In "Court of Vines and Vipers," I found the continuation of the series to be engaging and enjoyable. The intricate world-building and complex characters kept me invested in the story from beginning to end. However, I did notice a few areas where there could be improvement.

One aspect that stood out to me was the pacing of the plot. While the story was generally well-paced, there were moments where it felt slightly rushed, especially during pivotal scenes. Taking the time to fully develop these moments could enhance the emotional impact and allow for deeper exploration of character motivations.

Additionally, I felt that some of the secondary characters could have been further developed. While the protagonist and main supporting characters were well-rounded, I found myself wanting to learn more about the motivations and backgrounds of other characters who played significant roles in the story.

Lastly, while the magical elements of the world were fascinating, I wished for a bit more explanation and exploration of the magic system. Providing more detail on how magic works in this world could add depth to the narrative and enhance the reader's understanding of the protagonist's abilities.

Overall, "Court of Vines and Vipers" was an enjoyable read with a captivating plot and intriguing characters. With a bit of fine-tuning in pacing, character development, and world-building, future installments in the series have the potential to truly shine.

𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

I really enjoyed this book, but it did take me until about 30%, and a few weeks, to really get into it as I just wasn't connecting. However, after that point, I struggled to put the book down and read the remaining 70% in a few days!

I felt so much for the the MCs Vekya and Arran — they had so many hurdles to clear in this book, and sometimes I struggled to see how everything would get resolved.

Healing after trauma was once again a huge part of what I took away from this story, as it has been in the previous two books. It's a real theme for the series, and I'm here for it!

The spicy romance was perfect, but I think the ice cave scene was one of the best I've read in a while. And the world-building throughout just made everything that much better, because it was effortless to imagine.

The ending absolutely tore my heart out, even though I'd figured something like that was coming, it still had me sobbing.

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝑰 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚𝒆𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕: world-building, powerful magic, fated mates, healing, spicy romance, banter, epic battle, found family, public claiming

💢 𝙏𝙒𝙨: Consensual sexual scenes, violence, child abuse, mention of rape, death, death of a loved one, blood play


☆I received an ARC of this books from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.☆

Emberly Ash, what are you trying to do to your readers?! Court of Vines and Vipers was a rollercoaster of emotions!

We pick up right where we left off in Throne of Air and Darkness after Arran is mortally wounded and taken by the lady of the lake. Veyka takes a plunge (literally) to find out what is happening with Arran and takes on an adventure to Arran's home. Veyka feels at home when she arrives after a harrowing journey, but then things aren't exactly as they seem. Veyka is able to meet Arran's mother and speak with her on everything that has happened, but not long after Arran arrives and things get complicated.

On top of all of these personal obstacles, Arran and Veyka still have a war to win and the world to save. You spend most of the book hoping that the two would be able to quickly mend their relationship, but the two stay tense for quite some time. Which I liked more in the end because you don't want anyone to just freely accept things that hurt them and brush them off as if they were nothing. The two had things they needed to address and overcome and thankfully they were able to in the end, at least enough to be able to work together to obtain what they needed to be successful in the looming war.

This book definitely built you up to be ready for the next one. I am an emotional wreck and I cannot believe we have to wait until November for the conclusion. I will be here ready and waiting though! Thank you Emberly Ash and NetGalley for the ARC!

4.0 ⭐️/5
2.5 🌶️/5

I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Be prepared for angst and more angst and some more angst when you read this book.

There are unexpected twists and turns in book 3. Without giving too much away, I will say I prefer when my main characters are together on page so I wish that happened sooner.

It’s a continuation of road trips and fulfilling prophecies and realizing who it is you have to be.

Thank you to Emberly and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.

This book was really slow, and I only became interested when Arran returned. Imagine my horror when we find out he has lost his memories!!! Not the Arran we love. I'm still confused about how he became 'normal' again.

Again, this book was quite long but not all that much happening, other than the Arran situation. Lots of filler to set up for book 4 but not convinced this was needed.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the DRC!

2.5 rounded up to 3.

Too little plot in too many pages. I was excited to for the next installment in this series, but this book was a bit of a letdown. It spun its wheels and barely moved the plot forward. It was all filler content. I'm not sure if I'll continue reading the series.

So, these books have created a life long fan of Emberly Ash! I get so tired of reading the current trendy stuff, but then a beauty like this comes along, for the third time lol I actually had to go find the first two in this series before reading because I was already THAT invested. I think we can all agree we called it, even still, I need more! Usually I fell like by the second or third books in a series, the author kind of loses it-and me-but Emberly is a magical as the stories she weaves!

The beginning of this book was pretty slow for me, but about halfway through it picked up and I was invested. Veyka is trying to support a kingdom through the challenges that lie ahead while her mate is also dealing with a challenge all his own. I keep wondering if there is another spy in their midst, and how things will unravel concerning Arthur and Veyka's mother. I like the way the main characters relationship evolves and was hopeful with both of them even though they remain in a place of instability. The side characters continue to be interesting and a good addition to the story telling. I would have liked to have heard more from Gwen, but I think that was to set it up for the next book. The settings are described in a way that it is so easy to visualize. The battle scenes were well written. Aaran continues to be supportive through his own struggles and Veyka is portrayed as this independent, fierce woman. It is also a bonus that she is curvy! The only part the continues to be a theme that is a bit repetitive and annoying is the FMC continues to blame herself for everything...like get some therapy girl...this isn't all your fault. ha! The fourth (and final?) book comes out Nov 2024, so I will be excited to read the conclusion and how this all wraps up.

This is book 3 and the story continues! I was able to binge it right after book 1. Picking up immediately after book 2/from the ending of the last book, Veyka must find a way to right the worst wrong imaginable. This book is a filled with grief, understanding of who you are without someone and as an individual and finding a place to have your voice heard. Veyka has always suffered since Arthur's death, but the potential loss of her mate has made her have to case her be cold and take the lessons Arran offered about sacrifice and duty to their people. Arran's struggles to recover his memories while a part of him still remembered was just out of reach was also a touching story!! Book three was tear jerking and Definitely an Segway into the next couple! I am so excited to see what the finale brings in November. I just know I’m going to be devastated!

Veyka is tasked with keeping her kingdom safe from the darkness. Will Aran wake up to be the person he once was?

This is the third installment in be series. I must say I missed Arran but it made me love their relationship even more. That cliffhanger leaves me wanting the next book now.

Thank you to Emberly Ash, NetGalley, and Victory Editing to providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I genuinely thought this was a complete series. Imagine my shock and horror to learn that this book ends on a cliffhanger and I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING WHAT HAPPENS TO THESE CHARACTERS!!!! I NEEDS TO KNOW!! I cannot wait for the next installment of this series and the author is incredibly gifted at creating a world you want to be part of. I want to be Veyka and her best friend.

This was a great 3rd installment to the series. This one tugs at the heartstrings. Our FMC is going through it and there’s angst galore. I definitely recommend you read this and finish out the series. I’m so ready to start book 4! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Oh I am pretty sure this book made me go bald. The amount of times I was pulling at my hair in frustration... I can't even begin to count them.

This book in the series was an absolutely WILD RIDE to say the least!
I don't think I've been this stressed out for characters in a good while. I seriously felt the pain and emotional blows while reading.

I could not put this book down, no matter how hard I tried. It is a soul gripping story that just demands your attention at all times.

I'm a sucker for world building and this series has that down to a T. If you love the depth of Throne of Glass, this seriously runs parallel in all aspects. Well f*cking done, Emberly. Slow. Damn. Clap.

Just stab me with one of Veyka's daggers and consider me DONE. I don't know how I'm going to survive this cliffhanger... But I'll try.
Gods above, I'll try.

Veyka continues to grow but she still has those wobbles where her self loathing and grief try to take over. But fate really hasn't finished with Veyka and Arran and i had a tear or too again reading this.

Veyka calls upon an a neutral party to save the one she literally cannot and will not live without. But what will the magical cost be? Can Veyka live with the outcome? I loved reading more about Arran's parents and how he lost his brother. The stakes just keep climbing for Veyka, Arran and all of Annwyn.

I'm not sure how Veyka will react when news of Parys reaches her - I feel there may be an epic meltdown to come!

Now to wait on the concluding part of the story and a very hard won HEA I hope!

Overall thoughts:
4.5⭐️
3.5 🌶️

‘The thread around my heart was so bright, so hot inside of me that it burned. My fingers tingles, my muscles tightened. I was burning from the inside out. Burning for her. Veyka.’ - Aaran

‘My lover. My king. My mate.’ - Veyka


Tropes: Fae, Magic, Harpies, Multiple POV, Forced Proximity, Touch Her You 💀, Shifters, Badass FMC, Nickname, He Falls First, Fated Mates, Second Chance Romance

Lovers finding their way back to each other, whilst trying to destroyed a deadly threat. More love, more politics, more deceit!

This series is a must read for anyone who loves Throne of Glass & Game of Thrones!

Where do I start? Emberly has done it AGAIN! I’m screaming, crying, all the things! 😂
This series is lushful high fantasy & I love it!

The story, the characters, the spice - it all hits! I’m so invested in this series & I can’t wait to see where Emberly takes it! I feel like we’re just starting the journey & I’m all in.

*Please see my other reviews for the series on my page.*

Thank you to Emberly Ash & NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a good addition to the series. Veyka finally really grows up here and is determined to be a good queen, and a devoted mate. I was very happy with her character this time around. Admittedly, the synopsis had me a little concerned that she would somehow become almost a bad person, but that is definitely not the case. And that twist with Arran!? I did not see that coming at all.

We pick up right where we left off with Arran mortally wounded and taken by the lady of the lake. Veyka vows to never leave him despite the others trying to convince her she has to. After weeks of her sister not telling her anything of Arran's condition, she finally says screw it, and jumps there to see him herself. And it's then that she finally finds the resolve to do what has to be done even if he's not by her side.

It's not an easy trip, but Veyka and her companions make their way to Arran's home. When they get there Veyka immediately feels right there. Unfortunately, things are not as safe there as she was expecting. At least she was able to come clean to Arran's mother about what has happened and maybe even trust her. Not long after Veyka arrives, so does Arran. And nobody was expecting what that would mean.

Wow, was the whole thing with Arran incredibly frustrating. And it's so hard not give it away here as I go on. But it was amazing to see Veyka not run away from the incredibly difficult situation she finds herself in now, and in fact, actually trying to be the mate that Arran deserves and fell in love with.

Despite this situation, Arran and Veyka still have a world to save and a war to win. And to do that they need the right materials. But because of what happened, these two are not really on the same page anymore so trying to work together and appear as a united pair is not going well. Which also was frustrating because we would get moments when you think they are getting closer....but then NOPE. In the end though, they do manage to work together beautifully in order to obtain the mineral needed to ward off the succubus and to also kill them.

In the end, the succubus come to them and Veyka can no longer pretend that war isn't an option. Which leads to her making another big decision. I will say that I was thrilled that something got fixed by the end of the book, but the way it happened was kind of meh. Like, it just didn't seem like it was something that would have that kind of power. But whatever. I'm so ready for the next book.

We almost didn't get anything at all about the elemental court this time around, but when we do...boy is it bad. That was a great way to show us what's happening. I've been wondering this whole book what Veyka would do when she found out about Parys and it looks like we still have to wait. And wait I shall.

This is the 3rd installment in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown and again we pick up right where we left off. Veyka is now facing the unexpected, Arran mortally injured, all but lost to her. She has to continue forward to find answers to the darkness spreading and to save her kingdom. More about the Prophecy comes to light as well as information about Veyka's powers. Arran battles to be who he once was but its a long journey back. Grief, and mistrust leaves them at odds with each other. Veyka's only concern now is to save her kingdom no matter what the personal cost is.

I have taken a minute to process this book because I was speechless. The end of book 2 had me in complete shambles I was so happy to have this book waiting for me. This book broke me and healed me all at the same time. Veyka continues to grow into a true Queen. Arran is lost to his injuries and trying to recover. He lost a part of himself, and is constantly at odds with his inner beast as well as Veyka. This book had me so anxious about if they would find their way back to each other and so incredibly heartbroken for Veyka. She grieves for a person who isn't dead.

The balance between politics, healing and romance is so wonderfully done. The pacing was again perfect. You can feel the pain and anguish in our characters. You are immersed in their traumas and get to know them on a completely deeper level. I love the concept of magic has a price. I was absolutely on the edge of my seat this entire book. The spice is like the last book quality over quantity. Spice is a 5/5. I enjoyed their indifferent attitudes it felt like book one all over again, but it also came with the emotional scarring, which really connected me to Veyka on a deeper level.

I am not sure how I will recover from all that we learned, and that dang cliffhanger. I need the next one like last week. Thank you Emberly Ash for delivering another emotionally charged and traumatizing installment.

Thank you NetGalley and Emberly Ash for the e-book in exchange for an honest review. This was a 5/5 for me.

I was really looking forward to book 3 answering some questions and advancing the plot but was disappointed. Not much happens in this book and when things do start to happen the book ends. We spend most of this book setting up for the next book and I really needed something to happen here. I like a lot about this series but it feels too drawn out already.

Who do I send my therapy bill to?

The third installment of the Secrets of the Faerie Crown was by far the most emotional one so far. Veyka goes through a lot of internal turmoil in this one. On one hand, her mate’s fate is hanging in the unknown, and then on the other, she practically has save the world and be the Queen that she needs to be.

Strap yourself in because this one felt like deaths by a thousand paper cuts. Emberly did an amazing job really diving into character development, and building on the relationships between the characters. Emotional? Yes. Messy? Yes. Heart-breaking? Yes. Will you need a chocolate croissant, and a stiff drink? Yes.

Without revealing too much. If you already read the first two in the series, this third one is good on an emotional level.

If this is the first time hearing of this series. You will love this if you like Arthurian retelling with a twist, found family, shifters, plus sized FMC representation, female rage, prophecy, slow- burn, heavy character development, then you will really enjoy this series.

Thank you Emberly Ash and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

"Court of Vines and Vipers by Emberly Ash is a standout novel that weaves a dark and intricate tale within the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. The book’s rich world-building and the fresh take on Arthurian legends captivated me, while the emotional depth and character arcs were both profound and relatable.

The narrative skillfully combines dark fantasy elements with a high-steam romance, set against a backdrop of fae mythology and power struggles. The protagonist, Veyka Pendragon, is a symbol of resilience, and her journey is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability.

For lovers of dark, high-fantasy romance, this book is a compelling read. Its complex characters and thrilling plot twists make it a memorable addition to the genre, and a novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned."