I received this as an arc from NetGalley and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a fantastic romantasy. It was the first of the genre I have read by this author but I really enjoyed it. And though it could have probably heightened the experience if had read the previous books in the series, I felt like this book could easily be read as a standalone. Marek and Issa had a complex backstory and I really liked seeing them get over the past and grow together. I really enjoyed the story and I definitely won’t hesitate reading more romantasy by this author.

Totally enjoying Ms. Mecca's fantasy romance!

The Heirs of Elydor drew me in and had me captivated throughout!

Like Ms. Mecca's historical romance series, I'm consistently wanting her to find a way to keep the characters you love coming back!
This is what's happened here!

I was totally invested in Marek and Isolde's love story!
Fingers-crossed for a happily-ever-after!

So many twists and turns, and I was consistently left guessing where Ms. Mecca would take her mains!

I was very, very satisfied!

The world building continues to evolve in this third outing.  Fantasy with strong romance and a dollop of humorous banter.  Be warned, some of the secondary, but with a brief appearance, characters don't make it to the end!

Marek and Issa had a short but intense relationship.  But he left her heartbroken and when they next met he didn't endear himself when he made her jealous on top of being heartbroken!  But in typical fashion he now needs her help to navigate the Depths looking for a magical artifact to help Kael and Mev.

The Navarch and smuggler (think cross between a pirate and a sea captain) with strong magical influence over the sea is completely powerless when it comes to the snappy human.  He's not sure how he'll ever win her back when she goes out of her way to cut him off and freeze him out.  Issy is strong, principled, loyal and intelligent.  She has taken on a role she never really wanted to keep her people safe and gave up any chance at having the life she wanted.  Similarly Marek is driven by the thought of vengeance and the discovery of what actually happened to his mum.  

It was fun watching these two tussle, butt heads and snark at each other.  As they finally realised that there was a solution right in front of them that could give them both what they wanted was so sweet.

Mev and Kael male an appearance and help with all the derring do.  The story is continuing at a fabulous pace and I'm intrigued to see what lies ahead in book 4!

Marek spent years running from a past that still haunts him, and for an immortal, that’s a long time. But when an ancient power rises from the ocean’s depths, he’s forced back into the one place he swore he’d never return. And into the arms of the only woman he ever loved. Lady Isolde has built her life on control. . . of her lands, her legacy, and the feelings she buried the day a dashing Thalassarian captain disappeared. When he returns, asking for her help to retrieve the legendary Wind Crystal, she agrees, even knowing it could destroy her all over again.
The third book in the series & another very well written engrossing book. Fantasy books aren’t my favourite genre by any means but I must admit I’m loving this series. I really liked both Marek & Isolde & thoroughly enjoyed their second chance romance but the road to their HEA wasn’t easy as there were intrigues plus twists & turns, which all added to my enjoyment. I’m now awaiting the next in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Not quite what I was expecting the third book of the series but definitely a great read. Lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming and it left me wondering just what is going to happen in the next book. Well written with great characters both new and old. Good romance and steam once they get past the angst. I enjoyed this book.

An enthralling third chapter of the Elydor series pairs innocent Issa with flirty Marek. Mecca writes with so much descriptive detail it is easy to picture the fantasy world in your head. Her characters are likable and it's fun to read about previous characters within each new book. Fates of Echoes & Embers can be read as a standalone, however, it is much better enjoyed after reading the first two installments. It does NOT end in a cliffhanger, but he overarching storyline is clearly set to continue....I can't wait!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Boldwood Books for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a lovely second chance romance. It dragged a little, but I enjoyed the hunt for magical item number 2.

This book was amazing I couldn’t put it down it part of a series called heirs of elydor.

This addictive and fated romantasy read is perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, Quicksilver, Fourth Wing and When the Moon Hatched.


Blurb

She was the one line he swore he’d never cross. Now she’s the only one who can save him.
Marek spent years running from a past that still haunts him, and for an immortal, that’s a hell of a long time. But when an ancient power rises from the ocean’s depths, he’s forced back into the one place he swore he’d never return. And into the arms of the only woman he ever loved.

Lady Isolde has built her life on control. . . of her lands, her legacy, and the feelings she buried the day a dashing Thalassarian captain disappeared. When he returns, asking for her help to retrieve the legendary Wind Crystal, she agrees, even knowing it could destroy her all over again.

The sea is rising. War is coming to Elydor. And the only thing more dangerous than the mission ahead is the passion between Marek and Isolde that never really died.

I started this book and got about 15% in before I decided I had to put it down. I’m not gonna be finishing this book. It just didn’t capture my attention as I wanted it to.

War is coming, and when Marek is tasked by his queen to hunt down and retrieve a magical artefact thought to be lost to the ocean, he turns to the only person who can help him on his mission. The question is, will she help him after he left her without a goodbye all those years before? And will either of them or their hearts survive the journey they are about to embark on?

I went into this book not realising it was the third book in C.L. Mecca’s Heirs of Elydor series. While the first two books may have added a layer of deeper understanding of the world, lore, and off-page characters, I still devoured this book! There is so much to love: the world is intricate and beautifully described, the magic is interesting, and the “boat life” setting is a new take for me. Our main characters for this instalment of the series, Marek and Isolde, are wonderful. Marek the Navarch hides his haunting past and vulnerability under winks and cheeky grins. At the bottom of it all, he is just a man who doesn’t want to get hurt. I adored his affinity with the ocean and his magic. Isolde, Issa, is tied to her parents’ estate and its people when all she truly craves is adventure and the thrill of exploring her own path. She is equal parts lady and fierce woman. The chemistry and banter that ensues between these two is…chef’s kiss. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next instalments of this series.

If you love high stakes, political intrigue, unique fantasy worlds and a charming MMC you can’t get enough of, this one is for you!

Thank you, C.L. Mecca, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on September 16th called, Fate of Echoes and Embers. This is about Issa, she became the lady of Hawthorne Manor and protector of her people after her parents passed, fulfilling her duty even if it's not her dream. Mev and Kael (the princess and prince from book 1), and Marek (a sea captain from book 2) come to Issa for her help to retrieve the Wind Crystal from the depths of the ocean. Issa is hesitant to help because her and Marek have a past. She never expected to see him again after he left her and broke her heart. She doesn't know the reason Marek ran, and he's hoping for a chance to explain. She hesitantly agrees to help them with their mission to retrieve the Wind Crystal. But as they embark on this dangerous mission across the ocean together, what's even more dangerous is the undeniable chemistry rekindling between Issa and Marek. Issa is faced with the choice of being as cold and unforgiving as the ocean or letting the past roll off her back like the tides. Marek is not the man he was in the past, but Issa is no longer the woman he once knew.
I was so excited to dive into this book and get back into this series I love so much! The descriptive world building is done so well, the growth and depth of the characters make them feel so real, the magic is unique and fun, and the storyline is totally captivating right from the start! I loved this book soo much! This is such an incredible and strong storyline, I absolutely cannot wait to see how the story continues in book 4! 💜📚

Thank you to C.L. Mecca, Boldwood Books, and Netgalley for this ARC of Fate of Echoes and Embers, in exchange for an honest review.

The first two books were okay as they had so much potential. The FMC in the first book doesn't really feel like 28 which is close to my age. She feels much younger despite the career. With the third book in this series, the writing and storytelling is getting better. I felt like the character development is finally showing and you're no longer being talked at. This is the best book overall but I don't love the series and think it's okay.

Fate of Echoes and Embers is a breathtaking installment in C.L. Mecca’s series—equal parts heart-pounding adventure, heartfelt romance, and the kind of rich worldbuilding that makes you never want to leave. While it continues to progress the overarching story of the magical artifacts and the gate between realms, this book shines brightest in its focus on Issa and Marek, giving us a second-chance romance that is as swoony as it is gut-wrenching.

Marek’s mission is clear: recover the wind crystal, an artifact essential to their cause. But to succeed, he must turn to Issa—the one woman he loved, and the one he walked away from without explanation. Years later, Issa has built a life of duty and strength, rising as Lady of the human kingdom and vowing never to let Marek break her heart again. But with the fate of their people at stake, she agrees to help, only to find that the tension, longing, and chemistry between them has never really faded. Their banter is sharp, their wounds are raw, and their pull toward each other feels irresistible. Watching them navigate hurt, forgiveness, and rekindled love is both emotional and immensely satisfying.

Beyond their romance, the story delivers all the adventure and magic fans of the series have come to expect. The quest for the artifact is filled with action and suspense, with vivid descriptions that bring every step of the journey to life. There’s also plenty of spice—layered into the emotional stakes of Issa and Marek’s reunion—that adds intensity without overshadowing the heart of their story.

Longtime readers will be delighted to see beloved characters like Kael and Mev, as well as Nerys and Rowan, woven back into the narrative. Their presence grounds the story in a sense of found family, reminding us that this series is as much about love and loyalty as it is about magic and destiny.

And that ending—wow. It’s both satisfying and tantalizing, setting the stage for the final book in a way that left me desperate to know what’s next. With only one artifact left to find, the anticipation is at an all-time high, and the mystery of who will take the lead makes the wait even harder.

Ultimately, Fate of Echoes and Embers captures everything I love about this series: sweeping romance, edge-of-your-seat adventure, and a world that feels like home. It’s a story of love lost and found again, of family and loyalty, of magic and destiny—and it completely stole my heart. I can’t wait to see how it all ends.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review.

"Fate of Echoes and Embers" guarantees an enveloping and fiery ride through the realm of Elydor, in which epic fantasy clashes with a burning romance. C.L. Mecca's new book is an old-fashioned "fated romantasy" that seems to deliver on all the things the genre's readers have grown to adore. The novel establishes a seductive central tension: Marek, an immortal warlord tormented by his past, must go in search of the one woman he ever loved and abandoned, Lady Isolde.

The chemistry between Marek and Isolde is the heart of the story on an emotional level. Their past, a combination of suppressed emotions and undeniable passion, is an irresistible basis for their reunion. With an ancient force poised to engulf their world in conflict, their reconciling is not merely one of the heart, but of survival. The stakes of the impending war, coupled with their still-smoldering romance, should keep readers totally enthralled. With its intense emphasis on the compelling love story and its world-building teased by colliding kingdoms and mythological artifacts, this book appears ideally suited to please fans of mainstream fantasy romance series.

In their quest to open the passage to the human world, Mev, Kael, and Marek must retrieve the Wind Chime from the Maelstrom Depths. To achieve this, they enlist the help of Lady Isolde, who can sense magical artifacts. While Issa is eager to aid her friends Mev and Kael, her relationship with Marek is strained. Their brief romance ended when Marek disappeared without explanation. But will she refuse him her help when no one has ever returned from the Maelstrom Depths?

This is the third instalment in the Heirs of Elydor series. As with the previous books, there is plenty of political intrigue, elemental magic, and romance. The worldbuilding is excellent, although the overall story could use a little more depth. The ending is satisfying, and the cliffhanger makes me wish the next book were already available!

This book is perfect for romantasy fans who want the thrills without suffering a full-blown book hangover.

Thank you to C.L. Mecca, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

In Fate of Echoes and Embers, C.L. Mecca conjures a world where longing and legacy entwine like sea mist over Elydor’s war-bound shores. This romantasy is not merely a tale of kingdoms and quests—it’s a story of return, of reckoning, and of the kind of love that refuses to be extinguished.

Marek and Isolde are beautifully drawn—two souls shaped by duty and distance, now pulled back into each other’s orbit by a rising tide of ancient magic. Their reunion is laced with tension and tenderness, and Mecca handles their emotional terrain with a deft, lyrical touch. The Wind Crystal quest offers high-stakes adventure, but it’s the quiet moments—the glance that lingers, the memory that stings—that truly anchor the narrative.

Mecca’s prose is cinematic yet intimate, rich with elemental imagery: salt air, stormlight, and the slow burn of buried desire. Fans of Fourth Wing and A Court of Thorns and Roses will find familiar thrills, but Fate of Echoes and Embers stands apart in its emotional maturity and poetic cadence.

A story for those who believe that love, like legend, can survive the fiercest storms.

With thanks to CL Mecca, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
🌶️🌶️

Thank you to Boldwood and NetGalley for an ARC.

Fate of Echoes and Embers is the third book in the Heirs of Elydor series and follows Marek and Isolde who are introduced in earlier books in the series. This is a second chance romance that is heavy on the miscommunication trope. While I loved Marek and Isolde together, the miscommunication as to why Marek initially ended their relationship hindered my ability to connect a bit. I found myself begging for Marek to let Isolde in and open up to her fully. The plot kept me invested throughout and I loved the glimpses into the couples from the first two books. I can’t wait to continue on with this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and to Boldwood Books for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

I truly wish that I had paid attention to this one being the 3rd book in the series - not because I had any trouble following the book, but just because I'd like to be immersed in this world for as long as possible. However; coming at this as a standalone is incredibly easy to follow. The writing style is beautiful - the world-building is so detailed and the plot is incredibly detailed and immersive. The way that C.L. Mecca effortfully weaves romance, political intrigue, and fantasy together should be studied as it's positively incredible. I truly couldn't put this book down and was practically in tears when the book ended - I kept pressing my kindle, trying to get more.

Marek and Issa are amazing - it's a second chance romance between a fleet captain and a protector of the manor and her people. They are both incredibly loyal and protective and once they realize that they can be loyal to each other as well it's just such a beautiful and satisfying HEA.

The pacing is perfect as the blend of action is well suited to the quieter moments of reflection. The prose is beautiful, and it's just such a fun story to get lost in.

Overall, I enjoyed this book but felt like it dragged on a bit towards the end. I loved the characters and the relationships but felt like something was missing. I loved the plot but wish it played out in a better way if that makes sense. I would recommend this book to readers who love fantasy but the main characters are friends to lovers with a little bit of enemies but not much.

Thank you net galley, C.L. Mecca, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to receive an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Fate of Echoes and Embers by C.L. Mecca is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. This is book 3 in the Heirs of Elydor series. I would highly recommend reading the books in order as the stories and characters are interconnected. Marek and Issa had a short affair years ago that ended when he left suddenly with no explanation. Now, he is tasked with finding the Wind Crystal and must travel into the deadly waters of the depths. He has asked Issa to accompany him due to her powers, leading to a forced proximity, action filled adventure. This was my favorite novel so far in the series! The author did a great job of incorporating the previous storylines and continuing to world build. I adored the progression of the relationship with Marek and Issa. I can’t wait for more from C.L. Mecca!

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.