Somber Prince

Joyless Kingdom #1

by Marina Simcoe

I am his treasure.
My cousin disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Thirteen years later, the shadows from another world cross into ours once again, and this time they snatch me, along with my sister and my best friend.

Night reigns in the black desert of the Alveari Kingdom. Its people are unable to experience happiness on their own, and I am to become a Joy Vessel for their Crown Prince, even as I don’t feel joyful about such a future.

As I spend more time with Prince Rha, however, I begin to understand how humans brighten the gloomy existence of his people and how much I mean to him. I am his treasure, his most prized possession, and a prisoner in his oasis palace.

When I get a chance to escape my somber prince, we’re both put to the test.
Can I leave him, knowing that if I stay, the people I love will remain trapped here
forever?
Can he set me free if it means he’d never see me again?
__________________________
Somber Prince is a contemporary romantic fantasy set mostly in a secondary world with a fantasy romance between a shadow fae and a human (MF) set in Marina Simcoe's world of the River of Mists.

Each book of the trilogy contains a complete love story of a separate couple.
Somber Prince contains descriptive scenes of intimacy and intended for mature readers.
__________________________
Books in the world of the River of Mists
Joyless Kingdom Somber Prince, book 1
Joy Guardian, book 2

Wingless Crow Duet
Fire in Stone Duet
Serpent's Touch Duet

Madame Tan's Freakshow
Call of Water, book 1
Madness of the, book 2
Moon Power of Rage, book 3

All duets and trilogies in the River of Mists can be read independently.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Romantasy, Royalty, Aliens

380 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2023

About the author

Deep, heartfelt romance with a generous sprinkle of spice and a tad of magic.

Newsletter Signup is on www.MarinaSimcoe.com

For illustrations of her books, early access ebooks, bonus stories, and signed paperbacks, please visit the author's Patreon: https://patreon.com/MarinaSimcoe

Reviews

[Jasmyn Faulk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be adding a real review shortly… I just need time to digest all the feels. It’s hard since every new book in the River of Mists universe ends up being my new favorite!

Book hangovers are always a thing with Marina Simcoe.. so many feels with these wonderful book hangovers..

Okay… here y’all go!

Wow!

What a wonderful new addition to the River of Mists universe! I loved learning about this new plane of existence within that realm.

I am amazed that this author came up with something so new and different. Just the best! I can’t wait for the next book set in this underworld!

[Valine · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 33%. I just couldn’t finish this book that felt so much like rape and manipulation. There was so much Dawn had forced upon her and then her kidnapper having no idea what he did was bad/wrong and expecting things from her -to give her good things so he could share her happiness? PUKE! 🤢 I just couldn’t! After the first date, which I skimmed a lot bc I was cringing so hard and feeling so uncomfortable, when she allowed his shadows to touch her (shudder)-I just needed to stop reading and get something else to cleanse how violating the whole thing felt. I absolutely could not connect or have any desire for Rha and wanted Dawn to keep fighting him and refusing anything from those trying to placate her. They kidnapped her and then held her down and force magic into her so they could share her joy in a way that was just so violating. just no, I couldn’t get over it or want to keep reading after she caved.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the lush world building in this dark fantasy. The romance faced what seemed insurmountable odds to reach a well earned HEA. The main characters were sympathetic, nuanced individuals,too. No worries, dear reader, there are no awful cliffhangers to spoil your enjoyment of THIS novel.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked Dawn, and loved the fact that her name is something that the Fae were unable to watch without taking precautions. Her sense of self, her compassion for what Prince Rha and his people have gone/are still experiencing, as well as her patience with her nasty sister, really show the depth of love she has. Betrayals, political struggles, emotional imbalances are only the beginning.

[Poppy || Monster Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn was a complex character with a lot of grief and poor self esteem. Being abducted by fae who couldn’t experience any type of joy wasn’t an improvement on her life.
Rha was also complex. He ruled his small kingdom through birthright and dealt with a lot of cognitive dissonance between his beliefs and what he experienced and did. The couple had good chemistry and a difficult growth arc.
I utterly despised Melanie. She was an absolute garbage human and I wanted to throw my book at the wall every time she came on page. Dawn deserved a better sibling and I wish she’d been less of a doormat with Melanie.
The lore was fascinating; with a culture always striving for balance and fae with shadow powers.

Spice: 4/5

Triggers: grief, murder, violence, gore, abduction, captivity, SA, dubcon/noncon sexual contact, torture.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Auburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it!

I absolutely love this author. I have read 90% of the books they have put out. This one was different then the last series and I enjoyed it so much. The main character reacts like a normal person who is dragged through a portal to a different world. There is growth, drama, romance (of course) and a swoon worthy male lead who rivals a few of her past ones. Although I wouldn't rate this as my favorite novel by this author I absolutely loved the new world and having a different main character who does her own thing.

[Paasha Rella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initially going into this book, I didn’t know what to think. This book was SO good. I love how the 2 main characters grew and learned together. There are parts where you’re a little frustrated with both and then when they finally come together, It MAGICAL. I fell in love with the Prince and his love for FMC. I hope there are going to be more books in this series. I’m dying to read more about the characters and this world.

[Grace Leonora Griffiths · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dawn has been captured to become a joy vessel for the Shadow Fae of Under. The Fae experience no positive emotions so opened a portal to earth to steal humans to provide these emotions. Dawn's unusual looks and personality hold the attention of the Fae prince Rha. The joy he learns through Dawn is captivating.
Throw in some old fashioned vengeance and violence and the story is gripping and emotional.
I couldn't put this story down. My emotions got sucked in. This was the first book I've read by Marina Simcoe. I look forward to discovering more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jannie Cv · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating story!
I cannot imagine a world without at least some joy in it. No wonder those in the World of Under seek out humans to taste the joy humans can feel.
Dawn finds herself taken to become a Joy Vessel for Prince Rha. It’s fascinating to see how their relationship develops. Nothing goes very smoothly for them, though. Their story is thrilling, romantic, frightening, and so full of complicated feelings: total edge-of-your-seat reading. Not to be missed!

[Caligirlkrys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic story by Marina. This book is a novel set in the River of Mists World. In this book we meet the shadow fae. Dawn, her sister and best friend are abducted from the human world and brought to the land of the shadow fae. What begins in tragedy turns into a powerful love story. This book really makes one think too. How unfulfilling would life be if one couldn’t experience joy in anything? Dawn is a girl who has deep and passionate feelings. She also has great empathy. She sees the suffering that Rha and his people live with daily. Rha is a very controlled male. He strives to be a good ruler and thrives on order and symmetry. Dawn comes and shakes his ordered world up. Chemistry is off the charts between these two and be prepared for some very interesting spicy times. This book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger but the story is definitely not over. I can’t wait for the next book!

[JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somber Prince was the start of a new series by Marina Simcoe and its taking place near the River of Mist. I never thought I’d like the other “worldly” type romance but MS writes some of the best romances. This Joyless Kingdom was unique and good world building. The place was fascinating and I couldn’t put it down. This was an open door romance that was steamy and endearing. I loved how she wrote these MC. They were adorable and I can’t wait for the next in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and all thoughts are my own.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly creative science fiction read! I was blown away! As the story develops the world building and characters come to life with vibrancy as well as a freshness I have not come across in a long time. It’s a must read for Simcoe fans. Download and enjoy!❤️❤️❤️❤️.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Related to the River of Mist series, Somber Prince is the beginning of a new series with its own world building to enjoy. The Joyless Kingdom inhabitants need Joy vessels to experience emotion; humans are the beings that can be the vessels and therefore are a necessary part of the culture for the select few. I so enjoyed getting to know the characters and the build up of romance and seduction. I’m anxious for the next parts of this series!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 33%. Whewwww, not great at all. Written like a YA novel, this book has an interesting premise for a fae story but its female characters are so awful that it tanks the whole book.

The FMC, Dawn, along with her older sister and best friend, are kidnapped to a fae world where they’re to be Joy Vessels for the fae who cannot feel joy. Their job is to feel joy so the fae can also experience the feeling. During the kidnapping, Dawn’s dad is killed and she is understandably upset. But, stupidly, she slaps the fae prince the moment her hands are unbound.

1) she just got kidnapped and is learning this world. She saw how one cut down her father and there are fae with swords all around. But she thinks it’s a good idea to assault the prince. Too stupid to live.
2) but, because this is a romance novel, the prince finds her fascinating because she’s feisty and challenging. I hate this trope.

During her time in captivity, everyone is genuinely nice to her and the prince tries to make up for the her father’s death by ordering the fae who delivered the blow to die. Eye for an eye. Obvs, the FMC doesn’t like this and is all scared of a beheaded head.

When her older sister hears she has the eye of the prince, she tells her she’s not badass enough and should try to fight back or do something. Also too stupid to live because she’s also actively fighting against the fae in a world where she doesn’t know the rules. Her sister is the spicy, curses like a sailor type.

I had to DNF because, after all that, Dawn dances for the prince and then realizes he’s kinda hot. They kiss, and she lets him feel her joy.

Lmfao I can’t. The characters are dumb and the overall female characterization/character development is awful.

[OneDayI'll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somber indeed

What a grim and dark closing to a grim and dark book. A friend said it was sweet but only bitterly so. It starts with 2 sisters, a friend, and a cousin rescued from an abusive marriage. Then the cousin is kidnapped, the mother dies due to a hereditary condition, the 2 sisters and friend are kidnapped 13yrs after the opening scene in a scene where the father is killed trying to protect the women. And then they're dragged into a nighttime world witj beings who can't experience joy or passion on their own. And while consent is commented as being highly important, there are pressures on the humans to comply. The MFC is placed into a situation without consent in the beginning, not exactly SA but in ways people would think but skirting that edge hard. But everything after that is by her own consent. And her sister is an absolute bully, completely loathsome. The friend is a doormat. And the friend she makes is abandoned to a queen who says the right words but seems to keep her humans drunk on purpose so they'll agree to share their "joy", which is so far from consent it isn't even amusing. The world was interesting and the characters emotions kept me reading when the subject matter is usually one I'd drop like a hot rock. But my tenacity didn't pay off. There was no HEA. Not even an HFN. On any front. Sister is gone who knows where, cousin is lost in this world or possibly dead, childhood friend is kidnapped - again - by potentially awful people, and new friend is abandoned to a place she was hoping to escape from. And that's just the main cast. Add in a mom that hates her kid, the sister being a disgusting narcissistic bully, a family member plotting assassinations, 2 factions fighting against the prince, the only good thing about it is at least there isn't r*p3 as the males have no equipment unless entering their yearly rut, and they don't see humans as partners- just as pets who provide access to happy emotions they don't have on their own. It was different, for sure, and the world building was well done. The material was just a lot gloomier than the blurb leads readers to believe.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This was an incredible fantasy story that was filled with such descriptive, creative and captivating imagery that instantly swept me up into this magnificent world! I was on the edge of my seat utterly enthralled with everything I was reading!

The eeriness when the story begins, with the smoke like tendrils seeping out of the doors and floors of the house, gave these strange mythical characters a creepiness to them. Were they real or were they just a figment of Dawn’s imagination?

Dawn is an interesting young woman. She’s fierce in her convictions, protective of her family and softhearted when she needs to be. When the strange smoky tendrils show again and end up transporting her to a strange new world, she has no idea how her life is about to change.

Prince Rha’s world is about to get all turned upside down with the appearance of a feisty young woman. I am curious how he will be able to handle her.

The banter between Rha and Dawn started out heated and filled with pain and anger, but as they slowly got to know each other things begin to change between them. They slowly start to experience feelings and emotions together bringing them closer and closer every day. You begin to see their interactions becoming more emotional, more intense and definitely more intimate. This slow building fire between them is turning into a raging inferno that neither will be able to tame.

This story was well written with such amazing and complex characters that you slowly grow to love (and others you end up despising). And the storyline is filled with action, suspense, danger, drama, emotional turmoil, passion and all undeniable love between two unlikely characters.

It captured my heart and I never wanted it to end! I absolutely can’t wait for more!

[Mary Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marina Simcoe creates a fascinating story in Somber Prince, set in a realm of dark fae who lack the ability to have positive feelings. They kidnap humans and bring them to their world because humans are brimming with emotions, particularly positive ones. And the fae work mightily to keep their humans content so that they can experience their joy through some very special means.

I really liked the hero and heroine of this story, Rha and Dawn. I loved seeing how their relationship built and how Dawn brought something unique to Rha and vice versa. I was thrilled with how richly Simcoe conceived this plane in her River of Mists books. And I enjoyed some of the secondary characters, from servants for the humans to some of the other humans themselves (who ran the gamut from likable to irritating).

I struggled with some plot points. The fae are supposed not to experience positive emotions, but they can have all the negative ones? Wouldn’t that destroy a society? There are fae dealing with grief or filled with hatred, and I struggled with why the emotions only went one way, often to serve a plot point. I hope to see more refinement or attention to that in future books. And Dawn witnesses a traumatic moment when she’s captured, and her feelings about that dissipated a bit too quickly for me.

I’m so intrigued by the world Simcoe has set up in Somber Prince, and I will definitely look for the next installment in this series!

[Avis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ms. Simcoe's stories. This one is no exception. It is hauntingly beautiful. You will be thinking about the book even after you have finished it, I did. Well thought out story line. The "series" is a trilogy. With a main couple getting their well earned HEA. The twists were unexpected and thrilling.
Each person contributed to the story.
I love the significant of Dawn's name. Her journey to the realization of what Rha is to her, how she helped him and how he treasured her was incredible. Once you start reading , you become engrossed in what will happen next. I could picture the below. the sand storms, the emotions of the humans and how they helped Rha's people to feel joy.
Dawn had her own unique way of showing Rha what it meant to live and feel. The good and the bad.
I really like Rha. I loved reading about his past and his ideas for the future. Of course he did treat his treasure like the jewel she was. They worked well together willing to sacrifice everything for the other. And that is what they did.
The flow was amazing. I was unable to put my kindle down wanting to see what would happen next with the two and the rest of the humans who were kidnapped.
I can't wait for the next couple to get their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nessa]

Pause at Chapter 9. I am indecisive on whether i should continue this?

This story is built on a conflicting moral ground. At this moment, i am disgusted by the male lead, Rha and his race of fae. How Dawn was kidnapped and emotionally raped, and how the faes didn't feel remorse over their actions made this difficult to read. Funny, huh? And ive read plenty of dark shit, but maybe im just getting older and realizing that its not okay.

I want to give this a chance but i seriously hated how Rha tried to placate and mollify Dawn's fears and sadness, wanting her to accept her situation. She was basically treated like an animal. There was no physical abuse but somehow having shadowy tentacles siphoning emotions from you without your consent while you're half naked screams....a very unpleasant feeling (mental rape).

Arrogantly, Rha justifies that Dawn being a Joyless Vessel was the utmost, attainable position SHE SHOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR and that pissed me off big time. Also, sometimes im fine with the whole desert, aladin setup but here...i wasnt feeling it, and i wasn't feeling the slow burn because all i wanted was for Dawn to be a pain in the ass to her captor.

Until someone can give me a better reason why i should read pass the lack of respect and decency towards another living being that this story promotes in the beginning, im not tempted to continue.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Shadows can not feel. There is a balance to their world, an order. Hence they need Joy Vessels, that help them feel true joy and happiness. Rha takes a liking to Dawn, she is to be his favorite out of all the Joy Vessels he has. It isn't long before they are inseparable. Yet he can't help but wonder if what Dawn is saying is true. That he can send them back to their homes. Does he want to? Can he give up Dawn and everything feeling that she shares with him?
All Dawn wants to do is go home. But the Prince has her spellbound. There is just something about him that keeps her anchored to his side. Even when her sister, Melanie finds a way to go home - Dawn is filled with trepidation and regret. Yes, she wants to go home, but what is there for her there? What is here for her? When push comes to shove, Dawn lets her heart take control. Will this end up being a bad mistake?
I could NOT put this book down. This is NOT the first book I've read by Marina Simcoe. She always draws you in and weaves a great story that will have you longing for more!
Dawn's reactions to everything that she encountered were very genuine. She felt grief and sorrow for the Prince, his people, and the captives. She felt passion, love, and joy in the same way.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow build

This was a good story. For this one in particular had a slower build feeling but it's what these characters needed. It can definitely be read a lone but you get a feeling for this world at a wider view when you read some of the other river of mist of even madam tans stories. So far I have loved all of the river of mist stories and this was no exception. I loved Rha, he was definitely interesting, unique and easy to love. I loved dawn to even though there was a minute or two I wanted to strangle her. And those moments mainly occurred when dealing with her sister, because while I wanted her to just tell her off like many people as are willing to overlook things even had behavior for family or those we love. As always this author builds these world and characters that so I you in and make you never want to leave and selfishly I would have loved to spend more time with this couple once the dust of everything had settled to see all the interesting little pieces of their life. That being said this couple does get an HEA but the book leaves a secondary plot thread open to be continued in other books. I hope Elaine and even Lucia get a book and maybe if we are lucky will see a glimpse of this couple in future stories. Very good book would recommend.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somber Prince is book one of the authors new Joyless Kingdom trilogy, each book to feature an individual couples story.
In this land of complexity,wonder,and magic the Shadow Fae who reside there are unable to feel happiness on their own and have now opened a portal to the human world, bringing back what will soon be known as joy vessels, humans with whom they can now experience those feelings.
MFC Dawn, her sister, and best friend are among the unwilling captives brought to the
Alveari Kingdom and its city of Teneris ruled over by MMC Shadow Prince Rha in many ways a captive himself.
Imaginative and well written I enjoyed discovering along with Dawn the intricacies of this Nerifir realm amidst its mystery,intrigue,romance,action,adventure,and energetic narrative.
Can’t wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fay J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quite simply a most magical book. The dark fae or shadows cannot feel although they do seem to be able to access the negative side of life. This makes them somewhat dispassionate and disassociated. Many things can work supremely well if emotion is not part of the equation but you do get the impression that it has made it all rather bland. The only sunshine or warmth comes from using humans, who seem to have a well of emotions that the shadows can access. Though kidnapping them is not generally the best way for them to be happy, still it seems to work. Rha seems to have been mesmerised by Dawn. Through her he sees that there are other possibilities but is he strong enough to see it through? Dawn just wants to go home but somehow with all the time she has spent with Rha, he has become almost a part of her. Can she truly give him up? is there a way to carry on without the sacrifices?

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somber Prince - Light in Darkness

Somber Prince - Light in Darkness

‘The somber prince of the joyless kingdom smiled at me for the first time ever, and I didn’t want it to end. I didn’t want to live without seeing that smile again and again. “It felt magical.” Happiness shone through his expression. “Who knew you would find me so enjoyable?”

Marina Simcoe begins her Joyless Kingdom series with an amazing Somber Prince.

Each of these fantastically crafted stories builds on characters with troubled pasts, and relationships that must be fought for. Simcoe blends descriptions and feelings into stories that transcend our traditional thoughts, and builds up the promises of love and loyalty.

Truly wonderful books that transport us to imaginary worlds, with fantastical creatures that provide joy for us to read!

[Ruth Bookish Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somber Prince. Book 1 in the Joyless Kingdom series. Set in the River of Mists universe.

This is a wonderfully enticing storyline. Set in a strange new world.

The main protagonist Dawn, is thrust into the Shadow Fae kingdom and becomes utterly used for the sole purpose of the fae to feel emotion.

A fantastic beginning to this plotline. The stage has been set for us as we embark on this emotional rollercoaster.
As the story evolves from tragic to an unexpected love development.
The dynamic between our main characters is off the charts… sexual tension and spice ensues.

Beautifully written characters and well thought out scenes.
I can’t wait for the next instalment.

A must for any Marina Simcoe fans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somber Prince is an incredibly imaginative and beautiful love story that has you feeling all the emotions! Fantastic writing and worldbuilding as always by this author - I was so excited to finally read this unputdownable adventure in the World of Under.
Dawn and Rha were absolutely amazing characters. I loved the banter and tension, the eventual comprehension of each other’s circumstances and their journey to deep love.
A satisfying HFN ending, I can’t wait to find out what comes next for the missing Joy Vessels!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[FS Meurinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in an intriguing world, this is the story of a young woman's unexpected journey into a realm devoid of joy, where she becomes the light in the life of the brooding Prince Rha. The evolving relationship between them, set against a backdrop of darkness, beautifully illustrates the power of human emotions and connections. The slow burn of their romance and the novel's rich world-building made this book a deeply immersive experience. It's a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness, making me reflect on the complexities of joy and the human spirit. Truly a good start in the series.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very unique book by Marina Simcoe

What would you do if you couldn't feel joy on your own? Would you steal it? Borrow it? Or could you go through life with no joy at all? That is what the Fae of the "Underworld" face. So, some of them steal people from the human world and bring them back to the "Underworld" to use as living sources of joy. However, joy can't be taken. It must be given freely, and in this book we see simple joys turn into passion, then love and eventually into an unbreakable bond.

This was a very interesting read. I can't wait to see what the rest of the series brings.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rha is the Prince. It was his turn to receive Joy Vessels. His group of them anyways. He meets Dawn and things turn interesting. After a well placed slap that is.
Dawn has been afraid of the black smoke since her cousin was taken when she was younger. Now it has come back years later to take her sister, her bestie and herself.
Dawn has a pull over Rha from the start. She not only keeps in interested but she shakes his world on its very foundation. Which is underground lol. These two form a bond that is so much more then just their tendrils that the shadow fae have.

[Brooke Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to find anyone who world-builds better than Marina Simcoe! From start to finish, this book was filled with the most vibrant characters living in a world so unbelievably different but beautiful to picture. I jumped at the chance to read this book because I knew the writing would be incredible, and the description did not disappoint. The concept of "joy" sharing was so unique and brought to paper in such a way that I almost felt like it was a new concept to me by the time I finished! If you're looking for a read that will have you right from the start, I highly recommend it!