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The Wayward Sovereigns #1
King of Bastards
I sold my soul to my Shadow.
I killed the Solar King with a curse.
But before I could complete the curse on the entire royal lineage, I was caught. When I thought I had lost, the youngest Solar Prince offered me a Freedom...or safety? I chose the latter, and now he owns me. But I sold my soul to my Shadow for a reason. I want my own Terra throne back, and I'll do anything to obtain it.
Even fuck the prince I intend to kill.
Even betray his vampire partner who I have come to love.
But when my Shadow becomes more insidious within me, I must choose whether to fight the darkness--or embrace it.
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Unreliable Narrator
Why Choose?
Chosen Family/Found Family
Morally Gray Characters
Elemental Magic
Plus Size MC
Nonbinary MC
HEA
Lovers on opposite sides of the war
Reluctant companions
Content This book contains scenes of consensual non-consent, choking, and period play.
I killed the Solar King with a curse.
But before I could complete the curse on the entire royal lineage, I was caught. When I thought I had lost, the youngest Solar Prince offered me a Freedom...or safety? I chose the latter, and now he owns me. But I sold my soul to my Shadow for a reason. I want my own Terra throne back, and I'll do anything to obtain it.
Even fuck the prince I intend to kill.
Even betray his vampire partner who I have come to love.
But when my Shadow becomes more insidious within me, I must choose whether to fight the darkness--or embrace it.
Friends to Enemies to Lovers
Unreliable Narrator
Why Choose?
Chosen Family/Found Family
Morally Gray Characters
Elemental Magic
Plus Size MC
Nonbinary MC
HEA
Lovers on opposite sides of the war
Reluctant companions
Content This book contains scenes of consensual non-consent, choking, and period play.
542 pages, ebook
Published October 10, 2023
96 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Maxine Rivers
22 books14 followersMaxine Rivers (Max, they/them) is the author of spicy fantasy romance featuring queer characters. They live in the Midwest with their husband, two kids, and a beagle who considers herself a master explorer. When not getting off on--I mean lost in smutty books, Max can be found painting anatomical structures, bingeing The Vampire Diaries, or watching the sunset with an overstuffed pipe in hand. You can find them on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @AuthorMaxineRivers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
September 2, 2023
I've read the beta version of this book and I've been waiting nine months to RAVE about it. Here were my thoughts that I wrote down as soon as I finished reading: I just finished reading, and this book is… just like a breath of fresh air. I don’t know if it’s revolutionary, and like the first of its kind, or… if I’m just reading the wrong books, but I’ve NEVER read a book that dealt with the spectrum of gender and pronouns and sexual identity as casually and simply as you did in this book. Like, it wasn’t even the focus, and that’s the crazy part to me. Fantasy is all about creating worlds you’d like to live in, and this Realm certainly has its flaws, but to live in a place where even your enemies address you by proper pronouns like it’s the most basic right in the world… that sounds like a dream.
Also, I read some spicy stuff, and quite honestly, I forgot this was even a spicy book. And I mean that as a compliment. Usually smutty books are just sex with filler plot and about a quarter of the way through you can feel your brain rotting but you keep reading because smut. But this? No. This plot had me in a chokehold. And like… the smut was off the charts! But it wasn’t at all the main focus, and I LOVE THAT. The representation in your characters was amazing, and imagination and creativity beyond what I could’ve hoped for. Everything was so magical, and Harbin was like the place you let your mind escape to when the world makes you sad. So I say all of that to say, I’m obsessed, and I really hope there's a second book!
Also, I read some spicy stuff, and quite honestly, I forgot this was even a spicy book. And I mean that as a compliment. Usually smutty books are just sex with filler plot and about a quarter of the way through you can feel your brain rotting but you keep reading because smut. But this? No. This plot had me in a chokehold. And like… the smut was off the charts! But it wasn’t at all the main focus, and I LOVE THAT. The representation in your characters was amazing, and imagination and creativity beyond what I could’ve hoped for. Everything was so magical, and Harbin was like the place you let your mind escape to when the world makes you sad. So I say all of that to say, I’m obsessed, and I really hope there's a second book!
November 30, 2024
This is a captivating read for fans of complex, morally ambiguous characters, dark fantasy, and slow-burn romance, particularly those who enjoy stories that explore themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between love and loyalty.
October 4, 2023
King of Bastards
Maxine Rivers
* ARC REVIEW *
Guys I really struggled with this one to the point I didn’t even want to write a review. I desperately WANTED to like this book, but alas it was not for me. Let me start off with what I did like.
I absolutely loved book plot and the uniqueness of not only the characters but the plot as well. I also fell in love with the characters individually. The Drag Queen Prince, Hemlock, was my favorite character. He’s forever got a special place in my 💜. There has never been a book (that I am aware of) that has this sort of vibe and characters in it.
My son is part of the lgptqia2s+ so I honestly thought I would love this book. I am an absolute hoe over anything pnr rh, MM is a huuuge plus. Though I haven’t read too much ff I do read it with no problems. My own son is g@y and gender fluid so I love the representation in this book. I just feel like everything is TOO MUCH ☹️. A drag queen, transgender man, gender fluid (or neutral) person , pegg!ng, ff, per!od play, 3 somes (most while at least one of the people are dating people outside the harem)…. All of these things I read and adore. It was just (for me) too much in one book and got distracting after a while.
Maxine Rivers
* ARC REVIEW *
Guys I really struggled with this one to the point I didn’t even want to write a review. I desperately WANTED to like this book, but alas it was not for me. Let me start off with what I did like.
I absolutely loved book plot and the uniqueness of not only the characters but the plot as well. I also fell in love with the characters individually. The Drag Queen Prince, Hemlock, was my favorite character. He’s forever got a special place in my 💜. There has never been a book (that I am aware of) that has this sort of vibe and characters in it.
My son is part of the lgptqia2s+ so I honestly thought I would love this book. I am an absolute hoe over anything pnr rh, MM is a huuuge plus. Though I haven’t read too much ff I do read it with no problems. My own son is g@y and gender fluid so I love the representation in this book. I just feel like everything is TOO MUCH ☹️. A drag queen, transgender man, gender fluid (or neutral) person , pegg!ng, ff, per!od play, 3 somes (most while at least one of the people are dating people outside the harem)…. All of these things I read and adore. It was just (for me) too much in one book and got distracting after a while.
November 18, 2024
DNF'd at 32%
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but as It says in the beginning of this review, I couldn't finish it.
While the blurb of the story promises interesting character dynamics, romance and dramatic war exploits what you actually get is extremely shallow.
The world building is lazy, with place names sounding like they were named with fantasy name generators and having no depth to them. Romances are reduced to horny-at-first sight with smut scenes following quickly after.
There is so much exposition in this book! We get told character names and motivations within lines of meeting them. So much happens in such a small space of time, with too many characters, motivations and plot points, that it's difficult to get interested in any of them.
I'm going to be talking about some plot next so that includes some spoilers of course.
Slavery is included in this book and it is not handled well. Humans are an enslaved species in this world and subservient to the long-living fae. The way this is written makes it feel like this fact is an after thought.
Characters discuss the rights of humans like they're talking about how they like their tea and it's not taken very seriously. Why include such a serious topic in your book and not take the time to develop the affects of it in your world properly? Other than the sacrifices the fae make of humans the inclusion of slavery just seems hilariouly unnecessary.
I think this novel would have benefited from either cutting down on the number of characters and plot points or adding another book or two to fully develop everything that's in it. The author clearly has a vision of what they want to write and the world they've created but unfortunately, has done a disservice to both with cramming so much into so little.
I wanted to like this book, I really did, but as It says in the beginning of this review, I couldn't finish it.
While the blurb of the story promises interesting character dynamics, romance and dramatic war exploits what you actually get is extremely shallow.
The world building is lazy, with place names sounding like they were named with fantasy name generators and having no depth to them. Romances are reduced to horny-at-first sight with smut scenes following quickly after.
There is so much exposition in this book! We get told character names and motivations within lines of meeting them. So much happens in such a small space of time, with too many characters, motivations and plot points, that it's difficult to get interested in any of them.
I'm going to be talking about some plot next so that includes some spoilers of course.
Slavery is included in this book and it is not handled well. Humans are an enslaved species in this world and subservient to the long-living fae. The way this is written makes it feel like this fact is an after thought.
Characters discuss the rights of humans like they're talking about how they like their tea and it's not taken very seriously. Why include such a serious topic in your book and not take the time to develop the affects of it in your world properly? Other than the sacrifices the fae make of humans the inclusion of slavery just seems hilariouly unnecessary.
I think this novel would have benefited from either cutting down on the number of characters and plot points or adding another book or two to fully develop everything that's in it. The author clearly has a vision of what they want to write and the world they've created but unfortunately, has done a disservice to both with cramming so much into so little.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
BLURB:
I sold my soul to my Shadow.
I killed the Solar King with a curse.
But before I could complete the curse on the entire royal lineage, I was caught. When I thought I had lost, the youngest Solar Prince offered me a choice: Freedom...or safety? I chose the latter, and now he owns me. But I sold my soul to my Shadow for a reason. I want my own Terra throne back, and I'll do anything to obtain it.
Even sleep with the prince I intend to kill.
Even betray his vampire partner who I have come to love.
But when my Shadow becomes more insidious within me, I must choose whether to fight the darkness--or embrace it.
GODS-DAMNED.
This is only my second arc read and review but I'm so glad I signed up for this book.
I am embarrassed to say this is the first LGBTQIA+ book I have ever read but I am pleased to say it definitely won't be the last. This book had everything I didn't know I needed in a book. From the first 2 pages I was excited and it just kept dragging me in. Nothing was confusing as everyone was introduced by the right pronouns when coming into the book, from the spicy scenes to the battle scenes *chefs kiss*
I sold my soul to my Shadow.
I killed the Solar King with a curse.
But before I could complete the curse on the entire royal lineage, I was caught. When I thought I had lost, the youngest Solar Prince offered me a choice: Freedom...or safety? I chose the latter, and now he owns me. But I sold my soul to my Shadow for a reason. I want my own Terra throne back, and I'll do anything to obtain it.
Even sleep with the prince I intend to kill.
Even betray his vampire partner who I have come to love.
But when my Shadow becomes more insidious within me, I must choose whether to fight the darkness--or embrace it.
GODS-DAMNED.
This is only my second arc read and review but I'm so glad I signed up for this book.
I am embarrassed to say this is the first LGBTQIA+ book I have ever read but I am pleased to say it definitely won't be the last. This book had everything I didn't know I needed in a book. From the first 2 pages I was excited and it just kept dragging me in. Nothing was confusing as everyone was introduced by the right pronouns when coming into the book, from the spicy scenes to the battle scenes *chefs kiss*
February 19, 2025
I really wanted to like this. I really tried. However, as others pointed out, it felt like there was too much going on in one book. It felt like the author was trying to make sure every single option for pretty much everything was represented - gender, identity, sex, etc. After all that work for representation, there wasn't very much to the story other than sex, love, and pronouns. The actual "story" part of the story really just fell flat.
I also really didn't like the ending as it felt like the characters were rejoicing even though they are making really bad decisions in order to make everyone feel good. In the end I was relieved to be done with the book, and a little sad that I continued to waste my time through to the end.
I also felt like the author is trying to use their audience to be their editor instead of just hiring one. Typos were ok for about half the book, then they progressively get worse. This with the overabundance of super unique characters just made it difficult to really get sucked in.
I also really didn't like the ending as it felt like the characters were rejoicing even though they are making really bad decisions in order to make everyone feel good. In the end I was relieved to be done with the book, and a little sad that I continued to waste my time through to the end.
I also felt like the author is trying to use their audience to be their editor instead of just hiring one. Typos were ok for about half the book, then they progressively get worse. This with the overabundance of super unique characters just made it difficult to really get sucked in.
October 10, 2024
~The Prose~
Maxine Rivers knows how to throw you in the deep end in a way that doesn't make you feel like you are drowning. This book starts off with a bang figuratively and literally and sets the breakneck pace for the rest of the story. All self control to "go to bed on time" or "get some chores done" went out the window with how complex and fascinating the world was. The characters were perfectly flawed to give room for being messy and emotional and opportunity growth. The story ends in a HFN pseudo cliffhanger which usually annoys me but instead it just lit a fire under my ass to get to book 2 Prince of Ruin.
~The Cons~
I want to preface this particular commentary as this is a personal flaw not a flaw of the author. Being a face paced book, we are introduced very quickly to the ruling system of this realm and I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed trying to keep track of the difference between Sovereigns and Regents ect. While that struggle resolved itself eventually it did slow me down in the early parts of the book.
~The Bon-Bons~
This book is chaotically queer and toe curlingly spicy. The gender spectrum is on FULL display throughout the main and supporting characters in a way so unique to queer-normative fantasy. If you are the type of person who dislikes the speed in which enemies go to lovers but don't want to spend 2/3s of the book waiting for the spice fear not! We have full on enemy/enemy CONSENSUAL spice and it is chef's kiss good! Come for the group activities stay for the plot!
Maxine Rivers knows how to throw you in the deep end in a way that doesn't make you feel like you are drowning. This book starts off with a bang figuratively and literally and sets the breakneck pace for the rest of the story. All self control to "go to bed on time" or "get some chores done" went out the window with how complex and fascinating the world was. The characters were perfectly flawed to give room for being messy and emotional and opportunity growth. The story ends in a HFN pseudo cliffhanger which usually annoys me but instead it just lit a fire under my ass to get to book 2 Prince of Ruin.
~The Cons~
I want to preface this particular commentary as this is a personal flaw not a flaw of the author. Being a face paced book, we are introduced very quickly to the ruling system of this realm and I was COMPLETELY overwhelmed trying to keep track of the difference between Sovereigns and Regents ect. While that struggle resolved itself eventually it did slow me down in the early parts of the book.
~The Bon-Bons~
This book is chaotically queer and toe curlingly spicy. The gender spectrum is on FULL display throughout the main and supporting characters in a way so unique to queer-normative fantasy. If you are the type of person who dislikes the speed in which enemies go to lovers but don't want to spend 2/3s of the book waiting for the spice fear not! We have full on enemy/enemy CONSENSUAL spice and it is chef's kiss good! Come for the group activities stay for the plot!
October 10, 2023
This debut novel will be big shoes to fill! Right out of the gate, Maxine Rivers has knocked it out of the park. I admit I was a little nervous ARC reading a novel that the author created to be inclusive of the LGBTQIA+ community, simply because I had never really read anything of the like before. I had nothing to worry about. It was a feast for all the senses!
Maxine's writing style is comfortable and easy. For the most part, the book reads like an easy conversation, a smooth natural flow of thoughts. One of the things that I love about her writing style was that it's heavy on the dialogue. A good portion of the story is told through dialogue so you have to actually use your brain to piece together the various plot pieces instead of it being told to you. She uses incredible imagery to describe thoughts and emotions.
The characters themselves are larger than life, but still completely realistic. They each have their own unique personality, every one of them, including the supporting cast. You'll fall in love with them in an instant, even if their moral compass isn't pointing quite north. Because of the gender fluid nature of some of the characters, keeping track of the pronouns was a little awkward, occasionally requiring some re-reading to be sure I wasn't confusing characters but it in no way detracts from the story.
The story itself follows a plump, fierce little Witch who has been sold into servitude, their crown stolen from them, and their struggle to right the wrongs that have been done to them. Their journey is jam packed with obstacles along the way, both physical, mental, and emotional. You'll be completely invested.
There is a LOT of spice, and it's definitely not all just mundane spice. There's some exotic, dark spice so please, please read the trigger warnings and content warnings. It's not fair to authors when readers give a book a poor rating just because there was content they didn't like when they were warned about it from the get-go and could've avoided it.
As a last little note, I loved the cover art before I even opened the book and once I finished it, I loved it even more. It's almost its own little Easter egg.
Thank you to Maxine Rivers for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read this book for them! It will be available 10/10/23 but preorders are available on Amazon. Don't miss this book! Happy reading!
Maxine's writing style is comfortable and easy. For the most part, the book reads like an easy conversation, a smooth natural flow of thoughts. One of the things that I love about her writing style was that it's heavy on the dialogue. A good portion of the story is told through dialogue so you have to actually use your brain to piece together the various plot pieces instead of it being told to you. She uses incredible imagery to describe thoughts and emotions.
The characters themselves are larger than life, but still completely realistic. They each have their own unique personality, every one of them, including the supporting cast. You'll fall in love with them in an instant, even if their moral compass isn't pointing quite north. Because of the gender fluid nature of some of the characters, keeping track of the pronouns was a little awkward, occasionally requiring some re-reading to be sure I wasn't confusing characters but it in no way detracts from the story.
The story itself follows a plump, fierce little Witch who has been sold into servitude, their crown stolen from them, and their struggle to right the wrongs that have been done to them. Their journey is jam packed with obstacles along the way, both physical, mental, and emotional. You'll be completely invested.
There is a LOT of spice, and it's definitely not all just mundane spice. There's some exotic, dark spice so please, please read the trigger warnings and content warnings. It's not fair to authors when readers give a book a poor rating just because there was content they didn't like when they were warned about it from the get-go and could've avoided it.
As a last little note, I loved the cover art before I even opened the book and once I finished it, I loved it even more. It's almost its own little Easter egg.
Thank you to Maxine Rivers for allowing me the opportunity to ARC read this book for them! It will be available 10/10/23 but preorders are available on Amazon. Don't miss this book! Happy reading!
October 13, 2023
I received and ARC of this book on exchange for my honest review.
Let me just start by calling out how wonderful it was to dive into a unique story! This story had me guessing till the very end what was going to happen. That’s refreshing because I can often call an ending pretty early on. The world building was amazing and I fell in love with the characters as much as Wolfsbane did.
This book heavily focuses on gender fluidity and respecting the use of correct pronouns. This is my first book where those items were focused on and I was really impressed at how smoothly they were used. I am not part of the LGBT+ community but support friends and family who are. I feel this gave me an intimate POV into that world and the characters thoughts which deepened my support and understanding.
Can’t wait for book two!!
Let me just start by calling out how wonderful it was to dive into a unique story! This story had me guessing till the very end what was going to happen. That’s refreshing because I can often call an ending pretty early on. The world building was amazing and I fell in love with the characters as much as Wolfsbane did.
This book heavily focuses on gender fluidity and respecting the use of correct pronouns. This is my first book where those items were focused on and I was really impressed at how smoothly they were used. I am not part of the LGBT+ community but support friends and family who are. I feel this gave me an intimate POV into that world and the characters thoughts which deepened my support and understanding.
Can’t wait for book two!!
October 10, 2023
ARC review
This was a very unique book in so many ways. I can't remember ever reading a book that used pronouns in this way. Not one person was called a man or woman - they were masc or femme
Trope-wise, we have : enemies to lovers, a why choose romance, and lots & lots of spice like from page 1!
The worldbuilding and magic system itself was impressive & fascinating. I loved the unique character names and Wolfsbane was a great character to follow. Im excited to see what happens to everyone next!
If you want a fantasy book filled with new creatures, then this is the book for you.
This was a very unique book in so many ways. I can't remember ever reading a book that used pronouns in this way. Not one person was called a man or woman - they were masc or femme
Trope-wise, we have : enemies to lovers, a why choose romance, and lots & lots of spice like from page 1!
The worldbuilding and magic system itself was impressive & fascinating. I loved the unique character names and Wolfsbane was a great character to follow. Im excited to see what happens to everyone next!
If you want a fantasy book filled with new creatures, then this is the book for you.
October 13, 2023
The passion , energy and strength of characters throughout this book was intense and powerful to read. The development of the characters was inspirational and well thought off.
I haven't picked up many books that are LGBTQIA+ , however I definitely will be picking out more to read. This has been by far one of my favourites.
The scenes are hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, described very well that you feel like you are in the room . I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put this down until I had devoured the whole book.
I feel like some of the scenes in this book will be staying in my mind rent free.
I haven't picked up many books that are LGBTQIA+ , however I definitely will be picking out more to read. This has been by far one of my favourites.
The scenes are hot 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥, described very well that you feel like you are in the room . I was hooked after the first chapter and couldn't put this down until I had devoured the whole book.
I feel like some of the scenes in this book will be staying in my mind rent free.
October 15, 2023
This book is for those in the LGBTQIA+ community who have never seen themselves represented in a story. I love how diverse, open and loving all of these characters are.
Wolf our main character was a great main character. They were strong, fierce, very independent and so fiery. I loved them.
We also have poly relationships which I've never read before in a book but loved the love in this book.
The smut was chefs kiss. I couldn't ask for anything better.
This world is very unique and I loved every second of exploring and learning about this world.
I can't wait to read more in this world and more from this author.
Wolf our main character was a great main character. They were strong, fierce, very independent and so fiery. I loved them.
We also have poly relationships which I've never read before in a book but loved the love in this book.
The smut was chefs kiss. I couldn't ask for anything better.
This world is very unique and I loved every second of exploring and learning about this world.
I can't wait to read more in this world and more from this author.
September 22, 2023
This was my first all inclusive read and it was written and delivered so well, it’s as if it’s the most natural thing to expect from a book these days( although u know this has not been a mainstream idea this far) the brilliant world that we are introduced to is just… where I wanna live and the character development was fantastic. This was an absolute hell of a ride!! And did I mention that spice!!! Whewww. Would absolutely recommend and cannot wait for more from this author, as this was my first read and won’t be my last!!
October 9, 2023
Fascinating world creation. A enemies to lovers read with instant spice from page one. It was easy to get sucked into the storyline. Inclusive in pronouns and sexual orientation. If you want a fantasy book filled with new creatures and reimagined classics then this is the book for you. I'm excited for the next book. This was the first book I read that had inclusive pronouns; threw me off a little bit but not enough to be distracting. I appreciate the author writing something that is LGBTQAI+ supportive.
October 9, 2023
ARC review
This was such a unique book in so many different ways. The way the pronouns were handled was unlike anything I've read before. I love that noone is referred to as a man or a woman, but masc or femm.
As far as tropes go, we have a why choose romance, enemies to lovers across multiple love interests, and a TON of spice.
The worldbuilding and magic system itself was amazing. I love the character names and Wolfsbane was a great character to follow. I can't to see what happens to them and everyone else next!
This was such a unique book in so many different ways. The way the pronouns were handled was unlike anything I've read before. I love that noone is referred to as a man or a woman, but masc or femm.
As far as tropes go, we have a why choose romance, enemies to lovers across multiple love interests, and a TON of spice.
The worldbuilding and magic system itself was amazing. I love the character names and Wolfsbane was a great character to follow. I can't to see what happens to them and everyone else next!
October 17, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I can't express how good this book was. The things in this book that make it different are what make it great and worth every second that you spent reading it.
I love that this story's main character is the one on the opposite side of the spectrum and had to be the one to find around to change that had happened in the years that they were away. I love the open fluidity of the story and the writing. While this story may not be everybody's cup of tea, I definitely loved it.
I can't express how good this book was. The things in this book that make it different are what make it great and worth every second that you spent reading it.
I love that this story's main character is the one on the opposite side of the spectrum and had to be the one to find around to change that had happened in the years that they were away. I love the open fluidity of the story and the writing. While this story may not be everybody's cup of tea, I definitely loved it.
October 3, 2023
Listen, if you want love, sex, and more, this is the book for you!!! Now of course its not just about the smut, there is an actual plot to this, and its phenomenal. It'll make you feel all the feels.
I love the inclusivity as well since that space of literature is just now being wrote about in detail and giving a bigger voice to the LGBTQ+ community.
You rocked this Maxine!!!!!! Please write more 😘
I love the inclusivity as well since that space of literature is just now being wrote about in detail and giving a bigger voice to the LGBTQ+ community.
You rocked this Maxine!!!!!! Please write more 😘
October 6, 2023
I just freaking finished my arc read of King of Bastards and OMG I NEED THE SECOND BOOK TODAY. The good stuff started on like page two. The freaking themes in this book *chef’s kiss*. This book made me cry, laugh and curse. Before I even finished the book I had a list of people who I know will need to read the book. Do check trigger warnings. There was tons of “fun” times too. Good and spicy scenes!
October 14, 2023
This was a great book! First time ever reading this author. From the moment I picked up the book, I could not put it down. It was well written and kept me wanting to read more. The characters all build very gradually but not too slowly where you lose interest.
Tropes: why choose romance
enemies to lovers
Not a trope but LGBTQ+- which I love that we are extending our books outside MF story lines
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Can't wait for the next book!!!
Tropes: why choose romance
enemies to lovers
Not a trope but LGBTQ+- which I love that we are extending our books outside MF story lines
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Can't wait for the next book!!!
October 11, 2023
This is my first time reading from this author and all I can say is I loved it! It kept me eager to read more, wanting it to be finished so I could know the ending but at the same time I never wanted it to end 🥴 reading it was like being transported to another world and I’m so excited to see what comes next!
November 13, 2024
Pleasantly surprised
I was this expecting this book to be as good as it was. The characters well developed and loved everyone's back story. The characters were diverse and done in a way that felt natural. (If that makes any sense). Plus, FMC is a voluptuous, sexy badass. The spice was gooooood and well placed. It also felt very natural and not just attention grabbing.
I was this expecting this book to be as good as it was. The characters well developed and loved everyone's back story. The characters were diverse and done in a way that felt natural. (If that makes any sense). Plus, FMC is a voluptuous, sexy badass. The spice was gooooood and well placed. It also felt very natural and not just attention grabbing.
September 23, 2023
This was a good book! It was well written and kept me wanting to read more. I was into it shortly after starting it and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the characters. Overall, i really enjoyed the book and cant wait to read more from this author
October 16, 2023
Could not put this one down.
King of Bastards by Maxine Rivers is a unique and captivating novel that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a unique, captivating, and unforgettable fantasy novel, then I highly recommend King of Bastards. It's a book that I could not put down. It has everything you could want in a dark fantasy read.
Tropes include, but aren't limited to:
-Friends to Enemies to Lovers
- Morally Grey Characters
- Elemental Magic
- Plus Size MC
- Nonbinary MC
*Don't forget to read your triggers on this one.
King of Bastards by Maxine Rivers is a unique and captivating novel that will keep you hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a unique, captivating, and unforgettable fantasy novel, then I highly recommend King of Bastards. It's a book that I could not put down. It has everything you could want in a dark fantasy read.
Tropes include, but aren't limited to:
-Friends to Enemies to Lovers
- Morally Grey Characters
- Elemental Magic
- Plus Size MC
- Nonbinary MC
*Don't forget to read your triggers on this one.
December 18, 2024
Came for the romance stayed for the plot. No really. Loved the epic fantasy world building and overarching story. The characters are layered and fleshed out. Also oh my god all the queer rep you could ask for. I can’t wait to read the second book.
February 25, 2025
I picked this up to see what the wonderful cover was about and ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED the first half of the book in one sitting!!! Was beyond pleasantly surprised by the characters and world building and very excited to read the next book!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
I read this as part of my personal 2025 Trans Readathon challenge due to the genderqueer characters, and I’m so glad I did! This book was so enjoyable! The plot had me gripped! The spice was divine! The representation was perfection! An amazing read overall and I can’t wait to read the sequel!
October 4, 2023
This story had me hooked from the start, the depth of characters development through out was engaging and the range portrayed was amazing! the story kept me engaging and left me craving more!
October 10, 2023
The character descriptions put you in their space and that I really enjoyed. Being in their world made reading this book a welcome escape from reality.
June 28, 2025
3⭐️/4.25🌶️
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