She must wed a powerful ally to save her kingdom. But a terrifying ghost king steals her instead.
Princess Liosa keeps half of her face hidden under a curtain of hair. She must wed to save her kingdom from the looming threat of attack by the Rose Court, but if a future husband ever found out the truth of her face, she could lose both her kingdom and her life.
But on the day she’s supposed to choose from a room full of suitors, a terrifying king arises from underground and steals her away to the Hollow Deep—and he may be worse than all the other suitors combined. He may not even be alive.
Liosa, now a queen of a strange kingdom she’d never known existed, must navigate its perils as she struggles with her terrifying new surroundings and marriage. Unsure of herself and petrified beyond what she’d ever imagined, she grapples with the same question she’s asked herself her whole why has the Great One chosen to inflict so much suffering on her? Hasn’t she suffered enough?
As she finds herself drawn deeper into her husband’s world, she learns of deadly goings-on in the Hollow Deep, plans that could set into motion a chain of cataclysmic events in Starfall. She must decide if she wants to remain terrified and useless, or if perhaps the Great One brought her to the Hollow Deep for a reason after all.
She only wonders—why did the Mountain King choose her? And can she ever love a creature made of mist?
With a new take on fae fantasy and an undercurrent of faith, Kings of Starfall is a connected series of clean standalone romances with their own happily-ever-after, leading up to a single cataclysmic event that must be stopped before the entire world falls to ruin.
Perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and Sylvia Mercedes’ The Moonfire Bride, prepare to be swept into the dark and glittering world of Starfall…
In "Bride of The Mountain King," author Misty Malkasian weaves a mesmerizing tale that blends elements of fantasy, romance, and adventure into a spellbinding narrative. Set in the enchanting realm of Starfall, the story follows the journey of Liosa, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she is stolen away by Aurin, the mysterious Mountain King. From the outset, readers are drawn into Liosa's world, where she grapples with the harsh realities of her upbringing in a home plagued by cruelty and mistreatment. Her abduction by Aurin, amidst the mist-covered figures known as Riven, initially fills her with terror. However, as she discovers the unique nature of these spectral beings, her fear gives way to curiosity and, eventually, a sense of belonging. While the pacing of the romance may be gradual, the chemistry between Liosa and Aurin simmers beneath the surface, drawing readers into their complex and evolving relationship. As they navigate the challenges of their newfound bond, they are forced to confront their own fears and prejudices, ultimately discovering that love knows no bounds. With no foul language and a slow-burn, romance devoid of explicit scenes, the story maintains a sense of innocence and allure that will appeal to a wide audience.
Okay… Alright… This book for me was a little… odd. But in a good way. The writing was very nice, the characters were likable, the plot was interesting, the antagonist was well written, the twists well done, the world building was done nicely, none of that I can complain about. I, in fact, want to know what's going to happen in the future books! And even the odd part for me, the one that I continued to get hung up on through the entire thing, isn’t something I would complain about. It was just a little odd. The whole golden thing. Solid, just a layer? I couldn’t ever really get a full understanding of which it was. So, I was a tad bit confused there.
I don’t multiread either, so I wasn’t getting confused between two books. I was just getting conflicting information throughout the book, really. It just threw me off a little bit.
However. The characters were very likable. It took a little bit for me to warm up to Aurin, but I did eventually. Took a little longer than normal for most books, but I didn’t really mind that. It wasn’t an immediate warm up either, it was a nice, slow build up to liking him. I liked Liosa pretty much from the beginning but didn’t love her. I liked her more and more as the book went on and loved to see the growth and development that she went through. It was very nice to see a character with scars that were impactful too, not just a scratch on their cheek or something.
Astrid, however. I loved her from the start. I require more of her in the future books. If she isn't there, I'm going to be very said and write a very sad email to you, author.
Very nice twist with the antagonist, I enjoyed that. I’m quite interested to see where Liosa’s abilities develop to, to see how things with Aurin go. Overall, it was a very good book. I enjoyed reading it. For me, it was a relatively easy read, but it there were moments where it pulled you in and had you forgetting that you were reading for a good period of time. I’d look up at the clock and realize half an hour or an hour had passed. I enjoyed myself reading this.
Liosa is the beleaguered and disfigured princess tasked with finding a husband to save her kingdom from being taken over by the neighboring Rose Court. But the ball to determine a suitable suitor is overthrown by ghost-like Rivens, who insist that she become the bride of their king. Thrown into an underground kingdom, Liosa must find her place and do her best to save the kingdom. But who can she trust in this kingdom of strange and dangerous beings?
Liosa was a difficult character to get behind. Traumatized, fearful, and a bit weak, she often jumps to conclusions. Thankfully, she's willing to work to undo her mistakes, which makes you want her to learn to find her inner strength and appreciate herself. Unfortunately, she continues to be hung up on her physical appearances and distrust everyone. She is bound and determined to think the worst about the Riven and her husband. Then, she abruptly decides to work to help Hallow Deep, but it seems suspicious when she's genuinely angry with the King and has a chance to pursue escape from under the mountain. Ultimately, the efforts the book make to change her opinions and grow seem to lack efficacy, causing Liosa's later actions to seem more necessary to the plot rather than from true changes of heart.
Bride of the Mountain King did have some very interesting ideas and I was initially very excited to see where the book would go. Actions have very real consequences and the world building was very intriguing. I just wished I liked Liosa and believed her motivations a little bit more in the second half of the story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It was quite an interesting read. Princess Liosa suffered with a face disfigurement that happened when she was a child. Because of that her character was timid and weak. She craved love that her family didn't give her anymore. She was also forced to find a suitable husband to save her kingdom. You kind of see the spart come to life in her as you read. Her strength becomes more pronounced at the end of the book as she has to save not only her life, but the life of her husband Aurin, and their Kingdom.
Aurin did take her choice away when he sent after a Royal Princess Bride. His harsh way of showing that he needed her. Always yelling and not knowing how to be gentle. This is what made Liosa afraid of him and not trusting. As well as the life she lived. I would have loved to learn more about her background and have a more in-depth knowledge about what happened. More details throughout the book.
I wish there was more bonding between these two characters. More tension. Towards the end when Riolan tried to convince her to marry him instead, for some reason, I felt his words more than anything that Aurin had said to her. Because, they never had those in-depth talks or showing of feelings. So, when it came time for Liosa to save Aurin, I was even questioning the love between Liosa and Aurin and if it was there.
I did love how different this book was. The take on Beauty and the Beast as the roles are reversed.
- Reversed Beauty and the Beast - Forced Marriage - Fantasy Romance - Mythical Creatures - Underground Kingdom - Disfigurement of MFC
You know the phrase "leave them wanting more." Well, Misty Malkasian's books do!
Bride Of The Mountain King takes you into a world of wild creativity and imagination, with a vivid voice, attention-capturing characters, heart-racing action, and an enemies-to-lovers romance that reminded me heavily of Hades and Persephone throughout (love!).
Just by the blurb, I was drawn to the characters. The heroine and hero are so well-written, realistic and third dimensional. Both have their weaknesses and flaws but want to grow and be better. They’re the characters you want to see win but also be happy Their romance plays out just how you want an enemies-to-lovers to–with a wall between the love interests that soon comes down as they begin to understand one another, form trust, become friends, and then fall in love. *happy sigh*
There were so many moments, from exciting, to happy, to tender, to suspensful. I feel like the entire time I was reading, my expression kept switching between either a smile or a shocked pikachu face!
The plot twists were a-maz-ing. I truly didn't know what to expect as the book progressed; I just had to let the story take me along with it.
Throughout the book, we're introduced to many potential plots and possibilities for future stories from the world of Starfall, and I can't wait to read them!
"I would find a husband, or I would see my kingdom fall around my ears."
I have enjoyed the author's other works, but I have to say that I'm completely wowed by this book! I adored Bride of the Mountain King. From the get-go, I could tell that the author very carefully set up the plot and the characters, pulling the reader on a romantic adventure fraught with danger, mystery, and hard choices.
I loved how the author wrote the characters from beginning to end. The characters' arcs were very well written, and I enjoyed seeing their individual growth as they became better as they got to know one another. The ups and downs that Liosa and Aurin go through bring them closer as a couple, and I found the sweet romance incredibly satisfying as a reader.
And now for one of my favorite parts about the book... I absolutely loved the world-building and vivid details the author paints in the book. From something as simple as a flower to the entire workings of the mountain, I really enjoyed how I was pulled into the book and able to see the unique world Misty Malkasian created in vivid detail.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and can confidently say it's one of my favorites that I have read this year. I highly recommend Bride of the Mountain King and I look forward to the second book!
I liked this book. I liked the concept and the amount of different magic characters and magic elements there was in the book. I love the arranged marriage trope and the shadow daddy trope, so I liked that. What I didn’t like or think should have been done better is that the FMC has a leg disability, but the disability was brought up three times in the beginning and then quickly forgotten. That’s another thing I didn’t like in the book is that the characters would do something and say sorry, and the other characters were just like okay all is forgiven… wished there was more tension with that. It was a good book though and I did enjoy reading it. 3 out of 5 stars. Will be reading book 2 when it comes out.
-Shadow Daddy -Arranged Marriage -Magic -Orc/ Trolls/ Dwarfs, etc. -Disability -Face Disfigurement
The kingdom comes first as princess Liosa has learned throughout her life.
On this night a ball is being held to find a husband for her and bring an alliance the kingdom of Alterri needs desperately.
When the event is crashed by the Mountain King of Hollow Deep in need of a royal bride, Liosa bravely offers herself up to avoid harm to her family and their guests.
Bride of the Mountain King is a good read but I found MFC Liosa way too timid which I could have overlooked if not that through most of the story she remained so.
The writing was nice and the world building imaginative with plenty of intrigue, adventure, and subterfuge, and a secret Liosa hides about her facial scars hidden behind her hair.
I’m a spice girl and this story had none so if you need some in your stories this one may not be for you.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In your mind's eye, you think communication would make things soo much easier. lol So this is a new to me author. The opening story was pretty cool I could close my eyes and picture the scene, so yay! The FMC she both adored and annoyed, then adored. Yeah! whew. I loved the cook!! *smiles* and now the MMC of course I adored him and admittedly he didn't handle things right in the beginning, and she wasn't easy to deal with. I mean A Princess pawn and a bit sheltered. Her family though... *rolls eyes* I enjoyed how the author described the riven. The betrayal and the actions afterward were well written especially the "cave dweller" though the scenes left me with questions. In parts the story was sweet and cute. with a few harrowing scenes, though not heat to speak of. The story was good enough to carry it though and keep interesting. Enjoy
2.5/5, this book was weird in the sense that it felt like there was a middle part missing. Aurin went from telling Liosa to remain silent and screaming every time they interacted, to saying he should be begging on his hands and knees for her forgiveness. Liosa was kind of consistent, although a bit annoying at times since she seemed to take a step forward and then 3 back without thinking things through. I do have to say I liked Aurin more after he tried to be kinder to Liosa, although it was a bit jarring at first since I couldn't understand the change. Riolan was a weak antagonist.
I was engaged most of the time, although there were unnecessary repetitions that lulled the pace. I would read more within this world, but it wouldn't be at the top of my TBR.
Bride of the Mountain King is book 1 of the Kings of starfall by Misty Malkasian. I found this fantasy to be extraordinary! I thought the characters were terrific and interesting. I loved that the Princess Liosa had scars on her face and weak legs with pain; so often heroines are beautiful and perfect, not flawed. King Aurin is mist, but, he is not a ghost but a Riven. I felt that the underground kingdom was interesting with many different creatures plus humans. There is a traitor and a rebellion and many beings die or are charged forever. I liked that the author ended the story leaving me satisfied, but, also the story is… to be continued. This was a perfectly written book that left me wanting much more of the story. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
Bride of the Mountain King is a very interesting book. We accompany liosa on her way to Hollow Deep, where she marries Aurin, the king. Forced to live down there, without sunlight or anyone she knows, her adventure begins.
The idea is basically very good, but I found it all a bit rushed. A little more time could have been taken to develop the relationship between the two more. For me, Aurin and Liosa's feelings came out of nowhere. They didn't have much time together, Liosa almost spent more time with the servants than with her husband. I would have liked more scenes with the two of them.
On the whole, however, I found the book exciting and interesting. The writing style was also pleasant to read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed reading the story. It's well written, the characters are likable and there were some twist that I didn't expect! In the end, the book dragged a bit for me. There were some unanswered question for me like, why did the FMC fail in the end? How do the Riven procreate if they are only made of mist? Hopefully we'll learn in the next book!
She has to marry and she is in a room of men who want to marry her. A king will rise up and steal her away to a strange world. Now she needs to work through it all and see how she will go through. How will she get on? Will it be the start of a better life? See how she deals with it all I received an advance copy from hidden gems and I want to review
The first story in the Kings of Starfall, Princess Liosa and Aurin the Mountain King's story, both of them have things from their pasts that they must overcome. I found the story held my interest and I enjoyed reading, even if at times it was hard to follow. This is a new Author to me. I received a copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was blown away by the amazing world, the strong characters, and the growth that took place in this clean and uplifting fantasy romance! There were so many twists and turns that I never knew what was coming next and I finished the story in record time. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!
I loved this world. A wonderful fantasy romance. Fae enemy to lovers kinda beauty and the beast type deal. Its like they save each other while they are both trying to save their realms. And the world building is beautiful
This book fell short on plot development. Austin seeps in and almost kidnaps Liosa, then marries her to save his kingdom. As they he underworld is threatened, the couple is learning to trust. It just missed the mark for me, a little too trite.
I enjoyed this a lot! The concept of the Riven is so unique & creative. I could not put this down. It was a fast-paced yet slow burn, and all I wanted to do was keep reading! Also, beautiful cover 😍
This book chefs kiss, the villain i didn't see coming and the romance, i kept yelling, kiss her, you fool, even though he can't really. Loved it and can't wait for the 2nd one