Far From Camelot

Far From #2

by River Hale

Merlin

The Kingdom of Camelot did not fall with the death of King Arthur. But I did. I fled to another world because I couldn’t face the shame of my failure, of letting Mordred le Fay kill his own father. Even now, after a thousand years, I hate him.

When he shows back up in my life after all this time, that hatred is rekindled. He thinks my hatred equals obsession, but he’s wrong.

Then one premonition brings me to my knees, and I think he might’ve been right all along.

Mordred

I murdered my own father, but I have no regrets. If I regret anything, it’s letting my witch of a mother steal the throne of Camelot when it was meant to be mine. But can I even regret that when it’s what brought me to Merlin?

He may have misplaced his magic, but I’ll help him find it again. His passionate hatred is what I thrive on. His rough touch, his eager submission.

I don’t want to let him go, but I know I have to. It’s Merlin’s destiny to return to Camelot.


The books in the Far From series are contemporary fantasy, dark romance retellings that all take place mostly far from the locations of the original tales. They are complete standalones and contain trigger warnings and always a HEA. Specific content warnings can be found on the author’s website.

Genres: Fantasy, M M Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Dark Romance, Retellings, Dark

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2024

About the author

River Hale is a pseudonym, created because her mother once told her that she'll read everything she ever writes. She's a writer with a tea addiction and a love for everything dark, twisted, haunted, and beautiful. She's written and published more appropriate books that her mother is allowed to read under her real name, but she'll always have a special place in her heart for dark romance.

Reviews

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank GRR for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Buddy Read with my sis Brooke who made this series EXTRA fun to read!!💗

I've been looking forward to this Camelot retelling since I'd learned of its existence. And after my incredibly delightful experience with Far from Neverland , I was ready for some sizzling wizard sex (🌶️🔥DELIVERED♨️🚿 MY GAWD🫠) but with a more bold, top tier legendary story I could really get behind (SAD PANDA😔🐼).

Unfortunately (or fortunately - depending on what you're in the mood for) while this did turn out to be another fun installment of a fairly soft enemies-to-lovers, for me this read ❤️‍🔥MEGA ❤️‍🔥lusty in the 2nd half which is sure to please readers who came strictly for the D! And while I am usually soooo down for the fking, I'm sort of disappointed that there wasn't more to this "retelling" than Merlin and Mordred being super fucky for most of this book!🙃

⚡🐍there was some good plot energy there at the end, but ultimately I really wished Hale did more with this as there was a lot of potential here to step up their game after Pan and Hook gave us such an entertaining first installment!🧚🏼‍♀️🏝️🪝☠️

overall this was still a lot of fun and a veeeeery sexxxy🔥 read, but for me I think 🏰👑Camelot🗡️🛡️ called for a bit more oompf in terms of plot, and I can't help but feel like this could have used a bit more grit and a higher dose of some dark sorcerer energy, and more of that "forbidden" tension between Merlin (Arthur's bestie) and Mordred (Arthur's murderer) before their clothes were magicked off!🪄👖

regardless, I'm happy to have indulged in this series, which was like a mini break from my life's more pressing demands! I really think Hale has an entertaining vibe happening here, and I'm absolutely looking forward to the next retelling in this "Far From" series, which I am very sure will be hot as all fk, and a whole lot of fun to read! TL;DR: ❤️‍🔥come for the wizard sex🫠, stay for the wizard sex⚡🐍💫😏

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

Another lovely buddy read with my twin sis, Ivana 💖 (Imagine a fun sticker here lol)

“I think I’m starting to love hating you,” he says, his body still pressed against mine, our chests heaving in sync. “Welcome to the club.”

Much like the first installment of Rylee Hale’s fairy tale retelling series Far From Neverland, Far From Camelot was more centered on the enemies to lovers romance than on any actual retelling.

“But I hate you,” I manage. It comes out less matter-of-fact and more like a plea to understand. “I know, Merlin.” His lips skim to the other side of my throat, nipping at my skin. “It turns me the fuck on.”

The romance between Merlin and Mordred was electric — hate sex, some light kink play, a questionable use of reptiles — and if you came here for a hot tattooed bad boy falling for a grumpy wizard, you’re in the right place.

As for the retelling, or even plot for that matter, this lacked a bit for me. Most of the action starts up towards the 80% mark, resulting in a hasty, even though romantically satisfying, ending.
Still, a pretty fun and smutty read (or as my sis Ivana said ‘fucky’), and I really enjoy this author’s writing style, so will definitely be on the lookout for more from them.

“You’ve got me.” I give him a small smile. “My light.” “Whenever you need it. Always.”

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Murder of parent (on page)
- Assault, violence, death
- Enemies to lovers
- Dub-con
- Choking
- Light blood play
- Light BDSM
- Light praise kink
- Restraints
- Edging
- Biting
- Pain play
- Snakes
- Frotting & rimming
- Flip-fuck
- Vers MCs

[Megan [Semi-Hiatus]]

MM Romance
Wizards
No Rating

DNF @ 80%


I went into this for the wizard sex but besides them changing their spit into lube, removing clothes and/or their cum mess with a swish of their hands and the one snake scene it was just kind of mehhhh. Although, I did love all the dick piercings. 😂 The story line itself was a play on King Arthur but it was so boring I kept falling asleep. If I couldn’t finish this before reading Every Breath After, there’s no way in hell it’s going to happen now.

Also, because the names Merlin and Mordred were used in the present, my wacko mind kept flashing back to Disney’s Sword in the Stone and picturing cartoon Merlin and Madam Mim fighting each other and I’d laugh during the sex scenes. Fun fact: when I went to Google Merlin/Mim, I found A LOT of kinky cosplay stuff that I was not expecting. It totally distracted me from figuring out how to imbed a gif in this thing but I digress. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

I DNF’d the first one with plans to come back to it but I think it’s safe to say this series isn’t for me because in that one I couldn’t stop picturing Hook from Disney’s Peter Pan with his cartoon mustache and red coat 😂😂😂 I’d probably give this 2 stars but I’m going to be nice and not rate it.

[kaye taz · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 ⭐️
spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
format: ebook

if peter and hook were hot, merlin and mordred were ON FIRE.

i am so obsessed with these two. again, i absolutely love the mix of contemporary and fantasy in these stories. i really enjoy seeing these characters in both settings.

merlin is practical and reserved and good to his core, but mordred brings out a whole different beast in him. mordred is chaotic and angry and kind of a playboy, but merlin makes him soft and vulnerable. i loved their entire relationship dynamic and how they literally could not leave each other alone. plus the possessiveness and obsessiveness on both sides was chef’s kiss.

like with far from neverland, the only thing that keeps this from being five stars is the conflict. bringing the two worlds together is fun, but it makes the plot a tiny bit messy and hard to follow when they get back to the fantasy world. and i think it just wasn’t developed enough and was resolved too quickly.

i really am loving this series though. i’m a huge river hale stan now.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Far From Camelot is a creative reimagining of the Arthurian myth. This story focuses on the wizard Merlin and King Arthur's illegitimate son Mordred. Together they go on a journey of redemption and forgiveness. I love Camelot and its wide array of characters that are rich in history and depth. Merlin and Mordred are fascinating by themselves and I loved getting their perspectives on the events from Camelot and their struggle with adapting to modern life and how their past actions haunt them today.

Overall this was a great reimagining of these classic characters. Mordred grew on me as he was quite complicated and I enjoyed getting more of his backstory. Merlin was amazing as well, being haunted by failure to protect his best friend and guilt over his inability to return. Together they share a complex history while having great chemistry. Their pairing was fascinating to see develop and I loved getting their perspectives on Camelot.

This is another winning adaptation of the classic myth and I cannot wait for what the author plans next!!!!

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this story.***

[haletostilinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first time, we got an MM retelling of Peter Pan with Peter and Hook as the main couple.

This time, we go to Camelot. But it isn't Merthur that is the main couple, but Merlin and his son, Mordred.

In this retelling of the fairytale of Camelot, Arthur was magicked by Morgan (not Morgana like from the show, which tripped me up at times, even though I've never properly watched the show lol) into having sex with her (which is rape) and that produced Mordred.

Mordred didn't choose to be conceived that way, or to be born at all, but that doesn't stop Arthur from resenting Mordred anyway, and treating him like shit his whole life.

Which, I understand Arthur's reluctance. He was raped and then had to deal with the product of that rape every day.

But also, he should have found some way to get past that, because it wasn't Mordred's fault, and so the way Arthur treats him, and how his mother Morgan treats him, led to a very damaged, angry man.

Also because Arthur wanted as little to do with him as possible, Mordred was raised mostly by Morgan, and easily manipulated and used by her as well.

Arthur no doubt fucks up big time when it comes to Mordred. But is that enough to be worthy of being murdered by said son at the start of this book?

No. I think it takes a lot more than an absent, shitty parent for it to be justifiable to kill them, or for it to make sense.

Which, I actually really loved how this book handled it. I really was like..."is that all?" to Mordred's reasoning for killing Arthur as the book went on. But as the book went on, I also started to understand more of Mordred's reasoning, and him as a character.

Also, the book never tries to make excuses for Mordred. Merlin doesn't either. Mordred doesn't even want excuses or forgiveness for what he did. He's proud of it, even. At least for a long time.

It's fucked up, but you come to understand just how deep Mordred's pain goes, and how much it has affected him his whole life, just because he didn't have his parent's love.

It really shows how important a parent's love is. It can truly fuck up a person, no doubt about it. To the point of murdering said parent? No. But absolutely hating them and resenting them and having deep hurt and a brokenness to you? Absolutely yes.

There's no excusing what Mordred does, but it is something the characters and the reader is eventually able to get past. It really helps that Merlin and Mordred are able to bring Arthur back to life. Yeah, it doesn't erase what he originally did, but Arthur being alive again alleviates a lot of the damage done from killing him in the first place.

As you get to know Mordred, you really come to realize that he's more than what he projects onto the world. Inside, he's a scared man who never got the love he needed or deserved.

That all changes with Merlin.

1000 years after the battle in which Mordred kills Arthur in Camelot, both Merlin and Mordred are on earth, in the present day, pretending to be normal humans.

Merlin uses so little of his magic these days, that he's unsure if he even can get back the power he once had.

Mordred, for some reason we come to find out, wants to get Merlin his powers back in order to come back to Camelot and defeat his mother, who has since taken over the thrown.

On that journey, these two discover an intense attraction to one another, even though Merlin positively hates Mordred at first - obviously, for killing Arthur, his best friend, his brother - and Mordred revels in his hate. He wants it. Because he wouldn't know what to do with love if he had it, since he's never gotten it from anyone.

I think the book does an excellent job of really making you understand Mordred's POV and why he did what he did and why he is the way that is. And that he's not really as bad and evil and he claims to be. Or sees himself as.

He's not a good person, by any means. But he's also not pure evil, either. That's his mother, honestly.

The chemistry between Merlin and Mordred was good, and I enjoyed it and them together.

This did get a tad slow at times, honestly, and that's mostly because I think I wanted more of the action to be in Camelot.

Honestly, 70% of this is spent in our world, and really not a ton happens, plot wise. It's mostly just Merlin and Mordred and the evolution of their relationship. Which was good. But at times, it just dragged for me, I don't know why.

I honestly felt near the end like there became a little too much sex. Like once they're in Camelot and the action is taking place, I kind of could have done without the sex? Like literally, Merlin and Mordred pause the action after getting Excalibur to fuck and it just felt like a little much, a little out of place.

Also there was sex in both chapters of epilogue, and it felt like too much, and I almost skimmed them - I skimmed a sentence here and there, tbh - because it was just feeling a bit excessive at that point.

So all that made me feel like giving one star off of this was appropriate.

But otherwise this was quite enjoyable and held up to the first one.

Oh also, I tagged this with dubious consent, as there is this one scene in the beginning, where Merlin gives Mordred a blowjob, but Mordred goes into his head to make him relaxed enough to give into his want.

Now, Merlin does want Mordred all on his own. He doesn't make him want him. And he does want to give him the blowjob, but he's all up in his head about it. Given that he hates Mordred so much, and hasn't forgiven him for killing Arthur and he feels guilty and bad that he wants him anyway, etc.

Yeah, he wants it, but he kind of doesn't want to want it in that moment. So it is of a very dubious consent nature. So I did tag that and am warning for it.

Other than that scene, though, it is very clear consent between them from then on. They also have a very verse sexual relationship. Both in positions and dominance. At any moment Merlin could be in charge, and then in the next Mordred is. And they both naturally submitted depending on who was in a dominant mood. Neither one felt like the more dominant one in the relationship, because they both switched between both roles so frequently.

So I definitely recommend this one, especially if you enjoyed the first book in this series as well. I also can't wait for the next book in this series, to see which fairytale this author makes gay next 😉

Until then...😘

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review

My Ratings for the Far From Series:

🔆 Far From Neverland: 4 stars (my review)
🔆 Far From Camelot: 4 stars

[anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

~ ranting: 3 ☆
~ spice: 3 🌶

“You are beneath my skin, Modred.” Holding his gaze, I stroke my thumbs across his cheeks. “You're in my blood, my bones. You're fucking everywhere.”

Well, I was hoping this one would be better, but again it felt superficial. The characters were interesting, but everything happens too fast, there's barely relationship development. At one point, it becomes repetitive.

And why the main events always happen at the very end of the book? Again, I would like to read more about the world building.

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’ve never been addicted to anything before in my life, not until him."

I absolutely love the way Rylee Hale puts together a story and Far From Camelot is yet another exquisite lesson in story-telling. The character and world-building is divine, the plot weaves its spell on you from start to finish and the chemistry between Merlin and Mordred is palpable. I absolutely inhaled every word!

Far From Camelot is a contemporary fantasy re-telling of the Arthurian legend, set in New York city, 1000 years after the tragic events in Avalon, and featuring our two MCs, Merlin (aka the most powerful wizard in Camelot) and his mortal enemy, Mordred (King Arthur's son to the dark enchantress Morgan Le Fey).

Merlin is quietly living his life, basically magic-free, running a quaint little bookshop in NYC and Mordred is a low-key rockstar in a band, who just so happens to be playing in the city. Both are drowning in their memories of the past. Despite being immortal, the two haven't crossed paths in 1000 years, but that's all about to change.

Because Merlin needs to rediscover his magic and return to Camelot to save Arthur all over again. Whether he wants to or not.

And Mordred is going to be there, in person and in his dreams, to make sure he does just that. Whether they hate each other or not.

"I told Merlin I’d crawl under his skin, but it turns out he’s the one who crawled under mine and made a home there. How dare he make me addicted and then deny me my next fix."

You will adore Far From Camelot if like me, you love:

❥ MM romance
❥ Dark magic vibes
❥ Opposite attract
❥ Enemies to lovers
❥ Possessive MCs
❥ "Mine"
❥ ALL THE STEAM
❥ HEA

It's a MUST READ RECOMMENDATION from me!

All the stars! 🌠🌠🌠🌠🌠

[Jen (Fae_Princess_in_Space) · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was AWESOME! I am absolutely obsessed with Far From Neverland (Rylee Hale’s MM dark Peter Pan retelling) so I was thrilled to receive an ARC copy of Far From Camelot, a retelling of King Arthur and Merlin. This book is filled with morally grey characters, scorching hot scenes and some truly epic character growth!

After King Arthur’s son Mordred kills the king to take the crown of Camelot, wizard Merlin has to escape. He has let King Arthur and Camelot down by letting him die and for 1000 years he hides in the mortal realm, his guilt and hatred at Mordred eating at him.

One evening in NYC, Merlin watches a band called ‘Dethrone the Queen’ perform and he is shocked to see that their frontman is none other than Mordred - also immortal and hiding in the mortal realm. Furious and consumed with hatred, the two men confront each other.

I LOVED the push and pull relationship between Merlin and Mordred - the animosity jumps off the page and makes it even sweeter when their hatred begins to morph into something quite different. I love this author’s writing - it’s so visceral and she sets the scene so well. Watching both characters fight and grow was beautiful and I cannot wait to see what the next stop in the ‘Far From…’ series is going to be!

Read for:
✨ Enemies to lovers
✨ Rockstar vs bookseller (and knight vs wizard!)
✨ Tattoos and piercings 😏
✨ Two posessive MCs
✨ Touch him and you die
✨ Sexy premonitions
✨ Vers couple & lite BDSM
✨ Epic battles with swords, magic and knights

Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own. It is available on 19th March 2024 ✨

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far From Camelot is the next book in the Far From series but is 100% a standalone. And it was delicious.

In this story, we have Merlin and Mordred, and legend of King Arthur. In this story, Merlin and Mordred both have left Camelot, Merlin after failing his king, and Mordred after killing Arthur. The two cross paths again in our modern day. Merlin owns a bookstore and is a bit of a loner. Mordred is a frontman in a band. But Mordred also needs Merlin to come back to Camelot and put things right.

These two! Excellent chemistry together, and excellent hate to love. We're talking true hate sex here, and I absolutely loved reading about them falling for each other despite being determined not to. The possessiveness, ownership, light kink, these two had for each other was so well done and just delicious!

I think this was a great romantic adaptation take on Camelot. I loved Merlin finding his powers back again and then going back to Camelot. I LOVE his fall for Mordred, them falling for each other, and going back home to face their pasts together. I LOVE how this book ended! This series is just fun, sexy, and so well written. I cannot wait to see what story Rylee will take on next!

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[⭐Toonasa⭐ •Romance Book Lovers' Haven• · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok this book was really fucking hot & really fucking good. Loved it! RTC. I would have read it in a day If I didn't need the pesky thing called sleep lol.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review: This book is one of the best enemies to lovers tropes I have ever read. Merlin & Mordred have hated each other for over 1,000 years and when they find that fate brought them back together it quickly turns from hate to lust. These two are so hot for each other and the book is steamy! I really enjoyed their spicy scenes and found that each scene fit the characters so well and met their needs at the time. I really enjoyed that the majority of the book took place in modern times and when they returned to Camelot everyone else was confused by their other world sayings. The plot was fantastic overall and I loved seeing Mordred find his self worth and become a strong Knight with the best HEA. He deserved to be loved wholly because he was absolutely not worthless. I am so at peace knowing that Merlin found forgiveness, allowed his demons to play and stayed true to the man he always was. He was not willing to hide Mordred or their love because he knew Mordred was worth the acceptance of Camelot. The epilogues were awesome, I loved seeing where the band ended up! I really enjoyed this read and recommend to anyone that loves enemies to lovers.

[m · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the concept, the characters, and the smut 🥵🥵🥵, but the relationship development happens so quickly it didn’t quite work for me.

Mordred is a tattooed, pierced, bad boy rockstar and Merlin is a buttoned-up bookstore owner very out of touch with his magic. Together they are electric! The hate sex is top tier and I loved the I hate you but I can’t stop thinking about you dynamic. I just felt like forgiveness and deeper feelings came too easy. Mordred killed his father who was Merlin’s friend/king. I really appreciated seeing Mordred’s perspective on his parents and how Merlin came to understand his feelings about them but for such a big betrayal I imagined more. The plot is pretty slow going until practically the very end!

This book also felt like a million pages because there’s just so much smut.

I’m grateful to GRR for the opportunity to read this as an ARC and I’ll definitely check out more by this author but if you’re looking for an Arthurian inspired spicy romance this might not completely scratch that itch.

[Stacktheforest - Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far From Camelot by Rylee Hale

4.5 stars

This spicy, dark Arthurian reimagining exceeded my expectations! I’m always on the look out for gay fantasy novels and this is one I will be constantly recommending. Please check your triggers before reading if you have any.

It is the second book in Rylee’s Far From series but is a complete standalone. You do not need to read the first book to enjoy this one.

This follows the enemies to lovers relationship of Merlin and Mordred after Mordred kills Arthur. Merlin escapes his grief and guilt by leaving Camelot and hiding in the human world. Hundreds of years later Merlin accidentally bumps into Mordred who has also been in the human realm for a nearly 1000 years. They are drawn together by their powers but can’t get past their undying hate towards each other.

- Magic in modern NYC
- Tattooed emo-musician MMC/nerdy book-loving MMC
- True enemies to lovers
- Hate s*x
- Bond@ge and marking

Trust me when I say when the spice hit in this it blew my mind. Because they are true enemies (none of this dislike to love shit) the hate s*x was phenomenal. They constantly fight for dominance and use magic get their way, its basically magical BD$M.

The only reason that I didn’t give this 5 stars is because the ending dragged a little bit, I feel like it could have been wrapped up quicker

This book was provided to me as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

30% Plot

And the rest is P**n. Crazy thing is, the plot is actually really good but the amount of s*x in this story wasn’t appealing only because it got in the way of the plot sometimes

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

now THIS is a good use of magic (turning spit directly into lube)

[patrícia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

RTC

[Natalie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say?! I knew this was going to be oh so good, but wow, another epic far from retelling from Rylee Hale.

This book has it all. We get all the elements of Camelot and Arthurian ledgend, but then we are thrust into modern-day New York, where Merlin is a bookshop owner who barly uses his surpressed magic and is just existing and Mordred is the front man of a rock band, travelling the country touring dive bars along the way and it is in one of these bars that Merlin and Mordred finally come face to face after a thousand years, and my oh my do all the sparks fly!!

This is the most perfect enemies to lovers. The hate sex is off the charts HOT. These two definitely dont fit the mould of stuffy old wizards, that's for sure!

The push and pull between the characters was absolutely delicious, and I couldn't get enough. I was utterly gaga over the fact that they are both so dominant but take turns in giving up control, and the results are *chefs kiss*

The obsession these two feel for each other is perfect they're both such alpha males and are so possessive of each other, but it just works, and they always seem to know which one of them needs to take control at certain times.

Mordred is the epitome of the misunderstood villain, and after reading this, all is forgiven, and he can do no wrong in my eyes!!

This book is an absolute must-read. The writing is incredible. The story is fast-paced and keeps you on your toes and will definitely have you hooked until the very end.

[Giulia’s bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome back to Camelot🏰 where your dreams come true, pure hatred becomes love and obsession, where we have f*cking sexy wizards that DO NOT have a super long white beard and look like they are 95 year olds (in human years), and the villain is just as sexy and tatted and pierced as the men of your wildest dreams… also he’s just as misunderstood as the rest of us mere mortals🤷🏼‍♀️

It’s been a thousand years since Merlin was last in Camelot, and nearly as much for Mordred… a thousand years since Mordred killed Arthur, since Mordred’s mother Morgan stole the throne, since Merlin felt the need to run to protect his heart.

Things are bound to change during that much time, right? They really try to hold on the hatred they feel for each other, but the connection😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨 being the only immortals around, knowing each other from another world and another time, fighting for forgiveness and peace without even realizing it… I’m still trying to calm down the goosebumps🫠

These two🥵 they are SO HOT. They can’t get enough of one another, can’t keep their hands to themselves and I loved them so much for it💥 every time they came together we could nearly literally see fireworks in the sky! Their dynamic is so fluid going from top to bottom to dom to sub in the space of seconds😮‍💨😭 I can’t explain how scorching it was🥵

[Laura Schäfer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,25 ✨

This book was so good!
I had such a great time reading it.
Amazing characters and an interesting plot.
It was kinda funny how even though they were both ancient, the 200 year age gap was still clear.
Merlin just felt more mature while Mordred was a total brat. It was great! They had such an interesting dynamic and wonderful chemistry.
I loved how they kept switching between who was dominant and who was submissive depending on the situation or what the other needed.
The angst was very entertaining.
And I really liked how it all turned out in the end. It was perfect in my opinion.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Hatred kept me paralyzed; love moved me.

Hatred kept me in the dark; love illuminated me.

Hatred kept me existing until your love brought me back to life.”

How does Rylee make hate look this beautiful and bewitching? For the best in my life, I understand the appeal of hate sex. Because it was done so well.

Had so much fun reading the book, it was entertaining and delightful.

It is a mix of urban fantasy and fantasy, more of a reimagined plotline than a retelling of Merlin and Mordred. Though I loved the storyline.

[Arta reads at night · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
While I was reading this book I kept thinking it was a 3,5 rounded to 4⭐️ for me. Until the last 20%
And with that I finally accept that this author isn’t for me. Relationship between MCs is dramatic, but shallow. The author uses banalities to make the reader feel their love and this love’s growth. And ok, obviously it works for a lot of readers. It doesn’t work for me. It’s flashy, it’s shallow and cringy, it lacks complexity and nuance and well. It’s just not for me.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If I’m worthy of Merlin’s love, how could any piece of me be worthless?" 💕

[Marina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Merlin/Mordred retelling?
Sign me the F up.
A simply delicious enemies to lovers book.

[mm_smut_reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rylee Hale did it again and created another great retelling! If you liked Far from Neverland, you're going to enjoy this book for sure. The plot was unique and it got me mesmerized for hours. I couldn't put it down. As soon as she announced a story about Merlin, I cried out loud and I hoped with all my might that it was a story between Merlin and Arthur. I'm still hoping for someone writing about those two someday, but who am I to refuse another ship? Especially one so interesting 😏

Merlin and Mordred were pure dynamite. They were both so stubborn and passionate, a couple made in hell but with the best interactions. The hate sex was hot af and I loved their versatility and how they changed between their Dom/Sub dynamics. We need more Vers in MM books 😩

My only complaint is that it wasn't longer. Maybe it's my inner Camelot fan speaking, but I'd have loved a little more ambience and adventures from that far and mysterious land. I'd have loved to see more action, more everyday life in Camelot and so on.

But otherwise it was a splendid read I highly recommend 🥺💖

[Natalie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

March 2025
Kindle edition

Read for a group challenge week 8. Ooh I did like this one. Merlin/Mordred with submissive Merlin but verse between them. It was slow and I did like Mordred's stalking. Thought they would've gone back after it was all said and done but nice that Arthur finally realized his mistake and accepted his son. Did drag a little.

[Miss S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

To those who believe that magic exists in the real world
and that bad boys in all black have a heart worthy of love.

What to expect:

❥ Dual POV ❥ MM Romance ❥ Opposite Attracts ❥ Merlin Retelling
❥ Enemies to Lovers ❥ Obsessed & Possessive MCs ❥ Touch Him & 💀
❥ Sexy Villain Vibes ❥ Tattoos & Piercings ❥ STEAM ❥ Magic ❥ HEA

This is the first book I’ve read by Rylee Hale, and I feel like I went in blind, because this book was not as I expected. IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER!. ‘Far From Camelot’ exceeded all my expectations, leaving me thoroughly captivated. I literally couldn’t put it down, and I only had to because, you know, sleep is apparently important. You need to find your fan for this one, because you’re in for a steamy ride.

“You like to bite, huh, little monster?”

We start of on the battlefield in the Kingdom of Camelot, where the tide of battle seems to favor the king as his knights rally around him. However, just as victory appears within reach, Mordred appears and impale the king with his sword, and King Arthur dies in the arms of Merlin, his most trusted adviser and friend. Filled with overwhelming grief and self-blame, Merlin says his goodbye to King Arthur, and then he flees the kingdom. Meanwhile, Mordred, wounded by Excalibur, is believed to be dead.

A thousand years later, we find Merlin in a little bookstore that he now calls his own. His magic seems to have gone dormant as he rarely taps into it, preferring to lead a quiet life among the mortals. But the burden of his past still weighs heavy, and he is still drowning in self-loathing, and it doesn’t help when a reminder from his past suddenly shows up at the bar he frequently visit, a reminder covered in tattoos, piercings and an annoying smirk. The reappearance of Mordred makes Merlin feel something else than his own self-hatred, it makes him feel all the hate he has towards Mordred.

Mordred is living his immortal life in the human world as a lowkey rockstar with a “I don’t give a f*ck” attitude and no remorse or whatsoever for the things he has done in the past. His only regret is that he unknowingly helped his mother become the ruler of Camelot. He too left Camelot almost a thousand years ago, but with a secret mission to make things right. Seeing Merlin at the bar where his band “Dethrone the Queen” is playing lights a fire in Mordred, and he revels in Merlin’s hatred. Mordred feels an unexplainable pull towards Merlin, and he can’t seem to stay away from him, even when Merlin makes it clear that he has no desire to be near Mordred.

It’s like I’m thriving off his hatred, his attention, his obsession.

The push and pull between Mordred and Merlin is pure fire, and this is honestly one of the best enemies to lovers romances I’ve read. How the hate is the thing that connects them and they’re not hiding it either, they let it burn. Mordred is the perfect villain, his smirks, his jokes and his whole appearance made me fall in love with him, because you know, we all love a morally grey MC with tattoos and a pierced schlong. At least I do 😏. The amount of spice definitely took me off-guard, but it was hot as hell🔥. I mean, it’s like Rylee Hale took all the things I love and wrote a book about it. The possessiveness, their obsession with each other, the “get on your knees” and “good boy” and….. 🥵🥵🥵

“If anyone hurts you,
I will slit their fucking throat before they can even blink.
You’re fucking mine.”

And when things started to become something else than hate, gosh, I was swooning so damn hard. This book made me smile, laugh, blush and I even cried (happy tears). I wish I had magic too, not just to turn spit into lube, while I don’t think I would need that very often, but it’s handy nonetheless, but anyways, I wish I had magic too because I would make everyone know just how good this book is, and compel everyone to read it. I guess that means my magic would be dark, but I don’t care ♥.

“I was supposed to get under your skin, but you crawled under mine instead.”

I was so lucky to receive this ARC to review with my honest opinion.

Read the full review on my blog here.

[BB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what kind of sorcery, cocaine, magic Rylee Hale sprinkles into these retelling books but I'm Here. For. It.

I'd snort that shit off a booty cheek SO FAST.

This book had me in a chokehold from start to finish.

I'd seen it on her TT when she first started promoting it but I'll admit, I kind of forgot it wasn't between Merlin and Arthur. This was ssssoooo much better.

Because BFF's son????? Yes, please.

It starts out with the beginning of the story line, a whole bunch of years ago, where Mordred's hatred for daddy dearest comes to a head and creates the catalyst for the story. Merlin runs off, thinking Mordred is dead, and comes to our lil old planet from Camelot to escape his failures (basically be a whole ass coward but I got nothing but grace for you boo). Owning a book store, because of course he does, gives him the perfect brand of distraction from his old life, or so he thinks.

Dun dun dun.

Until his friends bar (or the bar she just works at? I can't remember) hosts a band called dethrone the Queen (I see what you did there) and in walks Mordred, Merlin's mortal enemy, as front man for the band. Of course as any good enemies to lovers book goes, they start out with friction and hating each other even though the other one makes their no-no squares start to tingle.

Mordred was EVERYTHING. The tatted up, pierced bad boy vibe just flat did it for me. I couldn't get enough of that little monster. The chemistry between him and Merlin was something else. It was electric and had me smiling ear to ear. My no-no square even started to tingle. I loved the fact that their hatred basically never ended, even after the dick touching and gross feelings. Because..... hate sex. So very good.

I also went so hard for their dynamic in the bedroom, and in other places because they're not boring. I like strict roles in the sexy times just as much as the next reader but I go FERAL when those get tossed out the window and the MCs switch things up. As someone who has a strict role you couldn't push me out of with a lifetime supply of Dr. Pepper and tacos, the dichotomy of that makes for a very interesting read. I'd be bored out of my skull if everything I read in a book related to me.

I loved the times where they weren't going to pound town too. Even if they were few and far between because the sex is a-plenty (is that how you spell that? Is that even a word????? Idk, let's move on.) Those quiet moments, especially when Mordred is growing as a character but also not because the man stays who he is at the core of him, were my favorite. Their banter and the subtle way they complimented each other's personality was ssssoooooo good.

I'd definitely recommend to EVERYONE.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I think you want to hurt me. If you can is another matter.”

“You remember who I am.”

Time passes within a blink of an eye, but guilt clings to you like second skin and the pain lingers like a dark cloud that never fades.

Merlin has lived many lives since he fled Camelot and has allowed his magic to lay almost dormant. With the past of what happened to his friend, King Arthur still weighing on Merlin tries to move on in the modern day world.

It helps that his Willow friend drags him out to her rockbar and one night Merlin is left stunned as a band comes on stage, revealing the front man who Merlin has seen since he stabbed his father King Arthur…

Mordred le Fay.

“Seeing you again sure as hell doesn’t feel like fate.”

The child who was forgotten.
The man who wanted to claim the crown.
The murder who was fooled into being the pawn.

Mordred le Fay holds many secrets close to his tattooed chest and now seeing Merlin again has sparked something within him. His great plan is about to take shape, but the question is will Merlin seek his revenge and kill him?

Tensions are running high, they can feel each other's power…and desire too.

Mordred has roamed the earth by himself too and now he can’t stop himself from resisting the pull leading him towards Merlin. With his wicked darkness Mordred is ready to unleash himself on Merlin…only Merlin isn’t holding back either!

The threat is growing in Camelot and soon Merlin & Mordred must decide how their story will end…

“I’m not yours, Mordred.”

“My marks on you say otherwise.”

Blimey this was a hot steamy sexy and heartfelt read!

This was an interesting story from the legend that we know from The Sword In The Stone and set years after which is how the story starts. I loved the elements from the original that Rylee used and how she adapted this with the modern day jumping in time.

Merlin & Mordred were a brilliant, powerful and steamy duet. I loved their unique characters and how their relationship developed. The tension is thick between these two, that fire is burning and ready to explode! Wow yesssss!!! The moments these two share are brilliant, making you smile and widen your eyes as you feel captured within the chapters.

The main events of the story become apparent as soon as more information is revealed, the characters have to trust each other and come together to defeat a common enemy.

I wonder what story we will be falling into next with this series!

Merlin can hate me for all eternity. It doesn’t matter.
He’s mine, and I can’t let him go.
I won’t.

[Sandy Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastical MM enemies-to-lovers contemporary romantasy with magic, obsession, pining and fate

Immerse yourself in Rylee Hale’s marvelous world of an Arthurian retelling with a hate-filled romance between Merlin and Mordred, mortal enemies, finally brought back together by chance, igniting an unwilling and incendiary attraction leading to obsession and despair and finally to love.

Life has not been kind to Mordred. Reviled by his father, King Arthur, for his very origins and barely tolerated as a knight of the Round Table, he was fated to kill his father, as foreseen by his mortal enemy, Merlin, the king’s faithful and world’s most powerful sorcerer. Merlin witnesses Mordred kill Arthur, the king he was sworn to protect, decimating Merlin’s life’s meaning and sending him spiraling into self-hatred and into exile in the human/regular world, a world without magic where he lives life after life and hides his immortality by becoming and rebecoming a new self again and again. Merlin believes he killed Mordred, but, he’s…slightly mistaken.

Mordred, too, left Camelot after being healed, and has also lived here for centuries and is now the lead singer of a small-profile rock band, never to be famous lest he be too recognizable to hide his agelessness. Merlin owns and runs an indie bookstore and in this latest lifespan is best friends with the bar owner across the street. When Mordred’s band comes to play at the bar, their instant sense of each other is palpable and rife with animosity. But what neither counted on is the sheer attraction that yanks them together like magnets and has Merlin foreseeing Mordred putting him on his knees to…uh…NSFW but you get the idea!

All barriers are decimated from there, and the hate-sex is real. But the two must work together to satisfy fate at last and reclaim what was lost so long ago. And if they can’t keep their hands off each other, well…what’s a lot of steamy rough sex among mortal enemies, after all? And as it turns out, they make far better lovers and allies than either would ever have imagined. And then the obsession becomes real…

What a wonderful story! You can sense the author’s mastery of storytelling from the start, and her characters swept me away into a world of magic and sparkling desire and eventually touch-him-and-die, I-don’t-want-to-exist-without-you love. A whirlwind of a terrific read.

HEA, enemies to lovers, romantasy, magic, Arthurian retelling. No cheating or emotional cheating or others at all. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the copy. This is my free and impartial opinion.