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