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Sands of Maeoris #1
To Bind a Dark Heart
Her strikes in the dark become rough caresses in the night…
Kael has one mission. To kill the man who rules the desert city with an armored fist; the Beast who ravages her people and works them to death in his sweltering mines, intent only on retrieving more metal to fuel their wretched empire. It was supposed to be easy: allow herself to be captured and offered up as the reward to the winner of the gladiator match, then kill him once she was placed in his harem. No one ever dared best the Beast, instead forfeiting to avoid having their heads join the sand-crusted skulls that adorned the city walls.
Until today.
Theron doesn’t know why he did it. He’d never had a problem letting his brother win before, uninterested in the cowering females that were offered up as concubines. That was until he saw the gorgeous woman glaring at him across the colosseum sands, the hate on her lovely face blazing as hot as the desert sun. She didn’t shrink and cry like the other trophies, instead, her eyes followed his movements as if she wished she could skewer him herself. He defeated his brother easily, intent only on claiming her for himself and damning the political consequences.
If only he’d known what he’d set in motion.
Kael’s careful plan is torn to shreds when the handsome Lord Marshal, Theron, claims her as his. Her hands ache with the need to put her blade to his throat, to slay him for what he did to her family years ago when his army marched on her home. The wicked Marshal and his fearsome Harvestmen may have been relegated from the front lines to slave chasers in the desert, but she would never forget the promise she etched into the handle of her daggers.
Kill Theron Axidor.
It doesn’t matter that killing him would ruin her allies’ plans to retake the city. Or that the longer he keeps her, the more she sees underneath his deadly exterior to the man within. The lust she feels for him has to be the enchantments placed on all royal concubines. There’s no way she could fall for the man she vowed to destroy.
Is there?
Content Note: To Bind a Dark Heart is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, read with caution!
To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of Maeoris Trilogy and is a full-length fantasy romance featuring one couple in an enemies-to-lovers romance.
Kael has one mission. To kill the man who rules the desert city with an armored fist; the Beast who ravages her people and works them to death in his sweltering mines, intent only on retrieving more metal to fuel their wretched empire. It was supposed to be easy: allow herself to be captured and offered up as the reward to the winner of the gladiator match, then kill him once she was placed in his harem. No one ever dared best the Beast, instead forfeiting to avoid having their heads join the sand-crusted skulls that adorned the city walls.
Until today.
Theron doesn’t know why he did it. He’d never had a problem letting his brother win before, uninterested in the cowering females that were offered up as concubines. That was until he saw the gorgeous woman glaring at him across the colosseum sands, the hate on her lovely face blazing as hot as the desert sun. She didn’t shrink and cry like the other trophies, instead, her eyes followed his movements as if she wished she could skewer him herself. He defeated his brother easily, intent only on claiming her for himself and damning the political consequences.
If only he’d known what he’d set in motion.
Kael’s careful plan is torn to shreds when the handsome Lord Marshal, Theron, claims her as his. Her hands ache with the need to put her blade to his throat, to slay him for what he did to her family years ago when his army marched on her home. The wicked Marshal and his fearsome Harvestmen may have been relegated from the front lines to slave chasers in the desert, but she would never forget the promise she etched into the handle of her daggers.
Kill Theron Axidor.
It doesn’t matter that killing him would ruin her allies’ plans to retake the city. Or that the longer he keeps her, the more she sees underneath his deadly exterior to the man within. The lust she feels for him has to be the enchantments placed on all royal concubines. There’s no way she could fall for the man she vowed to destroy.
Is there?
Content Note: To Bind a Dark Heart is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence, and sexual situations. This book also ends on a cliffhanger, read with caution!
To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of Maeoris Trilogy and is a full-length fantasy romance featuring one couple in an enemies-to-lovers romance.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
133 people are currently reading
1467 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 28, 2024
Faux-badass heroine playing the 'I hate him, but let me ride that dick' game on repeat, only to pull an 'I don't know him' stunt at the end. A total fail.
November 9, 2023
Book was going strong at 4 stars then dipped to 3 and completely fell to 1. There were problems with the book - the relationship between the MCs lacked depth, the FMC seemed incredibly inexperienced in subterfuge and there was a lot of info dumping (the family tree helped though). But the nail in the coffin? A rape scene at the end of the book. It wasn’t the MMC, but his brother who raped her.
The 1 star is because it was unnecessary and because THERE WAS NO CONTENT OR TRIGGER WARNING. I am NOT okay with this. A warning at the beginning of the book would have prompted me to investigate this more because I read to take a break from reality and the hard shit already happening. I don’t want to read this. I’m not comfortable reading this. And it’s not fair that I wasn’t warned and this rape scene will be lingering in my head for days, weeks, months. Possibly years (because yeah, some scenes have). For fucks sake, my hands are shaking as I type this.
This world is dark and fully I expected there the be mentions of sexual abuse/assault. There was. But an actual rape scene is a whole other ball game and is incredibly triggering.
I was so excited to discover Wykes after reading The Inkwater Witch but now I’m gun shy. I don’t know if another book by this author is going to blindside me. And traumatize me.
So fuck this. I’m hella pissed. And incredibly, incredibly upset.
So, for those who want to read this, here are the triggers:
Child abuse
Rape of a child (both MCs)
Death of a parent(s)
Mentions of rape (implied in the past and present)
Slavery
Sexual slavery
Rape (on page)
Torture (on page)
Poverty
Molestation
Other non-consensual/dubious consensual situations
The 1 star is because it was unnecessary and because THERE WAS NO CONTENT OR TRIGGER WARNING. I am NOT okay with this. A warning at the beginning of the book would have prompted me to investigate this more because I read to take a break from reality and the hard shit already happening. I don’t want to read this. I’m not comfortable reading this. And it’s not fair that I wasn’t warned and this rape scene will be lingering in my head for days, weeks, months. Possibly years (because yeah, some scenes have). For fucks sake, my hands are shaking as I type this.
This world is dark and fully I expected there the be mentions of sexual abuse/assault. There was. But an actual rape scene is a whole other ball game and is incredibly triggering.
I was so excited to discover Wykes after reading The Inkwater Witch but now I’m gun shy. I don’t know if another book by this author is going to blindside me. And traumatize me.
So fuck this. I’m hella pissed. And incredibly, incredibly upset.
So, for those who want to read this, here are the triggers:
Child abuse
Rape of a child (both MCs)
Death of a parent(s)
Mentions of rape (implied in the past and present)
Slavery
Sexual slavery
Rape (on page)
Torture (on page)
Poverty
Molestation
Other non-consensual/dubious consensual situations
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
Мене дуже привабила обкладинка книги, і тому я клюнула і такою ж уявляла героїню. Мій улюблений троп від ворогів до коханців непогано виконаний, а кінцівка навіть здивувала. Я очікувала, більш темного любовного фентезі, але сподіваюсь це лише початок. Дуже сподобалась присвята для людини, яка любить Дюну та секс і тут це точно все було. Було гаряче і цікаво. Всі ці політичні інтриги, світоустрій, з яким лише починаю знайомитися. Дуже сильні та цікаві герої, і окрім головної пари мене зацікавив Ксадріан і його ставлення до Каель.
Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️
March 27, 2023
There is so much action throughout this book, Kael is such a strong warrior who through trauma has closed her heart off and has a determined focus to defeat an oppressive empire.
Theron on the surface appears to be strong, our ‘bad’ guy but as you read you realise he has suffered much trauma too and some that Kael has also experienced. He is a prisoner himself, constrained by his mother and brother , made to do unspeakable things for them.
I won’t go into more detail as anything else spoils the story, but watching them connect is fantastic, their relationship is developed so well and the ending, Kael and Theron are surely going to get there HEA at some point , I hope but I’m wondering how, I need the next book now and waiting until June is going to be agonising.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Theron on the surface appears to be strong, our ‘bad’ guy but as you read you realise he has suffered much trauma too and some that Kael has also experienced. He is a prisoner himself, constrained by his mother and brother , made to do unspeakable things for them.
I won’t go into more detail as anything else spoils the story, but watching them connect is fantastic, their relationship is developed so well and the ending, Kael and Theron are surely going to get there HEA at some point , I hope but I’m wondering how, I need the next book now and waiting until June is going to be agonising.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 26, 2024
Honestly, there were too many names it was so confusing. I was confused on who was who like half the story
August 16, 2025
MUY épico.
me enganchó desde la primerísima página, aunque admito q no había leído el 0.5 (no sabía q existía) y notaba q había cosas de las q no me estaba enterando mucho y q el libro daba por sabidas (sobre todo muchas cosas q tenían q ver con la mitología del mundo, la historia de la guerra entre elfos y dioses, etc.). pero bueno, ahora q lo he terminado, (creo q) lo he entendido todo bastante bien 🧐.
cuando empieza la historia, kael es una rebelde cuyo plan es matar a 'la bestia' (menudo jaleo para enterarme de quién era la bestia... 0 comprensión lectora) q ha decidido infiltrarse en la élite ofreciéndose como una de las esclavas q son las recompensas por ganar combates en un coliseo. normalmente la bestia gana todos los combates, pero en cuanto theron la ve... decide q ese día no puede dejar ganar a la bestia, así q gana él y coge a kael como recompensa. obviamente, ya sólo con ver cómo empieza la historia, se puede ver cómo de misógino y machista y asqueroso es el mundo en el q viven... de hecho, en las primeras páginas ya hay cosas horribles a las q someten a las chicas...
a medida q kael va trabajando en su plan, theron y ella van pasando tiempo juntos y se va desarrollando su relación. me encanta y me encanta y me encanta, aunque es verdad q el monólogo interno de kael a veces daba pena, y a pesar de la backstory de theron... kael lo es todo y siempre voy a estar de su parte. lo último q digo de la trama es q el final es ÉPICO, a kael le pasa una cosa horrible pero consigue salvarse y escapar tengo muchísimas ganas de ver qué pasa y me encanta q los protas se traicionen.
a todo esto hay q añadirle un entramado de personajes secundarios (amigos y enemigos de theron) q de verdad aportaban cosas a la historia (sobre todo herrath, raenisa, y XADRIAN!!!!! mi fav!!!!!). y bueno, con todo lo q me ha encantado el libro y con lo q me encantan kael y theron... todo lo q le pase a theron bien pasado está 👍 por ser cómplice del sistema y todo lo q kael haga bien hecho está por ser víctima del sistema!!! la amo con todo mi corazón y estoy DESEANDO q llegue junio para leer el siguiente 🙏
me enganchó desde la primerísima página, aunque admito q no había leído el 0.5 (no sabía q existía) y notaba q había cosas de las q no me estaba enterando mucho y q el libro daba por sabidas (sobre todo muchas cosas q tenían q ver con la mitología del mundo, la historia de la guerra entre elfos y dioses, etc.). pero bueno, ahora q lo he terminado, (creo q) lo he entendido todo bastante bien 🧐.
cuando empieza la historia, kael es una rebelde cuyo plan es matar a 'la bestia' (menudo jaleo para enterarme de quién era la bestia... 0 comprensión lectora) q ha decidido infiltrarse en la élite ofreciéndose como una de las esclavas q son las recompensas por ganar combates en un coliseo. normalmente la bestia gana todos los combates, pero en cuanto theron la ve... decide q ese día no puede dejar ganar a la bestia, así q gana él y coge a kael como recompensa. obviamente, ya sólo con ver cómo empieza la historia, se puede ver cómo de misógino y machista y asqueroso es el mundo en el q viven... de hecho, en las primeras páginas ya hay cosas horribles a las q someten a las chicas...
a medida q kael va trabajando en su plan, theron y ella van pasando tiempo juntos y se va desarrollando su relación. me encanta y me encanta y me encanta, aunque es verdad q el monólogo interno de kael a veces daba pena, y a pesar de la backstory de theron... kael lo es todo y siempre voy a estar de su parte. lo último q digo de la trama es q el final es ÉPICO, a kael le pasa una cosa horrible pero consigue salvarse y escapar tengo muchísimas ganas de ver qué pasa y me encanta q los protas se traicionen.
a todo esto hay q añadirle un entramado de personajes secundarios (amigos y enemigos de theron) q de verdad aportaban cosas a la historia (sobre todo herrath, raenisa, y XADRIAN!!!!! mi fav!!!!!). y bueno, con todo lo q me ha encantado el libro y con lo q me encantan kael y theron... todo lo q le pase a theron bien pasado está 👍 por ser cómplice del sistema y todo lo q kael haga bien hecho está por ser víctima del sistema!!! la amo con todo mi corazón y estoy DESEANDO q llegue junio para leer el siguiente 🙏
October 21, 2024
2024 Reads #557/250
3.5🌟 - I absolutely love the new covers and I should not just a book by the cover, but I did. The premise is great, the majority of the execution, also good. Unfortunately, the gratuitous sexual abuse (not between the MC's) is problematic for something marketed as a Romantasy.
1-50% 3.75🌟
51-75% 4-4.25?🌟
76-100% 2⭐️🫣🤬😭😖😡
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
Author's Content Note: To Bind a Dark Heart is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence and sexual situations
Trigger Warnings: Descriptive Fair Warning... I did not see any of the trigger warnings and came into this blind. The last 2 chapters came at a horrible surprise/expense.
3.5🌟 - I absolutely love the new covers and I should not just a book by the cover, but I did. The premise is great, the majority of the execution, also good. Unfortunately, the gratuitous sexual abuse (not between the MC's) is problematic for something marketed as a Romantasy.
1-50% 3.75🌟
51-75% 4-4.25?🌟
76-100% 2⭐️🫣🤬😭😖😡
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
Author's Content Note: To Bind a Dark Heart is a dark and steamy read recommended for readers 18+ due to explicit language, violence and sexual situations
Trigger Warnings: Descriptive Fair Warning... I did not see any of the trigger warnings and came into this blind. The last 2 chapters came at a horrible surprise/expense.
December 20, 2023
To Bind A Dark Heart by Atley Wykes is a great fantasy! When Kael purposely gets herself captured and is won in a gladiator match by Theron, she has a plan to kill The Beast, who is Theron’s brother and her worst enemy, but things don’t go exactly according to her plan.
I absolutely love the characters and the back stories, I love the world building and I love the plot! I can’t wait to read the next book!
I absolutely love the characters and the back stories, I love the world building and I love the plot! I can’t wait to read the next book!
January 6, 2024
4.5 🌟
Man, the ending did them dirty!!
Man, the ending did them dirty!!
March 19, 2023
This book was fantastic. Well written, wonderfully descriptive. You start off right in the action. Very much inspired by Dune. The main characters are complex and well developed. Covering a plethora of topics. Wars, struggles for power, betrayals, rebels, love. It also has a Gladiator vibe, in that there are challenges and fights in an arena where the victor can pick a slave or concubine.
I would say the only issue i found was it ends on a monumental cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I would say the only issue i found was it ends on a monumental cliffhanger.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book blew my mind.
This book blew my mind.
March 26, 2023
just finished book 5mins ago - here are my quick thoughts, i will come back and update over the week.
EPIC! Found this so easy to read! I love anything Elven too!
This Books Adrenaline took over & ignited my unstimulated reading brain this weekend - and flipped it, reshaped it So im hungry for more - My reading beast has roared to life.
World building,Rich characters,High Stakes,Kickass Badassery with strategy,Epic darkness with so many TWs( some might say- but not me) that lets be honest make a great story. These are harshtimes there is no other way to tell this story.Or it would lack raw truth.Thats life with power imbalances and at war.Thankfully the author does not shy away - but also rightly injects much dark humour to balance it out and create personality in the pain.
All the characters were relevant and had purpose in this storytellings of caste systems,cultural repercussions, &class unfairness and those opposing on the outside and the inner sanctum political - were reader gold.
if you only read one book this year read this one! Then book 2 then book3.
Jasmin E Reads - vibe and feels reviewer
ps. sexual tension to spice was spot on.
ps. why cant they make this into movie - I already want the audiobook now.
He's Mine
EPIC! Found this so easy to read! I love anything Elven too!
This Books Adrenaline took over & ignited my unstimulated reading brain this weekend - and flipped it, reshaped it So im hungry for more - My reading beast has roared to life.
World building,Rich characters,High Stakes,Kickass Badassery with strategy,Epic darkness with so many TWs( some might say- but not me) that lets be honest make a great story. These are harshtimes there is no other way to tell this story.Or it would lack raw truth.Thats life with power imbalances and at war.Thankfully the author does not shy away - but also rightly injects much dark humour to balance it out and create personality in the pain.
All the characters were relevant and had purpose in this storytellings of caste systems,cultural repercussions, &class unfairness and those opposing on the outside and the inner sanctum political - were reader gold.
if you only read one book this year read this one! Then book 2 then book3.
Jasmin E Reads - vibe and feels reviewer
ps. sexual tension to spice was spot on.
ps. why cant they make this into movie - I already want the audiobook now.
He's Mine
December 25, 2023
2 stars because although most of the book was almost five stars for me, one of the last chapters was so revolting that I wanted to drop the whole series
This series is why I don't understand authors not using trigger warnings. Would save them from a few bad reviews and readers from getting slapped in the face with triggers they didn't want.
A page with trigger warnings doesn't have to spoil the story, readers dont have to look at it if they don't care. But if there are certain things that are present in the book, then it would be a nice courtesy to give a warning.
After reading it I was left feeling physically sick and unable to sleep properly and I certainly would not have picked up the book if I had seen the trigger.
Yes, the scene is brief but certainly packs enough punch that it burned itself into my brain and it's all I can think about when I see the book.
If you need more details on the screen there's a one star review describing it briefly.
*Edit: it seems like the author put warnings on the Amazon page to check her website for a list with triggers
This series is why I don't understand authors not using trigger warnings. Would save them from a few bad reviews and readers from getting slapped in the face with triggers they didn't want.
A page with trigger warnings doesn't have to spoil the story, readers dont have to look at it if they don't care. But if there are certain things that are present in the book, then it would be a nice courtesy to give a warning.
After reading it I was left feeling physically sick and unable to sleep properly and I certainly would not have picked up the book if I had seen the trigger.
Yes, the scene is brief but certainly packs enough punch that it burned itself into my brain and it's all I can think about when I see the book.
If you need more details on the screen there's a one star review describing it briefly.
*Edit: it seems like the author put warnings on the Amazon page to check her website for a list with triggers
October 16, 2023
The beginning was kinda confusing with so many characters being introduced all at once
Honestly I‘m still not totally sure who is related to whom
A pronunciation guide also would have been useful, I keep reading the FMC‘s name as “kale“
She is definitely a strong character but the whole „I hate you but have no control over my body so I climb you like a tree“ thing got a little annoying in the end
As for the MMC he‘s suuuuuuch a simp and for someone who‘s 217 years old he has the mental maturity of a 13 year old
Was it a bad book? No.
It was interesting enough that I finished it in a few days time, but it does have its issues and it felt a little unrefined at times.
Some characters could have been cut out completely and others could have used a little more depth.
The bad guys seemingly did evil stuff just for the sake of being evil with no clear motivation behind their actions, although that may be explained in book two?
Honestly I‘m still not totally sure who is related to whom
A pronunciation guide also would have been useful, I keep reading the FMC‘s name as “kale“
She is definitely a strong character but the whole „I hate you but have no control over my body so I climb you like a tree“ thing got a little annoying in the end
As for the MMC he‘s suuuuuuch a simp and for someone who‘s 217 years old he has the mental maturity of a 13 year old
Was it a bad book? No.
It was interesting enough that I finished it in a few days time, but it does have its issues and it felt a little unrefined at times.
Some characters could have been cut out completely and others could have used a little more depth.
The bad guys seemingly did evil stuff just for the sake of being evil with no clear motivation behind their actions, although that may be explained in book two?
May 30, 2023
NOOOOOO!! YOU CAN'T JUST LEAVE US HANGING ON THAT CLIFFY!!! I absolutely can't wait for the next book! Looking forward to it.
#enemiestolovers #alphaheroine #betamale
OUR HEROINE had edge. She was a ball-busting, no man's woman type of female, and while I loved that part of her, I got a little annoyed when she freaked out about falling in love with her enemy. Of course, I couldn't blame her! But at the same time, when her denial dragged on...it became painful to read, I felt sorry for the hero. Otherwise, I can't say this review will be fair to both characters because frankly the story's only warming up and I know Book 2 is gonna be the slam-dunk.
KAEL infiltrated the enemy's lair to kill the future heir/Emperor, only to become said heir's brother's chosen concubine instead. Long story short, she thought she could get into the enemy's harem and kill the bastard. Unfortunately, fate's got a different idea for her and she landed into the arms of the powerless THERON'S keeping. While (political) weak heroes aren't my thing, Theron reminded me of a rich man's player son who lounges all day and does nothing, except chase skirts and party all night long. Well, he's sorta that, just without the player attitude. In fact, he's the one who falls hard and fast for Kael BEFORE she even sorted out her feelings. Oh, did I mention she's like the rebel leader or something? Well, she is.
THERON was sentimental, and it's rare for to find a hero who isn't MR.BROODY, MR.LISTEN TO WHAT I SAY and wears his heart on his sleeve. The poor bastard must have been devastated like I was right at the cliffhanger. The only thing that soothed my heart (not Theron's) was that we readers know that Kael does truly love him, but has yet to confess. Anyways, Kael and Theron spent plenty of time together as we learn about the political strife happening between him, his brother and his bitch of a conniving mother. Kael severely misunderstood Theron for believing he COULD HAVE POWER if he only had the guts to seize it. Sadly, the two of them were wrapped in A LOT OF MISUNDERSTANDINGS that wasn't entirely their fault (also hasn't been aired out yet), but I'm not absolving them of their faults. Both have blood on their hands, and despite their accusations upon each other, I wish they looked into the mirror first. Honestly, Theron was weak, but it's not like he didn't KNOW it. He acknowledged it, and it took Kael entering his life for him to finally stick his back in and hopefully we get to see a better character development in the next book - which I just know they will both be stronger for it. They have to be right...? To defeat mommy dearest!
OVERALL this was pretty fast-paced, and frankly all that politics was a touch heavy for me, but absolutely necessary. Though, there were parts of their relationship building that seemed CHOPPY... I can't ever say the author doesn't have a great imagination. The seggs scenes were FAN-FUCKING-PANTY-MELTING-FANTASTIC! I would have loved it more if Theron was my type of guy with a pair of balls and not just brawny arms. Unfortunately, he wasn't. I'm glad I read this at the end of May, because Book 2's supposed to be out on June 6, but we'll see. Can't wait!!!
I highly recommend this if you're into fantasy/roman-gladiator romances with strong heroines and a non-brooding hero. It'll take me forever just to spew or gush about the book, so do the author a favour, support her work and buy a copy of her book. One more thing, this story wasn't perfect at all, and if it weren't for the emotional intensity, I might have just shrugged this one off, but there was something about it that just reels you in.
I suppose that means the author's job has been done well. Enough said.
#enemiestolovers #alphaheroine #betamale
OUR HEROINE had edge. She was a ball-busting, no man's woman type of female, and while I loved that part of her, I got a little annoyed when she freaked out about falling in love with her enemy. Of course, I couldn't blame her! But at the same time, when her denial dragged on...it became painful to read, I felt sorry for the hero. Otherwise, I can't say this review will be fair to both characters because frankly the story's only warming up and I know Book 2 is gonna be the slam-dunk.
KAEL infiltrated the enemy's lair to kill the future heir/Emperor, only to become said heir's brother's chosen concubine instead. Long story short, she thought she could get into the enemy's harem and kill the bastard. Unfortunately, fate's got a different idea for her and she landed into the arms of the powerless THERON'S keeping. While (political) weak heroes aren't my thing, Theron reminded me of a rich man's player son who lounges all day and does nothing, except chase skirts and party all night long. Well, he's sorta that, just without the player attitude. In fact, he's the one who falls hard and fast for Kael BEFORE she even sorted out her feelings. Oh, did I mention she's like the rebel leader or something? Well, she is.
THERON was sentimental, and it's rare for to find a hero who isn't MR.BROODY, MR.LISTEN TO WHAT I SAY and wears his heart on his sleeve. The poor bastard must have been devastated like I was right at the cliffhanger. The only thing that soothed my heart (not Theron's) was that we readers know that Kael does truly love him, but has yet to confess. Anyways, Kael and Theron spent plenty of time together as we learn about the political strife happening between him, his brother and his bitch of a conniving mother. Kael severely misunderstood Theron for believing he COULD HAVE POWER if he only had the guts to seize it. Sadly, the two of them were wrapped in A LOT OF MISUNDERSTANDINGS that wasn't entirely their fault (also hasn't been aired out yet), but I'm not absolving them of their faults. Both have blood on their hands, and despite their accusations upon each other, I wish they looked into the mirror first. Honestly, Theron was weak, but it's not like he didn't KNOW it. He acknowledged it, and it took Kael entering his life for him to finally stick his back in and hopefully we get to see a better character development in the next book - which I just know they will both be stronger for it. They have to be right...? To defeat mommy dearest!
OVERALL this was pretty fast-paced, and frankly all that politics was a touch heavy for me, but absolutely necessary. Though, there were parts of their relationship building that seemed CHOPPY... I can't ever say the author doesn't have a great imagination. The seggs scenes were FAN-FUCKING-PANTY-MELTING-FANTASTIC! I would have loved it more if Theron was my type of guy with a pair of balls and not just brawny arms. Unfortunately, he wasn't. I'm glad I read this at the end of May, because Book 2's supposed to be out on June 6, but we'll see. Can't wait!!!
I highly recommend this if you're into fantasy/roman-gladiator romances with strong heroines and a non-brooding hero. It'll take me forever just to spew or gush about the book, so do the author a favour, support her work and buy a copy of her book. One more thing, this story wasn't perfect at all, and if it weren't for the emotional intensity, I might have just shrugged this one off, but there was something about it that just reels you in.
I suppose that means the author's job has been done well. Enough said.
August 26, 2024
🔥Темне й гаряче ромфентезі з вайбом Дюни🔥
"О, звичайно, я буду твоїм призом.
Захопіть мене в полон, принижайте, віддайте в ланцюгах переможцеві ваших пишних гладіаторських боїв".
У повстанки Каель є місія вбити намісника, що править пустельним містом, спустошує її народ і змушує працювати до смерті у шахтах.
Усе мало б бути просто: дозволити захопити себе в полон і запропонувати, як нагороду переможцю гладіаторського поєдинку, а потім вбити його, коли вона опиниться в його гаремі.
Терон завжди дозволяв братові перемогти у турнірах, не цікавлячись боязкими жінками, яких пропонували в якості наложниць. Аж поки він не побачив її. Вона дивилася на нього так гаряче, як сонце в пустелі і не плакала, як інші трофеї. Її злий погляд готовий був проткнути його мов зброя.
Якби він тільки знав, що це був її підсупний план, який розлетиться на шматки...
Чим довше він утримує її – тим більше вона бачить його справжнього. Бажання, яке вона відчуває до нього, має бути через магію, яку накладають на всіх королівських наложниць (через пірсинги в пікантних місцях) чи це не тільки через магію?
Дочитала першу частину трилогії і хочу одразу братися за другу🔥
Тропи:
🔹вороги–закохані–вороги
🔹сильна й войовнича героїня
🔹фальшива наложниця
🔹політичні інтриги
🔹магія
🔹рабство
🔹лиходій отримує дівчину
🔹він закохується першим
Чому треба прочитати:
🔹нетривіальний сюжет і тропи
🔹складна світобудова
🔹pov від двох головних героїв
🔹карта всесвіту
🔹пантеон богів
🔹7 магічних рас та їх нащадки (крижані привиди, ельфи, фейрі, інферни (1 жінка має до 3 чоловіків), крилаті Кірі, сирени, зеркіри (перетворюються в тварин)
🔹доми ельфів з девізами як у Грі Престолів
Історія для тих, кому набрид тривіальний троп від ворогів до закоханих, бо тут: вороги–закохані–вороги😏😈🔥
Шалена суміш🔥🔥🔥
І наступна частина в дусі:
"Можливо, ти вкрав моє серце, але я візьму твою голову"💃🏻🔥
І ще там буде реверсивний гарем🔥😏😈
А які красивезні обкладинки у цій серії😍 Я просто пливу🫠 Якщо в нас її будуть видавати – будь ласка з оригінальними обкладинками🫶
Авторка у післямові дякувала Френку Герберту, бо надихалася Дюною.
Короче, я побігла читати 2 частину😅
Більше книжкового контенту в телеграм каналі КНИГИ й ЦІКАВИНКИ📚
"О, звичайно, я буду твоїм призом.
Захопіть мене в полон, принижайте, віддайте в ланцюгах переможцеві ваших пишних гладіаторських боїв".
У повстанки Каель є місія вбити намісника, що править пустельним містом, спустошує її народ і змушує працювати до смерті у шахтах.
Усе мало б бути просто: дозволити захопити себе в полон і запропонувати, як нагороду переможцю гладіаторського поєдинку, а потім вбити його, коли вона опиниться в його гаремі.
Терон завжди дозволяв братові перемогти у турнірах, не цікавлячись боязкими жінками, яких пропонували в якості наложниць. Аж поки він не побачив її. Вона дивилася на нього так гаряче, як сонце в пустелі і не плакала, як інші трофеї. Її злий погляд готовий був проткнути його мов зброя.
Якби він тільки знав, що це був її підсупний план, який розлетиться на шматки...
Чим довше він утримує її – тим більше вона бачить його справжнього. Бажання, яке вона відчуває до нього, має бути через магію, яку накладають на всіх королівських наложниць (через пірсинги в пікантних місцях) чи це не тільки через магію?
Дочитала першу частину трилогії і хочу одразу братися за другу🔥
Тропи:
🔹вороги–закохані–вороги
🔹сильна й войовнича героїня
🔹фальшива наложниця
🔹політичні інтриги
🔹магія
🔹рабство
🔹лиходій отримує дівчину
🔹він закохується першим
Чому треба прочитати:
🔹нетривіальний сюжет і тропи
🔹складна світобудова
🔹pov від двох головних героїв
🔹карта всесвіту
🔹пантеон богів
🔹7 магічних рас та їх нащадки (крижані привиди, ельфи, фейрі, інферни (1 жінка має до 3 чоловіків), крилаті Кірі, сирени, зеркіри (перетворюються в тварин)
🔹доми ельфів з девізами як у Грі Престолів
Історія для тих, кому набрид тривіальний троп від ворогів до закоханих, бо тут: вороги–закохані–вороги😏😈🔥
Шалена суміш🔥🔥🔥
І наступна частина в дусі:
"Можливо, ти вкрав моє серце, але я візьму твою голову"💃🏻🔥
І ще там буде реверсивний гарем🔥😏😈
А які красивезні обкладинки у цій серії😍 Я просто пливу🫠 Якщо в нас її будуть видавати – будь ласка з оригінальними обкладинками🫶
Авторка у післямові дякувала Френку Герберту, бо надихалася Дюною.
Короче, я побігла читати 2 частину😅
Більше книжкового контенту в телеграм каналі КНИГИ й ЦІКАВИНКИ📚
June 30, 2024
To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of the Maeori's series. A Dark Fantasy with a political focus (it gives Dune + GoT vibes), magical elements, a ton of similar sounding names, and trauma riddled MCs.
》》》 Synopsis: Kael is on a mission to destroy a man, allowing herself to be captured as a (concubine) slave, where the winner of a tournament, a la Gladiator, gets their pick of the slaves.
》》》 As this man is the ruler of their city, everyone always lets him win... until today. dun dun duuuuuuun. Theron sees her and WANTS her. So he kicks his brothers butt (yeah, they are brothers, and Theron is the former leader of the army and also someone her people want to 🔪) and takes Kael for himself. Cue the political drama, intrigue and angry I hate you making out.
The story jumps in straight away, and I was hooked!
There is no warm up, it chucks you straight into pierced bits and magically enhanced tatas with a unique magic system that I wish we got to see more of.
We get both MCs POV, and Theron's POV is where all the political action happens, and it does get super confusing with all the new characters/names... but please... keep reading 🙏
TBADH was amazing at the start, dropped a little midway, and then went BAM for the final part of the book. Action and twists that had me sitting forward, second-guessing characters, and making me silently mouth WTF. It gave me the 'one more chapter' feels at 1am, so I kept going till I finished 🤣 that cliffhanger got me 💀😂
There are no TWs mentioned at the start, but this one is a biggy and needs to be mentioned. There is ⚠️ R*** (on page current story and off page past mention) ⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is intriguing, and I'm excited to see the world Atley builds. It kept me entertained, and I will definitely be buying the next one 💛
》》》 Synopsis: Kael is on a mission to destroy a man, allowing herself to be captured as a (concubine) slave, where the winner of a tournament, a la Gladiator, gets their pick of the slaves.
》》》 As this man is the ruler of their city, everyone always lets him win... until today. dun dun duuuuuuun. Theron sees her and WANTS her. So he kicks his brothers butt (yeah, they are brothers, and Theron is the former leader of the army and also someone her people want to 🔪) and takes Kael for himself. Cue the political drama, intrigue and angry I hate you making out.
The story jumps in straight away, and I was hooked!
There is no warm up, it chucks you straight into pierced bits and magically enhanced tatas with a unique magic system that I wish we got to see more of.
We get both MCs POV, and Theron's POV is where all the political action happens, and it does get super confusing with all the new characters/names... but please... keep reading 🙏
TBADH was amazing at the start, dropped a little midway, and then went BAM for the final part of the book. Action and twists that had me sitting forward, second-guessing characters, and making me silently mouth WTF. It gave me the 'one more chapter' feels at 1am, so I kept going till I finished 🤣 that cliffhanger got me 💀😂
There are no TWs mentioned at the start, but this one is a biggy and needs to be mentioned. There is ⚠️ R*** (on page current story and off page past mention) ⚠️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The story is intriguing, and I'm excited to see the world Atley builds. It kept me entertained, and I will definitely be buying the next one 💛
March 23, 2023
Wow, this is a book where you are definitely going to need a pen and paper handy. There is so much going on and so many characters, too many characters. The author has added a Maeoris Wiki at the back of the book, outlining the characters. You may want to refer back to it while reading.
The story starts off with Kael going undercover to be won to her assassination target. What we find is a very convoluted back story that begins to take center stage. There are several factions vying for the position of heir to the emperor. At least eight people are referenced. Besides this there is the empress, Theron's mother and potentional rebel spies.
There is action through the book by way of the coliseum fights and Kael's missions.
Kael is a strong rebel warrior who has suffered many traumas throughout her life. She has harden her heart and gained a blind focus on defeating the oppressive empire.
Theron appears strong, but the reader finds that he has also suffered trauma, some that Kael has also experienced. Although he seems like a pampered prince, he is actually a prisoner in the castle, ruled by his cold hearted mother and abusive brother. He is forced to do unspeakable things for their hidden agenda.
Theron is drawn to Kael and instantly becomes protective, not understanding why. He soon finds comfort in her company, as he gets to know more about her. Kael is fighting the attraction she feels for Theron, battling her guilt and reasoning her behavior is from magic.
The way this book ends raises my curiosity. I am wondering how Kael and Theron are going to finally get there HEA. It is going to be rough reading book 2 in June and then waiting for the HEA in Book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story starts off with Kael going undercover to be won to her assassination target. What we find is a very convoluted back story that begins to take center stage. There are several factions vying for the position of heir to the emperor. At least eight people are referenced. Besides this there is the empress, Theron's mother and potentional rebel spies.
There is action through the book by way of the coliseum fights and Kael's missions.
Kael is a strong rebel warrior who has suffered many traumas throughout her life. She has harden her heart and gained a blind focus on defeating the oppressive empire.
Theron appears strong, but the reader finds that he has also suffered trauma, some that Kael has also experienced. Although he seems like a pampered prince, he is actually a prisoner in the castle, ruled by his cold hearted mother and abusive brother. He is forced to do unspeakable things for their hidden agenda.
Theron is drawn to Kael and instantly becomes protective, not understanding why. He soon finds comfort in her company, as he gets to know more about her. Kael is fighting the attraction she feels for Theron, battling her guilt and reasoning her behavior is from magic.
The way this book ends raises my curiosity. I am wondering how Kael and Theron are going to finally get there HEA. It is going to be rough reading book 2 in June and then waiting for the HEA in Book 3.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2023
Suspenseful read. Original story line and characters. Detailed writing. Had a few too many side characters that’s I’m not sure are needed unless they are important in book two. Way too many characters with similar names. Theron, Theodas, Tannethe, Trevyr etc. There were a couple others that we similar to each other. It got confusing when they were all together to separate who was who. I had to reread parts to understand who was talking to who or doing what. I don’t usually read duets because is absolutely hate cliffhangers. I still do but from the authors description I have it a try. The cliffhanger is great and I want to read the second book. Hopefully it comes out soon. I usually lose interest before the next book is published. This one has a better than normal chance for me to read the next one since it is so good.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 26, 2024
Two suggestions before anyone else reads this book.
1. Make sure to read the prequel first—it will really help you better understand the storyline and plot of this book.
2. When you start this book, skip to the very end and review the pantheon and character lists. I didn’t realize the author had this listed until after I read the book. I was confused about the characters throughout, but you don’t have to be!
All in all, I really liked this book. Morally gray enemies to lovers tropes are a fine line for me—I’m generally ok with them but authors frequently take them to pretty dark places. This book was dark—sexual assault took place (and was described) and the characters were violent in other ways too. But the violence was well-handled by the author and I was not tempted to stop reading. I love the world building and I am really looking forward to seeing how the MCs grow and develop over the trilogy.
1. Make sure to read the prequel first—it will really help you better understand the storyline and plot of this book.
2. When you start this book, skip to the very end and review the pantheon and character lists. I didn’t realize the author had this listed until after I read the book. I was confused about the characters throughout, but you don’t have to be!
All in all, I really liked this book. Morally gray enemies to lovers tropes are a fine line for me—I’m generally ok with them but authors frequently take them to pretty dark places. This book was dark—sexual assault took place (and was described) and the characters were violent in other ways too. But the violence was well-handled by the author and I was not tempted to stop reading. I love the world building and I am really looking forward to seeing how the MCs grow and develop over the trilogy.
September 25, 2024
The book didn't captivate me or anything, but I continued to be interested in how it ended so I kept reading. It was an easy read, but I didn't exactly understand the kingdom politics. There were a lot of names being thrown around as potential heirs or threats and I got lost a little. The Magic system was a little confusing with the variety of metals that can be controlled by some and not others. She obviously might be part elf?
I wanted to be totally invested in the relationship between Kael and Theron but some element was missing and I can't put my finger on what it was exactly. They were drawn to each other but that was never really explained. I felt like Kael was having a change of heart for him more on what other people told her rather than what she saw. I think she should have had more opportunities to see what kind of person he was.
I'm pretty sensitive to rape scenes and didn't love a part near the end of the book. So, reader beware.
I wanted to be totally invested in the relationship between Kael and Theron but some element was missing and I can't put my finger on what it was exactly. They were drawn to each other but that was never really explained. I felt like Kael was having a change of heart for him more on what other people told her rather than what she saw. I think she should have had more opportunities to see what kind of person he was.
I'm pretty sensitive to rape scenes and didn't love a part near the end of the book. So, reader beware.
May 30, 2024
Unique Story
I devoured this book! It was dark and compelling from the start of the story. I wanted to know what happened and how things were going to play out. There was a lot of political intrigue and manipulation throughout the story which was interesting and kept me captivated. It gave me Game of Thrones vibes BUT not nearly as fleshed out or intricate.
I wish the author had really worked out the trauma both the FMC and MMC went through. It would’ve given so much more depth to the story and I would’ve loved if it had been just a little more slow burn….although the ending was intense and I was not expecting the outcome which pushed me to quickly download and read the next book in the series.
I devoured this book! It was dark and compelling from the start of the story. I wanted to know what happened and how things were going to play out. There was a lot of political intrigue and manipulation throughout the story which was interesting and kept me captivated. It gave me Game of Thrones vibes BUT not nearly as fleshed out or intricate.
I wish the author had really worked out the trauma both the FMC and MMC went through. It would’ve given so much more depth to the story and I would’ve loved if it had been just a little more slow burn….although the ending was intense and I was not expecting the outcome which pushed me to quickly download and read the next book in the series.
October 20, 2024
5 Stars
To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of Maeoris series by Atley Wykes.
I loved this book/series- devoured it in one sitting, and then went looking for more.... Wonderfully woven fantasy with refreshingly original premise, lore, and characters. Another one of my favourite series.... ever!
Can't recommend this series highly enough- I have read it several times now and never tire of this world and characters.
If you love romantasy with plenty of action and adventure, then you will definitely want to check out this book/series/author asap!
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Atley Wykes!
To Bind a Dark Heart is the first book in the Sands of Maeoris series by Atley Wykes.
I loved this book/series- devoured it in one sitting, and then went looking for more.... Wonderfully woven fantasy with refreshingly original premise, lore, and characters. Another one of my favourite series.... ever!
Can't recommend this series highly enough- I have read it several times now and never tire of this world and characters.
If you love romantasy with plenty of action and adventure, then you will definitely want to check out this book/series/author asap!
Happy Reading...
Thank you, Atley Wykes!
April 2, 2023
I like Atley Wykes world building prose, but I got confused by the many side characters the it was hard to connect with the ML and FL. I hope the is a point to all the side characters and backstories especially since this is only a duology. I hope to see more focus on the ML and FL in the next book. As you can see I don't name them. I forgot their names because there are too many characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 11, 2023
To Bind a Dark Heart was a total surprise to me - epic and sweeping and romantic! I mean wow - there's heaps of action and intrigue going on! As for our FMC Kael -- She's so strong and capable and not at all a wallflower! Theron is the prisoner-prince. with serious family issues. The reader develops a full case of "Team Kael-Theron" during the story and are left with a teaser for the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2023
Atley Wykes has a great writing style that I was hooked on from the first page. It was a great start to the Sands of Maeoris series. I enjoyed the fantasy elements and the romance going on. It really drew me in and I'm so glad I read this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2023
I loved this book. The characters and the story line were amazing. I am so glad I found this author. I've loved her work since I first read Keeper of the Undead. Such amazing work. Take it from someone who didn't really like the fantasy books that were out there, till now. I recommend one thousand percent to read this book!.
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June 9, 2023The writing and story has a lot of promise, but alas, DNF at 75%. I am impressed with the world building- actually, I think it might have been too much at once for me to follow all the politics introduced. Names of houses, backstory, etc. There was just something missing that kept me from being able to push through.
March 20, 2024
I want to do 4 stars but it was alot of back an forth of the story an see screens,, which was kind butnit had me craving more of the story, I wanted me answers!! Overall I enjoyed the book, finished in 2 days. I'm hoping in the second book, I get more actionable story, an answers as well as them solving the relationship!
June 1, 2024
3,5⭐️
Antes de leerlo hay que echarle un ojo a las tw porque esto es una historia para mayores de 21.
Con lo tan buen ritmo que llevaba para ser una historia de 5⭐️ y se vino abajo con cierta escena que en mi opinión no vi que fuera necesaria 😭
A pesar de que hay millones de secundarios y me costo recordar quien es quien , sólo podía pensar en Kael and Theron .. adoro a esos dos cabeza loca :
Antes de leerlo hay que echarle un ojo a las tw porque esto es una historia para mayores de 21.
Con lo tan buen ritmo que llevaba para ser una historia de 5⭐️ y se vino abajo con cierta escena que en mi opinión no vi que fuera necesaria 😭
A pesar de que hay millones de secundarios y me costo recordar quien es quien , sólo podía pensar en Kael and Theron .. adoro a esos dos cabeza loca :
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews