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Drakkon #1
Drakkon: Empire's Curse
A villainous emperor, a simple farm girl, and a romance that will tear their empire apart.
Some say Emperor Drakkon Muyang is part dragon, part demon, all cold-blooded. That his vicious beauty is a facade for his cruel reign. For Daiyu, a farmer’s daughter, he’s nothing more than a monarch she’ll never meet.
Until Daiyu’s sister is taken to the palace for the royal selection. Adamant to rescue her sister, Daiyu sneaks into the palace. What she doesn’t expect is to attract the wicked emperor’s attention. Suddenly, she’s thrust into his vicious court life, where noble women want her dead and enemies are all around her.
As Daiyu grows closer to Muyang, she can’t resist his dark charm and their growing attraction. But he’s everything she hates–beastly, cruel, and dangerously powerful. And his court is no better.
She has no choice but to flee from Muyang before he steals her heart. But defying the ruthless emperor has consequences. Which will she lose first–her heart, or her life?
Lush and full of magical intrigue, Empire’s Curse is the first installment in the Drakkon series and is perfect for fans of slow burn romantic fantasy, wickedly beautiful villains, and delicious tension.
Some say Emperor Drakkon Muyang is part dragon, part demon, all cold-blooded. That his vicious beauty is a facade for his cruel reign. For Daiyu, a farmer’s daughter, he’s nothing more than a monarch she’ll never meet.
Until Daiyu’s sister is taken to the palace for the royal selection. Adamant to rescue her sister, Daiyu sneaks into the palace. What she doesn’t expect is to attract the wicked emperor’s attention. Suddenly, she’s thrust into his vicious court life, where noble women want her dead and enemies are all around her.
As Daiyu grows closer to Muyang, she can’t resist his dark charm and their growing attraction. But he’s everything she hates–beastly, cruel, and dangerously powerful. And his court is no better.
She has no choice but to flee from Muyang before he steals her heart. But defying the ruthless emperor has consequences. Which will she lose first–her heart, or her life?
Lush and full of magical intrigue, Empire’s Curse is the first installment in the Drakkon series and is perfect for fans of slow burn romantic fantasy, wickedly beautiful villains, and delicious tension.
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
1166 people are currently reading
6283 people want to read
About the author
Maham Fatemi
13 books169 followersMaham Fatemi is an avid reader, writer, and cat lover. When she’s not obsessing over her cats, you can find her skimming a new cookbook, reading comics, or drinking an unhealthy number of oat-milk lattes. She writes epic fantasy and romantic fantasy. Maham lives in the Chicagoland area with her husband, son, and cats. For information about new releases, signed books, and her newsletter, visit her website at mahamfatemi.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 263 reviews
June 10, 2025
The premise (aka the edit on tiktok) piqued my interest. However, the execution left much to be desired.
Curse me for falling for a tiktok recommendation, I'm no better than past me :(
(I blame the exams tho)
Curse me for falling for a tiktok recommendation, I'm no better than past me :(
(I blame the exams tho)
October 9, 2025
*cries in the corner* I want more.
This has:
✔️villain romance
✔️arranged marriage
✔️"who did this to you." Gives me the shivers every time
✔️Forced Proximity
I really love this book. The romance between the main characters was sweet and enduring. I do wish there was more of a villain aspect in from the MC.
Otherwise, super good and I couldn't put it down.
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This has:
✔️villain romance
✔️arranged marriage
✔️"who did this to you." Gives me the shivers every time
✔️Forced Proximity
I really love this book. The romance between the main characters was sweet and enduring. I do wish there was more of a villain aspect in from the MC.
Otherwise, super good and I couldn't put it down.
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April 19, 2025
This one started off kinda weak.
I don't know how to explain it, but it reminded me of a poorly written pilot episode of a show. Some of the dialogue is a little cringeworthy, the interactions are awkward, and you notice that some of the banters are superficially written to show the thinly veiled chemistry between the characters. It was forced chemistry, forced banter.
But.
Somehow, later on, the pacing (and the plot) picked up, and it became entertaining—at least for me.
Plus, it's like watching a C-drama, and I love my C-dramas. Historical fantasy setting with East Asian influence? With dragons? My oh my. My jam there.
My issues, though, lie in the initial awkward chapters, weak attempts of the attempted-murders side plot (which we didn't really see solve itself in the end there) and the palace politics aspect of it, questionable (and whiny) behaviour from our fmc and probably the lack of good character developments. I need my character development. In the end there, it seemed like our girl went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. Kinda wanted to see it progress more naturally, I guess.
All in all, pretty decent of a read. You like C-dramas? Then you probably try this one out. Mind you, it's fade to black kinda romance. A huge bummer for me. But hey, the world building and the atmosphere kinda great!
I don't know how to explain it, but it reminded me of a poorly written pilot episode of a show. Some of the dialogue is a little cringeworthy, the interactions are awkward, and you notice that some of the banters are superficially written to show the thinly veiled chemistry between the characters. It was forced chemistry, forced banter.
But.
Somehow, later on, the pacing (and the plot) picked up, and it became entertaining—at least for me.
Plus, it's like watching a C-drama, and I love my C-dramas. Historical fantasy setting with East Asian influence? With dragons? My oh my. My jam there.
My issues, though, lie in the initial awkward chapters, weak attempts of the attempted-murders side plot (which we didn't really see solve itself in the end there) and the palace politics aspect of it, questionable (and whiny) behaviour from our fmc and probably the lack of good character developments. I need my character development. In the end there, it seemed like our girl went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye. Kinda wanted to see it progress more naturally, I guess.
All in all, pretty decent of a read. You like C-dramas? Then you probably try this one out. Mind you, it's fade to black kinda romance. A huge bummer for me. But hey, the world building and the atmosphere kinda great!
June 12, 2025
DNF - Needs another edit
I read up to 55% of this book, and just could not finish. This book needs a lot of work and has a lot of plot holes.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
1) the FMC is 24 yrs old and supposedly does so much caring for her family, yet is naive and immature. No logical decision making, no cunning, no self preservation for a character that grew up a simple farm girl. That kind of life requires tough choices, especially as the eldest daughter. Daiyu gives off more of “naive teenager that hasn’t experienced the realities of surviving in the world as a young adult.”
2) Muyang time and time again chose not to have any redeeming qualities. An enemies to lovers book typically gives the MMC some redeeming qualities and vulnerability that increases slowly so you begin to root for them. This is giving more Stockholm Syndrome and Daiyu’s attraction to him seems too forced, only surface level at best. The entire first 55% of the book is him being a straight up bully and constantly insulting her, not to mention the physical punishments he doled out like actually holding her at knifepoint and the pond punishment. The day after Muyang rescues her when she runs from the fort and gets attacked should’ve been the turning point where he slips in some softer comments, but he literally ends their interaction with “you’re not someone that can influence my decisions about your own fate.”
3) Lack of focus for the main couple. Feiyu constantly showing up and making himself available for Daiyu made him the better candidate for the romance plot. There was a strange emphasis on the beauty of the Piccata members and many more moments of vulnerability and light heartedness with them.
4) Literally no real friends for our FMC? Her entire life, existence, revolves around her burgeoning relationship with the emperor? Sister? Gone. Maids? Won’t speak to her. Piccata? Obviously all on Muyang’s side, not true friends of hers. You get a sense of isolation for our FMC that really adds to the feeling of Stockholm Syndrome for Daiyu instead of the enemies to lovers trope.
5) Lack of urgency to help her family?? She learned that her family’s farm is burned, so she runs away. After realizing that won’t work, then deciding she will marry Muyang to save and protect her family with status, she does NOTHING with her fiancé / future empress status to help her family. Does not bring them up in passing conversation to the emperor, doesn’t ask for a favor to investigate the burning, doesn’t mention that she saw her family’s farm burned (because Muyang didn’t listen to the reason why Yat-sen helped her with his magic), doesn’t tell the Piccata, NOTHING. She just spends the next 4 days trying to be pretty around the fortress to catch Muyang’s eye. The ‘family first’ plot does not develop past the initial intro. Neither does the dead fiancé plot, but I digress.
I have more complaints, but these are the most blaring issues I have with the book as it is written. All in all, it feels as if the book is written with no clear direction, but more like what came to mind. The storyline needs to be outlined with plot points so it feels more cohesive. That being said, I truly do believe as the writer continues their career, they can only improve from here and I’m excited to see more polished pieces in the future.
I read up to 55% of this book, and just could not finish. This book needs a lot of work and has a lot of plot holes.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
1) the FMC is 24 yrs old and supposedly does so much caring for her family, yet is naive and immature. No logical decision making, no cunning, no self preservation for a character that grew up a simple farm girl. That kind of life requires tough choices, especially as the eldest daughter. Daiyu gives off more of “naive teenager that hasn’t experienced the realities of surviving in the world as a young adult.”
2) Muyang time and time again chose not to have any redeeming qualities. An enemies to lovers book typically gives the MMC some redeeming qualities and vulnerability that increases slowly so you begin to root for them. This is giving more Stockholm Syndrome and Daiyu’s attraction to him seems too forced, only surface level at best. The entire first 55% of the book is him being a straight up bully and constantly insulting her, not to mention the physical punishments he doled out like actually holding her at knifepoint and the pond punishment. The day after Muyang rescues her when she runs from the fort and gets attacked should’ve been the turning point where he slips in some softer comments, but he literally ends their interaction with “you’re not someone that can influence my decisions about your own fate.”
3) Lack of focus for the main couple. Feiyu constantly showing up and making himself available for Daiyu made him the better candidate for the romance plot. There was a strange emphasis on the beauty of the Piccata members and many more moments of vulnerability and light heartedness with them.
4) Literally no real friends for our FMC? Her entire life, existence, revolves around her burgeoning relationship with the emperor? Sister? Gone. Maids? Won’t speak to her. Piccata? Obviously all on Muyang’s side, not true friends of hers. You get a sense of isolation for our FMC that really adds to the feeling of Stockholm Syndrome for Daiyu instead of the enemies to lovers trope.
5) Lack of urgency to help her family?? She learned that her family’s farm is burned, so she runs away. After realizing that won’t work, then deciding she will marry Muyang to save and protect her family with status, she does NOTHING with her fiancé / future empress status to help her family. Does not bring them up in passing conversation to the emperor, doesn’t ask for a favor to investigate the burning, doesn’t mention that she saw her family’s farm burned (because Muyang didn’t listen to the reason why Yat-sen helped her with his magic), doesn’t tell the Piccata, NOTHING. She just spends the next 4 days trying to be pretty around the fortress to catch Muyang’s eye. The ‘family first’ plot does not develop past the initial intro. Neither does the dead fiancé plot, but I digress.
I have more complaints, but these are the most blaring issues I have with the book as it is written. All in all, it feels as if the book is written with no clear direction, but more like what came to mind. The storyline needs to be outlined with plot points so it feels more cohesive. That being said, I truly do believe as the writer continues their career, they can only improve from here and I’m excited to see more polished pieces in the future.
May 12, 2025
3,4/5
September 23, 2025
Like a free fastfoodmeal: enjoyable, but with no nutrients for my body to function and grow.
August 9, 2025
As you can see from my account, I’ve read a lot of books that became popular on TikTok. Most of the time, they weren’t nearly as good as people made them out to be. But recently, I came across the author of this book on TikTok, and the way she talked about her story instantly hooked me.
Honestly, this is the best book I have ever read. I have no words for the fact that a single person managed to write this.
The first 300 pages were pure enemies to lovers: pure hatred, lust, and even more hatred. Every single page kept getting better and better. I literally couldn’t put my Kindle down and ended up reading until 2 a.m. If that doesn’t convince you to grab it right now, I don’t know what will—because every single minute with this book was worth it.
After page 350, my jaw was on the floor. I’m not exaggerating. The plot twist is so insanely well-crafted that you only find out how everything fits together when you’re 90% into the story. The amount of detail is mind-blowing, and I’m still in shock. This is such a phenomenal story, and it deserves far more readers than some of the other popular TikTok books.
For me? A solid 5 stars—honestly, if I could, I’d give it 10. Hats off to the author!
Honestly, this is the best book I have ever read. I have no words for the fact that a single person managed to write this.
The first 300 pages were pure enemies to lovers: pure hatred, lust, and even more hatred. Every single page kept getting better and better. I literally couldn’t put my Kindle down and ended up reading until 2 a.m. If that doesn’t convince you to grab it right now, I don’t know what will—because every single minute with this book was worth it.
After page 350, my jaw was on the floor. I’m not exaggerating. The plot twist is so insanely well-crafted that you only find out how everything fits together when you’re 90% into the story. The amount of detail is mind-blowing, and I’m still in shock. This is such a phenomenal story, and it deserves far more readers than some of the other popular TikTok books.
For me? A solid 5 stars—honestly, if I could, I’d give it 10. Hats off to the author!
October 3, 2025
Barely finished and by barely I skimmed the entire second half of the book when I realized it never got better. The FMC remained a cowardly sniveling 24 year old going on 14 that was more obsessed with her chastity than ever helping her family or herself. This is YA. Or less. There was not much to like or redeem her or the MMC. Juvenile writing and dialogue. How many stuttering ‘Ex-Excuse me’s’ do we need. And plot holes the size of craters. Would not recommend.
July 9, 2024
A wonderful new Asian inspired fantasy replete with dragons, magic and love! Really enjoyable in the vein of Girls of Paper and Fire and Daughter of the Moon Goddess. A truly worthwhile read!
June 21, 2024
Daiyu a girl from a small village just wanted to save her sister and now she’s to be married to the Emperor known for being ruthless and torturous after killing his way to the throne. As she navigates her way through court life, though with a friendly yet powerful mage by her side, and trying to escape the emperor every chance she gets, she begins to develop feelings for this monstrous man.
**Possible spoilers ahead…
A slow burn enemies to lovers, grumpy shadow daddy, dragons, magic, and curses, this book has *almost* everything a romantasy reader loves. The ~sexual~ tension between Muyang and Daiyu is thick and the one thing I needed from this book was the slicing through that tension…but never got. (I guess if you’re not into spice then this would be a perfect read for you.)
I devoured this book. Every part of me needing to know what would happen next, waiting for everything to come together. The description used for both Muyung and Faiyu’s eyes from the get go was highly suspicious and lead me to believe early on that they were somehow intertwined. There were definitely some context clues besides their eyes that I should’ve picked up on but flying through this book I missed smaller things that thinking back on now I realized proved my suspicions.
Although a lot of book centers around Daiyu trying to get away from Muyung, I wish it hadn’t been so focused on her doing it because of her self doubt. There’s certainly times when it’s understandable for Daiyu to have those feelings but her inner monologue is just a constant downer when really it could be more about her fighting her feelings for Muyung because of who HE is not because of who SHE is. It also could’ve been more interesting if she fell for both parts of Muyung, aka Faiyu, and her struggling between having feelings between both, especially since they’re the same person.
I’m glad the Author plans to make this a series as I can’t wait to see where the story goes… hopefully toward Yanlin getting iced out in a….permanent way!! Also looking forward to seeing lot of Daiyu and Muyung’s love develop and fingers crossed for some more spicy passion as well!!
**Received as an ARC for my honest opinion** I don’t normally write reviews on books but as an ARC reader for the first time here I am, so keep in mind I’m not a professional critic (:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2024
Daiyu, a farmer’s daughter, the dangerous emperor is a distant figure until her sister is taken as an option for his wife. Determined to rescue her, Daiyu infiltrates the palace, only to catch the eye of the enigmatic and dangerous emperor. The stakes are high as she plots to flee from his and the court's clutches.
This was such a fun read. I love when authors take a cliched character archetype and turn it on its head with more interesting changes. Muyang is certainly a complex character; unpleasant and dangerous at times, but incredibly soft with Daiyu most of the time. He's a bit of a tortured soul, and his actions often pleasantly surprised me.
Daiyu is also a strong but vulnerable character with a lot of insecurity. She eventually recognizes her reactive behavior and tries to make changes, making her a realistic and relatable character. My only complaint is that her major insecurities felt younger than her age, but given her background, it can be explained. I don't love women vs women plot lines either, but again - I could easily ignore it.
Faiyu is another character I adored, though his motivations remained unclear for much of the book. There were a few plot-driven conveniences, but the story was entertaining enough to overlook them.
This is a fun read and those who enjoy historical-slanted fantasy romance will adore this one! Thanks to the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
This was such a fun read. I love when authors take a cliched character archetype and turn it on its head with more interesting changes. Muyang is certainly a complex character; unpleasant and dangerous at times, but incredibly soft with Daiyu most of the time. He's a bit of a tortured soul, and his actions often pleasantly surprised me.
Daiyu is also a strong but vulnerable character with a lot of insecurity. She eventually recognizes her reactive behavior and tries to make changes, making her a realistic and relatable character. My only complaint is that her major insecurities felt younger than her age, but given her background, it can be explained. I don't love women vs women plot lines either, but again - I could easily ignore it.
Faiyu is another character I adored, though his motivations remained unclear for much of the book. There were a few plot-driven conveniences, but the story was entertaining enough to overlook them.
This is a fun read and those who enjoy historical-slanted fantasy romance will adore this one! Thanks to the author for the copy. This review is based on a complimentary pre-released copy and it is voluntary.
December 5, 2025
I love how this is a fantasy book, yet the magic system is never explained properly lol…..
Read
January 17, 2026I wish every love triangle would end up like this.
- btw this book was a BIG trust-the-process kind of book because if it wouldn’t be for the last 50 pages i would’ve rated this book with one star BUT now I’m conflicted and i have to process this book myself but the ending definitely helped and explained a lot that kept bugging me throughout the book
- btw this book was a BIG trust-the-process kind of book because if it wouldn’t be for the last 50 pages i would’ve rated this book with one star BUT now I’m conflicted and i have to process this book myself but the ending definitely helped and explained a lot that kept bugging me throughout the book
November 17, 2025
3.5 rounding up bc it got me out of a slump so it gets brownie points!!!
January 6, 2026
loved this slow burn!! absolutely ADORED how there was NO spice in this but the love and desire was still as present as ever. the storyline was decent as well
Can only recommend.
Can only recommend.
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May 17, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
If you’re obsessed with historical C-drama, then this should be your next read.
Yin Daiyu, a farmers daughter, whose daily life revolves in taking care of her family and their rice paddies finds her life taking a sudden change when her sister is taken to the palace for the concubines selection.
She set out to rescue her sister at the palace where she meets a powerful mage to the emperor and at the same time catching the emperor’s attention, following her perilous life at the palace while at the same time trying to safeguard her heart.
But our dearest emperor Muyang isn’t the cold, evil, monstrous man that the rumors said. THAT MAN I WILL FOLD FOR HIM.
As for Feiyu, I KNEW he was Muyang, I didn’t expect that their soul split but I figured he was Muyang.
My only issue here is with Daiyu - God at times she was insufferable. I get it that it was hard to live at the palace and her life was in danger. But man, instead of entertaining her thoughts about Muyang with other women, it would have been great to see her trying to learn the ropes of the palace and BECOMING A BETTER VERSION OF HERSELF. Like she didn’t know how to read or write, I expected her to go out and show all those who laughed at her no one could take her place and she was preparing herself to stand equal to Muyang. But meh, girlie here likes to keep to her room and pace the whole day.
➷ • ꜰᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇꜱ Qᴜᴏᴛᴇꜱ & ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ
“Until you wish it, I’ll be the one driving a dagger through the hearts of your enemies.” His smile grew, and something fluttered in her chest at the dark promise. “I’ll be your villain for as long as you need me to be.”
Do you think I want you less because you’rescarred? There is not a single thing in this empire—in this world—that can mar your beauty or your worth. Never think that you are worth less than anyone else.” He reached forward and grasped a tendril of her hair. Something possessive seemed to take ahold of him as he narrowed his eyes at her. “And you speak as if someone else would dare to marry you when you are mine.”
Contrary to what you said, I don’t think you’re a weak little thing.” Muyang’s black eyes bored into hers and something fluttered in her chest, warming the pits of her stomach and turning her legs gel-like. “You’re fierce and gentle, in such a way that I don’t know how to handle you.”
I never expected to be your first love. I would never dream of having such a lofty position in your heart. I hate that I could never be there for you when you needed it. And as much as I would love to be the first man to take your heart, I knew that would never be the case. But I am an emperor. A king. A man who takes what he wants, and who will stop at nothing to grasp what he covets. Daiyu, I do intend to be the last one to take your heart, and I don’t plan to let it go until the ends of time. Do you understand me?”
“You wish to make me your empress?”
“Yes.” He brought her knuckles to his lips again, watching her the entire time. “I would like for you to be by my side for all of eternity. For as long as I rule. For as long as I take breath.”
“Tonight, you’re the empress, Daiyu, and I’m nothing more than your husband. So do what you want with me. Kiss me. Embrace me. Love me. But don’t hate me.” Another gentle kiss against her knuckles. “If all you want to do is sleep in my arms, then so be it.”
“Did you realize that I loved you in both souls?”
It’s true that I don’t deserve this empire, and that maybe it would be better for someone else to rule, but I am selfish, Daiyu. I will continue to reign until our children are able to take over where I left. And maybe then, because our children will have your kindness and resilience, we will finally have an emperor worthy of this cursed throne.
If you’re obsessed with historical C-drama, then this should be your next read.
Yin Daiyu, a farmers daughter, whose daily life revolves in taking care of her family and their rice paddies finds her life taking a sudden change when her sister is taken to the palace for the concubines selection.
She set out to rescue her sister at the palace where she meets a powerful mage to the emperor and at the same time catching the emperor’s attention, following her perilous life at the palace while at the same time trying to safeguard her heart.
But our dearest emperor Muyang isn’t the cold, evil, monstrous man that the rumors said. THAT MAN I WILL FOLD FOR HIM.
As for Feiyu, I KNEW he was Muyang, I didn’t expect that their soul split but I figured he was Muyang.
My only issue here is with Daiyu - God at times she was insufferable. I get it that it was hard to live at the palace and her life was in danger. But man, instead of entertaining her thoughts about Muyang with other women, it would have been great to see her trying to learn the ropes of the palace and BECOMING A BETTER VERSION OF HERSELF. Like she didn’t know how to read or write, I expected her to go out and show all those who laughed at her no one could take her place and she was preparing herself to stand equal to Muyang. But meh, girlie here likes to keep to her room and pace the whole day.
➷ • ꜰᴀᴠᴏʀɪᴛᴇꜱ Qᴜᴏᴛᴇꜱ & ᴍᴏᴍᴇɴᴛꜱ
“Until you wish it, I’ll be the one driving a dagger through the hearts of your enemies.” His smile grew, and something fluttered in her chest at the dark promise. “I’ll be your villain for as long as you need me to be.”
Do you think I want you less because you’rescarred? There is not a single thing in this empire—in this world—that can mar your beauty or your worth. Never think that you are worth less than anyone else.” He reached forward and grasped a tendril of her hair. Something possessive seemed to take ahold of him as he narrowed his eyes at her. “And you speak as if someone else would dare to marry you when you are mine.”
Contrary to what you said, I don’t think you’re a weak little thing.” Muyang’s black eyes bored into hers and something fluttered in her chest, warming the pits of her stomach and turning her legs gel-like. “You’re fierce and gentle, in such a way that I don’t know how to handle you.”
I never expected to be your first love. I would never dream of having such a lofty position in your heart. I hate that I could never be there for you when you needed it. And as much as I would love to be the first man to take your heart, I knew that would never be the case. But I am an emperor. A king. A man who takes what he wants, and who will stop at nothing to grasp what he covets. Daiyu, I do intend to be the last one to take your heart, and I don’t plan to let it go until the ends of time. Do you understand me?”
“You wish to make me your empress?”
“Yes.” He brought her knuckles to his lips again, watching her the entire time. “I would like for you to be by my side for all of eternity. For as long as I rule. For as long as I take breath.”
“Tonight, you’re the empress, Daiyu, and I’m nothing more than your husband. So do what you want with me. Kiss me. Embrace me. Love me. But don’t hate me.” Another gentle kiss against her knuckles. “If all you want to do is sleep in my arms, then so be it.”
“Did you realize that I loved you in both souls?”
It’s true that I don’t deserve this empire, and that maybe it would be better for someone else to rule, but I am selfish, Daiyu. I will continue to reign until our children are able to take over where I left. And maybe then, because our children will have your kindness and resilience, we will finally have an emperor worthy of this cursed throne.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2024
"I have received this ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily"
I’m torn by this book.
There were points I really loved and fresh ideas that I haven’t seen within fantasy before, the author writes her intense scenes really well and had some concepts which I enjoyed.
I would have liked a bit more from the character development and the MC’s internal turmoil got a bit repetitive before the end.
It took me a little while to get into it but is definitely worth reading.
I’m torn by this book.
There were points I really loved and fresh ideas that I haven’t seen within fantasy before, the author writes her intense scenes really well and had some concepts which I enjoyed.
I would have liked a bit more from the character development and the MC’s internal turmoil got a bit repetitive before the end.
It took me a little while to get into it but is definitely worth reading.
September 6, 2025
I feel harsh giving this three so it might change because I did love it! I'm just a bit confused about the overall direction it ended up going in - which in itself wasn't even bad. Just a bit out of the blue 🤷♀️
February 23, 2026
⟢ ◟ ♯ 2.25 ★.ᐟ
booktok, you have failed me once again. i thought i would be getting a well-rounded, well-written east asian–inspired romantasy, but all i got was another imbecilic, insufferable fmc, an mmc who kept clocking said fmc, and a plot that only piqued my interest in the last 10% of the book. i’m disappointed.
(i) PLOT ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
this book follows our fmc, Yin Daiyu, a mere farmer's daughter and “country bumpkin”. her younger sister has been taken to the palace against her own will to become part of the royal selection—a group of women who are being trained to become the feared emperor’s—Drakkon Muyang’s—wife. after sneaking into the palace, Daiyu unintentionally catches Muyang’s attention. now, he wants her to be his wife, and he won’t take “no” for an answer.
plot? unsatisfactory. i don’t know why i went into this book with such high hopes, but i was let down tremendously. this was an extremely low-stakes romantasy with problems that could’ve been solved if the fmc had basic communication skills. instead of telling the emperor—her literal HUSBAND—that someone was after her and actively trying to kill her, she decided to waste time telling people who didn’t have the power to do anything.
the “problem”—if you can even call it that—in this book wasn’t anything particularly jeopardising either. it was just a bunch of spoiled rich girls upset that a mere farm girl had been chosen to be the emperor’s wife (boringggg). there was a plot point i thought would become detrimental to the main story, but alas, it was tossed aside and only vaguely referenced after it had served its purpose. had it not been for the last 10% of the book, i would’ve rated this much lower. so, all in all, i wouldn’t pick this book up for the plot. it wasn’t anything special or intriguing.
(ii) CHARACTERS ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
YIN DAIYU: god, was she annoying. i mean, seriously. this woman spent 50% of the book acting like a blubbering, floundering fool and the remaining 50% trying to convince herself that Muyang was an evil man, blah blah blah. no one cares, lady!! for most of this book, all she did was put herself down and compare herself to the noble women surrounding her. and don’t even get me started on when she started talking about Heng, her deceased fiancé. turns out she was never in love with him, just based on how she compared him to Muyang.
so basically, you were never attracted to Heng. got it. please spare me this overdone, annoying trope. the only good thing Daiyu did was slap Wang Yanlin. like yes! finally you’re doing something! you haven't done enough to make me like you, though.
DRAKKON MUYANG/FEIYU: your typical annoying alpha male with... a twist?? yes, you heard that right. surprisingly, Muyang and Feiyu ended up being my favourite characters. they weren’t perfect by any means, but this book was so bad that the scenes involving them felt like a reprieve (most of the time).
Muyang was so sassy, constantly clocking Daiyu, and i just HAD to laugh. like, you thought you were important to him? you thought your opinion could sway him? THINK AGAIN, BITCH!! i might’ve felt differently if i had actually liked the fmc, but seeing as she was so incredibly unlikeable, it was enjoyable to me.
OMG LET HER GET UP MUYANGGG!! i can’t say i didn’t see it coming. he didn’t get his reputation by letting randoms walk all over him and change his decisions let’s be fucking forreal. anyways, he was only funny to me because the rest of this book was so bad. i would’ve never let that behaviour slide if i had liked the fmc more.
(iii) WRITING, ETC. ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
i’m not easy to please, but i am honest, so believe me when i say this book was written in an extremely juvenile manner. big words were sprinkled in sporadically to make it seem more sophisticated, but it just made the reading experience awkward. i also felt this book was way too long considering its contents.
it was literally: assassination attempt -> get help from Feiyu -> gets kidnapped -> gets saved by one of Muyang’s men -> runs away -> saved by Muyang -> another assassination attempt -> saved again -> fights with Muyang -> runs away. OMG GIRL I’M TIRED!! JUST STICK TO THE PLOT!! too much and nothing was happening at the same time, and it exhausted me.
at the end of it all, i was just happy to add another book toward my 2026 reading goal. this book added nothing to my life, and i’m just glad it’s over.
⤷ DNF’ed series ⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅
booktok, you have failed me once again. i thought i would be getting a well-rounded, well-written east asian–inspired romantasy, but all i got was another imbecilic, insufferable fmc, an mmc who kept clocking said fmc, and a plot that only piqued my interest in the last 10% of the book. i’m disappointed.
(i) PLOT ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
this book follows our fmc, Yin Daiyu, a mere farmer's daughter and “country bumpkin”. her younger sister has been taken to the palace against her own will to become part of the royal selection—a group of women who are being trained to become the feared emperor’s—Drakkon Muyang’s—wife. after sneaking into the palace, Daiyu unintentionally catches Muyang’s attention. now, he wants her to be his wife, and he won’t take “no” for an answer.
plot? unsatisfactory. i don’t know why i went into this book with such high hopes, but i was let down tremendously. this was an extremely low-stakes romantasy with problems that could’ve been solved if the fmc had basic communication skills. instead of telling the emperor—her literal HUSBAND—that someone was after her and actively trying to kill her, she decided to waste time telling people who didn’t have the power to do anything.
the “problem”—if you can even call it that—in this book wasn’t anything particularly jeopardising either. it was just a bunch of spoiled rich girls upset that a mere farm girl had been chosen to be the emperor’s wife (boringggg). there was a plot point i thought would become detrimental to the main story, but alas, it was tossed aside and only vaguely referenced after it had served its purpose. had it not been for the last 10% of the book, i would’ve rated this much lower. so, all in all, i wouldn’t pick this book up for the plot. it wasn’t anything special or intriguing.
(ii) CHARACTERS ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
YIN DAIYU: god, was she annoying. i mean, seriously. this woman spent 50% of the book acting like a blubbering, floundering fool and the remaining 50% trying to convince herself that Muyang was an evil man, blah blah blah. no one cares, lady!! for most of this book, all she did was put herself down and compare herself to the noble women surrounding her. and don’t even get me started on when she started talking about Heng, her deceased fiancé. turns out she was never in love with him, just based on how she compared him to Muyang.
⁀ ₊ ˚ ⟡ She wasn’t nervous around Heng, she didn’t feel like she had to tiptoe around him, and they had never interacted flirtatiously or intimately. The way she felt about Muyang was otherworldly; he was a completely different beast.
so basically, you were never attracted to Heng. got it. please spare me this overdone, annoying trope. the only good thing Daiyu did was slap Wang Yanlin. like yes! finally you’re doing something! you haven't done enough to make me like you, though.
DRAKKON MUYANG/FEIYU: your typical annoying alpha male with... a twist?? yes, you heard that right. surprisingly, Muyang and Feiyu ended up being my favourite characters. they weren’t perfect by any means, but this book was so bad that the scenes involving them felt like a reprieve (most of the time).
Muyang was so sassy, constantly clocking Daiyu, and i just HAD to laugh. like, you thought you were important to him? you thought your opinion could sway him? THINK AGAIN, BITCH!! i might’ve felt differently if i had actually liked the fmc, but seeing as she was so incredibly unlikeable, it was enjoyable to me.
⁀ ₊ ˚ ⟡ “Who the hell do you think you are?” Muyang tilted his head as he continued to scrutinise her like she was nothing. The darkness in his eyes seemed to encapsulate a wickedness she had never witnessed before, had never dreamed of seeing. “You have no sway over me, Yin Daiyu.”
OMG LET HER GET UP MUYANGGG!! i can’t say i didn’t see it coming. he didn’t get his reputation by letting randoms walk all over him and change his decisions let’s be fucking forreal. anyways, he was only funny to me because the rest of this book was so bad. i would’ve never let that behaviour slide if i had liked the fmc more.
(iii) WRITING, ETC. ˚.✦ ⵢ₊˚
i’m not easy to please, but i am honest, so believe me when i say this book was written in an extremely juvenile manner. big words were sprinkled in sporadically to make it seem more sophisticated, but it just made the reading experience awkward. i also felt this book was way too long considering its contents.
it was literally: assassination attempt -> get help from Feiyu -> gets kidnapped -> gets saved by one of Muyang’s men -> runs away -> saved by Muyang -> another assassination attempt -> saved again -> fights with Muyang -> runs away. OMG GIRL I’M TIRED!! JUST STICK TO THE PLOT!! too much and nothing was happening at the same time, and it exhausted me.
at the end of it all, i was just happy to add another book toward my 2026 reading goal. this book added nothing to my life, and i’m just glad it’s over.
⤷ DNF’ed series ⋅˚₊‧ ଳ ‧₊˚ ⋅
November 15, 2025
Finished this in A DAY with WORK and other stuff going on because of how good it was !! I literally stayed up most of the night reading it.
The plot and the fast pace of everything really sucked me into the story. I personally liked how there was not an insane amount of detail for everything because it made it all so much easier to read. I loved the romance, the mystery, and the FMC! Soft FMCs are hated on, but I found her so relatable.
My only small complaint with this book (hence 4 stars instead of 5) is small things with the writing within dialogue. This is meant to take place in a fantasy world set in ancient times. The dialogue consisting of phrases that are from the modern day and age just did not make sense with the setting and it threw me off a few times. If the dialogue was more setting appropriate, this would have been a 5 for me.
Overall though, this was WONDERFUL!! I truly devoured the entire book. I’m excited to check out more books by this author, as this was my first!
The plot and the fast pace of everything really sucked me into the story. I personally liked how there was not an insane amount of detail for everything because it made it all so much easier to read. I loved the romance, the mystery, and the FMC! Soft FMCs are hated on, but I found her so relatable.
My only small complaint with this book (hence 4 stars instead of 5) is small things with the writing within dialogue. This is meant to take place in a fantasy world set in ancient times. The dialogue consisting of phrases that are from the modern day and age just did not make sense with the setting and it threw me off a few times. If the dialogue was more setting appropriate, this would have been a 5 for me.
Overall though, this was WONDERFUL!! I truly devoured the entire book. I’m excited to check out more books by this author, as this was my first!
October 15, 2025
I liked it. After the first few chapters thought it would be a DNF , the main FMC was more than a bit annoying at times and I didn’t enjoy the constant repeating of her “concerns”. (No spoilers here) but I stuck with it and about 25% through it was a can’t put down book. I liked the general storyline. Loved the MMC who was a much stronger character than the FMC I felt, and loved the conclusion, the “twist” I had figured it out mostly but it still kept me wanting to know if I was correct at the end and there were a lot of details I hadn’t considered. I also loved that there wasn’t huge chapter fillers of spice which can get tedious at times if used only to fill space. The book didn’t need it , the story held its own without it.
February 20, 2026
Call me easily entertained but I have enjoyed this more than I should have.
The plot was not really original but entertaining enough with a good banter between the main characters in the first half of the book.
The issue was the “many” plot holes that I could overlook or ignore in the first 50% but prevented the story from being meaningful and deep in the latter half . Instead of fixing those holes, the author filled the rest with boring half studied drama that showed the plot and the main characters as shallow, lacked personality and unfit for their roles.
The ending was interesting and sweet even though the plot twist was extremely obvious from the start I was excited to read it.
Overall it felt like this is the first draft of what can become a really good book.
The plot was not really original but entertaining enough with a good banter between the main characters in the first half of the book.
The issue was the “many” plot holes that I could overlook or ignore in the first 50% but prevented the story from being meaningful and deep in the latter half . Instead of fixing those holes, the author filled the rest with boring half studied drama that showed the plot and the main characters as shallow, lacked personality and unfit for their roles.
The ending was interesting and sweet even though the plot twist was extremely obvious from the start I was excited to read it.
Overall it felt like this is the first draft of what can become a really good book.
July 2, 2024
This review comes from an ARC I received, and I am leaving it voluntarily.
This book was everything you could want from a fantasy book- action, dynamic characters, and a lot of page-flipping! I work for a library system and will be trying to get a copy in there as well so more people can read it.
This book was everything you could want from a fantasy book- action, dynamic characters, and a lot of page-flipping! I work for a library system and will be trying to get a copy in there as well so more people can read it.
August 17, 2025
The tension and romance was sweeeettttt 🙂↕️😋 loved the world building, characters, and the plot twist!!!
October 16, 2025
this was so bad I'm just afraid of alchemised so I keep putting it off
January 1, 2026
3.75/5 ⭐
This has me absolutely hooked, the last 30% was super rushed and ruined it for me. It had 5 star potential I'm so disappointed!
This has me absolutely hooked, the last 30% was super rushed and ruined it for me. It had 5 star potential I'm so disappointed!
February 20, 2026
It has been a long time since a book truly piqued my interest but I devoured this novel. I wish the author would make a sequel with the same characters because it was so so so good.
October 12, 2025
”But she was now married to the cruel emperor, and she planned to use that to her advantage. She could become their nightmare, she realized. She could become worthy of being the wife of the wicked.”
Och det tror jag också att hon blev med tanke på vilken utveckling hon genomgick. Dessvärre uppstod en del missförstånd och onödiga konflikter, men känslan av att ha transporterats in i ett c-drama var så fullständigt unik att jag inte hade något emot det.
Och det tror jag också att hon blev med tanke på vilken utveckling hon genomgick. Dessvärre uppstod en del missförstånd och onödiga konflikter, men känslan av att ha transporterats in i ett c-drama var så fullständigt unik att jag inte hade något emot det.
October 16, 2025
2,5 l’idée était bonne mais pas sa delivery
La romance dedans ew
La romance dedans ew
May 20, 2025
FANTASTIC FANTASY ROMANCE
4.5/5 ⭐️
This was one of the best fantasy romance books I’ve read in a HOT MINUTE. Enemies to Lovers to the T. & the complexity of the story along with the twists and turns (& the YEARNING) ugh. I’m obsessed. I need more.
Also, it has dragons? DRAGONS. Y’ALL KNOW ME AND MY DRAGONS.
A note to the author: PLEASE continue with Muyong & Daiyu’s story! If I’m reading the vibes correctly you left the ending open for a sequel from their POV’s & not just other characters (though it’s safe to say I am extremely keen to read that one too lol.) I would LOVE to read more about the political strife of the empire, & see the growth of their status & relationship! And just overall have more Muyong & Daiyu 😩
there’s so much more that could come from this, & I am SO KEEN to see what you have planned!
edit: I totally forgot to mention this in the initial review, but going into the book I really had to push through the first couple of chapters. like I really struggled. hence why my rating is .5 off of a 5 ⭐️. but DAMN, I have never had a book do a complete 180 & become one of my favourites, so MAD APPLAUSE to the author. (this is my way of telling you to push through if you’re struggling in the beginning because it ALL becomes worth it!)
4.5/5 ⭐️
This was one of the best fantasy romance books I’ve read in a HOT MINUTE. Enemies to Lovers to the T. & the complexity of the story along with the twists and turns (& the YEARNING) ugh. I’m obsessed. I need more.
Also, it has dragons? DRAGONS. Y’ALL KNOW ME AND MY DRAGONS.
A note to the author: PLEASE continue with Muyong & Daiyu’s story! If I’m reading the vibes correctly you left the ending open for a sequel from their POV’s & not just other characters (though it’s safe to say I am extremely keen to read that one too lol.) I would LOVE to read more about the political strife of the empire, & see the growth of their status & relationship! And just overall have more Muyong & Daiyu 😩
there’s so much more that could come from this, & I am SO KEEN to see what you have planned!
edit: I totally forgot to mention this in the initial review, but going into the book I really had to push through the first couple of chapters. like I really struggled. hence why my rating is .5 off of a 5 ⭐️. but DAMN, I have never had a book do a complete 180 & become one of my favourites, so MAD APPLAUSE to the author. (this is my way of telling you to push through if you’re struggling in the beginning because it ALL becomes worth it!)
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