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Death #1
The Death King
I was fifteen when the Death King came for us.
With a mighty black dragon and the ability to command the dead, he raised an army of our fallen soldiers to fight for him—and conquered us in the night. My father, King Laurier of Scorpion Valley, couldn’t stop him. I tried to flee but came face to face with the man in black armor, the man who looked more like a god than a human. Instead of killing me, he chose to show me mercy… but it didn’t feel like mercy.
Not when the next ten years of my life are spent as a slave in the Arid Sands, digging for Black Diamonds from sunrise to sunset. I'm also the personal slave of General Titan—a man who has grown obsessed with me. The work under the hot sun is unbearable—but I prefer it to his company any day. I’ve never tried to escape because there’s nowhere to run in the desert, but all of that changes when I hear the news—that the Death King is coming.
I sneak out in the middle of the night to steal his dragon, but that backfires in my face—because you can’t steal a dragon. Khazmuda is no mindless beast. He can speak directly into my mind and hear my thoughts in return. The Death King is about to kill me, but Khazmuda changes his mind—because I have the gift.
The ability to speak with dragons.
The Death King spares my life once again and takes me back to his castle. He has no idea who I am, has no idea what he did to my family ten years ago. He asks me to fight for his cause—but he won’t tell me exactly what that cause is. And then he tells me he wants more from me… desires me more than any other because, like him, I have the gift.
I can’t deny he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, with eyes black like midnight, a jawline as sharp as his dragon’s talons, the height of a mountain, and shoulders as broad as a stream. But no amount of attraction will ever change the fact that he destroyed my life. The answer is no—and it’ll always be no.
But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer.
This book contains dark themes with subject matter that may be difficult for some readers.
With a mighty black dragon and the ability to command the dead, he raised an army of our fallen soldiers to fight for him—and conquered us in the night. My father, King Laurier of Scorpion Valley, couldn’t stop him. I tried to flee but came face to face with the man in black armor, the man who looked more like a god than a human. Instead of killing me, he chose to show me mercy… but it didn’t feel like mercy.
Not when the next ten years of my life are spent as a slave in the Arid Sands, digging for Black Diamonds from sunrise to sunset. I'm also the personal slave of General Titan—a man who has grown obsessed with me. The work under the hot sun is unbearable—but I prefer it to his company any day. I’ve never tried to escape because there’s nowhere to run in the desert, but all of that changes when I hear the news—that the Death King is coming.
I sneak out in the middle of the night to steal his dragon, but that backfires in my face—because you can’t steal a dragon. Khazmuda is no mindless beast. He can speak directly into my mind and hear my thoughts in return. The Death King is about to kill me, but Khazmuda changes his mind—because I have the gift.
The ability to speak with dragons.
The Death King spares my life once again and takes me back to his castle. He has no idea who I am, has no idea what he did to my family ten years ago. He asks me to fight for his cause—but he won’t tell me exactly what that cause is. And then he tells me he wants more from me… desires me more than any other because, like him, I have the gift.
I can’t deny he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, with eyes black like midnight, a jawline as sharp as his dragon’s talons, the height of a mountain, and shoulders as broad as a stream. But no amount of attraction will ever change the fact that he destroyed my life. The answer is no—and it’ll always be no.
But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer.
This book contains dark themes with subject matter that may be difficult for some readers.
Audiobook
First published August 22, 2024
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About the author
Penelope Barsetti
30 books930 followersPenelope Barsetti is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Her beloved novels have sold more than 5 Million copies, and her work has been translated into a dozen languages. Readers may know her by another name, Penelope Sky, where she writes contemporary dark romance.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
An avid wine drinker, napper, and Netflix junkie, she lives in California with her family, but if she could live anywhere, it would be Florence, Italy. For those familiar with her work, you’ll know exactly why that’s the case.
Fantasy Romance is her favorite genre to read, and she’s excited to release her own novels into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 969 reviews
August 31, 2024
The Death King
I normally love this type of genre, but I just couldn't get through 45%. The MMC made me want to slap him. All he did was chase the FMC around like a dog in heat after she was just raped every day for 7 years. He threatened her, molested her, and tried coercion on her. I am not a pude by any means, but this just makes me feel like it's supporting of this type of behavior.
I normally love this type of genre, but I just couldn't get through 45%. The MMC made me want to slap him. All he did was chase the FMC around like a dog in heat after she was just raped every day for 7 years. He threatened her, molested her, and tried coercion on her. I am not a pude by any means, but this just makes me feel like it's supporting of this type of behavior.
October 7, 2024
A Quick & Steamy Read
The story has an intriguing concept but lacks character development and plot. If you're into steamy reads, then this is for you. But if you want a story with more meat to it, you might want to pass on this one.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Penelope Barsetti, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
The story has an intriguing concept but lacks character development and plot. If you're into steamy reads, then this is for you. But if you want a story with more meat to it, you might want to pass on this one.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Penelope Barsetti, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
November 17, 2025
4 Dragon Smut Scale Stars
I really enjoyed this. Great chemistry between Calista and Talon. And I’m always down for anything with dragons. Didn’t realize it was part of a four book story arc though…oh well. Off to the next one.
I really enjoyed this. Great chemistry between Calista and Talon. And I’m always down for anything with dragons. Didn’t realize it was part of a four book story arc though…oh well. Off to the next one.
Read
December 29, 2024Part 1/4
Such a great premise wasted… 😔
Absent plot and romance, underdeveloped characters, many repetitions and inconsistencies and toxically steamy.
Dnf @ 57%
Such a great premise wasted… 😔
Absent plot and romance, underdeveloped characters, many repetitions and inconsistencies and toxically steamy.
Dnf @ 57%
September 17, 2024
Thank you to Penelope Barsetti, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
To give a clearer warning than the one at the end of the blurb---If you can't handle the repeated rape of the protagonist and her resultant suicidal ideations, don't go anywhere near this book. Think it might still be worth it? Heard it's the next Fourth Wing or some shit? Trust me, don't.
I turned this book on while getting ready for bed, intending to listen for maybe an hour before falling asleep.
Now it's 3 am
and
I
am
PISSED.
DNF 42% because I've spent the last 88 minutes listening to a woman tell a man she doesn't want to have sex with him. Seriously, I did the math. 88 minutes of an entitled man-child having a tantrum because he wants to play with his new toy but the toy says no. Unequivocally.
And I have a very, very bad feeling that's all this book is going to be about.
*rereads the blurb*
Oh, god. That is what the book's about. No spoilers here, the blurb is a perfect summary of the 42% I just listened to. No need to read the first half, just skim the blurb and open 'er up around the halfway mark.
I thought there'd be more substance. More plot. "But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer".....so while the overarching plot explores talking to dragons and why that's important, the romantic subplot will be the Death King wooing his way into her pants and falling in love in the process. Like a character I can respect. Right? Doesn't that sound like a reasonable assumption?
Well, I assumed wrong. The Death King doesn't accept no, so he keeps badgering and threatening and wheedling and ordering, over and over and over---
This book had such a wonderful start. Before the prologue had even concluded I knew I wouldn't be able to stop until it was done. I was in for a sleepless 9-hour binge. I hated that Barsetti had thrust Calista into such horrible circumstances, I usually don't go in for that, but her writing was so powerful, so evocative, so fluid, the premise so promising, the Death King so captivating---and dragons! Love them!---that I was willing to overlook a year of daily rape and see where the story went.
We got to the castle and the king's appeal wavered a bit; it became apparent his arrogance was built less of confidence and conviction and more of entitlement and bluster. He held the power and wasn't afraid to abuse it. I kept waiting to see the decency that was supposed to lay under the evil armor, the decency that would endear him to me.
But he just kept being a selfish brat, not showing her any respect. I began to worry.... Wasn't I supposed to like this guy? Is he not the love interest?
And then he raped her. Yes, she came, no, it wasn't penetrative sex. I don't care. She did not consciously consent. It was sexual assault.
And I was done. Furious, nauseous, and done.
"But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer"--so he's supposed to work that much harder to make her like him! Not fucking rape her!
And why are we spending nearly 20% of the book on this?! The book's almost half gone and very little narrative progress as been made. Where's the plot?
God, the wasted potential. Also, how did this get published? It's maddening.
I'm willing to hear arguments if anyone thinks I should give it a second chance. If it gets better. If it becomes less about sex and more about anything else. Otherwise, no thank you.
To give a clearer warning than the one at the end of the blurb---If you can't handle the repeated rape of the protagonist and her resultant suicidal ideations, don't go anywhere near this book. Think it might still be worth it? Heard it's the next Fourth Wing or some shit? Trust me, don't.
I turned this book on while getting ready for bed, intending to listen for maybe an hour before falling asleep.
Now it's 3 am
and
I
am
PISSED.
DNF 42% because I've spent the last 88 minutes listening to a woman tell a man she doesn't want to have sex with him. Seriously, I did the math. 88 minutes of an entitled man-child having a tantrum because he wants to play with his new toy but the toy says no. Unequivocally.
And I have a very, very bad feeling that's all this book is going to be about.
*rereads the blurb*
Oh, god. That is what the book's about. No spoilers here, the blurb is a perfect summary of the 42% I just listened to. No need to read the first half, just skim the blurb and open 'er up around the halfway mark.
I thought there'd be more substance. More plot. "But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer".....so while the overarching plot explores talking to dragons and why that's important, the romantic subplot will be the Death King wooing his way into her pants and falling in love in the process. Like a character I can respect. Right? Doesn't that sound like a reasonable assumption?
Well, I assumed wrong. The Death King doesn't accept no, so he keeps badgering and threatening and wheedling and ordering, over and over and over---
This book had such a wonderful start. Before the prologue had even concluded I knew I wouldn't be able to stop until it was done. I was in for a sleepless 9-hour binge. I hated that Barsetti had thrust Calista into such horrible circumstances, I usually don't go in for that, but her writing was so powerful, so evocative, so fluid, the premise so promising, the Death King so captivating---and dragons! Love them!---that I was willing to overlook a year of daily rape and see where the story went.
We got to the castle and the king's appeal wavered a bit; it became apparent his arrogance was built less of confidence and conviction and more of entitlement and bluster. He held the power and wasn't afraid to abuse it. I kept waiting to see the decency that was supposed to lay under the evil armor, the decency that would endear him to me.
But he just kept being a selfish brat, not showing her any respect. I began to worry.... Wasn't I supposed to like this guy? Is he not the love interest?
And then he raped her. Yes, she came, no, it wasn't penetrative sex. I don't care. She did not consciously consent. It was sexual assault.
And I was done. Furious, nauseous, and done.
"But the Death King doesn’t accept that answer"--so he's supposed to work that much harder to make her like him! Not fucking rape her!
And why are we spending nearly 20% of the book on this?! The book's almost half gone and very little narrative progress as been made. Where's the plot?
God, the wasted potential. Also, how did this get published? It's maddening.
I'm willing to hear arguments if anyone thinks I should give it a second chance. If it gets better. If it becomes less about sex and more about anything else. Otherwise, no thank you.
September 26, 2024
I’m so sad to say that I did not enjoy this for the most part. Which was a disappointment because it starts off strong, pulling me into its dark and intense world that evokes Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing vibes. The early chapters promise a gripping storyline full of tension and intrigue, but around the 40% mark, the book takes a turn for the not-so-good. The male main character, initially intriguing and mysterious, becomes difficult to connect with, and his brooding persona starts to feel flat and unlikable.
I don’t have any triggers but the non-consensual touching by the MMC, while the FMC is unconscious, that occurs around the 45% mark was a complete turn-off. That along with the follow-up conversations regarding this interaction, only further fueled my dislike for the MMC. (And I’ve read many dark romances including Haunting Adeline and many more). It just came out of nowhere and completely threw me off. Additionally, the female narrator continuously sounds like she’s on the verge of tears, which detracts from the overall experience and emotional depth of the story.
On top of that, the cringy spice scenes fail to add any real depth or passion to the relationship, making it hard to stay invested in the romance. And mind you, I am not a stranger to spice and I found myself skipping past those scenes because they were giving me the creeps.
While Barsetti’s writing is engaging, the story loses momentum, and the chemistry between the characters never fully delivers as I had hoped. For fans of darker romance, there might still be elements to enjoy, but for me, the shift in tone and awkward intimacy ultimately made it fall short.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I don’t have any triggers but the non-consensual touching by the MMC, while the FMC is unconscious, that occurs around the 45% mark was a complete turn-off. That along with the follow-up conversations regarding this interaction, only further fueled my dislike for the MMC. (And I’ve read many dark romances including Haunting Adeline and many more). It just came out of nowhere and completely threw me off. Additionally, the female narrator continuously sounds like she’s on the verge of tears, which detracts from the overall experience and emotional depth of the story.
On top of that, the cringy spice scenes fail to add any real depth or passion to the relationship, making it hard to stay invested in the romance. And mind you, I am not a stranger to spice and I found myself skipping past those scenes because they were giving me the creeps.
While Barsetti’s writing is engaging, the story loses momentum, and the chemistry between the characters never fully delivers as I had hoped. For fans of darker romance, there might still be elements to enjoy, but for me, the shift in tone and awkward intimacy ultimately made it fall short.
Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 8, 2024
Dnf - I cant get through a story where clear lack of consent (multiple “no”s) from a victim of years of sexual abuse is ignored while she’s asleep. I feel like I read a significantly different book than the other reviewers. If this is horror, not romance, then it’s well done.
September 6, 2024
imo truly terrible
First let me say I think this story could have had a lot of potential. Everything in the book was pretty much listed in the book description. There was no major plot. Now onto my issues with book:
The FMC was raped in a prison camp.. but then the MMC orally Sexually assaults her. Then pressures her to finally get consent to have sex with her. Then kicks her out of his room like all his whores.
I just couldn’t with this one. The MMC was super cringe. I read a lot of dark romance but I dunno if it was the writing style.. or what. I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
First let me say I think this story could have had a lot of potential. Everything in the book was pretty much listed in the book description. There was no major plot. Now onto my issues with book:
The FMC was raped in a prison camp.. but then the MMC orally Sexually assaults her. Then pressures her to finally get consent to have sex with her. Then kicks her out of his room like all his whores.
I just couldn’t with this one. The MMC was super cringe. I read a lot of dark romance but I dunno if it was the writing style.. or what. I just couldn’t connect with the characters.
November 19, 2024
1 star
Uhhhh….
I don’t even know where to start. Did I finish it - yes. Why? I don’t know.
This book read like it was on wattpad. The writing was so bad and the story was ok I just wish it was written better.
If you want a wattpad book that has dragons read this one. It’s an easy read and entertaining in a bad but fun way 😂😂
Don’t read this expecting much at all
Uhhhh….
I don’t even know where to start. Did I finish it - yes. Why? I don’t know.
This book read like it was on wattpad. The writing was so bad and the story was ok I just wish it was written better.
If you want a wattpad book that has dragons read this one. It’s an easy read and entertaining in a bad but fun way 😂😂
Don’t read this expecting much at all
December 20, 2024
I almost dnf'ed this book but decided to stick it through because I had dnfing books and I typically enjoy this genre but unfortunately this one did not do it for me.
This is a spicy read but there's very poor character development and the mmc, even while knowing the extreme abuse the fmc suffered for years, continued to try and lure her into a sexual relationship. From the get go he literally says that if he rescued her, she'd have to be his slave. Sexually, if it came to it. And he certainly wasted no time on that. I've read many dark romances but the creepy Insta-love behavior didn't do it for me - the lack of plot, character growth, and generally unlikable characters.
I was somewhat into the book (despite the mmc's questionable behavior) but a little before the halfway mark, the story really just goes downhill. All the tension is gone and I truly became unable to connect with the characters, not to mention the underwhelming plot. It all felt shallow and surface level. I will say that the spice is good, but I personally usually need a bit more than that in a book. I'm never one to judge though, and I see the appeal for a lot of readers!
This is a spicy read but there's very poor character development and the mmc, even while knowing the extreme abuse the fmc suffered for years, continued to try and lure her into a sexual relationship. From the get go he literally says that if he rescued her, she'd have to be his slave. Sexually, if it came to it. And he certainly wasted no time on that. I've read many dark romances but the creepy Insta-love behavior didn't do it for me - the lack of plot, character growth, and generally unlikable characters.
I was somewhat into the book (despite the mmc's questionable behavior) but a little before the halfway mark, the story really just goes downhill. All the tension is gone and I truly became unable to connect with the characters, not to mention the underwhelming plot. It all felt shallow and surface level. I will say that the spice is good, but I personally usually need a bit more than that in a book. I'm never one to judge though, and I see the appeal for a lot of readers!
September 3, 2024
so frustrating
So many thoughts, mostly how horrid the MMC is. I’m a fan of dark romantasy so I have a high threshold but this was… I have no words. The MMC left me feeling enraged and disgusted the entire time. The story has so much potential but he’s the biggest a hole and the spicy scenes are 🤢. Language is totally off. I finished this for the dragons but I hated it the entire time.
So many thoughts, mostly how horrid the MMC is. I’m a fan of dark romantasy so I have a high threshold but this was… I have no words. The MMC left me feeling enraged and disgusted the entire time. The story has so much potential but he’s the biggest a hole and the spicy scenes are 🤢. Language is totally off. I finished this for the dragons but I hated it the entire time.
September 24, 2024
This whole book is super rapey. I’m so sick of reading so much rapey content that I created a new shelf for it. It’s so god damn prevalent. I should’ve known based solely on this author because I’ve never liked ANY of her books and found them very “men writing as women” where the FMC is told thru a man’s eye. Big mistake on my part. Also, what does it mean to “have shoulders as wide as the stream”??? Makes no fucking sense.
September 22, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape media for allowing me to listen to this audiobook ARC.
DNF at 44%
The Death King was a book I was super happy I got early access to, however I do think that the blurb needs to include warnings, because if I had known that it contained sexual assault and the “romance” was based on non-con, then I would have never requested it. Just in case, I re-read the blurb both in Goodreads and Netgalley to check if I had carelessly missed something, but no, the only warning we got is this: This book contains dark themes with subject matter that may be difficult for some readers. I understand not wanting to give spoilers away, but “dark themes” can mean anything and not that the basis of the relationship between the main characters is non-consensual sexual interactions.
But that was not all there was to it.
Calista was the princess of a tranquil Kingdom until the Death King conquered the land in a matter of days, uniting the scattered kingdoms under his sole rule and enacting cruelty upon the population.
Running away from everything she ever knew, three years later, when Calista was eighteen, she was enslaved to work in the sand mines, sifting sand for years in the hope of finding a “black diamond”, a rock that nobody knows what the Death King wants it for, but whoever finds one, earns their freedom.
Now at twenty-five, Calista has spent the last year under the torment of the newest general, a man who literally rap3s her every day, mornings and nights, with her days free to work in the sand mines (if she is not in too much pain from the kicks and punches she receives for not being grateful to the general). Yes, it’s lovely and there is no warning whatsoever that those scenes are coming. When she learns that the Death King is coming she devices a plan: she’ll escape the general’s cabin and take the King’s dragon to fly far away. When she meets the dragon, she learns that not only can she talk to it, but her gift is something coveted by the King himself and he offers her a choice: return to the castle with him, or stay in the sand at the mercy of her rap1st. Seeing little choice, Calista decides to fly back with him and try to escape later but, of course, things won’t be so easy for her either.
I had an issue with the writing right away, and that was that it felt over the top, almost as if it tried too hard. Every time Calista saw the King or the King saw her, we would get repetitive and exaggerated descriptions, as if it was trying to convince us of what to feel and think.
The King’s eyes were “dark like the deepest river, cold like the mightiest glacier”. Her friend’s penetrating gaze was “like daggers and, right now, the points were sharp”, etc (it was an audiobook so don’t quote me on this). The insistence and repetition of these kinds of descriptions made it seem almost silly, and it made no sense because the characters could see things that weren’t at their disposal. Like, the guy dismounts his dragon and she can see that “his eyes are black, like the scales of the beast behind him, cold and unforgiving” girl, you were like 200 feet apart, how the heck could you see the colour of his eyes? This happened constantly: characters were facing the other way, or a great distance apart, yet they could always see their expression and knew precisely what it meant. My impression was that the author was trying so hard to convey what was happening, to give us information, that they dismissed logic.
Now, although beginning the book with sexual assault was a surprise for me, I knew based on the blurb that she would soon leave to be with the King, so I kept listening because I wanted to see what would happen next: how could a romance develop between an ex-princess and the monster who had enslaved her people (herself included), taken her home and installed such a cruel regime?
Well, I do not know. I stopped at the first molestation.
You see, the girl is terrified. Sure, she is away from the general, but the King also wants to sleep with her and she, of course, doesn’t want to. We get a few scenes of her trying to escape and also chatting up with Casmuda (the dragon) who tells her that yes, Talon is a tyrant and a monster but “there is more to him than that” and that’s why they are friends.
The thing is, this book is dual POV, so we see things both from Calista’s and Talon’s perspective and… oh boy, is that man a treat . We don’t exactly know his motives, except that he wants revenge on something and he made a deal with a powerful being to accomplish that. He has no concern nor regard for anything or anyone other than himself and his dragon, as he often complains “why should I care about the suffering and pain of others when nobody cared about mine?”. He has several “whores” (his words) who he uses for their bodies but nothing else, he actually hates and despises them, with his favourite girl being the one who never refuses him anything and lets him do whatever he wants, but he finds her care and devotion disgusting.
With Calista, he finds her attractive and likes that they have the same skill, but he doesn’t care about her either. The guy has no empathy and when he learns of what his general has been doing all he thinks is “look at what she has done to my best general, turning a great man into an obsessed lover, simping for her beauty” like, what?
He has a conversation with Casmuda, where he reveals how he is frustrated because Calista doesn’t want him but he wants her. The dragon reasonably questions why would he pursue her, if she doesn’t want him? If it were him, and another dragon didn’t want him, he would simply stop. Oh no, but Casmuda is a different species and he can’t understand that he KNOWS that Calista wants him, but is somehow refusing herself to him for… reasons. When the dragon suggest that, if the problem is that Calista feels unsafe, he should make her feel safe, what does he do?
He goes into his room, watches her sleep, lifts her dress and gives her a handjob while she is asleep. When she wakes up, absolutely horrified and terrified, he simply shrugs, says that she enjoyed it and so he is not sorry, even getting mad that she is reacting that way.
WHAT THE ABSOLUTE F-
No, this was the moment that I decided to drop the story, because there is simply no going back and there is no way that I would like to see a romance develop here. The guy was simply disgusting, an Andrew Tate acolyte and had no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
DNF at 44%
The Death King was a book I was super happy I got early access to, however I do think that the blurb needs to include warnings, because if I had known that it contained sexual assault and the “romance” was based on non-con, then I would have never requested it. Just in case, I re-read the blurb both in Goodreads and Netgalley to check if I had carelessly missed something, but no, the only warning we got is this: This book contains dark themes with subject matter that may be difficult for some readers. I understand not wanting to give spoilers away, but “dark themes” can mean anything and not that the basis of the relationship between the main characters is non-consensual sexual interactions.
But that was not all there was to it.
Calista was the princess of a tranquil Kingdom until the Death King conquered the land in a matter of days, uniting the scattered kingdoms under his sole rule and enacting cruelty upon the population.
Running away from everything she ever knew, three years later, when Calista was eighteen, she was enslaved to work in the sand mines, sifting sand for years in the hope of finding a “black diamond”, a rock that nobody knows what the Death King wants it for, but whoever finds one, earns their freedom.
Now at twenty-five, Calista has spent the last year under the torment of the newest general, a man who literally rap3s her every day, mornings and nights, with her days free to work in the sand mines (if she is not in too much pain from the kicks and punches she receives for not being grateful to the general). Yes, it’s lovely and there is no warning whatsoever that those scenes are coming. When she learns that the Death King is coming she devices a plan: she’ll escape the general’s cabin and take the King’s dragon to fly far away. When she meets the dragon, she learns that not only can she talk to it, but her gift is something coveted by the King himself and he offers her a choice: return to the castle with him, or stay in the sand at the mercy of her rap1st. Seeing little choice, Calista decides to fly back with him and try to escape later but, of course, things won’t be so easy for her either.
I had an issue with the writing right away, and that was that it felt over the top, almost as if it tried too hard. Every time Calista saw the King or the King saw her, we would get repetitive and exaggerated descriptions, as if it was trying to convince us of what to feel and think.
The King’s eyes were “dark like the deepest river, cold like the mightiest glacier”. Her friend’s penetrating gaze was “like daggers and, right now, the points were sharp”, etc (it was an audiobook so don’t quote me on this). The insistence and repetition of these kinds of descriptions made it seem almost silly, and it made no sense because the characters could see things that weren’t at their disposal. Like, the guy dismounts his dragon and she can see that “his eyes are black, like the scales of the beast behind him, cold and unforgiving” girl, you were like 200 feet apart, how the heck could you see the colour of his eyes? This happened constantly: characters were facing the other way, or a great distance apart, yet they could always see their expression and knew precisely what it meant. My impression was that the author was trying so hard to convey what was happening, to give us information, that they dismissed logic.
Now, although beginning the book with sexual assault was a surprise for me, I knew based on the blurb that she would soon leave to be with the King, so I kept listening because I wanted to see what would happen next: how could a romance develop between an ex-princess and the monster who had enslaved her people (herself included), taken her home and installed such a cruel regime?
Well, I do not know. I stopped at the first molestation.
You see, the girl is terrified. Sure, she is away from the general, but the King also wants to sleep with her and she, of course, doesn’t want to. We get a few scenes of her trying to escape and also chatting up with Casmuda (the dragon) who tells her that yes, Talon is a tyrant and a monster but “there is more to him than that” and that’s why they are friends.
The thing is, this book is dual POV, so we see things both from Calista’s and Talon’s perspective and… oh boy, is that man a treat . We don’t exactly know his motives, except that he wants revenge on something and he made a deal with a powerful being to accomplish that. He has no concern nor regard for anything or anyone other than himself and his dragon, as he often complains “why should I care about the suffering and pain of others when nobody cared about mine?”. He has several “whores” (his words) who he uses for their bodies but nothing else, he actually hates and despises them, with his favourite girl being the one who never refuses him anything and lets him do whatever he wants, but he finds her care and devotion disgusting.
With Calista, he finds her attractive and likes that they have the same skill, but he doesn’t care about her either. The guy has no empathy and when he learns of what his general has been doing all he thinks is “look at what she has done to my best general, turning a great man into an obsessed lover, simping for her beauty” like, what?
He has a conversation with Casmuda, where he reveals how he is frustrated because Calista doesn’t want him but he wants her. The dragon reasonably questions why would he pursue her, if she doesn’t want him? If it were him, and another dragon didn’t want him, he would simply stop. Oh no, but Casmuda is a different species and he can’t understand that he KNOWS that Calista wants him, but is somehow refusing herself to him for… reasons. When the dragon suggest that, if the problem is that Calista feels unsafe, he should make her feel safe, what does he do?
He goes into his room, watches her sleep, lifts her dress and gives her a handjob while she is asleep. When she wakes up, absolutely horrified and terrified, he simply shrugs, says that she enjoyed it and so he is not sorry, even getting mad that she is reacting that way.
WHAT THE ABSOLUTE F-
No, this was the moment that I decided to drop the story, because there is simply no going back and there is no way that I would like to see a romance develop here. The guy was simply disgusting, an Andrew Tate acolyte and had no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
January 29, 2025
1.5 Stars
So many pet peeves in this book. It started out pretty good and I liked the premise, so I was hoping to really like this series, but so many things bothered me about it that I couldn't even focus on the actual plot.
The world building was lackluster and left many details up in the air. Why was I getting more details about the hero's pecs and not about the actual world itself? I knew very little about the world and life around them and it was confusing AF. I didn't even know what the heroine looked like besides her having green eyes. I didn't even know if this was supposed to be in modern times or what. It's so confusing.
Which leads me to the biggest thing that bugged me, which is I really hate when books mix in modern day terms, dialogue, references, clothing, etc, in a HIGH fantasy book. I have no clue if it was done on purpose, but it was completely ruining the story for me. This is a world with kingdoms, dragons, slaves, taking herbs for birth control, TUNICS. Then we go from all that to the characters taking showers, talking in modern speech (i.e. hero calling heroine "baby" nonstop 🤮, and using words like "totally"), t-shirts, panties, etc. WHAT TIME ARE WE IN?!? if it's modern day, then what about technology, cars, transportation, electricity, CONDOMS?!! This could have easily been explained if we actually had world building to go off of and not just dialogue and who is the biggest victim to their past. It was just lazy writing, especially the dialogue. Nothing unique.
Lastly, the best thing about the hero was his dragon and armor. Other than that, he was gross, and spent the entirety of the book coercing the heroine to have sex with him, while pseudo raping her and then treating her like crap or like any of his other whores. He also apparently has a phobia or whatever of not being able to sleep with anyone, including the heroine, but has no problem fcking any of them. OH, and he's a TERRIBLE king.Great dude 👍Then we have the heroine who's personality is all over the place and was coming to conclusions that came out of nowhere. Such as her saying to the hero that the reason she's hesitant about having sex with him is because she has little experience except being raped the past year. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?? Last I read, it was because HE TECHNICALLY KILLED YOUR DAD AND TOOK HIS KINGDOM AND IS THE REASON YOU WERE A SLAVE. She literally just spent like a hundred pages hating the hero, just to give in everytime he touches her 🙄 BSS is strong in this one. The heroine is WEAK.
At this point, I don't even wanna try the rest of the books in the series. I don't remember this authors dark romance books normally being this way, but I may have to pass on her fantasy if this is how they are 😅
Safety:
Ow drama- hero has concubines in the castle that live there. One of them, Natalie, is in his bed still after he just fcked her, literally right after meeting the heroine. She wants more with the hero and makes a few appearances. She also comes to the door when hero and heroine were likely to have sex the first time. He dismissed her after that because he was mad it made them stop and heroine leave (SPOILER ALERT: HEROINE IS HURT FOR A SECOND THEN HAS SEX WITH HIM LIKE 2 DAYS AFTER)
OM drama- heroine is raped by a general who works for the hero, for a year. He causes a few problems, makes a few appearances, but hero does nothing about him pretty much, even though the heroine is "valuable".
Cheating/seperation- technically they met like 10 years before when she was a teen, so I don't really count that seperation and who they were with. Also, hero is with ow right after meeting heroine for who knows how much. No cheating after that that I know of
Sharing: no
So many pet peeves in this book. It started out pretty good and I liked the premise, so I was hoping to really like this series, but so many things bothered me about it that I couldn't even focus on the actual plot.
The world building was lackluster and left many details up in the air. Why was I getting more details about the hero's pecs and not about the actual world itself? I knew very little about the world and life around them and it was confusing AF. I didn't even know what the heroine looked like besides her having green eyes. I didn't even know if this was supposed to be in modern times or what. It's so confusing.
Which leads me to the biggest thing that bugged me, which is I really hate when books mix in modern day terms, dialogue, references, clothing, etc, in a HIGH fantasy book. I have no clue if it was done on purpose, but it was completely ruining the story for me. This is a world with kingdoms, dragons, slaves, taking herbs for birth control, TUNICS. Then we go from all that to the characters taking showers, talking in modern speech (i.e. hero calling heroine "baby" nonstop 🤮, and using words like "totally"), t-shirts, panties, etc. WHAT TIME ARE WE IN?!? if it's modern day, then what about technology, cars, transportation, electricity, CONDOMS?!! This could have easily been explained if we actually had world building to go off of and not just dialogue and who is the biggest victim to their past. It was just lazy writing, especially the dialogue. Nothing unique.
Lastly, the best thing about the hero was his dragon and armor. Other than that, he was gross, and spent the entirety of the book coercing the heroine to have sex with him, while pseudo raping her and then treating her like crap or like any of his other whores. He also apparently has a phobia or whatever of not being able to sleep with anyone, including the heroine, but has no problem fcking any of them. OH, and he's a TERRIBLE king.Great dude 👍Then we have the heroine who's personality is all over the place and was coming to conclusions that came out of nowhere. Such as her saying to the hero that the reason she's hesitant about having sex with him is because she has little experience except being raped the past year. WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?? Last I read, it was because HE TECHNICALLY KILLED YOUR DAD AND TOOK HIS KINGDOM AND IS THE REASON YOU WERE A SLAVE. She literally just spent like a hundred pages hating the hero, just to give in everytime he touches her 🙄 BSS is strong in this one. The heroine is WEAK.
At this point, I don't even wanna try the rest of the books in the series. I don't remember this authors dark romance books normally being this way, but I may have to pass on her fantasy if this is how they are 😅
Safety:
Ow drama- hero has concubines in the castle that live there. One of them, Natalie, is in his bed still after he just fcked her, literally right after meeting the heroine. She wants more with the hero and makes a few appearances. She also comes to the door when hero and heroine were likely to have sex the first time. He dismissed her after that because he was mad it made them stop and heroine leave (SPOILER ALERT: HEROINE IS HURT FOR A SECOND THEN HAS SEX WITH HIM LIKE 2 DAYS AFTER)
OM drama- heroine is raped by a general who works for the hero, for a year. He causes a few problems, makes a few appearances, but hero does nothing about him pretty much, even though the heroine is "valuable".
Cheating/seperation- technically they met like 10 years before when she was a teen, so I don't really count that seperation and who they were with. Also, hero is with ow right after meeting heroine for who knows how much. No cheating after that that I know of
Sharing: no
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2024
Apparently I'm the outlier here because this wasn't for me and I'm sad about that! The plot is fine but the style wasn't gripping to me and Calista feels too much like a "Mary sue". She's good at everything, selfless, sassy and wanted by everyone and it was unbelievably boring. DNF @50%
PLOT:
Calista is a princess living a sheltered life until the death king comes to her father's gates seeking something he can't / won't give. The kingdom falls and she has to work to survive. Time passes and they meet again, only this time things are different.
THOUGHTS:
- The writing was pretty good. It wasn't bad and the narrative was pretty good but it just felt.... Flat? (To me). Like I was being told what was happening but I didn't feel connected to it or feel invested.
- Calista bored me as a character. When we meet her first she's this sheltered princess and when everything goes to crap she ends up working in the sands mining for diamonds. Of course she's so beautiful that the general wants her and mistreats her but does that bother her? Nope. She's literally being abused and doesn't seem to care at all. We don't see her grow or get hardened or anything, she just doesn't seem affected at all. Then of course she has to be the selfless person and try to save her friend. She just comes across as so bland to me.
Then we get to the part when she meets the dragon and - shocker - she can talk to it (because of course she can). Dumb plan of thinking you could steal a king's dragon aside, I thought this part was ridiculous. Then she meets the king again and instead of being mad or surprised that she can talk to his dragon he decides she's his (because of course everyone wants her)
I just could not.
Every other chapter was more boring stuff and Calista just breezes through it all. Talon is basically obsessed with her bc she's mysterious and talented and I didn't get where the plot was heading. It gets all broody and they lust after each other and of course are at odds but it was just meh to me. After reading half the book I just decided to cut my losses and move on.
PLOT:
Calista is a princess living a sheltered life until the death king comes to her father's gates seeking something he can't / won't give. The kingdom falls and she has to work to survive. Time passes and they meet again, only this time things are different.
THOUGHTS:
- The writing was pretty good. It wasn't bad and the narrative was pretty good but it just felt.... Flat? (To me). Like I was being told what was happening but I didn't feel connected to it or feel invested.
- Calista bored me as a character. When we meet her first she's this sheltered princess and when everything goes to crap she ends up working in the sands mining for diamonds. Of course she's so beautiful that the general wants her and mistreats her but does that bother her? Nope. She's literally being abused and doesn't seem to care at all. We don't see her grow or get hardened or anything, she just doesn't seem affected at all. Then of course she has to be the selfless person and try to save her friend. She just comes across as so bland to me.
Then we get to the part when she meets the dragon and - shocker - she can talk to it (because of course she can). Dumb plan of thinking you could steal a king's dragon aside, I thought this part was ridiculous. Then she meets the king again and instead of being mad or surprised that she can talk to his dragon he decides she's his (because of course everyone wants her)
I just could not.
Every other chapter was more boring stuff and Calista just breezes through it all. Talon is basically obsessed with her bc she's mysterious and talented and I didn't get where the plot was heading. It gets all broody and they lust after each other and of course are at odds but it was just meh to me. After reading half the book I just decided to cut my losses and move on.
September 10, 2024
4.5 - I could not put this down, I would have read it in one sitting but tbh I needed to sleep
Calista's life is turned upside down when the Death King, a necromancer with a dragon, destroys her kingdom, family, and life which causes her to flee. She spends the next 7 years as a slave digging for black diamonds to earn her freedom, and having a horrible general do despicable things to her. This is one of my dings for it not being a 5 star, the time jump was a little awkward and you find out it had been 10 years since she has been from home - she was somewhere else before taken to the Arid Sands
She is fiesty and has been trying to escape. Literally, she tries to kill the general multiple times to the point where he keeps her restrained because he knows she will try to get away! She finds out the Death King is coming and plans to escape and steal his dragon. The dragon makes sure her life is spared because she has *the gift* and that is where our story really starts while she is back in the Kingdom with Talon.
The descriptions in the beginning were a little more tell than show but after that I was totally fine with the writing and couldn't stop - well okay the fat d!ck description was a little ick lol - I devoured this story. I could not wait for him to find out her secret of how he recognized her face and what would happen and then I was left on that cliffhanger and I am NOT okay. This book isn't even out yet (TY Street team ARC!!!) and I immediately need the next one because now she is "free" but WHAT WILL SHE DO?! and I need everything with Inferno now he is SO different than Khazmuda but I think he is going to be amazing!
Also, can we talk about how I LOVE the enemies to lovers to enemies trope? It gets me every time! And even though they have different motives I know Talon truly cared for her even though he could never admit it! "Fuck the kingdom. Family is everything. I would have burned the place down before I left my daughter's side."
Read if you love
🐉Cheeky dragons - he calls her pretty and I'm obsessed
⚔️Enemies to lovers - to enemies
💀A necromancer
🤫Secrets
PS make sure you check TW for some darker themes!
Calista's life is turned upside down when the Death King, a necromancer with a dragon, destroys her kingdom, family, and life which causes her to flee. She spends the next 7 years as a slave digging for black diamonds to earn her freedom, and having a horrible general do despicable things to her. This is one of my dings for it not being a 5 star, the time jump was a little awkward and you find out it had been 10 years since she has been from home - she was somewhere else before taken to the Arid Sands
She is fiesty and has been trying to escape. Literally, she tries to kill the general multiple times to the point where he keeps her restrained because he knows she will try to get away! She finds out the Death King is coming and plans to escape and steal his dragon. The dragon makes sure her life is spared because she has *the gift* and that is where our story really starts while she is back in the Kingdom with Talon.
The descriptions in the beginning were a little more tell than show but after that I was totally fine with the writing and couldn't stop - well okay the fat d!ck description was a little ick lol - I devoured this story. I could not wait for him to find out her secret of how he recognized her face and what would happen and then I was left on that cliffhanger and I am NOT okay. This book isn't even out yet (TY Street team ARC!!!) and I immediately need the next one because now she is "free" but WHAT WILL SHE DO?! and I need everything with Inferno now he is SO different than Khazmuda but I think he is going to be amazing!
Also, can we talk about how I LOVE the enemies to lovers to enemies trope? It gets me every time! And even though they have different motives I know Talon truly cared for her even though he could never admit it! "Fuck the kingdom. Family is everything. I would have burned the place down before I left my daughter's side."
Read if you love
🐉Cheeky dragons - he calls her pretty and I'm obsessed
⚔️Enemies to lovers - to enemies
💀A necromancer
🤫Secrets
PS make sure you check TW for some darker themes!
September 18, 2024
This book suffers from....a lot. I'll start with the more technical part I guess. The pacing was bonkers. We didn't see any actual plot until like 65%. The sex was the whole personality of this book and not in a good way. If you told me this was written by a man, I'd believe you. (See below for details). I also don't believe the male narrator fit the MMC and that was off-putting as it's a duet audiobook.
***On to some spoilers (and triggers)***
I hate writing spoilers but this has to be spoken about. The FMC was 'graped' first by an abuser (for years). Then again by the MMC. I knew this going into it thankfully because I read the reviews first. The part that was the MOST disturbing was the rhetoric that followed. IT IS STILL GRAPE IF THE WOMAN "ENJOYS" IT....but not according to this book. I get dark themes but this is irredeemable. The MMC and his dragon companion both try to gaslight the FMC because her body responded WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING. (What happened to the honor of dragons?).
The MMC is an absolute man child who cannot control his urges and coerces the FMC into having sex with him (but won't commit to her) for the entirety of the book. The summary of all the sex scenes is as follows : white panties, locked ankles, small tits, huge dick.
The book has so much potential. If we peeled back the unnecessary assault scene and built some tension while intertwining an actual plot, this could have been something.
Also I just realized I've read another book by this author and the abrupt way the books end....is so jarring. I don't even want to call it a cliffhanger TBH.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook. I am leaving my review honestly and voluntarily.
***On to some spoilers (and triggers)***
I hate writing spoilers but this has to be spoken about. The FMC was 'graped' first by an abuser (for years). Then again by the MMC. I knew this going into it thankfully because I read the reviews first. The part that was the MOST disturbing was the rhetoric that followed. IT IS STILL GRAPE IF THE WOMAN "ENJOYS" IT....but not according to this book. I get dark themes but this is irredeemable. The MMC and his dragon companion both try to gaslight the FMC because her body responded WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING. (What happened to the honor of dragons?).
The MMC is an absolute man child who cannot control his urges and coerces the FMC into having sex with him (but won't commit to her) for the entirety of the book. The summary of all the sex scenes is as follows : white panties, locked ankles, small tits, huge dick.
The book has so much potential. If we peeled back the unnecessary assault scene and built some tension while intertwining an actual plot, this could have been something.
Also I just realized I've read another book by this author and the abrupt way the books end....is so jarring. I don't even want to call it a cliffhanger TBH.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook. I am leaving my review honestly and voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2024
Didnt dnf but I should have.
This is the first time I’ve genuinely hated a book because of its writing.
It’s atrocious.
I thought this was self published which makes it even more shocking that it isn’t.
Seems the editor didn’t do a single thing. Or they were on vacation and sent it through without doing any work. Literally.
The repetitions, the cringe dialogue, the inconsistencies, the world and plot holes in the line level writing making us completely disengage.
“Like a poker champion” - that’s on the same level as that tiktok video of someone noticing a secondary world fantasy had described it as an “Italian suit”.
wtf are you saying?
Honorable mentions that made me want to gag and forced me to take a moment because it CATAPULTED me out of the story:
“honey pot” from both POV
“you like, baby?” - Chad lingo, made me physically recoil
“Big dick” in every paragraph in spicy scenes
“Like a poker champion” A POKER CHAMPION? IN A SECONDARY WORLD FANTASY WITH DRAGONS?
“Fleece” FLEECE WAS INVENTED IN THE 70S.
wtf is happening?????????????????
Let’s not even talk about the fucking lazy writing and world building by having showers and BRAS but no electricity? Fires for warmth?
Do they have slaves pumping that hot water into the shower hmmm?
Lazy writing makes me lose respect for the author because that shows their contempt and belief that us readers aren’t clever enough to see through it.
The inconsistencies.
The mmc we’re re supposed to like, he literally rapes her because that is what it is when she’s sleeping after having said no, then from the rest of the book we’re to believe their whole dynamic is that he respects her wishes……..?
I feel like that fucking scene was moved and forgotten, along with the massive amounts of edits missing, and that is why because it makes no sense with the rest of his character.
Then we have Callisto. I loved her. At first.
And I would have given this a five if we as readers had been hood winked and she had planned her revenge all along.
If that had been the case it would have been plausible and made sense why the dragon would fuse with her. If Calisto had revealed in that cave that she had plans on killing Talon, her rapist, save the dragons and claim the crown for herself—she would have been my favorite fmc of ALL TIME.
But she didn’t. The author chose the good old forgiveness route where Talons revenge and anger for his dead family is more understood than HER BEING RAPED FOR A FUCKING YEAR.
She suddenly wanted peace and not to hurt anyone. She suddenly wanted to spare the man that had violated her and been the reason she was a slave and raped for a decade.
Un-fucking-believable.
Coward. The author. Lazy, the editor. And horrifying that her agent didn’t do anything either.
That would have been badass but alas, she’s just stupid and gullible.
And it’s SO SAD because I was SO HOOKED at first and then it seemed the character archs went haywire, the plot structure ignored, emotional archs didn’t make sense but the shitty writing taking me out of the story so often is what killed this for me.
Too bad, so much potential. Truly.
This is the first time I’ve genuinely hated a book because of its writing.
It’s atrocious.
I thought this was self published which makes it even more shocking that it isn’t.
Seems the editor didn’t do a single thing. Or they were on vacation and sent it through without doing any work. Literally.
The repetitions, the cringe dialogue, the inconsistencies, the world and plot holes in the line level writing making us completely disengage.
“Like a poker champion” - that’s on the same level as that tiktok video of someone noticing a secondary world fantasy had described it as an “Italian suit”.
wtf are you saying?
Honorable mentions that made me want to gag and forced me to take a moment because it CATAPULTED me out of the story:
“honey pot” from both POV
“you like, baby?” - Chad lingo, made me physically recoil
“Big dick” in every paragraph in spicy scenes
“Like a poker champion” A POKER CHAMPION? IN A SECONDARY WORLD FANTASY WITH DRAGONS?
“Fleece” FLEECE WAS INVENTED IN THE 70S.
wtf is happening?????????????????
Let’s not even talk about the fucking lazy writing and world building by having showers and BRAS but no electricity? Fires for warmth?
Do they have slaves pumping that hot water into the shower hmmm?
Lazy writing makes me lose respect for the author because that shows their contempt and belief that us readers aren’t clever enough to see through it.
The inconsistencies.
The mmc we’re re supposed to like, he literally rapes her because that is what it is when she’s sleeping after having said no, then from the rest of the book we’re to believe their whole dynamic is that he respects her wishes……..?
I feel like that fucking scene was moved and forgotten, along with the massive amounts of edits missing, and that is why because it makes no sense with the rest of his character.
Then we have Callisto. I loved her. At first.
And I would have given this a five if we as readers had been hood winked and she had planned her revenge all along.
If that had been the case it would have been plausible and made sense why the dragon would fuse with her. If Calisto had revealed in that cave that she had plans on killing Talon, her rapist, save the dragons and claim the crown for herself—she would have been my favorite fmc of ALL TIME.
But she didn’t. The author chose the good old forgiveness route where Talons revenge and anger for his dead family is more understood than HER BEING RAPED FOR A FUCKING YEAR.
She suddenly wanted peace and not to hurt anyone. She suddenly wanted to spare the man that had violated her and been the reason she was a slave and raped for a decade.
Un-fucking-believable.
Coward. The author. Lazy, the editor. And horrifying that her agent didn’t do anything either.
That would have been badass but alas, she’s just stupid and gullible.
And it’s SO SAD because I was SO HOOKED at first and then it seemed the character archs went haywire, the plot structure ignored, emotional archs didn’t make sense but the shitty writing taking me out of the story so often is what killed this for me.
Too bad, so much potential. Truly.
September 2, 2024
What did i read 💀
September 23, 2024
Review: "The Death King" by Penelope Barsetti — 3.5 stars
The Death King, the first entry in Penelope Barsetti’s Death series, is an ambitious fantasy novel that blends elements of dark fantasy, romance, and erotica. While the book has plenty of compelling aspects, particularly its captivating setup and final act, it falters in the middle, where the balance between plot and sexual tension skews too heavily toward the latter, leaving me craving a more gradual, slow-burn development.
The Death King ♦ Penelope Barsetti - A Review
Opinion
The opening of the story sets a strong foundation. Barsetti introduces me to the Death King, a fearsome conqueror with the ability to raise the dead and command a mighty black dragon, Khazmuda. Our protagonist, a young woman whose life has been shattered by the Death King’s conquest of her kingdom, is a sympathetic and complex character. The world-building is rich and detailed, and the early tension between the two main characters feels appropriately intense and intriguing. This part of the book delivers important insights into the protagonists’ backgrounds, giving me the necessary depth to invest in their stories.
However, after the first third of the book, things begin to unravel. As the narrative shifts from the conflict and power dynamics to a romantic-erotic focus, the pacing suffers. The relationship between the female protagonist and the Death King moves too quickly into the realm of physical attraction, given her traumatic past. For a character who has spent a decade as a slave, subjected to harsh treatment and suffering under General Titan’s obsessive control, her sudden immersion into a sexual dynamic with the Death King feels abrupt and jarring. The transition from hatred and fear to lust happens too fast to feel natural, and the intensity of their interactions overshadows the plot. A slow burn romance, one that builds over the course of the entire book and the next installments, would have provided a more organic evolution of their relationship.
The explicit scenes, while well-written for those seeking a more erotic twist, feel out of place given the tone of the story’s beginning. They detract from the character’s journey, especially considering her history of trauma, which is barely addressed during these moments. It’s as though the story loses its footing, becoming too eager to delve into sexual tension without giving the characters—and by extension, me—the emotional space needed to make that tension feel earned or believable.
Thankfully, the last third of the book brings the story back on track. The re-emergence of plot, action, and intrigue helped me to re-engage. The stakes are raised, and the pacing picks up as Barsetti reintroduces the larger narrative of the Death King’s mysterious cause and the protagonist’s involvement in it. The political and magical complexities hinted at in the beginning resurface, offering a glimpse into the wider world and the unfolding conflict. This strong finish salvages much of the earlier missteps and builds anticipation for the next installment in the series.
Conclusion
As my first audiobook ARC, The Death King was a mixed but overall enjoyable experience. While the middle portion left me frustrated, the intriguing world-building and character dynamics in the opening and closing acts kept me interested. I’m hopeful that the second volume will deliver more of a slow-burn romance and plot development that this one promised but struggled to maintain. Fans of dark fantasy with a taste for the erotic may find much to enjoy here, but those looking for a more nuanced political and romantic progression might find it uneven.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
The Death King, the first entry in Penelope Barsetti’s Death series, is an ambitious fantasy novel that blends elements of dark fantasy, romance, and erotica. While the book has plenty of compelling aspects, particularly its captivating setup and final act, it falters in the middle, where the balance between plot and sexual tension skews too heavily toward the latter, leaving me craving a more gradual, slow-burn development.
The Death King ♦ Penelope Barsetti - A Review
Opinion
The opening of the story sets a strong foundation. Barsetti introduces me to the Death King, a fearsome conqueror with the ability to raise the dead and command a mighty black dragon, Khazmuda. Our protagonist, a young woman whose life has been shattered by the Death King’s conquest of her kingdom, is a sympathetic and complex character. The world-building is rich and detailed, and the early tension between the two main characters feels appropriately intense and intriguing. This part of the book delivers important insights into the protagonists’ backgrounds, giving me the necessary depth to invest in their stories.
However, after the first third of the book, things begin to unravel. As the narrative shifts from the conflict and power dynamics to a romantic-erotic focus, the pacing suffers. The relationship between the female protagonist and the Death King moves too quickly into the realm of physical attraction, given her traumatic past. For a character who has spent a decade as a slave, subjected to harsh treatment and suffering under General Titan’s obsessive control, her sudden immersion into a sexual dynamic with the Death King feels abrupt and jarring. The transition from hatred and fear to lust happens too fast to feel natural, and the intensity of their interactions overshadows the plot. A slow burn romance, one that builds over the course of the entire book and the next installments, would have provided a more organic evolution of their relationship.
The explicit scenes, while well-written for those seeking a more erotic twist, feel out of place given the tone of the story’s beginning. They detract from the character’s journey, especially considering her history of trauma, which is barely addressed during these moments. It’s as though the story loses its footing, becoming too eager to delve into sexual tension without giving the characters—and by extension, me—the emotional space needed to make that tension feel earned or believable.
Thankfully, the last third of the book brings the story back on track. The re-emergence of plot, action, and intrigue helped me to re-engage. The stakes are raised, and the pacing picks up as Barsetti reintroduces the larger narrative of the Death King’s mysterious cause and the protagonist’s involvement in it. The political and magical complexities hinted at in the beginning resurface, offering a glimpse into the wider world and the unfolding conflict. This strong finish salvages much of the earlier missteps and builds anticipation for the next installment in the series.
Conclusion
As my first audiobook ARC, The Death King was a mixed but overall enjoyable experience. While the middle portion left me frustrated, the intriguing world-building and character dynamics in the opening and closing acts kept me interested. I’m hopeful that the second volume will deliver more of a slow-burn romance and plot development that this one promised but struggled to maintain. Fans of dark fantasy with a taste for the erotic may find much to enjoy here, but those looking for a more nuanced political and romantic progression might find it uneven.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
September 26, 2024
I would like to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for allowing me to listen to an audiobook ARC.
Like MANY of the reviewers that have reviewed 3 stars or less, I found myself disturbed by the “sensitive matters” of the book more so than enjoying the plot of the story. It is mentioned that (TW!!!) there are suicidal topics and SA in the book. So, I knew we would encounter these things throughout.
I stayed to listen to the whole audiobook because in the beginning, we get this beautiful, intriguing writing style that just captivates the reader! It felt like it would be a great story!!! The descriptions of events were smooth, pacing just perfect! It’s difficult to find an author that can balance pacing!
Calista, was portrayed as this amazingly strong-willed FMC in the beginning. While a slave, she endured SA for a year. I could stomach this imagery because I knew the guy wasn’t our MMC, King Talon. Through a desperate attempt to flee, the reader then learns she can communicate with the MMC’s dragon. Cool! Feels like Fourth Wing!
But then the spice takes over. And there is just an underlying ick feeling, because there’s SA, coercion, and relentless badgering from our MMC. By the end, things seemingly get rectified for our FMC.
I really liked the writing style; objectively, some of the spice scenes were 🔥, some were 🙅🏻♀️; and I was just left saddened by the plot and main themes of this book one. Light spoilers below if you’d like to know more. And what I hope for book two.
As for the audiobook, I absolutely enjoyed the FMC’s voice, but the voice for MMC felt better suited for a Brandon Sanderson audiobook.
****SPOILERS (Light spoiler talking)****
When King Talon “rescues” Calista, I felt this pang of dismay because the MMC told her that she would be required to do things for him… sexual things included. Consent not necessary.
I don’t believe what characters or people say until things happen. So, I held out hope. But the way he RELENTLESSLY tries to get her to f*** him, tries to coerce her, and turn things around on her, did not sit right with me personally. One of the things that almost broke me from continuing the story was when he walks in on her sleeping, and takes advantage of her.
The reader was warned about this topic, but I was not expecting our MMC to be a part of the problem.
It seemed like the author was trying to portray a sort of healing through sex for both of them… it has over 5, if not 7, sex scenes… the spice overtook the story, which disappointed me greatly. Unfortunately, there was no sexual tension for me between MCs, just unconsenting-turned-using sex scenes.
The dragon portions are cool and redeem the plot a bit. And I’m hoping that the second book (seems like there may be 4) finds King Talon no longer a viable or living, romantic partner.
2.5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
Like MANY of the reviewers that have reviewed 3 stars or less, I found myself disturbed by the “sensitive matters” of the book more so than enjoying the plot of the story. It is mentioned that (TW!!!) there are suicidal topics and SA in the book. So, I knew we would encounter these things throughout.
I stayed to listen to the whole audiobook because in the beginning, we get this beautiful, intriguing writing style that just captivates the reader! It felt like it would be a great story!!! The descriptions of events were smooth, pacing just perfect! It’s difficult to find an author that can balance pacing!
Calista, was portrayed as this amazingly strong-willed FMC in the beginning. While a slave, she endured SA for a year. I could stomach this imagery because I knew the guy wasn’t our MMC, King Talon. Through a desperate attempt to flee, the reader then learns she can communicate with the MMC’s dragon. Cool! Feels like Fourth Wing!
But then the spice takes over. And there is just an underlying ick feeling, because there’s SA, coercion, and relentless badgering from our MMC. By the end, things seemingly get rectified for our FMC.
I really liked the writing style; objectively, some of the spice scenes were 🔥, some were 🙅🏻♀️; and I was just left saddened by the plot and main themes of this book one. Light spoilers below if you’d like to know more. And what I hope for book two.
As for the audiobook, I absolutely enjoyed the FMC’s voice, but the voice for MMC felt better suited for a Brandon Sanderson audiobook.
****SPOILERS (Light spoiler talking)****
When King Talon “rescues” Calista, I felt this pang of dismay because the MMC told her that she would be required to do things for him… sexual things included. Consent not necessary.
I don’t believe what characters or people say until things happen. So, I held out hope. But the way he RELENTLESSLY tries to get her to f*** him, tries to coerce her, and turn things around on her, did not sit right with me personally. One of the things that almost broke me from continuing the story was when he walks in on her sleeping, and takes advantage of her.
The reader was warned about this topic, but I was not expecting our MMC to be a part of the problem.
It seemed like the author was trying to portray a sort of healing through sex for both of them… it has over 5, if not 7, sex scenes… the spice overtook the story, which disappointed me greatly. Unfortunately, there was no sexual tension for me between MCs, just unconsenting-turned-using sex scenes.
The dragon portions are cool and redeem the plot a bit. And I’m hoping that the second book (seems like there may be 4) finds King Talon no longer a viable or living, romantic partner.
2.5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
December 18, 2024
I don’t understand how this has any positive ratings. From the get go we understand the fmc, Calista, is a traumatized slave and victim of repeated SA by her “keeper” of over a year. There is on page fade to black SA, so right away I was on edge. The rest of the book I only became more and more irate. The Mmc, Talon, is straight up a villain. And not in a hot way. In the way that he is immediately desperate to have Calista and genuinely can’t seem to understand how she’s resisting him. He fully acknowledges that she’s traumatized from her captivity, but instead of any mental healing or character growth, he seems to think his magical d*ck will heal her, because he’s good at sex so it’ll feel different with him. There is SA language between them, like “Just give in baby, it’ll feel good.” I almost vomited. On the spot.
Why did I not DNF this like a rational person? I kept thinking, this can’t be how the Mmc is, he has to redeem himself or there’s some crazy misunderstanding or he hits his head on a rock and becomes someone completely different, because how else would this book exist?? The final nail in the coffin was the disgusting non-con scene where she is asleep and he starts to f*nger her. She is a recent SA VICTIM and this author thought it would be nice for her to wake up to another assault?? But oh it’s ok because she thought he was nice to look at and he just knew she’d enjoy him. And oh, he’s not a bad dude because he didn’t seek her out for that, but then her dress rode up in her sleep so what was he supposed to do? Walk away?? The author tries to play this off as dub-con, but it is straight up assault. But is that how Calista reacts? Nope! Within a week she gives into his incessant pawing at her and bangs him. Because apparently his appendage IS indeed special enough to heal trauma.
I’m not a prude by any means. I read a lot of New Adult/Spicy books and I don’t take off stars or give bad reviews based on kinks that just aren’t my thing. But I will call out bad writing in a bad book with bad plot and bad “spice.”
Why did I not DNF this like a rational person? I kept thinking, this can’t be how the Mmc is, he has to redeem himself or there’s some crazy misunderstanding or he hits his head on a rock and becomes someone completely different, because how else would this book exist?? The final nail in the coffin was the disgusting non-con scene where she is asleep and he starts to f*nger her. She is a recent SA VICTIM and this author thought it would be nice for her to wake up to another assault?? But oh it’s ok because she thought he was nice to look at and he just knew she’d enjoy him. And oh, he’s not a bad dude because he didn’t seek her out for that, but then her dress rode up in her sleep so what was he supposed to do? Walk away?? The author tries to play this off as dub-con, but it is straight up assault. But is that how Calista reacts? Nope! Within a week she gives into his incessant pawing at her and bangs him. Because apparently his appendage IS indeed special enough to heal trauma.
I’m not a prude by any means. I read a lot of New Adult/Spicy books and I don’t take off stars or give bad reviews based on kinks that just aren’t my thing. But I will call out bad writing in a bad book with bad plot and bad “spice.”
November 20, 2024
40% DNF
To start- I read the trigger warnings. I was aware. Dub con and non con aren’t triggering to me. I’m not mad they were there. I’m mad at the handling of it. This FMC suffered constant, traumatic abuse. She had her consent ripped from her DAILY for months if not years. This woman has no say in her life, in anything really. Her food, her bed, her home, none of it is in her control. It’s tragic and up until the 40% mark, I had liked the budding relationship between MMC and FMC til he did exactly what I worried about. His “consider Me” speech was really good until, I guess spurred on by some unknown spice quota this awful book had to hit, he decides to do EXACTLY what FMC’s prior captor did. And then he tries to tell her “you liked it so who cares”. Her liking it ISN’T THE PROBLEM. She did NOT CONSENT. You ripped away the ONE thing you had going for you.
It’s hard to articulate the actual rage this caused me. The premise, the foundation of their relationship, was built on a mutual trust that she would consider him. That she would weigh her options and GIVE her body to him. It was BUILT on the idea of CONSENT. And at the first frikkin opportunity, it’s taken from her without warning and then she’s gaslit into thinking it’s okay because she “liked it”.
Women can complete during *ape. That doesn’t make it okay. And again, non con specifically doesn’t make me mad. What makes me mad is when you’ve played into a victims trauma as part of their personality, as the basis for a relationship and as a PIVOTAL problem in your story, and then exploit it the first chance you get and trivialize it. Who cares if she says no if she comes, yea? So the only difference between Talon and Titan is that one can make her finish. That’s it. That’s what you’ve taught the reader. Congrats. God this made me angry.
To start- I read the trigger warnings. I was aware. Dub con and non con aren’t triggering to me. I’m not mad they were there. I’m mad at the handling of it. This FMC suffered constant, traumatic abuse. She had her consent ripped from her DAILY for months if not years. This woman has no say in her life, in anything really. Her food, her bed, her home, none of it is in her control. It’s tragic and up until the 40% mark, I had liked the budding relationship between MMC and FMC til he did exactly what I worried about. His “consider Me” speech was really good until, I guess spurred on by some unknown spice quota this awful book had to hit, he decides to do EXACTLY what FMC’s prior captor did. And then he tries to tell her “you liked it so who cares”. Her liking it ISN’T THE PROBLEM. She did NOT CONSENT. You ripped away the ONE thing you had going for you.
It’s hard to articulate the actual rage this caused me. The premise, the foundation of their relationship, was built on a mutual trust that she would consider him. That she would weigh her options and GIVE her body to him. It was BUILT on the idea of CONSENT. And at the first frikkin opportunity, it’s taken from her without warning and then she’s gaslit into thinking it’s okay because she “liked it”.
Women can complete during *ape. That doesn’t make it okay. And again, non con specifically doesn’t make me mad. What makes me mad is when you’ve played into a victims trauma as part of their personality, as the basis for a relationship and as a PIVOTAL problem in your story, and then exploit it the first chance you get and trivialize it. Who cares if she says no if she comes, yea? So the only difference between Talon and Titan is that one can make her finish. That’s it. That’s what you’ve taught the reader. Congrats. God this made me angry.
September 19, 2024
Where to begin……
So the first 30% had me the story line was moving the characters developed at a fast face it was good.
Then we hit the next 60%….. which in all honesty was not right there was so much missing it was just filler and rushed. Pointless romantic scenes that made no sense baring in mind the FMC traumatising past.
The romance needed to be dragged out slower the MMC was adamant he earned her but he really didn’t at all it was all backwards.
The last 10% was great. Again I was hooked the story was back on track and the story line developed again.
I would say this could have truly been such an amazing book if the middle of it was removed a revised. Because the story is there, the characters are there it clearly had a well thought out plot the execution just wasn’t right.
The dragons were beautifully written and described. The death kings big secret wasn’t really a big wow secret. It just was a story of his childhood which was similar to hers.
Warnings…. There is rape and traumatic triggers in this book which I normally avoid however I didn’t feel like it was horrible reading just the moving onto another relationship barring in mind what she had gone to made no sense to me.
Would I read book 2….
Yes. Because as I stated the backbones was in the story and it ended well, I just hope the next book has more depth to it.
I didn’t hate the story it just seemed like it was more in editing stages still.
Thank you netgalley, Dreamscape media and Penelope Barsetti for the audio book arc in exchange for an honest review.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
So the first 30% had me the story line was moving the characters developed at a fast face it was good.
Then we hit the next 60%….. which in all honesty was not right there was so much missing it was just filler and rushed. Pointless romantic scenes that made no sense baring in mind the FMC traumatising past.
The romance needed to be dragged out slower the MMC was adamant he earned her but he really didn’t at all it was all backwards.
The last 10% was great. Again I was hooked the story was back on track and the story line developed again.
I would say this could have truly been such an amazing book if the middle of it was removed a revised. Because the story is there, the characters are there it clearly had a well thought out plot the execution just wasn’t right.
The dragons were beautifully written and described. The death kings big secret wasn’t really a big wow secret. It just was a story of his childhood which was similar to hers.
Warnings…. There is rape and traumatic triggers in this book which I normally avoid however I didn’t feel like it was horrible reading just the moving onto another relationship barring in mind what she had gone to made no sense to me.
Would I read book 2….
Yes. Because as I stated the backbones was in the story and it ended well, I just hope the next book has more depth to it.
I didn’t hate the story it just seemed like it was more in editing stages still.
Thank you netgalley, Dreamscape media and Penelope Barsetti for the audio book arc in exchange for an honest review.
3⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 27, 2025
2.6
Princess Calista is 15 when the Death King destroys her Fathers kingdom causing his death.
This started out strong and then got boring. Once the H takes the h captive it’s a merry go round of the H trying to get the h to do the dirty with him. He’s all
Ott lovey dovey and like a dog with a bone and she’s telling him no repeatedly. I think that takes up
Half the book.When he finally woos her into gentle lovemaking type sex( she was raped prior by om)…when he’s finished he leaps outta bed showers and sits by the fire. He knew she had been repeatedly raped for the last year then he treats her like that? I would have kicked his ass to the curb… but no now she’s the one pining because he gave her some easy lovin a couple of times. However he’s here to set the story straight there will be no more consideration for her rape trauma from now on he’s just gonna bang her brains out and then kick her outta bed while he immediately jumps in the shower… hell To the no! But alas our fair maiden is now so taken with His Royal Assholeness that she’s gonna take his shoddy treatment and help him continue his revenge plan. Nevermind the fact that he’s the cause of her 10 years of misery, being a slave in the desert Diamond mine and getting raped repeatedly by his general. Oh and he’s the reason her Dad is dead. There’s talking Dragons but it came off a bit juvenile. I’ve got to say I prefer the authors dark Romances as author Penelope Sky. I think this book is a mashup
Of Princess Bride, that Knight movie with Heat Ledger and GOT.
Princess Calista is 15 when the Death King destroys her Fathers kingdom causing his death.
This started out strong and then got boring. Once the H takes the h captive it’s a merry go round of the H trying to get the h to do the dirty with him. He’s all
Ott lovey dovey and like a dog with a bone and she’s telling him no repeatedly. I think that takes up
Half the book.When he finally woos her into gentle lovemaking type sex( she was raped prior by om)…when he’s finished he leaps outta bed showers and sits by the fire. He knew she had been repeatedly raped for the last year then he treats her like that? I would have kicked his ass to the curb… but no now she’s the one pining because he gave her some easy lovin a couple of times. However he’s here to set the story straight there will be no more consideration for her rape trauma from now on he’s just gonna bang her brains out and then kick her outta bed while he immediately jumps in the shower… hell To the no! But alas our fair maiden is now so taken with His Royal Assholeness that she’s gonna take his shoddy treatment and help him continue his revenge plan. Nevermind the fact that he’s the cause of her 10 years of misery, being a slave in the desert Diamond mine and getting raped repeatedly by his general. Oh and he’s the reason her Dad is dead. There’s talking Dragons but it came off a bit juvenile. I’ve got to say I prefer the authors dark Romances as author Penelope Sky. I think this book is a mashup
Of Princess Bride, that Knight movie with Heat Ledger and GOT.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2024
If you’re a fantasy reader and looking for the next must-read series, the Death Series is for you.
Calista has been indirectly enslaved for several years by the Death King. Ten years after they first met, they met again. But he doesn’t remember from where. He spares her more as she has the same gift as him. They talk to dragons. He forms a plan to train her and help fight for his cause. They are both attracted to each other. Both have past trauma and hold back from each other.
You can’t help but hate to love Talon, The Death King, and his cheeky dragon. I’m in total awe of Calista. She is a survivor and far from a damsel In distress. She fights him any chance she gets.
The book is so captivating that I couldn’t put it down. The spice is extra nice, and I absolutely loved the world-building. That ending is a doozy, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
September 23, 2024
Received the audio version...and while I finished, it did have some issues.
1. The FMC narrator was a bit annoying. She sounded like a miffed teenager most times.
2. I understand the miffed-ness. She was sexually assaulted for years, and then basically forced into sex by her captor/hero/nemesis.
3. I truly didn't like either character. I wanted to like the dragons, and kind of wished they would eat one of the humans, but alas, they did not. I feel each character could have been more likeable if they had been given room to grow/breathe instead of the rush for spice.
4. The basic plot was good, but I think a slow burn romance would have turned the whole book, instead of the MMC demanding sex, saying he wouldn't force the FMC - but then, spoiler alert - assaults her while she's sleeping and then she's magically horny for him all the time, while still hating him, and he continues to treat her like poo.
The bones were good, but the rush for boners made it a one and done for me. While the spice was good and high, the way it played means I probably won't read the following in the series.
1. The FMC narrator was a bit annoying. She sounded like a miffed teenager most times.
2. I understand the miffed-ness. She was sexually assaulted for years, and then basically forced into sex by her captor/hero/nemesis.
3. I truly didn't like either character. I wanted to like the dragons, and kind of wished they would eat one of the humans, but alas, they did not. I feel each character could have been more likeable if they had been given room to grow/breathe instead of the rush for spice.
4. The basic plot was good, but I think a slow burn romance would have turned the whole book, instead of the MMC demanding sex, saying he wouldn't force the FMC - but then, spoiler alert - assaults her while she's sleeping and then she's magically horny for him all the time, while still hating him, and he continues to treat her like poo.
The bones were good, but the rush for boners made it a one and done for me. While the spice was good and high, the way it played means I probably won't read the following in the series.
August 13, 2024
Rating 5+/5★ | Spice: 2/5
Penelope does it yet again! She writes dark fantasy books so well *chefs kiss* I absolutely DEVOURED this book within days. I am so obsessed with the whole storyline and the darkness of the story.
A death king, cheeky dragon, and a fallen princess.. where past meets present with secrets and mystery, hop on Khazmuda the dragon🐉 cause we’re in for a ride!
I can’t wait for the second book!!
dark fantasy romance *check trigger warnings*
enemies to lovers
forced proximity
dragon companion
*cliffhanger
Penelope does it yet again! She writes dark fantasy books so well *chefs kiss* I absolutely DEVOURED this book within days. I am so obsessed with the whole storyline and the darkness of the story.
A death king, cheeky dragon, and a fallen princess.. where past meets present with secrets and mystery, hop on Khazmuda the dragon🐉 cause we’re in for a ride!
I can’t wait for the second book!!
dark fantasy romance *check trigger warnings*
enemies to lovers
forced proximity
dragon companion
*cliffhanger
November 1, 2024
DNF. No world building. No description of anything. The dialogue was stilted. The writing was juvenile. The narrator for the heroine was awful. Don’t waste your time.
March 20, 2025
Bro I’m getting reeeeeeal sick of stories that have the fmc getting legitimately assaulted by the mmc and just glossing over it
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