3.5 rounded up to 4.

The series has been building up to this book. Certain plot points and tropes were teased leading into The Amathyst Kingdom, such as the second chance romance, the competition for the crown, and the final showdown. But don't let the buildup fool you, there are still some expected twists and turns left in this series.

Before I talk about The Amethyst Kingdom, let me make an elevator pitch for The Five Crowns of Okrith overall. I really like that this is a fantasy series that reads like a romance. Yes, there is an overarching plot, but each book focuses on a different couple, and the books are an average length and not super long. The world building is easy to follow and each book is entertaining.

Here are a few reasons you might want to read The Amethyst Kingdom specifically:
-Second Chance Romance (no cheating)
-Found Family
-Quest for a Crown
-Looking for love and a place to belong

You do need to read this series in order-these are not standalones. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

An incredibly fitting end to The Five Crowns of Okrith!

This second-chance romantasy picks up with Carys competing for the Eastern Court crown when who should show up but her ex (and Fated) Sy. Meanwhile, the threat of Adisa's plot looms overhead.

I loved the journey Carys goes on, especially the attention drawn to mental health (depression) and possibly endometriosis (fantasy style). The conclusion to this fantastic series lives up to every other book in the series. My only qualm is that some details don't match up with the prequel novella. Even so, I loved the story.

Thanks so much to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Following Carys was a really great end to this story. Her life has been a series of her being someone that other people wanted her to be for so long, and now she finally just gets to be herself.

In the competition for the Eastern Crown, Carys is paired with her Fated, Ersan, or Sy. She hates him, wants him to suffer, and just wants him to tell her the truth. Sy has thought that he's been protecting Carys this whole time, despite her hatred of him. As they compete with other contenders, monsters begin to appear, attacking Wynreach.

The monsters are sent by none other than Adisa Monroe, the violet witch bent on controlling or killing them all, and none of them expected her reach to extend so far. Monsters are not what they seem, and friends are few and far away. Carys tries so hard to become the Queen they need, to lead and care for her people. But when things get to be too much, she decides that he best she can do is be herself. Whether or not that means she will be Queen is up to no one but her.

Her family, her friends, are being controlled by the violet witch, and are being trapped and killed. But what can she do? Working together, Carys must do her best to save the city and the people. But who can she trust with the threat of the violet magic?

This was so emotional, so redemptive, and such a truly great way to end the Five Crowns of Okrith series.

A.K. Mulford has done it again! Each book in this series gets better and better with every book I read. I always think that the current book I’m reading is my favorite yet. And once again, I think The Amethyst Kingdom is my favorite!!! A.K. Mulford has a talent for portraying the mental and physical struggles of her characters so well and in such a realistic way. Out of all the books, I really connected with Cary’s struggles and I felt like A.K. Mulford put into words feelings that I would not have been able to put down on paper. Cary’s thoughts and feeling were portrayed so well that at times, I got really emotional. This particular installment in the series was such an emotional roller coaster for me but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a perfect ending to one of my favorite series I have read in the last couple years. I am so sad to see this series finish but at least it finished with a bang! I think this book will stick with me for a while, and it’s one of those that I will keep ruminating on for a while yet.

If you’re even thinking about starting this series…what are you waiting for? You will not regret it! Just do it 😉

Before I go, one piece of advice, don’t skip out on the novellas. I’m not a big novella fan to be honest but these just added that extra bit of ‘oomph’ to the series. Really quick reads that have just the right amount of background into some parts of the main story and give you some more time with your favorite characters 😀 If I only had to pick one, I would say that The Witch Apothecary (#1.5) is a definite must-read and gives a lot of background to information that is revealed in the next few books. It unlocked the detective in me and I was able to pick up on clues that I would not have otherwise noticed while reading.

Happy reading!

Minor spoilers below! Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for the ARC!

slow burn. forced proximity. lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers. fated mates. found family.

Gosh damn. This story tore my heart out. Carys’s struggles felt so real while reading her story. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Ersan and Cary’s story come to life. Their relationship turmoil has been hinted at since book one, so I was really excited to get into the nitty-gritty of their story. Overall, it was really well done. This story was focused on Cary and Ersan’s romance and development, but also closed out the overall conflict with the violet witches.

My favorite part of this series as a whole are how relatable all the characters are. Their struggles are real struggles that we as readers go through in our own lives. I loved how each of these books revolved around our various main characters and we were got to dive into all their individual stories.

This was a fantastic close to the series and I’m really sad to be living Okrith. Nothing felt overlooked or rushed which is what I’m always worried about when closing out long series. Really, really great. I would definitely recommend this series and this novel. I will probably do a reread at some point as well!

“Witches don’t need the Fates to tell them who to love,”

“It’s hard to stand alone, to stand apart, and harder still to know the right people to reach out for and lean on. Sometimes you need to face ugly truths within yourself to know which way to turn.

“Maybe love could stoke those fires in even the most timid souls.“

“Ah, but we both know you can be surrounded by people and still feel the bite of loneliness,”

“I don’t need the Gods to tell me how to feel about you. I don’t need Gods or Fates or any magic at all. I only need you and me.” His chest heaved. “I would burn Okrith to the ground for you, Carys, you know that.”

An outstanding conclusion to an already wonderful series. This book was a nice change in that is gave us a second chance romance, a new level of female vulnerability, and brought back favorites from the prior books as well. So many books never want to touch on the mental and physical struggle of being a women having a period, especially a bad period and what that can be like. Let alone what that could be like if you were in the middle of a tough situation, it was nice to have that be part of the plot. There are some darker emotions in this books that others might struggle with. But it made Carys more realistic to me.

I love AK Mulford and I’m so happy that they finished the series!

I’m so sad that the series is over but this was such a good ending!

"The Amethyst Kingdom" by A.K. Mulford is a dazzling gem in the realm of fantasy literature. Set in a world where magic intertwines with politics and power, Mulford crafts a narrative that captivates from the very first page. As the final book in the series, the author does not disappoint. They give us not only a powerful, romantic second chance relationship, but throwbacks to the other books in the series as well.

Carys story is not unlike the other four books. She came from wealth and power, but chose a different path for herself. One where she earned her place in life, rather than inherit it because of who sired her. Now that her halfling sister is danger, Carys makes a choice she never wanted; to fight for her place on the Eastern Kingdoms throne. She's the frontrunner considering she helped keep that Kingdom together in previous books. but the fates love a good plot twist. Enter her ex, and Fated Mate who is just as determined to sit on the Eastern throne. Add in Adisa's threats, Fenrin's alliance with her, and the beasts.. and you have an exciting story that will leave you in a chokehold until the final page.

I'm sad this chapter/series is ending, but happy that I was allowed to go along on the journey. I can't wait to see what Mulford comes up with next.

I've been on this journey since Book 1, when it was first published Indie. I fell in love with the characters, the story, and Mulford's writing. I'm honored to be one of her mountaineers, and always championing her books (also, her new zoo serious is also freaking amazing).

This was a great conclusion to our journey in Okrith - though I have to hope that we'll get more novellas (I need more on the witches, please!). 4.5/5 stars overall for me. There were just a few things in the end I wanted more answers for. Also, I have to say while it wasn't really miscommunication, the kind of fighting we had going on between the two was never my favorite trope. I still greatly love Carys, and enjoyed getting to know Sy more.

There were quests, epic battles, and reuniting of old friends and enemies. This novel also tackles really serious subjects like depression, and grief. The whole series normalizes an endless line of different things (like being bi, genderfluid, poly, etc.) and this one is no different.

I'm going to surprise myself and think that Bri's book wound up being my favorite overall. That just means I have to reread them all. And if you haven't read them - please go do so now!

This books gave me all the feels. I was really excited to finally read about Carys, I needed to know more about her past. It’s funny how in the other books I didn’t realize how hurt she is until you finally read about her and her thoughts. I resonated a lot with her when I read about her depression. Her character arc and development definitely is big in this book, it reminded me a lot of Nesta. But Carys finally healing, forgiving and loving was for sure a big silver lighting. Loved this character and her trajectory. This book shows a failed fated mate relationship from the past, only to come back. And seeing that second-chance, reedeming relationship heal and finally grow made me not want to stop reading until the end. Love to see Adisa is finally gone and every single couple from the series back and doing great!

Fans of this series are NOT going yo be disappointed by this closing book. All things fall together and loose ends get tied up. Also, I love to see growth in main characters, and for me, Cary’s’ road to self acceptance felt like a very important lesson many can relate to. I enjoyed the closing of all the other characters as well, but hers was my favorite. On top of that, it was a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to a great series that will leave fans feeling happy with the end. Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.

This final instalment wrapped up the overarching story well and we got a cute final epilogue a year in the future showing all the couples and what they’re doing.

I struggled to connect to these MC’s and found their reason for splitting to be a bit dramatic.. also all that inner monologue was a slog to get through.

Thanks to Harper Voyager and A.K. Mulford for the ability to read this ARC!

This was a lovely conclusion to the series in Okrith. Carys is on a mission to be the Queen in the East and change the lives of the witches and humans in the court. But to become queen, she must compete against others seeking the crown, including her fated- who she hates and will never trust again. With the threat of the Violet witch, Carys has quite a bit on her shoulders. Will the realm finally rid itself of Adisa and her violet witch supremacy ways? Will Carys become queen? Will she kill her fated in the process?

This was enjoyable and easy to read. I always like that Mulford’s books have HEAs and that all the main characters are part of an original friend group. Even as they go on their own journeys, the found family stays intact and grows!

The Five Crowns of Okrith was a series that I happened upon randomly and it really sucked me in and I was so thankful that I could get the final book early. This was such a great end to the series and such a strong story.

A.K. Mulford knows how to write characters that you will just fall in love with and such a compelling story with moments that leave you smiling, laughing, and crying. Carys story is one that I was really looking forward to and it did not miss. It is full of betrayal, love, and discovery. I am so sad that the series has come to an end and I know I will need to do a reread in the future because I just cannot let these characters go.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was my favorite since book 2. Carys' story was long awaited for me. I like how everything is interconnected, but you can also read out of order. I did not finish the previous book before reading this one. It makes me want to go back and finish it! The relationship dynamics are always the best part of this authors writing. They really understand their characters and bring them to life.

First let me say that I am so very sad to see our journey through Okrith come to an end!!!! This series has made me feel all the emotions. I've laughed. I've cried. I've swooned. It has even had me wanting to throw my book across the room a few times, all while carving a forever place in my heart!!!! This is why I loved fantasy!!!
Now for this book! It was such an amazing read and fitting end to our journey with all these amazing characters. Carys story is full of betrayal and longing, love and pain, and full of discovery. I have long wanted to hear her story and this did not disappoint!
A.K.Mulford I love your books and will always be ready to read the next one that comes out as soon as I can!
Thank you for an amazing journey!

This is final installment of The Five Crowns of Okrith and it was incredible!

The Amethyst Kingdom is such a telling title. I don't want to spoil anything, but like, its perfect.

We follow Carys, as she goes through the trials in the hopes of winning the Eastern Court Crown. Which is made all the more distracting and challenging when her jilted Fated, Ersan shows up to compete as well.

Adisa Monroe keeps the punches coming, and for Carys, balancing competing, battling the Violet Priestess, and warring with her ex proves very challenging.

This book, like all the rest of A.K Mulfords, has imperfect main characters who battle their own inner demons as well as the physical ones that can't seem to leave everyone alone. Carys appears to battle depression and her own body (in the form of excruciating menstrual cycles). I believe Carys is intersex, and it was amazing to see that representation in a fantasy story.

This is a second chance romance, a journey of self discovery and acceptance, and of creating great change in the world. It shows that you don't need power to be the change you want to see in the world.

It was such a beautiful and satisfying ending to a truly amazing series that will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart.

I am devastated to be finished, and walking away from these characters. But I will forever be grateful that I was able to go on this incredible journey with them. These books are like a warm hug from my Mom, and helped me so much in my own personal life. It's not goodbye, its "Till Next time".


But also, A.K Mulford, I am going to need some kind of novella or something for some of our favourite witches, and how their relationships are faring in the future.

'd like to thank Net Galley as well as Avon and Harper Voyager for sending me an advanced copy of this novel.

Publication Date: May 14, 2024

I have the prior four novels and anxiously waited for the fifth and final book to release. When I received this book, the first thing I did was make sure A.K. Mulford knew how excited I was to read it early.
This stunning and epic series had a lovely conclusion.

Along the way, Carys came up as a ferocious warrior and loyal friend. Her lost love backstory spoke to my heart as someone who feels similar feelings of self-doubt (dont we all get that way sometimes?) I could feel how big Carys' heart was through the pages. How much she loved and cared for her family friends and even for Ersan.
Their spicy scenes, especially one in particular, had me pause trying to figure out if I should keep reading. I put my hesitations aside and I was such a beatiful scene that made my heart flutter.

Ersan was such a lovely character. I'm a suck for a the tall dark and handsome types like Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, which is who i imagined he looked similar to. His unwavering love for Carys made my heart melt.

I gave this book 5/5 stars!

It’s the end of an era. I adored this series so much and I’m so sad it’s finished. And what a perfect book to end it on! Such a beautiful way of wrapping up everyone’s storylines. I’m so glad I got to read about Carys and her development throughout the series, and especially this book, is truely magical. I’ll miss all these characters so much. I can’t wait for whatever AK writes next! If they write it, I’ll read it!!!

In this fifth and final installment Carys, Lady Hilgaard sets out to win her Crown before freeing her city and closest friends from the tyranny of the violet witches. If only her Fated wasn't dogging her every move, nudging her off balance growling her name, smelling like snowflowers and sunshine, shooting smouldering glances across the room.

This is a definite winner for me - although I'm still picking Book 4 as my series favorite. You'll need to read them all (in order!) and judge that one for yourself. The great thing about this series (as well as being a kick-ass romantasy) is that it addresses mental health and gender identity head-on, normalising experience, reactions and choices with humor and empathy along the way. In <u>The Amethyst Kingdom</u> the insidious power of loneliness to incapacitate and overwhelm us, particularly if we are already vulnerable to anxiety or depression is laid bare:
"The feeling of that physical absence left her bereft. How quickly this isolation warped her mind. Even with so many loved ones propping her up, in the briefest absence she could slip, foundationless without them."
Followed quickly with the stark reminder that often those of us who most need help are not willing or able to ask for it.

I also love the way that the female characters take private moments in the woods, have periods, get drunk, throw-up, collapse into fits of ugly-crying, and throw themselves in front of burning swords (not literally) / practically die for each other without turning into a shrew/heroine/victim caricature, And there's a perfectly healthy shake of spice (or 3) to keep everyone happy. [Some readers might find the bathing scene in Ch.24 uncomfortable].

The question of fate vs free choice permeates this novel. On the one hand, we have a FMC appearing to 'cut off her nose to spite her face'. On the other, she's punished for exercising free will - even if the choice appears questionable. The MMC is an arrogant ass who cannot help fighting to the bitter end to save her life but refuses to do the one thing that might save their relationship, I was so caught up in this petty "to be or not to be" interplay that I failed to catch the foreshadowing of a deftly executed and yet unsatisfying conclusion. The final gathering of the series main characters avoids clumsy sentimentality, but its over so quickly. Exit stage left, Talk about leaving them wanting more!

If you haven't already, I'd recommend reading Carys's backstory, detailed in the enchanting novella in The Witches Goodbye (Five Crowns of Okrith, Book 4.5) before tucking into this book, <b>as well as</b> the previous novels in the series. Carys's bid for the Eastern Crown, her relationship with her father an the broken bond with Lord Ersan are all explored in greater detail. It's easier to be kind to Carys with this knowledge.

You'll probably enjoy The Amethyst Kingdom If you like woman kicking-ass romantasy that acknowledges mental health issues (think A Shadow in The Ember, by J.L. Armentrout - more GAD; for loneliness/loss/depression it's a stretch but Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros is similar); or spicy elf-human shindigs (e.g. Fall of Ruin and Wrath by J. L. Armentrout).

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for access to an ARC.