A Kingdom of Venom and Vows: Stars and Shadows, Book 3

Aurora

Series wrap up

"If you're reading this, you've probably already read Book 2 (or are wondering if the series is worth it). Though there are more in the series, this book wraps up Adara and Evren's storyline. In all, if this wasn't Kindle Unlimited, I probably wouldn't have read past book 1. Yes, there's a HEA. Bad gal gets her due. Bad guy gets his due. Likes - HEA - Answers most questions - Adara isn't holding onto her anger for no reason anymore! - Eletta has a bit more character development Dislikes - Editing needed enough work to bug me (e.g. upmost vs utmost). - Pacing on this novel is uneven. Most of the slow-downs from action aren't internal monologuing (as in book 2), but sex. I love a good spicy scene as much as the next romance reader, but they came at times that were a bit tough to believe. - Random spicy time is just thrown in - No denouement for the prophecy. It's fulfilled (mostly, and not in the way you think), and it's never mentioned again. - Why would the Old Fae come help just because they're asked? - I still don't know how the fae aren't vampires if they also drink blood. No fangs? - The king of Citali seems to be a potted plant. He's mentioned but never really appears or does anything. - Magic sharing rules are inconsistent - We don't really see any development of Adara and her father's relationship. Neutral: Extra POVs move storylines along, but I can't decide if I like them or not. We were so used to Adara's POV. Trigger warnings: - Threats of sexual violence - War - Death (of varying gruesomeness) - Torture - Insufficient editing ["

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December 1, 2024 Verified Purchase

Cassie Weaver (@readbycassie)

I can’t wait for what’s next.

"I have absolutely loved this series from the very first moment I started reading it. It’s not that often that I read fantasy but this definitely drew me in and got me a tad bit more into the genre. I have loved all of the characters and watching the chemistry grow between them. At the end of the last book, I was incredibly anxious to find out what was going to happened and I truly loved the direction it went. The action was exciting, the chemistry was hot, and the side characters were amazing. The ending was filled with action, drama, and even a slight hint of sadness that I did not expected and it made me all the more excited for what is going to come next. Even if you’re not into fantasy, you should definitely check out this series because I do not think you will be disappointed. ["

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April 13, 2023 Verified Purchase

Mountain9494girl

An Overall Satisfying Third Book- Spoilers

"Overall, I was pleased with the story! I finished it in about three hours on the day of its release, so it can’t be argued that it wasn’t compelling. For readers who like to read fantasy romance and enjoy books in the same genre as A Court of Thorns and Roses, this is definitely worth reading. Warning, spoilers ahead…. I was glad to see Adara and Evren’s story conclude happily, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Drystan and Thalia in future books. Holly Renee is masterful at conveying and sharing emotion, and I think that’s what has led me to devour each book in the Stars and Shadows series rapidly. As far as plot development goes, I felt like there were several times more development was needed. The prophecy says that one brother will cower, and I was looking forward to seeing how Gavril would (and also simultaneously nervous that Evren would end up cowering, and I’d be devastated forever). Yet, one brother doesn’t really cower at all. They both stand up and battle. The nymph of the forest seemed to heavily imply that Adara would slay Gavril, so I was a little confused when Thalia really did the deed. I felt like Thalia absolutely deserved to take him down, but I was a little confused about that plot point. I also wanted more of the queen’s relationship with Adara. When she returns and is being questioned by the queen, their tense conversation is interrupted when Evren gets upset and just never resumes. I would have liked to see more of their conversation play out and I think it would have given depth to their relationship. I am definitely invested in the world Holly has built and will eagerly await the other releases she has coming this year! ["

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March 24, 2023 Verified Purchase

Anna Page

big war x burn the world for her x rescue mission

"WE HAVE MULTIPLE POV! I’ve been waiting for this moment and I’m so glad we got it in this book. It added so much to the tension of waiting for their reunion and feeling that desperation they had for each other. The story continued in a way that I expected but still captured my attention. We continued to see more of the side characters as well which added depth to the story and keeps you engaged. There is also a big step up in the amount of spice in this book lol Read this if you’re in the mood for… - a rescue mission - burn the world for her - mate bonds - found family - big war/battle I had no idea this was the last book we were getting in their pov and the next one switches! I’ll be sad to leave them but I can see that their story has concluded-ish. I hope we see a lot of them in the next as well. The previous books in the series I gave 4 stars and this one was lower because sometimes the pacing made me want to skim but that’s probably on me and my need for the to get back together etc. Here are a few of my favorite things… - he’s actually obsessed with her and I love it - that she got her magic back and that’s what saved herself - don’t be late for our wedding lol - the game nights and moments of found family normalcy - there was an interesting small narrative of maybe Gavril was also forced to be a weapon. We saw some of his humanity when he flinched and tried to help his mate but he ultimately gave in but that grey area fit well Overall, a good continuation of the story! ["

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March 21, 2025 Verified Purchase