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Curse of the Winter Kingdom
He would do anything to keep the opulence of a palace life. Never did he think it would end at the hands of an enemy that should have been dead.
Though Salas seemingly has everything he could wish for, being the Susconian Emperor's favorite bed-servant, bathed in the luxuries of a thriving kingdom, he is still just a toy. Yet still, facing losing everything, he would never give it up, despite the daily sacrifices he must make. That all changes when The King from Diagor, the old Emperor's greatest enemy, storms the Susconian Kingdom and claims Salas as his own. Being held captive as prisoner, in a new environment and within an entirely new culture, surrounded by beasts on the brink of deadly tempers, can Salas survive the winter kingdom?
This is a standalone, full-length novel. Reader advisory can be found in the front pages of the book (can be previewed).
Though Salas seemingly has everything he could wish for, being the Susconian Emperor's favorite bed-servant, bathed in the luxuries of a thriving kingdom, he is still just a toy. Yet still, facing losing everything, he would never give it up, despite the daily sacrifices he must make. That all changes when The King from Diagor, the old Emperor's greatest enemy, storms the Susconian Kingdom and claims Salas as his own. Being held captive as prisoner, in a new environment and within an entirely new culture, surrounded by beasts on the brink of deadly tempers, can Salas survive the winter kingdom?
This is a standalone, full-length novel. Reader advisory can be found in the front pages of the book (can be previewed).
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 6, 2023
60 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Nicky
2 books43 followersWriter of MM Romance.
A.J. Nicky is a city girl, though often thinks of settings of rolling hills and countrysides, and other little rural bits in between. While Curse of the Winter Kingdom is her first published, debut novel, she has written much more, and plans to publish again soon. Please follow her journey and keep up with her future works!
A.J. Nicky is a city girl, though often thinks of settings of rolling hills and countrysides, and other little rural bits in between. While Curse of the Winter Kingdom is her first published, debut novel, she has written much more, and plans to publish again soon. Please follow her journey and keep up with her future works!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
November 6, 2023
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Jinx (type of fae)
✅ Characters
✅ Smut (MM)
✅ 2 POVs
✅🆗 Worldbuilding
🆗 Romance (enemies to lovers)
🆗 Many typos
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: non-consensual sex, dubious consent, sex slavery
The first half was very good, probably worth 4 stars, but the second half was weaker.
Salas has been the old Emperor’s bird (glorified sexual slave) for over a decade, and he is happy with his life. He is spoiled by the king and the palace staff, all of his needs are being taken care of, and he relishes the attention he gets wherever he goes. It all changes when his king is betrayed, and the army of the Diagor kingdom takes over the palace. Salas and the other birds are taken prisoners and brought back to Diagor, a cold kingdom inhabited by cursed beasts, and Salas finds himself the prisoner of the beasts’ King.
Honestly, I was a little confused at first when Salas just named all the kingdoms and their wars in about 2 sentences, especially since there was no map in my ARC to have a visual of the kingdoms, but ultimately, here’s what we need to know:
- The kingdom of Suscon is ruled by Emperor Eldron, while the kingdom of Diagor is ruled by King Jareth.
- Both kingdoms are enemies, especially since Emperor Eldron used a magic wish to curse the inhabitants of the kingdom of Diagor many years ago.
One aspect of the book that I really loved was the jinx and their powers, but sadly, we didn’t really see it. It was explained, and it played a role in the world-building and the plot, but I would have loved to see Salas use his powers.
There are many typos in this book, but hopefully, this issue will have been resolved before the official release. It was a little annoying near the end though, because while some typos were the usual “normal” typos that can be found in a book, many times it was a wrong word being used in a sentence, such as “waste” instead of “waist” or “alas” instead of “at last”.
Salas is very naïve because he has been alone for the first part of his life, surviving in the forest, and after that, he was very sheltered and lived as the Emperor’s bird. Everything he knows about the world, he has been taught by the Emperor, and it’s obvious that he struggles with understanding social cues and nonverbal language. He is like a child at times and gets frustrated or ashamed when he does not understand what is happening around him. That made him a sweet and easy-to-love character, he is someone that others want to protect, and Salas enjoyed being cherished and taken care of so it’s a good combination. Still, it would have been nice for the king to take the time to teach Salas about all those social cues and behaviors that he doesn’t understand, instead of just explaining a few things when Salas got upset. Salas obviously has no idea of what a real and healthy relationship looks like, yet the king is okay with them getting involved as long as Salas wanted him too, but if we are talking about love here, it is so much more than just desiring someone and having sex. I am disappointed that this issue was not better acknowledged in the second part of the book. Salas has been groomed to see sex as a mean to an end, a simple transaction, and even worse, he sees it as the only way he can be useful or has worth. He clearly has traumas he needs to work on before he can get into any serious relationship.
Jareth is an okay character. I didn’t dislike him, but I didn’t particularly like him either. There were only a few chapters from his point of view, and honestly, even after reading this whole book, I don’t feel that we really know anything about him. Many of his decisions are explained by magic, without any logic or details, it’s just magic. That or he based his decisions on his feelings toward Salas, even though he only just met him, but then again, his sudden attraction to Salas can be explained with magic.
I did not really feel any chemistry between Salas and Jareth, and I am not sure if what they have can be called “love”. On Salas’ side, he first wants to please the king to gain his favor, and because that is what he’s been used to for the past decade. He then starts to feel safe around the king, but I am not sure that Salas even understand what love is. I think what he feels is more trust, safety, and comfort. On the other hand, Jareth hates Salas at first because of what he is, and who he was in Suscon, but this hates becomes a weird magical obsession because he is attracted to Salas’ smell and can’t resist it. That’s why he stopped hating Salas and started being kind to him, because of his smell, not because he actually got to know him and started to like him. Sure, Salas grew on him after that and the king developed feelings for him, but it all started because of some weird magical connection that the king couldn’t resist… That’s why while this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, I am not sure if it can be called a hate-to-love romance.
Overall, there is potential in this book, but it would have been better if it were longer so the romance can be better developed, and over a longer period of time. I also found Salas' journey to finding autonomy and purpose very interesting, but that aspect too could have been better developed.
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✅ Jinx (type of fae)
✅ Characters
✅ Smut (MM)
✅ 2 POVs
✅🆗 Worldbuilding
🆗 Romance (enemies to lovers)
🆗 Many typos
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: non-consensual sex, dubious consent, sex slavery
The first half was very good, probably worth 4 stars, but the second half was weaker.
Was Salas devoted to the old Emperor he served in bed, exactly like the other bed-servants in the palace? It would be easier to say he was devoted to keeping the Emperor’s favor, and what it meant to have it. So the answer was perhaps as irrelevant as the question.
Salas has been the old Emperor’s bird (glorified sexual slave) for over a decade, and he is happy with his life. He is spoiled by the king and the palace staff, all of his needs are being taken care of, and he relishes the attention he gets wherever he goes. It all changes when his king is betrayed, and the army of the Diagor kingdom takes over the palace. Salas and the other birds are taken prisoners and brought back to Diagor, a cold kingdom inhabited by cursed beasts, and Salas finds himself the prisoner of the beasts’ King.
Honestly, I was a little confused at first when Salas just named all the kingdoms and their wars in about 2 sentences, especially since there was no map in my ARC to have a visual of the kingdoms, but ultimately, here’s what we need to know:
- The kingdom of Suscon is ruled by Emperor Eldron, while the kingdom of Diagor is ruled by King Jareth.
- Both kingdoms are enemies, especially since Emperor Eldron used a magic wish to curse the inhabitants of the kingdom of Diagor many years ago.
One aspect of the book that I really loved was the jinx and their powers, but sadly, we didn’t really see it. It was explained, and it played a role in the world-building and the plot, but I would have loved to see Salas use his powers.
There are many typos in this book, but hopefully, this issue will have been resolved before the official release. It was a little annoying near the end though, because while some typos were the usual “normal” typos that can be found in a book, many times it was a wrong word being used in a sentence, such as “waste” instead of “waist” or “alas” instead of “at last”.
A seed had been planted inside of him. It was nurtured when he recalled how it had felt to whisper exactly what he wanted to the Emperor and watch as his desires were fulfilled. He had enjoyed the planning and the process of obtaining what he wanted. He liked pre-calculating the Emperor’s response, and the way it had stretched his mind like a muscle that had been relaxed for too long. He felt, for the first time, intelligent. He was no longer the caged bird that someone might mistake as being ‘soft in the head.’
Salas is very naïve because he has been alone for the first part of his life, surviving in the forest, and after that, he was very sheltered and lived as the Emperor’s bird. Everything he knows about the world, he has been taught by the Emperor, and it’s obvious that he struggles with understanding social cues and nonverbal language. He is like a child at times and gets frustrated or ashamed when he does not understand what is happening around him. That made him a sweet and easy-to-love character, he is someone that others want to protect, and Salas enjoyed being cherished and taken care of so it’s a good combination. Still, it would have been nice for the king to take the time to teach Salas about all those social cues and behaviors that he doesn’t understand, instead of just explaining a few things when Salas got upset. Salas obviously has no idea of what a real and healthy relationship looks like, yet the king is okay with them getting involved as long as Salas wanted him too, but if we are talking about love here, it is so much more than just desiring someone and having sex. I am disappointed that this issue was not better acknowledged in the second part of the book. Salas has been groomed to see sex as a mean to an end, a simple transaction, and even worse, he sees it as the only way he can be useful or has worth. He clearly has traumas he needs to work on before he can get into any serious relationship.
Jareth is an okay character. I didn’t dislike him, but I didn’t particularly like him either. There were only a few chapters from his point of view, and honestly, even after reading this whole book, I don’t feel that we really know anything about him. Many of his decisions are explained by magic, without any logic or details, it’s just magic. That or he based his decisions on his feelings toward Salas, even though he only just met him, but then again, his sudden attraction to Salas can be explained with magic.
I did not really feel any chemistry between Salas and Jareth, and I am not sure if what they have can be called “love”. On Salas’ side, he first wants to please the king to gain his favor, and because that is what he’s been used to for the past decade. He then starts to feel safe around the king, but I am not sure that Salas even understand what love is. I think what he feels is more trust, safety, and comfort. On the other hand, Jareth hates Salas at first because of what he is, and who he was in Suscon, but this hates becomes a weird magical obsession because he is attracted to Salas’ smell and can’t resist it. That’s why he stopped hating Salas and started being kind to him, because of his smell, not because he actually got to know him and started to like him. Sure, Salas grew on him after that and the king developed feelings for him, but it all started because of some weird magical connection that the king couldn’t resist… That’s why while this is an enemies-to-lovers romance, I am not sure if it can be called a hate-to-love romance.
Overall, there is potential in this book, but it would have been better if it were longer so the romance can be better developed, and over a longer period of time. I also found Salas' journey to finding autonomy and purpose very interesting, but that aspect too could have been better developed.
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July 7, 2023
5+++ stars. I’m speechless, what a great read!! I was flabbergasted by the clearness, the buildup, all the feels, the characters, the fantasy, it was superbly written! Applause!
Silas is the King’s favorite bed servant, a bird, he’s soft, feminine, and pretty, and a divine scent. Over the years he even gained some power, and the King listen to his advice and ideas.
He has luxury in abundance, still, he’s just a toy.
At some point, there’s an invasion, and all the birds including Silas are captured and moved to the Northern Kingdom, the enemies, the beasts.
“ He might die tomorrow. Tortured.”
King Jareth hates everything about Silas, and Silas doesn’t understand why.
Silas has to go through horrible torture, broken bones, drowning, and almost dying. He’s saved and again he doesn’t know why but something changed in the chambers of the King.
I don’t want to give away too much about the course of this story but if you know me, when I’m excited about a book I want to shout it out. The fantasy was genius, and the characters were exquisitely created, what more hyperbole can I put down, just read it yourself and be amazed!
This was such a strongly written story, I was sad when it ended. A phenomenal story!
Silas is the King’s favorite bed servant, a bird, he’s soft, feminine, and pretty, and a divine scent. Over the years he even gained some power, and the King listen to his advice and ideas.
He has luxury in abundance, still, he’s just a toy.
At some point, there’s an invasion, and all the birds including Silas are captured and moved to the Northern Kingdom, the enemies, the beasts.
“ He might die tomorrow. Tortured.”
King Jareth hates everything about Silas, and Silas doesn’t understand why.
Silas has to go through horrible torture, broken bones, drowning, and almost dying. He’s saved and again he doesn’t know why but something changed in the chambers of the King.
I don’t want to give away too much about the course of this story but if you know me, when I’m excited about a book I want to shout it out. The fantasy was genius, and the characters were exquisitely created, what more hyperbole can I put down, just read it yourself and be amazed!
This was such a strongly written story, I was sad when it ended. A phenomenal story!
July 13, 2023
If I was rated this solely on how great a Sad Boy TM Salas is (up until he gets cozy with Jareth), this would be 5 stars. But, unfortunately, a book is more than just Sad Boy TM status.
I admit, I was really enjoying this for probably the first half. But eventually the issues added up to be too much, and the story really fell apart for me in the last 15-20%.
The editing for sure was an issue. The author uses the incorrect word frequently in this. “Waste-level” instead of waist-level. “Shuddered his expression” instead of shuttered. “A bit more tack than that” instead of tact. “Leant”… and I’m honestly still unsure if it should be learnt or lent. “Taught leathers” instead of taut. “Alas, it gave, and Salas was able to snap the other one”… instead of at last.
But my favourite one was definitely: explosion of pleasurable sensation that left him wonton instead of wanton. Though I suppose maybe he does feel like a dumpling?
There’s other random typos, but nothing unusual.
There’s issues such as Salas having his arms bound behind his back, but then wrapping his arms around himself. Or like Salas knowing the intent of the knife, but 12 short paragraphs later, finally realizing the intent of the knife. Did you think it was going to be used to cut & serve cake prior to that second realization?
There’s a bunch of flashbacks of scenes or conversations that already happened in the book. I personally find that really annoying, though I dislike flashbacks in general.
There’s 2, maybe 3(?), chapters in the whole book that are told from Jareth’s POV, the first being 39% into the book. If you are going to write dual POV, I want more balance. Do more, or do less and make it single POV. This just felt like an attempt to make me like Jareth. And meh, I don’t really.
In regards to the content notes, there is non-con and dubcon, and this happens both inside and outside the main pairing. Obviously, as a slave, Salas can’t consent. He is a slave the entire time he is a bird. And once taken prisoner by beasty kingdom, he is raped (off page) by a guard. And while still a prisoner, he is coerced into performing cunninglingus on a woman (~ loc 1475-1500) on page, and since he is a prisoner, it’s still noncon. He is almost raped by Jareth on page. And there are a few other brief scenes of (attempted) SA.
I do have an issue with:
a) Silas being declared free, after being a slave for 10 years, dragged from his homeland, thrown into a cage, assaulted physically and sexually, almost executed, thrown in a well, having his leg broken (by his loving Jareth), and attempts to kill himself. Oh, but then minutes after telling him he is free, Jareth tells him if he wants to be free (no take backs, Jareth!), he has to explain the wish.
And then, leg still broken, he is fetched the following day and told he will work in the kitchens. He doesn’t really speak the language, he isn’t offered his own accommodations but also is barred from entering Jareth’s room, and while Lio mentions all the birds have received money from the kingdom and wages, there is never any mention of Salas being paid. Pretty sure you are still a bird.
b) Salas has obviously experienced A LOT of trauma. Both before and after Jareth came into the picture. And Jareth acknowledges that Salas spent a decade being groomed to be a perfect little pleasure slave. And yet, because of woo woo magic or whatever, Jareth is like insta in love in Salas (I mean, after he smashed his leg in half), and Salas, in little more than a month is like “I’m so independent, I love you let’s bang”. This needed to happen sooooooooooooo much more gradually. So much. (But also, he never really apologized for breaking your leg, bro).
In regards to the second wish, if the magic can just go an curse a whole kingdom of it’s whole will, why couldn’t the magic magically kill a traitor of its own will? That just does not make any sense to me, but I feel like so much of the jinx and wish stuff was just underexplained. But also to say “if I ever die” vs “if I am ever killed” doesn’t make a lot of sense. Of course you would die, and if it’s of natural causes, which traitor does he kill in that case? Does he reanimate you, so he can kill you for your body being a traitor to time?
TL;DR: Salas is great, the book needs editing, Jareth is a jerk, the cover is gorgeous, and while I think the author has great potential, this just has too many issues to rate higher.
I admit, I was really enjoying this for probably the first half. But eventually the issues added up to be too much, and the story really fell apart for me in the last 15-20%.
The editing for sure was an issue. The author uses the incorrect word frequently in this. “Waste-level” instead of waist-level. “Shuddered his expression” instead of shuttered. “A bit more tack than that” instead of tact. “Leant”… and I’m honestly still unsure if it should be learnt or lent. “Taught leathers” instead of taut. “Alas, it gave, and Salas was able to snap the other one”… instead of at last.
But my favourite one was definitely: explosion of pleasurable sensation that left him wonton instead of wanton. Though I suppose maybe he does feel like a dumpling?
There’s other random typos, but nothing unusual.
There’s issues such as Salas having his arms bound behind his back, but then wrapping his arms around himself. Or like Salas knowing the intent of the knife, but 12 short paragraphs later, finally realizing the intent of the knife. Did you think it was going to be used to cut & serve cake prior to that second realization?
There’s a bunch of flashbacks of scenes or conversations that already happened in the book. I personally find that really annoying, though I dislike flashbacks in general.
There’s 2, maybe 3(?), chapters in the whole book that are told from Jareth’s POV, the first being 39% into the book. If you are going to write dual POV, I want more balance. Do more, or do less and make it single POV. This just felt like an attempt to make me like Jareth. And meh, I don’t really.
In regards to the content notes, there is non-con and dubcon, and this happens both inside and outside the main pairing. Obviously, as a slave, Salas can’t consent. He is a slave the entire time he is a bird. And once taken prisoner by beasty kingdom, he is raped (off page) by a guard. And while still a prisoner, he is coerced into performing cunninglingus on a woman (~ loc 1475-1500) on page, and since he is a prisoner, it’s still noncon. He is almost raped by Jareth on page. And there are a few other brief scenes of (attempted) SA.
I do have an issue with:
a) Silas being declared free, after being a slave for 10 years, dragged from his homeland, thrown into a cage, assaulted physically and sexually, almost executed, thrown in a well, having his leg broken (by his loving Jareth), and attempts to kill himself. Oh, but then minutes after telling him he is free, Jareth tells him if he wants to be free (no take backs, Jareth!), he has to explain the wish.
And then, leg still broken, he is fetched the following day and told he will work in the kitchens. He doesn’t really speak the language, he isn’t offered his own accommodations but also is barred from entering Jareth’s room, and while Lio mentions all the birds have received money from the kingdom and wages, there is never any mention of Salas being paid. Pretty sure you are still a bird.
b) Salas has obviously experienced A LOT of trauma. Both before and after Jareth came into the picture. And Jareth acknowledges that Salas spent a decade being groomed to be a perfect little pleasure slave. And yet, because of woo woo magic or whatever, Jareth is like insta in love in Salas (I mean, after he smashed his leg in half), and Salas, in little more than a month is like “I’m so independent, I love you let’s bang”. This needed to happen sooooooooooooo much more gradually. So much. (But also, he never really apologized for breaking your leg, bro).
In regards to the second wish, if the magic can just go an curse a whole kingdom of it’s whole will, why couldn’t the magic magically kill a traitor of its own will? That just does not make any sense to me, but I feel like so much of the jinx and wish stuff was just underexplained. But also to say “if I ever die” vs “if I am ever killed” doesn’t make a lot of sense. Of course you would die, and if it’s of natural causes, which traitor does he kill in that case? Does he reanimate you, so he can kill you for your body being a traitor to time?
TL;DR: Salas is great, the book needs editing, Jareth is a jerk, the cover is gorgeous, and while I think the author has great potential, this just has too many issues to rate higher.
August 2, 2023
So good! I loved every word of it. A TRUE enemies-to-lovers where the tension didn't die within the first five pages (for real, sometimes books are labeled enemies-to-lovers and it ends up feeling like insta-love with the way those are horribly paced). NONE of those issues here.
In fact, the beginning turned out to be tougher read, as I thought Salas-in-peril would be endless. But when it finally DID end, the hurt/comfort was incredibly satisfying.
There were so many twists I wasn't expecting! Once some truths were revealed, it all clicked into place and I was like DAMN DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING
So good. Loved the characters. A+ plot. TENSION. Enough said.
If this is a debut novel, I can't wait to see what the author has coming next.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
In fact, the beginning turned out to be tougher read, as I thought Salas-in-peril would be endless. But when it finally DID end, the hurt/comfort was incredibly satisfying.
There were so many twists I wasn't expecting! Once some truths were revealed, it all clicked into place and I was like DAMN DIDN'T SEE THAT ONE COMING
So good. Loved the characters. A+ plot. TENSION. Enough said.
If this is a debut novel, I can't wait to see what the author has coming next.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2023
This is this authors debut? Are you kidding? I’m obsessed. Holy amazing enemies to lovers. Seriously… and just so much more. This was a FANTASTIC Fantasy Romance, and I can’t wait for more in this world. Cause I absolutely refuse to believe this is the only book we will get.
“You do not see yourself, Salas.”
-Enemies to lovers
-Royal
-Captive
-Size difference
-Shifters
-Fae
-Broken MC
-Good boy
-Angst
-Slow Burn
‘There was a nearly-mad craving about the pretty creature, a desperation so fragile it was hard to witness.’
I’m not ready to leave this book…
“You do not see yourself, Salas.”
-Enemies to lovers
-Royal
-Captive
-Size difference
-Shifters
-Fae
-Broken MC
-Good boy
-Angst
-Slow Burn
‘There was a nearly-mad craving about the pretty creature, a desperation so fragile it was hard to witness.’
I’m not ready to leave this book…
July 7, 2023
This is an excellent debut novel! I inhaled it and didn't want it to end. The main character is a very interesting person. The interesting thing about him is that despite being selfish and shallow he remains likable.
I was really impressed with the writing. The idea mused in the beginning goes through the book and the story culminates in the same idea. I was delighted with this.
I also loooove when authors use situations and dynamics in relationships to describe a person. It's so much more convincing.
I'm very curious to read the author's next books. Hopefully, they will be the same or even better.
I was really impressed with the writing. The idea mused in the beginning goes through the book and the story culminates in the same idea. I was delighted with this.
I also loooove when authors use situations and dynamics in relationships to describe a person. It's so much more convincing.
I'm very curious to read the author's next books. Hopefully, they will be the same or even better.
July 8, 2023
Wow. It’s been so long since a read a fantasy romance that completely captivated me!!! I can’t believe that this is a debut book. I was hooked from the very beginning, and I’ve never read anything like this! Such a unique storyline that absolutely DELIVERED. I really hope we get more from these two characters or this world!!!!
Captive Romance
Fae / Shifter
Size Difference
Hurt/Comfort
Enemies to Lovers
Captive Romance
Fae / Shifter
Size Difference
Hurt/Comfort
Enemies to Lovers
July 19, 2023
3.5 stars, but rounding down for poor copy-editing.
Silas, our protagonist, is a young man of indeterminate age in sexual servitude to the ruler of Suscon, a tropical and hedonistic kingdom by the sea. He seems content with his life serving the king (and anyone the king wants to share him with) but we very soon learn that he is incredibly naive and has been conditioned to see sex as a casual transaction and have it be the entirety of his worth. But his life comes crashing down around his ears when he is captured by enemies of the king in a brutal invasion. He ends up in the freezing Winter kingdom of Diagor and some really awful shit happens to him. The primary romance is between Salas and Jareth, the king of Diagor - who at first literally tries to have Salas killed but does a 180 and becomes obsessed with him because magic! Inexplicable magic becomes a recurring theme in this book, and is used (very irritatingly at times) as a plot device to drive the story. I found that there was a little too much going on, it's hard to explain, but people's actions swing between extremes in a way that made it hard to understand their motivations. The world-building felt incomplete, but it's not a very long book. However, there's this theme of sexual exploitation and autonomy that I found interesting but got a bit lost amidst everything else that was happening. I also found the book to have quite a few errors and word misusage, which is kind of a pet annoyance of mine.
I mostly enjoyed this book, as a high fantasy romance, it's definitely not a bad début, but for sure it needed to be tightened up in places and expanded upon in others. I'll definitely keep an eye out for future works by this author.
Silas, our protagonist, is a young man of indeterminate age in sexual servitude to the ruler of Suscon, a tropical and hedonistic kingdom by the sea. He seems content with his life serving the king (and anyone the king wants to share him with) but we very soon learn that he is incredibly naive and has been conditioned to see sex as a casual transaction and have it be the entirety of his worth. But his life comes crashing down around his ears when he is captured by enemies of the king in a brutal invasion. He ends up in the freezing Winter kingdom of Diagor and some really awful shit happens to him. The primary romance is between Salas and Jareth, the king of Diagor - who at first literally tries to have Salas killed but does a 180 and becomes obsessed with him because magic! Inexplicable magic becomes a recurring theme in this book, and is used (very irritatingly at times) as a plot device to drive the story. I found that there was a little too much going on, it's hard to explain, but people's actions swing between extremes in a way that made it hard to understand their motivations. The world-building felt incomplete, but it's not a very long book. However, there's this theme of sexual exploitation and autonomy that I found interesting but got a bit lost amidst everything else that was happening. I also found the book to have quite a few errors and word misusage, which is kind of a pet annoyance of mine.
I mostly enjoyed this book, as a high fantasy romance, it's definitely not a bad début, but for sure it needed to be tightened up in places and expanded upon in others. I'll definitely keep an eye out for future works by this author.
July 30, 2023
Dark And Enjoyable.
Reminiscent of Captive Prince, but with more fantasy elements and a “born sexy yesterday” protagonist. The world-building isn’t very convoluted, so the writing dives straight into story, making it easier for readers to get immersed quickly. The innocent bed servant MMC is very lovable and honestly deserves the world.
I think this could’ve been stretched out to a longer book or possibly a series, which would’ve helped the pacing near the end. But overall an enjoyable read.
Definitely check CWs if you have any particular sensitivities.
Angst: 4/5
Spice: 2-3/5 (similar to Captive Prince, a lot of the sexual content is SA-based, with a couple romantic scenes later on.)
CW spoilers…
.
.
.
non-con, dubcon, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, sexual manipulation, childhood mistreatment, death of speaking characters
Reminiscent of Captive Prince, but with more fantasy elements and a “born sexy yesterday” protagonist. The world-building isn’t very convoluted, so the writing dives straight into story, making it easier for readers to get immersed quickly. The innocent bed servant MMC is very lovable and honestly deserves the world.
I think this could’ve been stretched out to a longer book or possibly a series, which would’ve helped the pacing near the end. But overall an enjoyable read.
Definitely check CWs if you have any particular sensitivities.
Angst: 4/5
Spice: 2-3/5 (similar to Captive Prince, a lot of the sexual content is SA-based, with a couple romantic scenes later on.)
CW spoilers…
.
.
.
non-con, dubcon, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempt, sexual manipulation, childhood mistreatment, death of speaking characters
July 14, 2023
"The fae boy smelt perfectly wonderful: like home, without ever having known the comfort of shelter, like a feast after never having swallowed a crumb of food."
Curse of the Winter Kingdom is the debut MM offering from A.J. Nicky and it's a great little read! There are a few editing issues, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this new standalone fantasy. Whilst it is a standalone, what with the sneaky little epilogue we were left with, I think there is enough in the world-building we've been introduced to already, plus the main characters (Salas and Jareth) and some of the secondaries (Tarick for starters!) to make this the first in a series.
Tropes:
🖤MM fantasy romance
🖤Captive/slave
🖤Some non/con and dub/con
🖤Fae/shifter
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤HEA/HFN
An excellent debut!
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Curse of the Winter Kingdom is the debut MM offering from A.J. Nicky and it's a great little read! There are a few editing issues, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this new standalone fantasy. Whilst it is a standalone, what with the sneaky little epilogue we were left with, I think there is enough in the world-building we've been introduced to already, plus the main characters (Salas and Jareth) and some of the secondaries (Tarick for starters!) to make this the first in a series.
Tropes:
🖤MM fantasy romance
🖤Captive/slave
🖤Some non/con and dub/con
🖤Fae/shifter
🖤Hurt/comfort
🖤Enemies to lovers
🖤HEA/HFN
An excellent debut!
3.5-4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 4, 2023
SPOILER ALERT
TRIGGER ALERT
Low/mild relationship angst (not really a relationship tbh)
King/Captive
Shifter/Fae
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Magic (wishes/curses depending on your POV)
Dual Third Person POV
CWs - slavery, war type violence, murder, physical violence, sexual violence - non-con (r*pe of the MC, almost rape between MCs) and dub-con, suicidal ideations
Did I know this was a dark romance? Yes
Do I read and enjoy dark romance? Yes
Have I read and enjoyed books with these triggers in the past? Yes
Let's begin with this. A comparison of two kingdoms.
Which would you choose?
Kingdom 1-
Salas was taken from his home by dubious consent but excited/curious to go.
Locked in a bedroom and is doted on.
He is known as the Emperor's favorite and envied by other slaves while in his care.
Salas is shared (on page) which is also dub-con but he goes along to please his emperor.
Emperor finds Salas' lack of intelligence amusing but still takes the time to talk to Salas and explain things (also they share pillow talk which means something to Salas).
Kingdom 2 -
Salas was taken from his home under dubious consent but frightened.
Originally locked in a too small cage then a prison cell.
The King attacks Salas, breaks Salas' bone.
While in the care of this kingdom, Salas is r*ped and forced into dub-con the very next day (complies out of fear, ON PAGE act with a woman).
Salas finds himself in the King's room and refuses to leave out of fear. He is allowed to stay out of pity/guilt.
King finds Salas' lack of intelligence worrisome yet doesn't make any effort to instruct him (roundabout circumstances)
King attempts to r*pe Salas but is stopped (almost too late) by a magical intervention, not even his own free will.
Honestly, his kingdom never became more appealing than Eldron's and that was a problem for me.
I know people will argue, "It's an enemies to lovers... it's a dark romance... Jareth's kingdom should be worse than Eldron's..." Yeah, I know, but there was no balance. We had plenty of dark but nearly zero romance to even things out. I never fell in love nor felt like these two loving one another was possible. The chemistry was never there and Jareth never redeemed himself; he was still hurting Salas at almost 90% in the plot. Honestly, by the end of the book I didn't respect either protagonist and I certainly wouldn't call this a romance, dark or otherwise.
Salas was written like someone with an intellectual disability who is then forced into sexual servitude. He's incapable of understanding some of his own thoughts and feelings but could figure out deceptions that required strategy and manipulation. He was also such a shallow character, in personality and development, I never found myself caring about him like I should have.
Jareth did not feel like the lesser of two evils. He refused to sleep with Salas because he recognized that Salas had been groomed by Eldron, but then Jareth would have these thoughts that had me screaming "If Salas wasn't groomed he wouldn't have that quality you find so endearing! You don't get to pick and choose which behavior you like based on your own desires and moral dilemmas, Jareth." Then he almost r*pes Salas (near the END) and it is so, sooo detailed. Like, everything until the near penetration is on page. And it's MAGIC that stops the r*pe, not Salas' crying or begging. And the way Salas reacted afterwards had me fuming. Sure, have sex right after he tried to force his d!ck into you- forget that you were absolutely terrified and begging him to stop mere moments ago, so terrified you blacked out! NOT. Again, Salas had been groomed so it should have been Jareth, simmering in his endless shame and self-loathing, who recognized the moment as the wrong moment. That whole scene was a huge nope for me, plus the timing in the plot had me wondering why it even happened (other than an excuse for the following sex).
The worst part is that Salas felt less respected under Jareth's care than in Eldron's and he recognized that, yet Jareth is the one Salas falls in love with. I just... I didn't fall in love nor did I feel any second hand Stockholm while reading so it didn't work for me.
Overall, a really disappointing attempt at a reimagining of my favorite story tale, Beauty and the Beast. The author gets two stars instead of one because this is apparently her debut novel. I received an ARC and this opinion is absolutely my own.
TRIGGER ALERT
Low/mild relationship angst (not really a relationship tbh)
King/Captive
Shifter/Fae
Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Magic (wishes/curses depending on your POV)
Dual Third Person POV
CWs - slavery, war type violence, murder, physical violence, sexual violence - non-con (r*pe of the MC, almost rape between MCs) and dub-con, suicidal ideations
Did I know this was a dark romance? Yes
Do I read and enjoy dark romance? Yes
Have I read and enjoyed books with these triggers in the past? Yes
Let's begin with this. A comparison of two kingdoms.
Which would you choose?
Kingdom 1-
Salas was taken from his home by dubious consent but excited/curious to go.
Locked in a bedroom and is doted on.
He is known as the Emperor's favorite and envied by other slaves while in his care.
Salas is shared (on page) which is also dub-con but he goes along to please his emperor.
Emperor finds Salas' lack of intelligence amusing but still takes the time to talk to Salas and explain things (also they share pillow talk which means something to Salas).
Kingdom 2 -
Salas was taken from his home under dubious consent but frightened.
Originally locked in a too small cage then a prison cell.
The King attacks Salas, breaks Salas' bone.
While in the care of this kingdom, Salas is r*ped and forced into dub-con the very next day (complies out of fear, ON PAGE act with a woman).
Salas finds himself in the King's room and refuses to leave out of fear. He is allowed to stay out of pity/guilt.
King finds Salas' lack of intelligence worrisome yet doesn't make any effort to instruct him (roundabout circumstances)
King attempts to r*pe Salas but is stopped (almost too late) by a magical intervention, not even his own free will.
Honestly, his kingdom never became more appealing than Eldron's and that was a problem for me.
I know people will argue, "It's an enemies to lovers... it's a dark romance... Jareth's kingdom should be worse than Eldron's..." Yeah, I know, but there was no balance. We had plenty of dark but nearly zero romance to even things out. I never fell in love nor felt like these two loving one another was possible. The chemistry was never there and Jareth never redeemed himself; he was still hurting Salas at almost 90% in the plot. Honestly, by the end of the book I didn't respect either protagonist and I certainly wouldn't call this a romance, dark or otherwise.
Salas was written like someone with an intellectual disability who is then forced into sexual servitude. He's incapable of understanding some of his own thoughts and feelings but could figure out deceptions that required strategy and manipulation. He was also such a shallow character, in personality and development, I never found myself caring about him like I should have.
Jareth did not feel like the lesser of two evils. He refused to sleep with Salas because he recognized that Salas had been groomed by Eldron, but then Jareth would have these thoughts that had me screaming "If Salas wasn't groomed he wouldn't have that quality you find so endearing! You don't get to pick and choose which behavior you like based on your own desires and moral dilemmas, Jareth." Then he almost r*pes Salas (near the END) and it is so, sooo detailed. Like, everything until the near penetration is on page. And it's MAGIC that stops the r*pe, not Salas' crying or begging. And the way Salas reacted afterwards had me fuming. Sure, have sex right after he tried to force his d!ck into you- forget that you were absolutely terrified and begging him to stop mere moments ago, so terrified you blacked out! NOT. Again, Salas had been groomed so it should have been Jareth, simmering in his endless shame and self-loathing, who recognized the moment as the wrong moment. That whole scene was a huge nope for me, plus the timing in the plot had me wondering why it even happened (other than an excuse for the following sex).
The worst part is that Salas felt less respected under Jareth's care than in Eldron's and he recognized that, yet Jareth is the one Salas falls in love with. I just... I didn't fall in love nor did I feel any second hand Stockholm while reading so it didn't work for me.
Overall, a really disappointing attempt at a reimagining of my favorite story tale, Beauty and the Beast. The author gets two stars instead of one because this is apparently her debut novel. I received an ARC and this opinion is absolutely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
Fantastic book! I’m glad I gave this book a chance because I was hooked from beginning to end.
Salas was adorable - he was bright and beautiful but life hadn’t been fair to him. The abuse and horrors he suffered broke my heart.
Beautifully written, intense and emotional. The author threw in a few things I didn’t see coming but hey it made things that much more exciting.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
Salas was adorable - he was bright and beautiful but life hadn’t been fair to him. The abuse and horrors he suffered broke my heart.
Beautifully written, intense and emotional. The author threw in a few things I didn’t see coming but hey it made things that much more exciting.
*I voluntarily read this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's*
December 8, 2023
I'm positive that A.J. Nicky is the pseudonym of an established author making their first first foray into the world of MM fiction, and what a valiant first effort. I practically inhaled the book from beginning to end. I also loved the author's prose. It is sadly so rare to find a well written book these days.
But although I enjoyed the *well written* book, I hope this is the last book in this particular world as it has the capacity to be nightmarish, so much so that I agreed with the main antagonist's assessment that the world would be so much better without all fae.
Looking forward to future successes!
Did I mention that this book is well written?
But although I enjoyed the *well written* book, I hope this is the last book in this particular world as it has the capacity to be nightmarish, so much so that I agreed with the main antagonist's assessment that the world would be so much better without all fae.
Looking forward to future successes!
Did I mention that this book is well written?
July 17, 2023
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This book is described as a dark romance, but I think that’s not quite right. While there are dark elements (trigger warnings include sexual slavery, rape, torture, drowning, grooming, and suicidal ideation), none of those are present in the romance itself. Instead, this is a romance taking place in a dark world. That said, I will begin this review with a heavy trigger warning … and that trigger warning is Salas.
Due to the sheer number of editing issues, I’m dropping a whole point off of my review. However, if these were corrected, this would easily be a four-star book. I enjoyed the story and look forward to seeing more from this author.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This book is described as a dark romance, but I think that’s not quite right. While there are dark elements (trigger warnings include sexual slavery, rape, torture, drowning, grooming, and suicidal ideation), none of those are present in the romance itself. Instead, this is a romance taking place in a dark world. That said, I will begin this review with a heavy trigger warning … and that trigger warning is Salas.
Due to the sheer number of editing issues, I’m dropping a whole point off of my review. However, if these were corrected, this would easily be a four-star book. I enjoyed the story and look forward to seeing more from this author.
Read Elizabeth’s review in its entirety here.
January 6, 2024
Such a great read and a debut no less! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The MC was absolutely endearing and parts that happened to him were utterly heart-wrenching. The hurt-comfort was so good in this one and the steamy parts were also well written.
July 24, 2023
This debut novel blew me away with how good it was! Very well written, fantastic world building and a great storyline, it held my interest the entire way through. I read this one in one sitting! Great debut and I cannot wait to read more from this author!
August 30, 2023
Ugh. UGH. UGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH
The first 50-60% of this book is really good. It builds a lot of tension between Salas and Jareth. Jareth starts to show emotion and concern for Salas, and he has a very strong desire to protect him. It's very loving.
And then the author seems to forget that aspect of Jareth. The first time they have sex, Jareth just plows his dick right on into Salas. Yeah, he prepped Salas, but due to their very large size difference, it's still very painful for Salas. We're talking very deep penetration, folks. So deep that Jareth can feel himself through Salas' abdomen... that's intestinal depth. As a size queen bottom myself, I am sort of an expert on this. It fucking hurts to have something huge just rammed into you that deep, regardless of prep. It hurts a LOT. You have to take it slow and allow ample time for a lot of deep internal stretching.
Jareth took no time entering him, nor did he ask if Salas was okay, nor did he show any concern whatsoever for Salas' comfort. In fact, the only thing Jareth does after fucking all the way inside in a single thrust is to let out his loud groan of satisfaction at how "tight" Salas is. Salas is described as "clenching [his] eyes shut" from how painful it is. Jareth then proceeds to "brutually" fuck Salas, giving him no time to adjust. Of course, because this author must live in magical (aka batshit insane) man sex land, Salas quickly starts to "enjoy it" and comes "handsfree." Salas is a jinx, yes, but he feels pain the same as everyone else.
Give me a fucking break. I really try to restrain myself from thinking female authors have a harder time writing m/m sex and usually do it less qualitatively than gay male authors, and I know that's not a rule... but fuck, things like this shit really frustrate the hell out of me. Research what realistic sex is, or create a world/situation where realism can be completely suspended. And for god's sake, don't erase your characters' empathy just because you want a "hot" sex scene. It backfired.
Beyond the insanity of it, it just doesn't make any fucking sense for Jareth's character to treat Salas that way. So Jareth, this guy who is so concerned and so protective of Salas in every other way, just suddenly forgets to take care of Salas during sex? Jareth doesn't give a fuck about hurting Salas when he's promised he wouldn't? Jareth, who knows that Salas has been horribly abused and used physically and emotionally via domination, doesn't care that he's gut-fucking (literally) Salas without any mercy? Bull. Fucking. Shit. BULLSHIT, BOOK.
You might be thinking that Jareth went into a primal rut and that's why it happened. You might then be thinking that Jareth realizes afterward how brutual he was and talks to Salas about it. You might even think Jareth apologizes and expresses remorse. HE FUCKING DOESN'T. ITS JUST ACCEPTED AS OKAY. Unfuckingbelievable.
This author wrote a pretty good book otherwise, and then shit the bed when it came to how the aggressive painful sex was just normalized. A spectacular shitting of the bed. If you want to have huge size difference but loving affectionate characters, then you can't just stick in some low-key sadistic sex on top of a traumatized character without any explanation and think it's gonna fly. Not with me, at least. For that reason, and because I absofuckinglutely detest the pushing of painful sex stereotypes when it is so outside of the character(s), this is an automatic 1-star. If this had been handled properly, it would have been a 3.5 star, most likely. I am usually lenient with first-time authors, but not in cases like this. The next book better not have this kind of shit in it, otherwise it's a DNR author for me.
There were other issues, too. The lack of Jareth actually teaching Salas how to live "normally," and working to undo the indoctrination he's suffered. (Again, out of character for Jareth.) The handling of Jovack in the ending was also eyeroll. Reeeaaallly fuckin convenient there. And we get virtually nothing about Salas' magic. Why even make him a jinx if you're not going to do anything with it?
Many reviewers have already discussed the blatant issues about how Jareth almost rapes Salas and is only stopped by magic. And how Salas then goes immediately into sex mode afterward despite him being terrified of being "torn apart" (literally) by Jareth fucking him in beast form just moments before. The flip to lovers happens at lightspeed. On and on, issues abound. Also, there are quite a few typos that actually make certain places hard to comprehend without a few reads over.
The book can be summed up like this: great premise, really good build-up, a solid relationship starting to form... and then complete failure to launch. Lackluster execution and resolution. With the side of huh/wtf sex scene decisions.
The first 50-60% of this book is really good. It builds a lot of tension between Salas and Jareth. Jareth starts to show emotion and concern for Salas, and he has a very strong desire to protect him. It's very loving.
And then the author seems to forget that aspect of Jareth. The first time they have sex, Jareth just plows his dick right on into Salas. Yeah, he prepped Salas, but due to their very large size difference, it's still very painful for Salas. We're talking very deep penetration, folks. So deep that Jareth can feel himself through Salas' abdomen... that's intestinal depth. As a size queen bottom myself, I am sort of an expert on this. It fucking hurts to have something huge just rammed into you that deep, regardless of prep. It hurts a LOT. You have to take it slow and allow ample time for a lot of deep internal stretching.
Jareth took no time entering him, nor did he ask if Salas was okay, nor did he show any concern whatsoever for Salas' comfort. In fact, the only thing Jareth does after fucking all the way inside in a single thrust is to let out his loud groan of satisfaction at how "tight" Salas is. Salas is described as "clenching [his] eyes shut" from how painful it is. Jareth then proceeds to "brutually" fuck Salas, giving him no time to adjust. Of course, because this author must live in magical (aka batshit insane) man sex land, Salas quickly starts to "enjoy it" and comes "handsfree." Salas is a jinx, yes, but he feels pain the same as everyone else.
Give me a fucking break. I really try to restrain myself from thinking female authors have a harder time writing m/m sex and usually do it less qualitatively than gay male authors, and I know that's not a rule... but fuck, things like this shit really frustrate the hell out of me. Research what realistic sex is, or create a world/situation where realism can be completely suspended. And for god's sake, don't erase your characters' empathy just because you want a "hot" sex scene. It backfired.
Beyond the insanity of it, it just doesn't make any fucking sense for Jareth's character to treat Salas that way. So Jareth, this guy who is so concerned and so protective of Salas in every other way, just suddenly forgets to take care of Salas during sex? Jareth doesn't give a fuck about hurting Salas when he's promised he wouldn't? Jareth, who knows that Salas has been horribly abused and used physically and emotionally via domination, doesn't care that he's gut-fucking (literally) Salas without any mercy? Bull. Fucking. Shit. BULLSHIT, BOOK.
You might be thinking that Jareth went into a primal rut and that's why it happened. You might then be thinking that Jareth realizes afterward how brutual he was and talks to Salas about it. You might even think Jareth apologizes and expresses remorse. HE FUCKING DOESN'T. ITS JUST ACCEPTED AS OKAY. Unfuckingbelievable.
This author wrote a pretty good book otherwise, and then shit the bed when it came to how the aggressive painful sex was just normalized. A spectacular shitting of the bed. If you want to have huge size difference but loving affectionate characters, then you can't just stick in some low-key sadistic sex on top of a traumatized character without any explanation and think it's gonna fly. Not with me, at least. For that reason, and because I absofuckinglutely detest the pushing of painful sex stereotypes when it is so outside of the character(s), this is an automatic 1-star. If this had been handled properly, it would have been a 3.5 star, most likely. I am usually lenient with first-time authors, but not in cases like this. The next book better not have this kind of shit in it, otherwise it's a DNR author for me.
There were other issues, too. The lack of Jareth actually teaching Salas how to live "normally," and working to undo the indoctrination he's suffered. (Again, out of character for Jareth.) The handling of Jovack in the ending was also eyeroll. Reeeaaallly fuckin convenient there. And we get virtually nothing about Salas' magic. Why even make him a jinx if you're not going to do anything with it?
Many reviewers have already discussed the blatant issues about how Jareth almost rapes Salas and is only stopped by magic. And how Salas then goes immediately into sex mode afterward despite him being terrified of being "torn apart" (literally) by Jareth fucking him in beast form just moments before. The flip to lovers happens at lightspeed. On and on, issues abound. Also, there are quite a few typos that actually make certain places hard to comprehend without a few reads over.
The book can be summed up like this: great premise, really good build-up, a solid relationship starting to form... and then complete failure to launch. Lackluster execution and resolution. With the side of huh/wtf sex scene decisions.
December 4, 2024
(CW for this book: suicide, rape, violence, slavery, psychological)
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I loved the premise of this story. A dark romance that focuses on the psychological ramifications of a slave that has to unlearn conditioning and brain washing, curses, fantasy royalty- count me in.
Salas was a great character to follow. I won’t pretend it was easy being in his head in the beginning - the poor dude had a lifetime of being treated like he was nothing more than some stupid, pretty object to be owned and used and it showed heavily in his actions. He started out incredibly naïve, convinced that his only worth to others was as a sex doll and arm candy; and this meant that he literally could not understand how to do anything without some form of sex involved. This often led to situations where he misread things or acted inappropriately without understanding why and then consequently got punished for reasons he couldn’t see. It was so rewarding watching him learn to be his own person as the story progressed. (I’m pretty sure I did a fist pump when he turned someone’s proposition down the first time.)
Jarek wasn’t terrible, but I can’t say he was my favourite male lead either. He ticked all the right boxes- (after he decided to keep Salas alive and not break him further) but I found him a bit bland all the same. Outside of Salas, I don’t feel that we really got to know Jarek as a character and it made him feel a bit one dimensional at times. I would’ve loved it if the story was a bit longer so that we could’ve gotten to know Jarek and the other side characters more.
Which brings me to my next point. This book really could’ve done with more detail to world building. The fae, witches and beasts were such a cool concept. The world itself sounded awesome and I really wish we’d gotten to know it better. We only really see two locations- Salas’ first castle, and then Jarek’s castle and the story doesn’t exist much outside of these. Bits and pieces are mentioned of the Fae woods, but nothing is really explored in much depth and I wasn’t able to get a vivid image of their world. I would’ve loved a few chapters dedicated to exploring the world and its inhabitants and allowing us to really sink our teeth into their world. This wouldve also allowed the main pair to breathe a bit and given us insight on their characters outside of the main plot.
Overall I think this was a pretty solid story and while I would’ve loved it to be more fleshed out, I can’t say I’m disappointed in spending my time reading this
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I loved the premise of this story. A dark romance that focuses on the psychological ramifications of a slave that has to unlearn conditioning and brain washing, curses, fantasy royalty- count me in.
Salas was a great character to follow. I won’t pretend it was easy being in his head in the beginning - the poor dude had a lifetime of being treated like he was nothing more than some stupid, pretty object to be owned and used and it showed heavily in his actions. He started out incredibly naïve, convinced that his only worth to others was as a sex doll and arm candy; and this meant that he literally could not understand how to do anything without some form of sex involved. This often led to situations where he misread things or acted inappropriately without understanding why and then consequently got punished for reasons he couldn’t see. It was so rewarding watching him learn to be his own person as the story progressed. (I’m pretty sure I did a fist pump when he turned someone’s proposition down the first time.)
Jarek wasn’t terrible, but I can’t say he was my favourite male lead either. He ticked all the right boxes- (after he decided to keep Salas alive and not break him further) but I found him a bit bland all the same. Outside of Salas, I don’t feel that we really got to know Jarek as a character and it made him feel a bit one dimensional at times. I would’ve loved it if the story was a bit longer so that we could’ve gotten to know Jarek and the other side characters more.
Which brings me to my next point. This book really could’ve done with more detail to world building. The fae, witches and beasts were such a cool concept. The world itself sounded awesome and I really wish we’d gotten to know it better. We only really see two locations- Salas’ first castle, and then Jarek’s castle and the story doesn’t exist much outside of these. Bits and pieces are mentioned of the Fae woods, but nothing is really explored in much depth and I wasn’t able to get a vivid image of their world. I would’ve loved a few chapters dedicated to exploring the world and its inhabitants and allowing us to really sink our teeth into their world. This wouldve also allowed the main pair to breathe a bit and given us insight on their characters outside of the main plot.
Overall I think this was a pretty solid story and while I would’ve loved it to be more fleshed out, I can’t say I’m disappointed in spending my time reading this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2023
***Beware of the content warnings.***
This feels a little hard to rate because of them, honestly. But remembering that it's a debut novel has me wanting to rate & review anyway. This is a pretty good effort to be honest, and you can tell it's not A.J. Nicky's first foray into writing. There are some minor proofreading errors, but not enough to bother me.
It's a good story. It kept me interested the entire time. It's dark, though. I never know how to say "yeah I actually really liked this brutal af story" so bear with me? Salas has never had an easy time of it, and being allowed luxuries in the palace in exchange for being a pleasure slave is, to someone who doesn't know any better, a good life. He's taught to push away any uncomfortable feelings he gets when he offers pleasure to others. He comes to believe he has some power in his role, and he influences change in the palace by wrapping people around his finger. This is what he knows, what he's comfortable with, even when it's truly pretty awful.
But all of that changes when the kingdom from the north invades, and Salas does not have an easy time adjusting. He has to face some uncomfortable and confusing truths. While he eventually understands that his treatment during his time as a pleasure slave was wrong and that he is worth more than the pleasure he can give others, it takes some missteps to get there. He struggles a lot in a world he no longer understands--and faces even more rape, to be blunt.
Without saying anything more about the plot, I think what I liked most was how other people saw Salas in Diagor. They saw how he watched out for the other palace "birds" and how he always managed to cheer everyone up. They saw worth where Salas didn't think it existed. The romance itself felt a little rough around the edges; it seems to transition from "I can't be with you because you don't understand" to "okay, let's do this" pretty fast, but ultimately that's up to Salas and what he's ready for. I think for me, there's a scene later on in the book where Salas is nearly hurt by someone he trusts that didn't make a lot of sense. Idk, I'm trying to be deliberately vague. Overall, I liked the book.
This feels a little hard to rate because of them, honestly. But remembering that it's a debut novel has me wanting to rate & review anyway. This is a pretty good effort to be honest, and you can tell it's not A.J. Nicky's first foray into writing. There are some minor proofreading errors, but not enough to bother me.
It's a good story. It kept me interested the entire time. It's dark, though. I never know how to say "yeah I actually really liked this brutal af story" so bear with me? Salas has never had an easy time of it, and being allowed luxuries in the palace in exchange for being a pleasure slave is, to someone who doesn't know any better, a good life. He's taught to push away any uncomfortable feelings he gets when he offers pleasure to others. He comes to believe he has some power in his role, and he influences change in the palace by wrapping people around his finger. This is what he knows, what he's comfortable with, even when it's truly pretty awful.
But all of that changes when the kingdom from the north invades, and Salas does not have an easy time adjusting. He has to face some uncomfortable and confusing truths. While he eventually understands that his treatment during his time as a pleasure slave was wrong and that he is worth more than the pleasure he can give others, it takes some missteps to get there. He struggles a lot in a world he no longer understands--and faces even more rape, to be blunt.
Without saying anything more about the plot, I think what I liked most was how other people saw Salas in Diagor. They saw how he watched out for the other palace "birds" and how he always managed to cheer everyone up. They saw worth where Salas didn't think it existed. The romance itself felt a little rough around the edges; it seems to transition from "I can't be with you because you don't understand" to "okay, let's do this" pretty fast, but ultimately that's up to Salas and what he's ready for. I think for me, there's a scene later on in the book where Salas is nearly hurt by someone he trusts that didn't make a lot of sense. Idk, I'm trying to be deliberately vague. Overall, I liked the book.
January 20, 2024
I wish there had been a content warning for the on-screen F/M sexual assault. I was only expecting M/M sexual assault based on the content warnings providing and my expectations of the genre.
From the first chapter or two, Salas seemed like he would be an interesting POV character, at times naive yet also capable of politicking and having and acting on his own agenda. This all falls apart once he's captured, either due to poor writing or the trauma of his experiences, and he fails to demonstrate the same wit and cleverness by the novel's end that he demonstrated in chapter 1.
Content warning and potential spoilers: Is Salas, the emperor's favorite bird, capable of consent?
From the first chapter or two, Salas seemed like he would be an interesting POV character, at times naive yet also capable of politicking and having and acting on his own agenda. This all falls apart once he's captured, either due to poor writing or the trauma of his experiences, and he fails to demonstrate the same wit and cleverness by the novel's end that he demonstrated in chapter 1.
Content warning and potential spoilers: Is Salas, the emperor's favorite bird, capable of consent?
June 26, 2023
3,25/5
J'ai été emballée par les thèmes de ce roman, bien que je ne connaisse pas l'auteur. D'ailleurs, il me semble que c'est son premier roman édité.
Nous sommes dans un univers fantasy où nous faisons la connaissance de Salas, un homme certes privilégié du roi mais qui ne reste pas moins un esclave (sexuel).Mais un jour, le royaume ennemi envahit celui de Salas et ce dernier va être retenu captif par le roi de Diagor.
J'ai vraiment aimé la plume de l'auteur, et univers qu'il a créé. On a droit aussi à de nombreux rebondissements et révélations, notamment par rapport à notre héro.
Salas est un personnage que j'ai apprécié, c'est un personnage intéressant, complexe, bien j'ai eu du mal à le cerner par moment. On voit bien où la relation entre l'esclave et le roi va mener. On est dans un enemies-to-lovers dans un univers un peu sombre et, clairement, les « presque » insta love dans ce cas de figure ne m'emballe pas des masses, ce n'est pas crédible. Surtout que nous ne sommes pas dans le cas de figure de « mates » ou autres âmes sœurs, où j'aurais mieux accepté au final le changement trop radical de leur relation.
J'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur la nature de ces métamorphes, qu'on voit que trop peu au final.
Pour un premier, c'est un roman réussi ! Dommage que ce soit un one-shot en fait. Cette histoire aurait mérité d'être plus développée... Ceci dit, je ne manquerai pas de lire une prochaine parution de l'auteur à l'avenir !
J'ai été emballée par les thèmes de ce roman, bien que je ne connaisse pas l'auteur. D'ailleurs, il me semble que c'est son premier roman édité.
Nous sommes dans un univers fantasy où nous faisons la connaissance de Salas, un homme certes privilégié du roi mais qui ne reste pas moins un esclave (sexuel).Mais un jour, le royaume ennemi envahit celui de Salas et ce dernier va être retenu captif par le roi de Diagor.
J'ai vraiment aimé la plume de l'auteur, et univers qu'il a créé. On a droit aussi à de nombreux rebondissements et révélations, notamment par rapport à notre héro.
Salas est un personnage que j'ai apprécié, c'est un personnage intéressant, complexe, bien j'ai eu du mal à le cerner par moment. On voit bien où la relation entre l'esclave et le roi va mener. On est dans un enemies-to-lovers dans un univers un peu sombre et, clairement, les « presque » insta love dans ce cas de figure ne m'emballe pas des masses, ce n'est pas crédible. Surtout que nous ne sommes pas dans le cas de figure de « mates » ou autres âmes sœurs, où j'aurais mieux accepté au final le changement trop radical de leur relation.
J'aurais aimé en savoir plus sur la nature de ces métamorphes, qu'on voit que trop peu au final.
Pour un premier, c'est un roman réussi ! Dommage que ce soit un one-shot en fait. Cette histoire aurait mérité d'être plus développée... Ceci dit, je ne manquerai pas de lire une prochaine parution de l'auteur à l'avenir !
August 3, 2023
DNF at 66%
This went off the rails for me, and fast. The first 30% is decently written from a grammar standpoint and then it becomes a mess of wrongly used words, incorrect propositions, awkward phrasing somehow involving two verbs, and missing words. The plot is thin and way too slow. Nothing seems to happen except Salas trying to sell himself and then bursting into tears every few pages.
Sales as a character wasn't believable to me. He was too ignorant, too unable to put ideas together, too much a victim. All he literally does is get victimized, even by the "good" guys. He has no common sense, little self awareness, and despite living in a palace and being the center of the gossip machine, no understanding of the world. He should, by now, understand manipulation, cruelty, social norms, cultural mores, and be able to make logical deductions that don't all end with him spreading his legs. The fact that he isn't capable or knowledgeable made no sense and ruined the story. At 66%, with it being more of the same nonsense, a never ending parade of his ignorance (which has to be deliberate at this point) and the "let.me serve you" creepiness, I gave up. Hardly any plot, a uselessly weak character who is beyond helpless while being tstl, and a romance that's almost nonexistent... No thanks.
This went off the rails for me, and fast. The first 30% is decently written from a grammar standpoint and then it becomes a mess of wrongly used words, incorrect propositions, awkward phrasing somehow involving two verbs, and missing words. The plot is thin and way too slow. Nothing seems to happen except Salas trying to sell himself and then bursting into tears every few pages.
Sales as a character wasn't believable to me. He was too ignorant, too unable to put ideas together, too much a victim. All he literally does is get victimized, even by the "good" guys. He has no common sense, little self awareness, and despite living in a palace and being the center of the gossip machine, no understanding of the world. He should, by now, understand manipulation, cruelty, social norms, cultural mores, and be able to make logical deductions that don't all end with him spreading his legs. The fact that he isn't capable or knowledgeable made no sense and ruined the story. At 66%, with it being more of the same nonsense, a never ending parade of his ignorance (which has to be deliberate at this point) and the "let.me serve you" creepiness, I gave up. Hardly any plot, a uselessly weak character who is beyond helpless while being tstl, and a romance that's almost nonexistent... No thanks.
July 10, 2023
Beautifully crafted fantasy tale with complex characters!
I cherished Salas' story so much, his character development is very unique, from the very first days as a child to his struggling to learn human language and his constant insecurities about his intelligence to finally his encounter with King Jareth. He's not meant to be an instantly likeable character but through his flaws and his discovery of the human world I bonded and empathised so deeply with the complexity of his feelings. How he was misled so many times by other people's attempts to use him to their own gains, but still he wanted to protect and trust his fellow people.
His is a truly unique and captivating fae story.
I also found the system of magic and wishes quite exquisite, and the differences between the two kingdoms were really masterfully explored.
Can't wait to read more from this author, be it more stories set in the same kingdom with Salas and King Gareth or other side characters, they all have lots of potential for more adventures.
The only tiny thing that kept distracting me was grammar/spelling mistakes, the book could really benefit from proper editor but if you're happy to look past this detail then it's a delightful story!
I cherished Salas' story so much, his character development is very unique, from the very first days as a child to his struggling to learn human language and his constant insecurities about his intelligence to finally his encounter with King Jareth. He's not meant to be an instantly likeable character but through his flaws and his discovery of the human world I bonded and empathised so deeply with the complexity of his feelings. How he was misled so many times by other people's attempts to use him to their own gains, but still he wanted to protect and trust his fellow people.
His is a truly unique and captivating fae story.
I also found the system of magic and wishes quite exquisite, and the differences between the two kingdoms were really masterfully explored.
Can't wait to read more from this author, be it more stories set in the same kingdom with Salas and King Gareth or other side characters, they all have lots of potential for more adventures.
The only tiny thing that kept distracting me was grammar/spelling mistakes, the book could really benefit from proper editor but if you're happy to look past this detail then it's a delightful story!
January 17, 2024
Thank you booktok!
Someone on tiktok recommended this book to me, they said it had vibes of the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast and I must say it, it was a good recommendation.
As it is narrated primarily from Salas' perspective, the reading offers the reader to experience the story as Salas perceives it. And as Salas experiences new experiences and his understanding of the world around him, so does the reader understand everything at the same time a Salas.
I liked that none of the "villains" in the story weren't villains just because. Each one has a backstory, and none of them are 100% evil. Even Victoria, whom I came to hate, has her reasons, they're bad reasons, but they're her reasons at the end of the day. Of course, that doesn't excuse his actions and he deserves the end he had.
In the case of Emperor Eldron and stateman Jovak, I think they loved Salas on their own way. Their mistake, I think, was that they didn't give Salas the opportunity nor the tools to he truly learn and understand the world around him. In a way, they overprotected him and didn't allow him to grow.
The way Salas and Jarret build their relationship was beautiful. Despite the misunderstandings and all the bumps in the road, they got to know each other and little by little.
It was lovely
Someone on tiktok recommended this book to me, they said it had vibes of the fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast and I must say it, it was a good recommendation.
As it is narrated primarily from Salas' perspective, the reading offers the reader to experience the story as Salas perceives it. And as Salas experiences new experiences and his understanding of the world around him, so does the reader understand everything at the same time a Salas.
I liked that none of the "villains" in the story weren't villains just because. Each one has a backstory, and none of them are 100% evil. Even Victoria, whom I came to hate, has her reasons, they're bad reasons, but they're her reasons at the end of the day. Of course, that doesn't excuse his actions and he deserves the end he had.
In the case of Emperor Eldron and stateman Jovak, I think they loved Salas on their own way. Their mistake, I think, was that they didn't give Salas the opportunity nor the tools to he truly learn and understand the world around him. In a way, they overprotected him and didn't allow him to grow.
The way Salas and Jarret build their relationship was beautiful. Despite the misunderstandings and all the bumps in the road, they got to know each other and little by little.
It was lovely
May 21, 2025
Ehh… maybe 3 stars? More like 2.5, honestly.
The idea had potential, I’ll give it that. The execution? Questionable at best.
I was fully onboard for the first 15%—like, five-star level of excitement. But from there, it steadily went downhill.
Honestly, I don’t have the energy to rant about everything that didn’t work, so here’s a shoutout to the things that did:
Salas – deeply traumatised, borderline childlike character who was groomed for ten years. He’s also arrogant and ignorant, which actually made him more complex and believable. You can see those traits as coping mechanisms, and that layer of nuance really worked.
Jinx – chaotic fae who brought some fun energy. Sadly, we didn’t get much explanation or backstory—but alas, it was fun while it lasted.
Jareth – at least up until the halfway mark, I appreciated his concern for Salas’s mental health. After that… well, never mind.
Side note:
The typos were unintentionally hilarious. We’re talking waste instead of waist, wonton instead of wanton, alas instead of at least, and many others.
But the best by far? The repeated use of salsa instead of Salas. It got to me every time.
So yeah. Not the worst thing I’ve read, but definitely not rushing to recommend it either.
The idea had potential, I’ll give it that. The execution? Questionable at best.
I was fully onboard for the first 15%—like, five-star level of excitement. But from there, it steadily went downhill.
Honestly, I don’t have the energy to rant about everything that didn’t work, so here’s a shoutout to the things that did:
Salas – deeply traumatised, borderline childlike character who was groomed for ten years. He’s also arrogant and ignorant, which actually made him more complex and believable. You can see those traits as coping mechanisms, and that layer of nuance really worked.
Jinx – chaotic fae who brought some fun energy. Sadly, we didn’t get much explanation or backstory—but alas, it was fun while it lasted.
Jareth – at least up until the halfway mark, I appreciated his concern for Salas’s mental health. After that… well, never mind.
Side note:
The typos were unintentionally hilarious. We’re talking waste instead of waist, wonton instead of wanton, alas instead of at least, and many others.
But the best by far? The repeated use of salsa instead of Salas. It got to me every time.
So yeah. Not the worst thing I’ve read, but definitely not rushing to recommend it either.
Read
June 5, 2023Overall, this was an enjoyable fantasy romance. The main issue I had was the pacing of the couple’s relationship and of the ending. The switch from enemies to lovers was pretty abrupt, considering there wasn’t a “mates” romance troupe. I would’ve liked a little more of them warming up to each other…
The ending climax was set up to be this big confrontation, with Salas considering committing a hugely violent act (something he’s never done before). But it didn’t really deliver and all felt rushed to me.
Also as a side note, this book could use a good comb through by an editor just for common spelling and grammar mistakes (ladder instead of latter, pray instead of prey, etc). Although I did have an advanced copy so perhaps the final copy will be edited.
All that being said, I did enjoy Salas’s character, and how the audience slowly gets more of his past revealed as the story goes on. He was an interesting mix of innocent, confident, and vulnerable.
For the authors debut book, this is a pretty enjoyable fantasy romance. I hope they continue to hone their craft and come up with unique stories.
The ending climax was set up to be this big confrontation, with Salas considering committing a hugely violent act (something he’s never done before). But it didn’t really deliver and all felt rushed to me.
Also as a side note, this book could use a good comb through by an editor just for common spelling and grammar mistakes (ladder instead of latter, pray instead of prey, etc). Although I did have an advanced copy so perhaps the final copy will be edited.
All that being said, I did enjoy Salas’s character, and how the audience slowly gets more of his past revealed as the story goes on. He was an interesting mix of innocent, confident, and vulnerable.
For the authors debut book, this is a pretty enjoyable fantasy romance. I hope they continue to hone their craft and come up with unique stories.
July 9, 2023
Oh wow what a wonderful debut novel! I’m always excited to read a new authors books but I never expected something quite as polished as Curse of the Winter Kingdom. The author is talented and I’m excited to read more of her books as they come out!
The story is a bit dark (my jam!) but is such a good balance of hurt/comfort with MCs I totally fell in love with (though it took me a second with Jareth 😅). Salas is such a beautiful mix of fiery and innocent and heartbreaking and precious; it’s no wonder Jareth falls so deeply for him. And gosh, Jareth’s insistence on Salas understanding why he’d want him to want sex too broke my fucking heart. Ooof. I think I even cried a bit at that.
I was also so intrigued by the idea of a jinx and what that’d mean for all the parties involved in a wish (including the jinx!). It was super unique idea and brought another element to the story and the relationship between Salas and Jareth. Though I’ve got to admit I so desperately wanted to know what Jareth would’ve wished for!
Anywho 5 🌟 to this kickass debut novel that I’ll likely take time to reread in the future
The story is a bit dark (my jam!) but is such a good balance of hurt/comfort with MCs I totally fell in love with (though it took me a second with Jareth 😅). Salas is such a beautiful mix of fiery and innocent and heartbreaking and precious; it’s no wonder Jareth falls so deeply for him. And gosh, Jareth’s insistence on Salas understanding why he’d want him to want sex too broke my fucking heart. Ooof. I think I even cried a bit at that.
I was also so intrigued by the idea of a jinx and what that’d mean for all the parties involved in a wish (including the jinx!). It was super unique idea and brought another element to the story and the relationship between Salas and Jareth. Though I’ve got to admit I so desperately wanted to know what Jareth would’ve wished for!
Anywho 5 🌟 to this kickass debut novel that I’ll likely take time to reread in the future
July 12, 2023
Loved it! Shifters, witches and fae
This is a very entertaining hurt/comfort book that starts with a bed servant, Salas. The kings favorite bed servant, Salas is quite pampered. So when Salas suddenly becomes a prisoner, he is completely out of his element.
Salas is sweet and I love his character. He seems a bit slow but it is understood later in the story as to why.
The shifters are pretty brutal to Salas at first. The story kept my interest as Salas learns about the place where he resides currently and he begins to understand that he may have been a pampered bed slave in Suscan, but he was a slave.
Jareth despises Salas at first. But he begins to warm up to him. I just love them together. Salas is this innocent being who should have been treated so much better than he was. But he does get his happy ending.
Great story. Hoping Tarrock and Lio get a full length book too!.
This is a very entertaining hurt/comfort book that starts with a bed servant, Salas. The kings favorite bed servant, Salas is quite pampered. So when Salas suddenly becomes a prisoner, he is completely out of his element.
Salas is sweet and I love his character. He seems a bit slow but it is understood later in the story as to why.
The shifters are pretty brutal to Salas at first. The story kept my interest as Salas learns about the place where he resides currently and he begins to understand that he may have been a pampered bed slave in Suscan, but he was a slave.
Jareth despises Salas at first. But he begins to warm up to him. I just love them together. Salas is this innocent being who should have been treated so much better than he was. But he does get his happy ending.
Great story. Hoping Tarrock and Lio get a full length book too!.
November 21, 2023
Very promising author
3.5
I think this author has a lot of potential - the plot and Salas' POV were great. Complex and unique.
However, the other guy's (I don't even remember his name lol) POV kind of cheapened it - in my opinion his character was too bland and it would have worked better if everything was told from Salas' POV - as unreliable narrator as he was.
I think their relationship was a bit rushed too. I think the set up was really good and I guess I really wanted to see Salas character development to be gradual and in conditions that were less magic forced.
There was also a thing that's like a pet peeve of mine: when a man called a dude he wants to have sex with a "boy". I think would have liked if it started out as the guy thinking of Salas as a boy and then as a man or something.
Anyway, nice writing, but a bit rushed towards the end and of all characters only Salas and his two southern dudes seemed like well-developed characters.
3.5
I think this author has a lot of potential - the plot and Salas' POV were great. Complex and unique.
However, the other guy's (I don't even remember his name lol) POV kind of cheapened it - in my opinion his character was too bland and it would have worked better if everything was told from Salas' POV - as unreliable narrator as he was.
I think their relationship was a bit rushed too. I think the set up was really good and I guess I really wanted to see Salas character development to be gradual and in conditions that were less magic forced.
There was also a thing that's like a pet peeve of mine: when a man called a dude he wants to have sex with a "boy". I think would have liked if it started out as the guy thinking of Salas as a boy and then as a man or something.
Anyway, nice writing, but a bit rushed towards the end and of all characters only Salas and his two southern dudes seemed like well-developed characters.
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