Wicked, Cruel Things: The Realm of Kahnan

by Emma Lynn Ellis

The village hidden in the forest has always been peaceful. That is, until one night when all of its inhabitants are mysteriously burned to ash. Gwyndolin is forced to seek refuge in a remote cabin by the sea, with a strange man. When a chance encounter has her questioning everything she knows, she is forced to travel North to the forbidden mountains. There, she must face the truth of that frightful night, as well as come to terms with the power she holds. And what she must do with it...

Genres: Fantasy, Audiobook, Romantasy, Romance

330 pages, Paperback

Published September 11, 2023

About the author

Emma likes nothing more than to read a good book and drink some good coffee. Or write, as I'm sure you can tell. You can find her... No where, because she's always at home.
Emma is a graduate of Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Art in Secondary English Education.

Reviews

[Emma Lynn Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this book, and I think it’s pretty good. Only writing a review because I think after reading it 5000 times, I should get to count it towards my Goodreads goal of the year.
4/5 stars to keep me humble.

[Heather Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up because it was written by a local author & that intrigued me. It was a little hard to get into. The first 3 or so chapters were, in my opinion, overly descriptive. That style of writing isn't my favorite to read, it can be a little overwhelming to me. I stuck with it because I'd seen another reviewer say the same thing & suggest to keep reading. The adjectives leveled out and the story spiced up & I really enjoyed this book. It was giving M Night Shyamalan vibes throughout. I'll be reading anything else this author writes! For a first novel, I'd say she nailed it.

[Nikki McClenahan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hard read

I really wanted to like this book. I powered through when I truly didn't think I'd be able to finish it because the story is interesting, it's just not well written. There are some parts further into the books that don't feel as forced, or rushed, but the ending is right back to being rushed again.
The magic system isn't flushed out, some plots points don't make sense and the relationships feel forced.
It was short, and rough.

[Sarah Eldridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

All that work and what did it get me…. 75% of this book was wasted time. The last 25% was enough to start a whole trilogy. Underutilized idea with far to much flashback work building. My goal for 2024 was to read more small time authors… sadly, this one left me wanting.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I really liked the concept of this book, I don't think the execution was handled well. There is very little world building which made it hard for me to understand what was happening, what peoples powers were etc. There was never a really clear explanation of Gwyn's power outside of it having to do with fire. I think that the book as a whole needed more emotion and depth to each character because they just didn't feel flushed out enough that I felt connected to any of them. I really couldn't believe the love interests because I just didn't feel or read a lot of emotion between the characters. It all felt very rushed. Again, I loved the idea around this book and I know as author they will grow and their books will get better and better, but this one just didn't do that.

[Wicked Monster · Rating 4 out of 5]

UNBIASED ARC READER REVIEW

Hmmm… where to start…

Personally I typically don’t like books that are overly detailed, how authors write paragraph after paragraph describing a “burning flame”. In the begging I ALMOST DNF it, but boy am I glad I persevered. Emma please don’t hate me I have nothing but love for your book just keep reading!

I don’t want to give any spoilers so I will tell my thought sand feelings through the book as I was reading.

The epilogue I didn’t have a clue what was going on, I was dumbfounded 🥴

Throughout the beginning chapters it was a lot of world building and getting to know the characters of course. Then we have an unexpected visitor to change the entire atmosphere. My reaction “ohhh more love interests who will she choose?” (I love a good naughty romance 😉)but WAIT another twist!

The trees?! Creepy creatures roaming around the woods?

Oh shoot we’re lost! Now we’re somewhere else, okay cool.

Ohh wait he seems dreamy “the bad guy” with sweet intentions, okay I can stand behind that.

BAM we are thrown for a freaking loop. Who is she? Where did she come from? Whaaaat?

Keep reading

Ohhhh there’s magic? Yes please!


My pulse quickens, Citrus and vanilla? Laying next to her? Girl I have been WAITING for this moment, let me have it…Okay okay a little short and sweet. I have to remind myself this isn’t Haunting Adeline, Gwynn is a F-ING lady, not Adeline (she’s kinky 😘)

Zombie-ish workers? What have I gotten myself into, LETS GO!

I can’t ruin the end for you BUT all the “where does that come into the story” thoughts I had all went out the WINDOW.

All in all it was a great read! Very beautiful writing and very detailed, I will most definitely purchase a copy of it when it’s released! There were quiet a few twist and turns and wtf moments for sure!

[●Gina● · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Wicked Cruel Things with my book club so I had already expected to like it. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading it. For a debut novel I would say it hit its mark.
I couldn't put it down long, the characters were likeable and relatable, and the tension was high. For me, that's a recipe for a good book!

I am absolutely thrilled that Gwen fell in love with Oran and made a life with him. I was rooting for that man the moment he walked into the dining hall. I was honestly not happy with her love interest choices when it was just Zale and Silas although I was willing to settle with whoever my main girl chose. When Oran was introduced I knew he was a game changer.

Why it's missing a star:

The first few chapters were a little hard to get through because of how heavily descriptive everything was. I felt like a few plot-details got lost in the flowery language which made it hard for me to keep up. However, after chapter 3 the writing evens out and the plot picks up.

I felt like there were a few unnecessary flashbacks with Silas. I understand he was a love interest for a while and had the most history and connection with Gwen but (in my personal opinion) it built him up to be an essential part in her ending when he kinda wasn't.
He's not her lover and he didn't die for her. I feel like we missed out on getting to know Zale more since his allegiance and death was critical to their victory.
Silas just felt like a lost love sick puppy.
It just felt like there wasn't enough depth to Zale's character and I wish we got to know him more than just "that guy Gwen spent three years with and then mysteriously disappeared for half the book".

With that being said, I still love this book and I will be reading Emma's future works!

[Paige Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book in a while that had me excited to read again! If you’re a fan of romance/fantasy this is a quick read that’ll have you wishing there was a sequel. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

[Christina's Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great stand alone fantasy book! I will remember this book every time I'm in the forest. It seems every realm has its tyrants. Great character development, relatable & lovable. If you like Romantasy, I do recommend!

[Rikki Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I didn’t think I was going to like it because the beginning is confusing but it quickly gets good and the more the story progresses the more things start to click. I was convinced daire was her father after that’s what were led to believe I never once questioned if she was allistairs daughter 🤯 I love the time warps in this book that’s what sets it apart from the other romantasy books like this. This book is heavy on the fantasy but I love that we get more romance and she finds love in a very unexpected person.
Good for her for burning that whole dang place to the ground and that wretched man with it but the hint of two sons not being accounted for has me feeling like we’ll be hearing more from them.
I’m happy with the ending I just wish Zale was alive to see it.
6 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Loved it and will definitely be reading her second book asap

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone struggling at the beginning, push through! The first few chapters are overly descriptive and kind of hard to digest. Don’t worry, the whole book isn’t that way, it stops shortly into the book. I loved the story so much. I love our FMC Gwyn, poor girl has been through it. She had such an isolated, awful upbringing. I hated Silas’ dad. Zale was an unexpected surprise, literally everything about him. Oran caught my eye from the moment he was introduced, I already loved him. The last 100 pages things get crazy QUICK. The only thing I’m a little sad about was how soon the story ended. I wish I got a little more info on what happened moving forward with all of the characters we grew to love and their HEAs. Great book overall and I’ll be excited to read anything Emma Writes!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredibly slow. None of the characters really have any traits beside the super basic like “evil guy” or “best friend of main character” so it’s hard to connect with the story. The romance was sooooo forced. Interesting story idea, not great execution.

[Katrina Gilles · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, it just didn't feel as well written, sorry

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silas is also a villain!

[Jenny Mcvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to end a book on Valentines Day! But wow!!!! It was a rough start to it. But once you actually get into the book. I loveeee it so much! It’s one that you can’t put down because it just draws you into the folktales and legends. And then Gwyn!!! Holy cow her whole life she was perceived as an outsider!!! And then she finds out the truth that she’s this very important person. She never felt important her whole life because he family abandoned her and then she finds the whole story out and all along she had this power inside of her. Woman power for sure. And I have tons of questions while I was going through and had to write them down. Actually I need to see if they were answered. Haha so these were halfway through the book… before you get the actual storyline….

Is she part of the tree people?
Why was she taken in by another family?
Did he only make Enid her handmade because they knew each other?
Why is she in a big room?
Why is she so special to him aka King Daire?
What happened to Zale?
Was Zale part of the tree people?
How did they never see other people?
Are tree people and mountain people at war?
How did she go 3 years without finding Silas?

Tiernan being Tiernan !!!! Can’t believe a kind soul could be that soulless son! But I liked him when he said he liked how feisty Gwyn was. Haha the King had 7 sons! That’s crazy! Haha

I just got to say, I’m still confused on Silas and Gwyns relationship! Because I know she wanted him to be with Enid like he was supposed to. But why was Enid so sure Silas was always with Gwyn. I mean I know they did their duty of hiding their relationship but why did Silas do that to her? Let her go through that heartache that she’s never good enough that he’ll always have Gwyn to go sneak off to. But again when you’re in love I totally understand I did stupid things myself.but I’m glad Gwyn stopped it and kept her distance. Then Oran!!!! Woof! I’d love to see that man in person. The love he has for women. And the way they had their moment when she was on bed rest. Anyways…. I am sooo glad this didn’t end on the worst case scenario and with cliffhangers. It ended well and now onto the next!!! There’s more story to tell and I can’t wait to see. Also the bad guy loses. But let’s hope his sons who was with him died too or have a change of heart and don’t try to seek revenge. We shall see!!!! Great read! So sad I waited this long to read it but so glad because now I don’t have to wait for the other 2 in the series!!!!

⭐️ 5/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💧💧💧

Fantasy
Magic
Tree people
Hidden love
Runaway love
Family reunited

[Alyson Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been thinking about this book for a while now and finally picked it up to read from TikTok shop lol. Thankfully the author generously provided drawn photos of each character with my purchase and this was very helpful!! I’m never good at imagining characters from any books and usually just make up what I want to see based off of the descriptions, but these drawings were extremely helpful for me, especially with so many characters at once in the beginning. I am going to be honest, I thought this book was predictable, nonetheless I was still interested and kept reading! The story overall was intriguing but there was some plot holes I’m confused about. For instance, why can the mountain people go through trees?? This wasn’t really explained, and I didn’t like that it required 2 people because it just didn’t make sense honestly. I was also confused as to why Gwyn NEVER asked any questions about Zale’s past in the 3 years they were together? She did know the basic stuff but she even says herself she never really asked… I don’t really get that but okay. Didn’t understand how Oran giving Gwyn a drop of his power, lock picking and protection spells from prying eyes, ears, and people, allowed her to bring him back to life after even the one with healing powers was unable to do so, this was definitely jumped over in my opinion. Sorry to keep going but I also didn’t see how Gwyn and Oran fell in love in the VERY short amount of time they spent together 😅 overall, I did like the story, clearly, since I rated it 4 stars (3.5 rounded up to 4). The plot was good just needed a little work but I know the author’s work will only go up from here!!

[J.V. Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Saying goodbye to someone I had known my entire life, my only friend, was one of the hardest things I had ever done.

But I survived.”

Wicked Cruel Things is an intriguing dark fantasy thriller that begins with a compelling love triangle between the curious FMC with an obscure past and two alpha males vying for her love. Something foreboding lurks among the sinister trees, forcing them to set aside their rivalry and protect her from what lies beyond the malignant forest. Her mysterious past holds the key to a power she never knew she had. A captivating FMC who grows into her power. Enemies-to-lovers dark romance with enough spice to make your pulse race. More than once, I felt she channeled the great Brandon Sanderson in his epic Mistborn saga.

The author uses colorful, detailed descriptions with poetic precision to create a realistic and vivid world that captivates. The first-person narrative further engages, evoking strong emotions and empathy for the powerful characters and their adventures. E.L. Ellis describes intense emotional sequences that give the reader chills.

The story begins with a slow burn that evolves into a multi-faceted mystery. Clues and revelations elevate the suspense, and the tempo gradually increases until things reach critical mass. After that… hang on tight! You think you see it coming—but you don’t. I felt like I was riding an avalanche down the side of a mountain—its conclusion left me breathless!

Five Stars!

[Payton Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

I really enjoyed this read. I loved that it was fantasy, mixed with romance, tied in with a mystery. I received an ARC of the second one and was so excited to start the series!

This books started off with a story that instantly had you wanting to dive right in. The forest aspect was something I had never seen before so I was instantly intrigued, also the way the author was able to keep you on your toes throughout the beginning of the story. She wanted her readers to keep putting the pieces together.

The one thing I was disappointed with was how fast we saw the main love intrest come in. He was instantly there and I felt like it blew by, towards the end of the book I feel like I didn’t get enough moments of them. I was also disappointed with Silas, I can’t explain why but I had higher hopes for him. I wish we could’ve spent more time with some of the characters.

And the one death had me SOBBING😭

Overall, this book was so so good and I totally recommend! I will be starting the second one TONIGHT!!

[Jessica Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this from an indie author I found on Tikky. This was her debut novel, and the first 80 or so pages were a little messy. Every sentence had so many adjectives, and I could not understand where the story was going because the prologue was confusing. But right at maybe the 1/3 mark things evened out and I was absolutely sucked in. I loved the FMC and the “final” love interest. I loved the found family aspect. The level of spice was so well done. I loved the emotions I felt in my gut while the FMC learned all the secrets of her past. Most importantly I think the ending was fantastic. I’m a slut for a well rounded ending. Any deaths that occurred were realistic, the HEA was realistic, and the setup for any future books was realistic. My heart feels full after the epilogue and that’s all I need. Loved watching this author grow and come into herself. I’ve already bought her second book and am very excited about it 🖤

[Ann · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book suffers from the same problem that a lot of "romantasy" books do.

It has needlessly flowery descriptions of things. Descriptions that make no sense.

Joy "leaks" out of people. (YUCKY)

"the joy from his morning still saturating his mood"

...what?

Leaking is something that a faucet does. Which is not directly associated with joy.
So, how can joy LEAK out of someone? Would joy saturate a mood?

The clunky writing is like a badly tuned piano. Every time you think it's the beginning notes of Moonlight Sonata, you get a screeching discordant note that ruins the whole recital.

"My heart begins thundering at the feel of [his] skin against me"

Not "My heart thunders as our bodies press together" or something more melodramatic: "Our bodies come together like thunder"

You're writing from the first person perspective. Who would describe sex they are actively engaging in this way?

[Darina’s Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars.

I didn’t know what to think of this book, of the plot in the beginning. The synopsis doesn’t give anything away.
First couple of chapters were hard to get into especially due to overuse of descriptiveness. Luckily it was just in the beginning and the rest of the books that was a smooth writing.

Part 1 was intriguing once I read past the overuse of the descriptions.

Part 2 was engaging and at times irritating because the main character was so oblivious and so in denial. Everyone knows the truth. We know the truth. People tell her hints and outright truth and she was still none the wiser.

The men in her life were cowards, liars, and selfish weasels.
And she didn’t see it.

Part 3 was dragging. And bloopery.

There are a lot of bloopers throughout this book that threw me off completely.

I don’t know. I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s strange. Part 3 and a lot of bloopers and inconveniences undid it for me. Would I recommend it? Hard to say.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start! For the first book by Emma, It's fantastic! Dive into the realm of magic, love affairs, cruelty, and self becoming! I absolutely love how we, as the readers, only knew what the main character knew. We learned things as she learned them. Gwyn is nieve and didn't want to face reality. This book is definitely engraved in my brain now. My hatred and my love for some of the characters has me questioning my sanity. (Who am I kinding, I've been questioning that forever.) I just can't decide that I love or hate them! This book has the perfect amount of romance and fantasy. It's not overdone. The time lapse just makes the book even more interesting. I was rooting for Zale for the longest time, then walked in Oran. The love triangle between Zale, Silas, and Gwyn, well, that was just a whole thing.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh oh my gosh this book was so fun! It was fast paced but the setting also made it somehow cozy at the same time. The story had so many little mysteries that I NEEDED TO KNOW so I couldn’t freaking put it down! It gave me some Throne of Glass vibes with the creepy castle and mysterious magic and evil elements and the eerie king.

My one real complaint is that I just wish the author had given us *more*. More time to slowly unveil the secrets, more time to explain the magic, more time for the romance to build, etc. The story line was fantastic and creative and fun, I wish it was a bit beefier.

Overall I’m super impressed for a debut novel and will 110% pre-order anything she comes out with next!! ❤️

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one but it fell flat for me. The concept is really cool and I liked the characters, but I wanted more depth that just wasn't there. Some points were emphasized so heavily that I was banging my head against the wall wanting our FMC to finally get it, but other things were glossed over so briefly that I was confused. I found the FMC to be stubborn and illogical in a way that made it hard for me to connect with her, and I also didn't feel drawn to any of the male main characters. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator's volume dropped every time a male voice was speaking, which also made the experience somewhat frazzled. I don't regret reading this, but I wouldn't recommend it either.

[Rebecca Enriquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the book. First time ever doing an ARC review. At first I was lost between characters, it was slightly confusing but once the chapter progressed I absolutely fell in love with the characters, some I completely hated for there reactions for the way they acted but isn’t that the point to love and hate the character within a book. The story progressed beautifully and the plot was tremendous. I felt the passion within the book and I was so satisfied when in the end she finally found someone she loved. The ending broke me yet completed me. It left me wanting more and I was so happy to read this. I would read it again!

[Sherri Sharpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a captivating story. There are so many convoluted relationships. The FMC Gwendoline is enjoying a simple life by the sea with Zale. As she is hunting in the forest, she ends up running into Silas, a man she hasn't seen in 3 years. Only, it's only been a few weeks for Silas. Zale finds her with Silas, and they all end up searching the forest for a way out. What ensues is a deepening mystery. Who are the people who disappear into the trees, and where do they go? This book has mystery, love interests, sword fighting, and magic. So good! * I received and ARC of this book, and I'm giving an honest review*.

[Alysa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing read! Even though there were a couple moments in the very beginning where I was a little confused when the point of view changed, I got used to it quickly. This story is absolutely incredible and deserves nothing less than 5 stars! The magic in this is so unique, I love the way time moved in this, and the mystery aspect was the perfect touch. I fell in love with this world and these characters so quickly and was hooked from the start. I cried so much in part 3, but that just shows how connected I was to these characters. I wish I could jump inside of this book and be there with them! Amazing!

[Orsonseraphina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel immerses readers in a peaceful village shattered by a catastrophic event, leaving its inhabitants turned to ash. Gwyndolin, the protagonist, seeks refuge in a coastal cabin with a mysterious stranger, setting off a journey filled with suspense and self-discovery.

As she travels to the forbidden mountains, Gwyndolin confronts her past and the truth about her newfound power. The vivid writing captures both beauty and danger, while themes of loss, resilience, and identity resonate throughout.

A captivating adventure that combines fantasy with personal growth, this story is a must-read for fans seeking depth and intrigue in their tales.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful debut novel. The world building was detailed and well crafted, and the main characters kept me engaged. There is mystery in this new world of magic which kept me turning pages late into the night. I liked the FMC's development thru out the book as well. And the love interests? Which one? I was kept guessing and was very happy with the final choice. Although, I was hoping for more background for a few of the other characters, overall this was a fantastic book.
I received an ARC of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be an arc reader for this book and must say it’s pretty good! It took a bit to get into it and at times it was a bit unclear whose pov jt was, but I loved the story itself.

It started out with the forest being very reminiscent of the haunting of hill house, house (book version not show) and that intrigue alone and bit of mystery kept me reading. Then as the story unfolded, I found myself interested to see what happened next. A little bit of spice which is always a plus as well. Overall, it’s a good read and a unique concept!