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The King and the Assassin #2
The Neverseen King
Only one fate awaits the bride of the Neverseen King. But I will not die.Full blurb coming soon.The Neverseen King is the second in series fantasy romance of a tortured assassin and her dangerous fae husband, perfect for fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Sylvia Mercedes, and Elise Kova who love dark, swoon-worthy heroes and heart wrenching, slow-burn romance.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2024
256 people are currently reading
1699 people want to read
About the author
Anastasis Blythe
15 books546 followersAnastasis Blythe makes her home in central Texas with her husband. When she’s not writing, she gardens, accompanies local bands and choirs on piano, rescues feral cats, and tries to keep up with the laundry. She loves exploring the world through reading, walks in nature, and thoughtful conversations. You can find her on Instagram at @anastasisblythe and on her website at AnastasisBlythe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 25, 2024
IM NOT OKAY. that last third of the book i think was purposefully made to try and kill us. she really gave us everything and took it away!!!! 😭
this was phenomenal. i’m so speechless. honestly SO much better than the first book.
i can’t wait to reread when this comes out!
thank you ana for the arc!! 💕
this was phenomenal. i’m so speechless. honestly SO much better than the first book.
i can’t wait to reread when this comes out!
thank you ana for the arc!! 💕
September 15, 2024
I DID NOT GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO DESTROY ME WITH THE LAST 8% OF THIS BOOK, MA’AM! But also well done. Cannot wait for the next book!!!
August 13, 2024
The Neverseen King could run me over with a horse carriage and I’d still be in love with him, this man is literally *chefs kiss*
This book was the PERFECT follow up to The Assassin Bride, it had swoon-worthy moments *st@bby moments* and moments that made me cackle (I’m looking at you Eshe) I thought the book overall was well paced, well written, and well thought out. I can’t wait for the next one!
This book was the PERFECT follow up to The Assassin Bride, it had swoon-worthy moments *st@bby moments* and moments that made me cackle (I’m looking at you Eshe) I thought the book overall was well paced, well written, and well thought out. I can’t wait for the next one!
December 27, 2025
(Clean NA Fantasy with Fae)
UGH yet another cliffhanger 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I don’t know what to say..
I don’t know what to say.. it was GREAT but then like everything went down so I’m just gna quickly go on to the third book and hope my poor heart won’t be broken even more
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
RTC later
⚠️ Age Suggestion: 15-16+ ⚠️
CONTENT INFO:
No spice- some kisses and some touches
No foul language
No LGBTQ content
Contains Magic
Trigger Warning ‼️
Suicidal thoughts and a remembering a suicidal attempt, grief
UGH yet another cliffhanger 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I don’t know what to say..
I don’t know what to say.. it was GREAT but then like everything went down so I’m just gna quickly go on to the third book and hope my poor heart won’t be broken even more
4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
RTC later
⚠️ Age Suggestion: 15-16+ ⚠️
CONTENT INFO:
No spice- some kisses and some touches
No foul language
No LGBTQ content
Contains Magic
Trigger Warning ‼️
Suicidal thoughts and a remembering a suicidal attempt, grief
December 23, 2024
Editing - I forgot I did review book 1 after all -
The vibe is clearly yet Arabian Nights inspired, and in that respect its very engaging in terms of descriptions of the city, the people, the places - it felt real within the realm of fantasy, and that's valid for book 1 and 2.
Mix of Arabian Nights meets faeries goblins and others, my one quibble here - and maybe its an age thing - did this really need 3 books? I admit I'm a little miffed because I think the story could easily be wrapped into 2, and now i need to wait for book 3, because of course I have to know how it ends!
Did Nadira really need to go through all this trauma? .... probably not, it gets exhausting to read at one point really ... its like one shock after another...
What drew me back was the characters in the moments where drama is not happening, and for that alone I stayed.
Did i love this? no, but I did like it and I will read book 3.
Lots of rambling in here for my last goodreads review - yours truly is leaving for storygraph at the beginning of 2025 - its been fun but time to try something new.
Happy Readings all!
The vibe is clearly yet Arabian Nights inspired, and in that respect its very engaging in terms of descriptions of the city, the people, the places - it felt real within the realm of fantasy, and that's valid for book 1 and 2.
Mix of Arabian Nights meets faeries goblins and others, my one quibble here - and maybe its an age thing - did this really need 3 books? I admit I'm a little miffed because I think the story could easily be wrapped into 2, and now i need to wait for book 3, because of course I have to know how it ends!
Did Nadira really need to go through all this trauma? .... probably not, it gets exhausting to read at one point really ... its like one shock after another...
What drew me back was the characters in the moments where drama is not happening, and for that alone I stayed.
Did i love this? no, but I did like it and I will read book 3.
Lots of rambling in here for my last goodreads review - yours truly is leaving for storygraph at the beginning of 2025 - its been fun but time to try something new.
Happy Readings all!
January 30, 2026
Plot- Fast paced and engaging.
Characters- I really liked both main characters and the side characters. For the most part they have great communication.
I would consider the MMC, Caladin, very trauma-informed. He understands the FMC and how her past trauma manifests in ways that people who don’t understand how trauma affects individuals might misconstrue or take offense from. He is incredibly patient and supportive, and I love that he doesn’t allow her to push him away.
Writing Loved the "world building” with the portals and the bridge. I use the term in quotes because the world building is limited to that setting, mostly.
Writing is great! I was completely hooked!
I’m glad that the FMC makes the right choice in the ending scene. The cliffhanger ending wasn’t perfect (I wish she had understood and taken responsibility for the fact that her demands on the MMC caused the bad outcome, and it pains me that he had to sacrifice so much without knowing if she cared). But so far the author hasn’t disappointed me when it comes to communication and making amends pretty quickly (I hate it when stuff like this gets drawn out for eternity), so I trust this will get resolved asap in Book 3 and they will soon be on the same page again.
Romance- Very high chemistry. Loved it!
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- some amazing kisses, but totally clean. Yay! High chemistry in a clean book!
Substance abuse- none
Violence- Less carnage than the first book, thankfully. Still, there is some killing and blood, but nothing overkill (pun intended) ;)
Cover- good
POV- first person dual POV (he gets an occasional chapter, which I enjoyed.)
Cliffhanger- yes. He isn’t sure where their relationship stands after the crisis at the end of the book, but the FMC is committed (thankfully). They are in big trouble, though, so this is a bigger cliffhanger than what Book 1 ended with.
Format- Audiobook via Audible
Narration- Both the male and the female performers were excellent! Loved the Eastern Indian flair with their accents.
How I rated the series -
Book 1 - The Assassin Bride - 5 stars
Book 2 - The Neverseen King - 5 stars
Book 3 - The Nightmare Queen - 4 stars
Characters- I really liked both main characters and the side characters. For the most part they have great communication.
I would consider the MMC, Caladin, very trauma-informed. He understands the FMC and how her past trauma manifests in ways that people who don’t understand how trauma affects individuals might misconstrue or take offense from. He is incredibly patient and supportive, and I love that he doesn’t allow her to push him away.
Writing Loved the "world building” with the portals and the bridge. I use the term in quotes because the world building is limited to that setting, mostly.
Writing is great! I was completely hooked!
I’m glad that the FMC makes the right choice in the ending scene. The cliffhanger ending wasn’t perfect (I wish she had understood and taken responsibility for the fact that her demands on the MMC caused the bad outcome, and it pains me that he had to sacrifice so much without knowing if she cared). But so far the author hasn’t disappointed me when it comes to communication and making amends pretty quickly (I hate it when stuff like this gets drawn out for eternity), so I trust this will get resolved asap in Book 3 and they will soon be on the same page again.
Romance- Very high chemistry. Loved it!
Content-
Language- no swearing
Spice- some amazing kisses, but totally clean. Yay! High chemistry in a clean book!
Substance abuse- none
Violence- Less carnage than the first book, thankfully. Still, there is some killing and blood, but nothing overkill (pun intended) ;)
Cover- good
POV- first person dual POV (he gets an occasional chapter, which I enjoyed.)
Cliffhanger- yes. He isn’t sure where their relationship stands after the crisis at the end of the book, but the FMC is committed (thankfully). They are in big trouble, though, so this is a bigger cliffhanger than what Book 1 ended with.
Format- Audiobook via Audible
Narration- Both the male and the female performers were excellent! Loved the Eastern Indian flair with their accents.
How I rated the series -
Book 1 - The Assassin Bride - 5 stars
Book 2 - The Neverseen King - 5 stars
Book 3 - The Nightmare Queen - 4 stars
August 6, 2025
5 stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! I could not put this one down! For fans of Throne of Glass and Powerless/Reckless, this second installment does not disappoint!
“What we gain will be all the more precious for what we have lost.”
If you love swoony fae princes, portals to other realms, spunky best friends, and a morally gray heroine who has to face the trauma of her past, look no further!
It also includes our friend the Banister (iykyk 😉)
Content notes:
- closed door romance that still made my toes curl (hooray!!!)
- No language
TW: included some dark themes, including murder, family member death, suicide contemplation, and sexual exploitation of young women/children
WOW! I could not put this one down! For fans of Throne of Glass and Powerless/Reckless, this second installment does not disappoint!
“What we gain will be all the more precious for what we have lost.”
If you love swoony fae princes, portals to other realms, spunky best friends, and a morally gray heroine who has to face the trauma of her past, look no further!
It also includes our friend the Banister (iykyk 😉)
Content notes:
- closed door romance that still made my toes curl (hooray!!!)
- No language
TW: included some dark themes, including murder, family member death, suicide contemplation, and sexual exploitation of young women/children
July 3, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this. It was a classic "middle" book - nice that Kaladen and Nadira had time to each work on healing old wounds and grow in their relationship, but the entire plot consists of them frantically closing portals while waiting for a crisis.
The problem is, when the crisis finally happens, I don't really believe any of it. I don't think the events would have played out the way the did, I don't think the timing works out (or is consistent with the books in the companion series), I don't think the characters would have responded the way they did. The book ends in a cliffhanger that felt more like illogical clickbait to me than what the characters would actually do.
Content: Steamy, but clean romance. Pining and kisses. Violence, sometimes well-described. Memories of past abuse.
Random observation: I am terrible at forming mental images, so it was amusing that in this book, I could for the first time ever form a fairly accurate mental picture of a character. He was a solid black shadow with two blue pinpricks for eyes. I'll admit, my mental image was rather like a cutout of black construction paper, but hey, for me, that's incredible progress!
The problem is, when the crisis finally happens, I don't really believe any of it. I don't think the events would have played out the way the did, I don't think the timing works out (or is consistent with the books in the companion series), I don't think the characters would have responded the way they did. The book ends in a cliffhanger that felt more like illogical clickbait to me than what the characters would actually do.
Content: Steamy, but clean romance. Pining and kisses. Violence, sometimes well-described. Memories of past abuse.
Random observation: I am terrible at forming mental images, so it was amusing that in this book, I could for the first time ever form a fairly accurate mental picture of a character. He was a solid black shadow with two blue pinpricks for eyes. I'll admit, my mental image was rather like a cutout of black construction paper, but hey, for me, that's incredible progress!
February 19, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
I liked it, but the romance weirded me out at some points (*spoilers* specifically when he was kissing her back..)
Oh and the Fae disgust me. I’ll definitely be reading the 3rd one when it comes out tho 🤭
Other than the romance and some goriness and a lot of violence, its clean 👏🏻
I liked it, but the romance weirded me out at some points (*spoilers* specifically when he was kissing her back..)
Oh and the Fae disgust me. I’ll definitely be reading the 3rd one when it comes out tho 🤭
Other than the romance and some goriness and a lot of violence, its clean 👏🏻
August 26, 2024
I love this world so much and loved returning to it and my beloved characters. So much has changed since the beginning of book one. For one thing, we now have the Neverseen King's POV, which I love so much! I absolutely adored seeing him and Nadira slowly growing closer together as they figured out their brand new marriage and how to work as a team. And it is absolutely imperative that they work as a team, because between the portals, the city, and the treacherous Fae, they need each other or else everything will crumple.
Personally, I could read about Nadira and the Neverseen King bantering for hours and love this book so much for giving me that. But it came at a cost, and now my heart is broken and I'm left with a cliffhanger, so there's that to. But you should definitely read it because I know the third book will be worth it.
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence, tragic deaths, and exploration of trauma and its consequences.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with the Neverseen King all over again.
Personally, I could read about Nadira and the Neverseen King bantering for hours and love this book so much for giving me that. But it came at a cost, and now my heart is broken and I'm left with a cliffhanger, so there's that to. But you should definitely read it because I know the third book will be worth it.
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence, tragic deaths, and exploration of trauma and its consequences.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with the Neverseen King all over again.
July 12, 2025
⚔️
The Neverseen King — Anastasis Blythe
📚 Book 2 in The King & the Assassin series
⭐️ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 blades
📆 Date Finished: July 12th, 2025
Nadira (Queen & FMC)
➤ Girl was soooo much more better in this book. Generally, I don't like middle books in a series because it feels filled, but this was So. Much. Better!
The Neverseen King (MMC)
➤ Now her husband—and still masking his face. Well... later we get more than just a hint at it... 😏
➤ Their romance is the CUTEST!! Those little moments that just keep adding up... *sigh*
Eshe / Side Cast
➤ Gives warmth and humor amid palace tension
➤ I love her so much and MASSIVE spoiler:
🧩 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒
Triggers: violent deaths, anxiety, sabotage, panic attacks — all handled with care.
Be warned that these are a main part of the plot, and even I had to skip some scenes.
I loved watching Nadira and her king find each other in the darkness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Help! I’m desperate for Book 3.
📚 Book 2 in The King & the Assassin series
⭐️ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 blades
📆 Date Finished: July 12th, 2025
Nadira (Queen & FMC)
➤ Girl was soooo much more better in this book. Generally, I don't like middle books in a series because it feels filled, but this was So. Much. Better!
The Neverseen King (MMC)
➤ Now her husband—and still masking his face. Well... later we get more than just a hint at it... 😏
➤ Their romance is the CUTEST!! Those little moments that just keep adding up... *sigh*
Eshe / Side Cast
➤ Gives warmth and humor amid palace tension
➤ I love her so much and MASSIVE spoiler:
🧩 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐒
Triggers: violent deaths, anxiety, sabotage, panic attacks — all handled with care.
Be warned that these are a main part of the plot, and even I had to skip some scenes.
I loved watching Nadira and her king find each other in the darkness.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Help! I’m desperate for Book 3.
August 18, 2024
That was so good! The last third of this book completely destroyed me, but I still could not get enough. I do not think that I can physically wait for the last book in this series! As with all of Anastasis Blythe's books, the action, romance, and fantasy elements were beautifully written and kept me on my toes for the entirety of the book. Not once was I bored while reading this! I also appreciate the perfect balance of romance, action, fight scenes, and mystery in this book.
Content: closed door and no language
Content: closed door and no language
August 17, 2024
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book and I DEVOURED it. I have never been so upset that I had to be an adult and put the book down so I could work and sleep!
🌙
I know I say this about every book that I read by Annastasis Blythe but this is my favorite book I've read that she's written! Her books just keep getting better!
I both loved and hated the twists and turns in this book. 😉 I CANNOT wait for the best book to come out!
🌙
This book gets released on August 28, and trust me, if you're a clean fantasy lover like me you NEED this book in your life!
🌙
I know I say this about every book that I read by Annastasis Blythe but this is my favorite book I've read that she's written! Her books just keep getting better!
I both loved and hated the twists and turns in this book. 😉 I CANNOT wait for the best book to come out!
🌙
This book gets released on August 28, and trust me, if you're a clean fantasy lover like me you NEED this book in your life!
August 18, 2024
THE CLIFF HANGERS! The suspense, action, mystery, and magic will have you flying through the pages of this book. What an amazing continuation of the series where we truly see Nadira and the Neverseen King’s relationship blossom while the partner together to keep the Bridge under control. Blythe really takes you on a whole roller coaster of emotions as you immerse yourself in this book. I am waiting in eager anticipation for the next!
June 3, 2025
Ok first off this book took me way too long to read but not because it was not amazing!!!!
It was not as good as the first one in my opinion but it was still sooooo good!!
There was 3 h words and was a little romance heavy but nothing happened and the main guy was really respectful of the main girl!
And…. I cried 😅😅
It was not as good as the first one in my opinion but it was still sooooo good!!
There was 3 h words and was a little romance heavy but nothing happened and the main guy was really respectful of the main girl!
And…. I cried 😅😅
August 17, 2024
THIS!! THIS BOOK RIGHT HERE!! I’m still reeling from it!! This was so good!! If you love spice free, swoon worthy romance with all the feels while being a clean read for mature audiences (due to violence), please do yourself a favor and READ. THIS. BOOK!! I’ll be here waiting anxiously for book number 3 in the meantime.
August 17, 2024
OH MY WORD. Anastasis, how could you do this to us ???? 😭😭😭😭 that ending 😵😵
But also it was so good, I enjoyed every page - the tension between Nadira and The Neverseen King was so well done. Anxiously waiting for Book 3 now !!!🫠🫠🫠
Also if you’ve read Bride of the Fae Prince, there are some really fun connections to that story in this book too. (And if you haven’t, go read that right now!)
But also it was so good, I enjoyed every page - the tension between Nadira and The Neverseen King was so well done. Anxiously waiting for Book 3 now !!!🫠🫠🫠
Also if you’ve read Bride of the Fae Prince, there are some really fun connections to that story in this book too. (And if you haven’t, go read that right now!)
September 23, 2024
Heart goes along
Some of the excuses are weak, but you love them anyway. Lots of action.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Some of the excuses are weak, but you love them anyway. Lots of action.
Looking forward to the next installment.
June 27, 2025
4.5⭐️ That ending!! I need the next book now. I need my heart restored.
August 20, 2025
As compelling as the first book in the series, but whyyyyyyy must we always end on a cliffhanger?! Anyway, immediately reading book 3 which just published!
August 14, 2024
I have read all of the books that have been leading up to this novel. I am really loving the development of this story!! I finished it within 24 hours. I absolutely love The Neverseen King. I am learning more about the main and supporting characters. This book is very swoon worthy and I am so excited for the next installment of this story. I am going to be re-reading this because The Neverseen King is just an incredible character! This is one of my all-time favorites!!
August 18, 2024
I got this book as an arc and will be buying the paperback. This book was AMAZING! The story never got boring and there was grief, action & love. I would give it 10 stars if I could.
July 17, 2025
Whoa!! That ending! 😭
Can't wait for book 3!
• Descriptive setting
• Beautiful Writing
• Friendship & Loyalty
• Danger & Politics
• Love & Loss
Can't wait for book 3!
• Descriptive setting
• Beautiful Writing
• Friendship & Loyalty
• Danger & Politics
• Love & Loss
November 18, 2024
I liked the book overall, but it doesn't make much sense to suddenly portray a character as important who was only mentioned once in the first novel
December 12, 2025
Would give double the amount of star ratings if I could!!!!!! Such an amazing series!
August 21, 2024
The Neverseen King is the well written second book in The King and The Assassin series. However, there were issues in the romance, plot, and messaging that left me with an overall negative impression. Anastasis does a fantastic job of world building, and the characters feel very believable and read well. There are many unique plot points which make for an interesting read, and though it will mostly be understood without having read the previous book, I would highly recommend reading “The Assassin Bride” for a more complete picture.
The romantic scenes are well written, full of that heartwarming feeling that I’ve grown accustomed to with Anastasis’ work. By most people’s definition, the story is clean, though I found it crossing a line a little bit through hints of further desired physical intimacy, lots of intense kisses, and moments of near toplessness. Additionally, the romance was compromised for me by a number of problems, including violence, separation, and past romantic relationships. For the violence, I find it very difficult to get behind a couple when one party has literally aimed her dagger at the heart of the other. She anticipated him dodging, but that’s so fraught with potential disaster, and that level violence in a relationship is extremely unhealthy.
For the separation, it’s also hard to believe the couple's feelings towards each other when they claim to love the other and be ready to be open, and yet so easily dismiss, run away, or lose their trust. For the past relationship, the Neverseen King’s previous wife is mentioned so frequently and often that it almost felt like a love triangle. At least for me, the romance isn’t as special when I think the Neverseen King would still be with Lilliana had she not died a century ago. What’s to say that won’t happen again when our current protagonist inevitably dies of old age? Lastly, Nadira’s relationship with Eshe is described as her entire world. I want romance to be most central to the protagonist’s story in a romance novel.
The story has some positive themes, including the idea of loving yourself even with your scars, finding hope despite a horrendous past, seeking growth in areas where we are flawed, and embracing compassion through the use of your position to help those around you. However, I also found the violence between the protagonists as well as the enjoyment of the suffering of their adversaries to be an unwelcome concept. Additionally, I dislike how often one protagonist would actively disregard the explicitly stated wishes of the other.
Plotwise, I love the idea of the protagonists working together to better manage the ever challenging Bridge. The concepts of the dream world, the time dilation in one portal, the souls of the realm, and the unique Valehaven Faerie world are fascinating and creative. However, a few potential plot holes also pulled me out of the story at times. A past character died in a portal, but it wasn’t explained how that could have happened in the dream realm where they don’t receive sustained physical injuries. I also don’t understand why Nadira would often state the Neverseen King’s full name in the open, despite knowing that it can be used against him if it’s revealed. Also, as the Queen of a city, Nadira spent hours trying to figure out a way to help the orphans, but never came up with the idea of an orphanage. These problems stood out to me, though I would guess others may qualify these as minor issues.
The Neverseen King is the second book in a trilogy with a unique fantasy world and a plot centered on romance. Though the writing is superb, there were enough problems in the romance, the characters’ violence, and issues with the plot that kept me from enjoying the story.
The romantic scenes are well written, full of that heartwarming feeling that I’ve grown accustomed to with Anastasis’ work. By most people’s definition, the story is clean, though I found it crossing a line a little bit through hints of further desired physical intimacy, lots of intense kisses, and moments of near toplessness. Additionally, the romance was compromised for me by a number of problems, including violence, separation, and past romantic relationships. For the violence, I find it very difficult to get behind a couple when one party has literally aimed her dagger at the heart of the other. She anticipated him dodging, but that’s so fraught with potential disaster, and that level violence in a relationship is extremely unhealthy.
For the separation, it’s also hard to believe the couple's feelings towards each other when they claim to love the other and be ready to be open, and yet so easily dismiss, run away, or lose their trust. For the past relationship, the Neverseen King’s previous wife is mentioned so frequently and often that it almost felt like a love triangle. At least for me, the romance isn’t as special when I think the Neverseen King would still be with Lilliana had she not died a century ago. What’s to say that won’t happen again when our current protagonist inevitably dies of old age? Lastly, Nadira’s relationship with Eshe is described as her entire world. I want romance to be most central to the protagonist’s story in a romance novel.
The story has some positive themes, including the idea of loving yourself even with your scars, finding hope despite a horrendous past, seeking growth in areas where we are flawed, and embracing compassion through the use of your position to help those around you. However, I also found the violence between the protagonists as well as the enjoyment of the suffering of their adversaries to be an unwelcome concept. Additionally, I dislike how often one protagonist would actively disregard the explicitly stated wishes of the other.
Plotwise, I love the idea of the protagonists working together to better manage the ever challenging Bridge. The concepts of the dream world, the time dilation in one portal, the souls of the realm, and the unique Valehaven Faerie world are fascinating and creative. However, a few potential plot holes also pulled me out of the story at times. A past character died in a portal, but it wasn’t explained how that could have happened in the dream realm where they don’t receive sustained physical injuries. I also don’t understand why Nadira would often state the Neverseen King’s full name in the open, despite knowing that it can be used against him if it’s revealed. Also, as the Queen of a city, Nadira spent hours trying to figure out a way to help the orphans, but never came up with the idea of an orphanage. These problems stood out to me, though I would guess others may qualify these as minor issues.
The Neverseen King is the second book in a trilogy with a unique fantasy world and a plot centered on romance. Though the writing is superb, there were enough problems in the romance, the characters’ violence, and issues with the plot that kept me from enjoying the story.
October 31, 2025
Okay, the battle for becoming the Neverseen King’s bride has ended and now on to the marriage- but is it a marriage of convenience or is there some actual desire going on here?
That is the question Nadira will struggle with through this entire book. Yes, we do get a kiss with some sparks behind it, but Nadira’s training is now underway and time is running out before the night where the portals pretty much go nuts and all pandemonium breaks loose.
The NK, Kaladen, is struggling to not only deal with his attraction for Nadira, but also somehow forgive himself for the death of his first wife, which happened nearly 200 years prior. Can he risk his heart knowing that it’s likely Nadira will not survive the upcoming apocalypse? And even if he does, will she let him? After all, the girl has massive trust issues, is still having panic attacks and fainting, and is still not paying attention to her health and her limits (hello, a starved body will not operate properly, but that doesn’t mean cycling between feast and famine on a constant basis is doing her any favors either.
Nadira is still really annoying, though she is obviously trying to work her way through her issues… mostly. Eshe, her best friend, is still an absolute delight and you want more time spent with her, even if she isn’t the one capable of helping Kaladen to close portals.
Unfortunately, Kaladen’s enemies aren’t helping as they work to undermine everything he’s managed as the keeper of The Bridge. And yay, more time spent with the fae means more Trenian!!!!! I love that self-serving jerk so much and he just chews up the scenery every chance he gets.
Still clean, other than blood and talk of torture, and the worst our leads do is get some kissing in… and not always at the best moments. And Kaladen has some serious muscles that Nadira gets to admire for a moment or two along the way. Kaladen, for as all-powerful as he is really believes in Nadira and her endless talent for surviving against all odds… and yeah, I admit, I eye-rolled hard plenty over the stuff her character manages to do while still being hampered by all of her mental health issues (losing your vision during a fight for your life because you’re about to pass out being no issue because “muscle memory” gets you through a fight with an adversary you’ve never fought before??? It’s like seriously?)
And did I mention more Trenian??? He really does show just how much of a good guy Kaladen is given how oily of a character Trenian comes across as. And frankly, Kaladen really does have the patience of a saint here.
And the Wolf? Could there be a more repulsive antagonist? Well, yeah, I guess so because there’s the High King and Yilmuth (pretty sure I’m spelling her name right- I don’t want to dig around for her scenes to double check)… let’s just say that the fae, on the whole, are horrible people.
Still, it’s a series that is getting more interesting as the story goes, but somehow I feel we could have cut chunks from the trilogy and almost make it a duology and not have hurt the storyline.
That is the question Nadira will struggle with through this entire book. Yes, we do get a kiss with some sparks behind it, but Nadira’s training is now underway and time is running out before the night where the portals pretty much go nuts and all pandemonium breaks loose.
The NK, Kaladen, is struggling to not only deal with his attraction for Nadira, but also somehow forgive himself for the death of his first wife, which happened nearly 200 years prior. Can he risk his heart knowing that it’s likely Nadira will not survive the upcoming apocalypse? And even if he does, will she let him? After all, the girl has massive trust issues, is still having panic attacks and fainting, and is still not paying attention to her health and her limits (hello, a starved body will not operate properly, but that doesn’t mean cycling between feast and famine on a constant basis is doing her any favors either.
Nadira is still really annoying, though she is obviously trying to work her way through her issues… mostly. Eshe, her best friend, is still an absolute delight and you want more time spent with her, even if she isn’t the one capable of helping Kaladen to close portals.
Unfortunately, Kaladen’s enemies aren’t helping as they work to undermine everything he’s managed as the keeper of The Bridge. And yay, more time spent with the fae means more Trenian!!!!! I love that self-serving jerk so much and he just chews up the scenery every chance he gets.
Still clean, other than blood and talk of torture, and the worst our leads do is get some kissing in… and not always at the best moments. And Kaladen has some serious muscles that Nadira gets to admire for a moment or two along the way. Kaladen, for as all-powerful as he is really believes in Nadira and her endless talent for surviving against all odds… and yeah, I admit, I eye-rolled hard plenty over the stuff her character manages to do while still being hampered by all of her mental health issues (losing your vision during a fight for your life because you’re about to pass out being no issue because “muscle memory” gets you through a fight with an adversary you’ve never fought before??? It’s like seriously?)
And did I mention more Trenian??? He really does show just how much of a good guy Kaladen is given how oily of a character Trenian comes across as. And frankly, Kaladen really does have the patience of a saint here.
And the Wolf? Could there be a more repulsive antagonist? Well, yeah, I guess so because there’s the High King and Yilmuth (pretty sure I’m spelling her name right- I don’t want to dig around for her scenes to double check)… let’s just say that the fae, on the whole, are horrible people.
Still, it’s a series that is getting more interesting as the story goes, but somehow I feel we could have cut chunks from the trilogy and almost make it a duology and not have hurt the storyline.
August 27, 2024
MY GOD! This book has me so torn?!? The action, the adventure, the magic, the romance, the friendship & all the kicking my feet giggling moments! All the banter and wit from Eshe, Nadira and the Neverseen King! Anastasis will have you falling over a literal shadow king! Can’t wait to see what awaits them after this cliffhanger!!
Love romance stories but don’t want the intimate scenes further than kisses? Try out this closed door romance! This is book 2 in The King and the Assassin series
I love the friendship between Eshe and Nadira so much! I love how we see the complexities of all the characters and everything they’ve been through! I think seeing in dual POV the internal battle of struggling to let anyone in makes everything so much more swoon worthy.. I love seeing how the Neverseen King handles Nadira’s PTSD and showing healing love and peace that she deserves!
TROPES/THEMES:
Slow Burn
He falls first
Close proximity
Magical fights
Shared bed
He helps her through PTSD
Sultan married stabby FMC
Shaddow Daddy
Casper “can I keep you?” Energy
Darcy hand flex energy
LIKES: Nadira, Kaladen, Eshe, the magic, the palace being sentient, mental health rep, the character growth, the complex portal system
QUOTES:
He pulls back. My lashes flutter open. He’s smiling. “I love that expression on your face.”
“What expression?” I demand self-consciously, pushing up on my elbow and fighting yet another blush.
“The one that says you trust me.”
“I could never hurt you, Nadira. You could betray me to my worst enemies and devote your life to my destruction, but I can never lift my hand against you in harm.”
“I have held myself back from you for so long. No more, Nadira. My bride, my wife, my hope.”
No more. No more hiding from each other. No more masks and glamours.
Mini Blurb: The Neverseen King follows the blooming relationship between the Neverseen King & Nadira. They navigate together the complexities of grief, loss, trust, facing fears and letting others in. Lulythinar draws near and may be the worst one to date! They have one goal: stay alive.Will all the training on portals and honing in on magic be enough?
Love romance stories but don’t want the intimate scenes further than kisses? Try out this closed door romance! This is book 2 in The King and the Assassin series
I love the friendship between Eshe and Nadira so much! I love how we see the complexities of all the characters and everything they’ve been through! I think seeing in dual POV the internal battle of struggling to let anyone in makes everything so much more swoon worthy.. I love seeing how the Neverseen King handles Nadira’s PTSD and showing healing love and peace that she deserves!
TROPES/THEMES:
Slow Burn
He falls first
Close proximity
Magical fights
Shared bed
He helps her through PTSD
Sultan married stabby FMC
Shaddow Daddy
Casper “can I keep you?” Energy
Darcy hand flex energy
LIKES: Nadira, Kaladen, Eshe, the magic, the palace being sentient, mental health rep, the character growth, the complex portal system
QUOTES:
He pulls back. My lashes flutter open. He’s smiling. “I love that expression on your face.”
“What expression?” I demand self-consciously, pushing up on my elbow and fighting yet another blush.
“The one that says you trust me.”
“I could never hurt you, Nadira. You could betray me to my worst enemies and devote your life to my destruction, but I can never lift my hand against you in harm.”
“I have held myself back from you for so long. No more, Nadira. My bride, my wife, my hope.”
No more. No more hiding from each other. No more masks and glamours.
Mini Blurb: The Neverseen King follows the blooming relationship between the Neverseen King & Nadira. They navigate together the complexities of grief, loss, trust, facing fears and letting others in. Lulythinar draws near and may be the worst one to date! They have one goal: stay alive.Will all the training on portals and honing in on magic be enough?
August 26, 2024
I mean, woweee!
***
I received an advanced readers copy of this book, I was not paid for my review.
***
Only one fate awaits the bride of the Neverseen King. But I will not die.
Surviving the Neverseen King’s lethal bridal competition earned me the titles of wife and queen. After the darkest, bloodiest night of my life, I am to don a wedding gown and marry the deadly fae king who lives in shadows.
But when sabotage and murder are discovered in the palace after the wedding, my new husband and I have no choice but to find out who is trying to usurp his throne.
Yet the question that plagues me most isn’t about power, magic, or the fate of the worlds.
After everything, why does my husband still hide his face from me?
***
I loved the first book, the world and character building was impressive and important and one of my biggest loves about this book is the way it dives right in where the first left off. There is little in the way of reviewing or reminding you about specifics in the previous book, which I love! It leaves more time and space for more titillating, breath stealing moments.
The Neverseen King continues to entice and destroy my heart in equal measure, he is a fantastic main male character in his complexity and the way he makes me giggle, hold my breath and slap my palm against my head in equal measure.
The characters are further built on, they grow remarkably well without complication or feeling forced – with a few new characters introduced.
***
My one and only issue is, where is the final book!? That third half had me legitimately glued to my kindle, not even my toddlers sticky fingers could have pride it loose. Thrilling, shocking, infuriating and oh my heart, ouch.
***
Honestly, I was hooked, ending up sitting and reading it in a matter of hours ignoring the world around me. Put it simply, what are you doing still reading this review? GO!
***
I received an advanced readers copy of this book, I was not paid for my review.
***
Only one fate awaits the bride of the Neverseen King. But I will not die.
Surviving the Neverseen King’s lethal bridal competition earned me the titles of wife and queen. After the darkest, bloodiest night of my life, I am to don a wedding gown and marry the deadly fae king who lives in shadows.
But when sabotage and murder are discovered in the palace after the wedding, my new husband and I have no choice but to find out who is trying to usurp his throne.
Yet the question that plagues me most isn’t about power, magic, or the fate of the worlds.
After everything, why does my husband still hide his face from me?
***
I loved the first book, the world and character building was impressive and important and one of my biggest loves about this book is the way it dives right in where the first left off. There is little in the way of reviewing or reminding you about specifics in the previous book, which I love! It leaves more time and space for more titillating, breath stealing moments.
The Neverseen King continues to entice and destroy my heart in equal measure, he is a fantastic main male character in his complexity and the way he makes me giggle, hold my breath and slap my palm against my head in equal measure.
The characters are further built on, they grow remarkably well without complication or feeling forced – with a few new characters introduced.
***
My one and only issue is, where is the final book!? That third half had me legitimately glued to my kindle, not even my toddlers sticky fingers could have pride it loose. Thrilling, shocking, infuriating and oh my heart, ouch.
***
Honestly, I was hooked, ending up sitting and reading it in a matter of hours ignoring the world around me. Put it simply, what are you doing still reading this review? GO!
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