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Shadows of the Tenebris Court #3
A Promise of Lies
The King is dead. Long live the King. And death to his enemies.
Bargained away to Dawn Court, Kat must play the part of a helpless human bewitched by the Day King. But beneath the veneer of submission, she’s playing a far more dangerous game—spying for Dusk Court, and for the one person who holds her heart: Bastian.
Separated from the woman he loves, Bastian has no time to rage against fate—or his queen. With his city on the brink of collapse and war brewing, he must uncover the truth before a devastating betrayal shatters everything he’s fought to protect.
As the enemy’s hold on Kat tightens, secrets from the past threaten to unravel the courts’ fragile alliance. Every step brings the couple closer to a deadly choice: risk everything for love—or lose it all to the lies that bind them.
With danger, desire, and dark secrets, A Promise of Lies is the epic conclusion to Shadows of the Tenebris Court, an addictive romantasy trilogy ideal for fans of morally grey shadow daddies and heroines who refuse to give up—even when death seems set to win.
Bargained away to Dawn Court, Kat must play the part of a helpless human bewitched by the Day King. But beneath the veneer of submission, she’s playing a far more dangerous game—spying for Dusk Court, and for the one person who holds her heart: Bastian.
Separated from the woman he loves, Bastian has no time to rage against fate—or his queen. With his city on the brink of collapse and war brewing, he must uncover the truth before a devastating betrayal shatters everything he’s fought to protect.
As the enemy’s hold on Kat tightens, secrets from the past threaten to unravel the courts’ fragile alliance. Every step brings the couple closer to a deadly choice: risk everything for love—or lose it all to the lies that bind them.
With danger, desire, and dark secrets, A Promise of Lies is the epic conclusion to Shadows of the Tenebris Court, an addictive romantasy trilogy ideal for fans of morally grey shadow daddies and heroines who refuse to give up—even when death seems set to win.
Paperback
First published December 31, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
January 2, 2025
3.5 stars! 🌟 Okayyy, so A Promise of Lies was my first read of 2025, and while I had SUCH high expectations (it’s the finale, after all!), it was just a lil’ bit of a letdown. 😅 Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t bad! It still had enough moments to make my romantasy-loving heart do a happy dance, but overall, I just needed more! More depth, more closure, more frosting on the cake, ya know? Kat and Bastian totally deserved it! 💕
✧ Morally gray hero (Bastian, you sneaky shadow daddy 🖤)
✧ Court intrigue (spies, politics, and secrets... oh myyy 🎭)
✧ Slow-burn tension (until things go boom 🔥)
✧ Found family (heartstrings = pulled 🥺)
✧ Separated lovers (cue ALL the longing looks 💔)
✧ Power couple goals (they took down monarchs like bosses 👑)
✧ Sacrificial love (choosing each other time and time again 🌹)
✧ Magical rebirth (Kat defying death like it’s no big deal 🌌)
Honestly, every time Kat and Bastian were on the page together, it was fire. 🔥 Their chemistry? Top-tier. 😍 And their emotional growth? Chef’s kiss 🙌 Watching Kat go from highway robber to Queen of Spying™ was a total vibe, and Bastian’s internal struggle? Ugh, my heart couldn’t handle it. 💔 But... yeah, here’s where the book stumbled a bit:
Some of the biggest moments? RUSHED. 🙄 Like, we were waiting for that showdown with Bastian’s mysterious dad, Drystan... and it just fizzled out. What happened?! 😩
Also, where was Amaya’s family reveal? That was a huge missed opportunity to bring some serious emotional depth to her story. By the end, the pacing was all over the place, and it felt like too many plotlines were rushed through. I just wanted a little more oomph in the finale. 💥
BUT—(and this is a big BUT)—the emotional moments hit hard. Like, ugly crying into my tea hard. 😭 That epilogue? Omg. Clare Sager knows how to make you care about characters, and that’s what kept me turning the pages even when I was annoyed at the plot.
CW: Death, violence, trauma... and more. Check the author's website or note at the beginning for full details!
Overall, A Promise of Lies gave me a lot of what I wanted, but not everything. Kat and Bastian’s love story will always have a special place in my heart, but I just wish the finale had gone out with a bang. 💥✨
✧ Morally gray hero (Bastian, you sneaky shadow daddy 🖤)
✧ Court intrigue (spies, politics, and secrets... oh myyy 🎭)
✧ Slow-burn tension (until things go boom 🔥)
✧ Found family (heartstrings = pulled 🥺)
✧ Separated lovers (cue ALL the longing looks 💔)
✧ Power couple goals (they took down monarchs like bosses 👑)
✧ Sacrificial love (choosing each other time and time again 🌹)
✧ Magical rebirth (Kat defying death like it’s no big deal 🌌)
Honestly, every time Kat and Bastian were on the page together, it was fire. 🔥 Their chemistry? Top-tier. 😍 And their emotional growth? Chef’s kiss 🙌 Watching Kat go from highway robber to Queen of Spying™ was a total vibe, and Bastian’s internal struggle? Ugh, my heart couldn’t handle it. 💔 But... yeah, here’s where the book stumbled a bit:
Some of the biggest moments? RUSHED. 🙄 Like, we were waiting for that showdown with Bastian’s mysterious dad, Drystan... and it just fizzled out. What happened?! 😩
Also, where was Amaya’s family reveal? That was a huge missed opportunity to bring some serious emotional depth to her story. By the end, the pacing was all over the place, and it felt like too many plotlines were rushed through. I just wanted a little more oomph in the finale. 💥
BUT—(and this is a big BUT)—the emotional moments hit hard. Like, ugly crying into my tea hard. 😭 That epilogue? Omg. Clare Sager knows how to make you care about characters, and that’s what kept me turning the pages even when I was annoyed at the plot.
CW: Death, violence, trauma... and more. Check the author's website or note at the beginning for full details!
Overall, A Promise of Lies gave me a lot of what I wanted, but not everything. Kat and Bastian’s love story will always have a special place in my heart, but I just wish the finale had gone out with a bang. 💥✨
November 21, 2023
Clare, I am begging you please write with haste and please can we have another debaucherous Fae s*x party like book 1 🙏🏽
January 1, 2025
⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑ ⭑
‘Katherine. My beautiful idiot. I would choose you over her—over anyone—a thousand times in a thousand lives. You have saved me.’ I AM CRYING. If someone could love me as much as Bastian loves Kat, that would be perfect. This book was 100% worth the wait and it was such a great ending to this series.
Kat and Bastian will forever have my heart and I just loved watching Kat grow throughout all three books. From Kat disappearing into her own head to the Kat that we see in this book, I’m so proud. I did somewhat guess what was going to happen in this, but I still absolutely loved it. I’m so sad this is over :(
‘Katherine. My beautiful idiot. I would choose you over her—over anyone—a thousand times in a thousand lives. You have saved me.’ I AM CRYING. If someone could love me as much as Bastian loves Kat, that would be perfect. This book was 100% worth the wait and it was such a great ending to this series.
Kat and Bastian will forever have my heart and I just loved watching Kat grow throughout all three books. From Kat disappearing into her own head to the Kat that we see in this book, I’m so proud. I did somewhat guess what was going to happen in this, but I still absolutely loved it. I’m so sad this is over :(
January 25, 2025
4.5 Bastian Sandwiches Stars ⭐️
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
THE CAKE IS NOT A LIE!!!! THERE ARE SANDWICHES... AND YOUR HUNGRY GIRL GORGED HERSELF!
Welll.... whoa. I feel like I was just on a rollercoaster the way that book threw me around with twists, turns, and unexpected thrills. I was terrified, I was thrilled... and I was just enjoying the ride.
Please note: I cannot comment on aspects of this book without mentioning spoilers from A Kiss of Iron and A Touch of Poison. If this bothers you...I would advise you to stop reading and go and enjoy those books first before continuing onward
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
This picks up exactly where book two finished. Kat has been sent to the Dawn Court as a “guest,” meaning a prisoner, and Bastion is left reeling. Kat has also discovered that Cyrus was behind the Dawn King’s death, so now she must navigate yet another court, becoming another piece in yet another political chess game, while still trying to find a way home (The Night Court). Meanwhile, Bastion is also working on getting Kat home, also trying to uncover the full extent of the New Dawn King’s betrayal, especially as Cyrus becomes increasingly tyrannical with each of his new decrees.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
It is almost hard to review this without feeling like I am reviewing the entire series. I was honestly nervous about picking up this book. A Touch of Poison was the catalyst that threw me into what I called my "2024 Fantasy Slump" so I was scared the slump was going to impact my feelings of this...
I love how this grand finale showcases the tremendous detail and care Claire Sager poured into her work. It just proves how ingenious she was weaving in all the details of the intricate plot. From aspects planted way back in book one to everything across this series, readers are taken on a journey of overcoming trauma. Claire excels at showing how characters must acknowledge their trauma and integrate it into who they are, not letting it define them but also not ignoring its impact.
Kat, or Lady Katherine Ferris, was not my favourite in book one. I wanted her to stand up for herself, and be more empowered. Through all the trials she has faced, she truly blossoms. Witnessing her evolution from that meek and passive person who was desperate to survive, to someone worthy of the “wicked lady��� title felt like a full-circle transformation. She is a queen in her own right, a woman who endured all manner of hardships. From having her life dictated by others, and used as a pawn by nearly everyone except Bastion she finally stands up for her own happiness. Bastion himself is still the deadly, badass presence we know, but this time we see a more emotional side, largely due to all the explosive plot twists that keep you on your toes.
This book moves at a breakneck pace, both physically and emotionally. You just start to think you have a handle on one thing, only to be thrown another curveball. If we as readers feel this way, just imagine how Bastion or Kat must be coping when they live through each bombshell.
I also love how the side characters make this world feel enormous, without ever making you feel lost if you have not read the other books.
My only criticism is that, with so many revelations, some feel rushed. At times, I wanted more buildup leading to a new twist. Occasionally, events or information come out of the left field, and I wished certain scenes had been fleshed out further instead of glossed over in a few lines before the next shock so I wish Claire would have stretched this into four books. She condensed a lot into this trilogy, and you can tell how thoroughly she planned each thread so no stone was left unturned and no open end remained unresolved. Everything is wrapped up neatly in the end. It closes out the series in a way that feels satisfying, and I loved it.
The spice factor ramps up too. The mention of cake or sandwiches or hot dogs - perhaps two sausages, one bun (whatever food metaphor you want, is a clue). The love scenes never feel repetitive; they stay fresh and organic, and I had a blast reading them.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ FaeXHuman
▶ Political Intrigue
▶ Intricate Magic System
▶ Shadow Daddy MMC
▶ Pierced MMC
▶ Cages Her with his Arms
▶ "Lift Your Hips For Me"
▶ "Mine"
▶ Spicy Water Scene
▶ Voyeurism
▶ Hand Necklaces
Overall get ready for a wild, fast and thrilling ride, sad at times, yet heartwarming. If you have come this far, you already care deeply for these characters and want to see them earn their happily ever after. So jump right in and enjoy the show, because you are in for a treat.
Thank you so much to Clare Sager for the gifted copy! All thoughts and Opinions are my own
Spicy Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
THE CAKE IS NOT A LIE!!!! THERE ARE SANDWICHES... AND YOUR HUNGRY GIRL GORGED HERSELF!
Welll.... whoa. I feel like I was just on a rollercoaster the way that book threw me around with twists, turns, and unexpected thrills. I was terrified, I was thrilled... and I was just enjoying the ride.
Please note: I cannot comment on aspects of this book without mentioning spoilers from A Kiss of Iron and A Touch of Poison. If this bothers you...I would advise you to stop reading and go and enjoy those books first before continuing onward
𝙎𝙮𝙣𝙤𝙥𝙨𝙞𝙨:
This picks up exactly where book two finished. Kat has been sent to the Dawn Court as a “guest,” meaning a prisoner, and Bastion is left reeling. Kat has also discovered that Cyrus was behind the Dawn King’s death, so now she must navigate yet another court, becoming another piece in yet another political chess game, while still trying to find a way home (The Night Court). Meanwhile, Bastion is also working on getting Kat home, also trying to uncover the full extent of the New Dawn King’s betrayal, especially as Cyrus becomes increasingly tyrannical with each of his new decrees.
𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨:
It is almost hard to review this without feeling like I am reviewing the entire series. I was honestly nervous about picking up this book. A Touch of Poison was the catalyst that threw me into what I called my "2024 Fantasy Slump" so I was scared the slump was going to impact my feelings of this...
I love how this grand finale showcases the tremendous detail and care Claire Sager poured into her work. It just proves how ingenious she was weaving in all the details of the intricate plot. From aspects planted way back in book one to everything across this series, readers are taken on a journey of overcoming trauma. Claire excels at showing how characters must acknowledge their trauma and integrate it into who they are, not letting it define them but also not ignoring its impact.
Kat, or Lady Katherine Ferris, was not my favourite in book one. I wanted her to stand up for herself, and be more empowered. Through all the trials she has faced, she truly blossoms. Witnessing her evolution from that meek and passive person who was desperate to survive, to someone worthy of the “wicked lady��� title felt like a full-circle transformation. She is a queen in her own right, a woman who endured all manner of hardships. From having her life dictated by others, and used as a pawn by nearly everyone except Bastion she finally stands up for her own happiness. Bastion himself is still the deadly, badass presence we know, but this time we see a more emotional side, largely due to all the explosive plot twists that keep you on your toes.
This book moves at a breakneck pace, both physically and emotionally. You just start to think you have a handle on one thing, only to be thrown another curveball. If we as readers feel this way, just imagine how Bastion or Kat must be coping when they live through each bombshell.
I also love how the side characters make this world feel enormous, without ever making you feel lost if you have not read the other books.
My only criticism is that, with so many revelations, some feel rushed. At times, I wanted more buildup leading to a new twist. Occasionally, events or information come out of the left field, and I wished certain scenes had been fleshed out further instead of glossed over in a few lines before the next shock so I wish Claire would have stretched this into four books. She condensed a lot into this trilogy, and you can tell how thoroughly she planned each thread so no stone was left unturned and no open end remained unresolved. Everything is wrapped up neatly in the end. It closes out the series in a way that feels satisfying, and I loved it.
The spice factor ramps up too. The mention of cake or sandwiches or hot dogs - perhaps two sausages, one bun (whatever food metaphor you want, is a clue). The love scenes never feel repetitive; they stay fresh and organic, and I had a blast reading them.
𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 and 𝙈𝙞𝙘𝙧𝙤 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨:
▶ FaeXHuman
▶ Political Intrigue
▶ Intricate Magic System
▶ Shadow Daddy MMC
▶ Pierced MMC
▶ Cages Her with his Arms
▶ "Lift Your Hips For Me"
▶ "Mine"
▶ Spicy Water Scene
▶ Voyeurism
▶ Hand Necklaces
Overall get ready for a wild, fast and thrilling ride, sad at times, yet heartwarming. If you have come this far, you already care deeply for these characters and want to see them earn their happily ever after. So jump right in and enjoy the show, because you are in for a treat.
Thank you so much to Clare Sager for the gifted copy! All thoughts and Opinions are my own
January 5, 2025
4.5⭐️. Finishing a series is always so bittersweet and this series had such a hold on me. I’m glad this book could be my first read of 2025. Watching Kat and Bastian grow both separately and together was so much fun. I’m excited for their short stories and to read more about their lives.
December 31, 2024
OH MY SHADOWS!! IF INFINITY WAS AN OPTION THIS TRILOGY DESERVES IT.
"To the future... and to cake,"
CLARE SAGER YOU ABSOLUTE QUEEN. THIS IS NOT A GOODBYE BUT A SEE YOU LATER.
I think we can all agree that she is a true mastermind right.
SCREAMING HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
Wow wow and WOW!! Not only APOL was one of my most anticipated reads for this past year, it exceeded everything and then some. Seriously it was the most epic conclusion!! Bastian, Kat, the friendships, the romance, the plot and the way everything just tied up so neatly in a literal bow of shadows.
No words will ever do them justice!! So are we ready to dino scream into the universe yet?!
I truly think this is probably one of, if not my favourite trilogy to exist. Don’t even get me started on that epilogue. I must have reread it like 3 times already. I will never not think about them. They have burrowed under and etched themselves in my skin forever. #Kastian have been polarising my thoughts for over two years and my goodness they deserve it all. This series has such a special shelf in my heart.
This book healed my soul. Clare managed to shatter my heart into a million pieces, picked each one up and put it back together delicately with those divine shadows.
And when I tell you she is the queen of edging and THAT CERTAIN SCENE will live rent free, on repeat, slow motion all day long. Ahh I bow at that alter and worship daily. He is a religion I will practice anywhere.
Don’t even get me started on certain cameos!! I will be pterodactyl screeching forever and ever!
Anyways i am on my feels (not that i ever left) thank you so much to my queen and her team for giving me a chance to early read this beauty. I am so honoured. I cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store for us. I already know the future is going to be EPIC!! Your words have power.
Right, I also do have over 100+ highlights here are some that will give you just a taste of what you are in for 🤭
~~~~~~
I leapt into his open arms and caressed his cheeks—warm, spiked with stubble, exactly the shape I'd cupped a hundred times before-his neck, his shoulders.
Home. With him and Ella and our friends.
Escape from Dawn and Cyrus. Thank the gods.
"I choose you, Bastian. I have chosen you a hundred times before tonight, and I'll choose you at every chance I get.
"I am. Always. And I will plot and scheme to get you back."
It was the safest I'd felt in so long, and I held on to it like a drowning man to a lifeline.
A dark chuckle followed. "Do go on with your report, soldier." I dragged in a breath,
My ember always does so well."
"Lift your hips, let ****** see how well you take it."
When I sank back to earth, he caught me. Our kisses rewrote new stories over all we'd burned away.
"Katherine," he breathed, hands fisting in the sheets. He had a way of making my name more than its syllables. A prayer to gods who actually listened. An incantation. A purpose and intent.
This was my body. My choice.
I didn't need heroes-I'd saved myself. And now my perfect villain had helped me reclaim the last marks that evil had left.
"First you stole my orrery, and somewhere along the way you stole the rest of me. Tonight, it's my warmth." He smirked, pulling his light jacket around me. "My Wicked Lady."
"To the future... and to cake,"
CLARE SAGER YOU ABSOLUTE QUEEN. THIS IS NOT A GOODBYE BUT A SEE YOU LATER.
I think we can all agree that she is a true mastermind right.
SCREAMING HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!
Wow wow and WOW!! Not only APOL was one of my most anticipated reads for this past year, it exceeded everything and then some. Seriously it was the most epic conclusion!! Bastian, Kat, the friendships, the romance, the plot and the way everything just tied up so neatly in a literal bow of shadows.
No words will ever do them justice!! So are we ready to dino scream into the universe yet?!
I truly think this is probably one of, if not my favourite trilogy to exist. Don’t even get me started on that epilogue. I must have reread it like 3 times already. I will never not think about them. They have burrowed under and etched themselves in my skin forever. #Kastian have been polarising my thoughts for over two years and my goodness they deserve it all. This series has such a special shelf in my heart.
This book healed my soul. Clare managed to shatter my heart into a million pieces, picked each one up and put it back together delicately with those divine shadows.
And when I tell you she is the queen of edging and THAT CERTAIN SCENE will live rent free, on repeat, slow motion all day long. Ahh I bow at that alter and worship daily. He is a religion I will practice anywhere.
Don’t even get me started on certain cameos!! I will be pterodactyl screeching forever and ever!
Anyways i am on my feels (not that i ever left) thank you so much to my queen and her team for giving me a chance to early read this beauty. I am so honoured. I cannot wait to see what 2025 has in store for us. I already know the future is going to be EPIC!! Your words have power.
Right, I also do have over 100+ highlights here are some that will give you just a taste of what you are in for 🤭
~~~~~~
I leapt into his open arms and caressed his cheeks—warm, spiked with stubble, exactly the shape I'd cupped a hundred times before-his neck, his shoulders.
Home. With him and Ella and our friends.
Escape from Dawn and Cyrus. Thank the gods.
"I choose you, Bastian. I have chosen you a hundred times before tonight, and I'll choose you at every chance I get.
"I am. Always. And I will plot and scheme to get you back."
It was the safest I'd felt in so long, and I held on to it like a drowning man to a lifeline.
A dark chuckle followed. "Do go on with your report, soldier." I dragged in a breath,
My ember always does so well."
"Lift your hips, let ****** see how well you take it."
When I sank back to earth, he caught me. Our kisses rewrote new stories over all we'd burned away.
"Katherine," he breathed, hands fisting in the sheets. He had a way of making my name more than its syllables. A prayer to gods who actually listened. An incantation. A purpose and intent.
This was my body. My choice.
I didn't need heroes-I'd saved myself. And now my perfect villain had helped me reclaim the last marks that evil had left.
"First you stole my orrery, and somewhere along the way you stole the rest of me. Tonight, it's my warmth." He smirked, pulling his light jacket around me. "My Wicked Lady."
January 11, 2025
A Promise of Lies by Clare Sager
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This is one of my favorite ARCs I’ve ever received because I’m a HUGE Clare Sager fan and I’ve read every single Sagerverse book. I’ve bought the Midnight Whispers special editions of these books and I cannot wait to have book 2 and 3 join my Kiss of Iron copy. Normally, I’d sit and binge read a highly anticipated book like this in 1-2 days, but this one took me a while to read cuz I didn’t want this series to end.
I absolutely adore Kat and Bastain and have since book 1. Their relationship has blossomed and their character growth is astronomical. Another thing I love about this series is the blend of political intrigue with romance creating a true fantasy romance trilogy.
Read this if you like:
🔮completed fantasy romance series
🔮a plus sized FMC in her 30s
🔮shadow daddy
🔮political intrigue
🔮a um, sandwich moment with said shadow daddy
🔮found family
🔮power couple
Thank you SO MUCH to Clare Sager and Haus of Fables PR for the advanced copy of this book.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
This is one of my favorite ARCs I’ve ever received because I’m a HUGE Clare Sager fan and I’ve read every single Sagerverse book. I’ve bought the Midnight Whispers special editions of these books and I cannot wait to have book 2 and 3 join my Kiss of Iron copy. Normally, I’d sit and binge read a highly anticipated book like this in 1-2 days, but this one took me a while to read cuz I didn’t want this series to end.
I absolutely adore Kat and Bastain and have since book 1. Their relationship has blossomed and their character growth is astronomical. Another thing I love about this series is the blend of political intrigue with romance creating a true fantasy romance trilogy.
Read this if you like:
🔮completed fantasy romance series
🔮a plus sized FMC in her 30s
🔮shadow daddy
🔮political intrigue
🔮a um, sandwich moment with said shadow daddy
🔮found family
🔮power couple
Thank you SO MUCH to Clare Sager and Haus of Fables PR for the advanced copy of this book.
December 31, 2024
Rating: ★★★
I wasn't expecting to rate one of my most anticipated reads of the year, A Promise of Lies ★★★ but here we are.
I loved every single moment of this book up until Bastian left Kat to go on a meaningless errand for the Queen. This, in my opinion, is where the plot started to get a bit silly. Sager has done a brilliant job of writing two strong, mature, fleshed out characters who don't make juvenile decisions just to hasten the plot along to where they want it to be, so I was surprised this was the route taken after such a strongly written series thus far.
This was compounded by the introduction of Bastian's father, Drystan, one of the Kings of Death of the Underworld (of which we know nothing about). His meeting with Bastian was so unserious that it left me feeling disappointed; he was built up a lot in the last book and this one and yet... the meeting with him and by extension, his mother Nyx, was not significant in any way. Drystan killing Braea was also not of much consequence either when she bounced back at the 11th hour.
I don't know, maybe it was just me, but I felt like the meeting between them would have been more... profound?
Likewise, Kat went through a lot near the end of the book, with the constant dying or almost dying.. it got tedious and I just wanted to read about Bas and Kat being happy near the end and we only really got that in one of their last scenes.
I was expecting there to be a reveal about who Amaya was to Sepher and his mother. It would've been nice to see a scene with her finding out she had family beyond that of her dead mother and father, to know that Bastian was her cousin etc...
I don't know, overall I was disappointed in how it ended. Their story, or rather, Bastian's story felt unfinished to me.
I think too much page time was devoted to the Cyrus issue as the story catapulted through all the other issues after, i.e. Braea, Bas' athair's death, his bio father and mother, Kat dying and coming back, Braea coming back etc... so many vital scenes were glossed over in the end.
That said, I did enjoy Kat & Bas immensely; their found family, their love, their banter, the spicy scenes, Kat's bravery and strength, Bas' battle within himself and him overcoming it - it was a pleasure to read. I may have shed a few tears throughout, and without a doubt Clare Sager knows how to write a decent plot with characters that pull at your emotions and makes you route for them wholly.
I wasn't expecting to rate one of my most anticipated reads of the year, A Promise of Lies ★★★ but here we are.
I loved every single moment of this book up until Bastian left Kat to go on a meaningless errand for the Queen. This, in my opinion, is where the plot started to get a bit silly. Sager has done a brilliant job of writing two strong, mature, fleshed out characters who don't make juvenile decisions just to hasten the plot along to where they want it to be, so I was surprised this was the route taken after such a strongly written series thus far.
This was compounded by the introduction of Bastian's father, Drystan, one of the Kings of Death of the Underworld (of which we know nothing about). His meeting with Bastian was so unserious that it left me feeling disappointed; he was built up a lot in the last book and this one and yet... the meeting with him and by extension, his mother Nyx, was not significant in any way. Drystan killing Braea was also not of much consequence either when she bounced back at the 11th hour.
I don't know, maybe it was just me, but I felt like the meeting between them would have been more... profound?
Likewise, Kat went through a lot near the end of the book, with the constant dying or almost dying.. it got tedious and I just wanted to read about Bas and Kat being happy near the end and we only really got that in one of their last scenes.
I was expecting there to be a reveal about who Amaya was to Sepher and his mother. It would've been nice to see a scene with her finding out she had family beyond that of her dead mother and father, to know that Bastian was her cousin etc...
I don't know, overall I was disappointed in how it ended. Their story, or rather, Bastian's story felt unfinished to me.
I think too much page time was devoted to the Cyrus issue as the story catapulted through all the other issues after, i.e. Braea, Bas' athair's death, his bio father and mother, Kat dying and coming back, Braea coming back etc... so many vital scenes were glossed over in the end.
That said, I did enjoy Kat & Bas immensely; their found family, their love, their banter, the spicy scenes, Kat's bravery and strength, Bas' battle within himself and him overcoming it - it was a pleasure to read. I may have shed a few tears throughout, and without a doubt Clare Sager knows how to write a decent plot with characters that pull at your emotions and makes you route for them wholly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️It was ok. I LOVED the first book of this series but the final two books were just ok. I enjoyed the ending and how everything wrapped up.
January 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Stars
An amazing ending for a stunning series! This series is TOP TIER! I will never be over Kat and Bastian!
This finale had every single thing I wanted in it. Found family, shadow daddy to the max, emotion up the wahzoo, and so so much action! Also can power hungry men stop trying to take advantage of Kat because who do these men think they are!? Anyways I swear you guys there is action and wild shiz going down all the way until the VERY end 🫠 Clare’s writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go. When you’re in the story you’re legit in it and it’s glorious!
I can’t believe this series is over, I’m so sad but so happy to have read such a remarkable story of pain and rage but also love and resilience. Kat will forever hold a special place in my heart 🖤 Thank you so much to Clare Sager for writing this masterpiece of a series, I am forever grateful!
An amazing ending for a stunning series! This series is TOP TIER! I will never be over Kat and Bastian!
This finale had every single thing I wanted in it. Found family, shadow daddy to the max, emotion up the wahzoo, and so so much action! Also can power hungry men stop trying to take advantage of Kat because who do these men think they are!? Anyways I swear you guys there is action and wild shiz going down all the way until the VERY end 🫠 Clare’s writing pulls you in and doesn’t let go. When you’re in the story you’re legit in it and it’s glorious!
I can’t believe this series is over, I’m so sad but so happy to have read such a remarkable story of pain and rage but also love and resilience. Kat will forever hold a special place in my heart 🖤 Thank you so much to Clare Sager for writing this masterpiece of a series, I am forever grateful!
January 20, 2025
What a beautiful ending to this trilogy! I was so lucky to receive an ACR of A Promise of Lies! When I tell you I DEVOURED the first two books in this series last year that would be an understatement. This book was at the top of my highly anticipated reads list and it did not disappoint! I was hooked from the very first word to the very last!
This series has it all! Deceit, court intrigue, bad ass FMC, heartbreak, feminine rage like no other. I could go on and on! Also don’t get me started on the plot twists and one of the best shadow daddies to ever exist 👀
The main characters are some of my favorites I have ever read. They are refreshing, competent, and relatable! The growth they go through is outstanding and it felt like I was right there with them. And the side characters were lovely, diverse and added so much to the story and world!
Nothing will compare at how this series altered me. There will forever be a Kat and Bastian sized hole in my heart! It was so hard to say goodbye to these characters but it was such a bittersweet ending to a fantastic series. 🥹
This series has it all! Deceit, court intrigue, bad ass FMC, heartbreak, feminine rage like no other. I could go on and on! Also don’t get me started on the plot twists and one of the best shadow daddies to ever exist 👀
The main characters are some of my favorites I have ever read. They are refreshing, competent, and relatable! The growth they go through is outstanding and it felt like I was right there with them. And the side characters were lovely, diverse and added so much to the story and world!
Nothing will compare at how this series altered me. There will forever be a Kat and Bastian sized hole in my heart! It was so hard to say goodbye to these characters but it was such a bittersweet ending to a fantastic series. 🥹
December 30, 2024
So excited to have been chosen for on ARC reader on the conclusion of the Shadows of the Tenebris Court!!
This was the perfect ending to one of my favorite series ever. I was so nervous to start with Kat and Bastian being separated but Clare blew me away. The twists and turns really kept me on my toes. I could not have predicted this wild ride. I am sure I’ve said this before but one of my favorite things about Clare’s writing is the development and growth she gives her characters. Kats journey from highway robber to all that she becomes is addicting, pride-bringing, and touching. She becomes the rock for Bastian he didn’t know he needed. Then Bastian…. From an unemotional right hand man to the queen to… everything that he becomes (this includes all the emotions he embraces) is moving and inspiring. He truly learned to trust himself and to lean on Kat when she needed.
This book had everything I needed. Including a sandwich I didn’t know I was craving. 😉
I am hoping we get an Ella book?! Maybe?! Pleaseeeeee Clare!!
This was the perfect ending to one of my favorite series ever. I was so nervous to start with Kat and Bastian being separated but Clare blew me away. The twists and turns really kept me on my toes. I could not have predicted this wild ride. I am sure I’ve said this before but one of my favorite things about Clare’s writing is the development and growth she gives her characters. Kats journey from highway robber to all that she becomes is addicting, pride-bringing, and touching. She becomes the rock for Bastian he didn’t know he needed. Then Bastian…. From an unemotional right hand man to the queen to… everything that he becomes (this includes all the emotions he embraces) is moving and inspiring. He truly learned to trust himself and to lean on Kat when she needed.
This book had everything I needed. Including a sandwich I didn’t know I was craving. 😉
I am hoping we get an Ella book?! Maybe?! Pleaseeeeee Clare!!
December 27, 2024
This was everything I was hoping for in a series finale but I am so sad for it to be over. I loved seeing our FMC Kat grow into herself and my ultimate book boyfriend Bastion - what a ride. Shadows of the Tenebris Court is filled with the best found family vibes, a fierce plus sized FMC, the best shadow daddy, political intrigue, beautiful dresses and a great mystery. Clare Sager has cemented herself as one of my all time fav authors and mam that was quite the sandwich 🫠
January 6, 2025
Loved this so freaking much!!!
The Dawn King is dead, and his son Cyrus has ascended the throne. Kat has Ben transferred to the Dawn Court as an act of goodwill by Dusk. But this keeps her on the other side of the veil from Bastian, so close but apart. Queen Braea of Dusk is keeping Bastian busy searching for the Crown of Ashes, but she’s also keeping secrets from him. Kat offers to act as a spy in Dawn for Bastian, hoping to get close to the king to find out the truth about his father’s death. But as the monarch’s behavior becomes increasingly worrisome, Kat and Bastian must risk it all to uncover the truth and save Elfhame.
I really enjoyed this book! I don’t want to give too many details or spoil anything, but this was a satisfying conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story. We see how their love is tested and how they continue to choose each other every time. While it’s hard to have Kat and Bastian separated for a chunk of the book, the times they are together is so special. We get some exciting reveals that literally made me gasp, and some incredibly emotional moments that brought me to tears. There were a few storylines that I wish were delved into a bit more, but this book covers so much ground and ties up so many loose threads, I’m ok with where things left off. The ending was satisfying and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very end. This is definitely a favorite series of mine, and I hope we get more books in the Sabreverse in the future!
Thank you so, so much to Clare Sager for the advanced copy of this book!! All opinions are my own.
The Dawn King is dead, and his son Cyrus has ascended the throne. Kat has Ben transferred to the Dawn Court as an act of goodwill by Dusk. But this keeps her on the other side of the veil from Bastian, so close but apart. Queen Braea of Dusk is keeping Bastian busy searching for the Crown of Ashes, but she’s also keeping secrets from him. Kat offers to act as a spy in Dawn for Bastian, hoping to get close to the king to find out the truth about his father’s death. But as the monarch’s behavior becomes increasingly worrisome, Kat and Bastian must risk it all to uncover the truth and save Elfhame.
I really enjoyed this book! I don’t want to give too many details or spoil anything, but this was a satisfying conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story. We see how their love is tested and how they continue to choose each other every time. While it’s hard to have Kat and Bastian separated for a chunk of the book, the times they are together is so special. We get some exciting reveals that literally made me gasp, and some incredibly emotional moments that brought me to tears. There were a few storylines that I wish were delved into a bit more, but this book covers so much ground and ties up so many loose threads, I’m ok with where things left off. The ending was satisfying and kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the very end. This is definitely a favorite series of mine, and I hope we get more books in the Sabreverse in the future!
Thank you so, so much to Clare Sager for the advanced copy of this book!! All opinions are my own.
January 1, 2025
5✨
3.75 🌶️
Ohhhh my gosh! THIS BOOK. But first! Thank you Clare for this opportunity I can’t tell you how excited I was to receive this! As always this review is completely voluntary and honest 🤍
Did I want Kat and Bastian’s story to end? Absolutely not but I gotta say, Clare did them justice 🥹. I can still remember Pia telling me about the sign up for Kiss of Iron on FB in early 2023 and I’m so glad I RAN to sign up. I found not only a new top favorite series but a new favorite author and I’ll literally buy and read anything Clare writes 😅.
This has been a JOURNEY. Watching Kat grow and become the strong powerful woman she is by the end of this book has been amazing and so unbelievably relatable. She has fears and insecurities and she comes out on the other side from facing them and not always alone. Bastian was with her every step. But Bastian also grew so much by the end of this book. Did I wanna slap him a little? YES. But only because he was so hard on himself! And if anyone did the things that happened to him to Kat? Ooo they’d be in trouble. So he had a lot of grow and stuff to work through too.
Clare did the characters and this world justice and I adored ever second of it (even if I had anxiety the ENTIRE book and lost sleep 😂)
3.75 🌶️
Ohhhh my gosh! THIS BOOK. But first! Thank you Clare for this opportunity I can’t tell you how excited I was to receive this! As always this review is completely voluntary and honest 🤍
Did I want Kat and Bastian’s story to end? Absolutely not but I gotta say, Clare did them justice 🥹. I can still remember Pia telling me about the sign up for Kiss of Iron on FB in early 2023 and I’m so glad I RAN to sign up. I found not only a new top favorite series but a new favorite author and I’ll literally buy and read anything Clare writes 😅.
This has been a JOURNEY. Watching Kat grow and become the strong powerful woman she is by the end of this book has been amazing and so unbelievably relatable. She has fears and insecurities and she comes out on the other side from facing them and not always alone. Bastian was with her every step. But Bastian also grew so much by the end of this book. Did I wanna slap him a little? YES. But only because he was so hard on himself! And if anyone did the things that happened to him to Kat? Ooo they’d be in trouble. So he had a lot of grow and stuff to work through too.
Clare did the characters and this world justice and I adored ever second of it (even if I had anxiety the ENTIRE book and lost sleep 😂)
January 2, 2025
There was just too much jammed into the last 40% and not enough when Cyrus was alive.
January 15, 2025
This book was everything. EVERYTHING. My heart is so full and yet I can’t help but be sad this trilogy has come to a close.
I don’t think I could ever get enough of Kat and Bastian. Clare delivered a finale that was heart stopping, tear jerking and absolutely wholesome.
Our girl Kat really played the game in this one and proved what we knew all along, she is a QUEEN.
My cake loving hero.
Shoutout to Clare for keeping promises made in book two. The cabin was… beyond words. How do we get an invitation to that party.
Bastian had some much important growth in this book. We finally got to dig down deep into his own trauma and self image. I was so happy to see where he was at with his headspace.
Thank you for these beautiful characters who has stolen a piece of my heart.
To the future and… to cake.
3/3.5 out of 5 🌶️
*Thank you SO much to Clare the author for gifting me an eARC of this book !*
I don’t think I could ever get enough of Kat and Bastian. Clare delivered a finale that was heart stopping, tear jerking and absolutely wholesome.
Our girl Kat really played the game in this one and proved what we knew all along, she is a QUEEN.
My cake loving hero.
Shoutout to Clare for keeping promises made in book two. The cabin was… beyond words. How do we get an invitation to that party.
Bastian had some much important growth in this book. We finally got to dig down deep into his own trauma and self image. I was so happy to see where he was at with his headspace.
Thank you for these beautiful characters who has stolen a piece of my heart.
To the future and… to cake.
3/3.5 out of 5 🌶️
*Thank you SO much to Clare the author for gifting me an eARC of this book !*
December 26, 2024
Thank you so much Clare Sager for sending me this ARC!
A Promise of Lies is the last book in a Fantasy Romance trilogy and I can’t believe it’s the end, I have loved this series since reading the first book as an ARC and this was such a perfect conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story, I absolutely loved it.
A Promise of Lies begins right where A Touch of Poison ended on that cliffhanger and I was hooked since the first page and read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It had everything I had come to expect from Clare’s books: Fae court intrigue, shocking revelations, plot twists I didn’t see coming that kept me on the edge of my seat but also so many amazing characters I’ve come to love and one of the most beautiful romances I’ve ever read. Kat truly shined in this book, she has come a long way from book 1 and continued to grow in this one and I was really impressed with her, she was so strong and clever and always willing to do anything for her loved ones. When it comes to Bastian, he continued to be the perfect MMC and shadow daddy and I fell more in love with him with every page, my heart was breaking for him at times in this book, he had to question everything he thought he knew but I loved how Kat was always most important for him. Their relationship was absolutely perfect here and they made a true power couple, I loved how they always supported each other in everything and how after everything that happened in previous books they were more open and just happy together. I loved all their scenes, their conversations, their banter, being vulnerable with each other and I must say Clare really outdid herself with the spicy scenes, they were all *chef’s kiss* but especially that one scene she was teasing us with since the previous book, I was blushing while reading it. I also really loved the supporting characters and the beautiful found family they all made, I already miss everyone and hope we will get to see them again.
A Promise of Lies is the perfect conclusion to this incredible series, it was everything I hoped for and more and if you loved the previous books in this series, I’m sure you’re going to love this one too. And if you’re new to this series, trust me, it’s incredible and you don’t want to miss it. I already can’t wait for Clare’s next book!
A Promise of Lies is the last book in a Fantasy Romance trilogy and I can’t believe it’s the end, I have loved this series since reading the first book as an ARC and this was such a perfect conclusion to Kat and Bastian’s story, I absolutely loved it.
A Promise of Lies begins right where A Touch of Poison ended on that cliffhanger and I was hooked since the first page and read the whole book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It had everything I had come to expect from Clare’s books: Fae court intrigue, shocking revelations, plot twists I didn’t see coming that kept me on the edge of my seat but also so many amazing characters I’ve come to love and one of the most beautiful romances I’ve ever read. Kat truly shined in this book, she has come a long way from book 1 and continued to grow in this one and I was really impressed with her, she was so strong and clever and always willing to do anything for her loved ones. When it comes to Bastian, he continued to be the perfect MMC and shadow daddy and I fell more in love with him with every page, my heart was breaking for him at times in this book, he had to question everything he thought he knew but I loved how Kat was always most important for him. Their relationship was absolutely perfect here and they made a true power couple, I loved how they always supported each other in everything and how after everything that happened in previous books they were more open and just happy together. I loved all their scenes, their conversations, their banter, being vulnerable with each other and I must say Clare really outdid herself with the spicy scenes, they were all *chef’s kiss* but especially that one scene she was teasing us with since the previous book, I was blushing while reading it. I also really loved the supporting characters and the beautiful found family they all made, I already miss everyone and hope we will get to see them again.
A Promise of Lies is the perfect conclusion to this incredible series, it was everything I hoped for and more and if you loved the previous books in this series, I’m sure you’re going to love this one too. And if you’re new to this series, trust me, it’s incredible and you don’t want to miss it. I already can’t wait for Clare’s next book!
December 28, 2024
What a fantastic conclusion to an amazing series!
We pick up right where the last book ended, and embark on a tense, emotional, and fraught journey. Having Kat and Bastian separated hurts, but it also makes the time they do get together so much more meaningful. Tensions and danger are HIGH! No one is safe between the courts of Dawn and Dusk, and there are plot upon plots and intrigues upon intrigues.
This is an emotional book. Basically if there was a scene with Kaliban or mentioning Kaliban, I was teary. Kat is so fearless, and she is a rock for Bastian. He has a LOT to work through, even more than in the last book. There are so many shocking reveals, and long-buried secrets come to PLAY. To keep this spoiler free, I’ll just emphasize that I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, screamed several times, cussed a lot, and cried and gasped a number of times. But as always, the character work here is exquisite. And everything wraps beautifully and satisfactorily.
And to what y’all are all really wanting to know….yes our Shadow Daddy comes to play. Seggsy promises were made in the previous book, and boy were they kept! No disappointment here!🥵
I really cannot recommend this series enough. I’m so honored Clare trusted me with an extra early read. And, Clare, I love the epilogue 😘
We pick up right where the last book ended, and embark on a tense, emotional, and fraught journey. Having Kat and Bastian separated hurts, but it also makes the time they do get together so much more meaningful. Tensions and danger are HIGH! No one is safe between the courts of Dawn and Dusk, and there are plot upon plots and intrigues upon intrigues.
This is an emotional book. Basically if there was a scene with Kaliban or mentioning Kaliban, I was teary. Kat is so fearless, and she is a rock for Bastian. He has a LOT to work through, even more than in the last book. There are so many shocking reveals, and long-buried secrets come to PLAY. To keep this spoiler free, I’ll just emphasize that I was on the edge of my seat the entire book, screamed several times, cussed a lot, and cried and gasped a number of times. But as always, the character work here is exquisite. And everything wraps beautifully and satisfactorily.
And to what y’all are all really wanting to know….yes our Shadow Daddy comes to play. Seggsy promises were made in the previous book, and boy were they kept! No disappointment here!🥵
I really cannot recommend this series enough. I’m so honored Clare trusted me with an extra early read. And, Clare, I love the epilogue 😘
January 10, 2025
While it was a good ending to the story, there were several things that happened that made me underwhelmed. Maybe my expectations were too high.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I had higher expectations of Kat’s time in Dawn, and her just playing silly little human trying to seduce the king felt… odd and old. For all his machinations, the king was utterly dumb.
Some revelations were quite good - like Amaya and Bastian’s parents - but I felt like they were not really properly used in the story.
The Crown of Ashes was also underwhelming to me. From the interaction with the King to the crown’s usage.
Sura’s death wasn’t really explained - why was she in chains?
Kaliban’s death was awful but the whole scene was just… odd. “I’m not releasing them - I’m releasing them - I’m not releasing them”.
The entire scene with the Underworld king and Kat coming back to life was also not as spectacular as one would expect. Things were all over the place and it just felt weird: the king was dying by poison but still took him long to kill Braea and ask for the antidote (omg you poisoned my dad & omg you were gonna let my love die - silly lines); Nyx was with him and he never felt it; his parents were not emotional at all; seeing everyone who died was just okay; and the coronation didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Braea “comeback” was also unnecessary in my opinion, and that part was pretty damn confusing. First Bastian is dying and then he’s just not?
Kat being against marriage to Bastian - now that was just plain stupid in my opinion. No one was forcing her, it was a CHOICE. Her reasoning just didn’t sit well with me.
I have to be honest and say I skimmed through the whole ending - I was just not interested anymore. The decision to turn the whole system into a democracy came out of nowhere and gave me “Red Queen” vibes (I absolutely hated that series).
So in summary - it was a good story, good plot, just didn’t perform that well in the end. But that’s just my opinion!
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
I had higher expectations of Kat’s time in Dawn, and her just playing silly little human trying to seduce the king felt… odd and old. For all his machinations, the king was utterly dumb.
Some revelations were quite good - like Amaya and Bastian’s parents - but I felt like they were not really properly used in the story.
The Crown of Ashes was also underwhelming to me. From the interaction with the King to the crown’s usage.
Sura’s death wasn’t really explained - why was she in chains?
Kaliban’s death was awful but the whole scene was just… odd. “I’m not releasing them - I’m releasing them - I’m not releasing them”.
The entire scene with the Underworld king and Kat coming back to life was also not as spectacular as one would expect. Things were all over the place and it just felt weird: the king was dying by poison but still took him long to kill Braea and ask for the antidote (omg you poisoned my dad & omg you were gonna let my love die - silly lines); Nyx was with him and he never felt it; his parents were not emotional at all; seeing everyone who died was just okay; and the coronation didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
Braea “comeback” was also unnecessary in my opinion, and that part was pretty damn confusing. First Bastian is dying and then he’s just not?
Kat being against marriage to Bastian - now that was just plain stupid in my opinion. No one was forcing her, it was a CHOICE. Her reasoning just didn’t sit well with me.
I have to be honest and say I skimmed through the whole ending - I was just not interested anymore. The decision to turn the whole system into a democracy came out of nowhere and gave me “Red Queen” vibes (I absolutely hated that series).
So in summary - it was a good story, good plot, just didn’t perform that well in the end. But that’s just my opinion!
January 1, 2025
ARC REVIEW: 5 ⭐️
Oh how I long to be sandwiched between Kat and Bastian, feed them strawberries, and brush their hair.
Unsure if I want to be with them or *be* them, but alas, that’s not what you’re here to learn about.
Was the book good? YES IT F$CKING WAS
Did I feel the emotions? SO MANY OF THEM
Do I still recommend this series to everyone: UNTIL MY LAST BREATH
Thank you, Clare, for having such a lovely brain.
Oh how I long to be sandwiched between Kat and Bastian, feed them strawberries, and brush their hair.
Unsure if I want to be with them or *be* them, but alas, that’s not what you’re here to learn about.
Was the book good? YES IT F$CKING WAS
Did I feel the emotions? SO MANY OF THEM
Do I still recommend this series to everyone: UNTIL MY LAST BREATH
Thank you, Clare, for having such a lovely brain.
December 30, 2024
Absolutely amazing conclusion to the series! I loved all the pieces coming together, all the reveals, and of course the HEA. I love Clare Sager’s writing and her characters. Kat’s development through out the series was top tier. Clare expertly weaves characters from other series into this one which is amazing if you know them and exciting if you now get to go read their books next. I’m going to miss this series so much.
December 30, 2024
What a way to end this series! Clare, I cannot thank you enough for the e-ARC. Truly, it was an honor and a privilege to read this early. Especially after how a Touch of Poison ended (still not over it). My heart is both happy and sad that this series has come to a close but what a ride it was!
This final book absolutely DELIVERS! It’s full of angst, desperation, female empowerment (I see what you did, Clare, and it was all beautiful), court intrigue, PLOT TWISTS, deception, spice, danger, a shadow daddy sandwich and an immense amount of character growth. Clare, thank you for giving us an incredible series and ending it on such a wonderful note. The ending absolutely made up for my gasps, tears and moments of terror.
Also, that one scene with everyone? Cue the waterworks.
Absolute must read if you love any romantasy book or are a sucker for strong FMCs and shadow daddy MCs. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS SERIES!!! Go read it, ASAP, you won’t regret it!
This final book absolutely DELIVERS! It’s full of angst, desperation, female empowerment (I see what you did, Clare, and it was all beautiful), court intrigue, PLOT TWISTS, deception, spice, danger, a shadow daddy sandwich and an immense amount of character growth. Clare, thank you for giving us an incredible series and ending it on such a wonderful note. The ending absolutely made up for my gasps, tears and moments of terror.
Also, that one scene with everyone? Cue the waterworks.
Absolute must read if you love any romantasy book or are a sucker for strong FMCs and shadow daddy MCs. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS SERIES!!! Go read it, ASAP, you won’t regret it!
January 19, 2025
Final book of the trilogy and overall I loved the characters and their stories so mostly mood rating it based off that. I definitely still recommend this whole series to fans of romantasy!
Maybe I would have been more objective had the author not posted about how she was rushing to making the deadline for publication. Because man, it felt really rushed. And there were SO MANY spelling/typing errors. Like, she posted on IG she finished the book like 2 days before it was released on KU.
The big, plot twist scenes were wrapped up too quickly with plot holes. :(
I just wanted more. I really wish whatever contract she signed wasn’t so strict because this book needed another couple of months.
However, rounding back up to 4 because of an epic death scene 🫢
Maybe I would have been more objective had the author not posted about how she was rushing to making the deadline for publication. Because man, it felt really rushed. And there were SO MANY spelling/typing errors. Like, she posted on IG she finished the book like 2 days before it was released on KU.
The big, plot twist scenes were wrapped up too quickly with plot holes. :(
I just wanted more. I really wish whatever contract she signed wasn’t so strict because this book needed another couple of months.
However, rounding back up to 4 because of an epic death scene 🫢
December 31, 2024
This book was everything and the perfect conclusion to one of my favourite couples and series. I loved it so much, from the twists and turns to the court politics to the cameo appearances from other characters and the delicious spice that you get between Kat and Bastian (IYKYK). These two will always have a special place in my heart I love them so much!
I love Clare's writing and how beautiful the plot and story is weaved immaculately throughout it is fast paced and filled with so many emotions from the beginning to end and gave the most satisfied and perfect conclusions to what has always been one of my favourites. Highly recommend, if you haven't started Kiss of Iron yet then please please do it is such a beautifully written fantasy romance series.
I love Clare's writing and how beautiful the plot and story is weaved immaculately throughout it is fast paced and filled with so many emotions from the beginning to end and gave the most satisfied and perfect conclusions to what has always been one of my favourites. Highly recommend, if you haven't started Kiss of Iron yet then please please do it is such a beautifully written fantasy romance series.
January 17, 2025
I’m so sad to say goodbye to Kat and Bastian. I love them so much.
The first half of this was chock full of political and court intrigue. Lots of spying and manipulating and betrayals. It was a lot to digest. So it felt a wee bit convoluted to me at the beginning, but I loved all of the moments Kat and Bastian had together while sneaking around and spying.
I did find some things to be a bit predictable, but it honestly didn’t bother me too much. The vibes were immaculate, and the way Clare tied everyone’s stories up was so heartwarming and fit so perfectly to the story and character development.
I LOVED Kat and Bastian’s ending especially. The love they have for each other transcends so much and they understand each other to a T. I’m going to miss them SO much.
The first half of this was chock full of political and court intrigue. Lots of spying and manipulating and betrayals. It was a lot to digest. So it felt a wee bit convoluted to me at the beginning, but I loved all of the moments Kat and Bastian had together while sneaking around and spying.
I did find some things to be a bit predictable, but it honestly didn’t bother me too much. The vibes were immaculate, and the way Clare tied everyone’s stories up was so heartwarming and fit so perfectly to the story and character development.
I LOVED Kat and Bastian’s ending especially. The love they have for each other transcends so much and they understand each other to a T. I’m going to miss them SO much.
December 27, 2024
So thankful to have gotten an ARC of this book! 💓
Wow what an epic conclusion to this series. I truly love the way that these characters are written. This series really emphasizes character growth and the journey of self love and acceptance. Kat has grown so much since book 1 and I feel like I’ve known her for years. Bastian had a lot of turmoil in this book and deals with a lot of big traumas and emotions. They are complex characters who have so much love. The found family in this series I also amazing, I adore the way they all support each other. The friendship between Bastian and Faolán was so sweet in this book 🥹 This final installment was jam packed with action, intrigue, mystery, and danger. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for these characters 🩷
Wow what an epic conclusion to this series. I truly love the way that these characters are written. This series really emphasizes character growth and the journey of self love and acceptance. Kat has grown so much since book 1 and I feel like I’ve known her for years. Bastian had a lot of turmoil in this book and deals with a lot of big traumas and emotions. They are complex characters who have so much love. The found family in this series I also amazing, I adore the way they all support each other. The friendship between Bastian and Faolán was so sweet in this book 🥹 This final installment was jam packed with action, intrigue, mystery, and danger. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for these characters 🩷
December 29, 2024
Such a brilliant ending to the trilogy! I love the world this is set in and after the events at the end of book 2 I couldn't wait to continue. It was full of political intrigue, spies, Fae bargains, feminine rage, tension and romance. I tried to savour it but I couldn't help but devour it. I enjoyed all the new twists and discoveries. I loved that a couple of my own theories were right! This book made me cry, laugh and of course swoon over Bastian! Hoping to see more in the Saberverse
December 27, 2024
**ARC Review**
A Promise of Lies is the stunning conclusion to this trilogy that absolutely lives up to (and exceeded) my every expectation. Our story hits the ground running as our beloved characters find themselves on opposite sides of the fae court divides having to use anything and anyone within their grasp to dig beneath the lies and try to keep each other and their loved ones safe.
The stakes are higher and the secrets even more poisonous as they uncover plots and play their roles. This entry will keep you on the edge of your seat and staying up way too late to get in just one more chapter before sleep.
Without a doubt this series finale has cemented Kat and Bastian’s story as a permanent resident on my favorites list.
A Promise of Lies is the stunning conclusion to this trilogy that absolutely lives up to (and exceeded) my every expectation. Our story hits the ground running as our beloved characters find themselves on opposite sides of the fae court divides having to use anything and anyone within their grasp to dig beneath the lies and try to keep each other and their loved ones safe.
The stakes are higher and the secrets even more poisonous as they uncover plots and play their roles. This entry will keep you on the edge of your seat and staying up way too late to get in just one more chapter before sleep.
Without a doubt this series finale has cemented Kat and Bastian’s story as a permanent resident on my favorites list.
December 29, 2024
This book broke me then put me back together.
Kat really shines in this book, not that she doesn’t in the other two but she truly finds herself and what she wants to be. And boy does Kat go through it! At points I wanted to shake Bastian because Kat is always right okay?? The twists and turns and closure we get in this book is A++ and I definitely went through all of the emotions starting with anxiety and ending with happy tears.
Thank you Clare for allowing me to read this early and for giving us Kat and Bastian, I can’t wait for what you write next!
Kat really shines in this book, not that she doesn’t in the other two but she truly finds herself and what she wants to be. And boy does Kat go through it! At points I wanted to shake Bastian because Kat is always right okay?? The twists and turns and closure we get in this book is A++ and I definitely went through all of the emotions starting with anxiety and ending with happy tears.
Thank you Clare for allowing me to read this early and for giving us Kat and Bastian, I can’t wait for what you write next!
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