Book Summary:

THEIR BATTLES ENDED IN VICTORY

Lydia returns to Mudaire to enter training at the healing temple. But instead of fighting to save lives, she’s convinced she is doing more harm than good. She delves into the history of the gods only to discover a truth that will change her life forever.

His birthright as commander of the Royal Army is finally in his grasp, but Killian feels anything but victorious. Burdened by his past, he embraces the darker side of his mark—and in doing so, risks starting a war.

BUT THE WAR HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

Having defeated the tyrant Urcon, Marcus struggles to form a lasting alliance with the Arinoquians. But he is plagued by the knowledge that there is a traitor among his friends, and it could cost him everything that he’s fought for.

Torn between her growing allegiance to the Thirty-Seventh legion and her need to liberate her people, Teriana finds herself mired in a web of secrets. She embarks upon a path that will either save everyone she loves—or put them all in their graves.


Here we go!!!! Combining both the first and second book together, we finally have a book where all the stories are taking place at the same time. The story is told in 4 POVS and boy was this a hefty one. There is a LOT of ANGST and Romance, but mostly angst. So much angst. Marcus and Teriana are a new couple trying to build a relationship with trust yet they have to hide their relationship and deal with the fact that, oh yeah, they’re both enemies and the circumstances for them are NOT GREAT. Lydia and Killian were separated at the end of book two with Lydia being taken to be a healer while Killian was sent off to fight. Lydia is tasked with identifying “the dead” to be exterminated but she is desperate to find a cure, but when the cure comes, it will come at a cost. Killian is still regretting having Lydia taken from him and can barely think straight. However they do end up together again and from there they are on a quest, one that will challenge them and change their relationship forever. Marcus and Teriana are attacked and finally reveal their feelings only for that rug to be snatched from under them and more trouble ensues. Literally this entire book was a series of unfortunate events for each person and their relationships. IT WAS PAINFUL. It ends painfully and I am already begging for the next book because I need to know what happens to them all, I JUST WANT THEM TO BE HAPPY. But the consequences of all their actions, their decisions, and the lies and secrets... who knows if anyone is going to get a happy ending by the time this series wraps up. So yeah, please read this book series as it is really great! Its got forbidden romance, assassinations, morally grey characters, and everything inbetween.

*Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for sending me an arc in exchange for a honest review*