I really love this world Briar Boleyn has created but boy do I have thoughts on this one. Just like Queen of Roses, and Court of Claws, Empress of Fae is full of twists and turns and unpredictable changing of alliances. Morgan finally has taken control of her life and her power and has returned to Pendrath to face Arthur.

I was a little disappointed that the actual plot did not begin until the 55% mark of the novel. The entire first half was just world building again, and I skimmed through it. While i get that the world building helps set the stage for the action later in the book, it seems excessively long and dry. Also this book is a lot more court politics than the previous two. I had hoped to see more personal growth in Morgan however, she seems to be this flat character with very minimal growth. Draven has done a complete 180 from his original characterization and basically lay down all his self respect, reputation, power, kingdom, and ruthlessness for Morgan to run things. While I love a strong female main character, when her character is given power at the expense of the other better written characters around her, it takes away from her growth.

There was also the big plot hole of Lancelet thinking Morgan left her to die then serving Morgan selflessly. The changing alliances were not explored very deeply.

All in all, the story was enjoyable, and left off on an ending where I am eager to see what happens in book 4, but Morgan's character as well as the heavy heavy heavy and repetitive world building are starting to make the series drag.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

**SPOILERS**


Thank you to NetGalley for a free advance review copy, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a series this is turning out to be! I’m so impressed with the fantasy elements and world building in this series, and this book is just building more and more on that.

The plot is flowing beautifully, it was easy to understand what was happening, and some of the twists?? I was NOT expecting. I certainly was not expecting Arthur to have been somehow brainwashed into the cruel actions he had been taking - but I definitely had been expecting his death, obviously.

Comments on Fenyx? Just, eugh. He deserved a slower and more painful demise.

And as for Orcades?? I only wish she was still alive - she’d be a badass character to have in the upcoming battle (I’m foreseeing!!) with the High King! It will also be interesting to see how Orcades’ and Arthur’s child will play a part, considering the prophecy.

My only gripes - I was struggling to get into the story with the first third of the book. It seemed like hardly anything was happening, but it picked up well. There was also less spice which I’m in two minds about - I wish there had been more (I am absolutely in love with Draven), but on the other hand, it wouldn’t have fit in with the story line.

Overall, I’m still impressed and still gripped by this series. I will without a doubt be reading the next one!

Here are some of my favourite quotes, all by Draven of course:

“Shattered or whole. Kneeling or standing. I’ll get to her, and I won’t ever leave.”

“There are no limits to my love for you, Morgan. When Myntra and Eskira and every place in Aercanum have crumbled into oblivion and the universe itself dissolves into nothing, my heart will still beat for you.”

“I’m on a ship. More than halfway across the Kastra by now. I’m on my way to you, Morgan. Did you really think in a million years and a million lifetimes that I’d ever be able to stay away?”

“Yours is the only kingdom I’ll pay fealty to. Yours are the only feet at which I’ll willingly kneel. I’d rather be a villain by your side than play the hero for anyone else. The world is dark and vile, but I’d willingly follow you into the depths of hell itself. All I want to do is shield you. Do you understand, Morgan? You’re my redemption, good or bad, right or wrong.”

I am weak. If a man said half as much as these quotes to me???? I’d melt.

Bravo, again, Briar Boleyn✨

I loved books one and two of this series, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to read number three!
I love Arthurian retellings, and this one picks up right after the INSANE cliffhanger in book 2.
I honestly don’t wait to wait for the sequel, I can’t handle it!

The best book in the series. I COULD NOT put it down!

I loved every minute of this book, the characters, the love, loss, happiness, and grief. I can’t get over how amazing the plot was and how well everything ties together.

I can’t wait for the last book! I wish I could start it.

So glad to be able to continue this series. I have loved every minute of it from book 1 until now! Dark fantasy romance is my new favorite genre and this series is top tier!! I hope Briar does another fun series like this!

Thank you so much to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book has left me genuinely speechless, considering my experience reading dark fantasy and romance hasn’t been the best so far. Yet, against all odds, this entire series managed to captivate me entirely. Even the darkest elements, and believe me, there were some seriously intense moments that left me questioning my own sanity. I had to pause at times, genuinely uncomfortable, so a heads-up for those who might need it—this book comes with a ton of trigger warnings.

This book somehow cranks up the darkness even further than its predecessor. There were moments where I had to ask myself, "What did I just read?" But credit where it's due—the author has an ability to make the uncomfortable riveting.

Once again, the author immerses us in a meticulously crafted world with intricate political plots, which I absolutely adored. The Arthurian elements are more pronounced this time, and I found myself recognizing and appreciating various nods to that timeless tale.

Unlike the second book where I complained about not having any insights into the Rose Courts I honestly didn’t care of the insights into the Siabra this time. Because this book is SO good. Seriously, whatever sorcery the author employed worked wonders. But a tiny plea for the final part —let's have both Camelot and the Siabra Court, please.

The character development is brilliant. Morgan and Draven’s chemistry is off the charts and their scenes are FIRE. “I’d rather be a villain by your side than play the hero for anyone else”. And let's talk about Arthur—what a character!

In concluision, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. I can’t wait for the final one!

This third book in the series just builds on all the previous alliance's and nefarious plans. I was concerned that with Morgan and Draven being separated I might miss the romantic elements but actually no because the story kept me eagerly turning the pages as Morgan comes to terms with her new reality back in Arthur's court. Yes the names are inspired by Arthurian legend but make no mistake this is a series about the Fae and definitely original. I very much look forward to reading the next book and heartily recommend this series.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

“I'd rather be a villain by your side than play the hero for anyone else. The world is dark and vile, but I'd willingly follow you into the depths of hell itself. All I want to do is shield you. Do you understand, Morgan? You're my redemption, good or bad, right or wrong.”

It just keeps getting better and better. I adore the characters of this series and just can’t get enough of Morgan and Draven!

It does start a bit slow and can be hard to get into in the beginning but it really starts to pick up and I couldn’t believe the ending. I can’t wait for the final novel!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and Victory Editing for an arc of “Empress Fae”, the third novel in Blood of a Fae series in exchange for an honest review!

This book!!!
I have nothing but good things to say about this book!! It was action packed, we finally get open conversations between Morgan and Draven, and the author continues with some of the best world building I've seen in a long time.
Starting with Morgan and Draven's relationship, I love how they were able to meet in their dreams. With all the chaos going on around them it was a nice break, and gave them some much needed space to talk about where they stand with each other. Being that they were so far apart in the "real world" it was nice to still have a way for them to interact. Also like I said in my previous review I'm a sucker for angst, so seeing how Draven reacted to Morgan leaving him they way she did had me screaming.
I also like how we see how the trauma from Lancelot's attack affected her and her friendship with Morgan. I like how it wasn't forgiveness right away, and how the characters are actually going to have to work to overcome what happened and to learn coexist again.
The action and plot twists in this book was on another level! We finally come back to Camelot and see what Arthur's been doing and the affects its having. There wasn't a page in this book that I was waiting for something to happen, it was nonstop. But again, the author does a great job of not having it be overwhelming, especially considering how heavy some of the topics were.
I binged this entire series, and now waiting for a fourth is going to feel like forever. I can't wait to see how this story ends though!

Screaming, crying, throwing up!!

This book was everything I wanted and needed it to be. It made my heart sing, reading this book and getting to enjoy the story from tart to finish. I am absolutely in love with Briar's writing style and her ability to write such a well known, grand standing tale and give us such a beautiful and interesting perspective on it.

I am so in love with this series I can't even begin to explain how much!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is the third book in this series and my god it was probably my favourite! We got so much development with out main characters and their chemistry just got even hotter! Their shared dreams were amazing and I loved what it added to the story.

This book does not hold back and immediately dives into the action with rebellion and spying at its forefront. While our main characters are separated for the majority of this book I feel like it worked really well because we got to see how much Morgan has grown as a character and how much stronger she has become.

Honestly I just love Morgan and Draven so much and I'm so excited and nervous for the next one! I need it now! I really recommend this series especially if you love fae, mates and found family! If that doesn't sway you here is one of my favourite quotes from the book...

"I'd rather be a villain by your side than play hero for anyone else. The world is dark and vile, but I'd willingly follow you into the depths of hell itself."

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I just want to say thank you so much for allowing me a copy of an ARC ❤️❤️



The few intimate moments you get with Draven and Morgan really solidifies who they are as people and who they are to each other. I'm just gonna say that Morgan is a badass and I totally enjoy reading her side almost always and Draven is right by her side no trying to overshadow her. I was given whiplash so many times because I had no idea who to trust. Literally trust no one.
After the cliffhanger that was the ending of book two, I simply felt like I was missing a part of something I needed. I loved how the author built this book up, reminding us of everything that happened in the previous books, solving all the doubts we previously add, while also adding some more. More plot twists, more turns in the action, more betrayal, more gasping. More me not trusting ANYONE! I especially loved how Morgan is growing into her powers and her understanding of the world around her. I love how much more she is becoming aware of the love people have for her and how she’s not just a no body!
I will literally be ready for the next book! I’ll keep and eye out on TikTok!

This novel continues on with its original retelling of King Arthur and the Knights Round Table. I love how legend continues to get woven into the story but from a completely different angle and creative ideas.

My favorite thing about this third book was the dream sequences. Just when you think furthering the love story between Morgen and Draven's relationship is lost, it gains back the speed a romance reader wants to have.

This novel dips into current world topics with the use of they/them and reparations. If you can't get enough of reading with this kind of storyline, you'll love this series.

I give this novel and the series five stars because it's original in the way it morphs the legend and mixes in a fae realm. I love original spins.

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

PERFECTION. That’s all I have to say for this book and this series as a whole. Each books just get better and better and I cannot wait for the next one! This is by far the darkest book yet with many abuses and crimes and death, but it is also so rewarding.

Usually I can never finish a series, but this has been such an incredible journey for Morgan and Draven and I couldn’t help myself and I could not put this book down. I’m talking reading it at like 2am because I need to know what happens next and I am so committed to the plot.

The writing is different than ACOTAR and Blood and Ash, but in such a lovely way that is unique and intriguing, Briar Boleyn draws you in and hooks you! There are no plot fillers just 100% free flowing action, love, and determination.

I really hope this series never ends because I don’t know what I’ll do with myself in the end 😭😭😭

In Empress of Fae, Morgan returns to Camelot to save her people from Arthur’s cruel rule. What she finds when she arrives is far worse than she expected. With the help of her allies, Morgan returns to the castle with the mission of regaining Arthur’s trust and learning everything she can about his plans. Meanwhile, Draven is left back at the Court of Umbral Flames and sets out to be reunited with Morgan once more.

Morgan and Draven are separated for much of this book but it makes the scenes where they are together that much more special! I was so happy when Morgan finally admitted her feelings for Draven. I guess they do say absence makes the heart grow fonder lol. I love Draven and enjoyed getting his POV! Draven and Morgan’s relationship has changed so much from the beginning and I think this book does a great job of highlighting that.

Back in Camelot, Arthur seems to be on a mission to destroy everyone and everything. Briar Boleyn did an amazing job writing his character! I admit I’m usually pretty meh when it comes to villains in books. Most of the time I don’t feel strongly one way or the other about them. However, Arthur is one of the few that’s been able to elicit such strong emotions (even if the most prominent is hate 🤣). He’s now up there with Joffrey on my list of villains lol.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It did start out slow and took me several tries to get through the first 50%, but, after finishing the book, I can tell it was necessary so the author could set things up for the next book. I hope we get more Guinevere in the next book! I have so many questions about her lol. There were several twists I did not see coming and I can’t wait to see how everything plays out in book 4!

"Empress of Fae" has easily become my favorite in the series, delivering sharp and detailed writing that adds a captivating layer to the narrative. This installment takes a darker and more twisted turn, propelling the plot forward with intensity. Morgan, now stuck in Camelot due to a regrettable choice, must confront her brother's chaotic reign and recover Excalibur and the grail before Arthur exploits their power. The dysfunctional sibling dynamic adds a thrilling element to the story. While Kaye and Morgan maintain their fantastic relationship, the stakes are high, and the chaos is escalating.

Draven and Morgan spend much of the story apart, only to reunite in a dreamlike world where their connection takes on a steamy dimension. While yearning for more Draven POV, I crave deeper conversations between them beyond the physical. The anticipation for book 4 is real – hoping for a continuation of the series' excellence. This dark and twisted journey has me hooked, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

YES! Everything I'd hoped would turn around in the second book did in the third!! Character arcs, self-reflection of the FMC and MMC, political involvement and world building. The list goes on. Super impressed with how the storyline is going! I feel like the ending really opened up a great door for the fourth book. I also liked how the author dropped subtle hints but you had to be reading closely and not skimming in order to get the subtle nuances and I LOVE when authors do that. It really helps me to engage with the novel and feel more connected to the plot. Did it get dark at points? Absolutely. If you have triggers, I'd read the warnings. STILL. Can't wait for book 4. I think my favorite characters right now are Morgan and Hawl. Their comments are hilarious. "Cockroaches can be very nutritional" had me laughing out loud.

Just a couple of nit-picky things: In chapter 40, it says that "A bottle of milk had been acquired from somewhere and he was feeding it to her." I'm confused how Arthurian times would have any other resources other than wet nurses? Only other thing was a repeated word in the same chapter when Morgan told Arthur "You are only The the Childslayer."

HOLY MOLY!!! Thank you NetGalley, Briar Boleyn and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

BRIAR BOLEYN HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! COMPLETELY OBSESSED!! INCREDIBLE!! PERFECTION!! SPECTACULAR!! PHENOMENAL!! FABULOUS!! MASTERPIECE!! THIS SERIES JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER!! IF YOU LOVE ACOTAR AND BLOOD AND ASH THEN YOU NEED TO READ THIS SERIES!! EVERYTHING YOU COULD POSSIBLY WANT IN A BOOK/SERIES!! IT HAS YOUR BONDED MATES, STRONG FMC, TOUCH HER AND DIE/ONLY SOFT FOR HER MMC, MAGIC, MYSTICAL CREATURES, LOVE, ROMANCE, SPICE, BETRAYAL, FRIENDSHIPS, FOUND FAMILY, HEARTBREAK, SACRIFICE, ADVENTURE, ACTION, UNEXPECTED TWISTS AND A PROPHECY!! THE WORLD BUILDING, PLOT AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ARE OUTSTANDING!! ALL THE EMOTIONS!! HANDS DOWN MY FAVORITE ROMANTASY SERIES FOR 2023!!! 🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️


Empress of Fae is the third book in the "Blood of a Fae" series which is a dark fantasy romance with a loosely inspired King Arthur retelling with a Fae twist! It picks right up from the cliffhanger in Court of Claws with Morgan vanishing through a portal and finding herself back in Camelot after fleeing the court of umbra flames. Upon arrival in Camelot, she quickly realizes that Arthur's rule of terror has left her younger brother and friends in mortal peril. Meanwhile, Draven won't allow his beloved to disappear from his life so easily. His bond with Morgan goes beyond blood, love, life and even time itself and neither one of them can relinquish its power or its pull.

Overall, I was completely immersed from start to finish! The ending was not a true cliffhanger but it does leave you wanting more!! I cannot wait to read book four in March 2024!! I cannot recommend enough and it deserves infinite stars!!! ♾️♾️♾️♾️♾️💫💫💫💫💫

✨Because of the nature of this being a dark and twisted fantasy story please check the trigger warnings before reading this book.✨

This author has me in a choke hold for real. The world is amazing! I loved the story so much. The spice was still awkward in places but easy to look past. I grew to love Morgan, tho she still has her stupid moments 🙄. Draven 🥵🥵. I need more in this series. What's going to happen with the baby?? Guinevere? All of them!!

This book was so amazing. It continued the series so well. The romance was my favorite part and it was so well done. I was hooked from the beginning.