Ancient magic lurks in the shadows.The Black Bloods’ home is more magnificent than Ena imagined, and more perilous than the life she fled.The time has come for the Black Bloods to unite against the Guilds, but loyalties born in blood will be tested by fire. And not everyone she loves will survive the flames.As murder and malice surround her, Ena must prove her innocence or risk a fate worse than … her innocence or risk a fate worse than death. Facing her enemies will test every friendship she has and risk the heart she has won.
There is no love strong enough to protect her from the path ahead…and the darkest night has yet to come.
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First things first – the writing and narration! As with the rest of this series, the writing is positively enchanting. It flows like honey, just beautiful, descriptive, and consuming. The story flows beautifully, and there are some short, interlude style chapters that add even more nuance (this is will all the books), sometimes observational, sometimes reflective, sometimes giving additional context to lore, they add to the overall flow and feel, and are a really nice touch. Add to that the fantastic narration, which helps to completely draw you into the story. Alexandra Hunter gives Ena a voice that is so perfect for her. It’s emotional, real, soothing, and yet powerful. If you have the option to listen to the audiobook, I can’t recommend it more highly.
Now onto the story. We are well into the heart of this series now. There are some pretty major revelations in this book, all the way through to the end, that are helping to propel us into what is sure to be a very compelling and intense final installment with the next book. We get much deeper into the clan politics of the Blackbloods, learning more and more about the lore and myth surrounding their magic and the mountain. The relationship between Ena and Liam is both strengthened and greatly tested, repeatedly. This aspect, which has been slow burn until now, really takes on a much bigger role in this book, and the timing and impact are absolutely perfect within the context of the rest of the story. There are also some secondary character developments that are going to be hugely impactful going forward as well. I’m not gonna lie, one specifically towards the end of the book (well, I guess it’s more two characters, but one in particular) has left me devastated, heartbroken, and furious. I had to walk away from the book for a bit to collect myself before I could continue. I’m sure there will be a greater purpose to it, but I’m simply crushed.
As I said, the final book of this series is set up to be pretty epic. Battle lines are seemingly drawn, and war is most definitely at hand. I’m both excited and terrified to see how this is going to end, but I’m loving every second of it.
This is Book 3 in the Ena of Ilbrea series by the fabulous Megan O’Russell and it was fantastic. I would even say it’s my favourite yet in this saga as sssoooo much happened! I honestly cannot wait to pick up the next.
I was gifted the audio version in return for a non biased review. Like the previous 2 books this was narrated by the amazing Alexandra Hunter. I gotta say her voice is brilliant and really reminds me of Scarlett Johansson.
You need to have read or listened to the previous 2 as it picks up exactly where book 2’s awesome cliffhanger ending left us.
The mountain has saved Ena, but she is left wandering around in its dark depths, desperately looking for an exit. While looking, she makes an amazing discovery, one that when she gets out, she feels she needs to keep close to her chest and those gut feelings are never wrong. Not long after her return words gets back that one of the other black bloods leaders has murdered, the blame is placed on Ena and her brother. They must attend a trial with all the Black Blood leaders in order to prove her innocence.
This is just a taste of what is going on in this book as I mentioned above so much happens and it can’t be missed. There is death, lies, betrayal, discrimination and so much more. Can’t recommend this one enough, especially when the descriptive writing can bring you to tears. Top that off the narrator does a wonderful job bringing it to life.
The character development with Ena from book 1 to now is immense. She has come a long way and will fight for what’s right and her people with bravery and determination. The writing and build up means you will struggle to put this one down.
Oh and “Putting on my Armour” is something I will say for a long time! I’m so using this in real life. This really resonates with me as it’s something we all do but I never had a name for it…..until now.
Top marks 5/5
Y’all, I can’t even right now! This next installment in the series is SO good! So much happens. The whole book is filled with suspicion and suspense. There’s quite a bit of action as the clan fights to find the traitor within their ranks. The betrayal I felt in the end was purely gut wrenching. In the end the blood will flow, the world will burn, and no enemy will be left standing.
Finn is still my favorite throughout the series. His charm, witt, and finesse are as sharp as his blade. I love his fierce protectiveness for those he cares for.
Ena really comes into her own earning her place at Liam’s side. Her bravery and loyalty knows no bounds for the people she loves.
Emmet, hot damn! We finally get to see him in action when he goes on a rager and the stories all makes sense now. But he’s also still a bit of a mystery. I’m dying to know what secret he and Ena share that make them special.
Beautiful storytelling, varying between intense, immediate scenes that draw you in and dream like lyric interludes that give the feel of a legend. A book I did not want to put down! Easy to read and fast moving, but oh so rich and engaging.
The previous two books dealt mainly with outside enemies; this one introduces enemies from within. Far more is learned about the clans’ dynamics, their history and their magic. There is also more romance, more action, more heartbreak. Relationships of all kinds are explored as the characters continue to grow and develop.
As book 3 of 4 it is a transitional book and hard to say much about without spoilers. There are some good thematic arcs threaded through the books; many of the tensions that drove action in this book were seen beginning to build in book 1. A couple things I didn’t really like were true to the characters and history laid out previously. An excellent read and I am eagerly awaiting book 4.
Ena’s journey continues through terror, joy
and heartbreak into discovery, determination
and a search for revenge.
Make sure you’re well settled in because you’ll
want to read non – stop to the end.
Enjoy !!
Phyllis S.
The adventures continue with Ena, Liam amd Finn. Monsters. Struggle. An uncomscious young girl. More monsters, all with stone hearts. A traitor. So many deaths. And love. What a fantastic addition to this brilliant series. Can’t wait for more.
This series has been so well done that it is sad to see it ending with the final book when it comes out. I’ve had some laughs and been caught up in the drama and shed tears as I bid farewell to a dear friend I’ve enjoyed for the past two books.
I will miss them all all but he was so full of life-ah who said books don’t mirror reality?
This is an excellent story and I recommend it to young adult and adult readers who want to be captivated by a girl named Ena and the adventures she has.
Megan’s stories seem so life-like it’s easy to be pulled in to a series you’ll smile and shed tears over as you read it. There is page-turning excitement as you read what befalls the friends you’ve met within the pages of the books.
I most assuredly recommend this book to all who love a action-packed story that will capture their interest from the first pages of the beginning to the final line in the last book in the series.
Do yourself a favor and check this series out. I know you won’t regret it!!
The dark night came and I don’t know what to chivving do.
The third installment is such a fast pace read. My anxiety was high and I was on the edge of my seat towards the end. I’m happy that Ena is finally able to stand by her lovers side. I definitely saw character growth in Ena in this book. I loved how she was standing up for herself. I’m here for it!!
I’m in a bit of a shock as a character is no more. I am absolutely gutted. I’m at a loss..
I really enjoyed the journey that the mountain had Ena take. It was very interesting and I’m looking forward to see what happens next. I loved how the mountain is a magical, living thing. That listens to humans and considers them.
The narrator, Alexandra Hunter is fantastic and I was hooked listening to the story till the very end. The narrator used a variety of tones and inflections to portray several characters. It was very easy to follow along.
If you enjoy a slow burn romance, and epic fantasy storyline then consider picking this series up. It’s a chivving rollercoaster.