Prince of the Undying

Undying Desires #1

by Karen Kincy

His touch awakens the dead. My touch awakens his soul.

When I track down the Prince of the Undying on a blood-soaked battlefield, I find him moments from death—a necromancer whose forbidden magic violates the very laws of mortality. With a single touch, he can raise corpses and command the dead.

I save his life, never expecting him to kneel before me and pledge his undying loyalty.

We should be sworn enemies. Instead, he vows to become my greatest protector.

I don’t know if I’m strong enough to refuse him. He’s heartbreakingly beautiful, and yet his haunted eyes betray unspeakable trauma. Once a Prince of Prussia, now he walks in shadows, fallen from grace into the darkest corners of magic.

He should be forbidden. Yet I can’t keep my hands off him.

Each time our skin meets, his necromancy ripples through me like cold fire, thrilling me. There’s more than just dark magic between us—there’s something dangerously close to desire.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Romantasy, Dark Romance, Magic, Fantasy Romance

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 13, 2024

About the author

Karen Kincy writes books when she isn’t writing code. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and an MS in Computational Linguistics from the University of Washington.

Reviews

[(old.enough.for.fairytales) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binge read!

This dark fantasy romance was super fast paced and easy to fly through. It also features one of my fave tropes…I was sent to 💀 you but I fell in love 👏 and the slow-burn enemies to lovers tension def pays off 👀

Thanks to the author for gifting me a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ash · Rating 2 out of 5]

PRE-READ THOUGHTS
no thoughts, head empty

STATS
⚠️ Stay Safe, Friends: necromancy-related content, death, war, violence
⛰ Cliffhanger: N/A
🌶 Spice Check: N/A
⭐️ Rating (?/5): 1/5
🔂 Re-Readability: nope

Thank you, BookSirens, for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

TROPES SPOTTED IN THE WILD
•political plots
•dude in distress
•necromancy and all it entails



SUMMARY + BASIC CHARACTER INFO AND RELATIONSHIPS
Necromancer meets mercenary and they work together to do stuff. And then they fall in love.

Admittedly I DNF'd this at chapter 13 so the full plot is lost on me (but 13 chapters is definitely far enough to notice things that don't work for me). I found myself pretty annoyed when reading this. I feel like if you have to stop reading and talk out loud to yourself about why something you just read didn't make sense or was stupid (for lack of a better term), then that is your sign.

WHY YOU SHOULD PUSH THIS ONE UP/DOWN YOUR TBR

UP
•Steampunk-y setting? Quite a few moments read very Bioshock-y to me, which was actually pretty fun.

•Wendel's necromancy and the description of his puppets remind me very much of Wei Ying from Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.

DOWN
•There were quite a few instances where it felt like the author was just wanting to criticize the rich for no real reason. For example, very early on, Adris makes some mental commentary about how Wendel can ride a horse because he "had to be rich". Wouldn't it make way more sense that he learned how to ride a horse through war? When you found him on a battlefield? Adris knows how to ride a horse, and I'm assuming she was not rich since she's so judgy. Idk.

•Adris was pretty insufferable to me. It felt like she tried so hard to be cold or in control and kind of mocked her femininity because mercenaries can't have feelings. She also is so judgmental and constantly thinks the worst of people. It was pretty exhausting reading from her POV. She also has inner monologues that seem super dramatic. For example, she says "I had never seen such dark magic" when talking about Wendel going invisible. When he's a fucking necromancer. What are we doing here?

•The storytelling and writing itself was not successful for me. There were many moments where the writing had characters acting like information was new or unknown to them when we knew for a fact that they were aware. Or the moment when the train stops super fast and clean on the track when there was just a truck and some people on it. Like that's easy to see at a far enough distance to stop soon enough. Or when Adris "hefts" a pistol as if it's a bazooka. Or when Adris admits she doesn't know Chinese but then starts explaining the (Chinese) name for her sword and what the characters mean. Literally: "I couldn't read Chinese, but I knew they must be the name of the sword. 'These are the characters for Chun Yi. Pure Justice.'" What? ORRRRRR when Ardis says (multiple times) that she trusts Wendel from the very beginning, but proceeds to not trust him at all, inner monologues about the ways she doesn't actually trust him, and also sell him out with the information he trusted to her.

•America vs. Europe/British. There are so many moments where Adris is shit on because she's American. It felt very mocking and rude, not to Adris necessarily but to Americans in general. It just felt like something easy, because we know an entire group of people all talk the same way and act the same way and think the same way. 🙄 Or super gross moments like

"Ardis." Wendel's footsteps crunched the snow behind me. "Are you a good shot?"
"I'm American, remember?"

•Adris being Chinese American was something I was looking forward to. I was hoping to see some Chinese culture throughout the building of Adris' character, but nope. I mentioned a bit more about this in one of the bullets above.

OVERALL
I- look. I hate insufferable characters when they're insufferable for no real reason. It's not cute or edgy or different or interesting. It's just annoying.

ANYWAY.

Until next time!

[Thais • tata.lifepages • · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review 4.5 stars!

Prince of the Undying is a must read for those looking for an extra smutty dark fantasy romance!🥵🔥 put together the moody atmosphere of The Walking Dead with an European historical war setting and a dark shadow prince that can raise the dead and I was hooked!😍

Prince Wendel of Prussia is a necromancer, considered a monster and feared by all. Well except for one feisty and badass mercenary… Ardis has been tasked with bringing the Necromancer to the archmages of Vienna. However from the moment she saved his life in the battlefield she has not been able to resist this forbidden pull towards him…

The story has not only forbidden romance but also a trope I don’t mention enough but I should because I am obsessed with it: the “I came to kill/kidnap you but fell in love” trope! Their attraction to each other is instant and fiery, but can they trust each other? 👀 this was a fast paced read full of hot scenes that will have you 🔥

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy for review

[Ve (ve_xo) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was a super fast read! Perfect for lovers of enemies to lovers, slow burn, lots of tension, and romance!

Prince of the Undying had an interesting twist! The story takes place in a reimagined era of the World War I, this romantasy had all the magic and spice. We have a fast paced story with necromancers and mercenaries. The connection between Ardis and Wendel is strong although Ardis’ power doesn’t let him get close to anyone.

I loved the aspect of the forbidden love, it only added more to the to the tension between the two, especially with Ardis being so morally grey. Overall, I enjoyed this story, the author kept me hooked with the build up of the world and the inspired events. If you love dark romance and spice, this is for you!

Huge thanks to the author for sending me a copy. All opinions are my own.

[Mandy Sickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc Prince of the Undying in return for an honest review from the author. 

I loved Adris she's a kick-ass character who is good with her sword, and is willing to risk it all for those she loves. I really felt that I was able to connect with her and cheer her on as the story progressed. Wendel is a perfect counterpart to Adris he's a little on the morally grey line but I like that. They have this sizzling chemistry and the connecting they have is so sweet yet spicy. 

Prince of the Undying is a fast paced whirlwind adventure with just the right balance of spice that kept me hooked till the very last page. I found the story unique with all the magic blended the current world it felt a little steampunk but I loved that part of it. The idea of magic and machines was very interesting. 

This is my first book by the author but I'm hooked by her storytelling style she's created a captivating world with characters you just fall in love with. The story is beautiful its a darker fantasy romance and I just loved every moment of it. It was easy to get lost in the story and loose all track of time if not for real life I would have finished it in one afternoon. I highly recommend if you enjoy a spicy darker romance with lots of action. I can't wait for the next adventure for Adris and Wendel.

[✩₊*Shelby ⋆ ☾⋆ LiteraryFaery ⁺₊✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured it!! Full RTC!!

[Briennen Napoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

ARC Review

A handsome man who can raise the dead? Why not!

This book had the potential to be something amazing, but it missed the mark for me. Don’t get me wrong, I read it within 3 days, but that’s because it was super easy to read!

This was one of the fastest paced novels I have ever read. The romance was instant with next to no build up and I found some incredibly important scenes to be over in two pages.

Overall it felt like the story was being told to me, but it wasn’t being shown to me, if that makes sense? There was definitely a lot of planning that went into the plot, but it was like it was written down and not expanded upon.

Overall, a decent read!

[Bryanna]

dnf’d. too confusing.

[Mercedez · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆Characters
★☆☆☆☆ Character Development
★★★☆☆ Spicy
★★★★☆Plot/Storyline
★★★★☆ Ending
★★☆☆☆ Writing

What Kept/Didn’t Keep Me Reading:
"The Prince of the Undying" was a quick and captivating read, full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from beginning to end. Windel's character charm perfectly complements our heroine, Ardis, creating a dynamic and compelling chemistry between them. Unlike the traditional narrative arc of a steady climb to a climax followed by a definitive resolution, this story offers a constant rise and fall of anticipation, making every chapter an adventure of its own.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its ability to maintain suspense and intrigue throughout. Just when you think you can predict the outcome, the plot takes a surprising turn, leaving you eager to see what happens next. The author's skillful storytelling keeps the reader engaged, balancing moments of intense drama with quieter, character-driven scenes.
I found myself repeatedly shouting, "Windel, stop leaving and stay put!" His elusive nature adds to the tension and excitement, as his departures and returns are pivotal to the unfolding drama and bloodshed. Each of his actions propels the story forward, ensuring there is never a dull moment.
Overall, "The Prince of the Undying" is a masterfully crafted tale that defies conventional storytelling. It's a thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to see where Windel and Ardis's journey will take them next.


I cannot wait for a 2nd installment of this.


What Would I Read Next from This Author:
I absolutely would read any future works. It looks like the story is rewrite of one of her previous works. Just because reading its description it sounds just like this story…. so, I don’t want to invest in something that potentially is the same thing

[Courtney Washburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this ARC through BookSirens & this is my honest review.

“Prince of the Undying” follows Adris, a mercenary paid to capture a necromancer & bring him or her back to the Hex. Adris stumbles upon Wendel, a necromancer, on a battlefield. Saving his life he pledges allegiance to Adris. As Adris gets to know the necromancer she becomes torn on taking Wendel to the Hex.

This book has steampunk vibes, which is not my favorite genre or fashion, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was something different in a fantasy book that I didn’t know I needed.

I wish the “Prince of the Undying” had been more of a series than one 200-something odd pages. I feel this book would have been worth more than three stars had it not felt so rushed. You have to get a lot of things done in 200-some odd pages; which is fine, but I feel it would have been better had this been a series with Adris, Wendel, Konstatin, etc. Make it a slow burn, enemies to lovers with bigger background history. Make it a dual POV of Adris & Wendel. I would love to get Wendel’s side of things due to his history being so tragic.

Perhaps make Adris & Wendel’s story two to three books then perhaps make Konstatin a lead with his own two books to finish up the series. I felt we learned nothing of the war going on, the Hex, or the Order of Asphodel. The ending I felt was not long enough & randomly ended. The battle royal was too “easy” if that makes any sense. & we really learned nothing of Adris’s sword - Chun Yi.

Speaking of Adris’s sword I feel like there was a missed opportunity with the sword’s background & the possibly of Adris having powers either herself or using the sword. We get bits & pieces of what this sword can do.

The spice is 2/5 for me. It was not bad nor awkward. I just wish Wendel & Adris had a little bit more chemistry but like I’ve stated this book is a little over 200 pages.

Overall not a bad story. Would love to see this become a series with a longer storyline.

[River 🔪🩸 (horror.books.and.chill) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ADORED this book!

It had action, romance, spice, and magic. All things I love in a dark fantasy romance book!

If I could reread this book for the first time again, and feel all the emotions I felt reading it, I absolutely would. It left me feeling a plethora of emotions. From heartbroken to in love, to rage, to an overwhelming amount of sadness for Wendel.

I loved our MC’s Adris and Wendel, and how their story progresses through the book. It’s so intriguing to see how their love for each other can be so captivating and enthralling. I loved their banter with each other. It added narrative to the story, and made me laugh along the way.

I thought the writing was truly amazing, and it left me engaged in the story the entire time. Her ability to be detailed and creative with the world she built was truly astounding and remarkable.

I cannot wait to read more from Karen Kincy, and I cannot wait to see if more comes from this book!

**I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own!**

[Jesse Lemire · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶🌶

Tropes
✅️Necromancer MMC x Mercenary FMC
✅️Shadow Daddy
✅️Disgraced Prince
✅️Forbidden Magic
✅️Assasins
✅️Dark Fantasy Romance
✅️Magic vs. Technology

Triggers
☑️Death
☑️Torture
☑️Desecration of Corpses

This story has some promise. The integration of historical elements, magic, and technology was really intriguing. Feels like there should be a bit more from the main characters Wendel and Astrid, though.

The beginning starts off strong with Astrid saving Wendel's life, a Necromancer she is hired to find, and in return, he swears his undying fielty to her. It gets kind of insta lovey between them after that, though.

The assasins and weaponry are really cool. Wendel's Shadow blade Amarant and Astrid's fire blade Chun Yi really stole the show.

The ending concludes with a dramatic cliffhanger. Lots of unfinished business by the end. I'd really love some flashbacks into Wendel's past in the next book. There is so much character development we missed out on.

[Mikela Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I got it as a part of an ARC read but I’m in no way required to say positive things as a part of receiving a copy. I absolutely loved this story beginning to end! The author did amazing giving great insight into the main characters, she is great at character building. Even the supporting characters had enough details to make sense. I may have liked more details into Ardis’s father and maybe Wendell’s siblings but I’m hoping there is a second book to come! 10/10 would recommend you read this book!

Only thing I may recommend is maybe some more of Wendell’s POV or history added in but overall it was well written.

[Mel Weisbecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Welcome to the world you know but with magic and twists and turns.

Ardis is the lone wolf assassin who does what she needs to do in order to survive.

Wendel is a necromancer who has been used and abused since his power manifested. He is running from an Order who only wants to control and hurt him.

Living in a world of magic where powerful people use “The Hex” to prevent gunfire in most of the world, I was very intrigued! It was a great way to bring back swordfighting.

The pacing felt a little off to me at times. I can understand attraction but it felt very quick in some aspects, particularly the romance. I enjoyed the smut scenes, the chemistry did show up! It just felt very quick at first.

I think Wendel is sweet and I love me a good shadow daddy. and Ardis is a bad b who knows how to defend herself and I love everything about that. I hope this romance takes on the world and makes it a better place for everyone.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very grateful to have gotten this ARC.

The plot and characters are very well written. And I really like the premise of the book. However there were some scenes and information that felt repeated and caused the book to become confusing at times.

But all in all I enjoyed the banter and chemistry between Ardis and Wendel ✨

2.5 stars 🌟

[Monica L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

I absolutely LOVED this book! It had all the good stuff bundled in one; fantasy, magic, love, necromancy, curses, love, and a few spicy scenes!

This is my first book from the author and I can’t wait to read more from her! What a masterpiece!

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wtf did I just read?! The first 50% was instant love with some poorly written spicy scenes that had me cracking up and the last 50% was actually ok with some fight scenes and actual plot

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things I liked:
-I never read World War 1 historical fiction, so it was interesting. I also don’t read anything from the point of view of the Central Powers, which made me do some research about all the kingdoms and empires that used to exist and no longer exist in real life, so that was interesting too.
-Konstantin seemed like a likable character. Maybe he is more to my liking than the main hero and heroine. He’s smart, funny, described physically, is curious, positive, cares about his job, likes to eat and drink (which I can relate to), is hospitable and nice.
-I liked that the man is a magic user and the woman is a front liner warrior, because often times it’s gender reversed.
-I like that the hero is a necromancer because I don’t see that in media besides there’s a villain who has an army of undead. I like that he uses the first round of combat to stealth in like a rogue to backstab, and from then can raise the dead person to do his bidding. The tactic makes sense from a game POV.

Things that bothered me:
-The heroine Ardis has blonde hair from her blonde dad and Chinese eyes from her Chinese mom. It doesn’t go into her mom’s heritage besides being Chinese. Genetics doesn’t work that way, so if someone with all black hair heritage (a Chinese person) has progeny with a blonde person, they will always have a child with black hair because black hair is dominant and blonde hair is recessive. She can only have blonde hair if her mom was only part Chinese and part something else that had some kind of blonde hair from prior generations. That bothered me a lot.
-The heroine has disdain for: rich people (I think because of her personal issue that forces her to leave home because of a rich family) and prostitution (which to me made little sense because if her mother ran a brothel, I feel like you’d know actual people in this business and not be disgusted by them). She feels very sorry for Wendel the necromancer for being tortured or disinherited or whatever bad things have happened to him, which is nice that she has sympathy, but it also seems a little weird to me because I feel like as a mercenary especially in war zones, you would have met people from all walks of life and not be a stranger to the evils of the world; she seemed kind of naive or innocent to be a killer for hire.
-The hero Wendel wasn’t physically described (that I could recall) until halfway through the book, so it was hard to imagine him.
-There are two lines, “Go f yourself” followed by “Is that an invitation” that don’t make sense together. It should be, “F me” or “F you” followed by “Is that an offer?”or something else.
-I think the main characters don’t have much chemistry or reason to want to be together except that maybe they’re both just existing in a harsh world where they want to trauma bond. I feel like I didn’t really know them so I couldn’t care about them too much. They’re both away from their homeland; what did they miss or remember from home? People, food, scenery? They don’t talk about it or even say they miss it, but they don’t really fit into great archetypes like a frontier hero or someone where we don’t care who they are because we know their identity already. I have no idea why they care about each other, it seems to just happen out of nowhere, I don’t feel like either of them have great personalities or things that stand out. Are they just, emo people? People who are tortured emotionally? People who have a bleak view of the world and latch on to each other? I like romance books because the romance and the smutty parts make me feel happy and enjoy my relationship, but this one just made me, sad? Empty? Disinterested? I’m not into zombie or dystopian apocalyptic media, but that’s what their connection reminded me of.
-I feel like some of the cities aren’t described well, or the scenery and setting weren’t described enough to me. For some parts it just says, they’re in this city, but it doesn’t talk about the city much. For example, they’re in Vienna near Christmas, but that’s it. It doesn’t say there are Christmas markets, what they look like, the smells, sounds; tell me what the place feels like. I’ve been to Vienna and loved it, and it feels like it’s just written there to say they were in a specific city. When they go to Constantinople, she notices the spires of the Hagia Sophia. I’ve been to Istanbul and loved it; Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are right next to each other so you’d definitely see both their sets of spires, and really just tons of beautiful mosques with spires everywhere. But it does describe it and hits some major tourist spots like the Grand Bazaar and the Maiden’s Tower. However, they have dinner at some amazing hotel; what are they eating? It doesn’t say. Wendel cuts his food into smaller pieces, what is it? Lamb shank? A kabob? Dolma? Tell me so the writing doesn’t seem so bland.
-Not really sure what people’s gripe with a necromancer is, since it seems like everybody kills people willy nilly and life isn’t really valued?
-I like that they used condoms, but felt jarred every time they used the term ‘preventative.’
-I wanted to know more about her sword, which was more interesting than her entire character. Who put the binding on it, is it because it’s actually cursed? What does it really do? Does a demon live in it? Does it make you evil? Does it take your soul? More importantly, what was the point of it being enchanted, since this entire time Ardis does a good job killing people without it being enchanted? What did the enchantment do, besides be on fire and thirst for blood, did it improve her ability to hit or increase damage, or anything?
-The Hex where gunpowder isn’t able to be used. Why aren’t people using bows and arrows, or crossbows, or really any missile weapons?

I wanted to like it, I thought I would like it, but in the end I found it just alright.

[Alara Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Prince of the Undying," Karen Kincy weaves a tale of forbidden magic, dark romance, and the intricate dance of survival in an alternate history setting. The story unfolds through the eyes of Ardis, a mercenary, who finds Wendel, a disgraced prince and necromancer, on the brink of death. What follows is a journey of loyalty, love, and lethal encounters set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the edge of World War I.

Characterization: A Missed Opportunity?
Ardis and Wendel, the protagonists, embark on a journey together, bound by a pact of undying loyalty. While their romance is central to the plot, their character development feels at times somewhat static. Their interactions, laced with banter and emotion sometimes come across as mechanical rather than heartfelt. This lack of depth might leave readers yearning for more nuanced character exploration.

World-Building: Sparse Yet Intriguing
Kincy's world-building is slow and subtle, leaving much to the imagination. Initially, the setting and time are unclear, emerging gradually as the story progresses. The sparse details may challenge some readers, but those who persevere will immerse themselves in a unique, history-infused fantasy world.

Romance: Quick and Conventional
The romance between Ardis and Wendel sparks swiftly, transcending their initial reluctance. And despite the book's description of "filthy spice," the romantic elements are somewhat tame, perhaps a modest 3 out of 5 on the intensity scale.

Themes: Grit Over Fantasy
Kincy tackles themes of loneliness, alienation, and the concept of death as a transition rather than an end. The story leans more towards a gritty, realistic interpretation of an alternative historical world, rather than a pure fantasy escapade. This approach might resonate with fans of historical fiction with a fantastical twist.

Pacing and Plot: Engaging with a Rushed Finale
The pacing of "Prince of the Undying" is generally well-managed, keeping the reader engaged through unexpected twists and turns. However, the ending feels somewhat hurried, possibly setting the stage for future installments in the series. The story concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving several threads hanging, eagerly awaiting resolution.

A Unique Take on History and Magic
What stands out in "Prince of the Undying" is its unique blend of historical elements with a sprinkle of magic. This novel will attract readers who appreciate a story that intertwines with real-world history, offering an emotional connection to the characters and their plight. However, its serialization in Kindle Vella format may be disorienting for some, as the episodic chapters seem disjointed.

Conclusion: A Mixed Bag with Potential
"Prince of the Undying" is a novel that offers a unique storyline and a historical tapestry rich with potential. While it shines in its originality and historical integration, it may fall short for readers seeking deeper character development and more robust world-building. It's a journey worth taking for those intrigued by alternative history and dark romance, but it might only partially satisfy those in search of a more traditional fantasy narrative.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cody · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prince of Undying is the first installment of the Undying Desires series by Karen Kincy. This book has a lot of great elements to make it the beginning of a great series. The story is set in an alternate reality in Europe after the Italy-Turk War in early 1900s. It was commendable how much the author had researched into how this conflict affected the neighboring countries and the aftermath and chaos of that political division caused in that region. The story’s magical facets are equally praiseworthy. The magical societies, Archmages of Vienna and The Order of Asphodel were great additions to the story.

While the world building of the story was beyond commendable the story itself missed the mark for me. The main stumbling block, in my opinion, lay in the instant attraction between the main characters. Their connection seemed to lack a profound foundation, merely grounded in the allure of each other’s physicality. I wished for a more profound exploration of the emotions that bound them, something beyond the surface-level attraction based solely on their looks.

It would have heightened the narrative allure if the story had unfolded through dual povs, allowing us to intimately witness the intricate tapestry of both Ardis and Wendel’s tumultuous pasts, particularly the latter’s profoundly tragic experiences and abuse growing up.

Ardis, as the female lead, held her own in the story. However, I can’t shake the feeling that the author missed a beat in giving us enough insight into her character’s development. A Chinese American mercenary, raised in a brothel by her prostitute mother, Ardis hinted at a depth and power beyond her outward appearance. Despite this rich background, I found it difficult to form a strong emotional connection with her.

Also I feel I need to talk about Ardis’ sword Chun Yi as the author was indicating it was powerful and important through out the story. Yet, it felt like the significance behind the weapon wasn’t fully explored. I craved a deeper understanding of why the sword was crucial and what magical elements it held.

While the physical intimacy scenes themselves were not lacking, the lack of a deeper emotional connection between the characters left me unable to fully savor them as I had anticipated. A more profound foundation for their attraction beyond mere physical appeal would have undoubtedly enhanced the overall impact of these moments, making them more satisfying and resonant for the reader.

The Prince of Undying delivered a whirlwind of action, spice, and political drama within the magical societies, creating a fast-paced narrative. However, the speed at which the story unfolded left me with mixed feelings. The abundance of events seemed to be crammed into a relatively short book, leading to a sense of rush. It’s evident that the brevity of the book imposed limitations on the depth and intricacy the author could achieve within the storyline.

In conclusion, this book was a good start to the Undying Desires series and has a lot of potential to grow as the story continues.

[Robin Goodfellow · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free. This does not impact my review in any shape or form.

Prince of the Undying, by Karen Kincy, is a paranormal romance about leaving behind a horrific legacy to secure a future for yourself and your loved ones. Ardis is a mercenary who stumbles across a “dying” necromancer named Wendel, also known as the Prince of the Undying. Falling hard and fast for the supposed abomination, Astrid suddenly finds herself embroiled in a supernatural war as countries fight for control over magic and technology. With Wendel and Konstantine, a very young Archmage of Vienna, Astrid must navigate through complex alliances and histories to understand the true nature of the looming war and the cost that comes to fight it.

I wasn’t the biggest fan of the romance between Wendel and Astrid. Everything was just so extra. At first, it was rather cute, if a little cringe, that Astrid would blalantly announce her attraction to Wendel, even if it was only in her thoughts. But the more they interacted, the more staged it felt, and when we got to the pivotal “I love you scene”, it felt very unearned. I understand that war makes people do dumb things sometimes, and the adrenaline may intensify already existing feelings, but it was still too fast-paced for me. The fact that Wendel became codependent on her because of his own heartbreaking past did little to sweeten the relationship for me. I also really wished that their actions and histories were more fleshed out. The characters wanted to be more, and in hindsight, they were interesting. I would’ve loved to know more about Wendel’s background and his relationship with the Order of Asphodel, as well as his own family. I wanted to see the hardened exterior that Ardis probably had to develop to ensure her own safety, alongside the fondness she had for her mother. Unfortunately, the romance got in the way of the character development.

That being said, I absolutely loved the backdrop of the world. I cannot begin to imagine the magnificence of integrating magic into everyday technology, including warfare. I enjoy urban fantasies, and this book did not disappoint. Everywhere the characters went, I felt like I was being immersed in some dark dungeon with only magical orbs for light, or even tall shelters with tiny magical devices floating by. Even the military names like Project Lazarus gave me the chills.

This book has a lot of potential. The intensity of the romance between Wendel and Ardis is good, and the settings provide the perfect way to explore the story. However, that romance overshadows a lot of the character’s development and relationships, and I feel it detracts from the plot as a whole. So for now, I’ll give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

[Little Bee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Let me start out with saying, I was really looking forward to reading this book. I liked the idea of a dark, fantasy romance, around a mercenary and a necromancer. And while that is what you get with Prince of the Undying, it falls really short of the mark. This story was previously released under the name Shadows of Asphodel, and was revised and rewritten with a professional editor. Throughout this book, I felt like there were so many gaps, like something was missing. There would be bits of conversations that went from point A to Point C and skipped over Point B altogether.

I felt Ardis fell flat. There were so many missed opportunities to build upon her character. More history regarding her sword would have been nice. Especially why everyone was so afraid of it, surely it had to be more than just blood magic? Why did her mom need a sword like that? Does this information come in later books since this is book 1? Wendel was nice. Fell flat at times. His erratic decisions seemed to sometimes come out of nowhere. I found myself confused about the bulk of the story. The Archmages seem like the bad guys as much as the Order of Asphodel. Why did everything start to begin with? What era in time is this? It has steampunk vibes, but leaves me confused because it feels like multiple points in time in world history.

The book has a good amount of spice in it. Once they start with the spicy times, it happens quite often. The ending definitely made me feel things and it ends abruptly but not really cliffhangerish, more of a to be continued. Definitely check your triggers, because there are a lot of dark elements. After all this, you are probably wondering why I gave it three stars instead of lower? This is a fairly quick read, at least it feels like it. The story stays fast paced the whole way through. I like when stories are like that sometimes, especially fantasy books. Aside from the parts that seemed to end quickly and like I missed things, the story idea is a good one. It is unique. I know it was revised once, but I think just a little more expansion on some of the things that happen and the characters, and I think it could be a really great book. It holds a lot of promise.

[Brittney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plunging readers into a mesmerizing world of necromancy, forbidden magic, and undeniable passion. The tale unfolds as I, the relentless hunter, discover the bleeding Prince of the Undying on a battlefield, his forbidden powers violating the very essence of death. Despite the enmity that should exist between us, he pledges undying loyalty, forging a connection that transcends our predetermined roles.

The narrative weaves a delicate dance between enemies turned lovers, exploring the boundaries of touch and the alluring cold fire of necromancy. The author skillfully intertwines the complexities of our relationship with the haunting beauty of the fallen prince, a character with a tortured past and haunted eyes that reveal profound pain.

Once a royalty, now immersed in darkness, the prince becomes an irresistible enigma, teasing with the unspoken promise of defilement. The story unfolds with a magnetic pull, leaving me unable to resist the fascination that blooms between us. Perhaps, beyond the magic, there's an unspoken connection that defies logic and binds us in ways we cannot deny.

Prince of the Undying explores love, desire, and the thin line between light and shadow. Kincy's storytelling is both heartbreakingly beautiful and thrilling, creating a tale that resonates with readers who crave a perfect blend of magic, passion, and intricate fantasy worlds.

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[Hollie Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Prince of the Undying had a lot of potential. With an interesting plot, complex characters, and spicy scenes, however the rushed nature of the events as a whole left a lot to be desired.

The idea of setting the story during the beginnings of WWI was very clever, but it can be a little jarring when the novel seems like it will be full fantasy. Nevertheless, the author does well to use the events in her own way and the backdrops serve many of the events and lots of interesting settings.

The plot was very interesting and I felt their journeying could have benefitted from more time spent. Instead, everything is left almost unfinished as the plot moves on. The ending was also far too abrupt and was anticlimactic. I was left feeling a little disappointed with how nothing was really resolved, but there was nothing much of interest left for the characters to do. The book as a whole would have benefitted from being 100 pages longer to wrap everything up.

The characters were interesting and had a lot of potential to be complex and could have had great character arcs, but a lot of the development felt rushed and unnatural. I would have liked to have seen more thought process and even more downtime between each of the characters.

The spicy scenes started off great, but towards the end, they were a little lacking and it seemed like perhaps the author just wanted to check off certain things at the beginning but later didn’t have as much to put in. I would have liked to have seen the scenes build up instead of losing steam as the book went on.

I would like to thank the author and Book Sirens for the ARC!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Annettesbookbanter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Promising storyline with unique take but doesn't quite hit the mark.

This one is really.a 2.5 for me but I rounded up. The book is a quick read with short chapters that are from the POV of the FMC. I enjoyed the magic system which combined natural magics with a steampunk vibe. The world building was ok, especially for a short book, there was enough that I could picture the scene or place the characters were. I enjoy fast-paced and action-packed stories, which this is, however the pacing at times seemed too rushed and important scenes and dialogue felt glanced over. Like it was over before you even really got to know what was going on or resolved without much actually occurring. There was some really intriguing aspects like the enchanted sword and the shadow dagger however they were only just touched on.

I enjoyed the sassy FMC and tormented dark MMC, but I felt that the character development was lacking. Though I understand this was a short book, between the pace of the book and the lack of depth with the characters it made them feel fickle. It was as if there was too much trying to be crammed into too short a story, perhaps if not a longer book than taking out some of the lesser needed scenes to allow for expansion on the more important ones. I found that some parts of the story were disregarded or possibly pointless, which left me wondering why they were included in the first place. The story also seemed to go in circles a bit, particularly in the last quarter. I am not one for insta-love and that was very much the case in this book.

Troupe, necromancy, steampunk vibe, magic with tech, waring countries, conspiracies, assassins, and hidden lineage.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Maria Elena | pagesofmaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prince of the Undying was a surprise in a way. I knew I would enjoy it, for this isn’t the first time I read books by this author, but the setting was what got me. This is a fantasy romance set in an alternate version of the World War I period, with magic and archmages that add a whole new layer to the intrigue and conflict of the time. The archmages have created something called the Hex, a spell that makes firearms useless. This means everyone is fighting with swords! So, while the setting is somewhat familiar to us, we have ways of fighting that call back to high fantasy.

In this scenario we have our American half-Chinese mercenary, Ardis, who works for the Archmages of Vienna and is tasked to find and deliver them the necromancer Wendel—the Prince of the Undying. Things become intense between the two pretty fast, especially since Wendel vows to protect Ardis in exchange for her saving his life. And when I say intense, I mean filled with tension but also attraction that fit very well with the fast-paced storyline. Aside from giving us some good spicy content, it allowed us to get to know Ardis and Wendel as they got to know each other, and in the meantime, we were sucked in a world of intrigue, high-stakes and action that was at once familiar and yet not because of the unique situation created by the Hex.

As for the characters, I especially enjoyed Wendel. For starters, he’s a necromancer, which automatically makes him the coolest character in the book. I don’t care what the prejudiced people in the book say. There is so much mystery to his backstory before and after he found the Order of Asphodel, and his dark powers intrigue me.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Laura Fancello · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌶️

The Prince of the Undying is the first book in a spicy dark fantasy romance series and it was a quick, captivating read full of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked from start to finish. Ardis, the FMC is a mercenary and the MMC Wendel is a necromancer who swears loyalty to her after she saved his life. Adding to this already enticing premise is a setting somewhere between gaslight fantasy and steampunk, which gives the events inspired by World War I its own twist.

The fast-paced, high-stakes action is undoubtedly one of the book's strongest features. The unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy romance makes for a highly entertaining plot, enriched by the passionate attraction that quickly blossoms between Ardis and Wendel - two people who should never trust each other under any circumstances. Wendel‘s charisma perfectly complements our heroine Addis, creating a dynamic and captivating chemistry between them.

However, Addis and Wendell go beyond appearances, and while their connection is initially based on attraction, it evolves into something sweeter and more lasting. It was so beautiful to witness, especially for Wendel, who longed to be touched because people didn't even dare walk past anyone touching the dead. This means that every interaction he has with Addis is special. He takes nothing for granted, which adds a touch of sweetness to what is otherwise a very playful and passionate dynamic.

One of the most striking aspects of this book is its ability to maintain tension and intrigue throughout. Just when you think you can predict the outcome, the plot takes a surprising turn that leaves you excited to see what happens next. The author's skillful storytelling captivates readers, balancing intense, dramatic moments with quieter, character-filled scenes.

The ending is on par with the fast-paced action we've seen throughout the story, and while it's a good taste of what's to come, it's also satisfying.

Overall, The Immortal Prince is a well-crafted story that challenges traditional storytelling. It's an emotional journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat, excited to see where Wendel and Ardis' journey takes them.

[Chiara | wordsbychiara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice rating: 4 peppers

PRINCE OF THE UNDYING is the first book in a spicy dark fantasy romance series starring a mercenary FMC and the necromancer who swears fealty to her after she saves his life. To add to this already enticing premise there is the setting that edges the line between Gaslamp fantasy and steampunk, giving its own spin to WWI-inspired events.

The fast pace and high-stake action is certainly one of this book’s strongest traits. The unique union between historical fiction and fantasy romance makes for a highly intriguing plot, enriched by a passionate attraction that blooms rather quickly between Ardis and Wendel—two people that by all accords shouldn’t trust each other. He is a necromancer, and according to everyone else, dangerous, while she is a mercenary and therefore has a price for her loyalty. And yet, Ardis and Wendel go beyond appearances, and while their connection stems from attraction at first, it later blooms into something sweeter and lasting. It was beautiful to witness especially for Wendel, who is starved for touch seeing as people are wary to even brush against someone who touches the dead. This meant that every interaction he had with Ardis was special. He took nothing for granted which gave a touch of sweetness to an otherwise very bantery and steamy dynamic.

The ending was on par with the fast-paced action we’ve had throughout the story and, while successful in teasing things to come, was also satisfying.

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Liis · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did enjoy the setting and steampunky idea of the book, it really was not my cup of tea. It's absolutely not a slow burn. This sparked up faster than my gas stove near an open flame. Our main characters are mercenary FMC (Ardis) and a necromancer MMC (Wendel). And I must say that they have a decent level of banter between them. The story starts when Ardis saves Wendels life. He makes a promise to protect her, which equates to as much follow through as me promising my mom I will absolutely clean my room at 13 years old. We meet Konstantin who, if held at gunpoint, I would put down as the only character I slightly cared about. The story feels very much tell everything, show nothing. Everyone always just reacts. There is very little true inner monologue. Opinions change faster than my ADHD can keep up with. At one point, we go to a ball and meet Wendels siblings who are shocked and delighted (?) to discover he isn't dead. But as the situation goes up in literal flames, we are left with the realisation that neither this point nor the siblings will ever be reviseted again. Also on tonight: the book gives me an incest scare for a solid 10 seconds; Konstantin and Ardis 'borrow' and Iron Man suit; we attend a funeral uninvited - this scene killed me it had no right to be this funny; our heroes confront the big bad guy; and...then the book just ends?! This ending didn't even enter stage left - it barely peeked out behind a curtian.
Highly unlikely I will continue this series, but I won't make any promises.

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a nice fast paced book but also keeps you interested. It was easy to follow along with very little filler. By filler, I mean dialect or background information that was not needed but was just created to add pages and chapters to the book. There were quite a few action scenes that keep your head in the book. Some of the earlier action scenes seemed to end just as quickly as it started, so i wished maybe there was a little more to them. But overall there was enough that kept you emersed in the book. The relationship between the female and male main characters progressed quickly, which was also a plus when you're not looking for that slow burn relationship. The male character also took me by surprise because I think you would expect him to be a bit different than what he is (trying to explain without spoilers!) but instead you get to see the true side of him. He doesnt try to play the part of his title but remains true to himself which is quite the opposite. I really enjoyed the witty comments and the fun banter between the two characters. As someone who likes to be goofy, it was nice to have a character relationship that would make you smile at some of those fun witty remarks.

I have received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I try to leave my reviews based around my true love and enjoyment for reading and escaping from reality. :)