What do you think?
Rate this book
Forgotten Kingdoms
Of Serpents and Ruins
A mischievous seer who can't remember.
A wrathful king who can't forget.
A cruel curse that binds them to a twisted fate.
My whole life felt wrong, until one drunken night in Vegas I rescue a koi and wind up dragged into a whole new world.
It has to be a dream, right? There's magic, shifters, dinosaurs, seers, curses, and the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. The powerful tattooed king of the water serpent shifters. He claims that he's my husband, my one true love, my fated mate.
Just one problem.
He's been cursed to kill me.
I'm the reincarnated queen of this mystical land. A land dying from a vicious curse placed upon us by the same monstrous creature that cursed him to kill me in cold blood.
We have less than twenty-nine days to end both curses. But my memories aren’t returning swiftly. I’m not who I used to be. Our magic is increasingly unstable, and there are enemies I can't even see. I don't know if I can be who I need to be.
And how do you kill an ancient entity who always escapes death and who hates you for what you did in your previous life?
We're running out of time, and I'm fighting to get to him. Even if he may literally be the death of me. Because I don't know how life is worth living if I can't live it with him.
I'd always thought that belonging and being with the one I love would be worth everything...but am I willing to die for it again?
This is a standalone fantasy romance with an HEA, part of the Forgotten Kingdoms, a series of standalone fantasy romances that can be read in ANY order.
You can expect the following tropes:
second chance romance
dino friends
never giving up
curses galore
reclaiming memories
soul mates
fated mates
shifters
power of love
touch her & die
***Author Note: This book contains a dark romance with slow-burn, fated mates, attempted murder, here to kill you, dark curses, and medium spice with some very bad and corny puns. Absolutely do NOT read if you are triggered by corny puns and bad dad jokes said in a teasing manner.
***Collection Notes:
Forgotten Kingdoms is a collection of full-length stand-alone fantasy romance novels with fated mates and a guaranteed happily ever after. With vampires, fae, shifters, and everything in between, each book features a unique heroine and her epic love story that can be read in any order. All relationship dynamics are M/F.
Authors in this set include:
Chandelle LaVaun
G.K. DeRosa
Megan Montero
Jen L. Grey
Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison
LJ Andrews
Jessica M. Butler
M. Sinclair
A wrathful king who can't forget.
A cruel curse that binds them to a twisted fate.
My whole life felt wrong, until one drunken night in Vegas I rescue a koi and wind up dragged into a whole new world.
It has to be a dream, right? There's magic, shifters, dinosaurs, seers, curses, and the most gorgeous man I've ever seen. The powerful tattooed king of the water serpent shifters. He claims that he's my husband, my one true love, my fated mate.
Just one problem.
He's been cursed to kill me.
I'm the reincarnated queen of this mystical land. A land dying from a vicious curse placed upon us by the same monstrous creature that cursed him to kill me in cold blood.
We have less than twenty-nine days to end both curses. But my memories aren’t returning swiftly. I’m not who I used to be. Our magic is increasingly unstable, and there are enemies I can't even see. I don't know if I can be who I need to be.
And how do you kill an ancient entity who always escapes death and who hates you for what you did in your previous life?
We're running out of time, and I'm fighting to get to him. Even if he may literally be the death of me. Because I don't know how life is worth living if I can't live it with him.
I'd always thought that belonging and being with the one I love would be worth everything...but am I willing to die for it again?
This is a standalone fantasy romance with an HEA, part of the Forgotten Kingdoms, a series of standalone fantasy romances that can be read in ANY order.
You can expect the following tropes:
second chance romance
dino friends
never giving up
curses galore
reclaiming memories
soul mates
fated mates
shifters
power of love
touch her & die
***Author Note: This book contains a dark romance with slow-burn, fated mates, attempted murder, here to kill you, dark curses, and medium spice with some very bad and corny puns. Absolutely do NOT read if you are triggered by corny puns and bad dad jokes said in a teasing manner.
***Collection Notes:
Forgotten Kingdoms is a collection of full-length stand-alone fantasy romance novels with fated mates and a guaranteed happily ever after. With vampires, fae, shifters, and everything in between, each book features a unique heroine and her epic love story that can be read in any order. All relationship dynamics are M/F.
Authors in this set include:
Chandelle LaVaun
G.K. DeRosa
Megan Montero
Jen L. Grey
Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison
LJ Andrews
Jessica M. Butler
M. Sinclair
600 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2024
871 people are currently reading
1456 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
April 9, 2024
The world building in this book was very elaborate. However, the relationship between the two main characters was not fleshed out. They spent a large chunk of the book apart, and when they were together, the MMC was usually trying to kill the MFC, and it just got really repetitive. There were a lot of callbacks to the past romance between the two MC's, but not a ton of romance between them in action of the book. SHOW the reader WHY they fell in love, don't just say it! A flashback would have helped.
I felt the author focused so much on the world building that it bogged down the romance aspect of this book and left the plot lacking and an unsatisfying read. I found the relationship of the MFC and her brother more interesting than the two MCs.
I felt the author focused so much on the world building that it bogged down the romance aspect of this book and left the plot lacking and an unsatisfying read. I found the relationship of the MFC and her brother more interesting than the two MCs.
April 16, 2024
did not fit with the series
I wanted to finish this series, but had to really convince myself to stick with this book. Although, a good imagination it did not fit in this series in my opinion. I finished the other books in the series within a day, but for me this book was difficult to get into, even more difficult to finish, and even sometimes felt like a riddle.
I wanted to finish this series, but had to really convince myself to stick with this book. Although, a good imagination it did not fit in this series in my opinion. I finished the other books in the series within a day, but for me this book was difficult to get into, even more difficult to finish, and even sometimes felt like a riddle.
June 7, 2024
Of this series, this was my least favorite book. I did like that the MMC/FMC was clearly established early on as that was different then the others but overall it was a struggle to finish. About a quarter of the way in I skipped forward to see if I would be lost if I just skipped ahead. I ended up reading the entire book, but that was because I like how each of these books, although a standalone, offer some sort of tie in/insight to another book and I didn't want to miss that snippet.
Except this one. Honestly. Where most tell parts of the story you've already read, or will read, from another FMC perspective, this one did not. I was sorely disappointed that the rogue serpent that assisted from the previous book storyline was COMPLETELY an afterthought in this book! There was NO context.
And then...and THEN... You get all the way to the end and the author legitimately RUINED the ending of the next book!!!! (Like yes, you know it will be a HEA as they all are in this series, but for the DETAIL to be so just....there.)
I was so irritated.
It felt like the author didn't want to truly collaborate with the others so she did her own thing and then threw up the middle finger at the final book's characters.
So much world building for a storyline that ended up completely predictable. If you think you have it figured out, you do. No plot twist here.
Except this one. Honestly. Where most tell parts of the story you've already read, or will read, from another FMC perspective, this one did not. I was sorely disappointed that the rogue serpent that assisted from the previous book storyline was COMPLETELY an afterthought in this book! There was NO context.
And then...and THEN... You get all the way to the end and the author legitimately RUINED the ending of the next book!!!! (Like yes, you know it will be a HEA as they all are in this series, but for the DETAIL to be so just....there.)
I was so irritated.
It felt like the author didn't want to truly collaborate with the others so she did her own thing and then threw up the middle finger at the final book's characters.
So much world building for a storyline that ended up completely predictable. If you think you have it figured out, you do. No plot twist here.
April 17, 2024
The seventh reincarnated queen has returned to her kingdom. And though her memories of her past live are gone, the more she she takes in her previous home the more she realizes that this is what she has been missing her entire life. Stella has never felt like she has belonged on Earth. There was always something missing. And when she is dragged through a portal, she realizes this is where she is meant to be. But things are complicated. As her memories and abilities slowly come back, the problems in her home are still around. The land is threatened by an evil force who is has cursed the land. And the other curse? Her husband is still cursed to kill her. And though Brandt fights the curse as hard as he can, it is only a matter of time until he finally breaks. They’ll have to find a way to break these curses before it is too late. One thing I loved about this book in particular was that the love interests weren’t enemies. There was no past conflict or misunderstanding that hurt them before Stella died. Though of course, it’s not exactly easy since Brandt is cursed. But I appreciated them remembering and finding one another again so early. They just had to fight that much harder to be together and defeat the villain together. Another great story with romance, adventure, and lots of magic! One book left and I can’t wait!
April 10, 2024
I will always be a sucker for fated mates and dinosaurs!
I absolutely loved the world building and the magic system. It was whimsical and so very relatable.
I need a dino bestie stat.
It was an easy read, and I enjoyed every second of it. This unique story will take you away.
This is a must, must, must read!
I absolutely loved the world building and the magic system. It was whimsical and so very relatable.
I need a dino bestie stat.
It was an easy read, and I enjoyed every second of it. This unique story will take you away.
This is a must, must, must read!
March 13, 2025
Extremely creative, needed editing.
April 9, 2024
Good book
These characters were great. I loved Stella. She is freaking hilarious. Such a interesting match. Great story line. Always a traitor in the mist. So sad they usually are someone close
These characters were great. I loved Stella. She is freaking hilarious. Such a interesting match. Great story line. Always a traitor in the mist. So sad they usually are someone close
April 22, 2024
Of Serpents and Ruins
Another great addition in this shared world. We met Stella always felt like she didn’t belong, and there was something that she was missing. When she is thrown through a portal and learns there is magic and shifters. Her husband has been cursed to kill her so to save him and their kingdom they must find a cure. This book has betrayal love and villians. Loved it.
Another great addition in this shared world. We met Stella always felt like she didn’t belong, and there was something that she was missing. When she is thrown through a portal and learns there is magic and shifters. Her husband has been cursed to kill her so to save him and their kingdom they must find a cure. This book has betrayal love and villians. Loved it.
May 21, 2024
Of Serpents and Ruins
3/3.5
An intriguing story with so much going on! There were dinosaurs, serpents, shapeshifters, magic, curses and so much more!
I enjoyed the overall concept and the story kept me entertained the whole way through. I enjoyed the angst and the uniqueness to the story.
There were a lot of awesome tropes in here like; found family, royalty, curses, angst, soulmates, cheesy jokes, pet dinosaurs, and so much more!
3/3.5
An intriguing story with so much going on! There were dinosaurs, serpents, shapeshifters, magic, curses and so much more!
I enjoyed the overall concept and the story kept me entertained the whole way through. I enjoyed the angst and the uniqueness to the story.
There were a lot of awesome tropes in here like; found family, royalty, curses, angst, soulmates, cheesy jokes, pet dinosaurs, and so much more!
April 13, 2024
So many twists and turns in this story. I love the non traditional details even for a fantasy story. It was great reading all the little clues that tie in from the other "8" I loved finally reading Stella's story!
April 5, 2024
I loved it!
This book was amazing and different from the others. The story was relatable and engrossing. I couldn't put it down.
This book was amazing and different from the others. The story was relatable and engrossing. I couldn't put it down.
April 5, 2024
Wow
I have lived this book serious!! The author is terrific and her imagination is phenomenal!!! So unique and enjoyable!!!! If you're into fantasy, you'll enjoy this book series!!
I have lived this book serious!! The author is terrific and her imagination is phenomenal!!! So unique and enjoyable!!!! If you're into fantasy, you'll enjoy this book series!!
April 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and it’s another hit for me in this standalone series.
I’m a sucker for fated mates and this book has the best twist with the MMC cursed to unalive the FMC. Loved the storyline and even found myself smirking and rolling my eyes with Brandt at Stella’s corny puns and bad dad jokes.
Who now wants a triceratops for a friend? 👋🏻.
I’m a sucker for fated mates and this book has the best twist with the MMC cursed to unalive the FMC. Loved the storyline and even found myself smirking and rolling my eyes with Brandt at Stella’s corny puns and bad dad jokes.
Who now wants a triceratops for a friend? 👋🏻.
January 25, 2025
This was... Something... I'm skipping this one and headed straight for the last one. From the first bit I got through, I don't think I'll be missing much. 😅
May 12, 2024
I really wanted to like this book… but I didn’t. The world building was imaginative and great, but I felt the author focused more on the plot of the world rather than the characters. The majority of the romance was told to me. I didn’t see Brandt or Stella fall in love. Just that she felt the pull to him, and whenever she remembered about their relationship, it was glossed over.
I also felt that Stella’s seer ability was glossed over. For being a powerful on that relies on intuition, she barely used it. It felt like an excuse as to why she felt close to certain characters. Also I just felt like Stella just flowed with the book. She didn’t stand out for me. She just went along with everything. Barely questioned anything. I get there was little choice for her, but she just blended in for me.
I did mention the world building was great, but the lack of history surrounding it was poor. Like her nation was barely mentioned, they were upset she didn’t reveal herself and went to Aunt Runa’s - who is barely mentioned again after Stella leaves her.
The pace was slow. Some parts did make me want to read, but majority of the book I had to force myself to read. It took two days for me to actually finish the last chapters after the amazing battle.
I just really wanted to enjoy it. But I couldn’t. I’m more of a reader that prefers character relations and interactions over action-driven plot.
I also felt that Stella’s seer ability was glossed over. For being a powerful on that relies on intuition, she barely used it. It felt like an excuse as to why she felt close to certain characters. Also I just felt like Stella just flowed with the book. She didn’t stand out for me. She just went along with everything. Barely questioned anything. I get there was little choice for her, but she just blended in for me.
I did mention the world building was great, but the lack of history surrounding it was poor. Like her nation was barely mentioned, they were upset she didn’t reveal herself and went to Aunt Runa’s - who is barely mentioned again after Stella leaves her.
The pace was slow. Some parts did make me want to read, but majority of the book I had to force myself to read. It took two days for me to actually finish the last chapters after the amazing battle.
I just really wanted to enjoy it. But I couldn’t. I’m more of a reader that prefers character relations and interactions over action-driven plot.
February 12, 2025
Were the authors aware this book was supposed to be a part of the series? Because it wasn’t.
It had absolutely nothing to do with the whole premise of the series. They didn’t even seem to worship the goddess (they had some “creator”) and the whole prophecy and its point wasn’t even mentioned here at all and so Stella didn’t get any extra gift upon her return and her, being a part of the sacrifice, seemed futile. I’m not even gonna touch on the fact that Abba never appeared here at all, even though she was there to help the other girls fulfill the prophecy.
Probably because their issues didn’t stem from a power hungry vampire king stealing from the sacred tree, but some ancient lovebirds on a vengeance spree.
It wasn’t a bad story, I liked it enough (even though it was incredibly predictable). It just wasn’t the story it was supposed to be.
However, the romance portion of the book wasn’t particularly well plotted. It was as if they already had their HEA before me met them and now we were just supposed accept it as a fact and root for them to deal with any issues trying to take it away. The relationship was never developed, it just was… there.
If it didn’t fail at being a part of this series and if there was an actual development to the romance, it could be a great romantasy. Alas, it was just… okay.
It had absolutely nothing to do with the whole premise of the series. They didn’t even seem to worship the goddess (they had some “creator”) and the whole prophecy and its point wasn’t even mentioned here at all and so Stella didn’t get any extra gift upon her return and her, being a part of the sacrifice, seemed futile. I’m not even gonna touch on the fact that Abba never appeared here at all, even though she was there to help the other girls fulfill the prophecy.
Probably because their issues didn’t stem from a power hungry vampire king stealing from the sacred tree, but some ancient lovebirds on a vengeance spree.
It wasn’t a bad story, I liked it enough (even though it was incredibly predictable). It just wasn’t the story it was supposed to be.
However, the romance portion of the book wasn’t particularly well plotted. It was as if they already had their HEA before me met them and now we were just supposed accept it as a fact and root for them to deal with any issues trying to take it away. The relationship was never developed, it just was… there.
If it didn’t fail at being a part of this series and if there was an actual development to the romance, it could be a great romantasy. Alas, it was just… okay.
August 16, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this series so far… but this book? Pure garbage compared to the others. It didn’t flow well, it was hundreds of pages too long for what we got, and the author basically ended her book with spoilers to the last book in the series. As others have said in their reviews, it’s like the author wanted to give the middle finger to the series or something.
I only finished it bc I made it this far in the series and planned to read the last book.
I only finished it bc I made it this far in the series and planned to read the last book.
May 9, 2024
This is the 7th book in the Forgotten Kingdom Series (with several authors). While you can read the book as a pure stand alone, i do suggest reading the other books in the series to heighten the story as well as there are several ways the stories are intertwined.
Of Serpents & Ruins is by far the longest book in the series, but I am so glad it was longer due to the extensive background. We follow Stella, a lovely young woman who thought she was human, not necessarily normal, but nonetheless human. That was until her life, or should i say her 2nd life, was turned upside down after going to a Halloween party in Vegas.
She was brought to a world that she had no memories of. After meeting a man who randomly tried to kill her, she questions why she was turned on vs. the natural response of being afraid. Her body clearly remembered him, even if she had no idea who he was. She began to have very SMALL flashbacks of this "past" life.
It was explained and shown to Stella that not only was she not human, but she was a serpent shifter. In addition to that revelation, she was (technically still is) a Queen, with a mate whom is cursed to go MAD & kill her, as well as she is a seer.
Her kingdom is plagued by a nasty curse, draining all of the people & the land of their magic. Her heart is being pulled towards A man who wants to kill her. & Her memories are still buried deep. Will she fold under all of the pressure or rise to the occasion and help her people? Even if she does try to help her people, will she live to see the other side? Will her mate kill her or will she have to kill him?
So many twists and turns, many of which were true surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed this book & will continue to recommend it, as well as the series as a whole.
Of Serpents & Ruins is by far the longest book in the series, but I am so glad it was longer due to the extensive background. We follow Stella, a lovely young woman who thought she was human, not necessarily normal, but nonetheless human. That was until her life, or should i say her 2nd life, was turned upside down after going to a Halloween party in Vegas.
She was brought to a world that she had no memories of. After meeting a man who randomly tried to kill her, she questions why she was turned on vs. the natural response of being afraid. Her body clearly remembered him, even if she had no idea who he was. She began to have very SMALL flashbacks of this "past" life.
It was explained and shown to Stella that not only was she not human, but she was a serpent shifter. In addition to that revelation, she was (technically still is) a Queen, with a mate whom is cursed to go MAD & kill her, as well as she is a seer.
Her kingdom is plagued by a nasty curse, draining all of the people & the land of their magic. Her heart is being pulled towards A man who wants to kill her. & Her memories are still buried deep. Will she fold under all of the pressure or rise to the occasion and help her people? Even if she does try to help her people, will she live to see the other side? Will her mate kill her or will she have to kill him?
So many twists and turns, many of which were true surprises. I thoroughly enjoyed this book & will continue to recommend it, as well as the series as a whole.
April 28, 2024
OF SERPENTS AND RUINS by Jessica M. Butler is part of the Forgotten Kingdoms collection. It is a standalone romantasy full-length novel and is one of the lengthier ones. Besides a shared world, with a shared past event, and some overlapping characters… this book stands on its own and is super unique. I mean it has DINOSAURS! If you are a dino lover you will automatically enjoy this book. My favorite scenes though were the ones in which our FMC finds herself giving all the bad pickup lines to her husband… who she doesn’t remember, because she is a reincarnated princess without the memories of her past life. But don’t worry, they eventually come back. Meanwhile, we get to enjoy her awkward flirting with Mr. dark and broody all while she’s fighting an ancient enemy and learning who to trust and who has been lying to her. Oh! AND he is cursed to kill her! The chemistry between these two is palpable and swoony, and I was on the edge of my seat to see how the story would resolve. If you enjoy second-chance romance, curses, fated mates, dinosaurs, serpent shifters (because they do that too), action, and adventure, you will thoroughly enjoy this book!
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Love… it is not the only reason for living, my dear, and when it is corrupted, it can trick you into thinking that there is nothing else worth living for. It makes you believe there is nothing but darkness and destruction outside of it."
"We've both got our own brand of crazy, love."
"You were—You are ridiculous and wonderful. And I have loved every moment of it."
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"Love… it is not the only reason for living, my dear, and when it is corrupted, it can trick you into thinking that there is nothing else worth living for. It makes you believe there is nothing but darkness and destruction outside of it."
"We've both got our own brand of crazy, love."
"You were—You are ridiculous and wonderful. And I have loved every moment of it."
October 2, 2024
I thought I had read the toughest challenge in the series, but Stella's trials are on an entirely different level. She must confront a curse that has plagued the Kingdom of Serpents, inflicted by entities from another world—issues that even the goddess is unable to assist her with. Thus, the story stands apart from the others in the series.
Of Serpents and Ruins introduces us to many characters and creatures, including dinosaurs, along with thrilling adventures and, naturally, a heartbreaking love story! The struggle between Stella and Brandt to remain apart, despite their deep yearning for each other, was truly tormenting!
While I appreciated the plotlines, I found the extensive explanations of the world to be less enjoyable. I would have preferred to read more about Stella's life history before her reincarnation. Because of this, I struggled to understand the depth of love between the two characters beyond their mate bonds.
Additionally, I felt let down that Stella didn't fully achieve her badass potential by the end of the story while facing the beings. Nevertheless, thanks to the story, I just recalled the serpent that rescued Rhodelia and Varan.
I hadn’t realized it was Cahji, and I wish the author would have included a segment from Cahji’s perspective, detailing how he came to interact with the king and queen of the Vampires! If anyone is curious about how Cahji saved them, they can refer to Chapter 27 of Of Blood & Nightmares!
Of Serpents and Ruins introduces us to many characters and creatures, including dinosaurs, along with thrilling adventures and, naturally, a heartbreaking love story! The struggle between Stella and Brandt to remain apart, despite their deep yearning for each other, was truly tormenting!
While I appreciated the plotlines, I found the extensive explanations of the world to be less enjoyable. I would have preferred to read more about Stella's life history before her reincarnation. Because of this, I struggled to understand the depth of love between the two characters beyond their mate bonds.
Additionally, I felt let down that Stella didn't fully achieve her badass potential by the end of the story while facing the beings. Nevertheless, thanks to the story, I just recalled the serpent that rescued Rhodelia and Varan.
I hadn’t realized it was Cahji, and I wish the author would have included a segment from Cahji’s perspective, detailing how he came to interact with the king and queen of the Vampires! If anyone is curious about how Cahji saved them, they can refer to Chapter 27 of Of Blood & Nightmares!
April 6, 2024
Firstly, why did the Sepeazians divide Babadon’s heart into thirds and then incorporate a section into an axe, a spear and a goblet? Why not throw it into the volcano with reagents at the time of his death? They also thought they had Gola Resh captured so why didn’t they destroy her? OTOH, the reason Babadon and Gola Resh had overtaken the planet made sense.
The powers that be have had fifty years to figure out how to break the curse with no success. Then within a matter of days after Stella returns they claim to have the solution.
Stella and Brandt fighting to stay apart despite desperately longing for one another was an interesting twist. The curse was truly evil.
I didn’t appreciate the irritating use of the word “ihlkit,” and others that were made up. It didn’t seem that English was their second language so why use nonsensical verbiage?
Why did the two Vawtrians not return to their home planet? The well that refreshed the magic in the rings was self-maintaining so what purpose did they serve?
I thought the fight next to the volcano was pretty epic. The artwork of Brandt and Stella was beautiful.
Overall I liked this but felt it was a bit too long.
The powers that be have had fifty years to figure out how to break the curse with no success. Then within a matter of days after Stella returns they claim to have the solution.
Stella and Brandt fighting to stay apart despite desperately longing for one another was an interesting twist. The curse was truly evil.
I didn’t appreciate the irritating use of the word “ihlkit,” and others that were made up. It didn’t seem that English was their second language so why use nonsensical verbiage?
Why did the two Vawtrians not return to their home planet? The well that refreshed the magic in the rings was self-maintaining so what purpose did they serve?
I thought the fight next to the volcano was pretty epic. The artwork of Brandt and Stella was beautiful.
Overall I liked this but felt it was a bit too long.
September 24, 2024
This book was so hard to read. I kept losing interest. The world is fabulous but didn't really seem to fit with the other kingdoms in my opinion. There was loads of stuff not explained properly and I kept thinking I read over something and missed an important detail but really I think the writer just presumed we could read her mind. The main character was just a literal shadow of herself like she could not be who she was in the real world and also learn from who she was before and combine the two like previous main characters in the other books so wasn't able to connect with her at all with her character development. The love story between the two was like they just took off where they were before so no interesting falling in love story there just instant love and lust that we were supposed to believe from her previous life which I found difficult. I thought the whole evil character storyline was constantly over explained throughout the book so I skimmed over alot of it to get to some interesting conversations to see where the author was going with it. As of this moment I gave up reading just 55% way in to the book. I will revisit because I have to finish all 7.
June 25, 2025
Good
Stella and Brandt
Stella had never felt like she fit in to her life, so being transported to another world on Halloween was both a blessing, and a curse.
There she discovers that she was once a sacrifice to save her people, but her husband, the King, was cursed, and now it’s a race against time to save him, and prevent the curse that once attacked their lands, from continuing its course.
Part of a multi-author world, this book is set with the shapeshifting peoples of the sea serpents.
They have to defeat a curse on their land, and save the king, and it’s not an easy job.
With all sorts of punny pick up lines and jokes from Stella, this was an amusing book to read at times, a good thing considering so much of the story was dealing with the dark side of things.
It’s a fast paced tale, with likeable characters, and a number of intriguing ones (you’ll recognise a few from other books in the series), including a few I’d love to hear more about.
If you’re looking for a substantial romantasy read, with a complete story, a guaranteed happy ending, all set in a fascinating world, then this book, and the series as a whole, are a good read.
Stella and Brandt
Stella had never felt like she fit in to her life, so being transported to another world on Halloween was both a blessing, and a curse.
There she discovers that she was once a sacrifice to save her people, but her husband, the King, was cursed, and now it’s a race against time to save him, and prevent the curse that once attacked their lands, from continuing its course.
Part of a multi-author world, this book is set with the shapeshifting peoples of the sea serpents.
They have to defeat a curse on their land, and save the king, and it’s not an easy job.
With all sorts of punny pick up lines and jokes from Stella, this was an amusing book to read at times, a good thing considering so much of the story was dealing with the dark side of things.
It’s a fast paced tale, with likeable characters, and a number of intriguing ones (you’ll recognise a few from other books in the series), including a few I’d love to hear more about.
If you’re looking for a substantial romantasy read, with a complete story, a guaranteed happy ending, all set in a fascinating world, then this book, and the series as a whole, are a good read.
June 15, 2024
I loved the contrasting kingdoms of Fire and Water. Plus the descriptions were very well done and the places depicted were beautiful to read and imagine.
Lots and lots of characters, creatures and adventure.
I loved the dinosaur familiars and the connections they have to the story and characters. It was like Dinotopia meet Tue-Rah. Which Tue-Rah does appear in the story with concepts and familiar phrasing but is definitely stand alone.
Started out a bit slow with the creation of the world and setting of the plot but the action and adventure picks up and packs a punch at the end.
A m/f epic fantasy romance with a large story to really sink your teeth into. Reincarnation, soul-mates, curses, betrayal, magic, dinosaurs, shape shifters and a fight for it all.
Dual povs told in first person
Main couple since lots and lots of characters-
King Brandt - Ognisko, fire
Queen Stella - Kropelki, water, seer
Steam - a few hot scenes
Lots and lots of characters, creatures and adventure.
I loved the dinosaur familiars and the connections they have to the story and characters. It was like Dinotopia meet Tue-Rah. Which Tue-Rah does appear in the story with concepts and familiar phrasing but is definitely stand alone.
Started out a bit slow with the creation of the world and setting of the plot but the action and adventure picks up and packs a punch at the end.
A m/f epic fantasy romance with a large story to really sink your teeth into. Reincarnation, soul-mates, curses, betrayal, magic, dinosaurs, shape shifters and a fight for it all.
Dual povs told in first person
Main couple since lots and lots of characters-
King Brandt - Ognisko, fire
Queen Stella - Kropelki, water, seer
Steam - a few hot scenes
April 6, 2024
Book 7 in the Forgotten Kingdoms collection
An adventure-filled portal fantasy filled with trials and struggles with a healthy dose of love and humor to lighten the heavier moments in the storyline based around water serpents and shifters. The pick-up lines and jokes were hilarious. I enjoyed reading Brandt's and Stella's journey back to each other.
He's cursed to kill her. She's searching for her memories. Their land is cursed to ruin. Together they must save each other and their home.
Well-developed characters. Detailed world building. Intriguing plot.
"Hope born of desperation. Hope with no actual basis in reality."
"This bond of ours had sealed us together years ago. Now I wanted it crushing over me."
An adventure-filled portal fantasy filled with trials and struggles with a healthy dose of love and humor to lighten the heavier moments in the storyline based around water serpents and shifters. The pick-up lines and jokes were hilarious. I enjoyed reading Brandt's and Stella's journey back to each other.
He's cursed to kill her. She's searching for her memories. Their land is cursed to ruin. Together they must save each other and their home.
Well-developed characters. Detailed world building. Intriguing plot.
"Hope born of desperation. Hope with no actual basis in reality."
"This bond of ours had sealed us together years ago. Now I wanted it crushing over me."
April 8, 2024
I have really liked the books that I read of this series. They all are somewhat interconnected while managing to have their own unique characters, countries, and challenges.
There was lots of different types of love explored in this story: familial love, romantic love, platonic love, and patriotic love. While love can make people stronger, it can also blind and consume them, and I strongly believe that Butler illustrated this well. I can't imagine falling into a world where I only got brief snapshots of my previous memories, sometimes only flashes and impressions. I'm sure I wouldn't handle it well at all.
I also really want a triceratops to ride. Never thought I would think that. Do be aware that a couple of scenes in this story can get a bit spicy.
There was lots of different types of love explored in this story: familial love, romantic love, platonic love, and patriotic love. While love can make people stronger, it can also blind and consume them, and I strongly believe that Butler illustrated this well. I can't imagine falling into a world where I only got brief snapshots of my previous memories, sometimes only flashes and impressions. I'm sure I wouldn't handle it well at all.
I also really want a triceratops to ride. Never thought I would think that. Do be aware that a couple of scenes in this story can get a bit spicy.
June 11, 2024
555 Pages Later….
I should have known to avoid a story where the love interest is cursed to kill his true love…. 🤦♀️ Tedious, frustrating, unrequited…. Ahhhhgh. Also, I’m not a huge dinosaur fan so I struggled to take the story seriously where domesticated Dinos are a common occurrence in this world. Many, many pages were filled with detailed descriptions of caves, rooms, and landscapes which should have added to world building, but seemed to bog the story down. I would have preferred more time spent on building layers with the characters and fighting the curse plaguing their land. My favorite part was the brief crossover with the characters I loved from the previous book.
I should have known to avoid a story where the love interest is cursed to kill his true love…. 🤦♀️ Tedious, frustrating, unrequited…. Ahhhhgh. Also, I’m not a huge dinosaur fan so I struggled to take the story seriously where domesticated Dinos are a common occurrence in this world. Many, many pages were filled with detailed descriptions of caves, rooms, and landscapes which should have added to world building, but seemed to bog the story down. I would have preferred more time spent on building layers with the characters and fighting the curse plaguing their land. My favorite part was the brief crossover with the characters I loved from the previous book.
June 24, 2024
Look this wasn’t bad, I just wasn’t able to get on board. I love fantasy and we have a girl being ripped back into another realm wand a shifter community. Serpent shifters to be exact. What I wasn’t cool with is that they have dinosaurs??? It’s just not kosher in my brain to have limitless options of other fantastical creatures or even to make up some creatures that aren’t dinosaurs.
Also, some of the pacing was strange and some things were confusing as they weren’t fleshed out really well. Then you also have all the exclamation marks. Felt like an email where I’m trying not to make someone mad, so everything is just !!
Again, personal opinion. Obviously I finished the book, so the basic plot was still interesting, but I am ready to meet some other people in this world.
Also, some of the pacing was strange and some things were confusing as they weren’t fleshed out really well. Then you also have all the exclamation marks. Felt like an email where I’m trying not to make someone mad, so everything is just !!
Again, personal opinion. Obviously I finished the book, so the basic plot was still interesting, but I am ready to meet some other people in this world.
December 13, 2025
Almost DNF
I wish I loved this book the way I loved the others. I couldn't put them down, and this one I had to justify why I was trying to read it, to myself. Repeatedly. It felt so forced. MFC is the worst. Cheesy pick up lines, inability to control herself over a man, the constant droning and repetition of everything. Dinosaurs in a fantasy realm where Earth also exists felt like a stretch. How did all of the earthly phrases used and foods/animals/trees just suddenly translate into another realm, when in all the other stories, there was the need for more explaining? Idk. So much of this book was irksome. I hate to be completely negative, but if I had read this book first, I would not necessarily have continued with the rest.
I wish I loved this book the way I loved the others. I couldn't put them down, and this one I had to justify why I was trying to read it, to myself. Repeatedly. It felt so forced. MFC is the worst. Cheesy pick up lines, inability to control herself over a man, the constant droning and repetition of everything. Dinosaurs in a fantasy realm where Earth also exists felt like a stretch. How did all of the earthly phrases used and foods/animals/trees just suddenly translate into another realm, when in all the other stories, there was the need for more explaining? Idk. So much of this book was irksome. I hate to be completely negative, but if I had read this book first, I would not necessarily have continued with the rest.
May 16, 2025
Least have of the series
Sooooo much talking. Also… probably just me but the names of the bad people were just awful. Sounded like the name you would give an old witch from Grimms rather than some fantastical creature who has destroyed the world for her love. I read the other books straight through but this one was a struggle and kept dragging. Also did the FMC ever truly get her memories back? Anywho, will continue to read the final book but almost DNFd this one. I would recommend speed reading this one or reading the last 50 pages and moving on to the next one. The rest of the series so far has been good!
Sooooo much talking. Also… probably just me but the names of the bad people were just awful. Sounded like the name you would give an old witch from Grimms rather than some fantastical creature who has destroyed the world for her love. I read the other books straight through but this one was a struggle and kept dragging. Also did the FMC ever truly get her memories back? Anywho, will continue to read the final book but almost DNFd this one. I would recommend speed reading this one or reading the last 50 pages and moving on to the next one. The rest of the series so far has been good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews