Member Reviews

This was the perfect ending to this series. There was heartache, action, love, friendship. I just loved it all. It was all written well and made sense. This book flowed very nicely for a wrapping up of the series. With that being said, I still need more. There is still so much to explore and discover in this world. I would love a continuation with Mari and Griffin. I'm sad nothing really happened much with them but it makes sense given how stubborn they both are. Mari was a real front runner in this last book and I'm here for it! I need more witchy content.

Was this review helpful?

I loved this series with my whole heart and what an excellent ending for the Sacred Stones Triology! The action? The plot? The spice? Perfect! It’s now been bumped to one of my favorite fantasy romance series. Kane and Arwen, I love their relationship and the way he’d do anything for her. I really enjoyed how she tied in information from the first book not many authors do that, but she does so perfectly.

Was this review helpful?

What an absolute roller coaster! I knew from the first book that I was going to love this series, and after finishing the final book, I can confidently say that my prediction was correct.

This was such an amazing debut romantasy. It had all of the elements needed to make an amazing series: strong plot, great and dynamic characters, romance, magic and high stakes.

This book began almost where the second book left off. Kane was in deep grief thinking that Arwen was dead, meanwhile she was being help captive by his father instead. it was gut wrenching to read the situtaion from Kane's perspective and see how bleak his outlook on life was without Arwen. meanwhile, I was left screaming at my book to not give up hope because she was alive. I am so grateful that these two were not kept from each other too long because I do not know if my heart could have taken a prolonged and depressing absence.

Kane is the ultimate simp in this series, and it is so fun to watch him fall more and more in love the longer the book went one. Seeing his growth throughout the series from someone who refused to let people in to promising to protect Arwen at all costs was so beautiful. Arwen in this book truly came into her own. Her own journey in the previous two books was fraught with always feeling like she had to carry the burden of everyone and not knowing who she was. With Kane by her side, they each were able to achieve their true potential.

Do not even get me started on the spice, because it was spicing in this book. I really appreciate how the author gives us both characters perspectives when it comes to intimate moments and does not relegate these scenes to only one chapter. There is no closed door spice in her books which I am so thankful for.

The plot was fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I found it near impossible to put this book down as I needed to know that everyone would be alright. A few tears of course were shed. The battle was not too drawn out or too short, and it was the perfect mix of action and plot with the characters.

A book is not great without great side characters though, which we have in abundance here. I was living for the "will they, won't they" relationship between Griffin and Mari. I need there to be a spin off with these two where they finally pull their heads out of the sand and give into their undeniable tension. I also loved the new characters we met such as Hart. He was definitely fun and I hope we get to see him on the throne with his forced marriage possibly in the future.

The book ended with an HEA, but still left room for so much more of this world and characters to explore. I hope that one day those stories will be told.

Overall, I now have a new romantasy trilogy that I will be obsessing over and recommending to anyone looking for a new series to start. The ending of the series was great and I could not have asked for more. I also really appreciated that "mates" were not a thing. it seems that every book involving fae eventually means that the two characters must be mates, but in this series Arwen and Kane simply fell in love naturally.

Thank you to Berkley publishing and author Kate Golden for a digital arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review,

Was this review helpful?

A Reign of Rose is the epic conclusion to a fantastic trilogy!!

Picking up where we left off at the end of A Promise of Peridot, without giving spoilers, everything is not going well for Arwen and Kane🫠 I will say it gets better, and then worse😅 I enjoyed every moment of the emotional roller coaster that was this masterpiece!

The story was beautifully written and the plot twists kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time!! I could never guess what was going to happen next! This action packed romantasy has become one of my favorite reads!

Mental health is mentioned a lot in this series. And the way anxiety is described is spot on. I felt so seen💗

This whole series is an immediate must read!

Was this review helpful?

What a finale! There is something very easy about Golden’s writing that makes the book flow easily and makes for a great reading experience. I loved the world that Golden has created here. The climax was astounding and I loved how these characters finally got to have their very own version of happy-ever-after.

Was this review helpful?

We start our finale in absolute chaos- no one knows Arwen’s real fate, she’s trapped holding out hope (which is her jam) for a rescue, and we’re down a witch and two major allies. My heart hurt for Kane more than anyone this round.

Without spoilers I love how everything comes together, and am VERY intrigued by Alexsander and his people. Possible new series?? Maybe a Hart novella?

The headers have some things away for me early on but it was a journey seeing it all come to pass AND I still need more. Mari and Griffin? Amelia’s reign? End of Rose?? Give me all the Alexsander as I’m 1000% picturing Alexander Skarsgard.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 🌟🥹 An excellent conclusion to the Sacred Stones trilogy!!!! Ugh I love this series with my whole heart. This book was action packed from start to finish, constantly keeping me on the edge of my seat. The plot was so stressful but so fun. I couldn’t put this book down.

I love every single character in this series (not looking at you, Lazarus), especially Kane. Ugh my MAN!!! The way he loves Arwen and would do anything for her melts me every time. And Arwen’s character growth from book one???? Amazing. I love the found family vibes, the magic system, the female friendships, and obviously the romance. The ending broke and healed my heart at the same time and I’m sad it’s all over 🥹

One of my favorite fantasy/romantasy series ever. Highly highly recommend 🫶🏼

Was this review helpful?

First of all, I would like to thank Berkley Publishing, Kate Golden, & NetGalley for the ARC!
This was such a great wrap up to Arwen and Kane’s story, and I sincerely hope the author does a spinoff with side characters (Mari and Griffin, I’m looking at you). This book had me constantly on the edge of my seat, and it was nearly impossible to put down.
This trilogy has quickly become a favorite of mine. Each of the characters hold a special place in my heart, and the author does such a great job of making you fall in love with the characters she writes. Kate Golden is officially an autobuy author for me now.
I can’t wait for this to officially release so everyone else can experience this story!

Was this review helpful?

4 Battle-Worthy, Love-filled ⭐️

A Reign of Rose is the third book in the Sacred Stones trilogy. I LOVED A Dawn of Onyx. One of my favorite Romantasy of this year. A Promise of Peridot continues the story of Arwen and Kane and their quest to destroy Lazarus. Starting where A Promise of Peridot ended, A Reign of Rose finishes the trilogy in a fabulous way.

~~What I liked~~
-The story was just as good as the previous two. There was enough mystery and newness that it was interesting, but not too many additional side stories that I was confused. The pacing was good and kept me interested the whole time.
-The romance between Arwen and Kane has come full circle. This is no longer lust, but full on love-you-with-every-breath-until-I-die love. It was really beautiful to see them continuing to love each other with zero drama.
-The supporting characters were great. Old favorites, like Mari, Dagan, and Griffin, were back and played a large(ish) role, but new characters added to the story.
-The hint at a future book ??series?!? with Mari.
-The spice in the book was just right, not too much but enough that I was happy.

~~What I didn't like~~
-The superfluous language was a bit much at times. For example:
Utter awe sang through my body at the glistening white glen before me. An iridescent sprawl rippling across the forest—one of soft, fresh snow and beads of glittering morning dew bejeweling each branch and leaf. A pearly, eternal scene, bathed in the buttery rays of morning light and night’s still, blue shadows.

Or...
Only pale light from a magnanimous harvest moon now hanging high in the sky lit my pursuit, gilding every leaf and trunk and frozen patch of pondwater in silver.

Now just image that 80% of the book is like that. It made reading (for me at least) more challenging that I would have liked and a bit less enjoyable.

I enjoyed this trilogy and would recommend to others.

Was this review helpful?

A spectacular conclusion to the epic romantasy trilogy that stole my heart the same way that Arwen stole Kane’s. The final book had everything a reader wants in a finale! Packed with action, spice, shocks, redemptions, and all the emotions! Kane and Arwen are absolute perfection and it was everything seeing how their love and relationship matured throughout the series. In addition to a beautiful epic Fae love story and plenty of action, I adored the side characters and their own stories and growth.

Let the book hangover commence. I already miss the characters and am hopeful Kate gives us a spinoff series with a certain red haired witch!

Was this review helpful?

4.5 stars

An action packed and emotional conclusion to the Sacred Stones trilogy. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for blessing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the high stakes throughout this series and the tension between our main couple Arwen and Kane. They have also cobbled together the most endearing found family in the realm and they really fill out the story with heart and sincerity.

We can’t be finished with this world though, can we?! We need to see Griffin and Mari together, get the channel to Lumera open again, figure out who Adelaide is, and get MORE HART AND ALEKSANDER! I am ready to be emotionally jerked around again - don’t let this be the end of this world please and thank you.

TW/CW: death of loved ones, war, grief, confinement, torture, mental illness

Was this review helpful?

The imagery described in this book CANNOT be outmatched. Kate Golden’s rich descriptions are such a treat for me, and I have NEVER been able to picture a world so perfectly. Arwen’s character is strong, fierce and complex, and I truly admire her. Also, the devotion and intensity Kane feels towards Arwen is entirely divine. Excellent book, 5 STARS!

Was this review helpful?

"My thorn, is that I don't really know what tomorrow will bring.”
. "And my rose," I said, appraising the warm, full, grateful faces before me all that breathtaking love and bright possibility, "is the same."

REIGN OF ROSE was a really lovely ending to the Sacred Stones trilogy with all the heart wrenching emotions I’ve come to expect from Kate Golden. I’m going to miss bright, optimistic Arwen & moody, loyal Kane!

Was this review helpful?

A Reign of Rose

I can’t begin to thank Kate Golden and Berkley Publishing enough for allowing me this opportunity to be a part of the ARC team! It has been the greatest journey!

What can be said when you finally finish the last page and close the book? Because I’m speechless. This series has left a mark on my heart that will last a lifetime. Even days after finishing, I still think of Arwen and Kane and their love. I really felt that for both of them, through out the entire series, they became so well rounded. Especially Arwen. She went from this meek, second guessing, unsure of herself girl to this strong willed and determined woman. They were so willing to sacrifice themselves for each other and their people in the end, I don’t think I could have asked for a better twist. With all that being said, I really hope this isn’t truly the end. I hope we see a spin off for Mari and Griffin. I was rooting so hard for them, the tension was palpable through the whole series. Until then, I will be rereading every book any chance I get.

Was this review helpful?

A satisfying ending to the trilogy, and I'm happy I finished out the series with A Reign of Rose because it was the best of the three books. 3.5 stars. I almost quit after book 2 (a trope I didn't love!) but the cliffhanger was too much to not keep going.

This one is long. I get wanting the epic finale but book 2 dragged too much to try to slam everything into this one! There are so many side plots and new characters, it was simply trying to do too much and it wasn't all necessary. Especially since there are parts that slow the plot way down, So overall, could use some cuts.

If you decide to embark on the Sacred Stones adventure, I think you'll have an enjoyable time. It's exactly what you'd expect in the modern romantasy genre.

Was this review helpful?

the most perfect way to end a thrilling trilogy 😭🩷

i started these books on a whim recently and man have i never been happier about a decision to read something!!

this series has brought a new love back to romantasy for me. its as though you take everyone’s favorite characters, mythical creatures, series in general and blended them all together to make one hell of a series. im honestly truly still shocked that this was Kates debut series and i’m so happy to have a new autobuy author in the fantasy genre.

there is just non stop action in this last book, youll laugh and cry. be bursting with happiness while simultaneously being upset. its so frustrating in the best of ways. i honestly cant believe its over and its going to take a long time for me to get over these characters and this world. im secretly praying we get some sort of spin off or even novellas of mari/griff or amelia/ryder as i totally feel some of those open ended remarks toward the end could lead to this 🫣

i just cant even form coherent sentences on how much i loved this book and this series, its a perfect conclusion and i already cant wait to reread

Was this review helpful?

Ridiculously enthralling. Loved the first two and was desperate for this one. IT IS SO DAMN GOOD. I couldn’t put it down.

Was this review helpful?

I am really sad to see this series end but this was a wild ride from beginning to end. I immediately want to reread this entire series and look forward to more books from this author.

It gave all the romantasy vibes, while not skipping on the magic and adventure. The couple's chemistry was so good and they're honestly one of my favorite book couples of all time.

Was this review helpful?

*thank you so much Netgalley and Kate for letting me read a copy of this early!*

I always try to be more professional and coherent in my reviews for netgalley, because I recognize the privilege of being able to read these books early and the importance of reviews.
However, there is just something about this series that makes me just want to be able to put a sound recording of me screaming into a goodreads review. Or a video of me doing one of those silent reviews from tiktok, because I think my facial expressions while reading this book is more accurate than any words I could come up with.

I had no doubt in my mind that I would love this book. After reading both of the first 2 through netgalley and devouring each one, I couldn't wait to delve in and likely devour this one as well. And I did. This one picks up right where the last one left off, throwing us directly into action.
This book is definitely darker and more intense than the others, as war looms. But don't worry, the sweet tender moments between the characters we love and cherish are still there. I loved seeing the sweet fluffy moments between Arwen and Kane (and the spicy ones, obviously) in between the intense, more stressful bits.
I think that this was a fantastic end to this series, and while I'm satisfied with the ending, I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters I have grown so attached to.

Was this review helpful?

I MISS THEM ALREADY ITS SO UNREAL.

this was the perfect end to a trilogy and I am just so in love with what Kate wrote. There was a point in the book, about 60% in where I said to myself "there's no way this is all going to get wrapped up" and it was done PERFECTLY. The tension, the action, the REVEALS... ugh I already want to reread it.

Was this review helpful?