way he stands up for Lysander in front of the Order melted my heart. Throughout this series, I loved reading about how Seraph grew and developed into a strong and fierce character. They way she stands up for what she believes in and has unwavering trust in Lysander and Eroan made her one of my fav characters in this series.
He’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. Dragon and elf. Dragon King and Assassin of the Order. And nothing could stop them.
Lastly, this review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Akiem, Lysander’s brother. The black prince definitely realized a lot of things about himself and the impact of his actions and decisions earlier in the series after his stay with Dokul, the Bronze leader. This motivated him and set him on a path to redemption. He is declared dead at the end of the book, but he is getting his own book that is set after the events that occurred in this series so I’m curious to see what happened to him.
The twists and turns in this book and even the whole series will have you on the edge on your seats. I was even afraid to blink in fear of missing any details that are so smartly woven with amazing writing. I am just barely done with this series and I have already made plans to re-read this series so you can imagine what impact this series has made on me.
This was how it would be now—Lysander and Eroan. Nothing could touch them just so long as they were together. And they would be together. Nothing could tear them apart.
Silk and Steel series is a gem in the dark fantasy genre with M/M romance. But it is so much more, too! It has amazing world-building, immersive writing, heart-melting characters, and toe-curling romance between a misunderstood, tortured broken prince and a stubborn, arrogant elf assassin. I highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone who wants to step into this world after reading the trigger warnings!
There is work to be done, but first, rest and heal. Your skies are clear. You are safe.
April 5, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might Contain Spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I am pissed. Akiem did not deserve that. Fuck this. Lysander did not deserve that. Fuck that. Fuck a lot of things that happened in this book, in this series. I liked book one, it wasn't too dark/brutal, but book two and three? A little too dark for me. Especially book two, which was worst. Rape is a horrible thing. I still cannot get over the bad representation dragons have here. It just doesn't feel right to me. I hate how much Lysander went through and I hate that he didn't get more goodness. Even when he tries to help, they shoot him down. I don't get how Lysander can continue to be so good after everything. That itself shows how strong he is. That said, I wanted more loyalty. I needed it, in fact. I wanted more of Lysander and Akiem as brothers, protecting each other, Akiem getting a second chance. I don't know why, I just needed it. I wanted more from this book, pretty much. Eh I don't know what I feel. Did I like it? Some parts. Did I dislike it? Many parts. I just... don't know what to feel. Maybe it was just too dark for me. Take the raping away, and I might have liked it more. However, I believe it's the representation of the dragons that mostly ruin things for me. I needed more loyalty and not mindless beats who only fuck and rape. That said, I liked Eroan best in this book, he had redeemed himself from the other books. But nothing beats the beautiful soul of Lysander.
Characters:
→ Prince Lysander Amethyst (25), emerald dragon shifter. Has power of healing.
→ Eroan Ilanea, one of the last elven assassins of the Order.
→ Prince Akiem, Lysander’s older brother and was favorite to the queen. Becomes King, then a prisoner to Dokul: gets raped though off pages.
→ Queen Elisandra, Lysander and Akiem's mother. Lysander killed her in book one.
→ Carline, dragonkin, healer. Old. Is a gold dragon.
→ Dokul, dragonkin, the formidable bronze chief - bronze: they were known for their strange hoarding obsession. He’s one of the first. Dokul is the only one to survive the rising. The last of the great metal rulers: Gold and Silver are dead. The jewel-line, Lysander's generation, came next. Faster, more cunning, more vicious in every way. Rapes Lysander. Many times in book two.
→ Mirann, dragonkin, bronze, Dokul's daughter. Lysander was promised to her through a deal with the Queen and Dokul in book one. Rapes Lysander in book two.
→ Elder Xena, elf on the council. Killed by Mirann in book one?
→ Janna, elf and friend of Eroan.
→ Seraph Brennan, elf and part of the Order. Like a family to Eroan.
→ Curan and Nye Cadogan, elves and part of the Order. The only two people in the Order older than Eroan. Nye loves Eroan and hates Lysander. Wants him dead, and wants to free Eroan from Lysander's hold. Curan dies after trying to trade Lysander with Akiem.
→ Chloe, human and part of the resistance against dragons.
→ Ben, human and a scientist - dracologist: made it his life’s work to study all races of dragon.
→ Sentinel Venal, elf of the Ashford Higher Order.
→ Rhadgar, emerald dragon like Lysander. King of the dragons of North. .
→ Junoe, elf and a lover to Seraph.
→ Elder Alador, elf of the Ashford order. Perhaps the oldest/first assassin?
→ Alumn, silver dragon and the one who elves pray to.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Dark Fantasy Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Three.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
Triggers? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Prince Lysander Amethyst.
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes, I believes so.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Yes, though only if you like dark themes and dragons in bad light.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
July 2, 2020
All right. This was a good reading weekend. Not only did I happily discover this series on KU, but my fave author also sent the first little bit of Pure Requiem. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I've finally warmed up to Eoran in this book. He finally (but not fully, until pretty much the end) stopped doubting Lysander. I really want to kick E's ass for creating the awful, twisted jealousy and hate in Nye. This is what happens, folks, when you're selfish, take what you want, knowing it's wrong, but doing it anyway, damn the consequences.
Well, his stupidity with Nye led to Lysander's further suffering. I really hated E at that point.
Lysander isn't all wonderful, but he's real and his love for E is unquestionable. I might have blinked a bit in confusion when he but I also seem to recall her wounding him in the fight with Dukal.
Very glad Lysander's wounds in the end was healed, and that E's death was not really a death. If this novel ended with anything but HEA, I would have ripped it to shreds.
One complaint, which isn't enough to remove a star, because I know this series isn't a typical romance fantasy, it's more fantasy period. Is that too little lovey times. Seriously, in 1200 pages there are TWO, count them, TWO sex scenes. OK maybe THREE, between the MCs. And there def wasn't enough lovin' toward the end. I feel kinda cheated.
BUT. Since this isn't my usual genre, I'll let it go. Lysander is with his Eoran. All's right with the world.
I've finally warmed up to Eoran in this book. He finally (but not fully, until pretty much the end) stopped doubting Lysander. I really want to kick E's ass for creating the awful, twisted jealousy and hate in Nye. This is what happens, folks, when you're selfish, take what you want, knowing it's wrong, but doing it anyway, damn the consequences.
Well, his stupidity with Nye led to Lysander's further suffering. I really hated E at that point.
Lysander isn't all wonderful, but he's real and his love for E is unquestionable. I might have blinked a bit in confusion when he but I also seem to recall her wounding him in the fight with Dukal.
Very glad Lysander's wounds in the end was healed, and that E's death was not really a death. If this novel ended with anything but HEA, I would have ripped it to shreds.
One complaint, which isn't enough to remove a star, because I know this series isn't a typical romance fantasy, it's more fantasy period. Is that too little lovey times. Seriously, in 1200 pages there are TWO, count them, TWO sex scenes. OK maybe THREE, between the MCs. And there def wasn't enough lovin' toward the end. I feel kinda cheated.
BUT. Since this isn't my usual genre, I'll let it go. Lysander is with his Eoran. All's right with the world.
June 11, 2023
11/6/23: Reread this for comfort during my menty B and it’s still so fucking good. Changed my rating because I actually do not care about the flaws and will not be taking questions at this time. I would literally read about these characters doing laundry. I’m going back and forth about whether to read The Black Prince because I DESPISE Akiem (I assume he has a storage container to his name because he needs somewhere roomy to keep his fucking audacity) but I might give it a try if I get starved enough for content. God finishing this series is such a bummer. I wish I could erase it from my memory and read it again for the first time.
The only reason I’m giving this four stars and not five is because the final battle got a little...carried away...
Not in, like, a bad way. But it felt slightly muddled and there were some elements I wish were better explained. There was occasionally a bit of White Room Syndrome which spoiled the flow, too, which is a shame because usually this series does an excellent job of building visual, lush, tactile settings.
This series was just so fucking good. What a wonderful ride. I love these characters, I love their world, and I’m so glad I took a chance on this.
The only reason I’m giving this four stars and not five is because the final battle got a little...carried away...
Not in, like, a bad way. But it felt slightly muddled and there were some elements I wish were better explained. There was occasionally a bit of White Room Syndrome which spoiled the flow, too, which is a shame because usually this series does an excellent job of building visual, lush, tactile settings.
This series was just so fucking good. What a wonderful ride. I love these characters, I love their world, and I’m so glad I took a chance on this.
Read
October 5, 2019OUT NOW at Amazon.
April 20, 2020
5 STARS!!
If you're into dark fantasy reads that feature adventure, forbidden LOVE, and the fight between good and evil, you're in the right place.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Thanks for reading this one with me MONIQUE. It was a total blast!
His heart ached for the loss of its other half.What an epic roller coaster ride this series was! And this installment was a truly worthy ending to Eroan and Lysander's incredible journey.
If you're into dark fantasy reads that feature adventure, forbidden LOVE, and the fight between good and evil, you're in the right place.
What we are doesn't matter. It is who we are that defines us.I swooned . . .
This thing between them was boundless. It beat like a second heart and shone like a star he'd never been able to catch.. . . I laughed . . .
"He's been rumored dead before. It doesn't stick.". . . I cried (holy shit, did I cry) . . .
Only prey stayed still.. . . and I picked my jaw up off the floor . . .
For something that felt so wrong as man, felt so right as dragon.. . . SO MANY times while reading this one; gotta love that supreme sense of satisfaction that comes when all the threads of an epic story come together.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Thanks for reading this one with me MONIQUE. It was a total blast!
September 16, 2020
"What we are doesn’t matter. It is who we are that defines us."
And that is really what the Silk and Steel series is all about. Breaking out of the chains that bind you. Rising above your programming to be better. Forging ahead for a better tomorrow even though the path to that future won't be an easy one. Sacrifice. Honor. Love.
Lysander learns much about himself, in Blood & Ice. Secrets kept from him his entire life. Reasons why Emerald dragons are so rare. Eroan learns the lengths he will go to to keep those he loves safe, especially Lysander, and Eroan can be as ruthless as any dragon.
"You are my guiding star, Eroan Ilanea. It’s not possible to love anyone more than I love you. You crossed the sea for me, you faced dragon hordes for me. When I thought I had nothing and nobody left, you came for me."
Blood & Ice is an intense finale to the Silk and Steel series. There's so much uncertainty and even some doubt that Eroan and Lysander will prevail in their quest to defeat Dokul and his Bronze dragons, who sometimes seem to be a step or two ahead of everything.
“You burn bright in the dark, brighter than any star. You’re the warmth in my veins, you’re the reason my heart beats at all. It beats for you. I live for you. I can’t lose you. Do you hear me, Lysander? I can’t lose you again. I can’t live without you.”
Lysander and Eroan go through so much inBlood & Ice to get their HEA, but it is a glorious one. I might have even cried a little, at the end. Twice.
“You are my home”
I absolutely loved this series. It hurt so damn good. Epic.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
June 3, 2022
"You are my guiding star, Eroan Ilanea. It's not possible to love anyone more than I love you. You crossed the sea for me, you faced dragon hordes for me. When I thought I had nothing and nobody left, you came for me. You keep saving me. Every damn day you save me, and by the great ones, I don't deserve it. I don't deserve you, but I will. I'm going to be powerful. I'm going to be worthy. I'll bring the world to its knees for you. I'll rip the stars from the sky for you, because you deserve more. You deserve a fucking king, not a broken prince."
"You are not broken," Eroan growled. "You burn bright in the dark, brighter than any star. You're the warmth in my veins, you're the reason my heart beats at all. It beats for you. I live for you. I can't lose you. Do you hear me, Lysander? I can't lose you again. I can't live without you. Don't change for me. I love who and what you are. If you must change, change for you. You are free, Lysander. The choices are all yours. Choose for you. Discover who you are, and when you return, I'll be waiting."
~ cheesy? maybe. but i don't mind this type of cheesiness when the mcs have been through so much shit (like most, if not all, AN's books have) and they deserve nothing but love and happiness.
✧ after binging (and loving) the prince's assassin trilogy, i finally got around to this and i loved how dark and gritty it was. did i love it as much as the primal sin or the prince's assassin? well, no, but i didn't need to for me to still enjoy the hell out of this. Vasili/Niko and Severn/Mikhail have me on a chokehold, but i'm starting to realize maybe it's just how AN's couples are bc Lysander/Eroan have a hold on me as well. i adore situations where the mcs go through so much, but still choose each other, despite all odds and being able to witness the growth from book one up to this (especially for Eroan, bc i really did came to like his development in the end) for these characters was my fav part of this whole trilogy.
✧ Seraph was that character who stole my heart since the beginning and i've grown to love her more and more in each book. i'm so glad she played a huge part in this trilogy bc she honestly was the mvp in so many scenes.
✧ i've already started Akiem's book, The Black Prince, as i'm writing this review and he was someone who had intrigued me ever since book 2?? i was eyeing him in the first book, but i don't think it was to the extent of wanting his own story until the second one. i loved how
✧ thank god the characters
"You are not broken," Eroan growled. "You burn bright in the dark, brighter than any star. You're the warmth in my veins, you're the reason my heart beats at all. It beats for you. I live for you. I can't lose you. Do you hear me, Lysander? I can't lose you again. I can't live without you. Don't change for me. I love who and what you are. If you must change, change for you. You are free, Lysander. The choices are all yours. Choose for you. Discover who you are, and when you return, I'll be waiting."
~ cheesy? maybe. but i don't mind this type of cheesiness when the mcs have been through so much shit (like most, if not all, AN's books have) and they deserve nothing but love and happiness.
✧ after binging (and loving) the prince's assassin trilogy, i finally got around to this and i loved how dark and gritty it was. did i love it as much as the primal sin or the prince's assassin? well, no, but i didn't need to for me to still enjoy the hell out of this. Vasili/Niko and Severn/Mikhail have me on a chokehold, but i'm starting to realize maybe it's just how AN's couples are bc Lysander/Eroan have a hold on me as well. i adore situations where the mcs go through so much, but still choose each other, despite all odds and being able to witness the growth from book one up to this (especially for Eroan, bc i really did came to like his development in the end) for these characters was my fav part of this whole trilogy.
✧ Seraph was that character who stole my heart since the beginning and i've grown to love her more and more in each book. i'm so glad she played a huge part in this trilogy bc she honestly was the mvp in so many scenes.
✧ i've already started Akiem's book, The Black Prince, as i'm writing this review and he was someone who had intrigued me ever since book 2?? i was eyeing him in the first book, but i don't think it was to the extent of wanting his own story until the second one. i loved how
✧ thank god the characters
April 25, 2020
I knew that Lysander and Eroan would have to go through further trials, errors and pain before the end, but I didn’t expect to be fizzing mad at the author at 80% for … hmm, being just downright ‘mean’ to her MCs!
This isn’t hurt/comfort but more like hurt/hurt/hurt/hurt/and wee bit of comfort! *grumbling*
I was quite ready to throw my kindle in frustration but thank God things worked out ok eventually (as I’d prayed and hoped all along) and in general, I’m happy how everything ended. The main thing is that I still adore both, the dragon and the elf, and their love story is truly epic.
The writing is stellar, no doubt, the pace of the storyline breath-taking and the tension crackling.
And I take my hat off to Miss Nash for allowing her heroes to make some monumental mistakes and show some of their bad side. The character growth on Lysander’s part is amazing.
I also need to say a word about Seraph. I wholeheartedly LOVE that tiny ferocious elf. She is one of the best secondary characters I’ve read.
However, I also had some niggles …
.) some plot developments totally took me aback, for example …
.) I know that this was inevitable but … there is a LOT of war and fighting going on.
.) I would have really liked to find out what happened between the Silver dragon and Lysander. Whatever it was took place off page.
.) Lysander’s return from his ‘dark side’ seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.
Saying that, in the big scheme of things, I was not really that bothered by all that. This is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read. And if you liked Game of Thrones, you’ll love this.
I guess I surprised myself how much I liked this series. Violence and brutality aren’t really my MO. It certainly speaks for the author that she got me so involved I couldn’t help reading all three books in one sweep.
Recommended!
This isn’t hurt/comfort but more like hurt/hurt/hurt/hurt/and wee bit of comfort! *grumbling*
I was quite ready to throw my kindle in frustration but thank God things worked out ok eventually (as I’d prayed and hoped all along) and in general, I’m happy how everything ended. The main thing is that I still adore both, the dragon and the elf, and their love story is truly epic.
The writing is stellar, no doubt, the pace of the storyline breath-taking and the tension crackling.
And I take my hat off to Miss Nash for allowing her heroes to make some monumental mistakes and show some of their bad side. The character growth on Lysander’s part is amazing.
I also need to say a word about Seraph. I wholeheartedly LOVE that tiny ferocious elf. She is one of the best secondary characters I’ve read.
However, I also had some niggles …
.) some plot developments totally took me aback, for example …
.) I know that this was inevitable but … there is a LOT of war and fighting going on.
.) I would have really liked to find out what happened between the Silver dragon and Lysander. Whatever it was took place off page.
.) Lysander’s return from his ‘dark side’ seemed to happen in the blink of an eye.
Saying that, in the big scheme of things, I was not really that bothered by all that. This is one of the best fantasy series I’ve read. And if you liked Game of Thrones, you’ll love this.
I guess I surprised myself how much I liked this series. Violence and brutality aren’t really my MO. It certainly speaks for the author that she got me so involved I couldn’t help reading all three books in one sweep.
Recommended!
July 14, 2020
I finally finished this trio. Lysander is still my baby! Eoran I still don't like, but he at least admitted finally and with finality that he loves Lysander and has proven his loyalty.
But I marked an entire passage by the despicable Nye (who is also Eoran's fault) why I dislike Eoran no matter what. He's not good enuf for Lysander. He's selfish and emotionally assholish to ppl he uses and discards. He even has a daughter with Janna that he doesn't give 2 figs about! And while Nye is one of those crazy ex's who thinks killing Eoran's current lover will make E go back to him, E never should have tapped that craziness to begin with.
Which makes me feel E is both STUPID and SELFISH. Ugh!!
So... at least there's a HEA. More torture for Lysander (why never E??? Cuz he can;t handle it!) I dunno... If E was more deserving, I might have overlooked all the rape and violence to give this series more stars, but as it is... NOPE.
Still entertaining tho. 4 stars. I LOVE my dragons!
Lysander in human form:
But I marked an entire passage by the despicable Nye (who is also Eoran's fault) why I dislike Eoran no matter what. He's not good enuf for Lysander. He's selfish and emotionally assholish to ppl he uses and discards. He even has a daughter with Janna that he doesn't give 2 figs about! And while Nye is one of those crazy ex's who thinks killing Eoran's current lover will make E go back to him, E never should have tapped that craziness to begin with.
Which makes me feel E is both STUPID and SELFISH. Ugh!!
So... at least there's a HEA. More torture for Lysander (why never E??? Cuz he can;t handle it!) I dunno... If E was more deserving, I might have overlooked all the rape and violence to give this series more stars, but as it is... NOPE.
Still entertaining tho. 4 stars. I LOVE my dragons!
Lysander in human form:
December 19, 2019
This has been a very emotional series for me to read. I wouldn't call it a romance but two elves Eroan and Seraph and a dragon Lysander fighting for what was right and to find peace between the species.
Poor Lysander found himself in one dire situation after another. Dokul was a monster that nearly broke Lysander and his brother Akiem. I cried 😭 so many times for Lysander and all the things he had to endure and some he did just to save the life of an elf named Seraph. Lysander had a mission to find out what made him so broken and special that his family hated him and the bronze chief Dokul wanted him at ANY cost!!
He finally got his answer but it almost costed him his integrity and the love of his life, Eroan.
Those damn elves had such a hard time excepting Lysander and everything he and Eroan did to save their sorry asses!! Don't even get me started about Nye who was suppose to be Eroan friend and ex-lover, I get he was hurt that Eroan couldn't love him the way he wanted but to betray EVERYONE!! 😵🤬 There wasn't a dull moment in these series, it was full of angst, firer 🐉🔥 and elves with something to prove and protect! I'm looking forward to reading more!!!
Poor Lysander found himself in one dire situation after another. Dokul was a monster that nearly broke Lysander and his brother Akiem. I cried 😭 so many times for Lysander and all the things he had to endure and some he did just to save the life of an elf named Seraph. Lysander had a mission to find out what made him so broken and special that his family hated him and the bronze chief Dokul wanted him at ANY cost!!
He finally got his answer but it almost costed him his integrity and the love of his life, Eroan.
Those damn elves had such a hard time excepting Lysander and everything he and Eroan did to save their sorry asses!! Don't even get me started about Nye who was suppose to be Eroan friend and ex-lover, I get he was hurt that Eroan couldn't love him the way he wanted but to betray EVERYONE!! 😵🤬 There wasn't a dull moment in these series, it was full of angst, firer 🐉🔥 and elves with something to prove and protect! I'm looking forward to reading more!!!
September 29, 2019
This is the last book in the Silk and Steel trilogy, and what an emotional ride it has been. In this latest, Lysander knows he has to heal and know what it is to be an emerald dragon before he can be with Eroan, and Eroan must deal with the fallout of a traitor in the midst of the elves. As always with a book by this author, from the beginning to the end, there were so many moments that tore out my heart and stomped it to pieces. Then before I knew it, the pieces were put back together again just for the cycle to start all over again. This author knows how to play your emotions like a fiddle, and this one was great from beginning to end: tears, laughter, love, steamy scenes, great characters, and a roller coaster ride. I can’t wait to read more. Highly recommend! I was provided a copy and voluntarily left a review.
March 19, 2021
This is my favorite of the three books even though the frustration and irritation continues, this one felt more solid. 🤭❤
The situation with the changes of places kept happening but this time, Lysander knew where Eroan was and viceversa and that made me less mad so it was a step forward. The love solidified itself completely, it was lovely to see them have the reprieve that I wanted for them, they could rest, heal and be for like four days, but it was more than in the first two books. 🤣🤣
The worldbuilding and the culmination of all the problems felt like justice, even though a lot of painful stuff happened to get there (it was really necessary to take Lyssander's powers/eyes? I think not)
Did I want to kill 80% of the characters? Yes, yes I did and they died and I'm happy about it! Speaking of, what the fuck with Nye situation? He was the only other character who had his pov and I almost skipped it because 🤷🏻♀️... I didn't care. His death was not satisfactory to me, I felt that Eroan didn't say what he should have to put him in his place and I felt he needed to suffer a public shaming and execution like they almost did to Eroan, so I'm not happy about that but what can I do?
Anyways, as I said this one felt better, every step had a purpose and things were happening for a reason, not to only fuck up more a fucked up situation. Lovely ending. 🤭❤
The situation with the changes of places kept happening but this time, Lysander knew where Eroan was and viceversa and that made me less mad so it was a step forward. The love solidified itself completely, it was lovely to see them have the reprieve that I wanted for them, they could rest, heal and be for like four days, but it was more than in the first two books. 🤣🤣
The worldbuilding and the culmination of all the problems felt like justice, even though a lot of painful stuff happened to get there (it was really necessary to take Lyssander's powers/eyes? I think not)
Did I want to kill 80% of the characters? Yes, yes I did and they died and I'm happy about it! Speaking of, what the fuck with Nye situation? He was the only other character who had his pov and I almost skipped it because 🤷🏻♀️... I didn't care. His death was not satisfactory to me, I felt that Eroan didn't say what he should have to put him in his place and I felt he needed to suffer a public shaming and execution like they almost did to Eroan, so I'm not happy about that but what can I do?
Anyways, as I said this one felt better, every step had a purpose and things were happening for a reason, not to only fuck up more a fucked up situation. Lovely ending. 🤭❤
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2023
“Come, prince. Come sit beside me. I will tell you the story of how the world used to be and of how it can be again”.
Tercera parte de esta saga. No saben las ganas que tenía que acabar esta parte; he sentido al mismo tiempo amor y odio todo el rato. Amor porque todo ha acabado a pedir de boca, más o menos, y odio porque ha habido demasiadas cosas innecesarias en esta novela, hasta el punto de enfadarme de verdad.
“Tell me you’re here. Tell me you’re real and I haven’t lost my mind. Tell me there is hope. ”
Los personajes siguen siendo el punto fuerte de esta novela y es lo que la salva, sobre todo su desarrollo desde el primer libro. La recomiendo encarecidamente pero que se tenga en cuenta que es una historia con muchos tintes tóxicos y escenas un poco controversiales.
“Maybe this had been wrong. Maybe this had been a madness.”
PD: pequeño spoiler, he leído el cuarto y tengo que admitir que ha sido el mejor y eso que es el spin-off.
Tercera parte de esta saga. No saben las ganas que tenía que acabar esta parte; he sentido al mismo tiempo amor y odio todo el rato. Amor porque todo ha acabado a pedir de boca, más o menos, y odio porque ha habido demasiadas cosas innecesarias en esta novela, hasta el punto de enfadarme de verdad.
“Tell me you’re here. Tell me you’re real and I haven’t lost my mind. Tell me there is hope. ”
Los personajes siguen siendo el punto fuerte de esta novela y es lo que la salva, sobre todo su desarrollo desde el primer libro. La recomiendo encarecidamente pero que se tenga en cuenta que es una historia con muchos tintes tóxicos y escenas un poco controversiales.
“Maybe this had been wrong. Maybe this had been a madness.”
PD: pequeño spoiler, he leído el cuarto y tengo que admitir que ha sido el mejor y eso que es el spin-off.
September 27, 2020
🌟5 'Im-so-sad-that-its-over' stars🌟
The tales never revealed that about love, about how much it hurt.
This series...*sigh* I'm so sad that its over! It was honestly an emotional rollercoaster and now my feeling are all over the place adfghdfsjkg!!!
“If you want to stop me from walking among your kin, you’ll have to tie me up.” Lysander leaned closer, so all Eroan could see was the glittering green of dragonsight in his jewel-like eyes. “And we both know you prefer to be bound.”
So, if y'all have read my previous reviews, y'all may already know about my two baby's and how much I love them! and well, this book was a stunning conclusion to the all-consuming, heartbreakingly beautiful and totally unputdownable series.
He was so fragile a thing, his dragon. Strong and fierce and outright terrifying to some, but vulnerable in moments like these, the quiet, passionate moments none other but Eroan saw.
My dragon baby was such a fragile and fierce character. He has been through so much, always had his wings clipped by someone or the other but not anymore, he is now finally home, with his little elf. My heart honestly broke for him and all the times I read about the things that happened to him, it made me cry ugly tears and well, my bloodthirsty little self just asked for more blood. I am so happy that all the evil bitchy characters got what they deserved and so did my two little baby's.
“Whether you care to realize it or not, you each owe this dragon your life and your freedom,” Eroan flung a hand toward Lysander, “and if any of you so much as raise a blade to him, so help me Alumn, I’ll kill any and all where you stand.”
Eroan was...*deep breathe* he evolved so much as a character that I have no words! I honestly was kinda, sorta hating on him after the first book but boy, did I manage to fall in love with him in the last two books! The way he evolved from hating Lysander to making him is everything was beautiful! All the times that he talked about Lysander, and the way he loved him, I honestly felt that he would pluck the stars from the sky if Lysander asked (and Lysander would too).
He’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. Dragon and elf. Dragon King and Assassin of the Order. And nothing could stop them.
Another character that I really loved was Seraph. She was fierce and loyal and so protective of those she loved. I loved how she always stood by Eraon and wasn't disgusted by 'the dragon prince' and instead embraced their relationship and encouraged them to be together.
“He’s so big as dragon,” she threw her arms wide, “and you’re so small.” She made a tiny gap between her fingers. “It was adorable.”
Akiem was another character that I haven't given credit to in the past. The author's ability to make me hate a character only to make me fall in love with them, is mind blowing! From the very start, Akiem had been very difficult to crack and to understand. Underneath all of this scary persona, he was actually a person who cared for those he loved. I loved how from hating the elves, he came to helping and saving their lives. I honestly would've cried when he died but knowing his book is next (which means he isn't dead), I'm gonna tell my fragile little heart to rest in peace lol!
This was how it would be now—Lysander and Eroan. Nothing could touch them just so long as they were together. And they would be together. Nothing could tear them apart.
'Silk and Steel' is a highly underrated series that people really need to read. It punched me write in the feels and the twists and turns had me reeling. I'd highly recommend this series to all you guys keeping in mind the triggers for sensitive readers.
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
k, so I didn't put this up previously cause I forgot but my favourite scene from this book was when Lysander gobbled Nye whole. I swear I've never been happier🙈
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
The tales never revealed that about love, about how much it hurt.
This series...*sigh* I'm so sad that its over! It was honestly an emotional rollercoaster and now my feeling are all over the place adfghdfsjkg!!!
“If you want to stop me from walking among your kin, you’ll have to tie me up.” Lysander leaned closer, so all Eroan could see was the glittering green of dragonsight in his jewel-like eyes. “And we both know you prefer to be bound.”
So, if y'all have read my previous reviews, y'all may already know about my two baby's and how much I love them! and well, this book was a stunning conclusion to the all-consuming, heartbreakingly beautiful and totally unputdownable series.
He was so fragile a thing, his dragon. Strong and fierce and outright terrifying to some, but vulnerable in moments like these, the quiet, passionate moments none other but Eroan saw.
My dragon baby was such a fragile and fierce character. He has been through so much, always had his wings clipped by someone or the other but not anymore, he is now finally home, with his little elf. My heart honestly broke for him and all the times I read about the things that happened to him, it made me cry ugly tears and well, my bloodthirsty little self just asked for more blood. I am so happy that all the evil bitchy characters got what they deserved and so did my two little baby's.
“Whether you care to realize it or not, you each owe this dragon your life and your freedom,” Eroan flung a hand toward Lysander, “and if any of you so much as raise a blade to him, so help me Alumn, I’ll kill any and all where you stand.”
Eroan was...*deep breathe* he evolved so much as a character that I have no words! I honestly was kinda, sorta hating on him after the first book but boy, did I manage to fall in love with him in the last two books! The way he evolved from hating Lysander to making him is everything was beautiful! All the times that he talked about Lysander, and the way he loved him, I honestly felt that he would pluck the stars from the sky if Lysander asked (and Lysander would too).
He’d go anywhere with Eroan, do anything for him, love him, protect him, be what he needed, because this was them now. Dragon and elf. Dragon King and Assassin of the Order. And nothing could stop them.
Another character that I really loved was Seraph. She was fierce and loyal and so protective of those she loved. I loved how she always stood by Eraon and wasn't disgusted by 'the dragon prince' and instead embraced their relationship and encouraged them to be together.
“He’s so big as dragon,” she threw her arms wide, “and you’re so small.” She made a tiny gap between her fingers. “It was adorable.”
Akiem was another character that I haven't given credit to in the past. The author's ability to make me hate a character only to make me fall in love with them, is mind blowing! From the very start, Akiem had been very difficult to crack and to understand. Underneath all of this scary persona, he was actually a person who cared for those he loved. I loved how from hating the elves, he came to helping and saving their lives. I honestly would've cried when he died but knowing his book is next (which means he isn't dead), I'm gonna tell my fragile little heart to rest in peace lol!
This was how it would be now—Lysander and Eroan. Nothing could touch them just so long as they were together. And they would be together. Nothing could tear them apart.
'Silk and Steel' is a highly underrated series that people really need to read. It punched me write in the feels and the twists and turns had me reeling. I'd highly recommend this series to all you guys keeping in mind the triggers for sensitive readers.
A home wasn’t a place, it was a person, and Lysander had found his.
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
k, so I didn't put this up previously cause I forgot but my favourite scene from this book was when Lysander gobbled Nye whole. I swear I've never been happier🙈
❖❖❖❖❖❖❖❖
April 27, 2020
5✨
I was so nervous for this finale. Things between elf and dragon were reaching a tipping point and there was going to come a time when it all exploded.
Well, it happened. In this book.
But it was perfection.
I was expecting death and destruction and violence and heartbreak and love and I got all of it in 400 or so pages.
Lysander and Eroan's relationship has taken shape and was finally realized in Blood & Ice. I was nervous for them, being so happy, in the beginning of the book. I said, "Surely, something will happen..." and boy, did it. Evil took the form of a little elf named Nye, who needed to back off a book ago. He had a little helper, named Mirann, who didn't really deserve Lysander's protection with her brood (whether they were his eggs or not). Still, Lysander, being the kind dragon he is, tried his best to protect Mirann and the unhatched eggs.
Eroan, of course, went to the ends of the earth for Lysander. Their love is beautiful and big and pure and I love it. I will fight anyone to the death for these two. And Lysander repaid the favor. When Lysander cradled Eroan as he died, I was weeping. I actually thought for a second that that was it; that this story was going to end in heartbreak. Thank god I was wrong!
Lysander became the dragon that no one believed he could be. He overcame everything (even fighting with no sight) and that piece of shit (excuse my french) Dokul finally got what was coming to him. I was also happy that Akiem redeemed himself... sort of. His prior actions are not excusable, but he did come around in the end and I'm eager to meet him again in The Black Prince.
Ugh I just loved this trilogy so much. I think I'm going to listen to it on Audible now because I've heard great things about the narration.
I was so nervous for this finale. Things between elf and dragon were reaching a tipping point and there was going to come a time when it all exploded.
Well, it happened. In this book.
But it was perfection.
I was expecting death and destruction and violence and heartbreak and love and I got all of it in 400 or so pages.
Lysander and Eroan's relationship has taken shape and was finally realized in Blood & Ice. I was nervous for them, being so happy, in the beginning of the book. I said, "Surely, something will happen..." and boy, did it. Evil took the form of a little elf named Nye, who needed to back off a book ago. He had a little helper, named Mirann, who didn't really deserve Lysander's protection with her brood (whether they were his eggs or not). Still, Lysander, being the kind dragon he is, tried his best to protect Mirann and the unhatched eggs.
Eroan, of course, went to the ends of the earth for Lysander. Their love is beautiful and big and pure and I love it. I will fight anyone to the death for these two. And Lysander repaid the favor. When Lysander cradled Eroan as he died, I was weeping. I actually thought for a second that that was it; that this story was going to end in heartbreak. Thank god I was wrong!
Lysander became the dragon that no one believed he could be. He overcame everything (even fighting with no sight) and that piece of shit (excuse my french) Dokul finally got what was coming to him. I was also happy that Akiem redeemed himself... sort of. His prior actions are not excusable, but he did come around in the end and I'm eager to meet him again in The Black Prince.
Ugh I just loved this trilogy so much. I think I'm going to listen to it on Audible now because I've heard great things about the narration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2019
When I got my copy of the book I was incredibly excited. My plans were to ignore the world and just read it all in one sitting. And then my need to know what happens with Eroan and Lysander started battling my fear of the ending. What if they don’t survive? What if only one of them survives? Or Lysander succumbs to whatever it is that an emerald is and becomes something evil and Eroan is forced to kill him? These questions made me want to hide from the world and to put the book down in the quieter moments (when Eroan and Lysander were together and happy) just so I could pretend that they’ll get a HEA. I know this author’s other works and a HEA is in no way guaranteed. In fact her characters usually don’t get one so the pressure was real. I kept waiting for the moment when it will all go wrong and won’t ever get right again. Will Eroan and Lysander get their HEA, will they even survive? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
There were a lot of twists, even more up-and-downs and I cried a lot. Thankfully I was prepared with a lot of handkerchiefs! This wasn't as brutal and abusive as the previous two installments. A lot of bad things happen to the characters (especially Akiem) but they're mostly implied instead of described in detail. In that Blood & Ice was easier on the pcyche. On the other hand all of that was left to the imagination and oh boy do I have a twisted and dark mind. So maybe it would have been better for my peace of mind at least if what really happen wasn't left off page. Especially what Dokul did to Akiem as the black prince wormed his way into my heart even before this book. I've had a strange fascination with him since the very start of the series. He's enigmatic and just as messed up in the head as Lysander, just has a better way of hiding it. And he's also an asshole but that's part of his charm.
Blood & Ice is the end of Lysander and Eroan's story but not the end of Ariana Nash's exploration of this wonderful world she has build for us to enjoy. At the end of the book there's a preview of her next work that reveals that this world is much bigger and has a lot more to offer. And I really can't wait!
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
There were a lot of twists, even more up-and-downs and I cried a lot. Thankfully I was prepared with a lot of handkerchiefs! This wasn't as brutal and abusive as the previous two installments. A lot of bad things happen to the characters (especially Akiem) but they're mostly implied instead of described in detail. In that Blood & Ice was easier on the pcyche. On the other hand all of that was left to the imagination and oh boy do I have a twisted and dark mind. So maybe it would have been better for my peace of mind at least if what really happen wasn't left off page. Especially what Dokul did to Akiem as the black prince wormed his way into my heart even before this book. I've had a strange fascination with him since the very start of the series. He's enigmatic and just as messed up in the head as Lysander, just has a better way of hiding it. And he's also an asshole but that's part of his charm.
Blood & Ice is the end of Lysander and Eroan's story but not the end of Ariana Nash's exploration of this wonderful world she has build for us to enjoy. At the end of the book there's a preview of her next work that reveals that this world is much bigger and has a lot more to offer. And I really can't wait!
ARC provided by the author in exchange of an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
January 6, 2020
4.5 stars! Outstanding! Fantasy done right, the whole series. I absolutely tore through all 3 books. I was completely ensnared and had to know what happened next. For me, those are the best kind of reads.
This was a fitting finish to the story, and I'm really happy where everything ended, for all concerned.
The MCs change in the next book *which is actually the book that lured me to this series* so imma take a break but I'll be back to it soon. Awesome, completely epic, and sizzling hot fantasy with elves and dragons. Who could want more? <3
This was a fitting finish to the story, and I'm really happy where everything ended, for all concerned.
The MCs change in the next book *which is actually the book that lured me to this series* so imma take a break but I'll be back to it soon. Awesome, completely epic, and sizzling hot fantasy with elves and dragons. Who could want more? <3
December 29, 2019
What a finale!! 👏👏
This was decidedly an action-packed ending to a roller coaster of a series!!
This last installment in the trilogy moved much faster than the previous two books, and while I appreciated getting to an HFN/HEA for our two heroes and their peoples, I missed the slower pace of the first two books. Still, this was one heck of a ride!
I’m wrung out and this is all the review you’ll get from me.
I’ll leave off with saying that this is one of my favorite series of the year! The writing was superb and the storytelling truly surprising—I was constantly kept on my toes because predicting what would happen proved fruitless since I was always wrong!
Triggers: violence, non-con.
My rec? I’d you love fantasy...if you love the dark...yessssssss!
This was decidedly an action-packed ending to a roller coaster of a series!!
This last installment in the trilogy moved much faster than the previous two books, and while I appreciated getting to an HFN/HEA for our two heroes and their peoples, I missed the slower pace of the first two books. Still, this was one heck of a ride!
I’m wrung out and this is all the review you’ll get from me.
I’ll leave off with saying that this is one of my favorite series of the year! The writing was superb and the storytelling truly surprising—I was constantly kept on my toes because predicting what would happen proved fruitless since I was always wrong!
Triggers: violence, non-con.
My rec? I’d you love fantasy...if you love the dark...yessssssss!
October 13, 2019
"From the greatest of fires, the greatest of weapons is forged."
Just - wow, this book is everything! Epic fantasy adventure with a sexy af elf and a devastatingly gorgeous dragon, some amazing supporting characters and some despicable bad guys.
The tension, emotion and lust that was poured into every interaction between Lysander and Eroan, that filled every paragraph, shaped every line and breathed life into every word between them was unparalleled. This pair of star-crossed lovers gave so much of themselves for others, again and again and again. They bled metaphorically and physically for those who didn't understand nor always accepted them. And they never gave up. Not on their hopes and not on each other. I tell you this pair made Romeo and Juliet look like amateurs.
It felt like something strummed between them, an understanding, or maybe something more, something deeper than that, something soulbound.
I loved this book so much. Every. Single. Amazing. Word.
There are so many great characters, some you like and others you loathe. Two in particular needed to earn redemption for past actions. The dramatic difference between how each one of this pair accepted their lot, coped with their pain and chose which path to tread was so amazingly portrayed. One earned himself a second chance, he sacrificed himself for the good of others, he learnt new things about both himself and those around him. The other would never take any responsibility for his actions, instead seeking to place the blame elsewhere and wasting his what should have been on what might have been. That was some deep message there about owning your actions and righting your wrongs.
"What by Alumn are you all gawking at?" Seraph's sharp bark delivered a startling amount of authority. "There are bodies to burn, you know."
Eroan and Lysander are equally powerful characters, finally finding their own place in the world and the strength to be who their heart wants them to be. It is a journey fraught with pain, regret, betrayal, pride, hurt, hope, love and friendship. It's a journey that will see your heart break and remake, probably more than once! Never have two men fought so hard for their HEA, and my word they deserve every single second of it.
"Is that really appropriate. You being undeniably dragon," he gestured at Lysander and then made a show of sweeping at himself, "and me being exquisitely elf?"
Though I'm not sure how long their peace will last based on that final conversation, you wicked tease Ms Nash!
to hear that laugh a hundred times over. A thousand times, if he could. They had the whole day, the night too. Maybe this time, they had forever?
October 4, 2019
Omg, ending was so satisfying. The world building was amazing, the writing and everything
The romance 🥺🥺🥺🥺
I can’t wait for the next installation!!!
The romance 🥺🥺🥺🥺
I can’t wait for the next installation!!!
July 11, 2022
A great and satisfying conclusion to Eroan and Lysanders journey. They deserved that amazing ending after being torn apart continuously and having fate throw so many hardships in their path towards each other. I wept through their heartbreak and felt every pain and struggle alongside them. I’m just so happy there are three more books in this world and I won’t be saying goodbye just yet. One of my most unforgettable reads this year!
August 2, 2020
What we are doesn’t matter.
It is who we are that defines us.
-chole, an impressively wonderful human.
I have never heard anything more truer than this. If we all believe in this statement, we can all prevent a lot of unnecessary casulty.
If we don't discriminate and be more open to more opportunites rather than cocoon in our own bubble of comfort, we can begin to create what peace means.
Eroan and Lysader is a proof of trust, a proof of boundless possibilities, a proof of light in the darkness, a proof of trueness in the middle of wrongness. Together, they can create the impossible- a world void of hatred and prejudice.
If people could just get rid of that "if" above before everything crumbles to the ground becasue it is too late.
This series reflects a myriad of events that resembles human obstruction and wrong doing (such as black lives).
..............
Eroan broke free, gasping. “Don’t change for me,” he whispered. “I love who and what you are. If you must change, change for you. You are free, Lysander. The choices are all yours. Choose for you. Go. Discover who you are, and when you return, I’ll be waiting.”
...............
"Did you want something, elf?”
“Mostly your body on mine.”
“Happy to oblige.”
It is who we are that defines us.
-chole, an impressively wonderful human.
I have never heard anything more truer than this. If we all believe in this statement, we can all prevent a lot of unnecessary casulty.
If we don't discriminate and be more open to more opportunites rather than cocoon in our own bubble of comfort, we can begin to create what peace means.
Eroan and Lysader is a proof of trust, a proof of boundless possibilities, a proof of light in the darkness, a proof of trueness in the middle of wrongness. Together, they can create the impossible- a world void of hatred and prejudice.
If people could just get rid of that "if" above before everything crumbles to the ground becasue it is too late.
This series reflects a myriad of events that resembles human obstruction and wrong doing (such as black lives).
..............
Eroan broke free, gasping. “Don’t change for me,” he whispered. “I love who and what you are. If you must change, change for you. You are free, Lysander. The choices are all yours. Choose for you. Go. Discover who you are, and when you return, I’ll be waiting.”
...............
"Did you want something, elf?”
“Mostly your body on mine.”
“Happy to oblige.”
August 1, 2020
I think this one may be my favorite of the series so far. The ending was everything I’d hope it’d be!
January 1, 2022
That’s some payoff right there.
After torturing my soul and her characters in the first two books, things wrap up really well in this third story.
SO much happens and it’s a wild fucking ride.
The bad guys in this series are fucking bad. There’s no redemption and they’re horrifying. Some characters are barely better, like Akiem, who likely can be redeemed, especially after what he has to go through at the hands of Dokul. The way this is all dealt with is so satisfying. I loved both how the Mirann and Dokul plots wrapped up.
While Lysander still gets shit on in this book, it didn’t make me scream-cry in my car and was far more tolerable.
Lysander and Eroan get a lot more time together in this book, and it was delicious. There’s still angst, but they’re very clearly deeply in love, and have no interest in not being together. They have to go through a lot to get to that point but we get a ton of relationship development that feels great. I adore Eroan and how he is continually saving Lysander, and how he finally claims Lysander as his to everyone around him. He no longer gives a fuck what anyone else thinks about him being with a dragon. Lysander is absolutely as in love with Eroan as one can be and it’s so satisfying to read his thoughts.
There is a cabin scene after the big battle that makes all my emotions and exhaustion worth it, but I do wish we got some more time with Lysander and Eroan once things were resolved.
I can’t wait for what’s left which will hopefully be more payoff without the frustration and angst that drove this series.
One negative thought I had (spoiler)
After torturing my soul and her characters in the first two books, things wrap up really well in this third story.
SO much happens and it’s a wild fucking ride.
The bad guys in this series are fucking bad. There’s no redemption and they’re horrifying. Some characters are barely better, like Akiem, who likely can be redeemed, especially after what he has to go through at the hands of Dokul. The way this is all dealt with is so satisfying. I loved both how the Mirann and Dokul plots wrapped up.
While Lysander still gets shit on in this book, it didn’t make me scream-cry in my car and was far more tolerable.
Lysander and Eroan get a lot more time together in this book, and it was delicious. There’s still angst, but they’re very clearly deeply in love, and have no interest in not being together. They have to go through a lot to get to that point but we get a ton of relationship development that feels great. I adore Eroan and how he is continually saving Lysander, and how he finally claims Lysander as his to everyone around him. He no longer gives a fuck what anyone else thinks about him being with a dragon. Lysander is absolutely as in love with Eroan as one can be and it’s so satisfying to read his thoughts.
There is a cabin scene after the big battle that makes all my emotions and exhaustion worth it, but I do wish we got some more time with Lysander and Eroan once things were resolved.
I can’t wait for what’s left which will hopefully be more payoff without the frustration and angst that drove this series.
One negative thought I had (spoiler)
October 25, 2019
This has been terribly painful and I am sad.
Since finishing the second one, I really wanted to read this. The characters wouldn't leave my head. Today I was walking through a path in a foresty area with lots of warm sunshine peeking through the leaves and thought, "Eroan would like this".
My review will have two parts, one without spoilers and one with spoilers. Be warned. On to the spoiler free part!
The writing in this series is just as captivating as the other two. It's a fast paced plot, something is always always happening and really, no character ever catches a break.
Eroan is such a babe here, he grows into himself and it's amazing to think of how far he's come since the first book. That's some great character growth right there. Lysander remains pure and confused, so messed up yet with good intentions. Every scene that includes Seraph immediately gets 10x better. That is a fact. Seraph is just the best person ever. Would read an entire book about her.
If you all check out my past review, you'll see I made some predictions. I'm pleased to say that I was spot on about a few but absolutely off about a few others. So hey, props for Nash for surprising me so much, I couldn't have predicted some of those brilliant twists!
I can't believe this is it. I can't remember the last series where I found myself staring at the book, desperate to read on because I have to know what happens, but terrified because I can't handle more angst, can't handle all of these twists. I know there are spin-off series but really, this is just such a wonderful series.
In many ways, this book is less visual than the other ones. If you've braved the first two, this doesn't seem as bad. Nevertheless, there are some scenes that just hurt, purely because of how much pain there was, how everything good always gets taken away.
I sobbed. That's how good it is. There is a scene here that just made me burst into tears because it's wildly unfair and it just doesn't end and Lysander deserves so much better in those moments.
This book does a good job of talking about abuse. Both in the sense of it being a cycle of pain but also, it doesn't shy away from talking about healing. A large portion of this book talks about change and how to love someone that is changing and growing, for good or worse.
I also appreciated that things happened logically. I've read way too many fantasy books where a character is revered but doesn't actually act like they should when it comes down to battle. Here, we see as Eroan becomes famous. We see him act in every battle, speak up in every meeting. His reputation is so well earned. Lysander keeps making the same choices and it's fantastic to see how he sticks to his values.
All in all, this is a good series. It's almost one in the morning so you all can understand how good it is.
what I'm taking with me
• Eroan is a bad-ass and a tease.
• Peace is possible, I guess.
• Elves are stupid.
Okay, spoilers from here on out. I repeat, spoilers!
You all ready? Lots of spoilers.
This is an odd complaint but I didn't like that Alumn gave Lysander back his eyes. I mean, I obviously didn't like him being blinded and my gosh, that scene was so hard to read.
However, it felt like no one ever actually gets injured. Lysander goes through this horrible ordeal and somehow it all magically goes away. The blindness felt like something that deserved space and shouldn't have been resolved so quickly.
Generally, the ending was a little abrupt. I realize that there is a limit to how long a book can be (although, is happily read 800 pages of this!) but it all went by so fast.
There are more questions than answers when it comes to Alumn's identity but I liked it. There's something so spiritual about it, the idea that your god exists in the form of your worst enemy, that she's been listening to it all. I don't quite get the value of the tree but I loved how traditional elves are.
Nash has a tendency to recycle plot elements. Characters mysteriously get kidnapped, disappear abruptly, Eroan gets betrayed by his people (seriously, what's up with elves?), characters get close to death but get saved with ~magic~. That said, these plot elements work and my heart keeps hurting all the same.
The ending, the last few sentences, it tore my heart into shreds and I totally called out that Lysander would rule all of the dragons, even before his super power stuff. It's so beautiful and Eroan is so powerful, such a role model, such a well built character.
Eroan and Lysander behaving like dads to Seraph is hella cute. I wish we saw more of Elle. Do we even know for sure that Ross survived? Eroan is a father and that matters.
I felt like Nye's story was placed well. My emotions were all over in the scene where he confronts Eroan and gets kicked out. However, I feel like it would have been interesting to see a parallel between him and Lysander. Both decide to leave their original camp. Lysander is moved by love and admiration while Nye is moved by hate. And like, it would have been cool if they had treated him well and we could have seen another side of dragons.
This book plays around with the idea that dragons are less than humans or elves, that they are inherently evil. I wished for a deeper discussion about that. Can dragons be better? What happens when dragons stay dragon? Akiem and Lysander certain prove they can be less like dragons so which should mean other dragons can as well. Do dragons deserve being brainwashed by Lysander?
Man, I can go on but it's so late. By Alumn, this series will probably stay with me, at least for a bit.
Since finishing the second one, I really wanted to read this. The characters wouldn't leave my head. Today I was walking through a path in a foresty area with lots of warm sunshine peeking through the leaves and thought, "Eroan would like this".
My review will have two parts, one without spoilers and one with spoilers. Be warned. On to the spoiler free part!
The writing in this series is just as captivating as the other two. It's a fast paced plot, something is always always happening and really, no character ever catches a break.
Eroan is such a babe here, he grows into himself and it's amazing to think of how far he's come since the first book. That's some great character growth right there. Lysander remains pure and confused, so messed up yet with good intentions. Every scene that includes Seraph immediately gets 10x better. That is a fact. Seraph is just the best person ever. Would read an entire book about her.
If you all check out my past review, you'll see I made some predictions. I'm pleased to say that I was spot on about a few but absolutely off about a few others. So hey, props for Nash for surprising me so much, I couldn't have predicted some of those brilliant twists!
I can't believe this is it. I can't remember the last series where I found myself staring at the book, desperate to read on because I have to know what happens, but terrified because I can't handle more angst, can't handle all of these twists. I know there are spin-off series but really, this is just such a wonderful series.
In many ways, this book is less visual than the other ones. If you've braved the first two, this doesn't seem as bad. Nevertheless, there are some scenes that just hurt, purely because of how much pain there was, how everything good always gets taken away.
I sobbed. That's how good it is. There is a scene here that just made me burst into tears because it's wildly unfair and it just doesn't end and Lysander deserves so much better in those moments.
This book does a good job of talking about abuse. Both in the sense of it being a cycle of pain but also, it doesn't shy away from talking about healing. A large portion of this book talks about change and how to love someone that is changing and growing, for good or worse.
I also appreciated that things happened logically. I've read way too many fantasy books where a character is revered but doesn't actually act like they should when it comes down to battle. Here, we see as Eroan becomes famous. We see him act in every battle, speak up in every meeting. His reputation is so well earned. Lysander keeps making the same choices and it's fantastic to see how he sticks to his values.
All in all, this is a good series. It's almost one in the morning so you all can understand how good it is.
what I'm taking with me
• Eroan is a bad-ass and a tease.
• Peace is possible, I guess.
• Elves are stupid.
Okay, spoilers from here on out. I repeat, spoilers!
You all ready? Lots of spoilers.
This is an odd complaint but I didn't like that Alumn gave Lysander back his eyes. I mean, I obviously didn't like him being blinded and my gosh, that scene was so hard to read.
However, it felt like no one ever actually gets injured. Lysander goes through this horrible ordeal and somehow it all magically goes away. The blindness felt like something that deserved space and shouldn't have been resolved so quickly.
Generally, the ending was a little abrupt. I realize that there is a limit to how long a book can be (although, is happily read 800 pages of this!) but it all went by so fast.
There are more questions than answers when it comes to Alumn's identity but I liked it. There's something so spiritual about it, the idea that your god exists in the form of your worst enemy, that she's been listening to it all. I don't quite get the value of the tree but I loved how traditional elves are.
Nash has a tendency to recycle plot elements. Characters mysteriously get kidnapped, disappear abruptly, Eroan gets betrayed by his people (seriously, what's up with elves?), characters get close to death but get saved with ~magic~. That said, these plot elements work and my heart keeps hurting all the same.
The ending, the last few sentences, it tore my heart into shreds and I totally called out that Lysander would rule all of the dragons, even before his super power stuff. It's so beautiful and Eroan is so powerful, such a role model, such a well built character.
Eroan and Lysander behaving like dads to Seraph is hella cute. I wish we saw more of Elle. Do we even know for sure that Ross survived? Eroan is a father and that matters.
I felt like Nye's story was placed well. My emotions were all over in the scene where he confronts Eroan and gets kicked out. However, I feel like it would have been interesting to see a parallel between him and Lysander. Both decide to leave their original camp. Lysander is moved by love and admiration while Nye is moved by hate. And like, it would have been cool if they had treated him well and we could have seen another side of dragons.
This book plays around with the idea that dragons are less than humans or elves, that they are inherently evil. I wished for a deeper discussion about that. Can dragons be better? What happens when dragons stay dragon? Akiem and Lysander certain prove they can be less like dragons so which should mean other dragons can as well. Do dragons deserve being brainwashed by Lysander?
Man, I can go on but it's so late. By Alumn, this series will probably stay with me, at least for a bit.
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