I discovered this series via scrolling through Kindle Unlimited options. I will admit that it was the covers that drew me in, but once I started reading I kind of fell in love and ate up the three books available. I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting for Ravenna and Vallek’s story, and pretty much hit the read now button as soon as it became available and then read it straight through in a day.

For those of you not familiar with this series, it’s an interconnected world full of orcs, humans, fae, dragon shifters, unicorns, and pretty much any other mythical creature you can imagine. There is an overall theme to the series and plot threads that weave together, but you CAN read them as standalones. But I highly recommend you start at book one and work your way through the series as past characters do play a part in each book.

This is book four, Ravenna and Vallek’s story. Ravenna is a half fae/half human woman who spent years in a long sleep in an effort to hide away from an evil fae queen. As a child her gift of foresight saw the queen’s death and as a result Queen Amaranthe, determined to find her, hunted down and murdered her mother and father, but not before her father made arrangements to save his daughter’s life. Ravenna is determined to honor their sacrifice by killing Amaranthe, and her plan includes an Orc King and his army.

Vallek Far-Sight is chieftain of Balmirra, King of the Orcs and has made it his life’s work to unite the orc clans and build a better future for his people. Ravenna has been a member of Vallek’s court for several years, disguised as a human woman, serving as his seer. Her visions have helped him in his quest to unite the clans, claim territory, and keep his people safe. Her own ambitions are safely hidden away, for now. She knows he is her fated mate, or azai, but has no plans to act upon it, avenging her parents is her first priority.

Until he sees her true face, and he and his beast claim her as mate. And to an orc, the mate bond comes first before anything else. He is determined to make her his mate, his wife, and his queen.

I’m not quite sure why this series doesn’t get more attention, it’s absolutely fabulous. I know Avon is releasing this author’s other series, War of the Underhill, in paperback this year, and I kind of hope readers discover this author and work their way through the backlist to this series. The worldbuilding is well done, and every new release adds another layer. Each book features a different couple and trope., and I honestly don’t have a favorite. They are all special in their own way, with both the FMCs and MMCs in the pairings strong, competent, and easy to connect with. The romances are swoon worthy and sexy. If you like spice with your romantasy, this series is for you. Especially, Faeling. Vallek Far-Sight adores his wife and spends quite a bit of page time showing her just how much.

Ravenna is grieving her parents, out for revenge, and doesn’t trust easily. Vallek is so close to uniting the clans, and a half fae mate will definitely be something that his people will be uneasy about since the fae have always been their enemy. Their relationship builds steadily throughout the book, but not without its ups and downs, at least one assassination attempt, and Vallek twice jumping off a cliff to save her. It’s lovely and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.

If all of that doesn’t convince you to try this book (and series), THERE ARE UNICORNS. They are Ravenna’s surrogate family and have dedicated themselves to her safety and care. Some of my favorite parts of the book were Ravenna and her father’s dreadmount Oberon’s banter.

Highly recommend if you are deep in a romantasy/fantasy romance glom like I am. Even if you aren’t, but enjoy the genre, you should give it a try.

Grade- A