House of Shifting Tides (The Kingdom of Crows) (2024)

✩ 3.45 stars ✩

“Twice upon a time, a princess fell in love with a beast.”

What to Expect:
➼ Paranormal Romance
➼ Fated Mates
➼ Second Chance Romance
➼ Shifters
➼ He Falls First
➼ Memory Loss
➼ Betrayal
➼ Dual POV

This author has a a lot of strengths. She has a wonderful imagination and the main thread of her storylines and her character development always draw me in. She excels at creating that “found family” vibe we all crave and the worlds she creates are worlds I wish I could dive into and get lost in. The physical descriptions of her worlds however, always leave a bit to be desired. I always feel like I am on a movie set with only a few staged rooms. I often feel like I’m missing something - almost like there are deleted scenes. For example, on Shabbe I could only envision a few rooms of a castle, an ocean, and like 6 people until about 60 more showed up out of nowhere at the end. What were those people doing before then and how did she never interact with any of them? I think these are independently published and that may be the root of the problem. I just felt like this needed to be edited and polished a little more to make it great.

Ultimately, I really enjoyed this and I was thrilled to read from another character’s perspective (I can’t stand Fallon who was the MC in the last three books). I have read that the author intends to write a few more books in this series and I will be interested to see which characters she focuses on next. Perhaps Lore & Fallon’s daughter? I think there was a prophecy about her in a previous book which seems like clear foreshadowing. I also enjoyed getting glimpses into Cathal’s thoughts so I was excited to learn that OW plans to continue writing in dual POV. His grumpy protectiveness was so sweet and unwavering. No matter how much it hurt him, he always put Daya’s needs first. 🤍 I was happy to see these beloved characters find resolution and receive the happily ever afters that they deserve.

I can’t claim that this was the best book in the series, but I enjoyed being back in Shabbe and The Kingdom of Crows! This series will always be an instant yes for me. If she writes it, I’ll be reading it. 🐦‍⬛👑🐉

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Pre-read: I adore this series but I CANNOT stand Fallon. Soooo excited to read from a different character’s POV!

Cathal better get his happily ever after! 🖤🔪

Istg if my manz Cathal doesn’t get his happy ending rn rnnn

OMG I was SO EXCITED to jump back into the Kingdom of Crows series and Y'ALL. House of Shifting Tides by @olives21 is SO GOOD 🤌🏼🤌🏼. THIS BOOK is EXACTLY what this series needed. I was getting all the vibes I was obsessed with in House of Pouding Hearts (my favorite of the series) - there's humor, there's SO much s3xual tension, and there's crazy action and angst. Lots of plot lines get tied up neatly which I appreciated, many favorite characters show back up (there's PLENTY of Lore and Fallon), and there are new character additions too. Just all around good fun, and I was so excited to be back in this world!!

I can't go into much detail about the plot since this is the fourth book in the series, but it's pretty well established that this book is about Fallon's mother, Zendaya, and father, Cathal. This book was giving me ALL the star-crossed lovers vibes, which I'm always OBSESSED with 😱. These two KNOW they belong together but circ*mstances keep them apart, and it's just incredible painful for a while. I love how freaking protective Cathal ends up being - he's more growly and ruthless than Lore 😏. And OMG, despite her awful circ*mstances, I freaking LOVED Daya. She's a much more mature version of Fallon, and I loved her for it.

Seriously, this series is one of my favorites of all time, and I LOVE that there’s even more to the story! Pretty sure I'll always remember the series that made me fall in love with a crow... and then now I'm in love with ANOTHER crow? I guess I'm just forever in my crow era. Caw caw friends.

Rooting for cathal 😔✋🏻 it's also kind of funny since cathal means pumpkin in hindi😭

Rating: 4.5🌟
Spice: 1.5🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Book 4 in series
- Second chance romance
- Slowburn romance
- Fated mates
- Protective MMC
- Grumpy x Sunshine vibes
- Tension, angst, and heartbreak 💔
- Witches, Shifters, Fae, Humans
- Deception and betrayals

‘House of Shifting Tides’ follows Cathal and Zendaya, who are Fallon’s parents. The main storyline for this book was introduced in Book 3 of the series, but continues and finishes in this book, so I do recommend you read the first three books in the series before diving into this one!

Returning to the world of the Kingdom of Crows series was a joy for me, as it remains one of my favorite series! I was eager to see what would happen with Cathal and Zendaya, especially after the cliffhanger at the end of Book 3, and “House of Shifting Tides” did not disappoint!

The story begins with a transformed Zendaya who has lost memories of her previous life. Watching Zendaya relearn everything was inspiring; her strength truly shines through. Thrust into a conflict-ridden world, she must figure out whether those closest to her are genuine allies or manipulative adversaries. I honestly didn’t know who I could trust, and the author did a great job with building tension and small conflicts between the Zendaya and the new characters introduced.

Moreover, I loved the exploration of Zendaya’s internal struggles, as she questions what her “old” self would do and whether her current self is “good enough.” One of the most heartbreaking part of her journey is her lack of memory of Cathal. I think some instinctual part of her can recognize he is someone important to her, but she is unable to recall anything regarding their past relationship.

Cathal, devastated by their broken mate link (Crows only have one life mate), refuses to give up on Zendaya. He becomes her unofficial grumpy, handsome Crow bodyguard, and is always watching over her. He’s extremely protective of Zendaya (for good reason) ❤️. I love the second chance romance aspect of their story. Their relationship development is intense, filled with so much tension and angst 🔥, with various events in the book attempting to drive them apart. At times, it seemed their relationship might be doomed, but there is a happily-ever-after for this couple!

In this book, we delve deeper into the Shabbans, their world, and customs. They heavily rely on prophecy, with only the Queen able to communicate with the Cauldron. Zendaya, being the true heir to the throne, must prove that she is worthy to rule, as some doubt her status as a “true” Shabban. The background scheming and deceit keep the plot engaging and intriguing.

Fallon and Lore are also featured heavily in this book. Fallon actually plays a significant role, and I loved seeing these two again!

While I enjoyed the book overall, there were a few things I didn’t love. A significant event involving a major character seemed to negate a subplot from previous books, which was disappointing. Additionally, I found it difficult to visualize the Shabban Queendom and its waterways, which made it difficult to follow along with what was happening during the action-packed ending.

Although marketed as a standalone, I believe reading the first three books is essential to fully grasp this one. The main storyline was introduced at the end of Book 3, and unresolved plot points from the first three books of the series, such as the Crows’ obsidian curse, are further explored in this book.

Overall, I loved Cathal and Zendaya’s story, and like I say with every book in this series, I can’t wait to read the next one!

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review contains my honest opinions.

DNF @80%.
Eek, dnf at 80%!

It’s not a bad book, I just got bored.

What I enjoyed:
It was lovely having glimpses of the old fav characters. I loved the tiny snippets of Cathal that we got.

What I didn’t enjoy:
This book for me is just the same old tried and tested formula. Mate. Bond. Love. Can’t be together, will they/won’t they (spoiler, they will, of course they will)
For me there wasn’t enough Cathal. I would have enjoyed more of his pov.

It’s fine. Just a bit old hat. I have a feeling it’s going to be super popular with the die hard fans of this series and I get that.

Three stars because I love this author, but honestly, I’d really love to read something fresh and new from her.

okay umm… maybe this was just me…

I really enjoyed the beginning, but the ending felt rushed and it confused me a little?? maybe i wasn’t paying attention well enough. also it was weird to me that the whole time, zendaya was like “don’t compare me to the old zendaya, im my own person”, just for her to jump on the chance to get her memories back and the very end.

3.5-4 stars just because i love the characters.

House of Shifting Tides was an emotional and beautiful addition to the The Kingdom of Crows Series. Those we loved and cared for got the HEA we desperately wanted, it wasimpossible not to cry tears of joy. Yet, there are still other stories that need to be told, including ones who we have yet to meet. I absolutely love this world and can’t wait to see what is in store for it down the road! If you adore found family, second chances, and romantasy, this book is a must read!

I cant my head. “Where I belong, Dádhi Cathal?”
He blinks. Then blinks again. And then he grimaces. “Dádhi?”
“Isn’t that name?”

I may always belong to her, but in this lifetime, she doesn’t belong to me.

Why do I feel so…so…restless? Why do my lids burn and my heart ache? Because I’ve lost my grip on the past, or because I fear the future?

His rough hand cups my cheek with the utmost tenderness. “Zendaya of Shabbe, you are and will always be my one and only.”
My chest heats. At first, I think it’s because I must’ve struck another bargain, but when the heat spreads, I realize it doesn’t stem from magic but from how powerfully my heart beats for Cathal.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

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have you ever wondered ‘what if the loch ness monster is hot and sometimes has legs?’ bc if so, i have the perfect book for you, my friend.

this is book 4 in a series, and there’s not much i can say about it without giving away a major twist from book 3, so check my reviews for book one here and don’t come back until you’ve finished book 3.

if you, like me, were blown away by the reveal at the end of book 3, then buckle up for a ride when you pick this one up. i’ve been waiting for cathal and zendaya’s story since olivia’s house of rising sands novella, and though this came in a form nobody could have expected, this installment was fun.

i don’t normally love second chance romance stories, but the way this is done is so unique that it makes it more digestible. did you like the movie the vow? with channing tatum and rachel mcadams? because if so, you’ll love this. and while there are some elements of the story that are frustrating — largely, daya’s lack of communicative abilities for the first third, making it a little more difficult to understand what, exactly, is happening from her POV — most of the book is smooth sailing. or should i say smooth swimming.

i won't get into the plot out of an abundance of caution for spoilers, but know that this is one for the romantasy folks, who don’t mind an occasional dabble into monster romance, this is one for existing fans of olivia wildenstein, who don’t mind the occasional creative verbiage choice during spicy moments (nethermouth will live in infamy), and this is especially one for fans who read and loved fallon’s story but wanted more, as house of shifting tides offers some closure and answers on some of the things that her trilogy left unanswered.

ultimately, this was fun, a quick read, with some titillating new developments, and will likely leave you with a new shifter hyperfixation and a fervent urge to book a beach vacation. nothing heals like the sea — unless it’s a sea serpent’s tongue.

if you ever had a formative obsession with the loch ness monster, this is the PERFECT shifter book for you.

this is book 4 in a series, and tells cathal and zendaya's story, both shifters of very different kinds, as they attempt to rekindle the embers of their romance after years of forced distance, new lives, and memory loss.

i don’t normally love second chance romance stories, but the way this is done is so unique that it makes it more digestible. did you like the movie the vow? with channing tatum and rachel mcadams? because if so, you’ll love this. i won't get into the plot out of an abundance of caution for spoilers, but know that this is one for the romantasy folks, who don’t mind an occasional dabble into monster romance, this is one for existing fans of olivia wildenstein, who don’t mind the occasional creative verbiage choice during spicy moments, and this is especially one for fans who read and loved fallon’s story but wanted more, as house of shifting tides offers some closure and answers on some of the things that her trilogy left unanswered.

ultimately, this was fun, a quick read, with some titillating new developments, and will likely leave you with a new shifter hyperfixation and a fervent urge to book a beach vacation. nothing heals like the sea — unless it’s a sea serpent’s tongue.

thank you to olivia wildenstein for the opportunity to read an advance copy!

4.5 ⭐️
1.5 🌶️

Tropes:
- Found Family
- Second Chance Romance
- Fated Mates (with a twist)
- Grumpy, Protective MMC
- Slow Burn

Crow Daddy’s story is here and it does not disappoint! I absolutely adore the grump who is Cathal Báeinach. Yes, he is stern and usually scowling, but he also is protective and caring, and the way he loves truly is the stuff of fairytales.

I have a big soft spot for Zendaya too. Her journey through relearning essentially everything and finding her true self is an emotional roller coaster. She is so strong and such a pure soul, and there are so many challenges she must face as she navigates a world of feelings, prophecies, and politics that she doesn’t understand. And there are so many obstacles she and Cathal must overcome if they are to find their way back to one another.

Things are definitely not all that they seem over on Shabbe. I thought I had it all figured out. And I did figure out a few things, but there were also twists that I did not anticipate - manipulations, betrayals, and surprising allies. I did have issues with the pacing at times, and the ending felt a bit rushed, which kept this from being a 5 star read for me. But it was close. I was rapt, and devoured this book in 2 days. If you’re a fan of Romantasy, found family, fated mates with a twist, second chance romance, and slooow burns, I definitely recommend giving House of Shifting Tides a read!

Note - While House of Shifting Tides is a spin-off, if you haven’t already read the rest of the Kingdom of Crows series, I recommend reading that first to fully understand what’s going on. This book takes place immediately after House of Striking Oaths and should be read in order.

3.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ok so I have some mixed feelings about this for different reasons. I really enjoyed Zendaya. I liked watching her and her innocence live and relearn everything. I liked watching her put things together and come up with reasons why to things and just seeing the world through her fresh eyes. What I didn’t like is how long of a gap there was between this and the 3rd book. I feel like with this kind of story with information overload, many different “languages” so many characters with all kinds of names and powers and races that there was too much time left to forget things. I honestly barely remember any of the side characters. Important things that happened I was trying to piece together and remember but it just wasn’t clicking. And that’s not to say you have to remember everything enjoy this book since I obviously finished and did enjoy it but it definitely took away from it. Another issue for me is I feel like I was missing important pieces of Meriams story. I know in the previous books we kinda get different stories about her but none had just flat out made her the good guy until this book and so now I’m struggling to understand what happened. I don’t think we get a clear enough view of Priyas motivations for doing everything she did but not being the “bad guy” in the end. Honestly I think it would be a better reading experience if you read the first 3 right before this one but I didn’t think I’d need to reread everything since I knew this was a story about Daya and not Lore/Fallon.

Holy Crow what a ride! I loved being back in this world! I am obsessed with this series and this book brought all the greatness I’ve enjoyed over the last three books (and we get another one!!!)!

Daddy Crow was super protective and bristly just the way we like him and Daya really shown! I absolutely devoured and left no crumbs each time I picked it up. I loved having plenty of Fallon, Lore, and the gang, but also fell in love with some new (old) characters. I love a good second chance romance snd it was so fun having it in a fantasy!

The burn was slow, anatomy lessons had, plus we got a S3x Ed session from Cathal and boy did he have to work for it (and edged us on quite a bit). Not super spicy, but just a smidgen for you to enjoy, though the action, twists, and turns kept me well entertained!

Make sure you are up on your vocabulary and House of Striking Oaths (as well as the prequel novella, House of Rising Sands) is fresh in your mind, because things can get a bit confusing with the introduction and re-entry of quite a few characters and three languages. Some I remembered, but I would highly suggest reviewing the glossaries before diving in.

A Thank you so much Olivia for the opportunity to ARC for you again as part of your team. I can’t wait for more!!

4/5✨

📖 via KU

House of Shifting Tides

This was probably my most anticipated book of the year with the continuation of the series. I was obsessed with the three books before. I was also devastated that Lore and Fallon’s story was over… but we get such a great continuation of their relationship along with Dahdi Cathal and Zendaya (Mahdi).

I think my love of this series brought my rating up because I felt like even though this book was nearly 500 pages there wasn’t a whole lot happening. It really was character driven. Idc, I love it. The author has such a good way of painting storylines together and building relationships up!

The bonus epilogue of Fallon and Lore’s wedding was a nice little bite for the next book!

I had a perfectly curated tbr for this month. Then this book just popped into existence and I decided to send that tbr to hell (momentarily) and read it before I forgot about more facts from the last three, since I was sure I wasn't going to reread them.

Now I'm glad I read it asap because boy did I forget almost everything about everyone. And by that I mean the myriad of secondary characters this series has. I felt lost so many times I just decided to go with the flow, because I actually like Daya and Cathal. I just don't believe their story got the book they deserved. It was overly complicated plot wise and not complicated enough character wise. In my opinion, things could've been simpler because what should have been the center of absolutely everything is them, and Fallon.

I guess I'll continue with the series because I already know this people and, despite my previous ranting, I'm invested.

After a really rocky start (most of the story is miscommunication and holding information) it wasn't that bad. It is a wholesome story. Not really adventurous but more romantasy. Nice that everyone gets an happy ending. Everyone gets along, good wins the evil, nobody important dies, the wronged ones get recognized and forgiven etc etc etc. I do like the happiness everyone gets but.. I kinda feel like um is there more? This felt like an long epilogue than actual book in the series.

Also kinda bummed that Daya in the end gets her memories back. Like yay (really I would also want my memories back) but the way she compares her new and old self all the time saying she is different then in the end she isn't.. like what was the point on that...

Best book of the series

It was okay. Not my favourite in this series, but nice to have closure.

Olivia's books are a delightful escape from reality. This one was particularly brilliant, with intricate details and exceptional writing. I didn't expect to love Cathal as much as I adored Lore, but Cathal's character was well-crafted and devoted. I truly loved him.

Nous avons fait la connaissance de Zendaya (Daya) et de Cathal dans les aventures de Fallon. Nous allons maintenant vivre leur seconde chance.

Je ne suis pas fan de ce trope en général. Or, s’il y a un talent qu’on peut reconnaître à Olivia Wildenstein, c’est celui de faire dans l’originalité, si bien que si ce n’avait pas été écrit, je n’aurais même pas compris que House of shifting tides s’inscrit dans ce thème. Eh oui, elle est forte comme ça, Olivia.

Si vous n’avez pas lu la précédente trilogie de Fallon, vous serez peut-être perdus. Nous retrouvons un univers toujours aussi dense et pas mal remué par les conflits qui ont fait rage. C’est l’époque de la reconstruction. Vous aurez peut être du mal à comprendre aussi, ce qu’il s’est passé pour Daya, pourquoi elle et Cathal ont été séparés. Je pense donc que si vous voulez lire ce roman, il faut avoir lu ceux d’avant pour être familier avec les termes utilisés et la mythologie mise en place.

Daya a été transformée par ce qu’elle a vécu. Elle a perdu beaucoup dans ce process, sa mémoire a été réinitialisée. Elle est donc une nouvelle personne même si son enveloppe corporelle reste identique.

Pour Cathal, le coup est dur car il doit composer avec l’inconnue qui lui fait face alors qu’il se rappelle de tout, lui. La perte est d’autant plus terrible pour lui.

Heureusem*nt, le temps qu’ils apprennent à se connaître, l’humour est très présent dans leurs interactions. J’avoue que j’ai beaucoup ri devant certaines situations ubuesques. Je ne sais pas où l’auteure est allée chercher son inspiration pour ces passages mais c’est hilarant. J’ai adoré ricaner comme ça face aux quiproquos qu’elle met en scène.

En plus de leur romance qui prend place très progressivement, à un rythme parfois lent, l’auteure a choisi de développer une nouvelle mythologie en introduisant des nouveaux personnages: Enzo et Aggripina. Ceux-ci m’ont fait sourire car ils apportent une fraîcheur et une touche d’humour irrésistibles. Il renouvelle l’action et lui donne de la profondeur. Tout à coup, grâce à eux, on a un nouveau regard sur elle. J’adore! Par leur biais, l’intrigue se dote de nouveaux enjeux et c’est génial!

L’histoire est addictive. Elle ne nous lâche pas tant il se passe de choses. Les rebondissem*nts pleuvent. Que ce soit en terme de personnes ou d’actions, j’ai été tout le temps surprise. Je ne m’attendais pas à que ce que ma perception de certains personnages soit remise en question ni à ce qu’il y ait des doubles jeux. C’était intense.

Le final me satisfait énormément. La conclusion du récit est épique. C’est comme si j’avais fait la guerre avec les héros et j’en ressors lessivée mais sereine.

Je referme donc le livre ravie. Désormais je suis très curieuse de savoir ce que le prochain tome nous réserve. L’univers s’est bien étendu et il y a beaucoup de matière pour y replonger encore, ce que je ferai avec délice.

‘I cant my head. “Where I belong, Dadhi Cathal?” He blinks. Then blinks again. And then he grimaces. “Dadhi?” “Isn’t that name?”

House of Shifting Tides is the perfect title for this book as the reader delves into an emotional, heartbreaking read filled with such soul crushing sadness. It takes the reader on the traumatic journey of Zendaya of Shabbe and Cathal Baeinach, parents of Fallon mate of the illustrious and ruthlessly protective Lorcan Rihbadh. The story begins exactly where Fallon’s stories end, Zendaya is alive, the Mahananda, the magical source of all life and power in all lands, has brought her back to life. But of course this sneaky author had to bring her back with a terrible twist. Zendaya has no memories of her previous life, she doesn’t remember Fallon, or her mate, or what her mother did to her, nothing that shaped her into the woman she was.

Zendaya's and Cathal's story is one of emotion, heartache, and the ultimate devotion with a small side of tetchiness and slightly cantankerous! Cathal's devotion and unwavering loyalty and love for his once mate is as heart warming as it is breaking after everything they've been through they deserve a break! Daya is so strong, finding out she had a whole life before she was created by the Mahananda, being the very first of her species, learning how to speak and everything else about her new world that she used to know and now doesn't. She’s strong and takes it all in stride and even without her memories of Fallon nothing stops her from considering Fallon as her child! And she deals wonderfully with her brooding ruthless mate.

Zendaya may have forgotten him and their bond but Cathal is not giving her up without a fight, even when everyone tells him to be cautious and protect his heart, he can’t. She may look different act differently, be a completely different person but Zendaya of Shabbe is still the woman he loves no matter how much she’s changed. She is HIS mate and there’s no way that anyone is coming between them. Though fate and others try their very hardest to tear them apart, their souls are bound forever, even if the actual mate bond is missing along with her memories of their lives together, their love that inevitably produced a child.

There was for a moment, or more likely a few chapters, when I seriously questioned this author, whether she could possibly be that cruel. And since this is a spoiler free review you shall have to pick up the book to find out any answers and process that mind boggling twist! I have to say one of the best scenes in this book was the anatomy lessons with Dadhi Cathal including intimate relations talk which just had me howling with laughter! All I will say is that this book was everything we needed and more, giving us everything we needed and then some, including more happy ever after’s for some other characters, after some trauma and emotional heartbreak first!

House of shifting tides is a standalone story, but still a spin off so without reading the previous three books you wouldn’t know who all the characters in this story are. Although I was confused at first with the bunch of new names, I could still remember what had happened in previous books and the story of Fallon and Lorcan as well how Zendaya was “reborn” and her whole past with Cathal.

This book is about Zendaya mainly. If you do not recall what happened to her and how she became a serpent shifter then do not worry. You will all learn her past, present and future, because Zendaya lost her memory during her “reborn” in Mahananda. So all has to be explained to her all over again. Including how the body of woman and man works, which might bring some chuckles.

Zendaya is smart, selfless and will do anything for the good cause. As well like Fallon these are kind of perfect characters, although Fallon had her “weak” moments in past, I do not recall any weak moments of Zendaya’s life. I am so much in love with her romantic story and her love for Cathal, it’s incredible. Even though they aren’t mates anymore in the sense of the mind talking, which is the obvious link between shifters and mates, her body can remember and love Cathal dearly. Zendaya finds out that she is able to “create” new shifters with her magical healing tongue by breathing a new life into a dying person. Like this she will over the time shift two humans to serpent shifters with which she can mind talk and do not have to use any words in public.

But Zendaya also does something super bad, because she trusts too much. She’ll break Meriam’s curse and let’s see how that will change the story. I have all kinds of questions like Is Meriam really the bad one? Was it really as Priya said, that the wards were build to hide and secure Shabbe against Meriam? Maybe it is all completely different, and the evil one is someone else. If you are eager to know how Zendaya’s life went and what happened with her love for Cathal (because who does not want to know how their romance ended up) and what will happen with Meriam and all others in the story then give this novel a chance it is definitely worth it and it’s an amazing novel again. And the grand last 15% of the book will make your head spin for days, big twist and all the unexpected traitors and surprises just made me drunk from the reading. (I swear this is possible). And most probably I will dwell on this novel for next couple of days. Olivia did an amazing job, such as all her books this is great LOVE.

Thank you for providing this ARC to me and having a chance to read this novel before it is published and reached the shelves of the stores. I cannot express my gratitude more than by saying you are one of the best Fantasy authors I had a chance to read in my life. Staying and following your writing journey as your avid reader.

𝐻𝑜𝓊𝓈𝑒 𝑜𝒻 𝒮𝒽𝒾𝒻𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝒯𝒾𝒹𝑒𝓈 - 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝑔𝒹𝑜𝓂 𝑜𝒻 𝒞𝓇𝑜𝓌𝓈 𝟦 - 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌

Author: Olivia Wildenstein

Couple: Zandaya & Cathal

Tropes: fated mates, amnesia romance, romantasy, NA romance, witches and shifters, interconnected standalone, friends to lovers, second chance

Review: House of Shifting Tides left me in pieces! This book was a long awaited book after the end of Fallon’s trilogy and Olivia did not disappoint. This book was a whirlwind of emotion and the journey Daya and Cathal take to get to their HEA both broke my heart and healed it. Daya was a hilarious FMC and I enjoyed how intelligent and naive she was in this book as well as how observant.

HoST continued expanding upon the Kingdom of Crows universe and this time it takes us into the witch and blood magic kingdom. Daya’s story picks up from where we ended book 3 and I enjoyed getting to see her relearn everything and outwit the other characters. The way Olivia handled the “amnesia” trope was phenomenal and I adored the innocence and naivety she had while asking questions to Cathal and Priya. I also enjoyed seeing how the serpent shifters began to change the way serpents were seen in this book. Enzo and Agripinna were both side characters that added a ton of levity and layers to Daya’s story!

This book was a second chance fated mate romance and Cathal was a MMC who destroyed me. His strength to stand by his mate even when she did not remember him and was told that she was no longer his mate was heartbreaking and Olivia really showed what type of male he was in this book. HIs relationship with Fallon was also something I adored and I loved finally seeing them share the father-daughter bond. The way Daya broke down his walls and shocked him with her questions was also a highlight for me in this book and it made me laugh at times with how uncomfortable Cathal was answering some of her questions!

While I loved the slow burn aspect of this book, the found family and bonds were what did me in. The strength both MCs have was demonstrated over and over as their feelings were tested against the deception Priya and her followers put them through. I also loved seeing Fallon, Lore and the other crows in this book. The way Fallon and Daya bonded in this book was heartwarming and I adored their friendship throughout and especially once Daya learned Fallon was her daughter. Olivia was able to craft an emotional romance in this book and I am excited for the next one coming!

Rating: 5/5, Daya and Cathal had a pulse pounding second chance romance that left butterflies and heartwarming feelings through their journey to an HEA!

Thank you to Olivia for sending me this ARC!

Another spectacular story from Olivia Wildenstein! Picking up essentially right where we were left at the end of House of Striking Oaths, we are shifted to Cathal and Zendaya’s story. It’s also a very interesting set of circ*mstances, providing a more unique journey for these two. While *technicallly* this is a second chance romance, Zendaya has not only lost all memory of her former life, it really for all intents and purposes, her former life, (SPOILERS FOR PRIOR BOOKS IN THE SERIES) as she was magically reborn as a serpent and transformed by the Cauldron into a serpent shifter. The transformation proving jarring for all involved, and Zendaya being forced to relearn literally everything.

This is a beautiful slow burn, and there is some very sweet, very heart crushing angst, most especially from Cathal, as they navigate through this very delicate path. Primarily told from Zendaya’s POV, though we get occasional chapters from Cathal’s POV that are wonderful, it’s a very innocent and often times trusting perspective as she tries to figure out how to fit in in this unfamiliar world. She has no idea what people are holding back from telling her, and she doesn’t have the wherewithal to even comprehend enough to realize it for quite a while. Meanwhile, the political machinations, coupled with the personal connections that are being made, make for a deeply emotional and turbulent ride. And even as you feel like you may see where the story is leading, we are skillfully twisted into a different direction, making the story that much more intriguing and engrossing.

While the story pulled me in from the start, because I was very much looking forward to it after the end of the previous book, it took no time at all in sinking in it’s hooks and making it difficult for me to want to put it down. And on top of Cathal and Zendaya’s story, we also get some very wonderful wrap ups to a couple of the loose threads left with Fallon and Lore in the original trilogy as well, which was fantastic. And with familiar characters as well as new ones, I found myself fully immersed in what was happening, and enjoying every bit of it. This has been an outstanding fantasy series, with phenomenal world building and exceptional storytelling from start to finish.

We return to the world of sorceress, crow shifters, and fae in the House of Shifting Tides.

This time the story takes place in Shabbe with all the witchy folk. Olivia has once again created a beautiful and detailed world. Priya, the Shabbe Queen (and Fallon’s grandmother), was not my favorite person however, it was interesting finally getting an up-close look at the sorceress' territory.

How Olivia wrote Zendya was genius. Daya is somehow herself and completely new. Seeing her learning new things while acclimating to an entirely new world brought a sense of innocence to the story. But I still see the spunky and caring person that was hinted at in the previous books, all the while with Cathal as her sentry. I liked seeing this new side of him, he's grumpy most of the time but his caring and protective nature comes out with Daya, it's so cute. My favorite moment was when Daya basically called Cathal "Crow Daddy", haha. Daya doesn't have a full understanding of things and the moment was hilarious.

What was happening in this book! Things that I thought were gonna happen did happen just not in the way that I expected. Also, some of the things I thought were true weren't. It was madness with a few plot twists thrown in just for giggles. Including one of the most shocking plot twists I have ever read!

When House of Striking Oaths concluded my heart broke for Cathal, I needed House of Shifting Tides to heal it. Cathal and Daya are true soulmates and I needed them to have an HEA. Although that is not to say I didn't have my moments after all Olivia does seem to love the tears of her readers. Nevertheless, House of Shifting Tides was one of the best love stories, what a phenomenal read.

I absolutely adored this book!! It was everything I didn’t know I needed in Cathal and Daya’s story!!!!! Olivia’s spellbinding worldbuilding and flawless prose made this such an easy read, with lots of frustration, screaming, crying and hilarity mixed in!!!!! I’m going to try my best to not spoil this for anyone as it should be read after the original Crows series.

I loved Cathal’s POV, it was not as much as Daya’s but I looked forward to each and everyone - I felt for him so much and he dealt so well with everything thrown at him. Whilst still being the amazing and stoic crow daddy we DEFINITELY need in our lives!!!!! I loved how he tried to take care of Daya and make sure she wasn’t overwhelmed and looked after. Hi total and utter devotion was awe inspiring and heartbreaking in equal measures.

Daya was fantastic- I loved how she didn’t give up, tried her best to reacclimatise to the world she’d found herself thrust into. She also has a wicked sense of humour and determination that I found completely freaking amazing. I still think Fallon is the best but Daya is a very very close second!!!!

I loved that we didn’t leave all the previous characters behind, there’s lots and lots of Fallon and Lore, and SO MANY cameos!!!!!

The twists and turns of this book had me on the edge of my seat, it was honestly painful in the best way - I even questioned whether Olivia would be THIS cruel so many times but OMG did it make for the BEST read!!!! (spoiler free so pick it up to see what I’m talking about!!) despite the pain it is definitely a must read for me, it’s official!!!! I am destined to be in love with the crows forever!!

Holy Moly. Back to Luce and the Kingdom of Crows with plenty more drama from Shabbin, along with the friends and enemies of both the Shabbin and the Crows. Who to trust? I was doubtful of everyone at one point or another. Everyone looking out for themselves and their lands. I loved catching up with Lore and Fallon (the only ones I actually trusted). I have to admit to getting a little frustrated at times when the angst got too much and the emotion took over. All Zendaya wanted was her memories. I was desperate for her happy ever after with Cathal. There’s a little humour in and amongst as Zendaya learns the ways of the world (and the birds and the bees). The story is told mainly from Zendaya’s POV with a few chapters in Cathal’s POV. Zendaya is very naive, but learns very quickly the ways of the different lands and their occupants. I loved her honesty, and I loved how her relationship with Cathal transitioned. Until it didn’t. And Cathal, he was the perfect hot, protective and grumpy shifter. I loved him. Misunderstandings, secrets, rules, prophecies, oaths, lies, shifters, fae and those pesky witches. This story had it all. I loved it. I can’t get enough of these crows. A second chance romance with a twist. Best read after the first 3 books as it can be a little hard to follow. A full 5 stars from me. I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

"Twice upon a time, the fairest princess in the land fell in love with the uncouthest beast in the sky."

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Although this is technically a standalone, I highly suggest starting with the first 3!

*sigh* another torturous wait for the next book 😭 HoST follows Cathal, a crow shifter, & Zendaya, a sea serpent shifter. I was so beyond ready for their story and Olivia did NOT disappoint! The story starts off with Daya renewed into her former self. She had lost all memories of her previous life, including the love she once shared with her mate Cathal, along with their former mate link being broken. Although devastated, Cathal refuses to give up on Zendaya. Their link may have broken but he is certain they are still mates. This leads to a grumpy crow shifter bodyguard always watching over Daya. Which, produces the best angst, tension and all the feels! This book was such an emotional rollercoaster (in the best way). One minute I was heartbroken, another I was laughing and the next I felt for Daya and Cathal and their internal struggles.
I also appreciated how much Fallon and Lore were featured. If you’ve read anything by Olivia then you know how beautifully written this book is!
Highly suggested read 🤩

Tropes:
🐦‍⬛ Shifters, Witches & Fae
👫 Fated Mates
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
🫦 Tension and Angst
👊🏼 Protective MMC
🔪 Betrayal
💞 Will Only Ever Love Her
👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨 Second Chance
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
✨HEA

@theefaepages

*cawpile: 6.5 = 3.5 stars*
It honestly took me like 40% to kind of feel like I understand this world and familiar relations again even though I only read the first three books like a week ago. I was just very confused going into this because I honestly kind of forgot everything except for that there are crows and the ultimate ending of book three with Daya emerging. I think if I would have read this immediately after book three I would have enjoyed it more. However I still had a good time. I like seeing Daya trying to figure out her life now and going through her challenges without backing down. I really enjoyed seeing her and Cathals interactions. It was funny and cute and it was almost funny at times with how protective he was. A lot of the side characters were kind of confusing to me at times as I didn't remember every detail from the original trilogy. Even though I always like seeing characters from previous books Fallon was kind of annoying at times (again lol). I liked learning more about Dayas kind as well as seeing her create her own kind of family (even though Enzo was really annoying to me I really enjoyed the other addition we got to see more of). The ending was a bit too fast for me and not everything felt super logical but all in all I had a good time reading this. I don't know if I will continue this if there is going to be another spin-off (I would definitely have to reread book 1-4 for that though).

🐦‍⬛ TROPES & THEMES 🐦‍⬛
✔️ Daddy Crow
✔️ Fated Mates
✔️ Second Chance Romance
✔️ angst, tension, all the feels
✔️ Book 4 in a series!
✔️ Hilarious moments
✔️ Fae, Shifters, Witches, Humans

Olivia knows how to write some of the most interesting and unique fantasy worlds - but the conversations had are hilarious and always make me laugh out loud. Daya was hilarious, even when she wasn’t trying to be. And Cathal? 🧎‍♀️ Daddy Crow. 😏 his grumpy butt went through so much this entire book and I felt so bad for him. 🥲🤣

This is indeed book 4 in a series, and even though it’s focused on another couple, I cannot recommend enough having the last book or two fresh in your brain before you dive into this story! Olivia’s world is so rich and detailed - in order to appreciate it to the max, having the series fresh in your memory is best!

Keeping it vague so I don’t spoil, I genuinely enjoyed our two mains. The romance was slow burn but it caught fire in the end. 😏 the story climax was intense and had me anxious on what would happen next. And when I finished it I was happy and satisfied for how it all tied up!!

Olivia’s Kingdom of Crows series is one of the most unique and richly magical stories I’ve ever had the privilege of reading. Any author who can make hundreds of readers fall for a crow is someone who knows what they are doing. 👑 obsessed.

I was slow to read and complete this for a few reasons - firstly I loved Fallon and Lorcans story and I wasn’t sure how well Zandaya and Cathal story would fit into it all. Secondly so much happens in this book my head was spinning (in the best way) so I took a lot of breaks as I parsed what was going on in the story against what I knew had happened in other books.

Wow just wow.

So much happens. The way the story is built (dual POV) with a “new” Zendaya who acts like a clean slate for a story and Cathals long memory is brilliant.

Who is a friend? Who’s a foe? (I want to say who’s a crow because it rhymes 😂) it’s like no one can really be trusted. There is a lot and I mean a lot of deception but the story rockets along very quickly with twists and turns and some very surprising revelations throughout.

I’m Irish and while my grasp of the Irish language isn’t amazing Zendaya referring to Cathal as basically crow daddy (dhadaí) had me in stitches. So I absolutely appreciate the care in world building here.

There’s a lot of familiar characters from other books so honestly it feels familiar in the best way but also very new as we see what’s happening in the queendom of Shabbe.

Honestly I think I’m going to have to reread all 4 books back to back to fully plug everything together but you know what it’s not exactly a hardship