In the shadows of the Naphalia Kingdom, Angelica Teresi finds solace in the promise of a scholarship to the esteemed Blackleaf University, yearning for the semblance of a normal life she's never known.But destiny has other plans.
When she walks into the Luna-Attic on the full moon, she thinks she managed to escape the clutches of the vicious Emperor. But fate had already weaved its intricate threads, and Gabriel storms right back into her life, nearly destroying her and everything she thought she knew about herself. He paid with blood to keep her safe, but when keeping her safe means losing her, will he bring himself to make the trade?
For fans of H.D Carlton, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Scarlett St. Clair, this scorching dark romantic fantasy will ignite your soul. A tale not for the faint of heart, suited for those aged 18 and above.
In a dance of fate and ruin, can they defy the odds, or will they be consumed by the darkness that binds them?
22 year old Angelica is fiery yet sweet despite her tumultuous upbringing as an orphan. Her life is forever changed when she meets the Emperor. He claims her despite her objections. When they first meet he is aggressive, controlling, and violent— living up to his nickname— Vicious. As the book goes it is nice to see him open up a more tender side of himself for her even though their relationship is not conventional. There are lots of hidden secrets that start unraveling as the book goes on.
This ended on a CLIFFhanger that has me desperate to know what will happen next!
This book had a very interesting story, and it kind of gave me an Anastasia meets dark fantasy fae/pixies element. I did struggle a bit throughout this book with the relationship between MMC & FMC and her friend. There wasn't really any character development with the main characters, and the FMC's personality gave me whiplash. Like i stated above, the story was interesting, but i couldn't put a finger on what it was lacking.
The ending did end on a cliffy, so i'm intrigued to see how book 2 will go. Vicious Kingdom is a DARK FANTASY with many triggers that need to be taken seriously. Your mental health matters 🖤
Okay, I'd be irresponsible if I didn't highlight the heavy need to take note of the trigger warnings with this book but now that I've done that, let's talk about the things everyone wants to know about.
First up, this is a debut novel for N. D. Devereux..... What a solid start! Angelica is such a raw character.... This author has gone through a lot of effort to make sure that her reactions especially to issues like anxiety are as real as possible and I do applaud that.
Vicious is exactly like his moniker though it does seem like he has two personas.... You also have Gabriel which is the softer side that only Angelica sees.
Secondly, the world building and character development are so in depth and captivating even though this is only the first book. Normally, I would expect to see that much explained by the end of book two.
Being dark romance, it can be hit and miss whether an author can hold the intensity successfully through the whole book but N. D. Devereux has done exactly that and adding in the fact that this a debut author.... Makes this even more astonishing.
I had the absolute pleasure of beta reading this debut novel from an Australian indie author and this review is my own.
This dark romantic fantasy will test your morals and values, and all that gets you excited - while challenging your perception on whether all is as it seems.
Angie grew up orphaned and suffers from a lingering childhood history of trauma. She's had to fight for everything she has, in a community of gifted - as a unremarkable nobody. That is... until she meets Gabriel. Gabriel is the Emporer and is on a mission.
The development of these characters is a beautiful ride, and will have you laughing and in tears both equally and joyfully.
Please do check triggers as there are some incredibly confronting scenes within this novel.
Slow burn, but worth the patience for the end reward. This novel does end on a hanger, so do not expect a HEA. You will be on the edge of your seat with ideas and theories, waiting impatiently for book 2.
Horrifically dark and brilliant at the same time! There is a lot of detail and world building which felt slow in some points but didn’t stop me NEEDING to turn the page!
This book gave me Anastasia Romanov meets Beauty and Beast vibes. It was very dark, and trust me, you need to check those triggers warnings. The story outside of the MC relationship was the reason I kept picking the book up and I would like more of that. I just couldn't get past how the MC relationship developed through the book.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The world building is interesting and the lore is well thought out. With plenty of spice, secrets, royal intrigue and a rebellion it’s hard to tell who is a friend and who is foe. After an ending like that, I cannot wait to see what’s next in book two.
Its dark, but its good. Check the triggers, then, if like me they are a check list of "yes please" then read on!
Little orphan Angelica had a traumatic life - but it was fairly simple.
This all changed when as a young adult the Emperor recognised her as his mate, and while she tries to object he will not be denied the mate he was promised. He's giving some Zade vibes (IYKYK) but with power - it feels wrong to find that hot, but wowsers, it gets GOOD.
The perfect blend of complexity, character development and world building, oh and spice :)
BEFORE READING, CHECK THE TW, THIS BOOK HAS DARK THEMES AND IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE RIGHT MIND SET PLS COME BACK AFTERWARDS 🖤
With that being said, let’s start with our slightly unhinged emperor (Gabriel/Gabe), yes he has the right intentions imo but poorly executing them. Angelica our MFL, she is portrayed as a soft but has a back bone somewhere type of character she is supported by her bsf Nikie (Niki).
There are some scenes that the reader might just ask themselves why they’re reading but alas this book might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
It does contains the soul mate throp/supernatural/paranormal hints.
Excerpt from Vicious Kingdom
Emperor Gabe with Angelica: “Don’t call me that.” “Your Majesty?” “Say my name, Angel.” “Vicious?” “No!” I recoil at the sound of anger coming from him. His grip on me tightens painfully. “Gabriel. For you I am, Gabriel. Only for you… Now say it!” “Gabriel.” His name on my lips is an exhale of air. “Gabriel” I say his name again. His sharp features soften ever so slightly, and he looks more divine than I thought possible.” - excerpt from vicious kingdom.
We can clearly see the exchange between both character, its almost as if Gabriel is two entities in one (kinda reminded me of Amelia Hutchins Character Ryder <3)
Touch her and die, ugh (why can’t it be me; anywho there is spice for those wondering)
Plot line :5/5 Spice: 4/5
I definitely recommend this novel and to those whom have stumbled upon it (take a stab at it)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2023: I received an ARC copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. If you have triggers, you must 100% read the TWs and tread carefully. This is by no means, shape or form a fluffy, beautifully romantic love story. When it comes to the dark romance side of this story...I can easily say it's not my jam. I don't have triggers but I'm also a big fan of the romantic interludes so the violence, abuse and slut/whore shaming portrayed in these scenes didn't really do much for me. I found the story lagged while this part of the MCs relationship was being developed and my interests didn't peak again until this subsided a bit and the story moved beyond the bedroom. I did however think the story was written well. Mental health though not focused on predominantly was managed realistically alongside what the characters were experiencing at the time and showed how big a role historical trauma has in influencing character development. Both in a positive and negative way. The back story running throughout the book was where my interest was mostly captured. I desperately needed to uncover where the story started and the events that took place. With the ending, I guessed as to the 'what' was happening just before the events happened but the ultimate 'who' was definitely not what I had expected. I'll eagerly be awaiting the next instalment of this book and look forward to where the cliff hanger picks up.
I cannot believe that this book is the authors debut novel. The writing is incredible, the world building is phenomenal and the characters are sexy as hell.
I am impatient to see where book 2 takes our clever and feisty heroine, Angelica. There were just enough hints to keep me hungry for more yet not enough to make the entire story too predictable. I thoroughly enjoyed the push and pull between the main characters and can’t wait to see how their relationship develops in future novels. I found myself both craving the MMC and wanting to strangle him. The spicy scenes were SO HOT (my husband is extremely grateful for it) with just enough to make it sexy without detracting from the storyline.
I managed to binge this book within 2 days and I will be writing an angry email requesting book 2 be realised asap. I’m already signed up for any news from this author!
While I recommend one heeds the trigger warnings, I do think this book is a great entry into dark fantasy romance if you have been wanting to dip your toes in those waters.
I received this book as an arc for an honest review. this book comes with alot of triggers please check them before starting this book it has alot of dark themes that can be triggering .
Spice 🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶 Plot ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Dark fantasy romance touch her and die vibes Obsessive MMC NON CON, forced proximity, alpha-hole First person POV Small slow burn but once it gets started WOW hold on to your whips HEA maybe.... cliffhanger ending!!!!!
N.D. Devereus is a new author to me but I love their writing style and so far they have me hooked.
It follows Angelica and Gabriel. Angelica had a rough start to life growing up in a orphan and then having to deal with alot of trauma in her adult life, when she finally meets the a-hole who is Gabriel she soon finds herself at his new obsession and there isn't much she can do but follow his orders. the more you read the better the story gets and I feel like book two is going to start off with a BANG. I can not wait for book two this fantasy read is dark and full of spice with a great plot line that keeps you hooked till the end.
This book is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 read for me. It had a cliffhanger that has me impatiently waiting for the next book.
The book is set in the Kingdom of Naphalia which is part of a fantasy world with Gods, pixies & elves residing in it. The MFC Angelica has always thought that she is nobody special as grew up in an orphanage & appears to have no special abilities like everyone else around her. But she is soon thrust into a world that she isn't prepared for by Gabriel (Vicious) the MMC, who is the Emperor of all in their world when he discovers that she is the fated mate.
'I despise him, I fear him, and I can't help, but want him.' - Angelica.
I really enjoyed the books concept, the world that has been created & it's use of dark & light themes throughout the book.
Some of the themes/tropes in this book are:
*Fantasy *Alpha Male *Forced Proximity *Touch Her & Die *Non-Con
I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of this book & this is my honest review.
I think I need to start my review with the obligatory check the trigger warnings, this gets dark and isn't for everyone, so consider yourself warned...
While this is much darker than my usual HEA guaranteed reads, N.D Devereux's debut novel, Vicious Kingdom, was absolutely great to read! I was quite apprehensive going in, I generally don't enjoy many of the tropes/features of this book, but I did enjoy the story telling and felt the writing style is far superior to many debut novels I've read, particularly by self published authors.
The two main characters are so diametrically opposed in so many ways. While this is usually written in an "opposites attract" kind of way, Devereux has instead put these two characters into such a toxic situation that deliberately makes you feel all kinds of uncomfortable.
While I don't see myself exploring too many more books/series in this vein, I am eagerly awaiting the second book to see where this story goes!
Angelica has led a simple but tragic life. Raised in an orphanage she is blissfully unaware of her true past. A vicious emperor is promised a fated mate that he will recognise by her smell so when these two collide he can’t contain his darkness. Angel is stream railed into this relationship and feels “abused and used”. But the more Gabriel forces her to take his pain the more she craves it. This story is set in an intricate fanatical world so it takes a bit to wrap your head around what is happening, not normally a genre I read. There are complicated relationships, betrayal, abuse and self harm themes throughout. So check the trigger warnings. The MMC is a very possessive and controlling alpha male and is not easy to like. We do get moments of humour and a true love blossoming towards the end.
Dark Romance Multi POV Triggers: lack of consent, abuse. Self harm 🌶️🌶️🌶️🖤 ARC
A dark romance with many triggers, so please, for your mental health, read what those triggers are BEFORE you start this book.
We follow Angelica (Angie), an orphan who has traumatic memories about her childhood, and Gabriel (Vicious) – the Emperor of the Naphalia Kingdom. This is a forced proximity, obsessive, non-con, touch her and die, fantasy story.
I have a love/hate relationship with Gabriel. Sometimes I wanted to hit him, other times I wanted to hug him. It did take me a bit to get into this story, but I am glad that I continued it.
This does end on a cliffhanger and I am interested to see where this goes. For a debut novel, the author has done a great job.
3.25 / 5 ⭐
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A fated mates to the point he literally can not controll him self! Yes, please, this dark fae fated mates romance will have you questioning yourself. Do we love him? Do we hate him..... absolutely love him, hahaha.
This a dark fantasy romance with heavy dubious concent, non-con con, blood play, fated mates, alpha-awhole, and so much more.
With an ending that will absolutely shock you and make you say WTF give me the next book yesterday.
When years ago, you were given a prophecy about your fated mate. What else do you open a bunch of clubs and try to sniff her out....literally 😉
I was not able to put this book down ! Your introduction to the FMC who’s grown up hard working and is at university with her Fae friends , taken on a night out everything changes she’s thrown into a Royal world , looking for answers about who she is trying not to fall in love with the royal MC who has 2 sides to him. MC reminded me of a person that has DID Triggers assault Violence PTSD Anxiety Author did a fantastic job for her debut novel
Oh my gods. So much yummy darkness where to even start? First off, it really is a dark romance, so please mind the triggers for your own sake if those are issues for you. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that this is a debut novel?! The world building is phenomenal and so well done. The romance? It's a constant battle between sweet/loving to dark and twisted. I am obsessed with how she keeps the same intensity from beginning to end! I need book 2 like immediately, please?!
I’m a little behind on posting the review, but it’s here!
I can’t believe this was a debut novel! The amount of character development, the chemistry, the absolute trauma the poor FMC has gone through, all of it is wonderful to read. This slow burn dark fantasy romance kept my attention the entire time and I absolutely loved it!
Please read the trigger warnings and don’t blame the author for reading something you were warned about.
This was a really fast paced book. I enjoyed how easily it was read. A combination between modern world and a magical one, it was easy to dive into this universe and not get lost. The spice in this book is on the darker side, so def read the content warning on this. I wish there were more twists in this book, and some characters only apeard once and seemed to not serve a special purpose in the storyline, but I feel like it's all going to come together and be tied in a bow in the second book.
If Anastasia and Beauty and the Beast had a baby it would be this book. Written by an Australian Indie author, this dark fantasy romance book got me squealing and questioning my own morals. It wasn’t dark for the sake of being dark, and I ate it up. Fast paced and easy to read. The only problem I had with it was that it ended on a cliffhanger and there has been no update on the release date for book 2 yet. Now I suffer🙃
this book isn't bad, I enjoyed the writing style, but it's not for me. I'm not someone who necessarily loves contemporary things in my fantasy, so having a modern setting wasn't my cup of tea. does that mean you should avoid this book? NO. Just because it wasn't up my alley doesn't mean you won't enjoy it. the writing flows nicely and the story has good pacing. someone who enjoys contemporary fantasy will love this book
Vicious Kingdom is a thrilling tale set in Naphalia Kingdom. Angelica and Gabriel's intense story explores destiny, love, and danger. This dark romantic fantasy, reminiscent of popular authors like H.D Carlton and JLA, weaves a captivating narrative. Not for the faint-hearted, it questions if they'll overcome fate or fall to its power. A mesmerising five-star read till the end.
Words cannot explain how badly I want to read book 2 already! A very captivating story, a sass FMC, a MMC you love to hate and hate to love and plenty of spice. Amazing first novel from this author, already excited to read more.