The romance was hot and full fo sexual tension. Loved how it was fast paced! The cliffhanger was brutal, though.

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I found it hard to get into and it just didn’t draw me in like the previous two books. I think the fact that the plot for each book is essentially the same made it hard for to feel invested and even the broody Mordred couldn’t save this one for me.

I enjoyed this one just as much as the first two books. I’m looking forward to seeing where the book goes in the fourth book.
It was well written with a good flow.

Thank you to Netgalley, the Author and the Publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

All I can say is that book 4 better blow my mind because this book did not do it for me. i was disappointed. I really enjoyed the beginning of this series. That is all I will say.

While I see a lot of potential in this premise, it wasn’t able to hold my attention throughout it like I’d hoped. Beautiful cover though!

A thrilling third book

Wow, what a rollercoaster this book was! From the very start, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down until I turned the last page. The plot was thrilling and surprising and I loved how the characters made decisions that I didn't really expect. It kept me on my toes. The romance is just as hot and full of sexual tension as before and the connection between the two protagonists is really beautiful and fascinating. This book was fast-paced and I loved how the author changed POVs to offer us a different vision on the story and what the characters were going through. It was filled with magic, love, secrets and danger, the perfect combination for a fantasy romance series. The secondary characters as just as interesting as before, and I have to admit that I really look forward to reading the fourth and final book in the series because this ending is UNBEARABLE!

I highly recommend this hot and intense fantasy romance series!

"I spoke naught of the survival of my heart. It goes with her."

TW: violence, war, blood, sexual content (a bit violent sometimes), assault

I can't wait to see where this story goes.
I need the next boo asap because holy cliffhanger.

This whole series has me invested. I have laughed and cried. It always has some good spice.

I loved this. I loved the first two books and was so excited to get the digital arc for this one! I devoured this book easily. It was mind blowing. Go read this series

To Break a Dark Cage
The Iron Crystal #3
Fantasy
Kathryn Ann Kingsley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

• ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇꜱ ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀꜱ • ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ • ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠꜱ •

The small recap at the beginning was really helpful. It made it so easy for me to jump back into this series.

The pacing was good, overall. There were a few times where it slowed a little but it soon picked up again.

I loved Mordred and Gwen. Their banter and chemistry was perfect. Although the miscommunication trope made me want to bang their heads together at times 😂. The steamy scenes were perfectly done and I found the interactions between Mordred and Gwen emotional and passionate.

I liked the side characters, especially Doc and Eod (the dog). I'd love to get some chapters from Doc's POV because he's so weird 😂.

The world building was nice. I got more of an idea about Avalon, its magic and the history.

I did find some things a little repetitive, for example, the shared dreams, Gwen's magic coming and going and Gwen's indecision.

The ending was good and I can't wait to find out what happens next!

*Thank you to @Netgalley, the author, and the publishers for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

A Thoughtful Journey Hindered by Familiar Patterns

First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude towards Netgalley, Second Sky and Kathryn Ann Kingsley for generously providing me with a free advanced reader copy. This review is entirely voluntary, and I want to emphasize that it truly reflects my genuine emotions and thoughts about the story.

Star Spice ⭐️⭐️(½) rating 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Venturing into the pages of "To Break A Dark Cage," the third installment in the “The Iron Crystal series,” proved to be a journey marked by both promise and familiar frustrations. The extended duration it took to complete the book nearly led me into a reading slump. Once again, the separation of the main characters dominated much of the narrative, with Gwendolyn's path diverging from Mordred's for the majority of the book. While her journey held its own sort of intrigue, I couldn't shake the frustration of yet another separation from Mordred which could’ve been solved earlier if they just communicated. Add in the lack of character development and it left me feeling disappointed, especially considering my initial excitement for the book. Although the series could have found closure following a pivotal death, I understand the author's decision to continue the storyline.

Mordred's character development and their romance when reunited, provided a little highlight which added something to the narrative. However, despite these elements, I couldn't fully immerse myself in the story. My dissatisfaction stemmed from Gwen's character arc, which aside from the separation, felt unchanging and unfulfilled. Despite her aspirations of wielding powers to save others, her “growth” felt limited, lacking the progression I had hoped for. Witnessing her ongoing struggle with her abilities, particularly after two previous books of anticipation, became tiresome. This was the moment for her to embrace her powers fully, yet once again, the reader was left wanting, with the possibility of another installment on the horizon.

The lack of substantial worldbuilding and explanation of the magic system only served to aggravate my frustration. With each installment, I yearned for a deeper exploration of Avalon and its mystical elements. However, when Gwen finally gained some semblance of magic, the author missed the chance to fully utilize this opportunity for a deeper exploration of the magic system and worldbuilding, leaving me yearning for more yet again.

Amidst my reservations, I remain somehow intrigued by Gwen's journey and eager to see its conclusion. However, my enthusiasm is tempered by the hope that the fourth book will bring closure. I'm uncertain if I can endure another installment if it follows the same patterns. I long for Gwen to break free from her innocent façade and fully embrace her powers to save those she cares about. If the next book fails to deliver on this promise, I fear my journey with the series may come to an end.

To Break a Dark Cage is the third book in the Iron Crystal Series and I am gonna say that I need book four immediately! 🤗 This is a connected series and each book ends on a cliffhanger and the next book picks up right where the previous book left off. I love the overall story of Gwen, Mordred, and the island of Avalon.

Gwen and Mordred continue their dance of passion and love and hiding truths from each other, all while trying to fight the big bad in their own way. Although at times I got frustrated with their stubborn ways and unwillingness to fully trust one another, I love these two dummies in love. 🥰

Highly recommend if you love fantasy romance with an Arthurian legend spin, learning of ones magical abilities, and a mix of humor, spice, and fun side characters.

Thank you to Second Sky Books & Bookouture for the ARC. All thoughts opinions are my own, and my review is voluntary.

Mordred and Gwen return in this 3rd installment of the Iron Crystal Quartet and it has been my favorite thus far. Gwen has been forced to find her voice and fight for her love - and it is so refreshing to see such a level of character development. The banter in this book really helps break up the heavy emotion and allows the suspense to build as events unfold. I even shed some tears in this one. Overall, definitely a must read and I eagerly await the final book!

This is the 3rd book of a series. I did not read the other 2 books and I feel I should have to know more of what was going on. But I still enjoyed the book. It is a dark fairytale. Had magic, enemies to lovers vibes.
I liked the banter between Gwen and Mordred. He sent her from Avalon but Avalon had other ideas to keep her.
It had a village called Camelot. There was mention of King Arthur and Lancelot. One of the characters we get to know is Ghalahad.
Thank you to NetGalley for the book to review.

📖: To Break A Dark Cage
🖋️: Kathryn Ann Kingsley
⭐️: 5 of 5
💬: “You should have told me the truth. You should have always told me the truth. That is all I have ever asked from you!”

Saved by Mordred once again. Gwen seeks his forgiveness. But how many chances can a person give?

With his love unconditional for Gwen. Mordred must do what he thinks is best for Gwen and her safety.

“Get dressed. Sleep. You leave at dawn.”

Heartbroken and afraid to tell Mordred how she feels. So is sent off to return home with Eod as her protector.

Preparing for the long-awaited battle against Grinn. Mordred has decisions to make that will change the future and all of Avalon.

While plans are created. The island of Avalon has its own.

“It is part of what I adore about you, Gwendolyn Wright. That in your heart, you always hope for the best in those around you. Even an unforgivable tyrant, alone, with only usurpers and traitors around him.”

More secrets lingering.

Will Mordred defeat Grinn? Can Gwen convince Mordred to give her another chance? Is Avalon doomed for tragedy and death?

Grab To Break A Cage to Find Out!

As Doc would say, grab the popcorn because this is another wild ride!🔥 Doc is guaranteed to make you laugh! His character is perfect and exactly what the book needs.

Gwen and her secrets. Will she ever learn that she keeps putting herself in a hole? So many things could have been avoided from the beginning. But I will say, she’s determined to figure things out on her own.

Poor Mordred. He’s not the villain that everyone makes him out to be. I mean, he’s a villain but of course, there is more to him.

That cliffhanger was brutal!🤯🤯 I need to know what happens next! Hopefully, the book doesn’t take long because I’m obsessed with this series!

Thank you Second Sky for allowing me to join this tour and read the books from the series. As always, my review is my opinion and thoughts.

This was enjoyed just as much as the others. I like that we get more into how life is after the crystal, it's an adventure full magic and the enemies to lovers vibes are giving but I'm excited for when they have their happily ever after. This one ends in a cliffhanger just like thr rest, leaving me to want more and excited for what comes next so looking forward to the next book.

Title: To Break a Dark Cage By Kathryn Ann Kingsley

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Stars

I received this book in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.

This is the 3rd Instalment of The Iron Crystal Series. You cannot read this as a standalone.

An enchanting and gripping story that explores the depths of fantasy and shadowy realms.

In the midst of a tumultuous battle for Avalon, Gwen finds herself torn between love and duty. Despite her fierce passion for Mordred, she has sided with his enemies and inadvertently allowed a demon to gain strength. As their tumultuous relationship continues, Gwen grapples with conflicting emotions as Mordred decides to send her away from Avalon forever.

However, the magic of the island refuses to let her go, granting her newfound abilities and a chance to save Avalon from impending destruction. With one last opportunity to protect all she holds dear, Gwen must confront her own desires and the looming threat of war.

This novel captivates readers with its compelling storyline, well-developed characters, and vivid writing, leaving you craving more.

Kingsley's storytelling prowess whisks readers away to a spellbinding realm bursting with vibrant descriptions and mesmerising writing. Journey from the spooky Dark Cage to spine-tingling face-offs with wicked creatures.

I decided to DNF this book 30% into it.

While I absolutely hate discontinuing a book that I’m reading, this book was putting me in such a slump that I couldn’t force myself to continue onward.

There’s nothing that I hate more than two characters in love that can’t (and quite honestly refuse to) openly communicate with one another. This book has zero world-building and despite taking place in a magical realm, there is barely any actual magic described throughout the portion of the story that I read.

The dialogue was painful and felt like a chore to read.

The smut felt really out of place and awkward… and it made me feel quite uncomfortable considering the placement of it. Instead of acknowledging the FMC’s upset, the MMC acts on sexual urges that feel out of place and makes the whole interaction feel like gaslighting.

I couldn’t really envision the story improving despite not having any major issues with the pacing or the author’s writing so it felt tedious to keep on reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: cliffhanger
spice: mildly open-door spicy scene
TWs: violence, abuse, murder, torture, dubious consent,
standalone: book 3 in The Iron Crystal series
final thoughts: This book, like the rest of the series so far, ends on a cliffhanger and leaves me wanting so much more! The cover art continues to be beautiful, the storyline is fast paced and full of adventure, and these cliffhangers (as much as I hate them since the next book isn’t available for immediate consumption) leave me wanting more in the best way.
We learn more about the MCs in this story along with seeing how the elementals have handled being freed from the crystal. I’m loving the enemies-to-lovers-to enemies-to-lovers-to enemies LOL but I just need that HEA ASAP!

read this book if you love

😬 angst
🤫 hidden secrets
🏝️ forced proximity
🌍 world building
😡 grumpy/sunshine
💓 slowburn
🌀 plot twists
🔮 supernatural creatures- fae, shifters, witches
🪄 magic
💖 paranormal romance
🤜 enemies-to-lovers?
🔎 adventure
❓ mystery
📖 retelling (King Arthur vibes)
🤫 hidden secrets

Thanks to Second Sky for my copy, this book is now available in KU, and I highly recommend you check out The Iron Crystal series. We start off where we left off with Gwendolyn and Mordred. I love that this series keeps up continuity as we are processing throughout. The banter throughout this book made me laugh out loud. I did struggle a bit through this one due to the pacing. I am still curious about how this will play out and am looking forward to the fourth installation of the series.

HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!

I would eat my pants for an ARC of the next book. Can’t wait till they go live.

First off I would like to thank Second Sky for approving my first ever ARC on NetGalley back in August. If not for them, I’m not sure if I would have ever discovered the Iron Crystal series, & I am SOOOOOO happy that I have been reading this serious.

I have had an absolute blast reading and listening to all of the books. I think the length of each is perfect(250-300pgs). The narrator for the audiobooks is a a very talented delight! She embodies the characters extremely well. These books have all been equal parts adventurous & equal parts SEXY & I am eagerly anticipating the next books release.

To Break a Dark Cage definitely felt more like an interlude, however I really love how the plot is developing with each book.

Highly recommend these for anyone looking for an easy to read or listen to fantasy book. These are Arthurian Romantasies with morally grey characters & an elemental magic system.

This 3rd book in the series had major Wizard of Oz/Alice in Wonderland vibes.

Thank you to the author, the publisher & to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my review.