Synopsis

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.
The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.
Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.
And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love–an emotion he’s incapable of feeling–she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.
Audiobook Review
WARNING: SUPER UNPOPULAR REVIEW
2,5 stars (1 star for the first 60% and 4 stars for the last part).
Let me first tell you that I have been a big fan of Jenniferβs stories for many years now! From the Lux series to be precise.
So giving that book such a low rating is a total surprise for me and it pains me. But this is how I personally experienced that book.
So here we go.
The first 60% of the book was a big filler with sex! They were boning each other or fantasizing it or remembering it all the time!!!!
Iβll give you that, the sex scenes are hot andβ¦long!
When a narrator is reading a sex scene for nearly nine minutes, that gives you an idea! Said narrator deserves a medal as she read and acted like a champ, throaty voice, sigh and all! And I am not being sarcastic when I write it, I truly admire what she did!
I reckon that the chemistry was there and that Nyktos is my new book boyfriend
BUT
I feel that it was just too much for me. Too much sex and no content. Nearly nothing happened to develop the story. And 60% of 650 pages (or more than 25 hours of narration) is a looooong time! I was fast forwarding all the time!
I get that people love smut. And I have nothing against a well written spicy scene. But sex must be the cherry on top, not the whole cake! Not the main plot or itβs called porn. And thatβs not what I want nor expect from Jennifer Armentrout. Or Sarah J Maas who seems to be veering in that direction in her last two books.
Yes sex sells. But sex overdone will lose me and I bet other loyal followers might get lost too. It will also gain new ones who are all for endless sex scenes so maybe the authors wonβt change their method. Itβs their business after all, not mine. *Shrug*.
Once we reached the 60% mark, thatβs where the plot really began to live and be interesting. Thatβs where Jennifer Armentout finally caught my attention. And what she gave us was good! Really good!
Great plot, twists and turns, betrayals, a prophecy, a wonderful female character who is brave, selfless and stabby.
And an incredible hero with Nyktos who reminds me so much of Rhysand because of all that he has sacrificed to protect others. And because he is powerful, has wings and is sexy as hell!
But you know what? Once it became interesting it ended on a huge cliffy! And now Iβll have to wait months or years to get the sequel! So not cool Jennifer!
I honestly donβt know if Iβll read the third book. I think Iβll ask friends to tell me if we have the same pattern as this one. If so, Iβll pass.
Anyway, you got that it really disappointed me but if you loved it, thatβs wonderful! I am happy for you! Just keep that in mind before insulting me for not sharing the same opinion. 😉
Thanks for reading.
Sophie

Everything you said- 100% agree. They still havenβt left the castle, and Iβm 1/2 way through! Iβm getting bored with the sex! Imagine!?!
I REALLY LOVE J.A. (even have a Poppy and Kieran back piece), but I felt like The War of Two Queens was the same- mostly exposition w/ brief action at the end.
Yes! It seems that she is slowly diving into more and more gratuitous sex. Sigh.
I’m sad you didn’t like this one but your review just made me more exited about it for some reason. Maybe because I usually like romance part so much more than action.
I’ll be curious to read your reveiw Jamsu!
I’m currently reading this one (I’m at 30%) and I already have to agree with you – nothing has happened yet except thinking about sex. Hopefully I’ll also enjoy the second half more.
I hope you will Lindsey but I’ll be very curious about your review!
Hahahaha I had fun reading through this review! That first portion of the book sounds like torture to me! π
Well it was Lashaan! Kinda π
Your review cracks me up, lol. I’m sure I would have the same reaction. Sex scenes definitely need to be balanced with everything else
Well that’s what I am thinking indeed π
To be honest, I kind of got turned off from her work because I also find the emphasis on sex over story to off putting.
It’s reassuring to know that I am not alone Mogsy!
I have always been more about story than the sex. Honestly, I am fine with none, closed door, or fade to back. I would read erotica if I was looking for sex. So, I guess I share your unpopular opinion
I am ok with no sex too Sam! I prefer romance, character development, plot and imagination!
I haven’t read this one yet but I completely agree with your sentiment in general, and have skimmed or DNF’d (or low reviewed) several for the exact same complaint. It’s really disappointing when that kind of thing drags down a really good book/plot (when you finally get to that part anyway lol)
Oh absolutely! Certainly when you don’t expect that level of heat in the story!
I do like a bit of how’s your father in my books though!!!!
:-)))