•spoilers of previous books•

Honestly, I was a bit skeptical of Alastair and Lazarus. I had a feeling Laz was his mate, but I just didn't get that couple vibe from them and they felt too too similar to me. After reading this though, I'm a fan. This was a good end book to the series that not only showed their romance and the conclusion of the war, but also the strength of the bonds of the brothers and their mates . 

Alastair is the Nephilim brother that represents the sin Pride. Pride is known to be the sin that the rest are derived from, so he is considered to be the leader of the brothers. Lazarus is the angel who found and trained all the brothers when they were young, and now is almost like their commander and contact with the archangels. 

When we first meet Lazarus alllll the way back in Galen, I was intrigued. Then the brothers talked about their harsh training, how cold and distant Lazarus was, and how he didn't value them beyond their power, so I was not team Laz. There are little hints that there is more to his feelings than just him doing his duty, but overall he seemed emotionless and who showed up only when absolutely needed. Turns out it was all for a reason, and he was distancing himself from not only the brothers, but specifically Alastair. 

I wasn't sold that they worked as a couple, but they actually did fit pretty well together. Both are the strong and stoic types, but are pillars of strength and support for one another. They share their burdens and build each other up. I think why this ended up working for me is because Lazarus's character changed from how we saw him in previous books. I don't know if it was because he was hiding his emotions for years and we finally got his POV, but he went from this imposing wall of steel to a blushing virgin who pined after Alastair for thousands of years. Once they bond started forming they fell fast, but I loved how their dynamics throughout the war and fighting and then seeing them in a more domestic setting in the epilogue.

This one got me good in the feels. Even though I knew there was going to be a happily ever after, it was pretty tense there for a while. I loved how everything came together in the end for one epic showdown. All of the plot wrapped up nicely, but still left some openings for further stories in this world to be told. I really love how this world isn't too complicated but also has enough different characters that it could be expanded. I'm rooting for all the side characters and their love interests because I'm so invested in them all. Can't wait to see what Jaclyn Osborn puts out next! 

Read if you like: 
• paranormal/fantasy  
• forbidden romance  
• fated mates