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Eric Linnaeus - A Family of Unkindness

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I'm not scared of dying. I've done it enough times to know nothing is waiting for me on the other side, and I would gladly die a thousand more times if only it would take back the lies I’ve told. - Eric Linnaeus

As Eric struggles to keep his past hidden, Charles begins to succumb to the witch possessing him, and a new threat emerges. Whispers of an ancient enemy from the north carry on the frigid winter breeze and threaten to extinguish the flame of the fae.
Dormant powers surface, and unexpected enemies lurk within the castle walls as treasonous ideals circulate. A tangled web of lies unravels, and the truth is only further obscured. Betrayal is revealed, but not all is as it seems.

Book three in the dark fantasy horror series Eric Linnaeus.

453 pages, Paperback

Published July 31, 2024

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About the author

Kikito Lynn

5 books361 followers
Kikito Lynn is the creator behind the Eric Linnaeus novels, webcomic, and animations. She is an unconventional author who began writing horror fiction on r/nosleep, and many of her older stories can be found narrated on YouTube or in horror Podcasts.

Nowadays, Kikito writes dark fantasy, slow-burning, enemies-to-lovers romances filled with morally complex characters and a touch of drama. Her stories weave together layered mysteries, unreliable narrators, and leave subtle clues for readers to unravel.

Based in Australia, she is accompanied by a very opinionated siren (a cat) and enjoys daydreaming new plots, long walks, and reading.

TikTok: @Kikitolynn
YouTube: @Kikitolynn
Instagram: @Kikitolynn
Facebook: @Kikitolynn

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5 stars
228 (72%)
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69 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Miri.
49 reviews23 followers
August 25, 2025
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*****SPOILERS*****

**I’ll keep this review short,** mostly because I tend to fly through these books too fast and jump to conclusions—only for the next book to prove me wrong.

So Eric… I honestly didn’t think you were that dumb. Like—seriously, WTF? Nathaniel deserves a hug, a nap, and maybe financial compensation at this point. The betrayals are just too much for one book to hold.

First things first—Molly. Respectfully, I want to yeet you off a cliff.
And Achaicus, our poor soft boy, he’s too good for this world. Someone please protect him.


Now, Eric. About you. We all know you love them, and we also know you didn’t exactly do what everyone *thinks* you did. (Personally, I suspect you made some kind of shady deal with their dad to protect Nathaniel—but who even knows anymore?) Anyway, congrats on being basically unkillable. Nathaniel sweetheart, feel free to stab him once or twice. We won’t judge, he will come back anyway.


I can’t stop thinking about all the times Eric used his powers: when he got sick as a kid and bounced back, when he walked out of battles spotless, when he flexed immortality like a party trick. But then—what on earth were you thinking when you took away Claire’s choice of having kids with Marcus? That was never yours to decide, and pushing her toward an abortion so Marcus wouldn’t kill Calla, when *you’re literally the one who cursed Calla in the first place*? Galaxy-brain nonsense. No wonder everyone’s pissed. Even Charles. Yes—*Charles*. You know you F up when Charles is mad at you.


Honestly, I had this small hope that Nathaniel always knew Eric’s secret and was just waiting for the right moment to reveal it—like he’d been protecting him all along. But no. Instead, we just got pain.

Claire and Marcus getting married though? Adorable. Him finally realizing his love for her was so sweet. I did miss their dynamic a bit here, since we got so much of it in the previous book.


And of course—just when Nathaniel and Eric’s relationship finally starts to bloom, this disaster drops. I was so happy they finally got physical, but then Nathaniel pulled away… and now that we know what happened to him as a teenager, it absolutely shattered me. At least his sister tried to protect him a little, but honestly? She handled it with such coldness. I personally couldn’t. I just wanted to hug him through the screen.

Before everything fell apart, I loved seeing the whole gang living under one roof. Charles getting confused in the wrong room and realizing Eric and Nathaniel were together—iconic. Charles, please never change. Also, is it just me or is it hilarious that the witch living inside him is basically freeloading rent-free and chatting with him like it’s no big deal?

There are so many things that are finally starting to make sense, and others that absolutely don’t. I guess we’ll find out more in the next book.

As for Eric's family, Eric: burn them, drown them, grill them up in a nice little BBQ as an apology meal.

On a more positive note—I actually think the best thing Marcus ever did for Claire and Calla was making Calla her personal bodyguard. Best friends forever, anyone? I cannot wait to read more of their dynamic in the next book.

For the love of God, can someone tell Nathaniel and Eric to just SAY they love each other already? Three books in and they’re basically begging each other to admitthey care and love each other. Nathaniel, sweetie, Eric bought you a cat-statue-thing. That’s love. Accept it.

At this point, I demand therapy for literally everyone in this series. Including me. We’ll all heal together.

And finally—
“It looked like he was summoning the will to live for the remainder of the day.”
That’s not just a quote, that’s my new life motto. (And yes, it’s already my WhatsApp status.)

Did I say I will keep it short? Sorry, I learned to lie from Eric.
Profile Image for Rotha .
164 reviews7 followers
April 27, 2025
Amazing, brilliant, perfect - all the stars!

I'm totally distraught & pulling my hair out over that cliffhanger. Thank god book 4 is already out.

I love Eric so so much. His gradual isolation from everyone was really painful to read.

& Nathaniel's past trauma completely crushed me - I desperately need these boys to be happy, healed and in love ❤️😭
14 reviews
May 6, 2025
Eric and Nathanial need a hug.

I still hate Markos and Clair but this was a great read. I love learning more about Nathanial’s past and I hope Eric learns it too. Eric’s family are crap though.
3 reviews
October 10, 2026
Okay. There was a lot to unpack in this book, mostly about Eric's past, which I'm glad is finally coming to light.

**Spoiler**
I felt for Calla when Claire was pregnant (in fact, I was mildly fond of Markos when he didn't kill her). I love Kari but am on the fence about the others -apart from the whole war-killing thing- I'M SO HAPPY ERIC AND NATHANIEL FINALLY TALKING/KISSING!!!- Do I wish they were more open? Yes, but it is a start (If Eric hasn't completely screwed it up with his lies-joking! joking! I hope). Again, everyone needs to shut up and start listening to Eric or respecting his privacy, but thank you, Charles, for locking in and not actively trying to get killed (I was worried). Claire, I don't know. That's all I can say on the matter. I loved it all. True art is created here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Zephyr.
110 reviews1 follower
April 12, 2026
“When a thousand lies untangle into chaos…”
- Already such a strong opening, keeping you gripped

I have so much questions already and I only read a few pages. I love how much this book and the story telling keeps you engaged.

Is this the book that will get me to like Clair, NOPE. Already in chapter 1 and lo and behold Claire is already unbearable for me and she makes me roll my eyes.

The way my jaw dropped at Charles past. Just when you think you have something figured out the author, Kikito, is like welll actually here you go! And I love that - you never know what to expect. Never think you have things figured out out as there’s always more coming.

The story telling from Kikito never fails to keep you engaged, wanting more and more.

In the first book I did think Eric wasn’t human but as I was reading that thought kinda left my mind and Kikito convinced me that he was a human just with a complicated back story. But OMG he really isn’t human nor is he fae.

Kikito making me drop my guard and giving my trust issues!!!!!!

Anytime Claire speaks or is mentioned my eyes roll back. I hate her so much and am still wishing for her death. The same way Molly hates Eric is how I feel towards Claire.

The flashbacks that occur don’t seem like flashbacks and they are told very smoothly without feeling lost or confused of why a memory is being brought up.

Lowkey Charles was a tad bit annoying in chapter 13.

Eric is such a little shit towards Nathaniel and I’m so here for every moment of it!

Nathaniel: “Do you always have to be such a brat?”
Eric: “Do you always have to be such a bastard?”
- it’s the simple things that provide the most amusement sometimes hahah.

I knew hating on Molly for hating on Eric came in good reason. She really can’t be trusted and Achaicus is too stupid to see it.and it’s so frustrating that no one listens to Eric when he tells everyone to be careful of her.

Argggg these cliffhangers are so dangerous, always leaving you wanting more.

A Family of Unkindness truly was a wild ride to go through. So much happening told in such detail, you’re not confused where you are in the story and everything flows really well. This book did not go the way I thought it would and it really took me by shock. There’s one thing this author does really well is keeping you on your toes and making you second guess yourself as well as all the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for kay`.
9 reviews
May 3, 2026
I just finished this book a few hrs ago and oh my God.

First off I think so far this book was the best out of the three, the story really all came together there were lots of moments when I was reading where I was like 'that makes so much sense'

I'm so glad we got to learn about Eric's past because he was really mysterious in the first two books. And I love the dynamic with his family, the magic system is 👌

I also LOVE Nathaniel and Eric's relationship they are so flipping cute I can't🥹 how dare they be separated.

Nathaniel really grew on me, and I feel so bad for him and his brother because they had such a hard childhood and when it was revealed why Nathaniel refused Eric those first few times I actually cried..

Anyways I really do love this series, it was recommended by a friend and I'm glad I'm reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Winaa.
84 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2026
I’m baaaaack !
(yeah, I need a break between each book of that series or I will crashdown)

That was amazing. I really like the fact that we don’t jump in the past every chapter like the first two books. It was really smooth and the complexity of all the characters is frustrating amazing.

At first, I wasn’t in love with Markos, but now … You’re a cutie boy now that you’re in love hehe. In this book, I was feeling anxious for Achaicus ‘cuz of his stupid pet. He’s so considerate and I just want to hug him when I red the POV of Molly fuck you, seriously. Even after (and still going) all those secrets, I think they are a cutie family. I’m so happy when I read this scandalous story at night in my bed <3

Okay let’s talk about those two frustrating babies. I really wanted Eric (should I say Eiríkr ?) and Nathaniel to become lovers but not in that way ! Eric is pissing me off with all those lies and stories to “protect”. Nathaniel changed for good and the way he kept trying to trust Eric gave me some tears. I really hope they can be cutie-patootie together soon :(

Big mention to Kikito Lynn : you’re really amazing as an artist and as a writer. I keep telling people around me to read your series. Of course someday you’ll have some haters or bad reviews but keep looking forward !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
2 reviews
Read
September 9, 2025
Idk bout you guys but I'm absolutely in love with Charles. In the first book, I'd mistakenly thought he was the love interest because hello? THE CHEMISTRY? I can't be the only one that felt it. Anyways, after it became clear Nathaniel was gonna be the love interest, I tried to divert my intention from Charles and focus more on the main ship (Nathaniel and Eric) and they're cute, real cute. But Charles will always have my heart. He's so loveable and cool and real. The only character that actually feels like a person you can relate to. His mannerisms and reaction to everything going around him makes you really develop an attachment with him.

That aside, the series is great.
Profile Image for Bookish Joy.
143 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2026
OH MY GOD.
That was simply fantastic.
Every revelation tore of the page and I nearly got whiplash. I was so absorbed by the story.
Eric's origins almost broke me.
Just reading through Brigetta's arc...
Brigetta you're the frikking MVP.
And when she had to break that poor Baby's heart-
I admit I cried for the both of them.

Eric's headspace has to be so fucked up.
Imagine having your psychotic mother slit your throat in an immature and frankly stupid attempt of a plan then said mother disowning you just because you became crippled BECAUSE of said stupid plan.
And still these horrible excuses for family members have the AUDACITY to blame a child for their nonsense.

*“You ruined this family,” Raven hissed.

“I was eight; I didn’t do anything!”*

I felt like Eric screamed this in frustration and anger. And he fucking deserves to unleash his fury on these bastards.

A lot of characters really grew in this. Unexpectedly, Lucinde. Her PoV was revealing and broke me all anew. Easy to see how others misunderstand her but she truly loves her siblings.
She's another MVP. Just low-key.
And "Nathaniel" my other poor baby. I'm just so tired of shit going wrong. He deserves more than he's got honestly.

I still don't care for Claire and Markos. Whatever happens happens. But wow Eric you stepped over a mile long line...jeez...

Molly needs to go. End of story. Her PoV chapters are always sl annoying but the thing with this series's style of writing is that you can't even lose the urge to keep reading even if you're following a character you despise, revelations are everywhere to keep you hooked.

Now I initially gave this 5 stars because I AM hooked but I must say it deserved better in the editting department.
Typos, incorrect vocabulary and grammar, repetitive dialogue.

There's also what I feel was a plot hole? Maybe even more but I'm hoping it's explained later.
We meet with a young "Charlie" and he's not even the Charles we know. Apparently he's his great-grandfather?
But that hardly makes sense if it was only a couple of years between Eric leading him to the "Black Hole" (which we still don't understand) and Eric being taken to the orphanage...

Overall, I'm properly devastated and looking to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katsuyama .
8 reviews
June 24, 2026
I knew from the moment I saw the back quote that it would be sad, but I really underestimated it. I feel like this series is one of those that gets better with each book, even after such an excellent book one.

When Eric, or Eírkir as the reader comes to learn (I haven't read the prequel Eric Linnaeus: Alternate book yet,) is revealed to be a Vanir, I wasn't really surprised as such, but after Nathaniel comes to believe that Eric had betrayed the fae, I was absolutely devastated in a way books don't seem to really invoke anymore. It made all the more sense when it's explained though within the next few chapters though that his intentions were actually to aide the fae. Many more comedic moments than the previous books, at least in my opinion, and I wasn't left with as many questions as in the previous books. Beautiful writing!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and it is awesome to be able to read such a thought provoking story! I already have the next book to add to my midnight reads >:D

5/5* (Hope my review makes sense ;-;)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for LIFE IN THE MARGINS.
26 reviews
October 11, 2026
This series has me in a chokehold. 🖤

Eric Linnaeus: A Family of Unkindness by Kikito Lynn (@kikitolynn on Instagram and TikTok) is another easy 5-star read for me. Three books in, and I am still absolutely obsessed with this series.

I love these characters to death. Their differences, their moral complexity, the way they interact with each other… I genuinely cannot get enough of them. They're complicated, they're messy, and they're so much fun to follow.

And the storyline? What a wild ride. This series continues to weave multiple plot points together across the books, and I love how everything keeps connecting in ways you might not expect.

Think you've figured something out? Maybe you haven't. 😂 Confused about what's happening? Keep reading. There's a good chance it'll make sense as more pieces fall into place.

And lucky for you, free with kindle unlimited this month 👀👀

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 5/5
Profile Image for Isaac.
63 reviews
October 2, 2026
The lore in this is 🔥🔥🔥
Eric's backstory is so interesting to read and discover. I love all the different kinds of species that reside in this series. Also Eric being a Vanir just makes sense to me I dont know why. It also explains quite a few things that didn't make sense before. But this is book is really good if you want dark fantasy with a touch of spicy MM romance.
Profile Image for Autumn Briele.
116 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2026
I shredded through this book and could not wait to start the next. I'm emotionally invested in the characters and romance and I love how the world has expanded over the series.
Profile Image for Otakish Reads.
224 reviews
February 14, 2026
OMG, it’s all coming together. The drama, the building of the story even more. I can’t stop crying over the series!
Profile Image for Emmett Cabano.
59 reviews
May 26, 2025
Oh my goooood. This one was even better than the last two. I’m going to loose my mind waiting for 5 and 6 after I read 4 I just know it. I need Eric and Nathaniel to be reunited quickly in the next book or I’ll loose my mind. I love them so much.

Update: I forgot about the ending of this one ahhhh. Still a 6 star for me man
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6 reviews
May 9, 2026
The story is absolutely breathtaking, the pacing, the characters, the dialogue, all of that is wonderful. The world building is fascinating as well. But I gave it four stars because it really needs editing. Bemused means confused or puzzled, not amused! And some sentences were unclear from time to time.
Profile Image for Alex.
102 reviews
September 21, 2025
I have similar issues with this one as I did with the previous book. Great potential in plot and character, less well executed as I would have liked, especially since I know that the first one was so well written. Especially the time-jumps did not fall as naturally as they’d done in the previous and first book.

While the first half of the book did keep me invested, I will not deny that it was a little slow. The second half however had me speeding through the ending.

I’m still a great fan of Eric and kinda want to punch anyone that doubts him (looks at Nathaniel). However, am unable to deny that he is an idiot sometimes. My feelings about Nathaniel are the same.

One that I do have strong hatred towards is Molly. Honestly, Eric should just have killed her the SECOND he knew that she wasn’t on their side. Especially since she’s been POISONING the twins. Eric, sometimes there are drastic measures that need to be taken and this situation is one of them.

Also, the ending? Hello?! Did everyone hit their head a like FORGET HOW TO DO ANYTHING CORRECTLY. COMMUNICATION PEOPLE.


COM-MUNI—CATION.

I, fortunately, already have the fourth book waiting for me on my shelf so you can BET that I’ll be diving into that. And someone’s PLEASE tell me when I can get my hands on the fifth book and the ALTERNATE series. I’m getting tired of staring at my empty basket not knowing when I’ll get my copy.

That’s it. Take care people💙
1 review
June 14, 2026
Hello! I finished book three not too long ago and am now on book four. I just wanted to say I’ve never loved a series more - book, movie, or even show. I love all of the different perspectives and how everyone has their own complex story. I truly love this series and I’m excited to read the rest of the books! ^^
4 reviews
July 2, 2025
OBSESSED WITH THIS SERIES
BUT…. THE CLIFFHANGER 😣😣
WHYYYY
Honestly though this series is amazing but VERY frustrating, the constant plot twist are sooo crazy but I love them and it keeps me very interested!! I need the 4th book in my collection already!!
Profile Image for Ruby.
1 review
May 3, 2026
The author's writing is incredible, I loved this book, as well as the first 2.
The story is really intense and keeps you interested the whole time, especially with all the mystery and unexpected moments.
Literally cannot wait to buy the next book!! ♥️
22 reviews
June 4, 2026
El día que está gente conozca el concepto de comunicación van a ser invencibles
Profile Image for Paulette Ondara.
217 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2025
Ok so the story comes together more. You learn back stories and how everyone is intertwined. You can’t put it down. All life fades away and you read chapter after chapter til the end.
5 reviews
August 3, 2025
I loved reading this. So many things I didn't expect to happen. And the ending...
I'm glad I already have the next book and can continue reading
Profile Image for Kiki✨.
165 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2025
✨Such interesting world building
✨The incorporation of fun writing styles from the first book as so clever and pay off so well
✨Characters get developed in a really interesting way
✨Use of font to show commands is really fun
✨🏳️‍🌈
✨THE ENDING?!

Profile Image for Penelope.
43 reviews
August 29, 2025
wow.
just that.
nice story telling
I like the plot and how it comes together and puts people were they are or how they feel.
Akari is an amazing new addition I'm so curious where he'll end up, also the hair is a big plus😳
the power system is crazy good and well communicated.
also when it clicked about the times Eric was supposedly too tough to die....Amazing circling back to connect the dots.
Profile Image for Cami.
9 reviews
September 26, 2025
I really loved this book just as much as the last!

I loved finally seeing Nathaniel’s and Eric’s relationship develop, and all the plot reveals in this book!
Finally after all the foreshadowing about Eric payed off and we finally got to know what he is.

The only thing I didn’t like was all Eric’s secret crush him and his relationships (since i love Eric so much), but hopefully that will be resolved in the next book 🤞

However I still can’t rate this book anything less than 5⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews