Cait’s ARC Review of “A Dose of Agony” by Stacey Trombley

By: Cait Marie

Blurb

They say the games have only just begun, but I’m here to end them once and for all.

A civil war is brewing in the Under World, lead by the same villain who stole my sister from me. Jarron must return to his world for damage control, leaving me alone at Shadow Hills Academy again. This time, though, I’m protected like a precious gem, and trapped in Elite Hall until we’re certain it’s safe. I understand the caution but I’m not a delicate princess, and I’m not going to let someone else fight this battle for me.

There’s a way to end the Akrasia Games once and for all and free the Jinn from the Cosmic Council’s control. I’m going to find a way to put them all in the grave for what they’ve done to my sister, even if it means seeking out unlikely allies and sneaking away from the school– and the planet– the get the information I need.

Review

I am deeply obsessed with this series, and this finale was everything it needed to be.

From the beginning, Trombley sucked me into this story. When Candice’s sister was found murdered near Shadow Hills Academy, she enrolls in the magical school to find out who killed Liz and enact her revenge. In this third and final book, she’s one step closer to all the answers. More than that, she’s ready to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves.

The character development was absolutely wonderful. In the beginning, Candace was very cynical and untrusting, for valid reasons. She didn’t want to let anyone in and very reluctantly worked with others. By this third book, she’s opened up more. She has a great group of friends and her swoony demon prince to work with.

We also got to see a lot more of the world building that Trombley is always so good at. Candace and Jarron even make a couple trips to the Under World, which was really interesting.

I do wish there had been a little more about that, but that’s mainly just because I didn’t want the series to be over. That being said, there were a couple things left somewhat open, so I’m hoping there are future books coming set in this same world. Given that it’s also connected to her fae series, I think there’s a good chance of more.

This book was well written and exciting. It had me on the edge of my seat, making it incredibly difficult to stop reading. There is a romance subplot, and while it’s extremely important to the story, it’s not the entire focus. This series is slow burn for sure, but it was worth it for this ending. Trombley is a master at building up the tension. Things do get steamier in this last book. It’s not super graphic, but it’s not fade to black either.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and the series in general. I cannot recommend it enough! I’m excited to see what she writes next.