Review copy was received from Author, Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Obsidian Empire by Elizabeth Hunter Series: The Firebird and the Wolf #3
Published by Self-Published on February 26, 2026
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Pages: 425
Format: eARC
Source: Author, Publicity team
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The ruler of an immortal empire. The rising voice of an ancient clan. The relationship they've hidden from everyone.
Tatyana Vorona was just a bookkeeper until she made a bargain with a powerful vampire that lead to her death and a brand new life of blood and brutality. She tried to run. She tried to hide. But Oleg Sokolov is a man who gets what he wants.
Oleg has the ability to manipulate fire, the power to command an empire, and a will that cannot be broken. But political upheaval and blood loyalties have kept him from publicly claiming the woman who owns his heart.
For five years, they’ve loved in private and played rivals in public. Tatyana has come into her own as a leader of an ancient immortal clan. And Oleg is a breath away from stomping out the brother who betrayed him. If he can play the right pieces in this political game, he might win the ultimate prize— publicly marrying the woman who is already his wife.
Crimson Oath was masterful and convinced my Oleg and Tatyana could be a couple, among other things. Obsidian Empire is the end of the trilogy; I would start at the beginning. The development of Tatyana from human to vampire, to a powerful woman in her own right is contrasted with Oleg who is very powerful but learning to combine some patience and kindness with his strength. It is better now with them on more equal standing.
Together they have issues of still appearing to be indifferent to each other so Tatyana is not seen as disloyal to her own Pashani people. But they both have problems with Ivan who is Oleg’s brother, but is stealing from the Pashani among others. He’s also fomenting rebellion against Oleg and advocating a more brutal regime like their father had. The human trafficking and theft is not so popular in the modern world however.
Oleg comes up with a plan to be able to see Tatyana openly. It is rather brilliant and fun to see him a little smug about it. They love each other and each is trying to protect and care for the other. Not everything goes perfectly but their intentions are good.
I enjoyed the political maneuvering and strategy. The romance was less exciting because they were both already all in. While this book is longer, it is an engaging and fun read to a happily ever after.
About Elizabeth Hunter
Elizabeth Hunter is a contemporary fantasy and romance author. She is a graduate of the University of Houston Honors College and a former English teacher.
She currently lives in Central California with her husband, son, very ineffective canine assistants, and a pitifully empty fish tank.
ELIZABETH HUNTER is a ten-time USA Today and international best-selling author of romance, contemporary fantasy, and paranormal mystery. Based in both Central California and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she travels extensively to write fantasy fiction exploring world mythologies, history, and the universal bonds of love, friendship, and family.
She has published over forty works of fiction and sold over a million books worldwide. She is the author of the Glimmer Lake series, Love Stories on 7th and Main, the Elemental Legacy series, the Irin Chronicles, the Cambio Springs Mysteries, and other works of fiction.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-COYER
Love it when a finale delivers. Glad you loved this, Anne💜
Thank you Jonetta. I wasn’t sure after the first book but the next two were excellent.
Happy to hear the trilogy was a hit! This is an author I really want to try!
It was really good. I wouldn’t start with this trilogy because the world is developed in earlier series. The base for it is the Elemental mysteries. But I love the Cambio Springs books which are more romantic mysteries?
Beautiful covers for this series. Glad the finale worked out the way you liked it. Great review!
Thank you Lisa. I wasn’t sure about the first book, but the second one was amazing and I enjoyed this one also.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Your review has me curious.
This is a favorite indie author of mine. There is a lot more of this world if you do end up enjoying them.