This is one of the most beautifully written, emotional and heartbreaking books I have ever read and now listened to.

The Storm King is a book I think about more often than is probably healthy. I love it on such a deep level and getting to experience it as an audiobook brought back all the feels.

I continue to just be shocked by how amazing the narrators are through the story. Each MC is brought to life and you can feel the emotion in each word spoken.

I stand by the statement that this book needs to break you for you to be able to appreciate the full story and what’s coming. Book pain is my love language and this book has it all.

Although this is a fantasy series and magic and meddling gods and goddesses are involved, the way Sheila portrays her characters is very genuine and honest. Our characters are all these people in their mid 20’s put into ridiculously hard situations and expected to make choices that impact not only themselves but the entirety of their Kingdoms. They sometimes make their choices impulsively or based on emotion without considering the consequences. Rather than everything being sunshine and butterflies despite their risky choices Shelia shows us the scars that living through those hard decisions has caused.

Xander, Cece and yes even Rainer live rent free in my heart and soul. Add in Evan and Sylvie and we have an amazing cast of characters you can’t forget.

The Storm King
By Sheila Masterson

♾️⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏹🏹🏹
The Lost God Series # 3

Narration by:
@caitlinkellyvo as Cecelia
@jwdamron as Rainer
@timcampbellvo as Xander
@rustymewha as Evan

Narration Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Audiobooks Difficulty 🏹🏹🏹

ALC Review:

This book was my favorite book of 2024, and I was terrified to listen to this audiobook. What if it wasn't as good as I remembered? What if I didn't have the same emotional response? What if it's changes my feelings about this book?

Well I should not have worried. This book is every bit the masterpiece I remember it being. The rereadability of this series is remarkable. Sheila has sprinkled so many hints and Easter eggs and foreshadowing into this book that you will only find on a second or third read. It's amazing.

The audio performances of this book were, once again, remarkable. Caitlin Kelly continues to put so much heart into Cece. She is a character being so much feeling and it really comes through in the audio. Will Damron is amazing as Rainer. I loved him in The Memory Curse but I felt his performance of Rainer even more in The Storm King. And his performance in the final chapter absolutely gutted me. Tim Campbell was once again PHENOMENAL. I am completely in awe of his talent and the way he has brought Xander to life. And Rusty Mewha was such a a perfect addition as Evan. He portrayed his stoic and responsible nature so well. These four are an absolute rockstar cast.

I cannot recommend the audiobooks enough. This is my favorite series and it is only made better with the audio bringing it to life. Being able to listen to Chapter 26 is the reward we all deserve.

Audio Reread January 12-16, 2024

Thank you @sheilareadsandwrites and @dreamscape_media for the ALC. All thoughts are my own.

#thestormking #thelostgod #sheilamasterson #bookishcommunity #indiebook #indiebookrecommendations #indieauthorfangirl #indiebookstagram #bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #audiobook #audiobookrecommendation #audiobookreview #dreamscapemedia

*sobs* If you haven’t read the first two books, read those first before reading this review.

We’ve had CeCe (Cecilia), Rainer, and Xander’s POV in past books, and this time Shelia adds in Evan’s. This is for the audiobook, so let me say that I loved the addition of Evan’s POV and the narrator. Caitlin Kelly, Will Damron, Tim Campbell, Rusty Mewha all do a fabulous job.

I just thought I was broken after the last book. My heart hurts for everyone. While you will still laugh and smile throughout the book, you are also going to be so incredibly angry, scared, and crying. I don’t even know how to share much without spoiling something.

Xander is so broken. Lost family and the love of his life, things feel so empty. He really is trying to do what’s best. He tries to push through and do what’s best for his kingdom. It’s decided he must pick a bride, even when he knows there will never be a way to replace Cece.

I like Rainer. I really do, however, I love Xander. Cece and Rainer do have such a connection. It’s difficult with the trauma from the end of the last book, but the love is so genuine. I admit, I still always root for Xander.

I did not expect some of the twists, and certainly not read for it to end when and how it did. I the last few chapters. The spice definitely sizzles. The love, your heart will swell. Friendships, they are strong. Like all of the books, those you love could be harmed or used against you. When do you protect them by fighting. by standing down, or sending them away? How do you know what’s the right thing to do? You always feel the struggle they go through. Now in book 3, you really are attached, and you feel that pain.

As always, read those trigger warnings. Protect you first and for most.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape_Media, and Shelia Masterson for the audioARC. This is an honest review straight from my broken soul. The audio book is out now, and all other forms of the book. However you read, pick up this series.

While this is the third book in the Lost God series is has easily become my favorite. This series has one of my favorite love triangles I've ever read and this book especially adds character growth as well as growth to the romance. The twists are surprising and not predictable and the cliffhanger at the end is shocking. I cannot wait for the next book.

The Storm King is my favorite of the series so far! Our trio has been Through It™️ and tries to figure out how to go forward in life. Our poor, sad girl and boys have a lot to work through. I appreciated that it wasn't a simple fix. After everything that happened previously, their reactions felt understandable and real. That ending, though. Oof. I need closure!

I love that the 4 POVs all get their own narrators! Even if each chapter wasn't started with the character's name, you would be able to tell them apart because the voices are distinctive. The Storm King was one of my favorites in this series, and the audio definitely added to that. I was able to speed it up without issue (one of the main things I look for in an audiobook). I can't wait to see what's done with the final audio!

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ALC of this audiobook for an honest review.

The Storm King is probably my second favorite of the series. The yearning is exquisite, the story is heartbreaking and mysterious, and the spice is HAWT. There are so many lovable characters…and a few very hateable villains. The performance of all 4 narrators is immaculate. They do such a wonderful job of bringing some of my most beloved characters and their complex emotions to life.

I updated my Amazon review to add comments about the audiobook. I also rated on Hoopla!
I am not sure how to share Audible reviews so here is the copy/paste for your review =)
"The four voice actors truly bring this emotional book to LIFE. I felt everything brought to life and it was incredible. This book and this series is so beautiful with a FMC who feels so much and isn’t afraid to show it, and how she copes with power and love. This story has a twist on fated connections and love triangles and is a triumph."

OK. So I'm just going to say it!
Ms. Masterson....How could you??
Rip out my heart? Stomp on it? Shred it to pieces? Stomp on it again? And then, try to put it back in my chest and move on with your day???

It is NOT OK. I am NOT OK. I am a wreck... I am sobbing... I am so sad that this is how book #3 ended. And yet, I cannot wait to read book #4!!!

Cece (Cecelia), Xander and Rainer all return in this book, but maybe not as you may expect...at least not the way I did...

There is a lot of growing (pains), some healing, many realizations, many loving and yet heartbreaking scenes... and yet, through it all, the author manages to give just the slightest GLIMMER of hope through it all. Just when you think ALL IS LOST... maybe, just maybe, not.

But then, there are ALWAYS daggers involved with these three MC's.
And magicks. And spells. And glamours. And Gods. And people deceiving people. And outright lies. And...So...MUCH...MORE....

Again, my heart is literally BLEEDING right now...
I am devastated. (And, it's NOT the first time during this book!!!)

But at the same time, the LOVE, and WARMTH, and CARING, and FEELINGS, and more LOVE...all SHINE through...relentlessly....throughout!

And…we have the addition of Evan and Sylvia….and the quiet, slow, deep feelings simmering there… ❤️

5+++ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 💫💫💫💫💫✨✨✨✨✨for me!!
As a matter of fact, ALL THE STARS IN THE WORLD for this one!!!!

#TheStormKing (The Lost God Book #3) by #SheilaMasterson and narrated Spectacularly by a full cast including: #CaitlinKelly, #WillDamron, #TimCampbell and #RustyMewha.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which was just released yesterday 1/14/15...so look 👀 for it now!!
(I am SO happy that I just saw it listed a few days ago and was able to get a copy!! I absolutely LOVE this series!!!)

🛑🛑 Please note that there are a bunch of triggers which I feel the need to mention, so here we go: 🛑🛑
Abuse. Rape. Mental abuse. Mental head games. Violent, Brutal Deaths...in many forms... Drugging others. Explicit Sexual Scenes (some consenting, some not so much...) Memory Stealing. Fake Friends.... If you can handle these, please DO NOT miss out on this one...

It made me laugh. It made me cry (like sobbing so other people stop to look at you, cry...) It made me mad. It made me sad. It made me VERY ANGRY. It also gave me the slightest little bit of healing ❤️‍🩹…and…hope. ❤️❤️

You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

I cant even begin to explain the emotions this book has made me feel. I love Cece, Rain and Xan so much!! Seeing how the three of them found their own ways to heal from the trauma that was The Memory Curse (don’t even get me started) and how it changed them, together, and individually was so beautifully written. Sheila definitely handles mental health and some tough scenes really well. It was also so refreshing to have a new POV in this book, Evan. (I hope there’s more Evan POVs in book four, Sheila please I beg)

This book will literally tear your heart to shreds there’s no other way to put it. The character storylines, the overall plot, the magic, and the SPICE (hello chapter 26, i’m talking to you specifically) was so perfect. The Lost God series is exactly what I want from fantasy and June cannot come fast enough because the cliff hanger in this book was so foul!!!

This was so fun on audio and I can't wait to listen to this series over and over!

Another fantastic performance by Caitlin, Tim, and Will. They added depth and emotion to an already emotional story and sent it home. I got to experience their joy, heartbreak, triumphs, and losses as if they were my own. Sheila's writing is top-notch with the way she's able to build up her stories and characters to have these complex emotions and very normal responses to trauma. The Storm King will always be a favorite. If you love the first two then without a doubt you will love this one as well.

Today is the day that everyone can get their hands on The Storm King audio, book 3 in The Lost God series by @sheilareadsandwrites. And trust me when I say, you will want to do just that!

As a reader, I was immediately drawn into the story and the many raw emotions my poor babies were struggling with. But let me tell you, hearing it in audio took those feelings and amplified them tenfold!

The narrators did a fabulous job bringing each character and their intense emotions to life and I felt every single one of them deep in my soul! The addition of Evan’s POV was brilliant and really helped add another layer to an already complex storyline.

It’s safe to say that the cry count for this one was infinite. “Remembering is hard” and yet, “the only way out is through!”

But on a much lighter note, I have but one request that I know I am not alone in…

SHEILA- there is a certain bedroom scene still left unwritten and requires your immediate attention!! That was quite the aggressive page/ audio break! The likes of which only a bonus scene could fix 😉🙏🏻

If you have not yet started TLG series, what are you waiting for? The whole series is in print and on KU. Books 1-3 are available on audio with the final audiobook releasing next month!!!

✨ALC REVIEW✨
🎧: The Storm King (The Lost God, Book 3)
💻: Releasing January 14
🎙️: Caitlin Kelly; Will Damron; Tim Campbell; Rusty Mewha

Have you ever read/listened to a book that completely emotionally destroyed you yet you loved every moment?

This was me while reliving The Storm King through audiobook, the third book in The Lost God series. In The Storm King, we find our main characters working to rebuild the kingdoms while slowly piecing themselves back together.

This book features heavy themes like grief, trauma, and loss and I felt that Sheila balances the story with heartwarming, sizzling, and hilarious moments. I encourage readers and listeners to carefully review the TW/CW prior to enjoying. Please see my full book review on Amazon and Goodreads!

Tropes/themes to expect:
👀 Multi-POV
🫂 Found Family
🏰 Court Intrigue
💫 Magic
❤️ Mental Health Rep
✨ Meddling gods
🌶️ (living rent-free in my mind 🔥)

The narrators’ performances were simply spectacular. I was floored by the masterful portrayal of Xander’s vulnerabilities, Cece’s fears and grief, and Rainer’s determination and unwavering support. My heart hurt so much but it was also elated by every quip and heartwarming moment between these characters. While the concept of happiness may look different for each character, I desperately want a HEA for all of them 😭

I cannot sing enough praises about this book and audiobook! It’s truly something to be experienced and slowly savored over a large beverage of choice with Kleenex handy to catch any stray tears of sorrow and joy. The Storm King brought forth a torrent of emotions through its poignant exploration of grief, hope, and new beginnings.

Thank you Sheila and Dreamscape media for the ALC opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Probably my favorite so far!! I am totally obsessed with the narrators and also this book. Xander has been by far my favorite character so to have a book centered around him and his struggles is fun (???). I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve cried. 🫣

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: ⭐️5/5 🌶️4/5
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: 3rd Person, Multiple POVs, Court Intrigue, Spies & Assassins, Gods & Witches, Courting Festival, Mental Health Rep, Reluctant Warrior King, The Lost God Series Book 3
𝗧𝗪𝘀: War, Grief, Depression, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation, Death, Sexual Assault

I don’t know if I can muster up the right words to describe this masterpiece. This was devastatingly beautiful. I didn’t think that this would top book 2, The Memory Curse, but it did. The amount of love, happiness, longing, sorrow, grief, pain, and anguish that poured out of the pages was so overwhelmingly good. There were so many facets here that would leave you breathless because the writing to me felt raw and tangible. Sheila did a fantastic job balancing everything out with humor that didn’t feel forced, rather realistic in times of peril or heaviness and that’s what made it all so impactful. She gave us the untethered reality of the aftereffects of war, death, loss, and betrayal; and it’s how she starts the book out. Ballsy for it being so heavy to begin with, but it 100% paid off.

This book is pretty much led by Xander, and I loved every minute of it. Somehow, Sheila still managed to give light to the other couples in the story. The found family we love and hold dear in this series is back together to help Xander tamper down unrest in his Kingdom as his claim to the throne is questioned in addition to being an untested King. We get Evan’s POV! The banter, witty comments, and flirty advances were to die for, and all the characters seemed to fit in with each other so perfectly, seeing them all together made me so happy! Yes, there is continued character development for our cast of characters and if you’ve started the series, you know the spice is mouthwatering good, PSA - it gets even better.

There are worse things than Death. Is all I could think of after finishing TSK as I try to process the last 20% of what I’ve read while I get it together and laugh at the amount of tears I shed reading this book. Emotional Trauma, Check. This will make you feel like you were a part of the story and there were so many moments that left me holding my breath for what was to come. PSA 2 – this end in a cliffhanger. Phenomenal! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this series and it needs to be talked about more!

This series has been an absolute emotional roller-coaster for me, and The Storm King definitely stands out as a solid installment. One of the things I appreciated most about this book was getting to see the story through Xander’s eyes. Spending more time seeing things through his perspective added a fresh layer to the narrative, and it was intriguing to delve deeper into his character. He’s always been a bit of a mystery, so exploring his thoughts and motivations gave me a greater appreciation for him as a character, especially as he navigates some pretty complicated dynamics. Nothing quite like a down-bad boy dealing with heartbreak, am I right?

I really respect what The Storm King set out to do. It explores deeper emotional and moral complexities, especially in terms of loyalty, choice, and identity. The character development is strong, and the plot really picks up in this installment, pushing the boundaries of the story in a way that feels necessary for the growth of the characters.

In the end, I really appreciate the direction this book took. It’s clear that the author is trying to explore themes of conflict and self-discovery, and The Storm King does an excellent job of building on that. If you’re a fan of the series, this is definitely a must-read, and even if you're on the fence about the love triangle, there’s enough character depth and emotional tension to make it worth the read.

This book is amazing. It is my favorite in the Lost God series thus far. Sheila Masterson provides some of the most compelling and accurate representation of grief and mental health I have ever read. If you have ever struggled, you will feel seen and heard while reading this book. The story telling is rich and complex. The book follows multiple characters’ journeys from their own points of view which only increased my emotional investment. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I fell even move in love with each of these characters and cannot wait to see where they go next.

Updated Review after listening to the audio book: if I could give this story infinite stars I would. The narration brings a level of emotional investment to this story that I was not prepared for. This book is an absolute masterpiece and the narrators bring these complex characters and their experiences to life. Pure magic

Highlights:
✨Mental Health Representation
✨Multiple POVs
✨Reluctant Warrior King
✨Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨Storm Magic

Favorite Quotes: “They were two people who’d been told the same things by the world around them, but refused to make themselves smaller so others would be comfortable.”

“I will come for you in every darkness, and I will carry you out, or I will sit with you there until you can walk out on your own.”

Thank you to the author for this advance reading copy and the author, NetGalley, and Dreamscape Media for the listening copy. My opinion is my own.

Thank you to Sheila for an early copy of this audiobook. Listening to this for my reread was a wonderful experience. Especially that library scene. If you know, you know. Lovers of Sheila's Lost God series will not be disappointed. Thank you again for a wonderful story Sheila.

was provided an ARC of this title for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I knew this was gonna be a gut punch to my emotional well-being and I definitely cried the whole way through it. If you thought these characters had faced the worst of their demons, Sheila Masterson has proven you wrong with The Storm King.

A big ouchie all around that no bandaid will ever be large enough to cover. Rainy, baby, whyyyyyyy?

The audio narrators did a bang up job of breaking my heart all over again. I knew it was coming, and it still hit just as hard as the first time, if not harder. Emotion at 100.

Thank you to Shiela for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, to Sheila & NetGalley for the ALC, and of course for the emotional damage that stuck around long after I finished.

Heartbreaks, bravery, tension, tenderness; all lived out on the page and in the reader. Good luck putting this book down. Sheila has masterminded another grabber. Her depth in crafting informed characters and vignettes that draw on all senses is compelling. If you crack the cover, you will be all in.

My favorite quote was "She was kissing a memory while he was kissing a wish."