Book reviews and Art

The long awaited fourth and final book in Ben Alderson’s bestselling Realm of Fey series sees the fate of Robin Icethorn’s world at stake, and a war that could ruin everything… great for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.

The long-awaited conclusion in Ben Alderson’s bestselling Realm of Fey series…

As the dust settles and the world ushers in a new era of stability, only Robin Icethorn knows the truth. Duncan Rackley, former fey Hunter turned lover, has become the host of the demon god Duwar, and the gentle peace that has been brokered is steps away from being shaken up. 

Bolstered with the sudden help of his ex-love Erix, Robin embarks on a mission to save Duncan, seeking out the aid of the Nephilim once more. However, Robin finds that the game of the gods is not over, and those he can trust may have other motives. 

Determined to protect his love, Robin and his allies must band together once more in hopes to destroy their enemies and prevent war on a celestial scale. But as old feelings for Erix return, and chaos brews among the realms, will Robin be able to usher in peace in the world… and in his heart?

THE FACTS

📕Epic four book series

📘 Queer Fantasy

📙 action, spice, intrigue, epic battles, emotion

📘 well worth the commitment

THE GOOD BITS

I finished The Realm of Fey series by Ben Alderson about a week ago, but it’s taken me until now to feel as though I can write a review. I’m mourning! I was happy to read the final book: A Game of Monsters, but at the same time I was so sad the series was finished.

It’s been a long road for Robin Icethorn. I honestly feel as though I have lived a part of Robin’s life with him. 

This series is a great feat. Ben Alderson created a world that is complete with different beings, a detailed magical system, complicated and engaging relationships and characters that come to life on the page.

My friend, Gladys who runs Terrier Books always says that book reviews shouldn’t just recount the plot of books. She says that when she reads a review, she wants to read about what was good and what was bad about a book. She wants to know whether the reviewer would recommend the book. 

I would absolutely recommend this series to readers, and I will explain why.

The Realm of Fey series covers so much real estate! Ben begins with a character named Robin. He seems like many other people and suddenly the young man is dragged into a world he doesn’t understand and is packed full of threats, danger, intrigue and emotional relationships.

The series follows the life of Robin Icethorn, his lover Duncan Rackley and his ex-guard and lover Erix. Each of these three men has been dragged through hell and back by the end of this series. It’s all incredibly well written, engaging, emotional, and intelligent. I know this world is full of magic, Fey, dangerous creatures and demons but it feels very real when you are reading it. I was along with Robin as he was taken from the only home he had known, when he lost people he loved, made bad decisions, felt the weight of a crown he didn’t want, struggled to understand his path…and ultimately had to decide whether he was worth the life he wanted to live. 

The three main characters in this series are on different roads. They weave in and out of each other’s lives, make mistakes (some rather epic mistakes), they take pleasure in each other, they fight… all of this happens on the page and yet it seems very real.

There is a wonderful supporting cast of characters. By the end of the series, there is a found family gathered around Robin. He hasn’t always been what they needed or expected him to be, but they stand by him. Despite the number of characters, Ben always brings them to the page in a way that is satisfying. I’ve said it before with respect to his writing; there are no insignificant characters in this series. 

This series has been a remarkable journey. I have cried, laughed, been angry and been sad. I’m sad the series is finished but I don’t regret a moment of the time I spent reading it. When you read this, you need to go into it realizing you in for a wild, emotional ride.

If you like Fantasy, then this is intricate and engaging. If you like queer fantasy – even better! 

THE LINKS

🖊 Author

📘 Goodreads

I purchased this entire series and I’m writing an honest review!