Finally finished the Ember in the Ashes series and what a ride it was. As mentioned in my review for book three in the series, things started to go a little down hill as the plot felt unnecessarily stretched across four books.

I had hoped that the final instalment would somehow justify the extra “filler” book but it never really did for me ☹️

What initially captured me about these books were the characters and their terrifying circumstances. Despite never having experienced anything like Blackcliff, i understood Elias’ reluctance to play a certain role in a world he despises. I understood Laia’s anger at systematic oppression and enslavement. I understood Helene’s unyielding strength and resilience in a male dominated world.

Unfortunately, all of that was kind of thrown to the side as supernatural elements that didnt really make sense to me, began to take over an otherwise great storyline.

I think it basically didnt end up on the strain it started from and took entirely too long to get there.

And! My own personal tastes: there wasnt enough smut. Elias is 6”4 with broad shoulders, hands like dinner plates, brown skin, black hair, grey eyes, body to die for and I didnt get to read him plough the spine out of Laia. So unfair!