People often fantasize about being swept up into a magical world where they were thrown into mythical wars and epic love triangles. My sister and I used to be just like them, until it happened. The wondrous start our family presented was a façade, intending to hide their ulterior motives and the darkness that lurked around every corner, stalking us like prized hogs. We enjoyed bacon as much as the next gals, but we never intended to be sows for a royal family, despite us being Oedinia’s long-lost water nymph princesses. Despite our protests, our birth family forced us to be pawns in their twisted games, and we watched as our lives and sanity crumbled before our eyes. It wasn’t just our lucidity at stake, though. Our mates and best friend’s were bound to crash down at any moment. They had stayed so strong while we fell apart, but we saw the cracks that the combined trauma brought on. There was still some fight in us, and we knew one day this would all be worth it, but we questioned how much more we could take and if we would live to see ‘one day.’ This is a why-choose, dark romance with FF and MM that follows twin sisters, Cora and Lena. All CWs can be found at sullynshaw.com
A Dark and Unique Fantasy/Paranormal World full of Twists and Turns. Explosive Cliffhanger!
This book definitely has some dark and tabooish content so check the TW if you have any issues. If not then get ready to have this unknown world of the Nymphs take you on a wild ride.
Cora and Lena are two twins just living the college life with only worrying about their next swim meet/competition, until out of nowhere their brother appears and takes them from the only life they ever have known. You watch these twins plucked from the human realm and dropped into this dark nymph world, where what we perceive as wrong or taboo is accepted in this new world they find themselves in now. With the help of their friend Remy they forge ahead when the twins are merged into one and forced to mate/bond to keep their royal heritage pure and thriving once again. You will have bonded mates, taboo practices, and an epic cliffhanger.
This book is uniquely dark with taboo elements making this new fantasy/paranormal world extremely addictive and that cliffhanger will have you needing to know what will happen next for all involved now. Grab it and get lost in this crazy upside down world now.
This world is refreshingly original and complex. Fans of dark fantasy and paranormal reads with romance will love diving into this story.
Twins Cora and Lena and their BFF Remy are whisked away to a fantastical world of nymphs with elemental powers and the possibility of bonded groups of fated mates. The darkest parts of the world are quick to torment our chatacters and the sisterhood these three women share becomes more precious than ever.
This book is an intense and fast-paced ride and so immersive that it's impossible to be bored. This is a twisted tale and Sullyn Shaw is great at delivering the dark, but she is equally gifted at writing humor and levity by giving us multidimensional characters that convey just how often we can feel multiple feelings at once.
Please be aware before reading that there are heavy dark and taboo themes that play a large role in this story.
I was not at all prepared for what I read! First off if you have triggers do not skip the list you will want to read it before the book! Secondly, I am stunned it’s hard to think of words to describe this book. I absolutely loved it and am so happy I found sullyns work. This was darker than I expected but so much more… emotional, exciting, adventurous for something I jumped into without reading the blurb. I absolutely loved the systems in place and the relationship developments and the mystery behind some of the new characters we will meet more of in the next book. The ending had me going NOOOOOOOOO!! Cause you cannot believe it ended on that kind of cliffy. I will forever read her books without a second glance at the blurb cause I know it’ll be phenomenal!
Let me tell you that I went through so many emotions while reading this! I don't think I have ever had this much hate and disgust towards some characters in a book before. This book hit so many nerves in my body but in a good way! I started reading and what felt like 10 minutes later the book was already ending... that cliffhanger!!! I need more like right now and I can't wait to read what happens next.
Usually I can kind of catch on to where the story is going but in this book it was just turn after turn. I didn't expect anything that was thrown at me. I love Remy so much. She adds that extra oomph that makes you connect with not only her but who she talks and connects to. The FMC is amazing! Not only the strength she has to continue but also staying herself while just trying to make it through one more day. Again that ending!
Make sure to check the triggers before reading because there are some in this book. This take Nymphs to a whole new level!
Wow just wow. This book blew my mind and that cliffy is a killer, I definitely need book two like now. I won’t give any spoilers but this was an amazingly twisted take on a paranormal romance. I definitely suggest reading all the trigger warnings before starting because this book contains dark and taboo themes but I absolutely loved every minute of it.
Warning this book definitively has triggers so if you’re sensitive this is not for you. But if you don’t mind a little of the extreme turn dive into this strange and twisted world of nymphs. Cora and Lena are twins that were hidden away in the human realm, not that they knew this. Not until their brother finds them and takes them back to their original home. Remy is the girls best friend and is taken with them as to help Cora and Lena acclimate to their new world. Here is where everything goes upside down. There’s merging, bonds, and some terrible events that happen. I am extremely curious to see where Coralena and Remy’s story will go.
This was very gripping, original and fast paced, filled with easy to love (and hate) characters. Remy is a spitfire and I love her, where can I get a best friend like her??? I felt that this definitely has potential but it just doesn’t feel fully developed or edited thoroughly enough.
Nice clear introduction and giving you the setting, characters, description and background, although a little too obvious and too much. Despite the obvious mature themes and some swearing it has quite a YA feel to it, a little rambling and unsure. At times the dialogue was a bit theatrical and unrealistic, filled with too much background information clearly for the reader. But for the majority it flowed well and use of slang and banter really shows their relationships and personality.
The timing is a little weird and jumpy, with several scenes per paragraph or continuously one line for one scene/action/time and the next line a completely different one.
Their parents are so sweet and the whole family dynamic is so heartwarming and enjoyable to read, I so need to find out that they’re okay in the next book!
A little too direct on descriptions, but at least everything can be pictured clearly while reading. I love the girls relationship and banter, as well as the others once introduced, it all flows really well.
They do seem strangely unbothered, not worried or traumatised considering their world shattered a few hours before. There was a lot less panicking than I would have expected. Plus, it just kept getting weirder and weirder. You can’t help but keep reading to find out what’s happening. Bit of a whirlwind with constantly a lot going on, a lot of new characters introduced and lots of different characters povs with each chapter change. Pacing is a little off with a lot of overly direct and in depth explanations yet I’m still left confused about a lot, which is a bit annoying. The cliffhanger ending killed me and I’m so glad I have the next book to jump into!
* Make sure you read the Triggers as bOy this can be heavy, it definitely needs the triggers in the first page in BOLD *
Tethered In Torment by Sullyn Shaw is a fantastical, dark, taboo fantasy romance. Cora and Lena are twins and best friends with Remy. One day a man shows up, claiming to be their brother. They are water nymphs from another realm, and we're kidnapped as infants. He takes them back to their kingdom, where they discover they are princesses. Everything seems so perfect until they find out the truth. Is it too late for them to be saved? This story had a bit of a slow start, and I was concerned it was going to be one of those same old, same old, with the girls discovering they weren't human, learning magic and finding that missing piece of themselves, and living happily ever after. I should have known better. It was like bam, someone hit the crazy button, and the lights went out. This story was incredibly dark and taboo. However Shaw's work reminds us that much of our thoughts and beliefs come from our society. Nothing is ever black and white; we live in a world with varying shades of gray. I rated this story 4 out of 5 stars. The characters were interesting. The descriptions of the realm and castle are extraordinary. The best part is the myriad of relationships and how the nymphs form bonds with the other kinds of nympspiritse story is dark and spicy. A word of caution for those that have issues reading specific topics. I suggest going in blind unless you have a reason not to. Then please read the content warning for the story, as it hits on some delicate issues. This tale is for adults only. If you enjoy dark, taboo fantasy romance, you will love Tethered In Torment.
I recieved a copy of this book from the author for my honost review!
As this is the first book im reading from this author i am beyond surprised!
After i read the blurb i was sold even with FF in the mix which i dont normaly go for but stil i loved it!!!
It is dark, it is beyond taboo, it is crazy but also so much fun.
One of the things i liked so much was that not just Coralena chapters and her bondeds but also Remy and her bonded felt so connected i liked that alot.
Then we have one person who is so much worse then Sata ! And no its not Andrin, oh nay nay its their own father he is the worst of the worst. I did want to hate Andrin for what he did or better said had to do, but its hard to hate him now that things got revealed.
The story oh my lanta dont think ive ever read something like this before and thats not easy as im like a human book desposal lol i read almost anything so finding a story thats like this is finding a gem amongst rocks!
I like to say that the trauma and everything works in favour of Coralena she doesnt let it define her and bends it to her will and grows from it.
Cant wait to start reading the second book because oh my gosh i think ima like Atticus.
Those bonded are amazing they caring sweet and not overbearing overprotective twafflea oh nay nay they just perfect.. and both sets of bonded seem to be close friends or thats what i think, as at times its a little bit confusing if Remy & Coralena's are different set of bonded or they one big group.
I am rating this book 8.3/10 highly recommend this!
Cora and Lena are twins that were adopted and raised with a best friend, Remy. They were on the swim team and in college. The three are very close and spend all their time together. They win the swim meets with little effort. Remy is taking glass blowing and business classes to start her business later. Their world is perfect with loving and adoring parents. One weekend after a swim meet, everything changes~ When one of the twins awakens, she spies a stranger in the living room standing over her sister and Remy. Come to find out, he is their biological brother, a king, in another realm here to claim his long-lost sisters. When the truth of their lives spills out, they are in for a world of torment and fated mates. What transpires will shock the readers~ I cannot say too much without putting in spoilers; trust me it is not what we would expect, at all~ Now, two innocent lives on the line, powers to be learned, vengeance is now a part of them they breathe, civil unrest, but most of all…the torment that will live inside the sisters and their brother will hopefully find their way to put right what is wrong on many levels…as this story unfolds in book one…we can only imagine what is in store for them and us~
Tethered in Torment is book one of the Nymphs of Incyssia series. It is a dark, taboo paranormal romance. Cora and Lena are twins. They, along with their friend Remy are kidnapped by a long lost brother, Andrin, and taken to another world. A world where human society taboos are celebrated and tradition. Once they’ve arrived, they are subjected to lies, betrayals and horrible traumas inflicted on them. There are bizarre traditions that Cora and Lena knew nothing about and weren’t prepared for the horrific outcomes. This story is dark. It’s a fantasy world where nymphs rule and taboos are the norm. This storyline is action packed, with twists and turns, making it easy to devour this book one one sitting. The characters are interesting and complex. The world created is unique, immersing you completely in this nymph realm full of bonded and shared mates, royal inc€st and evil lurking everywhere. Tethered in Torment ends with a thrilling cliffhanger that has me wanting to continue this series to see how this wonderful craziness continues!!
What started as just a pair of normal human twins named Cora and Lena, who loved to swim, ended up with them being introduced to a whole new world of bonds, merging, and a whole new world of creatures by their unknown brother. While they are willing to give this world a chance at first, they soon realize that it might just hide some very dark secrets. Secrets that will, unfortunately, lead to some very dark events. CoraLena must find a way to survive with the help of their best friend, Remy, who was taken with them, and certain others willing to do anything to keep her safe. Definitely check the trigger warnings beforehand, I can't wait to find out what will happen next to CoraLena.
This book was my introduction to Sullyn Shaw's creative mind, and what a treat it was. I really love the dark romance and everything that comes with it. I have no triggers, but there are definitely some in this, so please take a look at Sullyn's page for a list. Even though I say I have no triggers, there was definitely a moment that floored me, which has earned this book it's place in my "all things dark and taboo" romance shelf. That "moment" when everything went sideways for her had me flipping the pages, because I had to see how it played out. Every book has a character I love most and the one I hate. Remy is my fave, and I despise the parents. Tethered in Torment has a great plot, fantastic world building, interesting characters, and Sullyn's storytelling is amazing. And that cliffhanger will make you want the second book.
Adopted twins Cora & Lena are found by their birth family. They’re royalty and not human…it might have been better if they were never found. This is a dark, twisted, taboo, paranormal reverse harem romance. It’s one of the darker novels that I’ve read, & I think that’s what kept my interest in it. I’m still wondering how Cora, Lena, & their best friend, Remy, are going to get out of this twisted supernatural world they’re now a part of. I loved learning about the new world they find themselves in, finding out about the different characters powers as nymphs, and slowly learning about their mates. A heart-pounding cliffhanger will leave you coming back for more. Please be sure to check the TW before reading.
Warning up front: READ the Trigger warnings. This one is dark and I don’t want anyone having nightmares, PTSD, or anything like that….
That said, this one is DARK. It’s a unique story and I feel it’s executed well. I love the concepts introduced and the characters you just wanna cheer for and hope we see a HEA eventually. Will we? THAT I can’t tell you, as I don’t know. This one DOES end in a SUPER big cliffhanger, but it also is making me want MORE now, not later.
I believe there is at least 3 books planned for this series. You’ll root for some of the characters and others, well you’ll root for their death I’m sure.
I will say it again, READ the trigger warnings. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did.
I went into this book totally blind and wow what a ride it was. It’s a dark fantasy RH romance with taboo themes and I would strongly recommend checking your triggers if you have any before diving in to this story. If you are anything like me then you will find some characters you love and some you definitely won’t. This book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster and I was constantly questioning what else could be thrown in here and can my heart take it and this is only book 1 of what is going to be a 4 book series! As it is part of a series I was expecting a cliff-hanger and boy did I get one! As I already have the next one waiting I’m going to dive right in, the only problem being that I know I will have to wait for the next 2 books as they haven’t been released yet.
That cliffhanger!!! Omg I’m starting the second book after I finish this review. This is definitely my favorite series of the year! For one, the story is different and refreshing, that I could not put it down. Read it all in one day.
The twins are my favorite but thing’s definitely got crazy when they merged. I have a soft spot for all the bonded men for sure and can’t wait to get to know more about them. I can’t even imagine all the things Coralena was feeling and going through. Being taken from her home to another world.
I also have a strong hatred for her father. He is such a monster and I hope he gets what’s coming for him!
Overall! I absolutely loved the book and highly recommend it!
Whew, this book is intense. It will cross some lines for some and have you re-adjust your mind set a little bit to continue reading. With that being said, Sullyn Shaw did a PHENOMENAL job with world building. I can tell you already that the rest of the series is going to be great. However, please be aware of the trigger/content warnings before reading. The spice level on this one is going to be different depending on the reader. I am going to hold back on saying much more as to not give any spoilers. Rating it as a 3 with a disclosure that it’s open to interpretation. I really liked (most) of the characters, but I think Remy is probably my favorite so far. Besides having a badass name, she’s fiercely loyal and quite the spitfire. I always enjoy reading those characters and for it to be highlighted in a secondary character makes my heart happy. All in all, I’m hooked and in this for the long haul. Excited to see what happens next and to read more of Remy’s highly creative threats.
Check out more, like the drink I picked for this book on my blog, tapsandtropes.com
My mind is freaking blown! Sullyn Shaw is a master of twists, and she absolutely delivers with Tethered In Torment. Nymphs have never been hotter or more exciting! My jaw is still on the floor from the incredible world-building, character development, the taboo sauciness, and that cliffhanger! I don’t do spoilers in my reviews, but trust me when I say you will not see this book coming. I am absolutely in love with the guys in this story, and I’m dying for the rest of the books to see where it takes all my favorites. This dark and twisty series is going to be one I reach for again and again! I can’t wait for book two!
Seriously, read the trigger warnings! They are there for a reason. This one is very dark and has some sensitive on page topics that can cause PTSD. That being said…
I was NOT prepared for this book! I had no idea what I was in for when I started this series. I want…no, I NEED more!
Cora and Lena (twins) and Remy (bff) were all swept away into a new world and learned their entire lives were one big lie. Remy is by far my favorite and I can’t help but love her. I really enjoyed this first book of the series and I can’t wait to read the rest.
This was my first book by this author, I went in a bit blind and wow! Started off a little slow and then when the action starts it knocks you off your chair! Was not expecting that. I wouldn’t recommend going into this blind if you have triggers.
The world building is interesting although a little confusing at times. The characters are likeable and will have you rooting for them and some you’ll want to strangle. Four stars as I felt the characters needed to be fleshed out and some of the scenarios could do with more descriptions as if felt a bit jumpy.
Saying that, the plot is good and original and I enjoyed this. Diving straight onto book 2!
Sullyn Shaw’s first book in her Nymphs In Incyssia series is a dark taboo paranormal romance that’s so dark it’s off the color ratings chart. Even though it was dark with an abundance of triggers, the storyline was completely mesmerizing that I couldn’t put the book down until the very last page. The author’s writing of the storyline and characters wove so beautifully together like painting on a canvas. The ending did leave you with a mind blowing cliffy but that just makes me that much more anxious for the next book. Highly recommended and definitely a MUST read!
First, if you're reading this review because you want to know what its about, NO YOU DON'T. Hop in blind. Don't read reviews!! They'll spoil the big surprises!!!! Here's what you need to know; it's dark, taboo, and WOAH.
Second, what in the sweet baby Jesus on a pickle stick did I just read? The darkness, the twisty turny plot, the lovable and *traumatized* characters... MUAH!! Absolutely perfect.
This. Book. Was. Wild!!! Thought I was in for the predictable ride when at around 30% in my jaw hit the ground and just WHAT!?!?! This book had so many original ideas and such a unique storyline. I will say, my only complaint is that I sometimes felt like I was being told instead of shown through the writing, but the bold, intriguing plot and my overwhelming need to know what the F happens definitely overrode those issues for me.
Cora and Lena are twins who not from the human realm. When their brother shows up unexpected to take them home along with their friend Remy. They will have to through a merge that make them one. And that where their journey really begins. CoraLena will have to adapted to this new world and learned to survive while as learning their magic. But their journey will turn taboo and dark when they are thrown twist and turns along the way. I can’t wait to see what happens next for them.
You should be ready for an emotional roller coaster that both thrills and scares you. This book was so good and touched on things that should have had be questioning my own mind. There are characters you are sure you're going to absolutely h@te and then you don't. My heart broke for the fmc and her trauma. The cliffhanger left me wanting too throw my kindle! I can't wait to read book 2!
This book was a completely unexpected read for me. I haven’t delved in the realm of dark romance before and I thought was a great start. This book takes us through the journey of Cora and Lena. They are sisters with a perfect family and college life.
All of this comes crashing down when a huge secret is revealed ans their worlds are turned upside down.
It’s spicy, taboo, and has great side characters. I’m in love with their best friend and I can’t wait to see where book 2 leads us.
Wow. I had no idea what I was getting into, went into this book completely blind. It's my first fantasy/alternate universe book. I think it was the perfect introduction. The characters are very likable. Setting up the story took a little time but once it was set up, it took off. The bonded are beautiful and personalities are strong. Ending on a cliffhanger, I have to jump to the next one right away!
Well… I didn’t know what I was getting when I started this story, but it’s also in the best kind of way? This story is dark and oh so deliciously wrong. The world that Sullyn is building is kind of terrifying if I’m honest, but I can’t stop reading it. It’s so freaking good. Everything I want to scream about is spoilers so I’m just going to end this by saying that the author’s writing is amazing, and that this is a story you don’t want to miss—after checking the triggers.