Royal Haze
LJ Evans Saved the Best for Last
A book hangover is bad enough, but a series hangover? Especially after finishing a series like The Painted Daisies by LJ Evans? Epic. And Royal Haze brought it all to the most amazing, epic, bookhangovery end.
I devoured this series. And just when I thought I had a new favorite in the series, Evans brought on another thrilling deep-dive into love and learning. The energy and tension sizzles between Nikki and D'Angelo and burns its way into the reader's soul. The connection is intense and fraught with drama, but also with twists and turns that keep readers, and the characters, on their toes, holding their breath, and gasping for air. And reaching for a cold glass of water, because when they ignite, it is brilliant and all-consuming, a serious saturation of the senses.
Readers have gotten to know and love Nikki through the series, but I was not ready for how much I would connect with her in Royal Haze. Once again, Evans has imbued her lead character with depth and strength, but also vulnerability and a genuineness that pulls you in, wraps you in her emotions, and fills you with a need to see her shine. And D'Angelo is book boyfriend goals. I cannot get enough of him. Morally gray, antihero, unshakable and unrelenting in his cause, whatever you want to label him—it will never be enough to express how intense and impassioned he is. And the story comes alive because of it.
Beyond the multiple angles and elements of suspense, the elements of love and loss, guilt and acceptance, are pivotal, binding, and drive this story forward. Like elemental pieces of their souls finding each other and achieving balance within turmoil. And not only for Nikki and D’Angelo, but for all of the Daisies and their Ultimate Fan Club. Royal Haze brought it all together, tying up loose ends, answering questions, and filling in all the blanks in heartstopping and heartwarming fashion.
I am not in any way ready to let go of this series. The characters have become part of my heart, their stories have carved out wondrous and beautiful patterns in my soul, and their intertwined destinies will live forever in my mind as an unforgettable adventure. I will reread the series often, but knowing it all ends with such an incredible stroke of passion and intensity will forever make Royal Haze one of my favorite fairytale endings.
