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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
5.0
Once upon a time I was new to Netgalley and I scrolled through the list with available titles. One of them looked cool and sounded amazing, right up my alley, and therefore I pressed request. I was quite happy when I got the book and even happier when I finished the book that I was asked to arc for the rest of the series too. I think this is my favorite fantasy series ever. I understand it's not for everyone, but this series and me are just a perfect fit.
Kaitlyn Davis has an amazing writing style. It flows nicely and is easy to read, but it's most of all very atmospheric and emotional. When I read it really feels like the characters are allowing me into their soul. I can read what they think, but I can most of all feel what they feel. And a lot of times these emotions are heartbreaking. I cried while reading the first book. I cried reading the second and I cried once more now while reading the third book. Just keep on breaking my heart, Davis. I don't need it anyway.
In this third book the characters are growing so much once more. I love how this series blurs the lines between good and bad and black and white. We have heroes sometimes messing up or making the wrong choices. And we have villains fighting for a good cause and making the world a better place. It also means that all those characters are so beautifully human. They have to grow, they have to learn, they have to mess up and they have to become the best versions of themselves they can be.
And last but not least, this book is exciting from start to finish and doesn't have any dull moments. Loads of series suffer from middle book syndrome, but Davis found the perfect pace for the characters to develop, for everything to happen. Every book has some sort of ending and closure and yet it's quite clear that this is all one big story, that the characters are working towards a goal, that the world is heading somewhere. I can't wait to continue the journey in the next book!
ps. If you order this book before release date, you can get some exclusive character art, either printed or digital depending on where you live! Make sure to check out https://www.kaitlyndavisbooks.com/p/pre-order-giveaway.html for more information! The artwork is beautiful so it's totally and absolutely worth it!
Kaitlyn Davis has an amazing writing style. It flows nicely and is easy to read, but it's most of all very atmospheric and emotional. When I read it really feels like the characters are allowing me into their soul. I can read what they think, but I can most of all feel what they feel. And a lot of times these emotions are heartbreaking. I cried while reading the first book. I cried reading the second and I cried once more now while reading the third book. Just keep on breaking my heart, Davis. I don't need it anyway.
In this third book the characters are growing so much once more. I love how this series blurs the lines between good and bad and black and white. We have heroes sometimes messing up or making the wrong choices. And we have villains fighting for a good cause and making the world a better place. It also means that all those characters are so beautifully human. They have to grow, they have to learn, they have to mess up and they have to become the best versions of themselves they can be.
And last but not least, this book is exciting from start to finish and doesn't have any dull moments. Loads of series suffer from middle book syndrome, but Davis found the perfect pace for the characters to develop, for everything to happen. Every book has some sort of ending and closure and yet it's quite clear that this is all one big story, that the characters are working towards a goal, that the world is heading somewhere. I can't wait to continue the journey in the next book!
ps. If you order this book before release date, you can get some exclusive character art, either printed or digital depending on where you live! Make sure to check out https://www.kaitlyndavisbooks.com/p/pre-order-giveaway.html for more information! The artwork is beautiful so it's totally and absolutely worth it!
stassi444's review against another edition
5.0
**4.5**
Even when discussing this series, I say that I must commend Kaitlyn Davis for writing a story about a black woman as the lead and not feeding into stereotype after stereotype for her.
A lot of times, when written by non-black people, the black characters get heavily placed into the category of side characters. Here, we get to witness that Lyana is the key. What brings the world together is that not enough stories have black women as the lead without there needing to be racial trauma involved. Because racial trauma can be too much to take in so often when reading stories, it was so lovely to read an account with a black lead when it is just magic, dragons, and fighting a force trying to destroy that magic.
Even when discussing this series, I say that I must commend Kaitlyn Davis for writing a story about a black woman as the lead and not feeding into stereotype after stereotype for her.
A lot of times, when written by non-black people, the black characters get heavily placed into the category of side characters. Here, we get to witness that Lyana is the key. What brings the world together is that not enough stories have black women as the lead without there needing to be racial trauma involved. Because racial trauma can be too much to take in so often when reading stories, it was so lovely to read an account with a black lead when it is just magic, dragons, and fighting a force trying to destroy that magic.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
I have received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ever since I've devoured the first two books in this series, I was very excited to get my hands on The Dragon and the Queen. It just sucks that it took me so freaking long to finally find the time to actually read it. Luckily, things were so easy to follow and jump into but I think that's probably due to the fact of my love for everything within these books.
The characters were still very likable. As was the overall story. I also like how consequences were dealt and handled with throughout the books as well. A lot happened towards the end of the sequel, so I'll admit I was very intrigued to see what the outcome of everything would be like in this one. I'll also state that I wasn't disappointed one freaking bit.
Then there's the romance, friendships, and the found family-ness of it all. Each of them brought so much happiness to my head and my heart. It was honestly really hard to put the book down once everything started to pick up. I also liked getting to meet some of the new characters too.
In the end, it shouldn't be a surprised to anyone that I'm very excited for the next book. The whole waiting game will definitely suck though but at least it will be here. Eventually.
Ever since I've devoured the first two books in this series, I was very excited to get my hands on The Dragon and the Queen. It just sucks that it took me so freaking long to finally find the time to actually read it. Luckily, things were so easy to follow and jump into but I think that's probably due to the fact of my love for everything within these books.
The characters were still very likable. As was the overall story. I also like how consequences were dealt and handled with throughout the books as well. A lot happened towards the end of the sequel, so I'll admit I was very intrigued to see what the outcome of everything would be like in this one. I'll also state that I wasn't disappointed one freaking bit.
Then there's the romance, friendships, and the found family-ness of it all. Each of them brought so much happiness to my head and my heart. It was honestly really hard to put the book down once everything started to pick up. I also liked getting to meet some of the new characters too.
In the end, it shouldn't be a surprised to anyone that I'm very excited for the next book. The whole waiting game will definitely suck though but at least it will be here. Eventually.
illborrowthisone's review
4.0
I am so excited to be back in this world. Davis has created an incredible storyline with the historical and magical aspects to back it up. Initially I did struggle to get back into this read. I really would have preferred to have reread the first books before diving back in, but it didn't take long. We are following multiple POVs, but I care about the characters and switching between them eventually became effortless for me as the reader.
This is a roller coaster ride and I'm hanging on the edge of my seat in anticipation for an epic conclusion. Check this series out. You'll find an incredible cast of characters on an epic adventure.
This is a roller coaster ride and I'm hanging on the edge of my seat in anticipation for an epic conclusion. Check this series out. You'll find an incredible cast of characters on an epic adventure.
sixofwoes's review
4.0
“The connection between them burned as bright as ever, two hearts and two minds formed into one. A king of fire. A queen of snow. Two equals bound by trust."
4⭐️
This was another solid sequel to the Raven and the Dove series. Kaitlyn Davis has expanded on the avian world and mages in a really satisfying way. I liked reading from all of the perspectives, even the diary entries from the world years ago.
It was great to see Lyana and Rafe both on their journeys to fulfil the prophecy, and Xander stepping into his role as a leader. And I enjoyed both of the couples’ dynamics. I felt bad for Cassi though, who, despite her awful actions in the past, truly thought she was saving the world.
It’s amazing how the author manages to make you hate a character in one book, and then sympathise with them in the next. This happened with Malek, who I despised in the last book, but liked and understood more in this one. I liked the discussion of forgiveness and the blurring of the line between good and bad.
With an explosive ending like that, I cannot wait to read the final book in this series. It will be very interesting to see how it all wraps up, and what will become of these characters.
Thank you to the author for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
sndmaldo's review against another edition
5.0
This series is the only YA I'm still reading. It's just so good, and it keeps getting better and better. The cliffhanger at the end of this book was insane, I’m tearing my own hair out just wanting to know what the eff is happening next.
I loved the pace and action packed scenes, and the little soft moments in the middle. I wish the romance was more predominant like in the first book, but I loved the plot and the other kind of relationships, so I can't really complain. This is a very well thought out story and it shows in all the details.
-
"Lyana and Rafe soar away, her wings as white as snow, his rippling with fire, the pair of them cutting across the skies like prophecy brought to life."
"She said his name as though everything good in the world were contained within the sound. He melted, the fire in his blood replaced with something just as warm, just as potent, yet infinitely more powerful. Love."
Lyana and Rafe just about destroyed me in this book. Their undeniable connection to each other shone brighter than ever. The way Rafe pretty much left everything behind to be with her and protect her just made me swoon and melt into a puddle of goo.
Rafe simping for Lyana is my new religion. This man is a great example of why female readers adore simping fictional men. He was everything Lyana needed; he was kind, protective, supportive. He was strong but vulnerable. Fierce but tender. God, I love this man.
"He was a king. She was a traitor. He was honest. She was a spy. He was undeniably good. She was irrevocably damned."
Cassie was simply pure perfection. She and Xander stole this book away from Lyana and Rafe. They are such a powerhouse together, but also on their own. Their personal development throughout the series was so satisfying. And they finally kissed!!! I thought I was going to die of pure excitement when that moment finally happened.
When Xander told her “In my dreams, I touch you with two hands” I swear I thought I’d pass out. Why was that so hot?? And yet so tender. My god, I love Xander so much. He's probably one of the best male characters I've ever read in YA.
"Your dreams have always been my favorites."
I never liked Malek, not even as the “bad guy”, because the narrative kept trying to make me feel sympathy for him and present him as a complex, morally grey character. When in reality, he acted like a controlling, toxic sociopath. His whole woe is me vibes in this third installment only managed to piss me off. Especially his “moment” with Cassie at the end, when she forgave him. He had done nothing to deserve that. Ugh I'm going to be salty af about this for the rest of my life.
I loved when Cassie told him he had "thrown a tantrum like a scared little boy whose favorite toy got stolen away." You go girl.
"His brother, the King Born in Fire. His brother, the hero of prophecy. His brother, the savior of worlds.
Oh god, these two. I cried. I refuse to believe they won't have a moment in the last book where they can finally hug it out. I know I'll cry like a baby and I can't wait.
"Honestly, fighting dragons was less draining than this constant gnawing fear that came with caring about people. Brighty was over it."
Brighty is still one of the best things in the series and one of the reasons why this series is so complext, rich and interesting. Every secondary character adds something to the plot. Every relationship is interesting and well done no matter how secondary.
And Brighty is one of the best parts in the whole series for that reason. Her friendship with Rafe made me feel things and that last scene together... god talk about being a glass case of emotions with those two.
Spoilers below.
.
.
.
.
.
Who’s the Spatio'kine with corn stalks blonde hair, freckles and honey eyes?? Are we supposed to understand the reference? I’m worried it’s going to be a new character we don’t care about and the last book will focus on her.
Lyana and Rafe better come back from the rift and get their HEA at the end of the last book or I’ll RIOT.
I loved the pace and action packed scenes, and the little soft moments in the middle. I wish the romance was more predominant like in the first book, but I loved the plot and the other kind of relationships, so I can't really complain. This is a very well thought out story and it shows in all the details.
-
"Lyana and Rafe soar away, her wings as white as snow, his rippling with fire, the pair of them cutting across the skies like prophecy brought to life."
"She said his name as though everything good in the world were contained within the sound. He melted, the fire in his blood replaced with something just as warm, just as potent, yet infinitely more powerful. Love."
Lyana and Rafe just about destroyed me in this book. Their undeniable connection to each other shone brighter than ever. The way Rafe pretty much left everything behind to be with her and protect her just made me swoon and melt into a puddle of goo.
Rafe simping for Lyana is my new religion. This man is a great example of why female readers adore simping fictional men. He was everything Lyana needed; he was kind, protective, supportive. He was strong but vulnerable. Fierce but tender. God, I love this man.
"He was a king. She was a traitor. He was honest. She was a spy. He was undeniably good. She was irrevocably damned."
Cassie was simply pure perfection. She and Xander stole this book away from Lyana and Rafe. They are such a powerhouse together, but also on their own. Their personal development throughout the series was so satisfying. And they finally kissed!!! I thought I was going to die of pure excitement when that moment finally happened.
When Xander told her “In my dreams, I touch you with two hands” I swear I thought I’d pass out. Why was that so hot?? And yet so tender. My god, I love Xander so much. He's probably one of the best male characters I've ever read in YA.
"Your dreams have always been my favorites."
I never liked Malek, not even as the “bad guy”, because the narrative kept trying to make me feel sympathy for him and present him as a complex, morally grey character. When in reality, he acted like a controlling, toxic sociopath. His whole woe is me vibes in this third installment only managed to piss me off. Especially his “moment” with Cassie at the end, when she forgave him. He had done nothing to deserve that. Ugh I'm going to be salty af about this for the rest of my life.
I loved when Cassie told him he had "thrown a tantrum like a scared little boy whose favorite toy got stolen away." You go girl.
"His brother, the King Born in Fire. His brother, the hero of prophecy. His brother, the savior of worlds.
Oh god, these two. I cried. I refuse to believe they won't have a moment in the last book where they can finally hug it out. I know I'll cry like a baby and I can't wait.
"Honestly, fighting dragons was less draining than this constant gnawing fear that came with caring about people. Brighty was over it."
Brighty is still one of the best things in the series and one of the reasons why this series is so complext, rich and interesting. Every secondary character adds something to the plot. Every relationship is interesting and well done no matter how secondary.
And Brighty is one of the best parts in the whole series for that reason. Her friendship with Rafe made me feel things and that last scene together... god talk about being a glass case of emotions with those two.
Spoilers below.
.
.
.
.
.
Who’s the Spatio'kine with corn stalks blonde hair, freckles and honey eyes?? Are we supposed to understand the reference? I’m worried it’s going to be a new character we don’t care about and the last book will focus on her.
Lyana and Rafe better come back from the rift and get their HEA at the end of the last book or I’ll RIOT.
sndmaldo's review against another edition
5.0
This series is the only YA I'm still reading. It's just so good, and it keeps getting better and better. The cliffhanger at the end of this book was insane, I’m tearing my own hair out just wanting to know what the eff is happening next.
I loved the pace and action packed scenes, and the little soft moments in the middle. I wish the romance was more predominant like in the first book, but I loved the plot and the other kind of relationships, so I can't really complain. This is a very well thought out story and it shows in all the details.
-
"Lyana and Rafe soar away, her wings as white as snow, his rippling with fire, the pair of them cutting across the skies like prophecy brought to life."
"She said his name as though everything good in the world were contained within the sound. He melted, the fire in his blood replaced with something just as warm, just as potent, yet infinitely more powerful. Love."
Lyana and Rafe just about destroyed me in this book. Their undeniable connection to each other shone brighter than ever. The way Rafe pretty much left everything behind to be with her and protect her just made me swoon and melt into a puddle of goo.
Rafe simping for Lyana is my new religion. This man is a great example of why female readers adore simping fictional men. He was everything Lyana needed; he was kind, protective, supportive. He was strong but vulnerable. Fierce but tender. God, I love this man.
"He was a king. She was a traitor. He was honest. She was a spy. He was undeniably good. She was irrevocably damned."
Cassie was simply pure perfection. She and Xander stole this book away from Lyana and Rafe. They are such a powerhouse together, but also on their own. Their personal development throughout the series was so satisfying. And they finally kissed!!! I thought I was going to die of pure excitement when that moment finally happened.
When Xander told her “In my dreams, I touch you with two hands” I swear I thought I’d pass out. Why was that so hot?? And yet so tender. My god, I love Xander so much. He's probably one of the best male characters I've ever read in YA.
"Your dreams have always been my favorites."
I never liked Malek, not even as the “bad guy”, because the narrative kept trying to make me feel sympathy for him and present him as a complex, morally grey character. When in reality, he acted like a controlling, toxic sociopath. His whole woe is me vibes in this third installment only managed to piss me off. Especially his “moment” with Cassie at the end, when she forgave him. He had done nothing to deserve that. Ugh I'm going to be salty af about this for the rest of my life.
I loved when Cassie told him he had "thrown a tantrum like a scared little boy whose favorite toy got stolen away." You go girl.
"His brother, the King Born in Fire. His brother, the hero of prophecy. His brother, the savior of worlds.
Oh god, these two. I cried. I refuse to believe they won't have a moment in the last book where they can finally hug it out. I know I'll cry like a baby and I can't wait.
"Honestly, fighting dragons was less draining than this constant gnawing fear that came with caring about people. Brighty was over it."
Brighty is still one of the best things in the series and one of the reasons why this series is so complext, rich and interesting. Every secondary character adds something to the plot. Every relationship is interesting and well done no matter how secondary.
And Brighty is one of the best parts in the whole series for that reason. Her friendship with Rafe made me feel things and that last scene together... god talk about being a glass case of emotions with those two.
Spoilers below.
.
.
.
.
.
Who’s the Spatio'kine with corn stalks blonde hair, freckles and honey eyes?? Are we supposed to understand the reference? I’m worried it’s going to be a new character we don’t care about and the last book will focus on her.
Lyana and Rafe better come back from the rift and get their HEA at the end of the last book or I’ll RIOT.
I loved the pace and action packed scenes, and the little soft moments in the middle. I wish the romance was more predominant like in the first book, but I loved the plot and the other kind of relationships, so I can't really complain. This is a very well thought out story and it shows in all the details.
-
"Lyana and Rafe soar away, her wings as white as snow, his rippling with fire, the pair of them cutting across the skies like prophecy brought to life."
"She said his name as though everything good in the world were contained within the sound. He melted, the fire in his blood replaced with something just as warm, just as potent, yet infinitely more powerful. Love."
Lyana and Rafe just about destroyed me in this book. Their undeniable connection to each other shone brighter than ever. The way Rafe pretty much left everything behind to be with her and protect her just made me swoon and melt into a puddle of goo.
Rafe simping for Lyana is my new religion. This man is a great example of why female readers adore simping fictional men. He was everything Lyana needed; he was kind, protective, supportive. He was strong but vulnerable. Fierce but tender. God, I love this man.
"He was a king. She was a traitor. He was honest. She was a spy. He was undeniably good. She was irrevocably damned."
Cassie was simply pure perfection. She and Xander stole this book away from Lyana and Rafe. They are such a powerhouse together, but also on their own. Their personal development throughout the series was so satisfying. And they finally kissed!!! I thought I was going to die of pure excitement when that moment finally happened.
When Xander told her “In my dreams, I touch you with two hands” I swear I thought I’d pass out. Why was that so hot?? And yet so tender. My god, I love Xander so much. He's probably one of the best male characters I've ever read in YA.
"Your dreams have always been my favorites."
I never liked Malek, not even as the “bad guy”, because the narrative kept trying to make me feel sympathy for him and present him as a complex, morally grey character. When in reality, he acted like a controlling, toxic sociopath. His whole woe is me vibes in this third installment only managed to piss me off. Especially his “moment” with Cassie at the end, when she forgave him. He had done nothing to deserve that. Ugh I'm going to be salty af about this for the rest of my life.
I loved when Cassie told him he had "thrown a tantrum like a scared little boy whose favorite toy got stolen away." You go girl.
"His brother, the King Born in Fire. His brother, the hero of prophecy. His brother, the savior of worlds.
Oh god, these two. I cried. I refuse to believe they won't have a moment in the last book where they can finally hug it out. I know I'll cry like a baby and I can't wait.
"Honestly, fighting dragons was less draining than this constant gnawing fear that came with caring about people. Brighty was over it."
Brighty is still one of the best things in the series and one of the reasons why this series is so complext, rich and interesting. Every secondary character adds something to the plot. Every relationship is interesting and well done no matter how secondary.
And Brighty is one of the best parts in the whole series for that reason. Her friendship with Rafe made me feel things and that last scene together... god talk about being a glass case of emotions with those two.
Spoilers below.
.
.
.
.
.
Who’s the Spatio'kine with corn stalks blonde hair, freckles and honey eyes?? Are we supposed to understand the reference? I’m worried it’s going to be a new character we don’t care about and the last book will focus on her.
Lyana and Rafe better come back from the rift and get their HEA at the end of the last book or I’ll RIOT.
sammie_namjooning's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
literary_valkyrie's review against another edition
4.0
The Dragon and the Queen by Kaitlyn Davis
“We’ll never know for sure, and I refuse to let a handful of pretty words decide my fate any longer.”
~~~~
Book 3 since The Raven and the Dove, and I gotta admit; this just keeps getting better and better. Lyana and Rafe are growing into their powers and becoming absolutely badass! This book is just full of adventure and action for the amazing world that Davis created. The ending had me wide-eyed; totally not seeing it coming. The God Born and the King is coming out May 23, 2022; get ready for the ending of a thrilling journey!
“We’ll never know for sure, and I refuse to let a handful of pretty words decide my fate any longer.”
~~~~
Book 3 since The Raven and the Dove, and I gotta admit; this just keeps getting better and better. Lyana and Rafe are growing into their powers and becoming absolutely badass! This book is just full of adventure and action for the amazing world that Davis created. The ending had me wide-eyed; totally not seeing it coming. The God Born and the King is coming out May 23, 2022; get ready for the ending of a thrilling journey!
readingtabz's review
4.0
4.5/5⭐️
This is book 3 of The Raven and The Dove series. This book is my favorite so far out of the series. I love the characters growth. The world building is amazing. A lot of questions were answered in this book for me.
The character growth. For this book this is the most we have seen most of these characters grow. But that is to be expected as a book series goes on. These characters not only got stronger for their people but for themselves and for each other. There was a couple minutes I was afraid the characters were going to make a couple of selfish decisions. But they pulled it together in the end. I would like to say that outside of our main characters of this book I loved Brighty the most. She is so snarky and real. I feel like she tries to keep her heart safe. But in this book we really get a good look at her. And I loved every minute of it.
The world building is still amazing. Even though the worlds are falling apart Kaitlyn Davis has continued to written them so beautifully. I am interested to see what happens to these worlds once everything is said and done.
One of my favorite things in this book is the diary entries. I feel like it helped answer some questions for me. Of course I have more. But I really enjoyed this part of the book.
I am so excited to see where the next book takes us.
This is book 3 of The Raven and The Dove series. This book is my favorite so far out of the series. I love the characters growth. The world building is amazing. A lot of questions were answered in this book for me.
The character growth. For this book this is the most we have seen most of these characters grow. But that is to be expected as a book series goes on. These characters not only got stronger for their people but for themselves and for each other. There was a couple minutes I was afraid the characters were going to make a couple of selfish decisions. But they pulled it together in the end. I would like to say that outside of our main characters of this book I loved Brighty the most. She is so snarky and real. I feel like she tries to keep her heart safe. But in this book we really get a good look at her. And I loved every minute of it.
The world building is still amazing. Even though the worlds are falling apart Kaitlyn Davis has continued to written them so beautifully. I am interested to see what happens to these worlds once everything is said and done.
One of my favorite things in this book is the diary entries. I feel like it helped answer some questions for me. Of course I have more. But I really enjoyed this part of the book.
I am so excited to see where the next book takes us.