I really enjoyed Court of Vines and Vipers by Emberly Ash. I was so happy to be allowed to ARC this third installment of the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series. As difficult as it gets, I love following Veyka and Arran's journey; their connection, love, and devotion for each other is palpable, even when faced with dire circumstances. I cannot reveal too much, but I saw someone calling it the "Arran issue," and I feel like that's the perfect description of the main lot without spoiling anything. It was devastating and heart-breaking watching not just two of them but everybody involved going through that experience. They are faced with many enemies, not just the succubus but the enemies from inside, and we are yet to see how they will deal with everything and, hopefully, emerge victorious. Ancestors, prophecies, and curses are still involved, but I do hope that we will get the perfect conclusion of this loose Arthurian retelling in Book 4. I am rooting for Veyka and Arran and want them to have their HEA.

The third instalment of Emberly Ash's Secrets of the Faerie Crown series, ‘Court of Vines and Vipers,’ picks up right where the second book left off, plunging readers back into the midst of Veyka's journey as she grapples with Arran's injury and the looming threat of the succubus. Amidst these challenges, Veyka must also embrace her role as the High Queen of Annwyn.

While the penultimate book in a series can sometimes feel like mere setup for the final act, ‘Court of Vines and Vipers’ defies this expectation. Brimming with action and intrigue, the narrative captivates from start to finish. Once again, I found myself unable to tear away from the enthralling story.

Veyka remains the heart of the tale, her character arc expertly crafted across the series. Each instalment unveils a new facet of her journey, from navigating grief and trauma to embracing love and now, in ‘Court of Vines and Vipers,’ taking a solo leap forward. Her struggle with self-belief and duty amidst personal turmoil showcases her profound growth since the first book.

Arran's struggle with his injury and its impact on their relationship is heartbreaking and adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Their ups and downs are portrayed realistically, without being glossed over or instantly resolved, making them one of my favourite fictional couples.

Furthermore, the introduction of Cyara's POV adds a refreshing perspective to the story. In a world where Veyka and Arran often find themselves isolated from one another; Cyara's viewpoint enriches the overall storytelling experience.

I loved this book, and the series is quickly becoming one of my favourite romantasy reads. Now begins the nerve-wracking wait for November and the final instalment of this enthralling series. And with a title like ‘Queen of Blood and Vengeance,’ I have no doubt it is going to be epic!

After following Veyka on her journey through the 1st and 2nd books, I was ready for more. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the outcome or not but I needed to know. Emberly Ash has continued on her storyline with such a fierce and stubborn female lead that I hope many woman can identify with, even if she is in a book.
I don’t want to give away to much but the obstacles Veyka has to push through, trying to decide if love is worth it all or if it will the thing to bring her destruction, kept me hooked.
The writing, the plot, the CHARACTERS chefs kiss!!!

This was a great installment in the series. There was a lot going on. It really difficult to witness Veyka and Arran go through a trying time what with Arran’s issue. Their love for each other is one of my favorite things about the series so I wasn’t too worried. Veyka’s a badass heroine and a survivor and love who Arran is with her, so I was rooting for him. I am super anxious to see how the last book ties things up. I cannot wait! Thank you so much to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The third installment in the Secrets of the Faerie Crown series is another emotion-filled, danger-is-everywhere chapter that gives us more insight into who Veyka and Arran are.

After that cliffhanger from the second book, we start Court of Vines and Vipers with a terribly sad premise that is - thankfully - not solved within a few pages. There is work to be done if Annwyn is going to survive, if Arran and Veyka's relationship is going to survive, if Veyka herself is going to survive with her sense of self intact.

I love Cyara and we get to hear from her in this book, she is one of my favorite secondary characters!

But our main character, Veyka, is at the heart of this series, and now she must steel herself in order to do what is done to save her people. This Arthurian retelling is one of my favorite romantasy series and I love how much time we get to spend with these characters. And now, I can't wait for the next book!

4.25 stars!!

The story continues!! Picking up about 10 seconds from the ending of the last book, in the aftermath of the battle of Avalon, Veyka must find a way to right the worst wrong imaginable.

This book is a beautiful journey through grief, understanding of yourself as an individual and as part of a pair, recovering memories, and fighting to have your voice heard. Veyka has always struggled since Arthur's death, but the circumstances of her potential loss of her mate has made her have to case her heart in ice and take the lessons Arran had given her about duty and protecting your home and your people to heart. Arran's struggles to recover his memories while a part of him still remembered but couldn't get to the forefront was also a touching story!! For a third book, it felt like a great almost reset of the world and the characters, with a bit of a role reversal of getting over the past few months and into the next couple!

One thing I really loved about this book was getting Cyara's POV thrown in every so often. The handmaiden turned harpy turned strongest protector is so brilliant and strong and is able to be there for Veyka, pulling her through her pain, uncovering secrets with her warm vibes, and being an all around great friend and soldier!!

I truly cannot wait to see what the finale brings in November...I may have some ideas of some things that might be on the horizon, but the world is wide open and the players are all on the board!!

Thanks to Emberly Ash and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review!

“Maybe some of us just weren’t meant to be happy. Maybe it had been foolish to think I even deserved it.”

“Court of Vines and Vipers,” by Emberly Ash

With the succubus coming after all the land, Veyka and her companions must try to stop even though she is hurting over the loss of her mate. She needs to finally step up and be the queen everyone needs on her own without relying on others to keep her strong. When Arran returns from the mist healed will everything go back to the way it was before? Can he love her now?

I loved loved loved this book. I love the entire series; it is so good! Veyka and Arran cannot seem to catch a break. I love their relationship and the ups and downs constantly. How many times are they going to have to fall back in love with each other when one has to change to do what’s right? Omg I could get enough. The story was 100% and the side characters were dynamic and amazing. The main characters were perfect as usual. I can’t wait for the next book! Th ending was insane, and the cover was stunning. 5 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.

So much happened in this. Veyka is reeling from Arran's injury and needing to decide where to go and be to do what's best for their kingdom. It was emotional and full of so much self reflection for Veyka. I liked seeing snippets from Cyara's POV as well, it was a nice shift in terms of getting outside of their heads.

Veyka and Arran are really inside themselves through this one, figuring out their purpose, but also who they are and want to be. It was really raw and just such a heart wrenching experience to read. They both go through their own trials and hope to come out on the other side together.

The wheels of the prophecy are turning and the world is changing. Darkness is encroaching on their lands whether they're ready for it or not. Will they get what they need to fight back? Will they be able to find themselves amongst magic found and lost?

Ahhhhhhhhh!

4.5 stars
Sometimes in a series the 3rd book feels like filler and doesn’t seem to add much to the plot. That was not the case with A Court of Vines and Vipers. With the cliffhanger from book 2, I was eager to jump into the story. These characters are wonderful. There is so much love, respect, and honor amongst them. I’m a romance girlie to my core, Arran and Veyka’s love is one for the ages, timeless. “A thousand years plus a thousand more.” Cannot wait to see how the story wraps in book 4.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for providing me with an arc for an honest and free review.