This is the third instalment in this series, although it reads well as a stand alone.

Mark and Issa have great chemistry, their connection is evident from their first interaction. As their story progresses, so does the tension and it's delicious!

This is the third instalment in the series, but I feel that new readers could quickly pick up the plot and the relationships between characters if this was the first book they were reading from C.L. Mecca.
The second novel in this series remains my favourite, and I struggled a little with the chemistry between Marek and Isolde. While this is being marketed as an adult romantasy, the characters feel much younger and more suited to a YA audience, which is perhaps why the romance and spice scenes feel awkward to read.

I struggled with this book until I realised that it shouldn’t really be marketed as an adult fantasy book, but more a teen or young adult one. Once I accepted that I found it enjoyable.

This book is the 3rd of a series focusing on the world of Elydor. This book centres or Lady Isolde, a human presiding over Hawthorne Manor and Marek, a Thalassorian captain.

Despite not having read the first two books I quickly grasped the world and the story premise, as well as the supporting characters.

It was an ok read, but my main issues is there was no real depth. Hence why I think it should be marketed more as a teen or young adult fiction. The spice was awkward and not necessary - the author could have just alluded to it rather than try and describe the spicy scenes.

The journey Issa and Marek go on is not given the depth of description that other fantasy novels do so well. This storyline could have been wrapped up in a novella form and the reader would still get the same amount of information.

My other issue with this book that leads me to feel it is not a n adult book is Issa and Marek’s relationship. They have had a connection previously and then Marek left with no communication. Throughout the book I thought they must have had a deep connection and been intimate for Issa to have such a strong reaction and lack of trust. However it turns out that they kissed once. I’ve read numerous historical fiction books and fantasy romance and to be this annoyed at someone ghosting you after once kiss is absurd. I get that this world is meant to be more medieval for the humans but Issa is portrayed as a leader of her lands, a warrior. Despite keeping herself as a virgin - I doubt very much someone like her would be so annoyed that a man left after only a week of knowing them and one kiss.

However, if I read this thinking of a teenager reading it then of course this all makes sense and I can agree that it should be portrayed like that.

The same goes for the lack of depth and descriptions throughout the book. Nothing really happens. There are two areas that could be deemed as action and uncertainty but both have little impact, and I was very much underwhelmed.

As an adult romantasy book 2 stars, but teen romantasy 3-4 stars.

Loved it. This is a great third instalment of this series. Had me gripped from the beginning. Can’t wait for more

4⭐️
2🌶️

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an e-arc of this book!

I’ve received arcs for all 3 installments of this series 🤩 And this is another solid story from the author.

We continue to progress the overall general plot of the series while following a new couple: Issa and Marek.

A story to second chance love. Marek is tasked with obtaining a magical artifact to help reopen the gate between their world and the human realm. He seeks the help of Issa, a human with the ability to sense magic and also the only woman he’s ever loved…and left.

Years ago, they both were falling head over heels for each other, until one day Marek had up and left without a word or trace. Issa never understood why and has loathed him ever since, diving herself into her role as Lady of the human kingdom, fulfilling her promise to her parents to protect their livelihood in a world surrounded by fae. But when Marek comes back asking for her help, she agrees to help for the greater good of all humans, and for her long time friend, Kael.

Tension and quips clash between the two and while Issa tells herself she will never fall for Marek’s tricks again, her undeniable pull to him makes her second guessing it all.

We have some decent spice 🌶️ my favorite spice of the series still is from book 2 of Nerys and Rowan but I also enjoyed the spice in here too.

As with every book, we continue to pursue the overall plot while also having the various romances of different couples.

We got to not only see Kael and Mev again a ton this book, which I was like YAY!! But also got to see Nerys and Rowan too. I’m glad to see the integration of the previous couples because they still are important to the story. I want to see that continue.

The ending of this book is the first though that I don’t know where we’re going next. There isn’t a hint of the next main characters, so it’ll either be a surprise or maybe a book that encompasses everyone? That would be fun 🤩 we have 1 more magical artifact to collect so who will be tasked with that? Kael is the obvious choice so will the next book go back to them? I don’t know and I love and hate it! lol 😂

Another great installment and I can’t wait for book 4!

what a brilliant fantasy book! it was brilliant, kept me intrigued, engaged and i loved the story and all the characters

Fate Of Echoes And Embers
Heirs of Elydor #3
C.L. Mecca
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Marek has spent so many years running from his past. A past that still haunts him, and considering he's immortal that is a very long time. But when an ancient power rises from the ocean's depths, he's forced to go back to the one place he swore off so long ago. And right into the arms of the only woman he has ever loved.

Lady Isolde has built her life on routine and control. She controls her lands, her legacy, and the feelings that she hid away way down deep the day a dashing Thalassarian captain disappeared right out of her life, so she did what any scorned woman would do and she hardened her heart. Now he's returned unexpectedly, asking for her help to retrieve the legendary Wind Crystal. Even though she's not so sure, she does agree to help, even though she knows that it could destroy her once again.

Now the sea is rising and war is coming to Elydor, and the only thing that may be more dangerous than the mission at hand is the passion between Marek and Isolde that never really died in the first place.

C.L. Mecca takes you on a journey of epic proportions that will blow your mind. There are so many twists and turns that you have no idea what's around the corner (or on the next page). This story consumed me from the moment I started reading until the last sentence was read. Fantasy doesn't get better than this. All in all Ms. Mecca did a super job on this book and I recommend reading them all. I loved the characters as I felt like I knew them all. Congratulations Ms. Mecca this book is phenomenal and I truly enjoyed it.

This is Merek and Issa's story.... get ready for a bumpy ride!

First of all, I don't care that Merek was a bit of a bad boy, it only made him more appealing to me. There's nothing more satisfying than a redeemable Thalassarian captain of the sea. I don't care about the whispers, rumors, or the reputation that followed him, I knew he had a big heart. Also, the way he described the sea....(I know it's the author but let me have this moment), it made me want to sail with him! And that heart of his only wanted one person, Lady Isolde. Who was off limits.

Issa was broken-hearted the first time they met when he left without a word. She vowed to never allow him into her heart again. The journey she was about to take would change their lives forever. And the surprise ending!!! Fabulous! I didn't see it coming.

Thanks to Netgalley for sending me an email offering this ARC, *tap* download!! I recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly, it's the world this author has created. Breathtaking!

enjoyed it and soon understood what was going on. I loved the author's writing style and the story telling was flawless. I also loved the characters and the place settings in the book. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author under the fantasy/romance category although I have read her contemporary romances in the past. I loved the mystery of this story as Marek and Issa search for the Wind Crystal in the Maelstrom Depths in which those who have entered into have not returned. Marek and Issa live in a world where both immortals and humans exist. The Wind Crystal is one of the artifacts needed to open the gate to allow people to go between the human world and this world. As they and their friends work to find the Crystal, Marek and Issa are trying to come to terms with what they mean to each other. Decisions need to be made by Issa that affect all their lives when her home has been overtaken by a trusted friend. Will Issa choose her home or seafaring with Marek?

Wow, just wow. What an imaginative, vivid, exciting and adventurous series. Lord of the Rings move over. Cecelia creates a very real, believable and fun alternate universe, populated with great characters and creatures. Each of the 4 clans have different magical powers and lives, based on the earth, air, water and mortal human environments. There are heroic quests, potential war and violence and steamy romance bursting from the pages. In this book, mortal human Issa and naval officer (and smuggler) Marek have an impossible second-chance romance that is doomed from the start. The characters are so real and compelling that you cheer them on. I really cannot wait for the next book to continue the saga.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

Marek of Thalassaria. Navarch of the Tidebreaker Fleet. A charming scoundrel. A smuggler as reckless as he is daring. As ruthless as he is charismatic.

Years ago, he shattered Issa’s heart. Now they’re forced to work together to retrieve a powerful Aetherian artifact hidden deep within the deadly Maelstrom depths. As they navigate treacherous waters—literal and emotional—old wounds resurface and sparks fly.

This third installment is a noticeable step up: more yearning, more tension, and actual stakes. The romance leans into the second-chance trope beautifully, with both characters torn between duty and desire—between the roles they were born into and the freedom they crave.

Add in one horse, high-seas peril, and crackling chemistry, and I was fully on board.
(And yes—he smells of faintly spiced, sun-warmed leather and sea. Obviously.)

Captivating and compelling—definitely picking up the sequel.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

Great romantasy book. I really enjoyed all the story and characters. Much better than the first book as well. Highly recommend

I really enjoyed this as a romance fantasy novel, it does a great job in bringing the world and characters to life and had that fantasy magic that I wanted. The characters had that feel that I expect from this type of book and how they were written. I thought the plot worked overall and had that feel that I was wanting and thought worked overall in leaving me wanting to read more. C.L. Mecca has a strong writing style and was glad I got to read this and hope there is more in this world.