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Cruel Shifterverse #4
Psycho Academy
I'm disguised as a boy...at a supernatural war academy.
But it isn't school, it's combat training.
And I didn't count on the three Kings who want to make my life a living hell. Seven foot tall, covered in tattoos, and angry at the world, they're like no men I've ever met before. Then, there are my male instructors...enemies from my past.
They all think I'm weak.
Pathetic. Powerless.
Just wait till they find out I'm secretly the rightful ruler to the seat of death–the missing Fae Queen.
I'm the daughter of a monster.
There's violence in my veins.
They keep trying to break me....but dictators are born from pain.
Welcome to my reign.
But it isn't school, it's combat training.
And I didn't count on the three Kings who want to make my life a living hell. Seven foot tall, covered in tattoos, and angry at the world, they're like no men I've ever met before. Then, there are my male instructors...enemies from my past.
They all think I'm weak.
Pathetic. Powerless.
Just wait till they find out I'm secretly the rightful ruler to the seat of death–the missing Fae Queen.
I'm the daughter of a monster.
There's violence in my veins.
They keep trying to break me....but dictators are born from pain.
Welcome to my reign.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2023
5926 people are currently reading
33247 people want to read
About the author
Jasmine Mas
14 books9,746 followersJASMINE MAS is a New York Times bestselling author of fantasy romance. Her books have been translated into over 20 languages. She has a degree in ancient Greco-Roman classical studies from Georgetown University, and is a former lawyer who spends all her free time writing about strong women in magical worlds. She lives in Florida with her husband Evan and cat named Boo. She loves connecting with readers on TikTok and Instagram at @jasminemasbooks.
Join her newsletter at blog.jasminemasbooks.com for early access and perks. Her website is jasminemasbooks.com
Join her newsletter at blog.jasminemasbooks.com for early access and perks. Her website is jasminemasbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,614 reviews
January 23, 2025
I was provided an e-copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✅ Ruthless and unhinged characters
✅ Woman hiding as a man
✅ Pace
✅ Plot
✅ Action
✅ Bullying / Angst / VERY slow burn
✅ Sadie and Jinx made an appearance
✅(🆗) Relationships between the assassins
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of death, gore, torture, bullying, depression, drug use, suicidal thoughts, past child abuse, and abuse in general
❗️❗️I recommend reading Sadie’s trilogy first as there are many references to events that happened in those books
_______________________
Second read:I think I enjoyed this book even more, knowing what was coming in Aran’s trilogy. 😊
_______________________
This book picks up right where Psycho Beasts ended. Lothaire takes Aran to attend the Elite Academy to train and become one of the best of the best assassins, and to serve the High Court. While Aran has no desire to enroll in the Academy, she is not given a choice after Lothaire tastes her power. She is part of the Academy now and can either survive the training or die trying. As if surviving the ruthless pace and daily torture Lothaire sets is not enough, Aran also needs to survive the 3 Kings of the Academy who are not happy at all to have a scrawny fae boy join their elite assassin’s training program and are determined to make his life Hell.
I always liked the “girl hiding as a boy” trope, and I liked how Aran had to pretend to be a macho dude, but we could see through her thoughts how annoyed and disgusted she was with the jerk recruits. It was pushed to the extreme a few times, but that’s one of the reasons I love this series so much, it’s so intense and silly at times, while also being very dark and angsty! It’s the perfect angsty and comedic relief I needed.
Aran suffered a lot in the previous books of the series, and we can see the trauma even more clearly in this book. The drug she uses to push through the emotional pain, the depressive state, and suicidal thoughts… It was dark, but at the same time, it allowed the author to show Aran’s resiliency and determination to push through and not let herself be beaten by her dead mother or her new bullies. What I am even more curious about now are Aran’s mysterious powers. We have more information on her lineage, but we still don’t know much about her powers (and she is very powerful), or her “monster” that sometimes overwhelms her and takes over.
The pace is good, and as for the previous books, once I started this one, I couldn’t put it down until it was over, and I am now eagerly waiting for the next one! If you enjoyed Psycho Shifter, you will most probably enjoy this book too as the dynamic of having strong alpha males pick up on the weaker (or not so weaker) female is very similar, except that the Kings have no idea Aran is a woman. There is also the same mix of sassy and snarky main character with an angsty and dark vibe.
There is some humor, but it is not as ridiculous as Sadie’s inner monologues or random comments. Aran is more serious and has to fight with her past trauma and depressive state 24/7, and at times we aren’t sure if the silliness is a way for her to survive all this toxicity in her life, or if she’s just losing it. She has somewhat of a nihilistic side to her too, and I just loved her dry sarcasm and the way she handled the Kings.
Aran quickly learns that the Academy is ruled by 3 Kings: Corvus, Scorpius, and Orion.
Scorpius has serious anger issues and needs to work on his temper and his restraint, but he also has this dark and mysterious aura that reminded me a little bit of Cobra when he gets unhinged (well, more unhinged than he usually is). Orion is the one that doesn’t talk unless he decides to, the pretty, soft, and supposedly kinder one, but he has a dark side too, and he is just as dangerous and twisted as the other 2. As for Corvus… I will not even try to understand what is happening in his brain, because the number of issues this dude has is impressive… He is a ticking time bomb that seems to explode at least once every day. Aran has a lot of work to do with him if we are expected to find him likable in future books.
The whole “women are weak and pathetic and useless except to fuck” attitude was a little intense though, and I wonder why they despise women so much. It is a big turn-off, to be honest, but I trust that Aran will be able to show them the value of women, and hopefully, they will change their tune quickly, because no matter how hot they are, they are misogynistic jerks and have no respect for women, and I can’t get behind such love interests, no matter how intriguing and badass they are. I know some readers complained that this book was the complete opposite of feminism, but I decided to see it differently. I think the author creating such misogynistic male characters and having Aran forced to endure them will only show how strong and amazing she is in the end, and how women can be as strong, if not stronger than men.
Lothaire is also an interesting character in this book. While I didn’t care for him for 95% of the book, the epilogue broke my heart a teeny bit, and I admit that I am starting to like him, again, a teeny tiny bit. I hope that he will continue to be present in the plot of the next book, if only so he can grovel to Aran and try to make up for his past mistakes and shitty behavior towards her.
One aspect that could have been better developed is the relationships between the assassin trainees. We can see from the start that John takes a liking to Aran, but the whole “new budding friendship” between Aran and Horace? I didn’t see it or feel it until I was told it was there. They bonded over bloodshed and carnage, but Horace had been a creepy dangerous fucker since the start and that didn’t seem to change, so why was Aran suddenly referring to him as one of her new close friends? I am not against the idea of them becoming friends, but I didn’t see the progression. I was just told that it happened and it was a fact now. Even the friendship between John and Aran seemed a little sudden in the first part of the book, and it took me a while to accept that they were truly friends and that there was no trick there because it just happened so fast…
The renowned warriors, Demetre, Noah, and Shane are also in the book, but I am a little disappointed honestly. I was under the impression that they were horrified in the arena after seeing Arabella and that they regretted their actions (from the book Psycho Faes), but they ended up being assholes too in the end. I was also expecting them to play a bigger part in the book. I feel that they were just included because they were a “loose end”, and we needed to see that Aran got her closure when it came to them, but they honestly didn’t affect the plot and could have been absent from the book.
I enjoyed the bully vibe in this book, it was similar to what Sadie went through in Psycho Shifters, except Aran’s conditions were much much worse. I put this book on my “reverse harem” shelf because I know it’s heading in this direction, but don’t go in there expecting even a hint of romance. There is some fleeting physical attraction, but that’s it. I have a feeling that this is going to be a very slow burn because we are still at the “I hate you and I want to kill you” part of the relationship between Aran and the 3 Kings.
The ending of this book is very promising. I can’t wait to see how Aran’s relationship with the Kings will progress, especially after Orion let it be known that he was a little obsessed with her. I am also very curious to see how they will react and deal with the fact that she is a woman and I am dying for them to discover her dark past and her back because I am a sucker for the good old “who did this to you” trope and the groveling that will come with the realization of how horrible they were (if they realize it).
1. Psycho Shifters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Psycho Faes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Psycho Beasts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Ruthless and unhinged characters
✅ Woman hiding as a man
✅ Pace
✅ Plot
✅ Action
✅ Bullying / Angst / VERY slow burn
✅ Sadie and Jinx made an appearance
✅(🆗) Relationships between the assassins
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of death, gore, torture, bullying, depression, drug use, suicidal thoughts, past child abuse, and abuse in general
❗️❗️I recommend reading Sadie’s trilogy first as there are many references to events that happened in those books
_______________________
Second read:I think I enjoyed this book even more, knowing what was coming in Aran’s trilogy. 😊
_______________________
This academy is built on three tenets.” He paused as if he was about to impart some great wisdom, but when he spoke, his voice dripped with an edge of sarcasm.
“First, we break you.
Second, we break you.
Third, we break you.”
This book picks up right where Psycho Beasts ended. Lothaire takes Aran to attend the Elite Academy to train and become one of the best of the best assassins, and to serve the High Court. While Aran has no desire to enroll in the Academy, she is not given a choice after Lothaire tastes her power. She is part of the Academy now and can either survive the training or die trying. As if surviving the ruthless pace and daily torture Lothaire sets is not enough, Aran also needs to survive the 3 Kings of the Academy who are not happy at all to have a scrawny fae boy join their elite assassin’s training program and are determined to make his life Hell.
With a few more slaps to the face, I channeled toxic masculinity. The key to acting like you had a dick was being a dick.
I always liked the “girl hiding as a boy” trope, and I liked how Aran had to pretend to be a macho dude, but we could see through her thoughts how annoyed and disgusted she was with the jerk recruits. It was pushed to the extreme a few times, but that’s one of the reasons I love this series so much, it’s so intense and silly at times, while also being very dark and angsty! It’s the perfect angsty and comedic relief I needed.
Aran suffered a lot in the previous books of the series, and we can see the trauma even more clearly in this book. The drug she uses to push through the emotional pain, the depressive state, and suicidal thoughts… It was dark, but at the same time, it allowed the author to show Aran’s resiliency and determination to push through and not let herself be beaten by her dead mother or her new bullies. What I am even more curious about now are Aran’s mysterious powers. We have more information on her lineage, but we still don’t know much about her powers (and she is very powerful), or her “monster” that sometimes overwhelms her and takes over.
I jotted down notes into my notebook.
“I KNOW DOGS WHO CAN FIGHT BETTER THAN YOU!”
I nodded in agreement and scribbled, Adopt, don’t shop.
“My blind grandmother who has weeks to live could have reacted faster than you sorry fucks!”
Well, she sounded fabulous. I wrote, Meet Lothaire’s grandmother before she dies. Seems urgent.
The pace is good, and as for the previous books, once I started this one, I couldn’t put it down until it was over, and I am now eagerly waiting for the next one! If you enjoyed Psycho Shifter, you will most probably enjoy this book too as the dynamic of having strong alpha males pick up on the weaker (or not so weaker) female is very similar, except that the Kings have no idea Aran is a woman. There is also the same mix of sassy and snarky main character with an angsty and dark vibe.
There is some humor, but it is not as ridiculous as Sadie’s inner monologues or random comments. Aran is more serious and has to fight with her past trauma and depressive state 24/7, and at times we aren’t sure if the silliness is a way for her to survive all this toxicity in her life, or if she’s just losing it. She has somewhat of a nihilistic side to her too, and I just loved her dry sarcasm and the way she handled the Kings.
Living with the recruits was making me question my sexuality because as far as I could tell, men served no purpose in society.
I’d rather have intimate relations with a rock. At least a rock wouldn’t insult me. I started debating whether a metamorphous or igneous rock was cuter, then took a deep breath to stop myself.
Aran quickly learns that the Academy is ruled by 3 Kings: Corvus, Scorpius, and Orion.
Scorpius has serious anger issues and needs to work on his temper and his restraint, but he also has this dark and mysterious aura that reminded me a little bit of Cobra when he gets unhinged (well, more unhinged than he usually is). Orion is the one that doesn’t talk unless he decides to, the pretty, soft, and supposedly kinder one, but he has a dark side too, and he is just as dangerous and twisted as the other 2. As for Corvus… I will not even try to understand what is happening in his brain, because the number of issues this dude has is impressive… He is a ticking time bomb that seems to explode at least once every day. Aran has a lot of work to do with him if we are expected to find him likable in future books.
The whole “women are weak and pathetic and useless except to fuck” attitude was a little intense though, and I wonder why they despise women so much. It is a big turn-off, to be honest, but I trust that Aran will be able to show them the value of women, and hopefully, they will change their tune quickly, because no matter how hot they are, they are misogynistic jerks and have no respect for women, and I can’t get behind such love interests, no matter how intriguing and badass they are. I know some readers complained that this book was the complete opposite of feminism, but I decided to see it differently. I think the author creating such misogynistic male characters and having Aran forced to endure them will only show how strong and amazing she is in the end, and how women can be as strong, if not stronger than men.
Lothaire is also an interesting character in this book. While I didn’t care for him for 95% of the book, the epilogue broke my heart a teeny bit, and I admit that I am starting to like him, again, a teeny tiny bit. I hope that he will continue to be present in the plot of the next book, if only so he can grovel to Aran and try to make up for his past mistakes and shitty behavior towards her.
One aspect that could have been better developed is the relationships between the assassin trainees. We can see from the start that John takes a liking to Aran, but the whole “new budding friendship” between Aran and Horace? I didn’t see it or feel it until I was told it was there. They bonded over bloodshed and carnage, but Horace had been a creepy dangerous fucker since the start and that didn’t seem to change, so why was Aran suddenly referring to him as one of her new close friends? I am not against the idea of them becoming friends, but I didn’t see the progression. I was just told that it happened and it was a fact now. Even the friendship between John and Aran seemed a little sudden in the first part of the book, and it took me a while to accept that they were truly friends and that there was no trick there because it just happened so fast…
The renowned warriors, Demetre, Noah, and Shane are also in the book, but I am a little disappointed honestly. I was under the impression that they were horrified in the arena after seeing Arabella and that they regretted their actions (from the book Psycho Faes), but they ended up being assholes too in the end. I was also expecting them to play a bigger part in the book. I feel that they were just included because they were a “loose end”, and we needed to see that Aran got her closure when it came to them, but they honestly didn’t affect the plot and could have been absent from the book.
I’d never really thought about what I wanted in a male partner, but now I realized I wanted them to be completely unhinged. Like, super messed up in the head. I wanted to look at them and think, I’m normal.
I giggled. The three fae kings were frothing at the mouth, trying to get me to reveal my secrets. Meanwhile I was detaching from reality and building the perfect man. Sun god, I loved being a woman.
I enjoyed the bully vibe in this book, it was similar to what Sadie went through in Psycho Shifters, except Aran’s conditions were much much worse. I put this book on my “reverse harem” shelf because I know it’s heading in this direction, but don’t go in there expecting even a hint of romance. There is some fleeting physical attraction, but that’s it. I have a feeling that this is going to be a very slow burn because we are still at the “I hate you and I want to kill you” part of the relationship between Aran and the 3 Kings.
The ending of this book is very promising. I can’t wait to see how Aran’s relationship with the Kings will progress, especially after Orion let it be known that he was a little obsessed with her. I am also very curious to see how they will react and deal with the fact that she is a woman and I am dying for them to discover her dark past and her back because I am a sucker for the good old “who did this to you” trope and the groveling that will come with the realization of how horrible they were (if they realize it).
1. Psycho Shifters ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. Psycho Faes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. Psycho Beasts ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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March 2, 2023
We could have cut out 75 pages of her internal whining…it was too much.
November 7, 2024
omg I forgot how much I MISSEDDDDD THEMMM
March 9, 2023
So disappointed…
I don’t know if it’s my fault for basically fantasising about how good this series could be (to the extent that I had almost imagined the book in my head), but this was such a let down.
None of the love interests were remotely likeable. Some characters just felt like poor substitutes of the original series and love interests. I expected this book to be a step up from the first few, not a regression.
This book felt extremely masochistic to read. Almost the entire book was some form of hyperbolic suffering (to the extent it made ME depressed). I feel like she was going for a celaena in Heir of fire suffering montage, but the difference in that writing was that it was actually tasteful… this just felt like torture porn.
The scattering of (few) times the main characters actually showed empathy and remorse did not sufficiently make up for their vile behaviour. They behaved like bratty teenagers (and yeah all ~alpha males~ are usually a bit misogynist, but this was honestly ridiculous). I really didn’t go into it expecting this level of bullying (it low-key hinges on abuse…)
I also don’t get how we are automatically meant to empathise with the beautiful one (literally anyone can be beautiful, it doesn’t make up for what’s within). I don’t care how much prose about his ~sad eyes~ you throw at me, he sat there and watched them basically torture her and we’re supposed to feel satisfied because he occasionally whispers to her? Not to mention he’s basically an infantilised embodiment of the homoerotic ingenue. Like boo fucking hoo.
I am aware that writing is this author’s passion project and not their full time career. While this review might seem a tad vitriolic, I genuinely want better for this series. Better dialogue. A better editor.
This series had so much potential but it’s first instalment sadly missed the mark. I will be reading
the next instalment as I feel like I’m already invested (as a victim of this book), but I’m just praying this series can turn around.
I don’t know if it’s my fault for basically fantasising about how good this series could be (to the extent that I had almost imagined the book in my head), but this was such a let down.
None of the love interests were remotely likeable. Some characters just felt like poor substitutes of the original series and love interests. I expected this book to be a step up from the first few, not a regression.
This book felt extremely masochistic to read. Almost the entire book was some form of hyperbolic suffering (to the extent it made ME depressed). I feel like she was going for a celaena in Heir of fire suffering montage, but the difference in that writing was that it was actually tasteful… this just felt like torture porn.
The scattering of (few) times the main characters actually showed empathy and remorse did not sufficiently make up for their vile behaviour. They behaved like bratty teenagers (and yeah all ~alpha males~ are usually a bit misogynist, but this was honestly ridiculous). I really didn’t go into it expecting this level of bullying (it low-key hinges on abuse…)
I also don’t get how we are automatically meant to empathise with the beautiful one (literally anyone can be beautiful, it doesn’t make up for what’s within). I don’t care how much prose about his ~sad eyes~ you throw at me, he sat there and watched them basically torture her and we’re supposed to feel satisfied because he occasionally whispers to her? Not to mention he’s basically an infantilised embodiment of the homoerotic ingenue. Like boo fucking hoo.
I am aware that writing is this author’s passion project and not their full time career. While this review might seem a tad vitriolic, I genuinely want better for this series. Better dialogue. A better editor.
This series had so much potential but it’s first instalment sadly missed the mark. I will be reading
the next instalment as I feel like I’m already invested (as a victim of this book), but I’m just praying this series can turn around.
March 17, 2023
had the potential to be an interesting book but the writing was so shit. unnecessary inner monologue... every 2 lines aran's like 'the monster in me is begging to be released' 'they should be bowing down before me' like stfu
January 24, 2024
this book needs multiple trigger warnings. single-handedly the most SEXIST book i have ever read, it was infuriating. A mulan retelling but literally in the worst possible way, i don't see a single redeeming quality that explains the extreme hate for women or any hope that things will change. It almost feels like the author just accepts the sexist world and doesn't want anything to change about it. I cant believe I finished reading it and I will never touch a book by this author again. i hate men.
any benefit of the doubt i could give to the author is erased at the end of the book when the "love interest" practically call her a slave and SURPRISE! turn out to be extremely sexist as well. there is no "redemption" that the author could give these men to make me believe that they are fit love interests for the main character.
The plot feels like it got nowhere by the end of the book because of the fact that the relationship she spent the entire book building up between her and the "love interests" crumbles the moment they find out she is woman. that is incredibly annoying and defeats almost the entire purpose of the book.
i don't understand how this book had such high reviews for the shocking content, graphic sexist language, and poor characters/ world.
any benefit of the doubt i could give to the author is erased at the end of the book when the "love interest" practically call her a slave and SURPRISE! turn out to be extremely sexist as well. there is no "redemption" that the author could give these men to make me believe that they are fit love interests for the main character.
The plot feels like it got nowhere by the end of the book because of the fact that the relationship she spent the entire book building up between her and the "love interests" crumbles the moment they find out she is woman. that is incredibly annoying and defeats almost the entire purpose of the book.
i don't understand how this book had such high reviews for the shocking content, graphic sexist language, and poor characters/ world.
August 17, 2024
To everyone who read this book and gave it more than 2 stars, I call bs. This book is quite literally the most sexist, pointless, plotless, degrading piece of work I’ve ever laid my eyes upon. To call it “work” in the first place is pushing it. The protagonist had such potential, but she is the fae example of performance activism/feminism. She gets brutally assaulted by her supposed “mates” multiple times and watches other women get assaulted as well but still is interested in them?????? She speaks all this talk about how these men are misogynist pieces of sh*t and how she’ll “let her monster out” and kill them all. But instead now she is sexually attracted to them??? The plot is all over the freaking place, the world building is less than mid, and the dialogue is terrible. It’s obvious this author has never had an actual conversation with the opposite sex. A jealous guy best friend who is 7ft tall and manly but gets butt hurt at simple things like the protagonist having another best friend who she’s closer with. In what world are any of these conversations real or possible??? These also are the weakest male characters I’ve ever read… why are they getting offended at not being called sirs and attacking these women???? Are you that insecure abt yourself that you have to get other ppl to worship you???? I remember reading the first two books out of this installment bc I kept waiting for characters to redeem themselves and it never happened and bc of TikTok I got dragged into this sh*tty series again. I won’t be fooled again.
To the women who enjoy this, I’m sorry you were brainwashed into thinking this is how a man should treat you. Nobody should find this treatment attractive or sexy. There are people who want to treat you well who you can love. Anyway, I’ll stop now because I’m tired and putting any more mental strength into writing this review is a waste of my brain on such a brainless book.
To the women who enjoy this, I’m sorry you were brainwashed into thinking this is how a man should treat you. Nobody should find this treatment attractive or sexy. There are people who want to treat you well who you can love. Anyway, I’ll stop now because I’m tired and putting any more mental strength into writing this review is a waste of my brain on such a brainless book.
March 2, 2023
Okay, wow. So I read the first three books in this series last year, and my feelings about them were pretty neutral. I didn't love them, but I didn't hate them. When I finished the third, I read the preview for this book and was immediately HOOKED. I was so upset that I had to wait until February to finish it. But finally, I checked my calendar and saw that it was released. So I downloaded the book last night and got to reading. I finished it in one sitting. SERIOUSLY I couldn't put it down. Pulled an all nighter until about 10am. So let's get into it.
I LOVE ARAN. She is just such a good main character. She's hilarious, for one, but she's also very depressed, and it was just done so well. The way the author managed to accurately capture depression (or at least the way I experience it) was kind of beautiful. It made me feel so close to Aran, but it also made me feel incredibly understood.
Despite Aran's depression, she still managed to be a badass. I like my MC's to be strong, and Aran was just that. But she wasn't strong off the bat, she had a lot to learn and overcome. I enjoyed that a lot because we still got to see her grow, and her character grow, even though she still has a long way to go.
I found the "Mulan-esque" story to be fascinating. A woman undercover with 8 (was it 8...?) other *highly misogynistic* men. It was honestly incredibly depressing, to hear what men say about women when they're not around, and hell what they say about women when they WERE around. I love that Aran stood up for them, because a feminist icon is what I NEED in an MC.
Now for the three misogynist musketeers. I understand that they are likely (certainly) Aran's mates. They hate women (for whatever lame reason) and think their fourth mate will be another man. Surprise when they find out that's not the case (looking forward to that). The main guy, C (calling him C because I forgot his name. Give me a break I read this in one sitting. I think his name starts with a C.... I hope...) is obviously the leader or Alpha of Alphas if you will. He's like women hater #1. He's also a moron, honestly, and very much in denial. I can definitely see how his character will progress. Scorpius is just a follower, who would take whatever opinion Corvus has. (is that his name? I think I remembered woohoo!) And Orion who gives major omega vibes, is like evil but kind.... but sadistic... but... sweet? IDK. No major thoughts on him.
Of course, I read the preview for the next book. I'm SOOOOOO excited we get different POVs. Even if Corvus is an idiot, I love being able to be inside other people's brains, truly adds to the story. I honestly can't wait to see what happens next, I NEED to know.
So I will *impatiently* wait for the next book, and probably finish that one in one sitting too.
Also to the author whose email I read, there will always be people who don't like something, don't let it get to you too much. If you happen to see this, you're doing AMAZING and I hope you keep writing because I'll keep reading. This book made me LOL and gasp, I was entertained. Truly, what more could a reader ask for?
I LOVE ARAN. She is just such a good main character. She's hilarious, for one, but she's also very depressed, and it was just done so well. The way the author managed to accurately capture depression (or at least the way I experience it) was kind of beautiful. It made me feel so close to Aran, but it also made me feel incredibly understood.
Despite Aran's depression, she still managed to be a badass. I like my MC's to be strong, and Aran was just that. But she wasn't strong off the bat, she had a lot to learn and overcome. I enjoyed that a lot because we still got to see her grow, and her character grow, even though she still has a long way to go.
I found the "Mulan-esque" story to be fascinating. A woman undercover with 8 (was it 8...?) other *highly misogynistic* men. It was honestly incredibly depressing, to hear what men say about women when they're not around, and hell what they say about women when they WERE around. I love that Aran stood up for them, because a feminist icon is what I NEED in an MC.
Now for the three misogynist musketeers. I understand that they are likely (certainly) Aran's mates. They hate women (for whatever lame reason) and think their fourth mate will be another man. Surprise when they find out that's not the case (looking forward to that). The main guy, C (calling him C because I forgot his name. Give me a break I read this in one sitting. I think his name starts with a C.... I hope...) is obviously the leader or Alpha of Alphas if you will. He's like women hater #1. He's also a moron, honestly, and very much in denial. I can definitely see how his character will progress. Scorpius is just a follower, who would take whatever opinion Corvus has. (is that his name? I think I remembered woohoo!) And Orion who gives major omega vibes, is like evil but kind.... but sadistic... but... sweet? IDK. No major thoughts on him.
Of course, I read the preview for the next book. I'm SOOOOOO excited we get different POVs. Even if Corvus is an idiot, I love being able to be inside other people's brains, truly adds to the story. I honestly can't wait to see what happens next, I NEED to know.
So I will *impatiently* wait for the next book, and probably finish that one in one sitting too.
Also to the author whose email I read, there will always be people who don't like something, don't let it get to you too much. If you happen to see this, you're doing AMAZING and I hope you keep writing because I'll keep reading. This book made me LOL and gasp, I was entertained. Truly, what more could a reader ask for?
April 11, 2023
Probably an unpopular opinion but I need to post this if it means it saves them from hours of torture.
I think I spent most of this book rolling my eyes, saying WTF and thinking the Author just pulls things out of a magical hat to make a new plot or situation make sense. The world building in this series is terrible.
The characters?? It feels like she’s made Arabella/ Aran so similar to Sadie with internal monologues. It’s like the same shit again. I was hoping it would get better but it didn’t and I can’t get those 5hrs of my life back.
Basically the lesson here for me is to make better choices.
If you like pointless, going around in circles plots, misogynistic bullies, idiot characters with a lack of character development, superficial dialogue and no world building or really any explanation on how things work BUT has some MM & MF action - this book is for you.
In saying all of this, the author started strongly in her first book Psycho Shifters. The premise was good and I was interested (even though the writing was similar to ZA) but I just feel like it all unravelled halfway through the second book.
I think I spent most of this book rolling my eyes, saying WTF and thinking the Author just pulls things out of a magical hat to make a new plot or situation make sense. The world building in this series is terrible.
The characters?? It feels like she’s made Arabella/ Aran so similar to Sadie with internal monologues. It’s like the same shit again. I was hoping it would get better but it didn’t and I can’t get those 5hrs of my life back.
Basically the lesson here for me is to make better choices.
If you like pointless, going around in circles plots, misogynistic bullies, idiot characters with a lack of character development, superficial dialogue and no world building or really any explanation on how things work BUT has some MM & MF action - this book is for you.
In saying all of this, the author started strongly in her first book Psycho Shifters. The premise was good and I was interested (even though the writing was similar to ZA) but I just feel like it all unravelled halfway through the second book.
April 24, 2023
Read this book if you hate women. I had a tough time with how women were treated in the previous books but this was so much worse. This was nothing but abuse and how the MMCs treated and talked about women was sickening. I will definitely not continue this series, especially since Aran was made a slave at the end! I can just imagine how much worse they will treat her in the next book. The Kings were all trash, even Orion. He stood by and helped them abuse Aran and just because he's pretty and doesn't speak often made it ok? John was great and I think Horace could have been redeemed but the author just wanted her to kill someone.
I honestly wanted her to end up with the half warriors and I don't understand why they were suddenly so evil. That was a relationship that could have been fixed. The dad reveal was ok, the last chapter just made me hate Dick more.
I honestly wanted her to end up with the half warriors and I don't understand why they were suddenly so evil. That was a relationship that could have been fixed. The dad reveal was ok, the last chapter just made me hate Dick more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2023
I was not completely sold on continuing Aran's story after Sadie's series had ended. I decided to at least give it a chance since Aran was branching out more on her own, and I am so glad I did. I enjoyed Aran becoming the main character and less of the sarcastic side kick. Completely devastated that I need to wait till July for the second in the series to come out, but I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
June 23, 2023
Gag Wtf... If I watched that bath house sex scene as a virgin I would go into a convent. What a bunch of vile sadistic assholes. Nope. I don't care how attractive they are..shank their asses and put women out of all that misery. Killing them would balance the world.. Seriously. I would rather stab myself in the eye than be in a vulnerable position with any of them I hope she stabs all 3 of them and lothaire. I can't read the next one.
November 9, 2023
Was it a hot mess? Yes. Was everyone gay and misogynistic? Double yes. Did I eat it up? Yes.
October 26, 2024
I see how this was probably practice for blood of Hercules
July 17, 2023
If you're trying to write a character who's smarter than you: say less, avoid their perspective. Nothing more painful than reading poorly written geniuses.
January 6, 2026
This is absolutely ridiculous but I'm loving it.
February 26, 2023
I freaking love these books so much, and hate them at the same time. Story is told well, it’s entertaining and intriguing. The way she’s wrapped all the worlds together is top notch.
I love a strong FMC who kicks butt and is powerful. But I hate that her so powerful FMC take so much crap from the men, and doesn’t rage out. For a woman with so much power, Aran is the literal punching bag for so much of the book.
Im hoping in book 2 Aran brings her father, and the Kings to heal, and BEFORE they figure out how to get around her curse and get together as a couple (Thrupple? Quadrupple?). Aran/Arabella needs to become the bad B we all know she can be, who leads in her own way. Not the way her father, the high court, or the Kings think she should.
I’ll still read the next book because I want to know what happens. But this book missed the mark for me with Aran’s personality. I want to see her as the black powered Fae Queen that she should be, not the powerless walked all over doormat that she seems to be in this book.
I love a strong FMC who kicks butt and is powerful. But I hate that her so powerful FMC take so much crap from the men, and doesn’t rage out. For a woman with so much power, Aran is the literal punching bag for so much of the book.
Im hoping in book 2 Aran brings her father, and the Kings to heal, and BEFORE they figure out how to get around her curse and get together as a couple (Thrupple? Quadrupple?). Aran/Arabella needs to become the bad B we all know she can be, who leads in her own way. Not the way her father, the high court, or the Kings think she should.
I’ll still read the next book because I want to know what happens. But this book missed the mark for me with Aran’s personality. I want to see her as the black powered Fae Queen that she should be, not the powerless walked all over doormat that she seems to be in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2023
Idk why I read this. Maybe I’m psycho
April 3, 2023
At a Loss for Words
I lost time off my life reading this thanks ai’ll never get that time back now. Words words words ok
I lost time off my life reading this thanks ai’ll never get that time back now. Words words words ok
September 8, 2024
I love Aran’s story 😩 it’s giving Mulan vibes and I’m so here for it
August 22, 2023
Not my favorite.
I liked Aran (Arabella) in Sadie's story. I like the brief chapter where they were reunited. Jinx is great as always. It snark is entertaining though not prevalent enough to give a better rating. What I didn't like is everything else. The men are toxic. And Aran has become a doormat. I'm not sure if I can stomach reading anymore. The only reason I gave it one star is for the brief chapter with Sadie and jinx.
I liked Aran (Arabella) in Sadie's story. I like the brief chapter where they were reunited. Jinx is great as always. It snark is entertaining though not prevalent enough to give a better rating. What I didn't like is everything else. The men are toxic. And Aran has become a doormat. I'm not sure if I can stomach reading anymore. The only reason I gave it one star is for the brief chapter with Sadie and jinx.
July 30, 2024
»Oh fuck, pretty boy, you’ve got such a nice face and a tight body.«
»Really? Do you have to be such a pervert? I have no idea how you keep getting women.«
»Why the fuck would you let that bloodsucker touch you?«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑨𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂
I fell in love with her. She is Sadies best friend and plays a role in the first thee books. Now she got her own series and I really enjoy her as a main character. She‘s sarcastic, powerful and very likeable.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒗𝒖𝒔, 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏
Puuuhhh these three are something. They‘re kinda mysterious and sometimes they act strange.
Corvus is the leader and a real asshole most of the time. But he protects Arabella and stands by her side in battle.
Scorpius is blind and loves to mock Arabella. He is jealous when she touches another man but don‘t really shows his feelings.
Orion is the sweetheart but don’t underistemate him - he‘s dangerous af. Him and Arabella share a little bond from the beginning and he‘s the only one who talks normal and kind to her.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was so good!
The academy setting and Mulan inspired story are quit a match. Arabella pulled her act as Aran perfect and no one knows that she is a woman. I liked the storyline and the characters. All of them develop throughout the book and we learn something about each. The writing style is fluent and a quick read.
I will definitely recommend to read the first thee books (Sadies story) first, because there you get some information about Arabella and her background too.
I‘m very happy that the second book released tonight, so I don‘t have to wait to continue this series.
plot: 5/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: cliff hanger
keywords: fantasy, shifters, fae, reverse harem, warriors, secrets and lies, protective and possessive hero’s, abusive past, academy, mulan inspired
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Psycho Shifters ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Psycho Fae ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Psycho Beasts ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Psycho Academy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Psycho Devils ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Psycho Gods ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
»Really? Do you have to be such a pervert? I have no idea how you keep getting women.«
»Why the fuck would you let that bloodsucker touch you?«
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
❥ 𝑨𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒂
I fell in love with her. She is Sadies best friend and plays a role in the first thee books. Now she got her own series and I really enjoy her as a main character. She‘s sarcastic, powerful and very likeable.
❥ 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒗𝒖𝒔, 𝑺𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒏
Puuuhhh these three are something. They‘re kinda mysterious and sometimes they act strange.
Corvus is the leader and a real asshole most of the time. But he protects Arabella and stands by her side in battle.
Scorpius is blind and loves to mock Arabella. He is jealous when she touches another man but don‘t really shows his feelings.
Orion is the sweetheart but don’t underistemate him - he‘s dangerous af. Him and Arabella share a little bond from the beginning and he‘s the only one who talks normal and kind to her.
✥ 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌
This was so good!
The academy setting and Mulan inspired story are quit a match. Arabella pulled her act as Aran perfect and no one knows that she is a woman. I liked the storyline and the characters. All of them develop throughout the book and we learn something about each. The writing style is fluent and a quick read.
I will definitely recommend to read the first thee books (Sadies story) first, because there you get some information about Arabella and her background too.
I‘m very happy that the second book released tonight, so I don‘t have to wait to continue this series.
plot: 5/5
spice: 2/5
humor: 3/5
couple/tension: 5/5
world building: 5/5
happy end?: cliff hanger
keywords: fantasy, shifters, fae, reverse harem, warriors, secrets and lies, protective and possessive hero’s, abusive past, academy, mulan inspired
𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
#1 Psycho Shifters ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#2 Psycho Fae ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#3 Psycho Beasts ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#4 Psycho Academy ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#5 Psycho Devils ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
#6 Psycho Gods ★ ★
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 18, 2023
I hated the love interests so much? I don't know how the author is planning to redeem them in the next book. They are literally the most vile and misoginistic pigs I ever had to read about. At one point one of them says "Women are weaker than men in every way. They’re good for fucking. That’s it." and "they’re nothing but holes". Just disgusting.
Most of the time the book just made me angry because of the stupidity of seemingly all characters and the general unlikability of the love interests. But it also made me laugh out loud multiple times and thats's the only reason it is getting two stars and not one.
Most of the time the book just made me angry because of the stupidity of seemingly all characters and the general unlikability of the love interests. But it also made me laugh out loud multiple times and thats's the only reason it is getting two stars and not one.
July 22, 2023
Lowkey slay. Aran is so mentally unwell.
July 16, 2025
This was messy and chaotic and I absolutely devoured every second of it 🤭 Aran has always been one of my favourite characters so getting to read her story is really exciting 🥰🫶🏼
June 22, 2024
I will just copy and past this review to all three books of Aran's story.
I liked the series, but I liked Sadie's series more, basically Aran's story felt drawn out at certain points in all three books. And I didn't like the MMC's until book three where they kind of redeem themself.
I liked the series, but I liked Sadie's series more, basically Aran's story felt drawn out at certain points in all three books. And I didn't like the MMC's until book three where they kind of redeem themself.
February 26, 2025
Reread: 5 stars
I swear the author must have put crack in this series or something.
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Aran.
I love Aran, to me she is so relatable and funny. I love how "broken" she somewhat is but still finds the strength to push through and keep going even when everything seems to be going against her. I love her MMC´s, I can´t talk too much about them without spoiling something but Scorpius definitely becomes my favorite come book 5/6.
Regarding side characters I loved the scenes with Sadie, I laughed so much when I read them. I enjoy Aran´s friendships she is forming with Vadek and somewhat with Tara. I enjoyed Aran´s interaction with Cobra a lot, I feel like they are becoming friends which I love so much. They kind of give the vibes of friends who lightly bully each other but mean it lovingly.
Plotwise like already mentioned, I think there is crack between the pages. Once you start this series you just can´t stop reading. I read the whole 500 pages in like 2 hours (don´t ask me how I did it, I don´t know either). I love the humor in this and sometimes actually laugh out loud while reading. (Like already mentioned in my "Blood of Hercules" review, I DO think it is a somewhat mentally ill humor, so if you´re completely sane (which, good for you), you might not find it as funny.) There is a "Warning" at the beginning that literally states "They are true enemies. This is war. It is excessively violent. This is a reverse harem. Everyone´s a villain. This is a slow burn romance. Don´t panic.", and in short that is literally the vibe of the book. I also have to rectify my original review; rereading the book now, there ARE hints of romantic elements to them, you just can´t expect any spicy scenes including the FMC yet or any physical romance so far. I love the angsty vibes and the slight "bully romance" like elements to the books. I can´t wait to start rereading the 5th and the 6th book, because to me, these three books of the series are just chefs kiss!
Overall an amazing reread and I can´t wait to get to the rest!
trigger warnings: death/murder, loss of loved ones, bullying, mentions of torture/torture, physical violence,
---------------------------------------------------
Original review: 4 stars
This one is lacking a bit in the romance apartment for me so far; but I definitely like the men better
I swear the author must have put crack in this series or something.
This is a one POV book, told by the POV of Aran.
I love Aran, to me she is so relatable and funny. I love how "broken" she somewhat is but still finds the strength to push through and keep going even when everything seems to be going against her. I love her MMC´s, I can´t talk too much about them without spoiling something but Scorpius definitely becomes my favorite come book 5/6.
Regarding side characters I loved the scenes with Sadie, I laughed so much when I read them. I enjoy Aran´s friendships she is forming with Vadek and somewhat with Tara. I enjoyed Aran´s interaction with Cobra a lot, I feel like they are becoming friends which I love so much. They kind of give the vibes of friends who lightly bully each other but mean it lovingly.
Plotwise like already mentioned, I think there is crack between the pages. Once you start this series you just can´t stop reading. I read the whole 500 pages in like 2 hours (don´t ask me how I did it, I don´t know either). I love the humor in this and sometimes actually laugh out loud while reading. (Like already mentioned in my "Blood of Hercules" review, I DO think it is a somewhat mentally ill humor, so if you´re completely sane (which, good for you), you might not find it as funny.) There is a "Warning" at the beginning that literally states "They are true enemies. This is war. It is excessively violent. This is a reverse harem. Everyone´s a villain. This is a slow burn romance. Don´t panic.", and in short that is literally the vibe of the book. I also have to rectify my original review; rereading the book now, there ARE hints of romantic elements to them, you just can´t expect any spicy scenes including the FMC yet or any physical romance so far. I love the angsty vibes and the slight "bully romance" like elements to the books. I can´t wait to start rereading the 5th and the 6th book, because to me, these three books of the series are just chefs kiss!
Overall an amazing reread and I can´t wait to get to the rest!
trigger warnings: death/murder, loss of loved ones, bullying, mentions of torture/torture, physical violence,
---------------------------------------------------
Original review: 4 stars
This one is lacking a bit in the romance apartment for me so far; but I definitely like the men better
July 18, 2023
This book was GOOD. I mean *insert expletives* because this book knocked my socks off and I am cursing myself for binging it in a day when the next in the series doesn’t come out for 4 more months.
Full review to come tomorrow, but I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this book and its amazingly fun humor.
7/17/23 REREAD EDIT:
This book is bad. Don’t get me wrong, I love the absolute horrific shit-showness of it, but I would not read this book unless you’re looking for something like that. (And also, be prepared to cringe throughout.)
It reads really similar to the Broken Vows series, though I think this one is slightly better simply because the side characters might be more interesting.
If you want to read a trash book you can binge in a day that involves a crazy assassin academy, an assassin clique of “hot” guys, and a very minimal Mulan presence (it’s literally just the fact the main girl is pretending to be a guy since she’s in hiding and she goes off to war), then definitely pick it up. But please be aware my five stars is for bingeability and enjoying reading something so bat shit your life looks AMAZING in comparison, not for anything along the lines of quality writing.
I stand by my earlier statement that this book was fun and funny though!
Full review to come tomorrow, but I cannot emphasize enough how much I enjoyed this book and its amazingly fun humor.
7/17/23 REREAD EDIT:
This book is bad. Don’t get me wrong, I love the absolute horrific shit-showness of it, but I would not read this book unless you’re looking for something like that. (And also, be prepared to cringe throughout.)
It reads really similar to the Broken Vows series, though I think this one is slightly better simply because the side characters might be more interesting.
If you want to read a trash book you can binge in a day that involves a crazy assassin academy, an assassin clique of “hot” guys, and a very minimal Mulan presence (it’s literally just the fact the main girl is pretending to be a guy since she’s in hiding and she goes off to war), then definitely pick it up. But please be aware my five stars is for bingeability and enjoying reading something so bat shit your life looks AMAZING in comparison, not for anything along the lines of quality writing.
I stand by my earlier statement that this book was fun and funny though!
March 10, 2023
These books are such a guilty pleasure read for me. They are absolutely bonkers and chaotic and just unhinged from start to finish. They aren’t *good* books, but they are so goddamn entertaining, I can’t stop myself from reading them. Think of every kind of plot twist and cliff hanger that could be written and put it in one book where that’s the entire story. The characters and dialogue are ridiculous, everything is just an absolute disaster, but they are so fun to read. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read because it’s so unhinged and fast paced. It’s like seven different stories and worlds and political systems all crammed into one, which makes it pretty overwhelming and confusing, but once you kinda give up understanding it all and just take it for the unapologetic chaos it is and just go with the crazy, they are so fun to read. I feel embarrassed to enjoy them, but here we are.
November 6, 2023
I'm the queen of DNF, but for whatever reason, this book was so bad I couldn't look away.
Its only redeeming quality was the 6-page recap of the first three books in the series (centered around a different character), which read like a batshit fever dream and provided much entertainment to me, my roommates, and Bridget.
Full disclosure, I read 30%, skimmed over the middle 50%, then legit read the rest.
To be clear, I don't recommend reading it.
Its only redeeming quality was the 6-page recap of the first three books in the series (centered around a different character), which read like a batshit fever dream and provided much entertainment to me, my roommates, and Bridget.
Full disclosure, I read 30%, skimmed over the middle 50%, then legit read the rest.
To be clear, I don't recommend reading it.
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