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Jaga and the Devil #1
Devil's Deal
The devil craves my soul. It calls to him like the scent of fresh blood.
I am not afraid.
The night of summer solstice, I do something stupid. Drawn to the fire of magic, I approach the gods in their sacred circle. I am just a mortal, one of many. I shouldn’t merit their attention.
But behind the royal figures of the gods a shadow looms, menacing yellow eyes burning in its gloom. He asks me to dance. His clawed hands circle my waist, turning me to the sound of hoofbeats while his demonic voice whispers seductive lies in my ear. For one night, and one night only, I let him touch me.
When it’s morning and gods return to their shrines, he stays. His bloodthirsty shadow follows me, a dark cloak hiding me from the sun and the light of hope. Where I walk, flowers wither and children sicken, touched by his suffocating darkness.
The harder I chase him away, the more he enshrouds me in his powerful presence, his claws trapping my body, his will reaching for my soul.
He takes away my tribe and poisons my life, trying to break me so I take his deal. But the devil is in for a surprise.
I may give him my body, but I’ll never break. With nothing to lose, I am ready to fight.
Coming on summer solstice 2024.
I am not afraid.
The night of summer solstice, I do something stupid. Drawn to the fire of magic, I approach the gods in their sacred circle. I am just a mortal, one of many. I shouldn’t merit their attention.
But behind the royal figures of the gods a shadow looms, menacing yellow eyes burning in its gloom. He asks me to dance. His clawed hands circle my waist, turning me to the sound of hoofbeats while his demonic voice whispers seductive lies in my ear. For one night, and one night only, I let him touch me.
When it’s morning and gods return to their shrines, he stays. His bloodthirsty shadow follows me, a dark cloak hiding me from the sun and the light of hope. Where I walk, flowers wither and children sicken, touched by his suffocating darkness.
The harder I chase him away, the more he enshrouds me in his powerful presence, his claws trapping my body, his will reaching for my soul.
He takes away my tribe and poisons my life, trying to break me so I take his deal. But the devil is in for a surprise.
I may give him my body, but I’ll never break. With nothing to lose, I am ready to fight.
Coming on summer solstice 2024.
564 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2024
212 people are currently reading
11030 people want to read
About the author
Layla Fae
43 books2,092 followersSign up for my newsletter: here.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
Layla Fae writes steamy monster romance of many varieties. Fluffy or dark, with TWs ranging from flavored monster essence used as food to blood play and dark taboo romance, she explores the fantasy of monster love from various angles.
She is not an author for the faint of heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 543 reviews
June 21, 2024
A young woman takes on the Devils himself …… Who is stronger willed …..who will win the battle?
This a dark fantasy romance based on Slavic folklore with spice, dark themes, a witches, gods and The Devil himself
This is the first book in this Series, And I’ve walked into it knowing that there was going to be a cliffhanger……. So anybody who knows me knows I hate cliffhangers…….. Somehow, I’ll try not to complain too much….🤣🤣🤣 book two will be released sometime in March 20,2025
Holy heck, I Can’t wait to continue reading this series. There’s plenty of plot and it keeps me on my toes. I love that it’s just as good as Layla Fae had promised
Layla Fae is a master at crafting believable characters and enthralling worlds. I am the type of reader that needs both a solid plot and character development in order to really draw me into a story in this Genre
I have not enjoyed dark fantasy romance like this in quite some time!
This is a real page turner, filled with great world building and strong female characters……. But don’t get me wrong it times I felt like I was overwhelmed with too much information and too many characters…..
Would recommend to anyone who doesn’t mind a little blood and gore in their books, And enjoys a very strong main character
Read
June 17, 2024I NEED BOOK TWO RIGHT FREAKING NOW 😂😂😂
January 13, 2025
"At this moment, I don’t care who he truly is. Because he chose me. And no one has ever done so before."
This hands down has to be one of the best books that I've read this year. I AM ON THE FLOOR.
I'm not sure how to feel about the ending/ that cliffhanger (mixed in with the fact that book 2 COMES OUT NEXT YEAR IN MARCH HELP. ME. 😭🔫🔫🔫🔫)
BUT STILL, 5 stars for the way this book made me feel. I legitimately couldn't put it down.
This was one of the most immersive dark romance fantasies that I've read about in a VERY long time. The way that it was written was just amazing. From the plot to the characters- everything was just so well-rounded. I absolutely loved the use of Slavic folklore and mythology, and you could really tell that this book was thoroughly researched.
In terms of the romance??????? Jaga and Woland literally had me by the throat (also their original character art?! They were stunning and I'm obsessed.).
Their dynamic and banter with one another was so unbelievably entertaining. I loved them so much as individual characters, and loved them even more when they were together. They were both so twisted and their chemistry was insane.
I don't even know what else to say about this book 😭 it was just so good. I've always loved LF's writing in her novellas, but this for me has to be her best work to date. I cannot wait for the second book.
October 12, 2025
The cover looked great and the summary sounded promising, but sadly, the book was such a letdown… super disappointing. Everything felt sloppy and low-quality. The story and characters were all over the place.
June 27, 2024
This was way too long for my liking -hopefully the next one isn't in its long
March 15, 2025
“I see the longing. Oh, Jaga, you could have it all.” Look away, I tell myself, but my eyes won’t budge. I am completely mesmerized. “Have what?” I ask, and my throat is so tight, my voice comes out croaky. “Men at your feet, begging for a touch or a smile,” he says in a low voice, smooth like honey. Another blissful moan comes from nearby, and I shiver. “People and beings of all kinds begging for your favor. Those who despised and hated you, cowering at your feet in terror. Those who rejected you, begging for your company. You could be queen in her place, Jaga. It’s so easy. Just reach out and pluck what you want.”
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. It seemed like it wasn’t even healthy how much I needed this story to continue. I know some are upset because they don’t love cliffhangers but I am obsessed with them. Jaga is a young witch who has more issues than a witch should have. I say this because she has always been exposed to magic and spells.
This book had more loopholes and pushes and pulls than I can honestly believe but every single misstep and manipulation rocked my world. I’ve been on a Layla Fae kick like it’s no one’s business.
If you want a book that makes you scream, giggle and tear up then this is the one for you. If you are easily triggered read the warnings. After you’ve read those warnings push those worries aside and go on and read this rollercoaster ride of fabulous writing and mystical imagining.
That all being said, “Woah, what a ride “!! What I loved the most is the author did her research and had a bibliography in the back of the text. I love when things stem from history and folklore and there is background provided.
** I am so upset my highlights from the Zon won’t go through but I’ll try again at a later date**
Update I am currently reading Part II I am so excited 😆!
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster. It seemed like it wasn’t even healthy how much I needed this story to continue. I know some are upset because they don’t love cliffhangers but I am obsessed with them. Jaga is a young witch who has more issues than a witch should have. I say this because she has always been exposed to magic and spells.
This book had more loopholes and pushes and pulls than I can honestly believe but every single misstep and manipulation rocked my world. I’ve been on a Layla Fae kick like it’s no one’s business.
If you want a book that makes you scream, giggle and tear up then this is the one for you. If you are easily triggered read the warnings. After you’ve read those warnings push those worries aside and go on and read this rollercoaster ride of fabulous writing and mystical imagining.
That all being said, “Woah, what a ride “!! What I loved the most is the author did her research and had a bibliography in the back of the text. I love when things stem from history and folklore and there is background provided.
** I am so upset my highlights from the Zon won’t go through but I’ll try again at a later date**
Update I am currently reading Part II I am so excited 😆!
March 7, 2025
This author has a hate boner for women unless you’re 18 and have an intact hymen. WHY is this is my regular fantasy romance new releases and not in the erotica sub genre? If I knew whose book this was I wouldn’t have wasted my money and sanity on it.
🚫 BookTok author (AI both in writing and all the cover “art” used)
🚫 age gap
🚫 and of course, a virgin. Find me one book where they’re not trying to romanticize the rape and degradation of GIRL and exploiting their naivety, young, and virgin selves. I’ll wait.
The books in 2025 look to be even worse than 2024. THEY ARE ALL THE DAMN SAME. Not one book am I excited for. Not one.
🚫 BookTok author (AI both in writing and all the cover “art” used)
🚫 age gap
🚫 and of course, a virgin. Find me one book where they’re not trying to romanticize the rape and degradation of GIRL and exploiting their naivety, young, and virgin selves. I’ll wait.
The books in 2025 look to be even worse than 2024. THEY ARE ALL THE DAMN SAME. Not one book am I excited for. Not one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2024
This book should have stated at the start of it that it ends on a cliffhanger.
Be warned, there’s very little romance between the FMC and the MMC. I went in with the expectation that this was in the romance genre and left it hoping book two firmly falls into the true crime/murder genre. I don’t want them to get together. I want the MMC to suffer.
I didn’t like this book very much since I basically felt angry the entire time I was reading it. But I’ll probably read book two just so that I can find out what happens. I need closure.
Be warned, there’s very little romance between the FMC and the MMC. I went in with the expectation that this was in the romance genre and left it hoping book two firmly falls into the true crime/murder genre. I don’t want them to get together. I want the MMC to suffer.
I didn’t like this book very much since I basically felt angry the entire time I was reading it. But I’ll probably read book two just so that I can find out what happens. I need closure.
August 8, 2025
2.5/
I wanted really badly to like this book. It has such an interesting concept - Slavic mythology isn't common - and then it's riddled with witchcraft and lore and stories that are so interesting and different. There's a strong female protagonist and a spooky shadow daddy devil, lots of spice and smut, and a very clear and realized storyline throughout. There's world building, and the side characters are fleshed out, and the writing is detailed and done well.
But I fucking hate the main characters personalities and they way they were written.
Jaga is actually one of the most frustrating female protagonists I've come across. I get it, shes *stubborn* and has to do everything THE HARDEST POSSIBLE WAY and she is a *lone wolf* who does it all on her own who really deep down just wants to be accepted by others. And she's SO unique because she really just hates people but yet will continously self sacrifice over and over for everyone else even though they're horrendously abusive to her and have been her entire life and they will never accept her. She's so desperate to be *useful* and part of the tribe and it's actually just really pathetic and kind of sad. She's headstrong and arrogant and doesn't listen to anyone else and yet she so desperate for affection and to fit in and yet when someone starts to show her affection or a different path she refuses to even consider anything else. Literally every decision she decides to make she makes her life more difficult for herself for no reason. Like girl, work smarter not harder.
AND THEN THERE'S WOLAND.
There is nothing redeeming about him. Like he seems to be starting to want to treat Jaga better near the end of the book, and there seems to be some form of character development but for the most part he's awful. I don't understand the obsession with spooky/creepy/demonic men that treat women like shit. They're hot and the sex is hot so we're okay with just being degraded, abused, threatened, and treated badly?? For some immortal god you would think he would have had a lot of time to figure out how to a) not be a piece of shit and b) treat women ?? He's manipulative and doesn't have any respect for Jaga. You can't tell me he magically starts to treat set her better later and we just forget about all the people he murdered or how he threatened to SA her multiple times. There's a line between BDSM dark dom and actual literal abuse from a psychopath and he is on the WRONG side of the line. Unless there's massive character growth and accountability I can't find him likeable. He's just abusive. And it makes sense why Jaga doesn't want to be with him?
But AT THE SAME TIME (if we focus on their relationship with each other) neither can communicate or actually talk to each other. Like be upfront JFC. At least 90% if their issues could have been sorted out properly if they just spoke to each other and dropped the bullshit and the games. And I get it, its for the plot, but like, plot better?? There's an entire story going on in the background with the other gods and the war and etc and honestly I want to know about that rather than these two idiots who can't figure out how to talk to each other because they're too much alike and don't on know how to drop the stubborn/arrogant pretenses.
Overall... the spice and smut between the two is violent and brutal and dark and hot. Okay, cool. But what else is there? I genuinely don't know. However, since I want to know the backstory about the war I will read the second one. There had better be some serious character development and growth though.
I wanted really badly to like this book. It has such an interesting concept - Slavic mythology isn't common - and then it's riddled with witchcraft and lore and stories that are so interesting and different. There's a strong female protagonist and a spooky shadow daddy devil, lots of spice and smut, and a very clear and realized storyline throughout. There's world building, and the side characters are fleshed out, and the writing is detailed and done well.
But I fucking hate the main characters personalities and they way they were written.
Jaga is actually one of the most frustrating female protagonists I've come across. I get it, shes *stubborn* and has to do everything THE HARDEST POSSIBLE WAY and she is a *lone wolf* who does it all on her own who really deep down just wants to be accepted by others. And she's SO unique because she really just hates people but yet will continously self sacrifice over and over for everyone else even though they're horrendously abusive to her and have been her entire life and they will never accept her. She's so desperate to be *useful* and part of the tribe and it's actually just really pathetic and kind of sad. She's headstrong and arrogant and doesn't listen to anyone else and yet she so desperate for affection and to fit in and yet when someone starts to show her affection or a different path she refuses to even consider anything else. Literally every decision she decides to make she makes her life more difficult for herself for no reason. Like girl, work smarter not harder.
AND THEN THERE'S WOLAND.
There is nothing redeeming about him. Like he seems to be starting to want to treat Jaga better near the end of the book, and there seems to be some form of character development but for the most part he's awful. I don't understand the obsession with spooky/creepy/demonic men that treat women like shit. They're hot and the sex is hot so we're okay with just being degraded, abused, threatened, and treated badly?? For some immortal god you would think he would have had a lot of time to figure out how to a) not be a piece of shit and b) treat women ?? He's manipulative and doesn't have any respect for Jaga. You can't tell me he magically starts to treat set her better later and we just forget about all the people he murdered or how he threatened to SA her multiple times. There's a line between BDSM dark dom and actual literal abuse from a psychopath and he is on the WRONG side of the line. Unless there's massive character growth and accountability I can't find him likeable. He's just abusive. And it makes sense why Jaga doesn't want to be with him?
But AT THE SAME TIME (if we focus on their relationship with each other) neither can communicate or actually talk to each other. Like be upfront JFC. At least 90% if their issues could have been sorted out properly if they just spoke to each other and dropped the bullshit and the games. And I get it, its for the plot, but like, plot better?? There's an entire story going on in the background with the other gods and the war and etc and honestly I want to know about that rather than these two idiots who can't figure out how to talk to each other because they're too much alike and don't on know how to drop the stubborn/arrogant pretenses.
Overall... the spice and smut between the two is violent and brutal and dark and hot. Okay, cool. But what else is there? I genuinely don't know. However, since I want to know the backstory about the war I will read the second one. There had better be some serious character development and growth though.
Read
December 15, 2025It started so good, so promising, & then it completely soured the moment Woland was introduced….
From 11-21% the story lingers on ONE event that occurs within a single night. Woland comes in immediately wanting to claim her out of no where, without any understanding as to why, & Jaga gave in so easily… & all because she wants to finally participate in the Kupala celebration. I can understand her being desperate to finally fit in & partake in events, but it seemed like such a lazy way to get them to fuck. If this wasn’t their very first time meeting, it would’ve felt different to me, more naturally progressing. I wanted Woland to EARN her desire, even if through a bargain or something. I wanted the story to stop focusing so heavily on Jaga’s lust & go back to the vibes I got all before this went down— because it went from feeling witchy & interesting to being completely consumed in pointless lust.
I just KNOW the mcs & their brand of tension are going to irk the shit out of me, so I’ll save myself the trouble & dnf here at 21%.
From 11-21% the story lingers on ONE event that occurs within a single night. Woland comes in immediately wanting to claim her out of no where, without any understanding as to why, & Jaga gave in so easily… & all because she wants to finally participate in the Kupala celebration. I can understand her being desperate to finally fit in & partake in events, but it seemed like such a lazy way to get them to fuck. If this wasn’t their very first time meeting, it would’ve felt different to me, more naturally progressing. I wanted Woland to EARN her desire, even if through a bargain or something. I wanted the story to stop focusing so heavily on Jaga’s lust & go back to the vibes I got all before this went down— because it went from feeling witchy & interesting to being completely consumed in pointless lust.
I just KNOW the mcs & their brand of tension are going to irk the shit out of me, so I’ll save myself the trouble & dnf here at 21%.
June 19, 2024
This is a dark fantasy romance so before you start this book you should check the trigger warnings on the author's website.
Personally the triggers didn't bother me. If you read dark romance or thrillers I think you'll be good too. I had a great time with this story. I love enemies to lovers and I love it even more when the hero is also the villain of the story.
The story follows Jaga. A young witch who has limited magic. When her mentor dies she believes she'll become her village's new whisperer (kinda like a healer but with magic). But the elders bring someone else because they never trusted her. Almost everyone in the village hates her but then one magical night the Gods come to their celebration. One of them takes an interest in her but will she submit to him?
The book ends on a cliffhanger and the next one comes out on March 2025. How am I supposed to wait?
I received an arc from the author and this is my honest opinion.
Personally the triggers didn't bother me. If you read dark romance or thrillers I think you'll be good too. I had a great time with this story. I love enemies to lovers and I love it even more when the hero is also the villain of the story.
The story follows Jaga. A young witch who has limited magic. When her mentor dies she believes she'll become her village's new whisperer (kinda like a healer but with magic). But the elders bring someone else because they never trusted her. Almost everyone in the village hates her but then one magical night the Gods come to their celebration. One of them takes an interest in her but will she submit to him?
The book ends on a cliffhanger and the next one comes out on March 2025. How am I supposed to wait?
I received an arc from the author and this is my honest opinion.
July 10, 2025
This book is straight up criminal. With an ending like that, if the second book wasn’t already out, 😮💨 I’d say it should go straight to jail.
I think I was living in delulu-ville for majority of this book. I kept waiting with every page turn, for Woland to be redeemed. L O L, as if he’s not actually devil. And once I came to terms with that, the story just got darker and darker. He fits his hypocritical morally black role so perfectly - I would’ve loved to have had his POV sprinkled throughout the story.
Now for the character that stole the show. Poludnica had me fricken hiding under my blanket so much I was sweating. And with every little sound I heard come from my house, I was suspiciously starring at the dark like a crazy lady. My only saving grace is that she only comes out during the day. 😂
Overall, this was goooooooood af 🤌
I think I was living in delulu-ville for majority of this book. I kept waiting with every page turn, for Woland to be redeemed. L O L, as if he’s not actually devil. And once I came to terms with that, the story just got darker and darker. He fits his hypocritical morally black role so perfectly - I would’ve loved to have had his POV sprinkled throughout the story.
Now for the character that stole the show. Poludnica had me fricken hiding under my blanket so much I was sweating. And with every little sound I heard come from my house, I was suspiciously starring at the dark like a crazy lady. My only saving grace is that she only comes out during the day. 😂
Overall, this was goooooooood af 🤌
October 24, 2024
This is the story of a witch who essentially was "made" for the Devil, but fights her fate until the end. The story gets boring fast and drags on. It starts with her being child born out of wedlock with red hair that the town hates and then when one eye turns a different color than the other than she is hunted. She gets stabbed but future her comes back to save her. Fast forward to where MC is at a town bonfire/ Orgy and meets some gods and the devil. From then on he hunts her, putting various demons and situations that make her need him. She won't admit she is his so then he traps her.
This writing definitely wasn't for me. I love dark romance but this was just tedious to read and dragged on.
This writing definitely wasn't for me. I love dark romance but this was just tedious to read and dragged on.
December 21, 2025
Я в захваті. Книгу проковтнула й одразу побігла читати другу. Атмосфера неймовірна - слов’янська міфологія в поєднанні з дарк фентезі, і це працює на всі сто. Такого поєднання я ще не читала.
Яґа ❤️, те як вона дає відсіч Воланду, приносило окреме задоволення, а фінал… ну це просто 🔥
А Воланд чарівний мудак найвищого рівня. Хотілося його придушити майже на кожній сторінці, і водночас від нього неможливо відірватися 💜
Коротше, мені зайшло абсолютно все. Дуже рекомендую 🫡
Яґа ❤️, те як вона дає відсіч Воланду, приносило окреме задоволення, а фінал… ну це просто 🔥
А Воланд чарівний мудак найвищого рівня. Хотілося його придушити майже на кожній сторінці, і водночас від нього неможливо відірватися 💜
Коротше, мені зайшло абсолютно все. Дуже рекомендую 🫡
September 8, 2024
The 3 stars is mainly for the legends/myth aspect of this book. Otherwise, the spice was meh at best, and the constant back and forth was too redundant. This felt like a YA dark romance.
July 28, 2024
3 ⭐
Way too long and I don't really feel anything for any character
Way too long and I don't really feel anything for any character
June 24, 2024
Thank you to Layla and their team for sending me an advanced copy as part of their ARC Team. 💖 I joined the ARC team to get the scoop on monster smut, but this has been a holy gem instead.
Attention everyone: Layla Fae is in a whole new era as a writer.
This book is stuffed with Slavic folklore & history which made me as an individual look on my own into most of the figures and ideals to deepen my understanding of this book. Although I did do that, it is not necessary at all for this book. Its filled with explanations and great descriptions. I adored the pronunciation guide in the beginning and found myself flipping back to it every time a new character was introduced. Definitely helped me in my mental character building for Woland. Speaking of, the few illustrations that were including were breathtakingly beautiful. The way that this world is put together is graphically mesmerizing.
The overall plot of this book had me up 2 nights in a row just to finish it. I had to know what was going to happen. There were a few moments that seemed to die down in pacing, but it quickly picked back up and I never felt bored reading it. There were moments where I could see things falling into place, but I never felt like I knew what was going to happen. It wasn't until something was revealed where I was able to look back and see it all piece together. For those seeking romance: turn elsewhere. Go read Layla Fae's other works. Because this is a fantasy book first and foremost, with some dark "romance" elements to it. Definitely read those trigger warning before proceeding, but once you pick up this book and learn the characters, everything that they do is so on point of who they are.
The ending had me up pacing at 3 in the morning, tummy turning. I can't wait for book two to come out, since this one does leave on a cliffhanger. But damn oh damn, I can tell the wait is going to be worth it.
Attention everyone: Layla Fae is in a whole new era as a writer.
This book is stuffed with Slavic folklore & history which made me as an individual look on my own into most of the figures and ideals to deepen my understanding of this book. Although I did do that, it is not necessary at all for this book. Its filled with explanations and great descriptions. I adored the pronunciation guide in the beginning and found myself flipping back to it every time a new character was introduced. Definitely helped me in my mental character building for Woland. Speaking of, the few illustrations that were including were breathtakingly beautiful. The way that this world is put together is graphically mesmerizing.
The overall plot of this book had me up 2 nights in a row just to finish it. I had to know what was going to happen. There were a few moments that seemed to die down in pacing, but it quickly picked back up and I never felt bored reading it. There were moments where I could see things falling into place, but I never felt like I knew what was going to happen. It wasn't until something was revealed where I was able to look back and see it all piece together. For those seeking romance: turn elsewhere. Go read Layla Fae's other works. Because this is a fantasy book first and foremost, with some dark "romance" elements to it. Definitely read those trigger warning before proceeding, but once you pick up this book and learn the characters, everything that they do is so on point of who they are.
The ending had me up pacing at 3 in the morning, tummy turning. I can't wait for book two to come out, since this one does leave on a cliffhanger. But damn oh damn, I can tell the wait is going to be worth it.
June 23, 2024
Arc review
4 stars ⭐️ i received this as an arc but im a slow reader so just finished it.
So originally, I was afraid to start this because of the trigger warnings, please check trigger warnings before starting this book which is part of a series.
That being said I truly enjoyed the folklore aspect this story and layla’s way of writing stories it’s truly captivating. At first its was a bit difficult to get into bc of certain triggers but it does get better as you keep reading. I truly loved you yagas stubbornness at times towards woland. 😂
Tbh i still don’t know how to pronounce most these names i pretty sure i kept reading them wrong even with the pronunciation guide 😂
4 stars ⭐️ i received this as an arc but im a slow reader so just finished it.
So originally, I was afraid to start this because of the trigger warnings, please check trigger warnings before starting this book which is part of a series.
That being said I truly enjoyed the folklore aspect this story and layla’s way of writing stories it’s truly captivating. At first its was a bit difficult to get into bc of certain triggers but it does get better as you keep reading. I truly loved you yagas stubbornness at times towards woland. 😂
Tbh i still don’t know how to pronounce most these names i pretty sure i kept reading them wrong even with the pronunciation guide 😂
March 15, 2025
Wow. Ok I have some THOUGHTS.
PLOT: Jaga is a young witch with limited magic, mismatched eyes and fiery red hair. After her mentor passes away she is set to inherit the role of Whisperer (a healer with magical abilities) but doesn't get to do so as the townspeople hate her and bring in someone else. Jaga has been hated ever since she was a child and people believe she's a witch and the daughter of the devil. She tries to hide as best we can and the story follows her from childhood to the gods night - a pagan event where the townspeople gather to frolic, make merry, drink and have sex. Though they have not been seen in living memory, the gods show up during this night and one, the death god, takes an interest in Jaga. The demon wants her to submit but she fights him at every turn......
PROS:
- beautiful storytelling
- vivid descriptions
- super detailed lore, gods, monsters and mortals with elements of Polish folklore
- very detailed world building
- multiple interpersonal stories of villagers and mundane tasks made exciting
CONS:
LENGTH AND PACING : the first half had me in a chokehold I couldn't put it down but a little over half way through things really started to lag and I found myself getting bored. Like how many random threats is she going to face, is there going to be a real conflict etc. also, Jaga barely spends any real time with Woland and I just really didn't see the romance element at all. I didn't get WHY she didn't submit or why he wanted her to as well.
SMUT: I like reading these books for the spicy times, the tension, the heat etc. but this was really slow burn to the point it barely felt there. Sure there's a sexy scene where she blows him and he goes down on her once but that's IT for like 40 chapters and then when they do have sex, it's kind of meh, unsexy and over to fast?! I kind of expected more since I LOVE the way Layla usually does her spicy scenes but maybe it's just the first book so she's holding back?
WOLAND: I LOVED his character at first - a dark god who makes you bleed at the sight of him and who holds unforeseen powers? SUPER cool. However he kind of wore on me as a character, he starts off great but after a while it's just grating. He's snarky, barely says anything, won't give a straight answer, loves hurting Jaga and pops in and out as he pleases. He's a sadist, a liar, manipulative and doesn't really seem to care about her aside from "owning" her. He really didn't have any good qualities and I can't say I'm rooting for him.
________
VERDICT: First off I expected more sex / spiciness. These books are usually smut with a cute plot but this one was a lot deeper. There's a lot of mundane and daily life and that's not for everyone. Lastly I took off a star because I felt it lagged in some parts like "we've been over this, let's move the plot along" and I really didn't see the romance element at all. I'm assuming since this is a new series that it gets better but at present I HATE them together lol.
PLOT: Jaga is a young witch with limited magic, mismatched eyes and fiery red hair. After her mentor passes away she is set to inherit the role of Whisperer (a healer with magical abilities) but doesn't get to do so as the townspeople hate her and bring in someone else. Jaga has been hated ever since she was a child and people believe she's a witch and the daughter of the devil. She tries to hide as best we can and the story follows her from childhood to the gods night - a pagan event where the townspeople gather to frolic, make merry, drink and have sex. Though they have not been seen in living memory, the gods show up during this night and one, the death god, takes an interest in Jaga. The demon wants her to submit but she fights him at every turn......
PROS:
- beautiful storytelling
- vivid descriptions
- super detailed lore, gods, monsters and mortals with elements of Polish folklore
- very detailed world building
- multiple interpersonal stories of villagers and mundane tasks made exciting
CONS:
LENGTH AND PACING : the first half had me in a chokehold I couldn't put it down but a little over half way through things really started to lag and I found myself getting bored. Like how many random threats is she going to face, is there going to be a real conflict etc. also, Jaga barely spends any real time with Woland and I just really didn't see the romance element at all. I didn't get WHY she didn't submit or why he wanted her to as well.
SMUT: I like reading these books for the spicy times, the tension, the heat etc. but this was really slow burn to the point it barely felt there. Sure there's a sexy scene where she blows him and he goes down on her once but that's IT for like 40 chapters and then when they do have sex, it's kind of meh, unsexy and over to fast?! I kind of expected more since I LOVE the way Layla usually does her spicy scenes but maybe it's just the first book so she's holding back?
WOLAND: I LOVED his character at first - a dark god who makes you bleed at the sight of him and who holds unforeseen powers? SUPER cool. However he kind of wore on me as a character, he starts off great but after a while it's just grating. He's snarky, barely says anything, won't give a straight answer, loves hurting Jaga and pops in and out as he pleases. He's a sadist, a liar, manipulative and doesn't really seem to care about her aside from "owning" her. He really didn't have any good qualities and I can't say I'm rooting for him.
________
VERDICT: First off I expected more sex / spiciness. These books are usually smut with a cute plot but this one was a lot deeper. There's a lot of mundane and daily life and that's not for everyone. Lastly I took off a star because I felt it lagged in some parts like "we've been over this, let's move the plot along" and I really didn't see the romance element at all. I'm assuming since this is a new series that it gets better but at present I HATE them together lol.
June 24, 2024
I hated all the back and forth between them. Most times, I wanted to strangle both of them because I was already over the “let me claim you”/“no” after the second time (it will continue to happen multiple times after).
I like how the author put her own twist to these Polish myths and legends. It was cool to read, seeing as I knew nothing about it and was mostly exposed to Greek myths in my formative years.
I did enjoy how MMC and FMC are depicted in this (very Hades and Persephone-esque). One of my favorite parts would probably be him making her say his name until it didn’t make her bleed lol.
And the spice was spicing iykyk.
I like how the author put her own twist to these Polish myths and legends. It was cool to read, seeing as I knew nothing about it and was mostly exposed to Greek myths in my formative years.
I did enjoy how MMC and FMC are depicted in this (very Hades and Persephone-esque). One of my favorite parts would probably be him making her say his name until it didn’t make her bleed lol.
And the spice was spicing iykyk.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnr-not-safe
March 21, 2025Self note:
Triggers between MCs: toxic murderous villain manwhore MMC, dramatic age gap, physical violence, attempts at mind and body control, stalking, insistent seduction, threats of sexual assault, choking, non-consensual and consensual blood drinking, deception and lies, manipulation, dubious consent; the hero has other lovers but he and the heroine aren’t in an exclusive romantic relationship when it happens.
The series is definitely not safe, so I’m not going to read it. The second book even has cheating in it, which is a hell no
Triggers between MCs: toxic murderous villain manwhore MMC, dramatic age gap, physical violence, attempts at mind and body control, stalking, insistent seduction, threats of sexual assault, choking, non-consensual and consensual blood drinking, deception and lies, manipulation, dubious consent; the hero has other lovers but he and the heroine aren’t in an exclusive romantic relationship when it happens.
The series is definitely not safe, so I’m not going to read it. The second book even has cheating in it, which is a hell no
July 9, 2025
This is my first step into dark fantasy romance and I’m glad this was the book I started with.
The lore 10/10
The characters 10/10
Jaga and Woland = 10/10
The cliffhanger…. 🔥
I can’t wait to begin book two 📕 😈
The lore 10/10
The characters 10/10
Jaga and Woland = 10/10
The cliffhanger…. 🔥
I can’t wait to begin book two 📕 😈
August 13, 2025
You know those stories you start reading with skepticism, but within the first few pages, they hit you like a thunderbolt of delight and excitement?
This is one of those stories.
For anyone who loves Slavic mythology, folklore, and folk beliefs—some of which are still prevalent in today's society, this retelling is a must-read!
I'm totally addicted to this story and it's just after reading the first book in the series.
I haven't read such an exciting mythological/fantasy/paranormal story in a very long time.
I'm really not sure which genre is right for this one, 😬 but I'm sure you have to read the book.
Dark, disturbing, and scorching hot fantasy story.
Enemies-to-lovers romantasy is one of my favorite romances.
This book is such a unique and extraordinary surprise for me.
Incredibly exciting, suspense-packed, and action-packed.
There isn't a single second where you could be bored.
The characters are fantastic.
The badass heroine, Jaga, is a powerful force who even defies the devil.
The Devil, or Woland, or Diabel, or... he has many names in our world, doesn't he?
He's an example of a hot and cold, grumpy alpha who's mostly grumpy when he can't hurt anyone. Delighted when people suffer, of course.
It's a dark story.
It's not a sweet and swoony romance.
It's dark, it's forbidden, and sometimes even disturbing and shocking.
It's a story about demons, witches, gods, and other creatures.
I love every second of it.
I'm already waiting for the audiobook version of book #2. Because the first book is phenomenal as an audiobook, I want to not only read it but also listen to it.
The series is available in KU.
This is one of those stories.
For anyone who loves Slavic mythology, folklore, and folk beliefs—some of which are still prevalent in today's society, this retelling is a must-read!
I'm totally addicted to this story and it's just after reading the first book in the series.
I haven't read such an exciting mythological/fantasy/paranormal story in a very long time.
I'm really not sure which genre is right for this one, 😬 but I'm sure you have to read the book.
Dark, disturbing, and scorching hot fantasy story.
Enemies-to-lovers romantasy is one of my favorite romances.
This book is such a unique and extraordinary surprise for me.
Incredibly exciting, suspense-packed, and action-packed.
There isn't a single second where you could be bored.
The characters are fantastic.
The badass heroine, Jaga, is a powerful force who even defies the devil.
The Devil, or Woland, or Diabel, or... he has many names in our world, doesn't he?
He's an example of a hot and cold, grumpy alpha who's mostly grumpy when he can't hurt anyone. Delighted when people suffer, of course.
It's a dark story.
It's not a sweet and swoony romance.
It's dark, it's forbidden, and sometimes even disturbing and shocking.
It's a story about demons, witches, gods, and other creatures.
I love every second of it.
I'm already waiting for the audiobook version of book #2. Because the first book is phenomenal as an audiobook, I want to not only read it but also listen to it.
The series is available in KU.
August 5, 2024
this was suprisingly so good i honestly can not wait for the second book😭😭
September 3, 2025
The first 100 pages reeled me in like a fish. I was impressed with the unique setting, folklore, etc.
What happened after that? I don't even know. The story tanked and slowed waaay down. Also, this isn't even dark romance fantasy. It was more like horror. I appreciated the descriptive language but that was about it. I HATED Woland's character. There was nothing redeemable about him. But I guess that's on me. He IS the devil after all, clear as day.
When you combine slightly amateur/subpar writing that is extremely repetitive with how interactions go, a hatable MMC, and a naive FMC who makes you want to shake her constantly, it doesn't make for a good book for me.
The fact that Jaga's entire life was ruined by Woland with her best friend being killed, murdering a baby, etc., and she still was like "I crave this guy's presence and touch," I was like.... girl, be so for real right now. If I had to read one more sentence like "I can't believe he did me dirty again" after 15x of that, I was gonna throw the book.
Also, enough with the curly pubes.
What happened after that? I don't even know. The story tanked and slowed waaay down. Also, this isn't even dark romance fantasy. It was more like horror. I appreciated the descriptive language but that was about it. I HATED Woland's character. There was nothing redeemable about him. But I guess that's on me. He IS the devil after all, clear as day.
When you combine slightly amateur/subpar writing that is extremely repetitive with how interactions go, a hatable MMC, and a naive FMC who makes you want to shake her constantly, it doesn't make for a good book for me.
The fact that Jaga's entire life was ruined by Woland with her best friend being killed, murdering a baby, etc., and she still was like "I crave this guy's presence and touch," I was like.... girl, be so for real right now. If I had to read one more sentence like "I can't believe he did me dirty again" after 15x of that, I was gonna throw the book.
Also, enough with the curly pubes.
November 27, 2024
Wow! I want book 2 now!
"Devil's Deal" is nothing short of a masterpiece in dark fantasy. The portrayal of the Devil is spot on—sinister, relentless, and terrifyingly charming. He stays true to his nature throughout, never letting up on Jaga.
The immersion in this book is incredible; the folklore and intricate details woven into the story make it feel like you're right there in the world, experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters. I was absolutely captivated from start to finish.
Must read and then practice patience until book 2 & 3 come out!
"Devil's Deal" is nothing short of a masterpiece in dark fantasy. The portrayal of the Devil is spot on—sinister, relentless, and terrifyingly charming. He stays true to his nature throughout, never letting up on Jaga.
The immersion in this book is incredible; the folklore and intricate details woven into the story make it feel like you're right there in the world, experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters. I was absolutely captivated from start to finish.
Must read and then practice patience until book 2 & 3 come out!
June 18, 2024
I loved the folktale-style storytelling in this book. Admittedly, I was a bit hesitant to jump in due to the trigger warning and my personal life experiences, but I was immediately swept away by the author’s writing, the characters, and the world created by Layla Fae. Check the trigger warning, be aware this is part of a series (not meant to fully stand alone), and let your dark freak flag fly! ;)
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.
October 2, 2025
the only thing more traumatising than woland’s inability to understand the word “no” is having to read the most graphic birth giving scene i did not sign up for this shit
December 19, 2025
Ich habe das Hörbuch aus Versehen angefangen, weil ich dachte, es wäre sapphic (Verwechslung mit einer anderen Neuerscheinung...) und dann... einfach zuende gehört.
Der auf westslawischer Mythologie und Folklore basierender Weltenbau war schon interessant. Alte westslawische Götter findet man in der Fantasy super selten, weil es wenig übersetzte Literatur dazu gibt. Da ist es echt nice, dass die Autorin Polin ist und auf polnisch recherchieren konnte.
Darüber hinaus habe ich aber wirklich einige Probleme mit diesem Buch 🙈 Trotz interessanter Welt verlor es mich total beim super heftig nervigen Genderessentialismus. Ja, es handelt sich hier genretechnisch um erotischen Horror/Dark Fantasy, trotzdem empfand ich es als unbedacht und vorallem absolut LANGWEILIG, wie mit Genderrollen umgegangen wurde. Ist halt so dieses ständig reproduzierte Bild von Frau/Hexe/Heilerin/Jungfrau/Mutter... naja.
Das Buch wird als Dark Romantasy beworben, aber ist es irgendwie nicht. Die meiste Zeit geht es um die FMC und wie sie bestimmte Hindernisse überwindet/Monster bekämpft. Und dann gibt es zusätzlich ein paar explizite Szenen (die einen noncon/dubcon tag verdienen, also Warnung hier). Da wird wahrscheinlich wieder klar, wie durchlässig Genre-Grenzen sind - für mich war es Dark Fantasy mit erotischen, expliziten Anteilen 🤔
Richtig nervig finde ich, dass mir erst gegen Ende aufgefallen ist, dass das Cover KI-generiert ist, sowie jegliche Werbung der Autorin KI-Werbung ist; auch im englischsprachigen eBook finden sich aber ganz schlimme Character Cards. Ich kann mich nicht verwehren anzunehmen, dass künstliche Intelligenz zumindest teilweise für den Text (Schreibstil war halt ziemlich zahnlos) genutzt wurde.
1,5 Sterne für den Weltenbau
Werde die Reihe nicht weiterlesen
Der auf westslawischer Mythologie und Folklore basierender Weltenbau war schon interessant. Alte westslawische Götter findet man in der Fantasy super selten, weil es wenig übersetzte Literatur dazu gibt. Da ist es echt nice, dass die Autorin Polin ist und auf polnisch recherchieren konnte.
Darüber hinaus habe ich aber wirklich einige Probleme mit diesem Buch 🙈 Trotz interessanter Welt verlor es mich total beim super heftig nervigen Genderessentialismus. Ja, es handelt sich hier genretechnisch um erotischen Horror/Dark Fantasy, trotzdem empfand ich es als unbedacht und vorallem absolut LANGWEILIG, wie mit Genderrollen umgegangen wurde. Ist halt so dieses ständig reproduzierte Bild von Frau/Hexe/Heilerin/Jungfrau/Mutter... naja.
Das Buch wird als Dark Romantasy beworben, aber ist es irgendwie nicht. Die meiste Zeit geht es um die FMC und wie sie bestimmte Hindernisse überwindet/Monster bekämpft. Und dann gibt es zusätzlich ein paar explizite Szenen (die einen noncon/dubcon tag verdienen, also Warnung hier). Da wird wahrscheinlich wieder klar, wie durchlässig Genre-Grenzen sind - für mich war es Dark Fantasy mit erotischen, expliziten Anteilen 🤔
Richtig nervig finde ich, dass mir erst gegen Ende aufgefallen ist, dass das Cover KI-generiert ist, sowie jegliche Werbung der Autorin KI-Werbung ist; auch im englischsprachigen eBook finden sich aber ganz schlimme Character Cards. Ich kann mich nicht verwehren anzunehmen, dass künstliche Intelligenz zumindest teilweise für den Text (Schreibstil war halt ziemlich zahnlos) genutzt wurde.
1,5 Sterne für den Weltenbau
Werde die Reihe nicht weiterlesen
August 31, 2025
It’s dark twisted and addictive, very well written with lore strewn in making the world feel so real. This one will emotionally wreck you lol needed a little palate cleanser after but excited to finish the series and watch Jaga come into her full power
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