I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Scorched Earth by Danielle L. Jensen
Published by Tor Publishing Group on August 5, 2025
Genres: Young Adult Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Romance
Pages: 752
Format: ARC, eBook
Source: Netgalley
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The thrilling finale to #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores series, which Sarah J. Maas calls "everything I look for in a fantasy novel."

Lydia and Killian escaped their enemy’s grasp, but not without consequences. While they race to destroy the blight, Lydia fights an internal war against the Corrupter’s influence knowing defeat means death for those she loves. Tormented by a battle that can’t be won with blades, Killian must find the queen they risked everything to rescue without falling prey to Corrupter’s weapons, both living and dead.

Teriana and Marcus thwarted assassination, but now must live with the dark truths that have been revealed. As Teriana hunts for allies, she must face the dire circumstances of her imprisoned people, driving her to strike a dangerous deal with the Empire. Consumed by guilt over his crimes, Marcus embarks on an ambitious campaign to save those he condemned, which risks him becoming the conqueror the Empire desires him to be.

With the blight consuming everything in its path and the Empire crushing everyone who stands before it, Reath is falling beneath the tide of evil. Secrets will be revealed that break hearts even as they forge new alliances, but only the greatest sacrifices of all will turn the tide in the battle for the liberty of every nation on Reath.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Scorched Earth is the highly anticipated final installment in Danielle L. Jensen’s Dark Shores series. I received a 24-chapter excerpt from NetGalley and Tor/Forge in advance of its August release. These are my honest thoughts—and yes, I’ve already pre-ordered my copy.

THE STORY

This sneak peek wastes no time diving into the emotional and political chaos Jensen does so well. The pacing is fast, the stakes are enormous, and the emotional weight hits hard. Teriana’s dangerous bargain with Cassius has her racing against time to deliver xenthier paths to the Empire or risk the annihilation of her people. Meanwhile, Marcus is consumed by guilt and isolates himself, even as Teriana refuses to give up on him.

Killian has fulfilled his oath to Malahi, but the web of corruption entangling the characters complicates every relationship—especially with Lydia, who’s still wrestling with her own inner demons. There’s so much unresolved tension, especially around the identity of the traitor (is it Gibzen?), and I’m eagerly waiting to see Cassius and Hostus get their comeuppance.

THE CHARACTERS

Teriana is fierce and determined, navigating impossible choices with heart. Her upcoming reunion with Lydia promises to be explosive—especially given that she believes Marcus killed her. Marcus, as always, is layered and emotionally complex. His guilt isolates him, but I’m rooting for a breakthrough.

Agrippa and Malahi shine in this excerpt. I wasn’t a fan of Malahi in Dark Skies, but Gilded Serpent softened me, and now I’m fully invested in her arc. Agrippa’s redemption journey is one of my favorite parts—he’s been through so much, and his mutual respect with Malahi feels earned. After Silvara, he deserves this hope.

STEAMOMETER

🔥🔥🔥/5

Plenty of romantic tension, emotional longing, and the promise of more to come—but no major steam in this excerpt.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This excerpt reignited everything I love about this series: high-stakes adventure, emotionally layered characters, and a sprawling, morally gray world. Jensen balances action, romance, and political intrigue with skill. I’ll definitely be rereading the earlier books to prepare for the full release. If the final chapters deliver on what this preview promises, Scorched Earth will be a satisfying (and possibly heartbreaking) conclusion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of several fantasy series, including The Bridge Kingdom, The Malediction Trilogy, and Dark Shores. She’s known for blending swoony romance with strong female protagonists and epic worldbuilding.