#Review - Lies That Blemish by Leia Stone #Fantasy #Romance

Series: The Ember Wars # 3
Format: Kindle, 338 pages
Release Date: March 2, 2025
Publisher: Leia Stone LLC
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Fantasy / Romance

To save her people, Aisling must question everything—even herself.

Blinded by betrayal, Aisling's heart burns for revenge against Kohen, the man she once trusted. But war looms on two fronts—Luska and Imbria—and her people are caught in the crossfire. As battle lines are drawn and alliances tested, Aisling faces an impossible choice: to side with the lesser evil or risk everything for her people’s survival.

Amid the chaos, truths begin to unravel. With every step closer to victory, Aisling is haunted by one question: Could Kohen have been right all along?

The final book in the pulse pounding trilogy!

Leia Stone's Lies That Blemish is the third and final installment in the author's The Ember Wars trilogy. The Ember War series blends a fantasy world with modern elements, such as cannons, an imperial fleet, and automobiles, creating a unique setting. This book begins two months after Aisling declared war on Imbria after being betrayed by Kohen Badshah in the worst way possible. As war looms on two fronts—against the nations of Luska and the new leader Maxim, who hangs over this story like a phantom waiting to strike, and Imbria, after they break away and form their own country, Aisling faces impossible choices: align with a lesser evil or risk her people’s survival. 

The narrative is driven by unraveling truths, shifting alliances, and Aisling’s internal struggle to reconcile her heart with her duty. While her impulsiveness and occasional naivety frustrated me in earlier books, Stone allows Aisling to mature significantly here, making her a more nuanced leader. Her emotional arc, particularly her struggle to forgive Kohen, who has seen the future and knows things that will happen that Aisling refused to admit, is raw and authentic, resonating deeply. Despite their rocky history, Kohen Badshah, the possessive yet devoted male lead, and his unwavering love for Aisling adds layers to the enemies-to-lovers trope. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, paired with magical creatures and war, hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. 

Adding a new point of view (POV) from Aisling’s 14-year-old sister, Valor, who is sent into the Wilds to bond with a creature, and ends up in an alliance with Kohen's brothers, adding a fresh perspective and deepening the stakes. Valor’s introduction as a POV character is a bold choice that pays off. At 14, she brings a youthful, determined energy, and her bonding experience in the Wilds adds thrilling stakes, especially when she comes home with a new ability. Her perspective also humanizes Aisling, showing her as a protective older sister. 

This book is not perfect, and in some ways, you could see the ending coming a mile away. The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance, paired with magical creatures and war, hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. This series is for readers who love fast-paced romantasy with strong heroines, forbidden romance, and high-stakes fantasy. Start with Lies That Bleed to fully appreciate the trilogy’s arc.

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#Review - Lies That Bind by Leia Stone #Fantasy #Romance

Series: The Ember War # 3
Format: Kindle, 340 pages
Release Date: December 28, 2024
Publisher: Leia Stone LLC 
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Fantasy / Romance 

When empires fall, love is the ultimate sacrifice.

When Aisling ascends the throne as empress, the weight of the crown is heavier than she ever imagined. Her father’s brutal murder leaves her with two burning purposes: find the killer and make them pay.

But her quest for vengeance leads to an act of retaliation that shifts the tides of war—and awakens a formidable new enemy.

Through the chaos, Kohen is her anchor. His unwavering love and loyalty are the only constants in her life. Yet when a shocking revelation emerges, Aisling is forced to question everything she believed to be true—even the bond she thought unbreakable.

In a world where trust is a fragile weapon, can Aisling hold her empire together, or will her pursuit of justice cost her everything?

Lies That Bind is the second installment in author Leia Stone's The Ember War series. This story picks up right where Lies That Bleed left off with a brutal cliffhanger. (Thankfully, the author does a good job summarizing the previous book's events, so you are not lost.) Lies That Bind is a fantasy romance novel, part of a series that blends elements of paranormal fantasy, urban fantasy, and romantic fantasy. Aisling Everhart is now navigating the heavy mantle of the empress of Amersea after her father’s brutal murder by an unknown assassin during an attack by the Luskans. 

What unfolds is a gripping tale of vengeance, love, and betrayal that keeps you on edge until the final page. Aisling’s journey is fraught with challenges—her quest to avenge her father’s death sets off a chain of events that escalates the war and awakens a formidable new enemy. She’s fierce, loyal, and unrelenting, yet her vulnerabilities shine through as she grapples with the weight of leadership and the shifting loyalties around her. In her fragile position, a strong enemy emerges, as well as the end of the search for her father's murderer. 

We are also introduced to new key players (like Maxim) that will likely be front and center in the next installment after Aisling orders and an attack on the Luskan capital. With these new developments, Aisling might find a truth that will shatter everything she had come to depend on. Kohen Badshah, her anchor and love interest, remains a standout with his unwavering devotion, though a shocking revelation tests their bond in ways that feel both heartbreaking and inevitable. Even though she knows her people will never accept him, Aisling can't seem to push Kohen away. 

He has been by her side throughout all of her grief, fears, and frustrations. Their slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romance continues to simmer, offering enough tension to keep readers invested without overshadowing the larger plot. The pacing is relentless—action-packed scenes flow into quieter, introspective moments with a balance that feels natural rather than forced. There was a moment in this book where I knew what would happen before it happened because I had said previously that betrayal would likely stun readers. 

Now, where does the author go from here? Aisling is under serious threat from Luskan and its new leader, who demands she marry him within 3 months. Thanks to the betrayal, she is facing a two-front war that could devastate her country, and she hasn't exactly been through training to inspire people to fight for her. The magical system, involving bonding with creatures, is intriguing, and the political tensions between territories add flavor. 

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#Review - Lies That Bleed by Leia Stone #Fantasy

Series: The Ember War # 1
Format: Kindle, 412 pages
Release Date: June 28, 2024
Publisher: Leia Stone
Source: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Fantasy

As the daughter of the emperor, Aisling Everhart was born into privilege. She has trained her entire life to go into The Wilds and have a chance at bonding with a creature that can give her unknown power. Half of the candidates will die the first night, and only a few will make it out. Those who survive the bonding are quickly conscripted into the Imperial Fleet to join the war.

What Aisling never could have prepared for, was Kohen Badshah, former prince of Imbria, her father’s sworn enemy. When Kohen proposes an unlikely alliance, she accepts. They enter The Wilds together, and Aisling realizes that she was woefully unprepared, especially when nothing goes to plan.

After barely surviving, she’s thrust into the Imperial Fleet to learn how to control her new gifts, but as her power grows, so do the dangers—including multiple attempts on her life. When you don’t know who is friend or enemy, it’s hard to trust, but Kohen Badshah appears to be protecting her.

Lies that Bleed is the first installment in author Leia Stone's The Ember War series. The plot is a bit of a mashup between Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, and Divergent. We start with the Lottery. A drawing in which every Amersean citizen is invited once a year to put their name in. Only a small amount of people are selected and given a chance to enter The Wilds. An opportunity to bond with a creature and become more powerful in the ongoing war. Those who survive get to train in a month-long boot camp to learn how to work with said bonds and their newfound powers. 

As the daughter of the emperor and the future Empress of Ainersea, Aisling Everhart was born into privilege. She has trained her entire life to go into The Wilds and have a chance at bonding with a creature that can give her unknown powers. There are only two ways to leave the Wilds: Dead or bonded with a creature. As the Lottery progresses, Aisling's best friend Tetra, who has a disability and uses a cane, is also chosen, as is Kohen Badshah, the former prince of Imbria and her father's sworn enemy. When Kohen proposes an unlikely alliance, she accepts. 

They enter The Wilds together, Aisling realizes she is woefully unprepared, especially when nothing goes to plan. After barely surviving and bonding with a powerful being known as a phoenix, she’s thrust into the Imperial Fleet to learn how to control her new gifts, but as her power grows, so do the dangers—including multiple attempts on her life. It's hard to trust when you don’t know who a friend or enemy is, but Kohen Badshah appears to be protecting her for some reason. Every time you think you have a situation or person figured out, you are thrown into an absolute loop and questioned the entire time. Who do you trust?

Aisling is already strong. She’s not a tiny damsel in distress. She’s trained her entire life to become empress, and she’s incredible and put together thanks to Elaine, her governess. She’s still young and going to make some personal mistakes along the way, but she’s so capable right off the bat. This book ends with a major fight with the Luskins, who are the enemy in this story, but it also ends in heartbreak and betrayal, and that's all I am going to say about the ending. I already have the second book; I just need time to figure out what Kohen said to Aisling and how that's going to guide what happens next. 

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#Review - The Last Dragon King by Leia Stone #Fantasy #Romance

Series: The Kings of Avalier # 1
Format: Kindle, 288 pages
Release Date: September 29, 2022
Publisher: Bloom Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Genre: Fantasy / Romance

Eighteen-year-old Arwen Novakson has magic, but just barely. So, when the Dragon King announces his search for a wife, Arwen knows she won't be in the running, as the king needs someone who has enough dragon magic to produce a strong heir. But, much to her shock, when the magic sniffers visit her small village, they command her to present herself at the king's castle as a possible wife.

This should be a dream-come-true opportunity for Arwen, but before going, she learns a terrifying secret about the strength of her magic, and if the king ever discovered the truth, he would have every reason to kill Arwen himself. Protecting herself becomes more and more challenging as her magic and her feelings for the king grow. Especially as she must watch him court other women.

Arwen can't help but fall for the charming, empathetic Dragon King, but she knows being together would put everyone in danger—herself, the king, anyone with dragon magic. With a magical war brewing, Arwen must decide how much she is willing to risk and how much she is willing to sacrifice for love.

Leia Stone's The Last Dragon King is the first installment in the authors The Kings of Avalier series. Each of the books in this series will feature a King, the women he falls in love with, as well as a happy ending. 18-year-old Arwen Novakson lives in Cinder Village with her mother and younger sister. Ever since her father passed away, Arwen has been the hunter-gatherer of the family. In this world, there are Humans, Dragonfolks, Elves, Fae and Wolves. 

It is not unusual for mix-breeding to take place which leaves offspring with diluted magic. Cinder Village falls under the control of Drae Valdren, the Last Dragon King due to the fact that his Queen died in childbirth leaving no heirs when he's gone. On the day of her biggest kill and right before May Day where all single boys and girls get together to hopefully find love, she's shocked to find that the kings army turns up in her little town, a town the king never visits.

Apparently he's searching for a bride someone who wields enough magic to carry an heir to full term. This should be a dream-come-true opportunity for Arwen, but she soon learns a terrifying secret about the strength of her magic from her mother. Arwen is likely the most dangerous person around with magic that can cause irreparable damage to Drae, and if the king ever discovered the truth, he would have every reason to kill Arwen himself. 

Thanks to her mother's dark secret, Arwen tries to run from being found out. Needless to say, she doesn't get very far. She's topped by Regina Wayfeather, Captain of the King's Guard, and Arwen's idol, as well as Drae Valdren who demands that she be subjected to testing. But, much to her chagrin, when the magic sniffers discover that she does, in fact, have powerful magic, they command her to present herself at the king's castle in Jade City as a possible wife.

Chosen to travel to Jade City along with other women of the Kingdom, Arwen is decidedly not like them. Not at all. Instead of all the pretty dresses, and all the parties, and intermingling, Arwen would have loved to have been chosen to work with her hero Regina Wayfeather. The fact slowly comes out that Arwen comes from a line whom were enemies to Drae's family thought to have all been executed. If is treason to even be alive. But Drae needs an heir to save the dragon folk and the magic that is slowly fading.

Arwen finds herself trying to protect herself from being charged with treason, and possible death. Protecting herself becomes more and more challenging as her magic and her feelings for the king grow. Especially as she must watch him court other women. Arwen can't help but fall for the charming, empathetic Dragon King, but she knows being together would put everyone in danger—herself, the king, anyone with dragon magic. With a magical war brewing, Arwen must decide how much she is willing to risk and how much she is willing to sacrifice for love.

*Thoughts* As I said above, this is a series which features a Dragon, A Fae, an Elf and of course, a Wolf. Each of their stories can apparently be read as standstone's even though they all face the dangers from the Nightfall's army who wants to destroy them. This story has vibes of The Selection, and The Bachelor to name 2 of hundreds. The story moves slowly for the most part, but there are action scenes and battles that will keep the ardent reader happy to continue to the end. Wasn't a fan of the MC telling the FC that he would marry another and then choosing to sleep with others in order to be able to provide heirs. Thankfully, this is a gook with a happy ending. 

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