It was such a relief to see Morgan finally embrace her bond with Draven. Empress of Fae had plot twists that left me feeling shocked. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for book 4! I love the twist this series puts on the traditional Camelot story.

Overall rating: 5
Spice: 4

I need book 4 and I need it now!!

Between all three books, my interest has remained piqued. I love love love how each book within the series explores a completely new trend. Book one explores Morgan’s trek, book two focuses on the fae and a mystical world, and book three is an entire new ballpark—political intrigue, manipulation, and war. Empress of Fae felt like the perfect culmination of the previous books, with previous characters, such as Arthur and Lancelet, intersecting with new developments, such her fae powers and Draven.

There are so many aspects within this book that worked well. Many much loved characters made a return, and it was interesting to see their changes during Morgan’s absence. I also loved the new characters (Hi Guinevere and Queen Belisant!), and hope to see so much more of them. Even with Arthur, there was a gained (unexpected) understanding—his backstory provides another layer to his character. Overall, each character is fleshed out, which eliminates a sense of complete “goodness” or “badness” and instead paints a realistic view of how and why people make decisions. Plot wise, political aspects created an emotionally tense atmosphere, and demonstrated how much Morgan has grown. Gone is the naive, mortal girl who listens to her king relentlessly. In her place stands a woman, and a fae one at that, who is aware of the world around her. And her interactions with Fenryx? Absolutely perfect. In the first book, Morgan froze up in the face of the enemy. Within this book, however, she’s unbeatable. She remains strong, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Despite her growing power, however, she remains knowledgeable, sensitive, and continues to support both friends and family. Throne of Glass is one of my favorite books/series ever, and Morgan gives similar vibes to Aelin. Mortal girl turned fae, mortal names vs true/fae names, and fire magic. Personally, I don’t mind the similarities, and find both characters individual enough to enjoy the books separately (I just found the similarities interesting!).

Draven (yes he gets his own section, so what).

I just love this man so much. His devotion, admiration, and respect for Morgan and her family and her kingdom cannot be beat. It’s clear he will do absolutely anything for his mate, and that he respects her as a fighter, as an individual, and as his mate. He’s so soft with her, being her rock when he needs it. Even in her absence, he speaks about her with the utmost respect (he said she was the “constellation that guided my destiny” like omg need). Within this novel, there’s a strict shift within Morgan and Draven’s relationship. While in the previous book, their relationship was more physical and less concrete, their relationship is solidified in this book. Even a sea apart, their love for each other resonated. They grew to be the greatest power couple. And the exmoors? My heart just couldn’t take it.

I will say, however, that I did predict the traitor, so that aspect of the plot twist did not come as a shock. I also wish we saw more of Javer and Rychel. Rychel was nowhere within the book (besides some brief mentions) and Javer’s actions, plans, and motives are seldom seen. All of that aside, however, the book is great and all romantasy readers should read this series.

Full hats off to Boleyn, March literally cannot come soon enough.

* I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 stars!

What I liked:
Courtly intrigue and plotting
Continued character development and growth
Prophecies!
This series just keeps getting better and better!!

What I dislike:
Having to wait months for the conclusion!

This book was incredible. There was so much character and plot development throughout the whole book and it was so difficult to put it down. I wanted to read it all in one day because it was so good! I am absolutely looking forward to reading the next and final installment.

Ok, so this series gets better with each book. My ratings keep getting higher and I don’t know where to go from here.
Draven and Morgan are separated due to her return to Camelot so I was worried I’d have to read an entire book without them together but as it turns out that’s not true. I won’t say why. But I love it.
I love her return to Camelot because the characters we miss are back and better than ever along with new ones. Lancelet is such a great character as is Belisent. Lancelet struggles with her trauma and with her forgiveness of Morgan. Making me both feel sorry for and be mad at her. Draven and Morgan figure things out and take care of many of their issues. Draven races to get to Camelot but Morgan absolutely handles things on her own and we learn just how far Arthur will go to win. https://netgalley.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003991314And just when you think you have Arthur figured out….you're wrong!
I can’t wait for the next book!

After reading the first two books in the Blood of a Fae series, I knew I needed to read book 3 as much as I need air to breathe. Each book in this series just keeps getting better and Briar Boleyn is one of my favourite fantasy authors, thanks to her talent that draws in the reader and keeps you hooked!
This book was noticeably different to its predecessors in the series though, as it was done through multiple POVs - I loved this! Although predominant, it was not just our MMC and FMC whose world we were taken into, but that of some of the other characters in the story, really helping to make the reader feel involved. Also, fortunately, Morgan quickly realised on in the story that she is not an island; it was a great relief to have this change. (I’ll say no more for fear of giving away spoilers!) As previously, and as I have come to expect from Briar Boleyn, this book hits you with unrelenting action, great plot twists and a promise of more to come. The spice was included in a very interesting way - a way that I haven’t seen before. But honestly… Draven… what a guy! He is the morally grey man we all need in our lives.
I know that there is a book four currently in progress and here begins again the long wait for the release.
Thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Amazing. But so many questions-now realizing there is another book coming. A conclusion maybe? Or will it be left open for more...I guess we'll find out! Can't wait.

Another great book in the Blood of a Fae series. Each book gets better!
This was interesting as there were several character POVs, which we haven't had in the first two books and makes a good change. I like the pacing of the story and the timeline, it wasn't rushed but was drawn out enough to understand what was happening.

It's a shame that Orcades/Belisent was killed off, as I think it would've been interesting to see how her relationship with Morgan could've grown further. There wasn't much exploration into her character in the short time we see her.

I liked how the book ended and that this allowed for development of the larger plot with Gorlois and Morgan's real family. I am looking forward to reading the next one.

These books just keep getting better and better. I am literally obsessed with this series and they’ve quickly become some of my top ever reads.

Empress of Fae focuses more on the plotline than the romance which is so so good. The world building is amazing and the characters are just on point.

Some of the tropes/topics include:

- Bonded mates
- Soft and squishy for her only
- Strong and sassy FMC
- Magic
- Touch her and d!e
- Betrayal
- Found family

Be warned, although not necessarily explicit, there are some dark topics in this one that are not for the faint hearted.

There are some spicy scenes in these books but they do not take away from the plot AT ALL.

I am mega sad now that I have to wait for book 4 as I have blitzed through these ☹

This was an epic third book to an amazing series! I really enjoyed how Morgan became more of her own person throughout the series but it was especially obvious how much she has grown in this book. She was so much more confident and strong not to mention more powerful. The rebellion storyline and the political intrigue made the plot even more interesting and Draven's plot as he tried to make his way back to Morgan was also really interesting. I love their romance and I am really looking forward to reading the fourth book in this series.

Diving into 'Empress of Fae' felt like embarking on a whirlwind adventure across Aercanum. Briar Boleyn's intricate storytelling and the fusion of Arthurian legends with Fae magic had me hooked. The intensity of the battles, heartfelt reunions, and the unraveling secrets kept me on the edge. Morgan's character development is astounding, and the dynamic between her and Draven is perfection. This installment leaves me hungering for more, anxiously awaiting the next spellbinding chapter. Briar Boleyn, you've outdone yourself!

A very enjoyable book that kept you wanting to know more. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to the writer, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

These books just get better with each one! I’m not ready for this series to end, I have serious hate for some characters and so much love for others! The twists that happen have on the edge of your seat!
Have found a new favourite author that’s for sure!

Thanks to Briar Boleyn and Netgalley for an ARC of this book, number four in the Blood of a Fae series. Thus far, the series has been incredible and has featured maddening cliffhangers. Luckily, this one offers up more of an ending, although it’s obvious there’s more to come.

When we last saw Morgan and Draven, she was fleeing Myntra and Draven to get back to Pendrath and her brothers, Arthur and Kaye. She escapes through a portal, which she destroys immediately after arriving back in Pendrath so that Draven cannot follow her. Of course, he will anyway, but it’s going to take him a lot longer to get there—months, in fact.

When she arrives in Pendrath, things are even worse than she imagined. Arthur has lost any redeeming qualities and is sending his armies across the land on a rampage, determined to conquer all of their enemies. Rebels have sprung up in Pendrath, planning to take down Arthur. As a result, the dungeons are filled with prisoners. And meanwhile, Arthur sent Kaye to the “frontline” of one of the battles as soon as Morgan left to find Excalibur. And Morgan is desperate to see Kaye again.

Arthur’s top general is Lord Fenyx, possibly an even greater villain than Arthur. From the moment we meet him, we are rooting for this unnaturally handsome man’s demise. But he has a few tricks up his sleeve and is more resilient than anyone imagined. A somewhat mysterious character, having arrived from a distant land while Morgan was away, he hides a malevolent secret (but it’s not the one I thought it would be).

Morgan and Draven have discovered that they can meet in their dreams so they keep in touch this way. The bond between them strengthens and Draven’s journey to Morgan is magical and stunning. I think it’s an inspired element of their bond.

At one point, readers are introduced to a creature of nightmares, the glatisant. Rather than quote the entire description, which is chilling, I’ll just say the horror of it jumped off the page. I will, however, share the description of the sound it made: “The creature’s vocalizations sounded like an eerie human whine, as if the glatisant’s past victims were somehow still alive within it and calling out to be saved.”

Many good people die, but in the end, good prevails over evil—just like in real life, right? I appreciated that Boleyn did not go into graphic detail describing some of the abuse that happens (especially, but not limited to, sexual abuse). The human imagination is vivid enough; we don’t need details. I mentioned that this doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, for which I am grateful, but it does hint toward the contents of the next story, and I’m grateful there will be another. I’d like to see more of Morgan and Draven’s interactions—maybe more from Draven’s POV.

This book is my favourite of the series for sure. It was a lot of fun and I was expecting an ending to the series but it’s not over! Now I have to read the fourth book. It was a good blend of action, romance, and political intrigue. As with the other books, definitely check the trigger warnings if you have any triggers. I feel the main character evolves quite a bit in this third book and I appreciated her growth. She was absolutely more likeable in this book than the others (for me).

Thank you Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

5⭐️!!!!!!! I’d I could give more I would!

This is the 3rd book in this amazing series. It’s truly an amazing story. I love the Camelot and fae mix theme it really gives it a different edge.

This book gave me ALLLLL THE FEELS!
It had me crying, angry, happy and even got under the collar.
This had everything and then some!!
I cannot recommend this series more.
As I’ve stated in a past review I have now got all 3 physical books I couldn’t not they are now my ‘kindle trophies’ sitting on my shelf with my other amazing reads.

I can’t wait for book 4, this next book is going to be where it all hits the fan. They’re BIG things coming and Morgan has got to go kick some butt.

Well done Briar, this was an amazing experience I’m heartbroken I won’t won’t be able to read again for the 1st time

This was my third ARC read, so thank you to Briar Boleyn. I really enjoyed this third installment.

While I was reading my Kindle kept saying another ... hours until the end of this book. And the storyline kept increasing and the tension building I was still in denial. Imagine my absolute torment when I figured out that there's a fourth book coming. I just sat there staring to the wall for ten minutes until I was ready to accept that.

If you like re-tellings with a dark, fae twist, I highly recommend this series. But If I were you, I would wait until it's complete to avoid wall staring madness, and torment.

So glad that I figured out this was a series and the other two were also available on here. So thank you for accepting my requests.

Just realised there'll be a fourth instalment in the series, and that made my day!

Thank you Netgalley for providing an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Empress of Fae is the 3rd instalment in the Blood of Fae series, it's a fast-paced romantasy series with Camelot retelling. There's no words to describe how I adore this couple. Morgan's self discovery journey is heartbreakingly beautiful and I love the author's writing style. Plus, Draven (he is such a husband material).

Tropes:
Court Politics
Fated Mates
Magic System
Strong FMC
SPICE

4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (again!)


Thank you to the author, Briar Boleyn, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.


One of the best series I read in 2023! The story and characters have come a long way. I am now attached to more fictional characters awaiting the release for the fourth book!


“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.”


What to expect:

Book 3 of Blood of a Fae series

Bonded mates

Betrayals & plot twists

Dual POV

Queer representation

Spicy scenes 🌶️🌶️

FMC who is owning her powers

Horrors of wartimes


Author provided trigger warnings: “Abduction, Abuse, Alcohol Consumption, Amputation, Animal Abuse, Animal Death, Bullying / Harassment, Cannibalism, Child Abuse, Child Death, Childhood Trauma, Decapitation, Deceased Family Member, Domestic Violence, Drug Use, Homophobia, Infant Death, Murder, Physical Abuse, Torture, Poisoning, Sexual Assault Violence / Gore”


*Do NOT read past this point if you want to avoid spoilers*

This book picks up immediately after Court of Claws with Morgan arriving into Camelot after stepping through and subsequently destroying the portal from the Court of Umbral Flames - albeit, not before Javer could slip through behind her. She very quickly discovers a lot has changed and a lot of horrors have been inflicted upon not only the people of Camelot but, also, on the countries formerly allied with Camelot. All due to the orders of her dear brother, Arthur. She is quickly brought up to speed and into the trust of the rebellion - of course, led by Merlin.

I won’t say how - as it’s a major plot point of the book, but, Morgan finds herself back in the castle in the Rose court. She is once again the recipient of unwanted attention from another poor excuse for a man in the form of Fenyx, her brother’s new guard buddy so, while avoiding him as much as she can and putting up a dedicated sister facade, she searches for more information on the sword Orcades took from her in book one.

There are some very dark moments in this book so, if you have certain triggers you prefer to avoid, please check the triggers list and read ahead at your own discretion. However, personally, I think it’s all done really well and the darker elements that make this an adult fantasy as opposed to a YA are never simply thrown in for the shock/horror effect.

I missed the higher amount of romance and am hoping for more in the fourth book but, that was to be expected with the physical distance. And, I do love when a fantasy book can delve into the political side well.

This was a great read and I’m glad it was my last full book of the year!


(Also - I’m very suspicious regarding Fenyx’s name being phonetically similar to phoenix considering his plot. But, surely the author wouldn’t do that to me…?)

I really love this book. I love how it is told from Morgan and Dravens POV's. As with the first of the series, this one had a twist at the end that I did not see coming- i thought I knew what Fenyx was going to do but i was very wrong. I liked how, unlike the other books in this series, Empress of Fae did not end on a cliff-hanger. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

This book is an exquisite masterpiece that left me utterly captivated. The emotional highs and lows resonated with me on a profound level, weaving a tapestry of beauty and devastation. What sets this series apart is the meticulous crafting of plot points in each installment, offering resolutions to some while skillfully maintaining a thread of the overarching main story. The anticipation it leaves in its wake is nothing short of tantalizing, leaving me desperate for the next book.

The character development in this third installment is nothing short of brilliant. Every character undergoes a continuous evolution, delving deeper into their complexities and adding layers to their personas. It's this ever-growing depth that keeps the narrative compelling and the reader emotionally invested. This book is a testament to the author's skill in not only creating a gripping storyline but also crafting characters that feel authentic and alive. Without a doubt, it is a five-star read that transcends expectations.