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Cursed Legacies #2
Shadow Heart
Assassinating the headmaster didn’t go as planned. Now Everbound University is on strict magical lockdown, and the Immortal Quintet has arrived to hunt down the person who killed their mage—which, ironically, isn’t me.
I’m also looking for the true culprit so I can find Kenzie.
Meanwhile, the four gorgeous, stubborn legacies that I’ve fought tooth and nail to resist are starting to figure me out, little by little…but I’m also starting to understand them.
And the more I do, the more I wonder if the gods really did match our broken souls together perfectly.
As tensions rise and the Immortal Quintet turns up the danger for all students, our quintet is forced to work together to survive. But training together is a dangerous game all its own. Because the more I get of these legacies, the more I want.
If they thought me rejecting them was brutal, they haven’t seen me fight to protect my own...
And now, that includes them.
Intended for 18+ readers due to strong language, violence, dark themes, and explicit sex scenes, including group sex (no M/M). Please read the updated TW. Book 2 of 4. No AI content here.
I’m also looking for the true culprit so I can find Kenzie.
Meanwhile, the four gorgeous, stubborn legacies that I’ve fought tooth and nail to resist are starting to figure me out, little by little…but I’m also starting to understand them.
And the more I do, the more I wonder if the gods really did match our broken souls together perfectly.
As tensions rise and the Immortal Quintet turns up the danger for all students, our quintet is forced to work together to survive. But training together is a dangerous game all its own. Because the more I get of these legacies, the more I want.
If they thought me rejecting them was brutal, they haven’t seen me fight to protect my own...
And now, that includes them.
Intended for 18+ readers due to strong language, violence, dark themes, and explicit sex scenes, including group sex (no M/M). Please read the updated TW. Book 2 of 4. No AI content here.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2024
4879 people are currently reading
8419 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,395 reviews
September 14, 2025
⊹ ₊ »- 4.75 stars ⟢
Yep, this series is now my latest personality. Going straight into the next one again, what can I say?🙂↕️. Sometimes you just need something fun.
Maven is still that perfect balance of being borderline sociopathic but also so unintentionally hilarious. That, plus the guys’ beef has made for some great entertainment, and has mixed gorgeously with the series’ increasingly sinister, spooky monster vibes. The plot is just as exciting as ever, with fun fight scenes and an ending that left me desperate to pick up the next book (which I’m actually already halfway through again, oops). And we are finally getting some answers!
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
˙✧˖˚ 𝑷𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ˙✧˖˚
⤿ Bingeing this series because I can’t seem to stop myself💃🏼.
꒰ cursed legacies <3
⌗﹒ 01 blood oath ~ 4 stars
⌗﹒ 02 shadow heart ~ 4.75 stars
⌗﹒ 03 twisted soul ~
⌗﹒ 04 divine fate ~
Yep, this series is now my latest personality. Going straight into the next one again, what can I say?🙂↕️. Sometimes you just need something fun.
Maven is still that perfect balance of being borderline sociopathic but also so unintentionally hilarious. That, plus the guys’ beef has made for some great entertainment, and has mixed gorgeously with the series’ increasingly sinister, spooky monster vibes. The plot is just as exciting as ever, with fun fight scenes and an ending that left me desperate to pick up the next book (which I’m actually already halfway through again, oops). And we are finally getting some answers!
⋆⁺₊⋆ ━━━━⊱༒︎ • ༒︎⊰━━━━ ⋆⁺₊⋆
˙✧˖˚ 𝑷𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 ˙✧˖˚
⤿ Bingeing this series because I can’t seem to stop myself💃🏼.
꒰ cursed legacies <3
⌗﹒ 01 blood oath ~ 4 stars
⌗﹒ 02 shadow heart ~ 4.75 stars
⌗﹒ 03 twisted soul ~
⌗﹒ 04 divine fate ~
July 31, 2024
Oh... you got me. You got me there with the ending.
I'm mad at myself for finishing this too quickly but I couldn't help myself 😭 the plot was so engaging, even more than the first now that things are starting to get revealed. I freaking love the lore.
Maven was still the badass bitch we know & love. Even tho she started getting a little soft for the guys (much to her dismay, lol she hates being soft) it didn't get boring or too sappy, probably because she wasn't afraid to put the guys in their place. I loved how the guys respected her so much & they treated her so well.
And it still felt like a slowburn to me because there were a lot of moments where I was like.. is he in love yet? How far gone for her are they? and it was just... AHHHHHH
Gotta say tho, Silas had my heart in a chokehold in this. There was a scene where I just... man vulnerability is SEXY.
YOU WHAT NOW SILAS??? CRAVE HER SO ARDENTLY?? SO ARDENTLY????
But then I remembered the letter Crypt wrote for Maven and realized he also had my heart in a chokehold.
Or whendragonBaelfire presented Maven with a gift of.. a burnt corpse.
And don't forget Everett and his attention to detail on everything Maven related....
Yeah I am so far gone for them all it's concerning even myself.
This book felt like a warm blanket. It had everything I love in a fantasy/pnr romance - training, brutal combat & navigating the wilderness arc. Loved every second of it.
This was perfect, especially the fighting scene with Maven... GAHHH I was hoping for that exact moment since book 1. So cool.
The only criticism I have is naming the strongest material made from ice that can't melt... nevermelt. Like.. COME ON 😭
Other than that, excuse me while I go sit in the corner and reflect on my life because I know the worst book hangover is about to get me.
AND NOW WHAT?! What do I do till the next book comes out??? 😭😭
I'm mad at myself for finishing this too quickly but I couldn't help myself 😭 the plot was so engaging, even more than the first now that things are starting to get revealed. I freaking love the lore.
Maven was still the badass bitch we know & love. Even tho she started getting a little soft for the guys (much to her dismay, lol she hates being soft) it didn't get boring or too sappy, probably because she wasn't afraid to put the guys in their place. I loved how the guys respected her so much & they treated her so well.
And it still felt like a slowburn to me because there were a lot of moments where I was like.. is he in love yet? How far gone for her are they? and it was just... AHHHHHH
Gotta say tho, Silas had my heart in a chokehold in this. There was a scene where I just... man vulnerability is SEXY.
“This will be no acquaintanceship, not when we all crave you so ardently.”
YOU WHAT NOW SILAS??? CRAVE HER SO ARDENTLY?? SO ARDENTLY????
But then I remembered the letter Crypt wrote for Maven and realized he also had my heart in a chokehold.
Or when
And don't forget Everett and his attention to detail on everything Maven related....
Yeah I am so far gone for them all it's concerning even myself.
This book felt like a warm blanket. It had everything I love in a fantasy/pnr romance - training, brutal combat & navigating the wilderness arc. Loved every second of it.
This was perfect, especially the fighting scene with Maven... GAHHH I was hoping for that exact moment since book 1. So cool.
The only criticism I have is naming the strongest material made from ice that can't melt... nevermelt. Like.. COME ON 😭
Other than that, excuse me while I go sit in the corner and reflect on my life because I know the worst book hangover is about to get me.
AND NOW WHAT?! What do I do till the next book comes out??? 😭😭
June 23, 2024
literally screaming 😫😫😫 This book was so perfect.
My obsession with this series has grown to an impossible level and I cant wait for the next one!!
My obsession with this series has grown to an impossible level and I cant wait for the next one!!
May 17, 2025
5 stars! ☆
⤿ major spoilers ﹒⟢
finished book one, opened this immediately, stayed up until 3am. no regrets.
i forgot how fun this one is. it starts off right where things left off, and everything just keeps moving. everbound’s locked down, the immortal quintet shows up, people are dying, secrets are everywhere—it’s a mess, but in the best way.
and the best part? maven finally stops rejecting her quintet. was i over the rejection? absolutely. but it doesn’t drag too long here. once the bet fallout clears, the dynamic actually starts working. she’s letting them in—slowly, stubbornly—and the difference it makes is so good. the bond is actually forming. and not just forced proximity or fate stuff.
maven also gets to be herself now, which makes the whole book more fun. no more hiding. no more pretending to be weak. she’s stabbing people, pulling out blood magic when it counts, and being absolutely done with everyone. she’s powerful and scary, but also finally a little vulnerable too—just enough to feel like she’s not performing anymore.
the quintet is still a mess, but it’s fun. crypt’s idea of flirting is casual death threats. silas acts like he hasn’t slept in days and somehow makes that everyone else’s problem. baelfire’s still a walking fire hazard with too many emotions. and everett’s lurking like he’s above it all while very much not being above anything. they’re disasters, but they’re starting to figure her out. and she’s letting them. not all at once, but enough that it feels like something’s finally clicking.
the plot really does pick up. between the lockdown, the training sessions, the ranked battles, and the whole kenzie situation—it never slows down. and even with all the intensity, it still manages to be funny. the banter lands, the pacing works, and the emotional stuff doesn’t feel like filler. i love how dramatic it is. i love that i had to immediately jump into the next one.
the memory gap between now and book three feels dangerous. i don’t remember what happens next, but i know it’s probably insane.
━━━━ ⊱⋆⊰ ━━━━
☆ 🖇️ pre-read 𖥻 ＜꒱
just finished book one and immediately opened this. self-control? never heard of her.
cursed legacies
⌗﹒ 01 blood oath — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 02 shadow heart — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 03 twisted soul — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 04 divine fate — 4.5 ☆
⤿ major spoilers ﹒⟢
finished book one, opened this immediately, stayed up until 3am. no regrets.
i forgot how fun this one is. it starts off right where things left off, and everything just keeps moving. everbound’s locked down, the immortal quintet shows up, people are dying, secrets are everywhere—it’s a mess, but in the best way.
and the best part? maven finally stops rejecting her quintet. was i over the rejection? absolutely. but it doesn’t drag too long here. once the bet fallout clears, the dynamic actually starts working. she’s letting them in—slowly, stubbornly—and the difference it makes is so good. the bond is actually forming. and not just forced proximity or fate stuff.
maven also gets to be herself now, which makes the whole book more fun. no more hiding. no more pretending to be weak. she’s stabbing people, pulling out blood magic when it counts, and being absolutely done with everyone. she’s powerful and scary, but also finally a little vulnerable too—just enough to feel like she’s not performing anymore.
the quintet is still a mess, but it’s fun. crypt’s idea of flirting is casual death threats. silas acts like he hasn’t slept in days and somehow makes that everyone else’s problem. baelfire’s still a walking fire hazard with too many emotions. and everett’s lurking like he’s above it all while very much not being above anything. they’re disasters, but they’re starting to figure her out. and she’s letting them. not all at once, but enough that it feels like something’s finally clicking.
the plot really does pick up. between the lockdown, the training sessions, the ranked battles, and the whole kenzie situation—it never slows down. and even with all the intensity, it still manages to be funny. the banter lands, the pacing works, and the emotional stuff doesn’t feel like filler. i love how dramatic it is. i love that i had to immediately jump into the next one.
the memory gap between now and book three feels dangerous. i don’t remember what happens next, but i know it’s probably insane.
━━━━ ⊱⋆⊰ ━━━━
☆ 🖇️ pre-read 𖥻 ＜꒱
just finished book one and immediately opened this. self-control? never heard of her.
cursed legacies
⌗﹒ 01 blood oath — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 02 shadow heart — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 03 twisted soul — 5 ☆
⌗﹒ 04 divine fate — 4.5 ☆
July 6, 2024
OMGOMGOMG! I'm loving this series so far! This one was much less frustrating than the first book. Glad to see Maven opening up a little to the guys and seeing how far they'll go to help and protect her (even though she's probably the one that needs the least amount of protection between the 5 of them). Crypt and Baelfire are still my favorites! Frosty has me less angry now that I understand his motivations. Silas has proven himself more than once but I still lowkey don't really like him. We'll see how I'm feeling by the end of this series. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us! The next book can't come soon enough 😭
November 1, 2025
GOD these men!!!! And Maven is such a mommy I’m obsessed with her. AND that cliffhanger??? Excuse me???? Maybe I’ll come back and write a coherent review at some point, but right now I just need to immediately start book 3.
October 26, 2024
So just wanted to write a little memo to myself because I tend to forget storylines badly, and the next book is out soon…. but I may not get a chance to read it immediately!! 😭 This way I can come back and read these key points as a refresher—
1. Main protagonist: Maven Oakley. Orphan raised in the Nether (underworld), weapon created by the ‘father’ Amadeus king of the Nether. Maven is also known, as prophesied, as the telum, or the scourge.
2. Reverse harem mates, legacies:
- Crypt, the nightmare prince, cursed as a steward of limbo which can cause insanity/short lifespan. Bloodthirsty and feeds on nightmares. Son of Somnus DeLune, part of the ruling immortal quintet, also asshole father.
- Baelfire, Dragon shifter, lovable and covets maven, praise kink. Cursed with primal/shifter irrational alpha-ness brain, can permanently shift if not careful!
- Silas, blood fae and caster. Cursed with paranoia, can be self destructive and also want to hurt Maven. Chronic curse.
- Everett, ice caster, professor at Everbound, rich and ex-model. Cursed with the death of his true love. Virgin and only recently exploring his relationship with Maven and their quintet.
3. Plot:
- Maven has a purpose and blood oath. Her purpose was given to her when she became a revenant, a heartless creature created by Amadeus. Maven uses necromancer magic to siphon life into kill magic. She grows stronger with each kill, and can only be killed with decapitation or fire.
- Her purpose is to kill the rulers of the legacies/mortal realm, the Immortal Quintet. Who created the ‘Divide’ a barrier between the legacies/mortal realm and the Nether (underworld), including the monsters who reside there. Their death will destroy the divide, allowing the monsters to pass into the realm of legacies. Once she has completed her purpose she will die—something Maven has come to terms with, but tells to her mates otherwise, with a vague reply of “I have a plan.”
- Her blood oath is to the human population trapped in the Nether. Brief context, during the war/creation of the Divide, a mortal army were sacrificed/trapped by the Immortal Quintet on the Nether side, thus becoming fodder to the Netherworld and their monsters. Humans reproducing, raised and culled like cattle. Maven intends to kill all but one member of the immortal quintet, not destroying but weakening the divide, allowing the humans to escape.
4. How did this book end?
- They have just completed the first placement or trial at Everbound. Maven killed Somnus DeLune, an immortal quintet member but also got burned alive—meaning permanent death—Silas resorts to necromancy to heal her, as blood magic is useless on an undead revenant like Maven. Bael, Crypt, Everett are also wounded, but Silas may not survive the transformation into necromancy use. However, Pia, a prophetess, helps to heal him. After that Maven somehow without a heart and the blessings of the gods is bound to Silas Crane. A rune is emblazoned to her chest.
- The remaining Immortal Quintet members who were searching for ‘the telum’ after the murder of Headmaster Melvolin Hearst (another Immortal Quintet member) finally discovers Maven’s identity during the first placement. Ultimately rendering Everbound unsafe—I.e., they need to leave asap.
- Which Immortal Quintet members are still alive? Natalya, their keeper/original psychic vampyr, Iker Del Mar, hydra shifter, and Engela Zuma, who is some sort of stone/magic caster.
Anyone else with a similar brain, feel free to use this as a refresher! But in general loving this so far, can’t wait for the next book!!
1. Main protagonist: Maven Oakley. Orphan raised in the Nether (underworld), weapon created by the ‘father’ Amadeus king of the Nether. Maven is also known, as prophesied, as the telum, or the scourge.
2. Reverse harem mates, legacies:
- Crypt, the nightmare prince, cursed as a steward of limbo which can cause insanity/short lifespan. Bloodthirsty and feeds on nightmares. Son of Somnus DeLune, part of the ruling immortal quintet, also asshole father.
- Baelfire, Dragon shifter, lovable and covets maven, praise kink. Cursed with primal/shifter irrational alpha-ness brain, can permanently shift if not careful!
- Silas, blood fae and caster. Cursed with paranoia, can be self destructive and also want to hurt Maven. Chronic curse.
- Everett, ice caster, professor at Everbound, rich and ex-model. Cursed with the death of his true love. Virgin and only recently exploring his relationship with Maven and their quintet.
3. Plot:
- Maven has a purpose and blood oath. Her purpose was given to her when she became a revenant, a heartless creature created by Amadeus. Maven uses necromancer magic to siphon life into kill magic. She grows stronger with each kill, and can only be killed with decapitation or fire.
- Her purpose is to kill the rulers of the legacies/mortal realm, the Immortal Quintet. Who created the ‘Divide’ a barrier between the legacies/mortal realm and the Nether (underworld), including the monsters who reside there. Their death will destroy the divide, allowing the monsters to pass into the realm of legacies. Once she has completed her purpose she will die—something Maven has come to terms with, but tells to her mates otherwise, with a vague reply of “I have a plan.”
- Her blood oath is to the human population trapped in the Nether. Brief context, during the war/creation of the Divide, a mortal army were sacrificed/trapped by the Immortal Quintet on the Nether side, thus becoming fodder to the Netherworld and their monsters. Humans reproducing, raised and culled like cattle. Maven intends to kill all but one member of the immortal quintet, not destroying but weakening the divide, allowing the humans to escape.
4. How did this book end?
- They have just completed the first placement or trial at Everbound. Maven killed Somnus DeLune, an immortal quintet member but also got burned alive—meaning permanent death—Silas resorts to necromancy to heal her, as blood magic is useless on an undead revenant like Maven. Bael, Crypt, Everett are also wounded, but Silas may not survive the transformation into necromancy use. However, Pia, a prophetess, helps to heal him. After that Maven somehow without a heart and the blessings of the gods is bound to Silas Crane. A rune is emblazoned to her chest.
- The remaining Immortal Quintet members who were searching for ‘the telum’ after the murder of Headmaster Melvolin Hearst (another Immortal Quintet member) finally discovers Maven’s identity during the first placement. Ultimately rendering Everbound unsafe—I.e., they need to leave asap.
- Which Immortal Quintet members are still alive? Natalya, their keeper/original psychic vampyr, Iker Del Mar, hydra shifter, and Engela Zuma, who is some sort of stone/magic caster.
Anyone else with a similar brain, feel free to use this as a refresher! But in general loving this so far, can’t wait for the next book!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2025
5/5⭐️
Just as good as book one, if not better! 🗡️🩸🖤
Was she really worth losing yourself, you useless boy? "Yes," I whisper, closing my eyes and letting the madness have me.
Amped up & ready to go for book 3 after that little surprise bomb dropped at the end of this!! Agh
Tropes & Such
-pnr rh (4 MMCs, 1 FMC)
-curses
-fated mates
-3.8/5 🌶️… def spicier than book 1👀
-group scenes (no mm 😪)
-battle scenes, training
-no cheating, no opd
-HFN (book 2/4)
Just as good as book one, if not better! 🗡️🩸🖤
Was she really worth losing yourself, you useless boy? "Yes," I whisper, closing my eyes and letting the madness have me.
Amped up & ready to go for book 3 after that little surprise bomb dropped at the end of this!! Agh
Tropes & Such
-pnr rh (4 MMCs, 1 FMC)
-curses
-fated mates
-3.8/5 🌶️… def spicier than book 1👀
-group scenes (no mm 😪)
-battle scenes, training
-no cheating, no opd
-HFN (book 2/4)
July 20, 2025
I am so addicted to this why choose world and romance and, once we finally got answers about the heroine, I was SO HOOKED. I loved how all of the relationships developed in this one and there was so much action! The heroes are all in with the romance, no matter what they learn about the heroine, and it's so cute watching them navigate a relationship together while also protecting the heroine from dangers lurking. I immediately had to jump into book three after finishing this!!
July 30, 2025
3.75, waiting for the plot to move a little faster !!!!!
June 21, 2024
I Should Have Waited
This book has been on my wishlist for what feels like forever and I read it from 1:30 am to 8:30 am (with some small breaks) and I am so frustrated that I didn’t wait to read this book closer to the third book’s release date. I loved the first book, and this one might have been better. So many answers and so many secrets… it’s just too much for me. I will be rereading the first two books multiple times before the third book comes out, just to keep the anticipation at bay.
This book has been on my wishlist for what feels like forever and I read it from 1:30 am to 8:30 am (with some small breaks) and I am so frustrated that I didn’t wait to read this book closer to the third book’s release date. I loved the first book, and this one might have been better. So many answers and so many secrets… it’s just too much for me. I will be rereading the first two books multiple times before the third book comes out, just to keep the anticipation at bay.
July 16, 2024
SOO GOOD!! but the way I almost started crying when I saw the next book isn't out yet?!😭😫 I'm not okay!!
I read this book in a couple of days and I had so much fun! the quintet is finally becoming a quintet in the way Kenzie wanted🤭😏😉 the tension is still there, we get more information about the curses (YAAAY) and Maven's background/magic (EVEN MORE YAYY). there is focus on the romance, but also still an interesting plot.
I love the different POVs and how all the guys are just head over heels for Maven😍 I don't wanna pick favorites, but the morally grey loving fantasy girlie in me might be favoring Crypt a little bit🙈 we have lots of badass scenes from Maven, lots of cool fighting scenes and finally some canoodling (iykyk) hehe 🤭
the ending: ARRRGHHH hehehehe !!! I can't wait until Novemeber to read the next book, but I guess I have no choice🥺
I read this book in a couple of days and I had so much fun! the quintet is finally becoming a quintet in the way Kenzie wanted🤭😏😉 the tension is still there, we get more information about the curses (YAAAY) and Maven's background/magic (EVEN MORE YAYY). there is focus on the romance, but also still an interesting plot.
I love the different POVs and how all the guys are just head over heels for Maven😍 I don't wanna pick favorites, but the morally grey loving fantasy girlie in me might be favoring Crypt a little bit🙈 we have lots of badass scenes from Maven, lots of cool fighting scenes and finally some canoodling (iykyk) hehe 🤭
the ending: ARRRGHHH hehehehe !!! I can't wait until Novemeber to read the next book, but I guess I have no choice🥺
November 9, 2024
While still not a great book, this one is better than the first and it’s overall a decent book. The story is entertaining and the exposition flows better this time around. It is undeniably entertaining. I feel like this book could easily be overrun by smut, but there’s a good balance and it remains secondary to the overall plot. The plot is interesting and keeps you engaged. I know it sounds like I should think this book is more than decent, but while I’m not having a bad time reading, I don’t have any strong feelings about it. I lowkey can’t even remember the fmc’s name right now…
I have a very weird book gripe, one that shouldn’t seem like that big of a deal but it irks my soul for reasons I don’t fully understand. Apologies for the upcoming rant. Idk if there is an actual name for it, but I call it thesaurus editing. It’s when the author clearly just uses a search to find “bigger” words in an attempt to elevate their writing. So you’ll randomly have a word or line that is completely out of place for both the overall writing and the character. Morgan does this more than once. “I haven’t imbibed very often” enraged me lol. This is a book about monsters in a reverse harem at a magic university - relax. Just say I don’t drink often and keep it moving. When authors do this it just makes everything sound stupid. Thank you for listening to my TED talk.
I have a very weird book gripe, one that shouldn’t seem like that big of a deal but it irks my soul for reasons I don’t fully understand. Apologies for the upcoming rant. Idk if there is an actual name for it, but I call it thesaurus editing. It’s when the author clearly just uses a search to find “bigger” words in an attempt to elevate their writing. So you’ll randomly have a word or line that is completely out of place for both the overall writing and the character. Morgan does this more than once. “I haven’t imbibed very often” enraged me lol. This is a book about monsters in a reverse harem at a magic university - relax. Just say I don’t drink often and keep it moving. When authors do this it just makes everything sound stupid. Thank you for listening to my TED talk.
July 9, 2024
I was excited about this one but it fell flat. The h got on my nerves most of the time. The story itself wasn’t moving fast enough in this one. It was tedious to get through and by the time I did finally get the answers, the conversations, and the action scenes that were wanted I was just over it. I had a problem with every characters voice sounding the same in book one and somehow it felt even worse here. I would have enjoyed this story much better, and it would have had better pacing, had it been single pov. I doubt I’ll pick up book three at this point.
September 3, 2024
3.0 ⭐ from 70% on I was kind of bored and skimmed a lot. Can't define why exactly. Nonetheless I am curious how it ends. The story for sure is based more heavy on the fantasy aspect than romance/ spice. At least for me.
June 26, 2024
I’d forgotten most of book 1, but once I remembered everything this was super fun!! Such great progression for all the relationships, and I loved our kickass, mildly evil fmc. Super entertaining!!
September 18, 2025
Shadow Heart was such a strong follow-up to Blood Oath and kept me glued from start to finish. Maven is still her prickly, guarded self, but I loved seeing those little cracks in her walls finally start to show. She’s stubborn to a fault, but when she lets the guys in—even just a little—the payoff is so satisfying. Each of the men got more depth here too, and it was fun peeling back their layers beyond just their archetypes. I found myself picking new favorites depending on the chapter, which is exactly what I want in a reverse harem.
The world also expanded in a way that pulled me deeper. We get more of Everbound’s shadows, secrets, and curses, and the mystery woven through the story added some real bite. There were a few points where Maven’s inner loop of “I don’t need them” dragged a little, and some of the fight/action scenes could’ve been clearer, but those issues didn’t stop me from racing through.
The world also expanded in a way that pulled me deeper. We get more of Everbound’s shadows, secrets, and curses, and the mystery woven through the story added some real bite. There were a few points where Maven’s inner loop of “I don’t need them” dragged a little, and some of the fight/action scenes could’ve been clearer, but those issues didn’t stop me from racing through.
November 2, 2024
I actually don't know how to feel because on one hand these books are super quick and easy to read and entertaining enough but that's really it?? like I'm not really feeling that much of an investment in the characters although at the same time I'm curious about where things will go but also... I don't care?? it's confusing I know I don't get it either💀
I think it's probably just that the characters/relationships aren't developed enough for me, to be decided if I read the next book (aka if I just randomly feel like picking it up) but otherwise this was fun enough although some parts were a bit boring, I did like how we got more of maven's past and secrets! the romance I'm ngl I don't really care for but crypt & silas are my favs still (though even them I'm not too attached too compared to my favs from others series I've read). I genuinely could still care less about everett and bael is his usual self ig?? Like he's sweet but again I just don't feel any emotional attachment to any of them😭 like if they died I'd be saying oh... BUT ANYWAYS it's a decent series but I've read better character/relationship developments.
I think it's probably just that the characters/relationships aren't developed enough for me, to be decided if I read the next book (aka if I just randomly feel like picking it up) but otherwise this was fun enough although some parts were a bit boring, I did like how we got more of maven's past and secrets! the romance I'm ngl I don't really care for but crypt & silas are my favs still (though even them I'm not too attached too compared to my favs from others series I've read). I genuinely could still care less about everett and bael is his usual self ig?? Like he's sweet but again I just don't feel any emotional attachment to any of them😭 like if they died I'd be saying oh... BUT ANYWAYS it's a decent series but I've read better character/relationship developments.
June 22, 2024
So fucking good. I tried to take my time but damn this book sucked me right in. Maven is such a great main character. All the guys are so different and I’m obsessed with each individually and their character growths. Now I have to wait till November unfortunately.
Morgan if you read this and need more people to read the ARC, I volunteer as tribute.
Morgan if you read this and need more people to read the ARC, I volunteer as tribute.
July 31, 2024
DNF halfway through. The storytelling didn’t get better, and the relationship between characters as well as the characters themselves were flat and uninteresting. I’m not sticking around for the second half since it all got too grating.
August 6, 2025
»I love your smile. I'd kill to see it more.«
»You just did.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
My woman is a badass. She has many secrets and a smart mouth. Maven is sassy, sarcastic and a skilled fighter.
❥ 𝑩𝒂𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒔, 𝑪𝒓𝒚𝒑𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒕 ⋆✮
I loved all of them. They‘re opposites in every way which makes them perfect for Maven as a group.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This is the proof that sometimes BookTok books are indeed amazing! I love it so much. The first book was perfect as well and this one definitely didn‘t disappoint. I love everything about this story: the world, the plot and the characters. It‘s a unique fantasy romance with likeable characters and a great world building.
The plot is interesting and thrilling with a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed the setting and academic vibe. There are classes and a lot of warrior/fighting games. The story develops throughout the book and we finally get some answers to important questions.
Maven and her men are as amazing as in the first book. Their dynamic as a group is well done and I liked all of them together. The humor and tension is great. Maven has chemistry with each of the men separately and I like the fact the author established a strong and truthful relationsjip between Maven and her men. They learned to trust each other and I can‘t describe how much I love all of them.
Overall this was a ten out of ten read!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: cliff hanger
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
high fantasy, dark academia, fated mates, possessive and protective mmc, reverse harem, slow burn, black cat x dark golden retriever, stalker, touch her and die, found family
»You just did.«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑴𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝜗𝜚˚⋆
My woman is a badass. She has many secrets and a smart mouth. Maven is sassy, sarcastic and a skilled fighter.
❥ 𝑩𝒂𝒆𝒍𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒆, 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒂𝒔, 𝑪𝒓𝒚𝒑𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒕 ⋆✮
I loved all of them. They‘re opposites in every way which makes them perfect for Maven as a group.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This is the proof that sometimes BookTok books are indeed amazing! I love it so much. The first book was perfect as well and this one definitely didn‘t disappoint. I love everything about this story: the world, the plot and the characters. It‘s a unique fantasy romance with likeable characters and a great world building.
The plot is interesting and thrilling with a lot of twists and turns. I enjoyed the setting and academic vibe. There are classes and a lot of warrior/fighting games. The story develops throughout the book and we finally get some answers to important questions.
Maven and her men are as amazing as in the first book. Their dynamic as a group is well done and I liked all of them together. The humor and tension is great. Maven has chemistry with each of the men separately and I like the fact the author established a strong and truthful relationsjip between Maven and her men. They learned to trust each other and I can‘t describe how much I love all of them.
Overall this was a ten out of ten read!
𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐈 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤?
Yes!
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝟓 ׂㅤ𐙚 ࣪ ⭒
plot: 5/5
spice: 3/5
humor: 5/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: cliff hanger
𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 ᡣ𐭩ྀི₊ ⊹
high fantasy, dark academia, fated mates, possessive and protective mmc, reverse harem, slow burn, black cat x dark golden retriever, stalker, touch her and die, found family
September 12, 2024
Dnf at 30%. It took me 3 tries to read the first book in hopes that this series got better. The same things I hated about the first book are still very present now. I don't think that writing style is for me. We don't really get shown anything. We don't get information not even with multiple POV which makes the multiple POV essentially useless.
We also have a main character that just constantly is repeating the same thing in her head "I can't have them" "you can't like them" "they will hate you". Which okay for a book one where we meet everyone sure, but this far into book two to continue this woe is me commentary without any pay off is where I have to draw the line and not finish the series.
We also have a main character that just constantly is repeating the same thing in her head "I can't have them" "you can't like them" "they will hate you". Which okay for a book one where we meet everyone sure, but this far into book two to continue this woe is me commentary without any pay off is where I have to draw the line and not finish the series.
November 15, 2025
.ೃ࿐
4.75 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
Maven is my Wednesday Addams 💚
I love that we get to know more of Maven’s past in this book. Some secrets remain and that keeps the story engaging, but more is also revealed to the characters and to the readers.
Maven is also just the best black-cat FMC I have ever read. Her stand-offishness is so understandable, and when she starts to melt for others, we can see her noble character traits. Still, at the same time, she retains her dark humor and personality.
The increasing devotion these characters show one another is adorable and feels so natural, unlike the very insta-lovey stuff, even though the relationships do progress quickly in these books. I also like that this is where the characters admit their devotion to one another and really start acting like a team (when it matters, lol).
My only criticism is that I wish the books were longer; they go by so quickly. But is that really a critique? Not really lol.
Bring on Twisted Souls. I need to slow down with my reading, though, because it's going to be over way too soon 💜
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
୨୧➛ post-read ── .✦
This series is everything to me. I need to slow down though, otherwise it will be over way too soon 🥲
4.75 ★
ੈ✩‧₊˚ my thoughts
Maven is my Wednesday Addams 💚
There never has been and never will be anyone but you for me. Twisted souls like ours can't help belonging together, will of the gods be damned. Quintet or not, bound or not, I was always going to be yours, darling. Wherever you rest your pretty head, keep this under your pillow until I return to you. And please dream of me, for if I could dream, it would always be of you.
I love that we get to know more of Maven’s past in this book. Some secrets remain and that keeps the story engaging, but more is also revealed to the characters and to the readers.
Maven is also just the best black-cat FMC I have ever read. Her stand-offishness is so understandable, and when she starts to melt for others, we can see her noble character traits. Still, at the same time, she retains her dark humor and personality.
The increasing devotion these characters show one another is adorable and feels so natural, unlike the very insta-lovey stuff, even though the relationships do progress quickly in these books. I also like that this is where the characters admit their devotion to one another and really start acting like a team (when it matters, lol).
My only criticism is that I wish the books were longer; they go by so quickly. But is that really a critique? Not really lol.
Bring on Twisted Souls. I need to slow down with my reading, though, because it's going to be over way too soon 💜
-`♡´- Happy reading! Belle
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─── ୨୧ ──── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ──── ୨୧ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
୨୧➛ post-read ── .✦
This series is everything to me. I need to slow down though, otherwise it will be over way too soon 🥲
October 6, 2024
4⭐️
Wow I’m definitely feeling this series! I love a good why choose romance and I’m loving the characters in this one. Maven truly encapsulates Wednesday Addams and her super dry & gory tastes are honestly so fun to read. Also compared to the last book, this one definitely amps up her connections with her guys. I’m really enjoying getting to know these characters and seeing the bonds they form with each other. Even the guys who are all childhood rivals to…well…quintet-mates, are slowly opening up to each other. I think right now my faves are Everett and maybe Dragon boy. It’s hard to choose thought because I genuinely like them all! This book does end on a cliffhanger (although imo it’s not a super intense one) so I’m definitely excited for the next book!
Wow I’m definitely feeling this series! I love a good why choose romance and I’m loving the characters in this one. Maven truly encapsulates Wednesday Addams and her super dry & gory tastes are honestly so fun to read. Also compared to the last book, this one definitely amps up her connections with her guys. I’m really enjoying getting to know these characters and seeing the bonds they form with each other. Even the guys who are all childhood rivals to…well…quintet-mates, are slowly opening up to each other. I think right now my faves are Everett and maybe Dragon boy. It’s hard to choose thought because I genuinely like them all! This book does end on a cliffhanger (although imo it’s not a super intense one) so I’m definitely excited for the next book!
August 23, 2025
I love all of the main characters so much
October 16, 2025
That ending got me! I love this series so much 🫶🏻
July 15, 2025
It ate and left no crumbs.
Gimme more, immediately.
Gimme more, immediately.
July 2, 2024
Absolutely unhinged fun
I forced myself to read this book slowly bc I didn’t want it to end. It has everything my KU loving heart wants:
Paranormal romance
University setting
High stakes
Reverse Harem
MMCs are gone for her
Touch her & die
Touch him & die
!!!! SPICE !!!!
Can only describe this series as an absolute blast.
I forced myself to read this book slowly bc I didn’t want it to end. It has everything my KU loving heart wants:
Paranormal romance
University setting
High stakes
Reverse Harem
MMCs are gone for her
Touch her & die
Touch him & die
!!!! SPICE !!!!
Can only describe this series as an absolute blast.
September 7, 2024
Absolutely amazing! So much more character and relationship development. Cannot wait for book 3!!😍
Spice: 3/5 🌶️is actually so hot to read!🌶️
Plot: 5/5 🔥🙌
Overall 5/5⭐️
Spice: 3/5 🌶️is actually so hot to read!🌶️
Plot: 5/5 🔥🙌
Overall 5/5⭐️
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