The Unseelie Duke

Deal of Shadows #1

by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

Enter a world of darkness and desire, where even true love comes at a deadly price.

In the twisted world of the Unseelie fae, dreams are currency and wishes are power. Izael, the serpentine Duke of Bones, a fae lord with a fierce reputation, finds himself desperate for freedom. And to get it, he only needs one simple thing—a deal with a human. When he sets his sights on Alex, a destitute witch down on her luck, he sees a chance to gain everything he's ever wanted.

Alex wasn’t expecting to lose her job. It was the last thing keeping her afloat. And now with no money in her account, and homelessness looming, she casts a spell and asks for help from anyone willing to listen.
She should have been more specific.

Now she has a handsome Unseelie fae begging to grant her deepest wish. As far as Alex is concerned, she doesn’t have one. She knows better than to trust him, but he convinces her to take a wager—for seven days and seven nights, they will split their time between Earth and Tir n'Aill. If she truly does not have a wish after those seven days, he'll make sure she never goes poor again and will leave her alone. If she loses, her wish is his to grant...and her soul is his to take.

As Izael and Alex dance around each other, the stakes grow higher and higher. Will Izael succeed in his quest to make Alex his own, or will she prove to be his downfall?
___________
From USA Today bestseller Kathryn Ann Kingsley, the Deal of Shadows series is a sizzling tale of love, power, and deceit, perfect for fans of dark fantasy and fae romance. Follow Izael and Alex as they navigate the treacherous world of Tir n'Aill, where the only thing that's certain is that nothing is ever as it seems.

This series is an entrypoint into the same universe as The Unseelie Prince and Maze of Shadows. While familiar faces will appear, you can start here with The Unseelie Duke without missing anything.

Please This series contains content that may be disturbing to some readers.

Genres: Fantasy, Fae, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark Romance, Romantasy, Dark

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 16, 2023

About the author

Kathryn has always been a storyteller. Years of scriptwriting for performances on stage and for tourism in Boston led her to writing romantically dark, fantastical tales, which was an obsession of hers that began once seeing The Phantom of the Opera at a young age.

When she isn’t penning new villainous leads, she works in video game development. There, she has been everything from Creative Director to Chief of Staff, Design Manager, Executive Producer, and Principal Writer for various companies in the industry.

She shares her antique home with three very fluffy animals and one very patient and loving husband.

Reviews

[Rhiannon Chillingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a decent enough read. I just wish every book by this author didn't follow the same pattern in almost every aspect.

[Clarice · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars

This was not as good as a Maze of Shadows. It's safe to say if you didn't like Kat's Maze of Shadows series, I wouldn't recommend this one.

Both Deal of Shadows and Maze of Shadows are set in the same world of Tir n'Aill. Both books have a villainous, mostly insane, and murderous love interest. However, I feel like the plot of Maze of Shadows, along with its characters took itself more seriously than Deal of Shadows. I think this is mostly due to Izael being too off the wall insane along with Alex just seeming to be along for the ride. I feel like there was some push and pull between Abigail and Valroy in Maze of Shadows. Where I didn't feel that between Alex and Izeal, their romance felt more fast-burn and slightly reluctant on Alex's side. It felt like Alex gave up and thought "Yep, now I'm stuck with this weirdo snek boi, and there's nothing I can do about it".

I hate to say it, but Deal of Shadows felt like the watered down fan-fic version of Maze of Shadows. This isn't really new for Kat though. If you have been a long time reader of her work like I have you will remember her other series The Masks of Under which has the poorly plotted out sequel series, Fall of Under. This book gave Fall of Under vibes, although I would have to argue that Fall of Under actually had likeable characters where as Deal of Shadows did not.

Speaking of Kat's Masks of Under Series, we get a cameo of that series in Alex's necklace, which I think will have a big part to play later on in the story. At least I'm hoping it will. It would be really cool to see some of the cast from Under again. I'm hoping Alex either once lived in Under and she forgot or one of the cast from Under created her. Like Aon was finally successful in creating another being or something. If you can't tell I really like Kat's The Masks of Under series, if you haven't read it, I would say that and Harrow Faire are Kat's best books she has ever written.

I will be reading book 2 and I will continue reading Kat's books, but this book was not a strong start to this series.

[Wicked Fox ✨️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a cliffhanger 😭 I need the second book ASAP because I'm not over it.

I seriously love how fun The Unseelie Duke is. It's such an enjoyable read. I couldn't stop smiling at some of the scenes. I adore Izael. He's a completely unhinged snake 🥰 He does have plenty of sweet moments with Alex. He's quite thoughtful and it shows as the book progresses.

Another thing that made this book so enjoyable is Alex! I love her take no shit attitude when it comes to Izael. She humbles him a LOT. Izael's ego definitely needed a couple of punches 😂 The character cameos are also one of the reason why I enjoyed this book so much. I didn't realise how much I missed the others 🥹

Let's talk about the spice! This book had me BLUSHING. I was shooketh at the scenes. Izael is EVIL for what he did 😂 I still love his dumbass though. There was mention of his dupeen that has me really intrigued 👀

Anyways, The Unseelie Duke definitely topped one of my favourite reads of this year 💕 The romance, the characters and story is just perfection. Make sure to pre order it so it hits your kindle the moment it goes live!!

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars for intense insanity

Would it even be a KAK book if everyone wasn’t a lil twisted and evil?
Probably not. Izael was an engaging MMC: hyperactive, violent, intelligent, and psychotic. Alex was a good counterpart for him, meeting him move for move in their chess game.
I promise I’ll write a longer review for the next book, but I need answers.

Spice: 3/5: one scene

Triggers: cannibalism, violence, gore, murder, dubcon, mention of unhealthy parent child dynamic, threat of torture

[The Tunita · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

This was the coziest dark-romance I've read in a while, which is kind of funny. I wasn't expecting this story to be as tame as it was, but I enjoyed it anyway.

Something very important to mention is that I didn't read the prequel to this, and I didn't really feel like I needed to in order to enjoy this one. However, I can't negate how curious some "consequences" from the first book - mentioned in this one - made me.


⚠️↘️SPOILERS↙️⚠️

My dark romances need to have the hero wanting to burn the world for the heroine, and that seems to be what I'm getting, so I won't complain about that.

I loved Izael, but he's such an idiot sometimes. His ideas suck, and he's self-aware of this, yet he throws himself into any unimaginable danger anyway. Sometimes it is endearing, and other times it is plain stupid. 

Alex was an okay character for me. I mean, compared to Alice from Julian Strandee, she was a firecracker, but if I compare her to Cora, she's just ok. I don't dislike her, I just don't particularly care for her.

I liked her powers, though. I thought they were not only interesting but pretty unique. Basically, is a bard's wet dream🎶

As always, there's the usual cliffhanger à la Kathryn-Ann-Kingsley and a second book that probably wasn't needed for any purpose other than to create desperation among readers.

All in all, a decent read, but I'm not desperate to know what happens next right away.

P.S..: I'm just really glad to live in a world where spicy scenes like these exist. Thank you🧎🏻‍♀️

 

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book—is it making the top reads of 2023 list. Duke of Bones Izael—spontaneity, lover of bones and the color teal, and the lack of care or consideration for human life only the fae can have rolled into one fae naga makes for the best character.

Alex is most certainly the best partner for Izael, questioning everything, not letting a single thing Izael says slip by. She won’t be caught unawares and I’m so thrilled at an FMC who gives as good as she gets with the fae.

I am so sad and mad that this isn’t a standalone, I NEED books two and three desperately. Join us in our salivation for the rest of the series and also our sorrow that it’s not out yet! I promise, this book is worth the cliffhanger (and the cliffhanger sure to come in book 2).

Also, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and I’m ordering a paperback for my shelf ASAP.

[Jess *lovetolovebooks* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this was a fun, humorous, and magical read. For such a short novel (224 pages), there’s quite a bit packed in and not in a bad way, more in an adventurous way where you don’t know where you’re gonna go or what you’re gonna see next.

Alex is a down on her luck witch. She just lost her job and she’s already behind on rent. With no idea what to do next, she casts a spell and begs for help. She goes to bed not realizing that someone heard and someone is very willing to strike a few deals.
That someone is Izael, Duke of Bones, unseelie fae, snake man extraordinaire. He instantly takes a liking to Alex and her penchant for defending herself with violence. He sees an opportunity to escape the boring world of the Fae and explore the vibrant and full of new things on Earth. He just needs to make Alex realize that she wants to wish for something more and he only has 7 days and 7 nights to do it.
I loved the back and forth between Earth and Tir n’Aill we get. Seeing Earth through Iz’s eyes is comical and is magical in its own way. And then seeing multiple places within Tir n’Aill left me with a sense of dangerous wonder. It was written in such vivid colorful descriptions that I could help but to imagine this world. I definitely can’t wait to continue on to the second book soon because these two need their happily ever after.

4⭐️
3.5🔥

What to expect:
MF
Fae/human
Deals
Snake body
2🍆 (only one is used in book one but maybe book two will be different)
Banter
Constriction
Forked tongue
Orgasm denial

TW/CW: non con kissing (he kisses her when he first sees her and she’s asleep), he literally eats someone whole (it’s a wild scene), use of a homophobic slur (by side character)

[Josh Pitts · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I was content with giving this book 4 stars but after this ending it got bumped down. I didn’t know where we were headed but I don’t like where we ended up. The next book isn’t coming out until next year which just makes it worse too. Overall the story was alright and I like the characters enough but I feel as though 3 stars is deserved.

[gabriela]

even if it’s short i’m dnfing this at 40%, i have to install a chip in my brain that gives me a powerful shock every time i try to read another kathryn ann kingsley book again, dead serious. i thought this was going to be ok because i liked maze of shadows somewhat, it’s the same world and everything, but god i can’t deal with instant attraction anymore and the same fmc over and over. it’s sad because this has a gruesome amazing scene akin to the goblin scene in the maze of shadows that i love and had me riveted:

His torso opened. The line that ran from the underside of his chin down to the scales at his waist simply…parted. Opened like a Venus flytrap, revealing rows and rows of jagged, pointed teeth like a shark or a leech. The inside of his body was a dark teal, but squishy like flesh. The rest of what had been Izael’s torso simply folded back and out of the way.
Izael swallowed him whole. Head-first. The rows of teeth undulated as they forced the man deeper, his screams now muffled. There was a strange, wet, squelching sound as Izael grabbed the man’s legs and began stuffing him farther down his…throat.

this crazy ass concept with such poor writing, this author is just churning out content like a machine, look at this:

He loved their banter, however. It was so entertaining!

this is sad. the guy is 80 years without contact with modern earth and he uses ‘sheesh’ and gives no other indication of this strangeness with modern things other than buying souvenirs and wearing pinstriped suits. check this other one out:

She rolled her eyes at the clear attempt at a pickup line but decided it didn’t warrant a snarky retort. Instead, she found herself fascinated by one of his bookshelves. It was filled with…well, everything. All kinds of nonsense. Added to his collections, scattered around, were all the bits and pieces he bought from the Museum of Science.

it just feels like kingsley couldn’t be bothered to describe even one object or explore anything else in the story, like a ‘fuck you, you’re here for the smut only’, i mean sure, it’s alright if you are, but what happened to hello? how are you? my name is?

[jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun. The MC, Izael is deliciously unhinged and reminded me of the MC in The Poisoner. He was insane, utterly lovable and had me giggling throughout. The author created a magnetic character. Bravo!

[Kylie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was so bad it surprised even me. I am downloading the sequel right now though, so.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE this world. I forgotten how fun and twisted these Fae are, and it's so great to truly have villains as the love interest

[Steph Slone · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Kingsley is my guilty pleasure author. I love her characters, the spice makes me blush, and I love that the bad guys are just bad guys. Quick read in a day. The couple was like the opposite of Abigail and Valroy. Alex is sharp and sarcastic, and Izael has major golden retriever (but also guard dog) energy.

[Tieraney (arobynns version) · Rating 4 out of 5]

omg?!? that ending?!? KATHRYN PLS STOP DOING THIS TO ME 😩😭 i cannot bare anymore of this…. i will continue to consume everything you write you really enjoy putting us through the ringer huh?

the unseelie duke is the first installment of the deal of shadows series, this is a standalone so you do not have to read the maze of shadows series but in my opinion to get the lore and world building explained to the fullest extent- i would.

alex is not a weak minded little human, and honestly? i’m estatic from that fact alone. oh and izael… who can forget about izael?? he is such a snekky snek daddy, the biggest simp an unseelie nope rope could possibly be 😮‍💨 izael’s mannerisms and personality is very refreshing from the usual unseelies in Tir n’Aill *cough* yes i’m talking about you valroy *cough*

i am eagerly awaiting the rest of the books in this series - aka biting my fingernails trying to imagine what KAK will put me through the next book.

[Aggis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A underwhelming read following Valroy & Abigail’s story.

The plot here was extremely simple, which can work if the characters are strong, but Izael and Alex were so weak and one dimensional.

I liked Izael’s characterization at first but he was very one note as the book continued, what you see in chapter 1 - 2 is what you get. Alex similarly didn’t have the same fire Abigail did, and even though she said she was working to find her own solutions she was very passive in her actions (even if her dialogue was sassy).

You don’t have to read the books in order but I would suggest you do. The previous trilogy is much more fleshed out.

[Dora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ngl this one kinda bored me 🤷🏻‍♀️

The story and its characters lack tension, there is no epic urge and yearning like it was with Abagail and Valroy - even the fae aspect of it all is underwhelming. Izael behaves too much like a psychotic child for me to care about him; even his supposed desire for Alex is surface level. And Alex... she gives in too easily. Doesn't have much depth to her desires and wishes either.

Yeah, all in all a very meh story. Dunno if I'll read the sequel, maybe I'll skim through it when I'm bored at work.

side note: scenes with valroy were delectable! he eats up the scene every time! also loved seeing my grumpy baby boi anfar 💕✨️

[Fey Flowers (enbytweenthepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally back in Tir n'Aill ❤️‍🔥
Alex and Izael's story takes place a few centuries later - there are Apple Stores and Take Away. Izael is like a kid in a toy store and it's amazing how multi-faceted this character is.
Alex is a millennial, feel her very much.

Lots of familiar faces. And then there's this insane Duke who, like Valroy before, needs to find out HOW much love hurts ❤️‍🔥

The ending wasn't quite as dramatic as the ending of the first book in the Maze series, but of course I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel tricked because I thought this was a standalone 😭

Overall, this was a super fun read. Izael is absolutely deranged and I loved his POV. I also liked Alex too! Their chemistry was pretty genuine and the spice in this book was pretty hot. I want to know what happens after that damn cliff hanger.

3.5 stars

[Alexandra Brumley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First things first, do not read this if you're planning to read the Maze of Shadows series. This has some major spoilers for it. Come back to this one.
One that same note oh my god the way I've been so giddy seeing old characters from this world, so good, and makes my heart bittersweet, I'm happy but also sad.

This book is giving charming yet crazy fae boy, it's giving Mukbang star in the making, it's giving not your gullible female human in the fae world for once.

This is the first time I've read a book whose FMC's I share the same name and it's wild. I'm so happy that I don't outright hate her, haha. Thank god Alex is clever, I would have had to DNF this if she was gullible to the fae. Now the hitting became a little much. Understandable when Izael got a little handsy, but wasn't needed with his flirting. That was probably my biggest gripe I loved Alex slowly warming up to Izael, and his almost child-like wonder to the advancement of Earth, I wished we got just a little more of that. Like I'm pretty sure he doesn't realize humans have been to space and landed on the moon yet. The way I would just fold for this stupid sneak boy, but book Alex is a little more self-preservation than real Alex. I'm here so a manic golden retriever possessive snake fae. The banter was cute and flirty, and the spice was delicious.

The way this book ended was such a call back to the Maze of Shadows, and I loved it. Go feral Izael get your girl back BURN THE WORLD YYAASSSS!!!!!!! I can't wait to start the second book.

[kiwi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I liked this!

I don't like much political talk in my books, so I avoided this one for a while because of the Duke title. But there really wasn't any. Overall, this book was pretty straight forward, not too many characters too, but in a good way.

As someone who loves monster romance, I'm overjoyed how monstrous Izael is. I didn't expect this from Kingsley. And she did SO well in hyping up his two snake dicks. Honestly, that was probably the highlight of the series for me, I loved how curious the book made me!

The series is pretty insta-lusty, which usually makes me lose interest in the romance, but while I still prefer slow burn, Kingsley has that talent to make me keep my interest. I don't even know why or how, but it's not the first insta-lusty book of hers that I love.

[Alexandra G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Why did I think it was a standalone? Why?
Only Kathryn Ann Kingsley could make a half snake man attractive and intriguing. I'm not even surprised at this point.


8/10 would recommend

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

such a fun read throughout

4.3 stars. I love these KAK books. The way she writes fae in this world makes them so wacky and unhinged. I was very pleased to see the old characters back and involved in the storyline. Will be starting the next book expeditiously.

[Bookworm123 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a F&@& ride!

[cherry]

this guy is crazy (as he should be) I am satisfied thank you xoxo

[꧁ Brutally Honest ꧂]

Nah fam

[Nikita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won't lie this book was so fun. However if I had been the main character I would have immediately left the country

[Gravis Aleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like my men toxic and unfixable.

[Brooklyn Wescombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was so fun

[Raven_Blake (dreamy addictions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 stars!

[G Berzenye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this ridiculous snake man. Like, I can't even tell you. He's just the right amount of ridiculous. 1000000/10 recommend