This really throws you in the deep end and leaves you scrambling to understand what's going on. I do appreciate that striking the balance of world building exposition not being too info-dumpy, but I felt it was a bit disorienting at the beginning. That being said, I think it was exciting and compelling and would like to finish the book.

I have read the previous books of this series starting with Dark Shores and then the subsequent books, Dark Skies, and Gilbert Serpent. The preview of 165 pages of the final book in the series, Scorched Earth, immediately starts where Gilded Serpent ends.
Marcus has returned to the Southern Continent after escaping Cassius and Hostis, but in using the stems numerous times, he has suffered a severe concussion. Likewise, Lydia and Killian barely escape Rufina and Lydia has succumbed to the power of darkness and must be kept in restraints to prevent her from harming Killian.
What I have enjoyed most with these books is the world building. The empire is clearly patterned after Rome. The cruelty and subjugation of neighboring worlds and cultures are well depicted. Jensen’s main characters are all flawed and even with good intentions make decisions that have devastating consequences.
I look forward to when Scorched Earth is released in August. Jensen has several story lines going and it will be interesting to see how they finally connect. I know this is fantasy, but I would really like to see if any of the major characters sacrifice everything to heal the worlds in which they live. Marcus is probably my favorite character. He is a deeply troubled man who has committed horrible acts for the Empire. Not every character deserves a happy ending.

I joined NetGalley (which I should have done long ago given how much I love to read) for a shot at this excerpt and just about squealed out loud yesterday when I got the email saying I'd been approved. Then I proceeded to read it all in one evening as one does. And I was NOT disappointed.

SCORCHED EARTH is easily one of my most anticipated books ever, my love for the series and impatience for this finale made all the more intense due to the years-long publication delays and the number of times I've re-read/listened to all or parts of the first three books in the interim.

GILDED SERPENT left all four of our main characters knee-deep in disaster and this installment picks up right where book three left off. It took a little while to reacclimate to the world and the various plotlines but once that happened, it was all systems go. I cannot stress enough how well thought-out this world is and how seamlessly the individual story threads fit together. (Although I admit to being partial to Marcus and Teriana's chapters as they're hands down my favorite characters/couple).

Twenty-four chapters might seem like a lot but by all reports this book is a monster, so I know it's just a taste of the action still to come. Ultimately, this excerpt did what I needed: it took the edge off my desperation to know just a little more about how these characters are doing while still leaving me wanting the rest of the story. August 5th can't come soon enough. It's two days before my birthday and I'll be doing everything I can to clear my calendar to spend the day reading.

If you haven't picked up this series yet, do it. In my humble opinion, it's Ms. Jensen's best work.

Eeeek what a tease. I love Danielle Jensen and I understand her desire not to give out ARCs of her novels. I do have to say thought that its a bummer that this isn't the whole book! I can't wait to finish it now.

This is absolutely incredible. I’m so excited it will come out in August because I cannot wait any longer. This series is everything.

I loved how the stories started IN it. DLJ doesn’t shy away from putting her characters through the wringer and this book is no exception. But it’s SO good. They NEED these trials to work through. I love every single POV person we get! I’m still hoping Agrippa makes his way into the final version… (side eye emoji).

Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review!

A special thanks to the NetGalley team at Tor/Forge for this twenty-four chapter excerpt of Scorched Earth. All opinions are my own.
Scorched Earth is the long awaited finale to the Dark Shores Series. I was super happy that I got the opportunity to get a taste of what’s to come in August.
Scorched is a fast-paced book that is going to give you all the feels. I’m really scared for Teriana, Marcus, Killian, Lydia, and my favorite character Agrippa. Also, protect Austornic “Nic” at all costs!
Teriana has made a deal with Cassius that will cost her. She has six months to provide different xenthier paths for the empire otherwise her people will be murdered. To make matters worse, Marcus has shut her out. I loved that despite everything that has happened, Teriana does not abandon Marcus and goes after him.
Marcus takes a huge risk and returns to the 37th and faces execution by his soldiers. He is also dealing with his guilt of “killing” Lydia and pushes Teriana away because he knows she will hate him for it. There is still a question of who the traitor is and my guess is that its Gibzen. I look forward to Cassius and Hostus getting their comeuppance.
I cannot wait for Teriana to finally reunite with Lydia! Up until this point, Teriana believes Lydia is dead and she doesn’t know that Marcus tried to kill her. It is going to be an emotional reunion for sure. I’m also looking forward for a Marcus and Agrippa reunion.
Killian is finally free of his oath to Malahi, however, his relationship with Lydia is at a standstill because she is corrupted. Lydia is dealing with the choices she made and fighting the corruption that threatens to destroy everyone she loves.
My favorite part was reading the Agrippa and Malahi scenes. I wasn’t a fan of Malahi in Dark Skies but she grew on me in Gilded Serpent.
Agrippa has rescued Malahi and is determined to fight for something right this time. I was happy that it seems like Agrippa and Malahi will become a couple. After what happened with Silvara, I want Agrippa to have his happily ever after. Agrippa admired Malahi for her resilience and defiance after being brutally tortured by Rufina. He also feels a lot of guilt for the choices he has made. They will play a big role in assuring that Rufina and her army are defeated.
Overall, I love this series and highly recommend it for anyone who loves fantasy, multiple POVs, romance, action, and adventure. I can’t wait to read the whole book in August! I have already pre-ordered my copy. While I wait for its release, I will be rereading all the Dark Shores books in preparation for the finale.

It’s been a while since I read Gilded Serpent, and I was nervous going into this book because I felt like I had forgotten too many plot points, character dynamics, and interwoven relationships. However, within just a few chapters, Danielle L. Jensen does an excellent job of triggering the reader’s memory. If you’re someone like me who doesn’t reread before diving into the newest book, rest assured—Danielle guides you right back into the chaos with ease. Before I knew it, I was fully immersed and remembering the intensity of Gilded Serpent’s ending.

The anticipation of certain character reunions had me feeling both excited and anxious. (There’s probably a perfect word for this feeling, but my brain is too overwhelmed by emotions to think of it!) Scorched Earth picks up right where we left off with Killian and Lydia, as well as Marcus and Teriana. And even though this is the final book in the series, Danielle does not hold back—the suffering, the impossible choices, the emotional devastation—it all reminds me why I love this series so much. The characters we know and love are immediately thrown into brutal situations with no easy answers. Their choices are dictated by their morals, their sense of duty, and the harsh realities they face. And, let me tell you, I cried at least twice in these first 24 chapters.

A lot happens—not just in terms of romance, but also politics, action, and intense plot developments. That being said, I’m relieved that the excerpt didn’t end on a massive cliffhanger (though I know I’m probably not safe for long).

Still, I have no idea how Danielle is going to wrap this all up. There are so many unanswered questions, secrets, and unresolved plot points that I’m desperate to see play out. I’m both terrified and thrilled to read the rest of the book and witness how it all concludes. This might be too early to say, but based on what I’ve read so far, I already anticipate this being a five-star read for me. If necessary, I’ll adjust my rating once I’ve read the full book—but at this point, I can only imagine what else is in store.

This series has already solidified itself as one of my favorite YA fantasy series, and I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Thank you to NetGalley and tote for giving me an ARC excerpt of This book in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this excerpt and eagerly anticipate the release of the entire book. It’s unfortunate that we didn’t have access to it on NetGalley.

This book is everything to me! I did a quick reread before reading these chapters and I'm so glad I did. This picks up right where book 3 leaves off and doesn't slow down for a second! I tell everyone I meet to read this book and I'll be telling them again to get ready for the finale. My heart is in knots waiting for information to be revealed to characters and to me, I'm pretty sure I'll cry if I get the reunions I'm hoping for. Patiently waiting for the rest, August can't come soon enough!

The auThor of bridge kingdom does it again. She really knows how to hook you from the very first page. This book was a crazy finale to the final end. So many plot twists happen within t the first 24 chapters which hooks you right from the start

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of the fist 22 chapters! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am foaming at the mouth for the rest of this story. I really need for the whole book to go on Netgalley because I am not going to stop thinking about this book until the moment I get to read the rest of it.

This is one of my all time favorite fantasy series and I will keep shouting from the rooftops that DLJ does it better than anyone else in the game when it comes to political intrigue, scheming, warring countries, and complex plots. I really can't imagine anyone not becoming fully invested in this story.

I wish I could adequately explain what was happening to me physically when I was reading a certain scene. Let's just say that it was one of the reunions we've all been anticipating and I was literally sweating, shaking and full of adrenaline.

I am still fully scared for what's to come because DLJ has been not so subtly dropping hints of some tragedies that are likely to befall at least one main character. Until I know that Teriana and Marcus are safe I cannot rest and I'll be forwarding my therapy bills.

I think it goes without saying but so far my rating is 10/10. I have no notes.

This is my last attempt to try to get others to read this series. If you liked the Bridge Kingdom, you will love this. If you liked her newest release A Fate Inked in Blood, you will love this.

It’s only the excerpt but AH.

I loved diving back into the Dark Shores world. Marcus has been my favorite since day 1, I will be devastated if he doesn’t survive. I can’t wait to read the rest of this!!!

Thank you for approving me!!!

#TeamMarcus4ever

Well that started off with a bang! So much intensity and major plot shifts in just the first 24 chapters. We have a lot of strife going on with our beloved characters and it seems everyone has some sort of individual demon they are going to need to overcome before we can meet the greater evils of the world. I am really looking forward to when our two cohorts cross paths, finally. The tension continues to climb and already I’ve been teary-eyed with developments in this installment. I think The Gilded Serpent was the best of the series so far, but Scorched Earth is on par to compete.

This story has been so carefully crafted with each reveal, twist, and turn coming at exactly the right time. What a fabulous story!

I really love this story and it is becoming one of my favorite series. I’m lamenting the fact that I will have to wait 5 more months to actually finish it all the way.

I have deeply loved this series before knowing if it would ever get a conclusion. To say I was almost in tears when Danielle announced not only would the series be getting its finale but that it had been picked up is an understatement. To see these characters again has been like coming home and this glimpse into what will be their ending has me counting the days until I will read the end. Thank you NetGalley for providing me this early glimpse into the epic ending my favorite characters deserve. Also, congratulations Danielle for never giving up and bringing one of my all time favorite book series to life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This excerpt was amazing! I cannot wait for the full book. This will be a great read.

Mommy? Sorry, mommy.

Ok but really. Danielle why did you do this to us? An excerpt is not enough!

I have been waiting for this story for so long - I will take any morsel I can get. And man did this morsel deliver.

As always - Danielle's writing is AMAZING and it dives right in where we left off. And god, was it good.

I am so scared for the future of so many beloved characters. But it is a good kind of scared, the kind that has be ravenous for this to release.

I stand by - this series is one of Danielle's best.

Scorched Earth by Danielle Jensen is the highly anticipated final book in the Dark Shores series, and it feels like I've been waiting forever to find out what happens to some of my favorite characters. This 24-chapter teaser gives us some answers but also leaves us with even more questions.

Will Teriana finally free her people, and will she uncover Marcus’ role in Lydia’s disappearance?
Can Marcus break free from the Empire's stranglehold?
Will Lydia be able to fight off the darkness consuming her?
Will Killian manage to save her?
What’s going to happen to Agrippa?
And what about the blight?

I can’t wait for August 5th to get here so I can dive into the rest of the book!

Oh my goodness, this made me so so excited for this book to be released! I love this author so much, and cannot wait for this one!

Danielle L Jensen is one of my "auto read" authors. She seriously never misses. Her writing style and world building are unmatched. I honestly cannot wait to read the rest of this book. What an incredible adventure it's been!

Thank you to Tor Teen and Danielle Jensen for this ARC excerpt of Scorched Earth!

The series finale to the Dark Shores is nearly here, and this sneak preview is exactly what I needed. True to form, a few questions are answered and many more are posed in this first 24 chapters.

Lydia and Killian are on the run from enemies (including those internal). Meanwhile, Teriana seeks safety for her people through a risky bargain, while Marcus splits off on a [highly ill-advised] journey to reconnect with his troops. The cracks are starting to show in the well-laid plans, and I’m as invested as ever in where our favorite characters will go from here.

In the meantime, between now and August 5, I’ll be plotting my Dark Shores rereads!