What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rise of Northgall
Kings and Bones
When Murgha’s degenerate father bets their last bit of coin and her in a high-stakes game of kings and bones, she fears she will become the property of the lecherous ambassador. But when the most fearsome dark fae she has ever seen steps into the game and wins the pot, she knows her fate is much worse. She is now owned by the enemy.
Now in the hands of a shadow fae priest with an agenda of his own, Murgha mistrusts his motives and the secrets he keeps. But she realizes quickly that her unexpected fall into the keeping of Vallon isn't so surprising after all. The gods have plans for them both, and their new path together is just the beginning.
Now in the hands of a shadow fae priest with an agenda of his own, Murgha mistrusts his motives and the secrets he keeps. But she realizes quickly that her unexpected fall into the keeping of Vallon isn't so surprising after all. The gods have plans for them both, and their new path together is just the beginning.
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
155 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Juliette Cross
51 books4,688 followersFor upcoming news and releases, sign-up here: http://eepurl.com/XeKIn
JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
Follow JULIETTE on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/juliettecros...
Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross
JULIETTE is a multi-published author of paranormal and contemporary romance, including the best-selling STAY A SPELL series. As a native of Louisiana, she lives in the heart of Cajun country with her husband, four kids, and sundry animals. When she isn’t working on her next project, she enjoys binge-watching her favorite shows with her husband and a glass (or two) of red wine or whiskey.
Follow JULIETTE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliettecro...
Follow JULIETTE on FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/juliettecros...
Follow JULIETTE on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Juliette__Cross
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 13, 2024
I do not understand the person that I become when I read books like this. Like, in my right mind I am not fantasizing about being abducted by a huge winged man creature and compelled to play house with him like I do not want to have your babies, sir, no. Put me down. But then I’ll read a book like this and the whole time I’m just like “get it, sister!”
Without spoilers, our FMC is an outcast in her own community because she’s a hybrid fae and her father, who’s a drunk and no good, gambles her away and she is won by this dark fae, our MMC who whisks her away and, I mean basically you know what happens; I don’t know why I’m even hashing this out. They’re going to bone, we already know this. They are clearly mates, we already know this too. Will there be danger, yes of course. Will there be dimensional details having to do with how “big” he is and how “tight” she is; you know it, I know it, we know it.
At no other moment in space and time would I be thrilled to read about a virgin being abducted by a much larger male under the guise of this being somehow written in the stars, like no. No thank you very much. And yet by some kind of magic, these authors spin a tale so expertly, where these men satisfy these women so thoroughly and sweetly; even what is intended to be dirty talk is still so downright adorable that you find yourself saying “damn, why couldn’t that be me?” When that would objectively be TERRIBLE AND INSANE.
If I find out that these books are some kind of pipeline to trad wife, cottage core, homesteading lifestyle bullshit, I am going to be so upset. I feel like I might be being radicalized, I do.
Without spoilers, our FMC is an outcast in her own community because she’s a hybrid fae and her father, who’s a drunk and no good, gambles her away and she is won by this dark fae, our MMC who whisks her away and, I mean basically you know what happens; I don’t know why I’m even hashing this out. They’re going to bone, we already know this. They are clearly mates, we already know this too. Will there be danger, yes of course. Will there be dimensional details having to do with how “big” he is and how “tight” she is; you know it, I know it, we know it.
At no other moment in space and time would I be thrilled to read about a virgin being abducted by a much larger male under the guise of this being somehow written in the stars, like no. No thank you very much. And yet by some kind of magic, these authors spin a tale so expertly, where these men satisfy these women so thoroughly and sweetly; even what is intended to be dirty talk is still so downright adorable that you find yourself saying “damn, why couldn’t that be me?” When that would objectively be TERRIBLE AND INSANE.
If I find out that these books are some kind of pipeline to trad wife, cottage core, homesteading lifestyle bullshit, I am going to be so upset. I feel like I might be being radicalized, I do.
September 15, 2025
King and Bones is a fabulous new tale and the perfect lead-in to The Wrath King.
Here we meet Murgha, a beautiful half-breed whose father has done the unthinkable—using her as the prize in the dangerous dice game King and Bones. Just as the final die is cast, in walks Vallon, a giant shadow fae priest feared by all. Using dark illusion to win the game, Vallon claims Murgha as his prize.
Vallon is dangerous, deadly… and absolutely irresistible. With his long black hair, mountain-sized body, enormous wings, horns, and fangs, it doesn’t take long before Murgha is utterly captivated by this fierce warrior.
Juliette Cross delivers once again with compelling characters and an addictively dark world. Murgha and Vallon shine, making this short story a perfect appetizer that leaves you hungry for more. This is just a taste of what promises to be an amazing new fantasy romance series!
Until next time, luvs 😉💋
Here we meet Murgha, a beautiful half-breed whose father has done the unthinkable—using her as the prize in the dangerous dice game King and Bones. Just as the final die is cast, in walks Vallon, a giant shadow fae priest feared by all. Using dark illusion to win the game, Vallon claims Murgha as his prize.
Vallon is dangerous, deadly… and absolutely irresistible. With his long black hair, mountain-sized body, enormous wings, horns, and fangs, it doesn’t take long before Murgha is utterly captivated by this fierce warrior.
Juliette Cross delivers once again with compelling characters and an addictively dark world. Murgha and Vallon shine, making this short story a perfect appetizer that leaves you hungry for more. This is just a taste of what promises to be an amazing new fantasy romance series!
Until next time, luvs 😉💋
January 17, 2025
I've fallen in love with this world 😭 The way I need more?!
I adored Mur and Vallon as a couple and loved their communication. Also the cameos in this book were everything.
I genuinely need book 2 in this series rnrn.
This was only the second piece of work by this author that I've read, and I'll definitely be checking her other books out. I'm so compulsive when it comes to finding new authors that I like because I will quite literally binge everything they've written 💀 . I'm hoping her other works live up to these last two!
I adored Mur and Vallon as a couple and loved their communication. Also the cameos in this book were everything.
I genuinely need book 2 in this series rnrn.
This was only the second piece of work by this author that I've read, and I'll definitely be checking her other books out. I'm so compulsive when it comes to finding new authors that I like because I will quite literally binge everything they've written 💀 . I'm hoping her other works live up to these last two!
September 30, 2025
3.75⭐️!
Lovely novella with good introduction to the unique world. Loved the characters and their resilient journey. Especially the heroine.
Can’t wait to read more from this series.
Recommended.
Lovely novella with good introduction to the unique world. Loved the characters and their resilient journey. Especially the heroine.
Can’t wait to read more from this series.
Recommended.
November 11, 2025
Set after The Wraith King and before The Beast Lord King and Bones is a fast Novella of one of the Shadow Fae finding his mate in a most unexpected place.
Murgha's father has been on a solid decline after the disappearance of Murgha's sister a little over a year ago. He drinks and gambles more that he used to and this time he has gone too far and decided to bet the daughter that is not his by blood in a dice game of chance.
Vallon a priest of the Shadow Fae intervenes just in time to save her and sweep her away with him. He knows something of her true parentage and has been tasked to protect the half woodland half moon fae woman. Even if that mean protecting her from his own people.
This was a very fast story that gives the reader a glimpse into the trouble awakening in the Shadow Fae's territory and how it may impact the rest of the fae. Evil is waking and with it black magics and corruption. But there is just a brief touching on that as the romance/mating takes up much of the page time.
This was a cute story with not a lot of meet to it but I think it sets up the danger that is coming and what the Shadow Fae have been doing for years to try and protect everyone. I'd already read The Beast Lord so I'll be interested in spending a little more time with the Shadow Fae Prince in a future story.
Murgha's father has been on a solid decline after the disappearance of Murgha's sister a little over a year ago. He drinks and gambles more that he used to and this time he has gone too far and decided to bet the daughter that is not his by blood in a dice game of chance.
Vallon a priest of the Shadow Fae intervenes just in time to save her and sweep her away with him. He knows something of her true parentage and has been tasked to protect the half woodland half moon fae woman. Even if that mean protecting her from his own people.
This was a very fast story that gives the reader a glimpse into the trouble awakening in the Shadow Fae's territory and how it may impact the rest of the fae. Evil is waking and with it black magics and corruption. But there is just a brief touching on that as the romance/mating takes up much of the page time.
This was a cute story with not a lot of meet to it but I think it sets up the danger that is coming and what the Shadow Fae have been doing for years to try and protect everyone. I'd already read The Beast Lord so I'll be interested in spending a little more time with the Shadow Fae Prince in a future story.
Read
January 12, 2025i dont know what to rate this. it's fine, the usual fated mates, fae lords, the guy has long silky hair and horns, etc, but everything is boring, should've dnf.
November 8, 2024
2024 Reads #591/250
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
Read for the Sights of Sweden Challenge 2024-2025
September 20, 2024 - January 10, 2025
Online Availability:
📖 Kindle Unlimited Subscription/$
February 27, 2025
Rating 4.25/5
Spice 🌶️🌶️
I honestly wished the book was longer. Gimme more spice. BUUTT we did get another small story with some knotting, which I fucking ate that shit up so quickly. I'm also getting context that fated mates aren't super rare, just definitely uncommon
Spice 🌶️🌶️
I honestly wished the book was longer. Gimme more spice. BUUTT we did get another small story with some knotting, which I fucking ate that shit up so quickly. I'm also getting context that fated mates aren't super rare, just definitely uncommon
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2024
Read in May anthology.
September 30, 2025
Very fun!
Such a great novella to tide us all over and keep everyone involved with the Northgall world!!
I love Cross’ style of writing and how each couple feel unique within her settings!
The tension between these two MMC and FMC is clear from the start and the protector role that the MMC takes on with no hesitation or second guessing was so swoonworthy!
Honestly I could have happily had this as a whole fully fledged Novell and been stoked.
I originally read this as part of the The Lovely Dark monster romance anthology but I was more the. Happy for a re read as a stand alone story!
Such a great novella to tide us all over and keep everyone involved with the Northgall world!!
I love Cross’ style of writing and how each couple feel unique within her settings!
The tension between these two MMC and FMC is clear from the start and the protector role that the MMC takes on with no hesitation or second guessing was so swoonworthy!
Honestly I could have happily had this as a whole fully fledged Novell and been stoked.
I originally read this as part of the The Lovely Dark monster romance anthology but I was more the. Happy for a re read as a stand alone story!
October 31, 2025
cunny and quim to describe a woman's nether regions was disgusting. That did it for me.
January 15, 2025
So I'm on the fence... the story is good and overall consistent with the universe, and we get to see Vallon, and many other characters from The Wraith King. I love that!
But there are so many inconsistencies in the chronology... nothing huge, but some time stamps don't line up. I also noted that it is stated at the beginning that Murgha doesn't know the details of the outcome of the war, which makes sense considering she lives pretty far from Issos, yet she acts and says things like she does. Later on in the bonus chapters about Tessa, another thing is that the sisters refer to King Gollaya, while I believe at the time Goll wasn't king yet, based on the fact that this chapter happens at least 5-7 months before the events of The Wraith King based on Tessa's pregnancy which was revealed in The Wraith King... All of this small discrepancies irk me up a lot and I feel like the book would benefit greatly from some (more?) editing.
Another thing is, there is little to no tension between Vallon and Murgha. It's insta-love and insta-lust. I understand that Shadow Fae behave differently than Wraith Fae and are more true to their hearts and all. And the idea was likely to give us different tropes than those explored with Goll and Una. But it just didn't hit the spot for me and I feel like other more interesting tropes could have been introduced.
I did enjoy the additional content and world building, and the supplementary info on what may be coming up in the second book later this year. And Gwendazelle is just so cute !! But yeah, I would have preferred something a bit more thorough with this novella. So that's a 3.5 rating rounded down to 3.
FYI: Again, the use of the word c*nt multiple times! As a New Zealander I don't car at all but I thought I'd put it out there for those who don't like that. I have also discovered a pet-peeve of mine: I hate it when people say "Just like that" in the middle of a spicy scene, I find that super cringy as if out of a porn movie from the 90's lmao. But I survived haha!
But there are so many inconsistencies in the chronology... nothing huge, but some time stamps don't line up. I also noted that it is stated at the beginning that Murgha doesn't know the details of the outcome of the war, which makes sense considering she lives pretty far from Issos, yet she acts and says things like she does. Later on in the bonus chapters about Tessa, another thing is that the sisters refer to King Gollaya, while I believe at the time Goll wasn't king yet, based on the fact that this chapter happens at least 5-7 months before the events of The Wraith King based on Tessa's pregnancy which was revealed in The Wraith King... All of this small discrepancies irk me up a lot and I feel like the book would benefit greatly from some (more?) editing.
Another thing is, there is little to no tension between Vallon and Murgha. It's insta-love and insta-lust. I understand that Shadow Fae behave differently than Wraith Fae and are more true to their hearts and all. And the idea was likely to give us different tropes than those explored with Goll and Una. But it just didn't hit the spot for me and I feel like other more interesting tropes could have been introduced.
I did enjoy the additional content and world building, and the supplementary info on what may be coming up in the second book later this year. And Gwendazelle is just so cute !! But yeah, I would have preferred something a bit more thorough with this novella. So that's a 3.5 rating rounded down to 3.
FYI: Again, the use of the word c*nt multiple times! As a New Zealander I don't car at all but I thought I'd put it out there for those who don't like that. I have also discovered a pet-peeve of mine: I hate it when people say "Just like that" in the middle of a spicy scene, I find that super cringy as if out of a porn movie from the 90's lmao. But I survived haha!
May 17, 2025
I loved it!
Warning: Suitable for 18+ readers. It includes scenes that depict elements of war, battle, hand-to-hand combat, blood, violence, self-harm (blood-oath), injuries, death, death of friends, drowning, alcohol consumption, drug use (magical elixirs), nationalism, xenophobia, mild bullying, manipulation, and spicy sexual activities that are shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please be aware.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. Set in the same world as The Rise of the Northgall series. This is a Northgall novella story. It is recommended that you the read The Rise of the Northgall series Book 1 first before reading this one in order to avoid spoilers. Also, enjoy the short story at the end called the Beast Fae’s Bargain (it’s about how Murgha’s sister Tessa meets her mate for the first time).
When Murgha’s degenerate father bets their last bit of coin and her in a high-stakes game of kings and bones, she fears she will become the property of the lecherous ambassador. When the most fearsome dark fae she has ever seen steps into the game and wins the pot, she knows her fate is much worse; for she is now owned by the enemy.
Now in the hands of a shadow fae priest with an agenda of his own, Murgha mistrusts his motives and the secrets he keeps, but she realizes quickly that her unexpected fall into the keeping of Vallon isn't so surprising after all. The gods have plans for them both, and their new path together is just the beginning. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone. I can’t wait for Book 2 to come out sometime this year (2025).
Warning: Suitable for 18+ readers. It includes scenes that depict elements of war, battle, hand-to-hand combat, blood, violence, self-harm (blood-oath), injuries, death, death of friends, drowning, alcohol consumption, drug use (magical elixirs), nationalism, xenophobia, mild bullying, manipulation, and spicy sexual activities that are shown on the page. Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please be aware.
It was so enticing that I couldn’t put it down, this book grabbed my interest from the very first page. I couldn’t put it down, I had to know what happened next. The story is well written with a very good storyline. Set in the same world as The Rise of the Northgall series. This is a Northgall novella story. It is recommended that you the read The Rise of the Northgall series Book 1 first before reading this one in order to avoid spoilers. Also, enjoy the short story at the end called the Beast Fae’s Bargain (it’s about how Murgha’s sister Tessa meets her mate for the first time).
When Murgha’s degenerate father bets their last bit of coin and her in a high-stakes game of kings and bones, she fears she will become the property of the lecherous ambassador. When the most fearsome dark fae she has ever seen steps into the game and wins the pot, she knows her fate is much worse; for she is now owned by the enemy.
Now in the hands of a shadow fae priest with an agenda of his own, Murgha mistrusts his motives and the secrets he keeps, but she realizes quickly that her unexpected fall into the keeping of Vallon isn't so surprising after all. The gods have plans for them both, and their new path together is just the beginning. So with all that and more this story pulls you in and holds you tight. It’s a must read. I highly recommend to everyone. I can’t wait for Book 2 to come out sometime this year (2025).
April 10, 2025
I am all for sweet FMC...but damn, let this girl hit this dude at least once...
So far, Juliette Cross' MMCs are such assholes initially that I want to beat the shit out of them, and if I can't, I want the FMC to. In other words, her works seem to follow similar character dynamics so far. So, I am hoping to read something different from her as far as character conflict is concerned. The grumpy MMC and the soft FMC were the same, but at least in this story the relationship had a good pace, and it did not revolve solely around lust. On the other hand, the worldbuilding was okay-ish, but only because I have read the Wraith King, so I wouldn't suggest reading it as a standalone. But the backstory of the characters expanded the world much more.
As far as "A beast fae's bargain" is concerned...yikes. I hated it, tbh. It was too weird. The relationship felt forced, and so did the hypothetical consent that was barely there. It was of no substance, and honestly, I wanted romance, and I got the creepiest smut ever. Ohhh... she too needed to smack the fuck out of this wolf dude.
.Tags:
Virgin FMC 🌮💦👅
Paranormal MMC 🐉 🔥🤴🏻
Paranormal FMC 🐉 🔥🤴🏻
Insta love-matehood(one-sized)❤️🔥❤️
Enemies to lovers 💖💜💙
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Possessive MMC💞 💓 💗
Dirty Talk😈🎇🗣
Mitual pinning ❤️🩹💔
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Slow burn 🕯🪔 🧯
Loss of a parent 💔🪔🩸
Violence🛑 ⛔️ 📛
HEA🔔🤵🏼👰🏼
Pregrancy Trope🤱🏽🤰💦
So far, Juliette Cross' MMCs are such assholes initially that I want to beat the shit out of them, and if I can't, I want the FMC to. In other words, her works seem to follow similar character dynamics so far. So, I am hoping to read something different from her as far as character conflict is concerned. The grumpy MMC and the soft FMC were the same, but at least in this story the relationship had a good pace, and it did not revolve solely around lust. On the other hand, the worldbuilding was okay-ish, but only because I have read the Wraith King, so I wouldn't suggest reading it as a standalone. But the backstory of the characters expanded the world much more.
As far as "A beast fae's bargain" is concerned...yikes. I hated it, tbh. It was too weird. The relationship felt forced, and so did the hypothetical consent that was barely there. It was of no substance, and honestly, I wanted romance, and I got the creepiest smut ever. Ohhh... she too needed to smack the fuck out of this wolf dude.
.Tags:
Virgin FMC 🌮💦👅
Paranormal MMC 🐉 🔥🤴🏻
Paranormal FMC 🐉 🔥🤴🏻
Insta love-matehood(one-sized)❤️🔥❤️
Enemies to lovers 💖💜💙
Learning intimacy💁👌😍
Possessive MMC💞 💓 💗
Dirty Talk😈🎇🗣
Mitual pinning ❤️🩹💔
Miscommunication😵💫⚠️
Slow burn 🕯🪔 🧯
Loss of a parent 💔🪔🩸
Violence🛑 ⛔️ 📛
HEA🔔🤵🏼👰🏼
Pregrancy Trope🤱🏽🤰💦
January 26, 2025
✅dual pov
✅fated mates
✅demons faes and more
✅novella
✅slow burn
✅spice
4.5/5 stars! I first read this in the anthology from a year or two ago: the lovely dark absolutely loved it and wished it was a full book I wanted more of them! It was basically perfect and I'm sad it ended so quickly when it was by far my fave one in that anthology. It was on longer side for novella and after re reading today realized that the wraith king takes place before this now but also her sisters short story which was at end of this lol the order and timeline is all fed up honestly idk why she did the releases this way oh well. I loved Vallon and this ends on not a cliffhanger but it def left stuff up in air in some ways so that was also confusing to me since this should be standalone novella. I hope we do see them again then in maybe second wraith king book since that's main series?
✅fated mates
✅demons faes and more
✅novella
✅slow burn
✅spice
4.5/5 stars! I first read this in the anthology from a year or two ago: the lovely dark absolutely loved it and wished it was a full book I wanted more of them! It was basically perfect and I'm sad it ended so quickly when it was by far my fave one in that anthology. It was on longer side for novella and after re reading today realized that the wraith king takes place before this now but also her sisters short story which was at end of this lol the order and timeline is all fed up honestly idk why she did the releases this way oh well. I loved Vallon and this ends on not a cliffhanger but it def left stuff up in air in some ways so that was also confusing to me since this should be standalone novella. I hope we do see them again then in maybe second wraith king book since that's main series?
August 24, 2025
📖 Kings & Bones
★★★★★
Juliette Cross you have done it again! You have created yet another world that I have fell in love with 😍😭
I loved this one from the second I opened in! I mean for starters you had me at the “big bad shadow daddy fae”😏
It has everything I could’ve wanted in a novella, my only wish is that there was more of it!
Despite this being a shorter read, so much happened without seeming rushed.
The romance / chemistry was on point.
There were dramatic scenes with damsel in distress vibes which I’m a sucker for.
Dual POV
You actually get a backstory of the characters which I really enjoyed and it gives you a hint of other stories surrounding other characters yet to come!
I actually enjoyed this novella more than book one in the King of Northgall series which surprised me in all honesty.
I will take book two now pls and thank you.
★★★★★
Juliette Cross you have done it again! You have created yet another world that I have fell in love with 😍😭
I loved this one from the second I opened in! I mean for starters you had me at the “big bad shadow daddy fae”😏
It has everything I could’ve wanted in a novella, my only wish is that there was more of it!
Despite this being a shorter read, so much happened without seeming rushed.
The romance / chemistry was on point.
There were dramatic scenes with damsel in distress vibes which I’m a sucker for.
Dual POV
You actually get a backstory of the characters which I really enjoyed and it gives you a hint of other stories surrounding other characters yet to come!
I actually enjoyed this novella more than book one in the King of Northgall series which surprised me in all honesty.
I will take book two now pls and thank you.
December 25, 2024
Short and sweet.
Adorei conhecer um pouco mais o padre dos shadow fae. Não esperava muito do Vallon vindo do livro anterior, mas aqui ele entregou tudo! Eu amei o romance dele com a Murgha. E também foi muito interessante acompanhar ela como alguém à margem da sociedade.
O mesmo defeito do livro anterior apareceu aqui, de ter passagens importantes que foram apenas citadas, como a Murgha sendo introduzida na sociedade dos shadow fae. E eu esperava que fosse uma história completa, mas o grande problema aqui nem foi resolvido e nem foi explicado direito, na verdade. Mas estou pronta para o próximo livro e ver qual é a do príncipe e qual é a desse grande mal que está assombrando as montanhas.
Adorei conhecer um pouco mais o padre dos shadow fae. Não esperava muito do Vallon vindo do livro anterior, mas aqui ele entregou tudo! Eu amei o romance dele com a Murgha. E também foi muito interessante acompanhar ela como alguém à margem da sociedade.
O mesmo defeito do livro anterior apareceu aqui, de ter passagens importantes que foram apenas citadas, como a Murgha sendo introduzida na sociedade dos shadow fae. E eu esperava que fosse uma história completa, mas o grande problema aqui nem foi resolvido e nem foi explicado direito, na verdade. Mas estou pronta para o próximo livro e ver qual é a do príncipe e qual é a desse grande mal que está assombrando as montanhas.
May 13, 2025
“The fact that no male saw fit that you were and are a female worth fighting for is their loss. But I’m here now… And I’ll kill anyone who dares to even touch you.”
The world building was impressive, especially for a novella. I would have loved a little more depth to the relationship but it was adequate for the length. My only real complaint is I’ve literally never read those words for the female anatomy in a book before (and I’ve read A LOT of romance) so every time those two words were used I was distracted. I actually had to put the book down to read about the author because I was wondering if perhaps she was Australian or something to indicate the different verbiage. (She’s not Australian. I’m apparently just a lot more prude than my kindle history would suggest. 🤣)
The world building was impressive, especially for a novella. I would have loved a little more depth to the relationship but it was adequate for the length. My only real complaint is I’ve literally never read those words for the female anatomy in a book before (and I’ve read A LOT of romance) so every time those two words were used I was distracted. I actually had to put the book down to read about the author because I was wondering if perhaps she was Australian or something to indicate the different verbiage. (She’s not Australian. I’m apparently just a lot more prude than my kindle history would suggest. 🤣)
November 28, 2025
Kings & Bones is a novella that tells the story of Murgda and Vallon. Vallon is the extremely attractive High Priest of the Shadow Fae, who also appears in The Wraith King. Murgda, on the other hand, is only briefly mentioned there when Una is talking to her sister Tessa (when she`s visiting the Beast Fae). The story is short, but bittersweet and steamy. It fits perfectly into the overall plot, but can also be read as a standalone story.
(Side note: The audiobook includes Tessa's and Bezaliel`s, the chief warrior of the Beast Fae, short story. Bezaliel shamelessly pulls out all the stops. - "Mother of Stars". - Indeed lol.
You can read it for free on the author's website: https://juliettecross.com/blogs/bonus...)
(Side note: The audiobook includes Tessa's and Bezaliel`s, the chief warrior of the Beast Fae, short story. Bezaliel shamelessly pulls out all the stops. - "Mother of Stars". - Indeed lol.
You can read it for free on the author's website: https://juliettecross.com/blogs/bonus...)
November 26, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Short Read - 170 Pages
-Great Chemistry
-Fated Mates
-Shadow Fae
A short, spicy, and surprisingly sweet read! At just 170 pages, the pacing is fast, and the chemistry between the characters is GREAT. The story follows a woman who is essentially gambled away by her father and then being abducted by a shadow fae, thrusting her into a tense and electrifying situation.
I really enjoyed the writing style—it managed to deliver solid world-building despite the brevity of the book. I couldn’t put it down! This story pulled me out of a six-month reading slump, and for that, I’m especially grateful.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
-Short Read - 170 Pages
-Great Chemistry
-Fated Mates
-Shadow Fae
A short, spicy, and surprisingly sweet read! At just 170 pages, the pacing is fast, and the chemistry between the characters is GREAT. The story follows a woman who is essentially gambled away by her father and then being abducted by a shadow fae, thrusting her into a tense and electrifying situation.
I really enjoyed the writing style—it managed to deliver solid world-building despite the brevity of the book. I couldn’t put it down! This story pulled me out of a six-month reading slump, and for that, I’m especially grateful.
November 26, 2024
“You’re also holding me against my will,” I snapped. “I’d say you’re the danger.” He chuckled lightly, the rumble vibrating to my back then he dipped his head close to my ear again. “Perhaps you’re right,” he crooned in that velvet voice. “Maybe you should be a good girl and not run off.”
This is a continuation of the first book (which I loved) but felt very much like a side story, which it is. It is a fine/cute novella. The sexy scenes were enjoyable too! I guess I would have liked more sustenance but it IS a novella.
May 27, 2025
Very short
Not understanding the novellas being added to this series instead of more full-length books. This book had the content for a full-length story since Murgda is a seer and the whole storyline with Vallon's king being a tyrant and killing all the seers. We could have built up the meeting of Vallon's family and the traveling to the mountains.
I love the content of this story and thoroughly enjoyed Murgda & Vallons characters so it being ended quite abruptly is odd to me. Why not make it a full length story or include it in the first book? 🤷♀️
Not understanding the novellas being added to this series instead of more full-length books. This book had the content for a full-length story since Murgda is a seer and the whole storyline with Vallon's king being a tyrant and killing all the seers. We could have built up the meeting of Vallon's family and the traveling to the mountains.
I love the content of this story and thoroughly enjoyed Murgda & Vallons characters so it being ended quite abruptly is odd to me. Why not make it a full length story or include it in the first book? 🤷♀️
November 17, 2024
A similar version of this novella appeared in the anthology The Lovely Dark released this summer. I remember feeling that it felt a bit incomplete but I really enjoyed the world building. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve now read book 1 in the series (The Wraith King) or if the author made some tweaks and edits, but this version felt more comprehensive. I tried to compare it with the original from the anthology but it’s no longer available.
November 20, 2024
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
2.5 🌶🌶
Just a quick Novella about the Shadow Priest Vallon and the half Light Fae half Wood Fae Murgha. Not a whole lot of progression towards the pain plot, mostly a quick spicy read. There was a short at the end, "The Beast Fae's Bargain," about Murgha's sister Tessa and her Beast Fae Mate Bezaliel. If the second book is as good as the short, then 2025 is going to be really entertaining. ❤️🔥
Tropes
✅️One Bed
✅️Fated Mates
✅️Shadow Fae
✅️Prophecy
2.5 🌶🌶
Just a quick Novella about the Shadow Priest Vallon and the half Light Fae half Wood Fae Murgha. Not a whole lot of progression towards the pain plot, mostly a quick spicy read. There was a short at the end, "The Beast Fae's Bargain," about Murgha's sister Tessa and her Beast Fae Mate Bezaliel. If the second book is as good as the short, then 2025 is going to be really entertaining. ❤️🔥
Tropes
✅️One Bed
✅️Fated Mates
✅️Shadow Fae
✅️Prophecy
July 19, 2025
Quickie
Quick cute read. Completed this after the wraith king. Of course I want more! I read both the novella and short story. Glad we’re getting stories on some of the male warriors from the first book. I like the different POVs in each book. The Shadow Fae and Beast Fae were so intimidating it’s nice to see their gentler sides. Interesting plot with all the evil magic brewing and tying their stories somehow. Can’t wait for the next book!
Quick cute read. Completed this after the wraith king. Of course I want more! I read both the novella and short story. Glad we’re getting stories on some of the male warriors from the first book. I like the different POVs in each book. The Shadow Fae and Beast Fae were so intimidating it’s nice to see their gentler sides. Interesting plot with all the evil magic brewing and tying their stories somehow. Can’t wait for the next book!
December 26, 2025
This was a re-read for me as I read it as part of the lovely dark trilogy last year.
After reading Beast Lord I knew I had to revisit this story. I just can’t get enough of this world!!
My favourite part is Vallon having tea with Gwendazelle - so sweet.
I also loved the new bonus chapter at the end of Tessa and Bezaliel.
Much needed and I could read an entire book of them!!
Can’t wait for more of this universe. ✨✨✨
After reading Beast Lord I knew I had to revisit this story. I just can’t get enough of this world!!
My favourite part is Vallon having tea with Gwendazelle - so sweet.
I also loved the new bonus chapter at the end of Tessa and Bezaliel.
Much needed and I could read an entire book of them!!
Can’t wait for more of this universe. ✨✨✨
January 30, 2025
3.5⭐
This book went kind of crazy up until they 👉👌 and I was like, for a first time, that is actually insane. Then it was like omg ILY we've known each other for two days yay!!!!!
Idk it was short and fun though so I can't really complain lol.
Also, the little shorter story at the end was also insane. That may be for some people but not for me!!! But go off I guess🫣
This book went kind of crazy up until they 👉👌 and I was like, for a first time, that is actually insane. Then it was like omg ILY we've known each other for two days yay!!!!!
Idk it was short and fun though so I can't really complain lol.
Also, the little shorter story at the end was also insane. That may be for some people but not for me!!! But go off I guess🫣
April 4, 2025
Why is this so short?!?!?! I NEED MORE!!!!!!
I want 5 books of this world and these relationships. Are you kidding me?! he is a hot priest with wings and claws and horns and long hair, give me a demon that is obsessed with me and wants to marry me asap under the moonlight, I thought I was gone for Goll but now here comes this sexy demon priest.
I need the next book NOW
I want 5 books of this world and these relationships. Are you kidding me?! he is a hot priest with wings and claws and horns and long hair, give me a demon that is obsessed with me and wants to marry me asap under the moonlight, I thought I was gone for Goll but now here comes this sexy demon priest.
I need the next book NOW
July 7, 2025
Kings and Bones by Juliette Cross
An enjoyable novella set in The Rise of Northgall series. Despite its shorter length, it still felt like a complete and satisfying story—something many novellas struggle to achieve. The pacing was solid, the main characters were likeable, and I especially appreciated the inclusion of how the heroine’s sister, Tessa, met her mate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
An enjoyable novella set in The Rise of Northgall series. Despite its shorter length, it still felt like a complete and satisfying story—something many novellas struggle to achieve. The pacing was solid, the main characters were likeable, and I especially appreciated the inclusion of how the heroine’s sister, Tessa, met her mate.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
November 24, 2025
3,5⭐️
Novella 1.5, qui se passe juste après The Wraith King/Le Roi des Érèbes
Petite romance paranormale avec un MMC fae de l'ombre qui a des yeux rouges et des ailes de chauves souris.
Très court donc pas très développé, le smut était un peu cringe mais la romance était plutôt mignonne.
Pas intéressée par le tome 2 sur les beast faes mais à voir sur quoi sera le tome 3.
Novella 1.5, qui se passe juste après The Wraith King/Le Roi des Érèbes
Petite romance paranormale avec un MMC fae de l'ombre qui a des yeux rouges et des ailes de chauves souris.
Très court donc pas très développé, le smut était un peu cringe mais la romance était plutôt mignonne.
Pas intéressée par le tome 2 sur les beast faes mais à voir sur quoi sera le tome 3.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews