This was a strong finale for the To Love a Dark Lord series! Over the four books, Gwen and Mordred evolved throughout the series as characters and also in their relationship.

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fitting conclusion to the story of Gwen and Mordred. Modred is imprisoned in the same punishment he gave the elementals. Gwen soon finds out he is beginning to lose his mind. She is conflicted on what she is to do - either she lets the man she loves loose, endangering the people of Avalon, or she leaves him to finish his punishment that she knows he deserved. Gwen must make a decision, and she must make it quick.

Again, this book was very enjoyable, with likeable characters and a fast pace. I did feel the ending wasn’t completely satisfying, but it did make sense - I just had so many unanswered questions. I will definitely be reading more books by Kathryn Ann Kingsley in the future.

After the surprising end of book 3, To Love a Dark Lord delivers a gripping, intense finale. The plot brings all of Gwen’s past encounters together—some allies, some foes—and her devotion to Mordred is beautifully unsettling. Kingsley portrays Gwen’s inner conflict, torn between what’s right and what feels right, with great depth.

The morally grey characters are a standout, adding complexity to the story. While the ending felt a bit rushed, it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of this dark fantasy romance. The humor, found family dynamics, and the monstrous yet lovable Mordred made this a satisfying conclusion.

Fans of dark, twisty romance with complex characters will love this series. If Kingsley writes it, I’ll read it!

An intense finale

After the quite surprising ending of book 3, I was eager to see how the plot would be resolved in this one. All in all, it was a good finale to the series: intense, gripping and full of twists and betrayals. I liked how all the characters Gwen had run into during her story kind of came together in this one, either with or against her. Her devotion to Mordred, also a bit scary at times, is beautiful, and I really liked how the author wrote the inner turmoil she goes through, between what is right and what feels right to her. The characters are morally grey, there's no denying that, and I kind of like that about this series. However, the ending did feel a bit strange and rushed compared to the rest of the series to me. It's a personnal opinion which didn't prevent me from enjoying the book at all. I had a blast with this series.

I recommend this dark fantasy romance series if you like twisted characters.

"And if she deemed him worthy of death, he would accept his fate. Life without her would be far worse."

please note that the trigger warnings and topes/themes may contain spoilers
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
HEA: kinda HFN
POV: multi 3rd person POV (Gwen, Mordred, Galahad)
spice: one open-door spicy scenes
TWs: drugging, exile, mental torture (nondescriptive, insinuated), violence, war
standalone: book 4 of The Iron Crystal series- cannot be read as a standalone
final thoughts: I was anticipating this series finale BIG TIME and while it was a fun, adventurous read… I didn’t feel like I got what I wanted out of this series!
We, once again, have amazing side characters. Ones you love to love, ones you love to hate, and ones you hate to love. The writing and plot is easy to read with so many characters, changing perspectives, and plot points which makes it easy to stay in the story.
Eod and Tim were the only reason this book rated so high for me because they continue to be the sweetest, silliest, most loyal characters who bring lightness to an otherwise dark storyline.
This, for me, didn’t feel like a conclusion and I hope we get an extended epilogue where there is a true HFN/HEA for the main characters. It felt like we left in the middle of a story, and I get frustrated when I think about it LOL

read this book if you love
🔎 adventure
😆 banter
🤜 enemies-to-lovers?
🧝 fae
💞 fated mates
🎣 fish out of water
😳 forbidden lovers
🏝️ forced proximity
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 found family
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 great side characters
🤫 hidden secrets
💰 kidnapped
🪄 magic
💞 mutual pining
❓ mystery
🔀 opposites attract
😜 over the top, jealous MMC
🌀 plot twists
📖 retelling (King Arthur vibes)
🗡️ revenge
👺 secret identity
🤐 secret relationship
💓 slowburn
🔮 supernatural creatures- fae, shifters, witches
☠️ “touch her and die”
🧙‍♀️ witches
🌍 world building

Been following this story since book 1. Glad that the author gave us a satisfying ending. I recommend reading them all together. Having to wait so long between books was agonizing. But very glad to finally read the conclusion! Gwendolyn is fighting for her lover and he get imprisoned in his own creation for 1000 years but She can't live without him and so many others who are against her but few that are on her side.

As I always do with Kathryn Ann Kingsley's books, I loved this conclusion to what was a charming, twisty, dark, and sexy romantasy quartet. Kingsley did things with the well-trod path of Arthurian myth that I never would have expected and turned Avalon into something wholly new and entirely magical.

This finale raised the stakes of the series with some genuine life-or-death drama, tons of pining, and some tough choices for our protagonists, but I admit that it didn't pack quite as much of a punch for me as her Maze of Shadows or Harrow Faire series, which I also highly recommend to any reader who likes their men villainous, their worlds dark and magical, and their romances sexy as sin.

Still, the Iron Crystal brought some great humor and found family elements to the table, and Mordred is exactly the sort of monster that I love to fall for, and Kingsley remains the Queen of Dark Fantasy Romance.

If she writes it, I WILL read it.

As expected, the fourth and final book in The Iron Crystal quartet, did not disappoint. I laughed and cried through this one, it was by far my favourite of the four, and the ending was not what I expected at all (I shan't say anything more, I don't want to spoil it). I highly recommend commend this series to anybody who loves romantic fantasy with a touch of spice. 5 stars 🌟

I really enjoyed this.

I was sad the ending didn't go as I would like but that did not diminish the fact that I loved this story.

This whole series is amazing and a must read.

“𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐢𝐦. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭.”

To Love A Dark Lord is a fantasy romance and the conclusion to the Iron Crystal Series. I am a big fan of this author and really loved how unique this series was. But I really struggled with this. I did not enjoy the ending either.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌶🌶

For me, everything about this series was a comfort place.
This was a quirky, fun, dramatic, fantasy romance Arthurian Retelling - sounds like a lot.... but it was perfectly balanced.

The finale in book 4 (this book) and I was left on a devastating cliffhanger from the last book that had me scared for where this book was heading.

But alas, in Kathryn Ann Kingsley we trust. This ending was not predictable for me, and I loved the tension, the slowest burn of fated mates.

If you love pulling someone from reality and shoving them into a magical place with unpredictable powers that ends in a HEA, with spice..... this is for you!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great series finale! There was so much action in this book and the story moved at a fast pace. I really loved how Gwen really came into her own and was so strong in this book. I also really enjoyed having sections from Galahad’s point of view, that was an amazing addition that really added to the story overall. I really enjoyed the ending in this book because it was happy in a way and everything was wrapped up nicely.

Last book in an enemies to lovers romance! I felt the passion between the main characters and while I did not see the ending coming, I still enjoyed my time getting to know these characters. I was hoping for more spice since it was claiming to be a spicy romantasy, but the scenes made sense where they were at.

'To Love a Dark Lord' marks the conclusion of The Iron Crystal series, returning readers to the enchanting realm of Avalon. The story once again ensnares readers in the turbulent saga of Gwen and Mordred, whose mutual affection is as fervent as the magic that unites them.

"To Love a Dark Lord" delves into the quest for power. Mordred is now accountable for his offenses against the elementals, facing a punishment intended to unhinge him. Gwen, resolute in her mission to liberate him, confronts adversaries vying for the throne. This chapter reveals the true mettle of Gwen.

Confronted with daunting choices, Gwen acts despite her trepidations, demonstrating significant growth from the first book. Those who belittled her, including Mordred, are about to discover her resilience.

The story hidden between the pages of "To Love a Dark Lord" is rife with action and heartbreak. With lives sacrificed and relationships tested, the conclusion of the story is one that I never would have predicted. The outcome for Gwen and Mordred was unexpected, and while it did not align with this reader's hopes, the fact they were contended with their fate left the reader satisfied.

Bidding farewell to this enchanting world comes with a tinge of sadness, however I cherish the journey I embarked on with Gwen, Mordred and the supporting characters.

Nevertheless, I'm left wondering about Gwen's earthly family. Gaining insight into their emotions regarding her sudden absence would have been enlightening.

Readers who enjoy fantasy will want to add this series to their reading list.

To love a dark lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley.
The Iron Crystal Book 4.
I really did enjoy this book. I loved the cover. I did love Mordred and Gwen. Especially how they were with each other. Even though this is book 4 I was able to read it and enjoy it. I got into it straight away. I read in two sittings. Couldn't put it down. I do hope there is more to come. 4*.

I just returned from an adventure, feeling like I might not be entirely the same person. Witnessing this character's journey and growth has left me deeply moved. Getting to know all the characters has been both heartbreaking and enriching. Despite the emotional rollercoaster, I wouldn't hesitate to experience it all over again.

Oh, be still my beating heart. Those last chapters my god I was sobbing. Despite it being the only way it could end it is still a bitter pill to swallow.

Gwen just wow. What a woman. The only one to see sense when no one else could. And Zoe, why oh why? I can't even bring myself to speak of the Gossamer lady.

I am going to miss this world. The fantasy mixed Arthurlorian with a bit of spice. I loved seeing old characters coming back. I blitz books 2 3 and 4 quickly and am feeling the loss now.

Gwen is everything I want in an FMC. A young timid girl in the beginning hides behind her sarcastic nature and becomes this strong beautiful woman who knows how to enter the room.

I am only sad that we didn't find out about her parents and where they think she is.

Kingsley got the humour with Grinn and Gwen, the love with Mordred, and the deep hurt Gwen feels to a t. She made you feel them all. I was gutted and felt the loss she felt. And still, that ending! It will take probably 300 hundred years to get over it...

I have to thank the author for this fantastic series and my gentle introduction to a spicy fantasy series

Absolutely adored this final instalment in the iron crystal series and devoured it in a few hours.

This last instalment is jam packed with action and although the ending isn’t what I expected, I loved it all the same. I also enjoyed how the side characters whom we’ve grown to love, got more of the story in this book.

The chemistry between Gwen and Mordred is absolutely electric and has grown so much from the first book. This enemies to lovers with all its tension (and spice 😜) just hits different from anything else I’ve read. Mordred really is morally grey but you love him and root for him throughout.

In, to love a dark lord, Gwen has a few hard decisions to make that could prove fatal to many while poor Mordred's sanity hangs in the balance. They face off against the elementals and some other well known characters for Avalon and its rulership.

Overall I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series and the ending was bittersweet. I would definitely recommend it.


Read if you like

🗡️Morally grey MC
🗡️Slow burn romance
🗡️Villain gets the girl
🗡️Twists and turns
🗡️King Arthur legend
🗡️Dark brooding Prince
🗡️Spice 🌶️

To Love a Dark Lord
Iron Crystal #4
Fantasy
Megan Scott
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

• ᴅɪʟᴇᴍᴀꜱ • ʟᴏᴠᴇ • ꜱᴀᴄʀɪꜰɪᴄᴇ •

"She pulled him close, in a desperate, perfect embrace. She loved him. And she would burn this world for him…"

I couldn't wait to start reading this book and it did not disappoint!

Eod, the dog, is such an adorable animal companion. He was so cute everytime he spoke to Gwen telepathically and called her mom ("mom sad?"..."I protect!" 🥺)

I love the world building in this series and this book was no exception. The land, the magic, the myths and legends just fit so well.

I'm glad that Gwen finally stopped lying and/or hiding things from Mordred as that was one of my biggest pet peeves with her character in the previous books. Yes, she thought she was doing it for good reasons but in the end, it led to more problems and bigger conflicts.

Gwen really displayed some huge personal growth in this book. She finally learnt that sometimes death and punishment was necessary. She also learnt how tonweirld her magic more and became a lot more confident.

I've always had a soft spot for Mordred. He's not morally grey, misunderstood or torn about his decisions and actions. He is very much aware that he is a monster and cruel and he has never pretended to be anything else. That being said, he does love Gwen with all of his cold, iron heart 😂.

The banter between Mordred and Gwen always makes me laugh. Gwen especially has very colourful language and I love it. She is witty and a quick thinker.

The pacing was so good that I finished reading in one sitting, and it only took me a few hours because I was just so engrossed in the plot.

One thing I really appreciated was that Kathryn Ann Kingsley made it clear from the very start that Gwen was going to free Mordred from his prison and she didn't spend the majority of the book jumping from one disaster to the next before doing so. It meant that the plot had a clear direction and progressed very nicely.

I love Kathryn's writing style and she's definitely become one of my auto buy authors.

*Thank you to @Bookouture, @secondskybooks, and @kathrynannkingsley for providing this ARC. This is my own opinion and an honest review, which I am leaving voluntarily*

3.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5

Hmm. The hopes I placed on the final book of the Iron Crystal series were destroyed. I’m actually really disappointed at the ending.

This is a four book series that I don’t think needed to be a four book series. Each book felt like Mordred and Gwen were waffling back and forth on their decisions and feelings. It left me wondering, why is this series 4 books long? It felt like the conclusion of this series wrapped up in the last 10% of the book.

There were funny moments and sweet moments, but <mild spoiler> romance readers expecting a true HEA will be disappointed. I feel like this would be a good binge read for fantasy book lovers, but not for romance readers expecting a traditional HEA.

Thank you to Second Sky for the ARC. All thoughts/ opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.