1001 Nights with the Lycan King: Will She Survive?

by Ruby K.

The bloodthirsty King demands a one bride per year, found lifeless in her marital bed by morning's light. Amidst the undulating waves of golden sand dunes, the kingdom of Elamaria has been haunted by this sinister tradition for the last decade. One young woman, Amara, dares to defy fate.

Stepping into her sister's role as the king's chosen bride, she enters a world of treachery and deceit. But as the night unfolds, Amara discovers a chilling truth—there is a danger lurking within the castle walls, more deadly than the Crimson King himself.

With time slipping away and where every sunrise might be her last, Amara must unravel the secrets shrouded in darkness. Will she survive to see another dawn and expose the true face of evil that haunts the realm?

In this captivating tale of love, courage, and betrayal, Amara finds herself falling for the one man she swore to kill—her husband, the murderous king who would sooner see her dead than let her live to see another day. Or...would he?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Retellings, Romantasy, M F Romance, Fantasy Romance

359 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2025

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed 1001 Nights With the Lycan King! I've always loved retellings of 1001 Nights, and when I saw Ruby K's had a lycan twist I knew I had to read it!

I loved Amara's love for her family and her people. I really enjoyed her interactions with Zayed as she got to know him and realized maybe he wasn't the horrible tyrant everyone believed he was.

The only issue I had with the book was surrounding the curse. There are a couple of elements that were never explained or just didn't line up for me. I enjoyed the story enough that I decided to ignore them and move on.

I'm on the absolute edge of my seat for book 2!

Thank you for the ARC Ruby K!

[Nonagesimus Reads [Em] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I was nervous to read this when I first started, I didn’t know what to expect. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a retelling, but this one kept me invested. This was so good I finished it in a day.

Amara decides to take her sister’s place to marry the Crimson King. She just has to try to survive. She has the fighting skills, but she also has the storytelling ability to keep him interested. When Zayed gets into her stories, she’s sure she’s going to survive and be the one to finally destroy the king. Then she starts to get to know him and she falls for him. Once the romance started, I was even more on board with this book. It develops so well and never feels forced once ounce. I appreciate although they grow to care for each other in a short amount of time, it wasn’t insta love. It’s genuine and true.

The other awesome part about this book was the action. Amara knows how to fight and there’s a few awesome scenes. There’s also other great action scenes happening that had me speeding through because they just were so good. This book contains the romance and action needed for an excellent story.

Also I love Baghel. That’s all I will say.

The ending left me shocked and excited for more. This is going to be a fantastic series, and I am eager to get my hands on the new installment when available.

Thank you so much to the author for this ARC!

[Cynthia Delgado · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My FMC, Amara, is not a chosen one. She is not a princess but a peasant. She is not a destined mate, and she does not possess any magical powers. But she is determined and courageous, which is what we truly need to overcome the trials and tribulations that can often blindside us."
That dedication is what told me I needed to read this book, I started this without knowing much of the story, but just those words at the beginning got me, and I knew without a doubt I won't be dissapointed. I enjoyed the plot, the realistic scenarios, how she can be strong and yet bleed, cry and get bruised, I loved that she is not just a damsel in distress but an inteligent and strong and real woman. And if you need more, well, let me just add this quote as well
"Being brave does not mean the warrior does not fear death; it means that despite your fear, you meet it with eyes wide open, knowing that in the moment of your final breath, you have lived fully and without regret"
Waiting -not so patiently- for next book

[Ashley’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Ruby K and her incredible team for providing me with a copy of this ARC!

I must admit, this is my first experience with this author, but it certainly won’t be my last!

This captivating fairytale retelling is filled with action, romance, witches, curses, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat! I was thrilled to delve into the journey of a strong, determined female protagonist. It’s an enemies-to-lovers tale that’s utterly unputdownable.

As for the spice, I’d rate it 🌶️.5, featuring scenes I believe.

If you’re a fan of retellings, shifter stories, and thrilling action, this book is a must-read! I can’t wait to see where this story takes me next!

[Kayleigh Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so amazing, I’m sad I couldn’t finish it in one sitting. It was so good, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering how this story could possibly end. Who was the enemy? Who was killing the brides? So many questions that were thankfully answered but I need book 2 like yesterday… Witches, demons, shifters, spice, kings and queens and so much family drama and a beautiful love story. I wish I had a man that in love with me. I cried from fear (that demon was scary as h3ll) and cried from how beautifully this was written! Thank you to the Author for the ARC! I can’t wait to read the next book!!!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book interesting and fresh take on fairytale retelling couldn’t put it down it was some how a mix of Arabian nights and 1 night with the king mixed with a little bit of everything you love from a romantasy enemies to lovers touch her and die misunderstood “villain” the only thing is I wish it didn’t end on a cliff hanger it had the potential to complete the story in this book imo but it was overall a good read and very well written

[Laura Vincenzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5. Too preachy, this narration explains a LOT and ends with an insatisfactory cliffhanger (I mean, the MC didn't defeat any opponent in the entire story, not even at the end, although she is allegedly a mighty warrior!). And the romance was so... boring. The original story of Scheherazade in the 1001 Arabian Nights is much more compelling.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advance Reader Copy

1001 Nights With The Lycan King
Ruby K

Spice(out of 5): 🌶️ (Very Mild - Maybe three small scenes that are pretty tame, but very enjoyable)

Possible Triggers: Talk of sexual abuse, Blood, Murder, Betrayal, death of a baby (In one part)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Arranged Marriage, Cliffhanger Ending, Empowered FMC, Furry Companion, Fairytale Retelling, Lycan, Witch, Demon

-------------------

Book Summary:
Elamaria: A kingdom of sand, enchanting stories, and home to a sinister decade-long tradition: One Bride, each year, must die to sate the blood-thirsty king.

Amara, a young woman striving to become a blade-caller (an elite unit of female soldiers), volunteers in her sister's place when the crown chooses her as the next Bride to a ruthless king, but she does so intending to finally kill the murderous monarch, and free her people from his wrath. But now, in a world of politics, danger, treachery, and deceit, she discovers the chilling truth - that the palace has a dark secret lurking within the walls, and not all as it seems. This story is a tale of love, courage, and betrayal.

-------------------

Thoughts:
1001 Nights with the Lycan King is the first book in a retelling of the famous 1001 Nights.
I was pulled in immediately with the prologue - it already sounded so enchanting in the first few sentences, and my interest remained well into the first part of the first chapter. Reading of a different setting from the usual fairy-tale or fantasy settings was refreshing. The sand, the clothes, and the weapons used all helped to create a beautiful backdrop.

Amara, our main female character, is the narrator of this book. She is a steadfast woman, eager to train and pass her tests to become one of the realm's elite female soldiers. Amara is strong and determined but also soft and super caring. Every side to her personality comes out throughout this first book, and it's so wonderful to see a woman who doesn't suddenly change her personality halfway through after finding an intense lover or after being mentally or physically pushed down one too many times - she gets back up and keeps fighting for what she believes in.
Zayed, our Main Male character, is complex - and saying too much about him would likely ruin some things, so I'll leave that to you to discover. But all of the characters, Side characters included, offer so much to the book, and each brings a new set of emotions: Anger, frustration, love, humour, and much more. Genuinely, they were all so good that I didn't know who to trust - I got suspicious of several characters at one point - so I'm glad I didn't piece things together TOO fast. The witch was a complete surprise, though - very unexpected until the ending chapters.

-------------------

I thoroughly enjoyed this read, but if I had to pick a few things I wish were a little better, it would be:

1. The Enemy to Lover aspect that is said to be in the book. I am a massive fan of enemy-to-lover stories; it's one of my favourite tropes, so the quick romance in this book didn't reflect what I would consider a full-on enemy-to-lover situation; there wasn't enough, in my view, to be regarded as such, especially when it wasn't personal hate, but instead based on hearsay, which wasn't enough for me to think 'Yes, that's her enemy, she absolutely despises him', and..it also moved on from 'hate' too fast.
That said, I did enjoy Amara and Zayed together. I just saw their beginning more like a fiercely cautious discovery type of relationship. Despite the lack of said trope, I fell in love with the quick-building relationship between characters. The language used was so elegant and very alluring to read. These moments were some of my favourites in the story, and that is coming from someone who doesn't usually like fast-paced romance.

2. The small repetition. Some scenes lack variety. An example would be the combat scenes, especially in the beginning. I thought I was rereading sentences when I saw 'Sand shifted' written so much, but it didn't bother me to the point that I wanted to stop reading at any time.

3. Characters. There were some characters I wish we saw or knew more of. Ashad was one of them. We meet him in the first chapter, introduced as a best friend, and his story becomes a little muddled. I'd love to see what becomes of his character with what transpired. Amara's father would be another one to revisit. We didn't see him after Amara entered the palace but saw her sister several times. Amara left the palace several times or could have written something, so I wonder why she didn't try to check in on her father, whom she doted on before.


Overall, though, 1001 Nights captivated me. I enjoyed piecing together the lore behind the curse, and I'm very much looking forward to revisiting these characters and unravelling more of the story.

-------------------

Quotes

1

“The world is not black and white, and neither are the people in it. Each person has their own story, their own reasons, their own pain.”...“And it is only when we begin to understand and empathize with each other's struggles that we can truly hope for a better tomorrow.”

2

“With her fire and resilience…she found her way into my heart, a quiet thief of my very soul. And I would sooner forsake all that I hold dear—every dream, every valuable item I possess, every tether to this world—than ever witness the light of life dim from her eyes, for that would be the end of all I am.”

3

“The flashier the sword, the more useless the wielder”4

4

I am a child of the desert, born from the fiery sands and relentless sun. A product of its volatility, of its vast expanse of shifting dunes and scorching winds. With every step I take, the grains of sand whisper ancient tales of the survival of my people.”

5

“I am a daughter of Elamaria. I will be our salvation from him.”

[Liron Reznik Nevet · Rating 3 out of 5]

rating 3.5 stars. I really liked the idea of the book, and the combination of the tale of 1001 nights with the world created by the author, the shifters and the magic. but I think the book can be improved significantly with some good serious editing, because the text was just too long with lots of repetitive descriptions.. also reported several typos

[Rachel’s Coffee & Rain Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m torn between 3 and 4 stars for this one. The concept was so promising and I was looking forward to starting it once the I received the ARC for book 2. The characters were all complex, layered, and dynamic. The world was dark. On paper, this had the makings of a stellar enemies to lovers arranged marriage romantasy. Add shifters and I’m sold every day of the week. So let’s get into why it’s not rated higher for me.

What I liked:

- the characters: Amara was super interesting and complex. Volunteering for her sister with the aim to kill the Crimson King, even knowing she’d die in the process, made her a compelling FMC. Trained as a warrior but not a chosen one, I liked her pragmatic approach and logistical thinking. She was bold at times, but also sat back and observed. When she realized things at the palace were not as they seemed she was open minded and accepted that she didn’t have all the information. I appreciate that in a FMC, who leaves room for alternative explanations and more information.

King Zayed was even more intriguing. I couldn’t figure him out for the first bit, but in the best way. He was layered, complicated, sometimes morally gray, sometimes sweet, and I could not discern his motivations or his involvement. He flirted, but then was cold and calculating. He made me keep reading because I was dying to know who he was and who he’d end up being.

- the murder of the brides: this mystery drove the first half of the book, and it was a good one. I could not figure out what was going on. What is Zayed? Someone else? And accident? The author did an excellent job making me want to keep reading, and her answers to my many questions.

- the side characters: everyone was suspect, and that’s hard to do. But also enjoyable? I knew a twist had to be coming but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

- the world building: the world was lush and well developed. I could see where they were and understood the dynamics. It was well detailed without being tedious.

Now what didn’t quite work for me:

- the romance: unfortunately I was on the fence about the romance. The chemistry was palpable and I wanted them to get together, but something about the writing took some of the tension and feeling away. I was happy when they got together, but I felt removed from it, like I was watching it happen from afar and not immersed in it.

- the writing: I’m not entirely sure what it was about the writing style that didn’t work for me, but it felt amateurish, repetitive at times, and in need of a polish. It was good enough I read it easily and wanted to keep going, but the style was very “tell not show” and everything felt like there was a layer of removal from the story/characters. When a book is so well written you’re feeling every emotion with the characters and you’re on the edge of your seat as if you’re in the story, it highlights books that don’t evoke that same response. This one was good, but only just. I didn’t feel particularly connected to anyone or anything, reading it for enjoyment and wanting answers, but not because I’m so invested it’s like I’m in the story. By the end, the writing had become a tad tedious, with the things so explained it was like an essay about the book instead of the actual story.

Overall? Between 3 and 4 stars. I’ll read book 2 as I was given the ARC and I want to see what happens, but I don’t feel as invested as I’d hoped and am left slightly disappointed as I don’t feel much at all about the story.

[BiblioDarling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating System (as of 8/14/2025):
⭐: It was a struggle to read. I almost DNF
⭐⭐: This could have been so much better.
⭐⭐⭐: Good/Average
⭐⭐⭐⭐: Great book. I will probably reread it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I absolutely loved this book.
***********************************************************************
Triggers:
🚩Violence
🚩Murder
🚩Sorcery/Witchcraft
🚩Murder/Death of an Infant
🚩Attempted Sexual Assault

Tropes:
💕Lycan/Human Relationship
💕Hate to Love
💕OW Drama
💕Mystery/Suspense
💕Curse
💕Alpha/Warrior Female
💕Touch Her and Die
💕Forced Proximity
💕Arranged Marriage
💕Slow Burn

Spice Level: 🔥🔥🔥

Spice Level Rating System (as of 9/4/25)
🔥: Clean. Handholding. Kissing.
🔥🔥: Non-Descriptive/Implied on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥: Hot-Descriptive on Page Sex
🔥🔥🔥🔥: So Hot—Do Not Read in Public
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥: Oh My-BDSM. Blood Play. Smut.
************************************************************************
Quote:
"This is a fairytale retelling of 1001 Arabian Nights (not to be confused with Aladdin!)."

Summary:
This book is book one in the series and ends on a cliffhanger.

MMC has been married several times and each time he kills his wife. The longest timeframe one of his wives has lived is five days. It is known in his kingdom that if you have a daughter to marry her off asap as she could become the MMCs next victim. FMC is engaged and training as a warrior. Her sister is engaged as well. The king's man comes to choose a wife and chooses the FMCs sister.

Neither the MMC nor FMC realizes just how much their relationship will change not only their lives but the kingdom. FMC must figure out a way to stay alive. Secrets will be revealed. Curses will be revealed. Enemies posing as friends will be revealed. You will be surprised to find out who is behind it all.

Review:
I have never read 1001 Arabian Nights, but this book made me want to. I loved it. I read it in one sitting and finished at 1:30am----with a CLIFFHANGER. I cannot wait until book two. The FMC is strong and smart. She is written in such a way that you cheer for her. The MMC is written in a way that makes you want to love him, want to see him fall in love and when he does ❤

There is so much I want to say but as per usual I don't want to spoil it for you---unless you want me too. I loved the relationship between the two sisters and also between the MMC and his best friend. I found myself suspicious and upset with the MMCs uncle.

There is just so much I can say about the twists and turns---just read the book.
*****************************************************************************
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[S. Shybrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

”I could no more fear you than the sky fears the storm–it may rage, but it is what brings the rain and breathes life into the earth.”

“I would willingly sacrifice a thousand kingdoms for you. I will not let you go. If ever there is one thing in which I am selfish…let it be this…let it be you.”

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5 (rounded up)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5 / 5

Okay, full disclosure–I cut my smut teeth, so to speak, on episodic storytelling apps like Dreame. Knowing that, it’s no surprise I enjoyed this full-length published story from Ruby K. It has that same feel, where it hooks you and pulls you in, stays on the edge of believability (teetering over here and there), then drops little baby cliffhangers in every chapter.

Approach this Arabian Nights retelling from that perspective, and I highly suspect you’ll get lost in 1001 Nights with the Lycan King like the savory indulgence it is.

This romantasy has drama, spice, intrigue, loads of magical elements, and a nice little plot twist and cliffhanger to send you off to wait for the second installment (and Ruby says Amara’s story will be a duet, with stories from the same world to come in single books).

Speaking of Amara, she's a strong and capable FMC, which I love to see. She's headstrong, stubborn, driven, and determined. Does that mean she also makes a crap ton of assumptions that she'd be better off asking questions about? Um, of course. But in this plot-heavy tale, her shortcomings evolve and can be forgiven in favor of the sweet, romantic moments that are so hard fought.

Was it cheesy at times? Yes. Predictable? For sure. Fun? Oh, gosh, yes. And, as so many excellent episodic storytellers do, Ruby K is deft at creating a world with just enough detail to keep you engaged, curious, and reading one more chapter.

For fans of episodic storytelling style (e.g. Dreame, Galatea)--Jenny Fox, Ambernique Legget, and similar.

📚Fast facts📚
✨ Lycan / shifter
✨ Enemies-to-lovers
✨ Strong, capable, takes-no-shit FMC
✨ Twists & turns
✨ Curses, witches, demonic creatures
✨ First in a duet (with more to come in the world)
✨ Romantasy MF
✨ Single POV, first person, past tense

I am grateful to the author to have received an ARC of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.

[N.M Thota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever feel like after completing a book, you are so stunned that coming back to the real world feels jarring. This is what it felt like for me. 1001 nights with the Lycan King is a fairy tale retelling of Arabian Nights. But while the author takes the basic elements of the 1001 Nights, she introduces enough elements to make the story anything but predictable.
The story takes place in a fictional land of Elamaria, a feudalistic society with archaic customs against women. There are some significant triggers in this book that one does need to pay attention to. The king of the land, the MMC, Zayed, is a tyrant who marries and kills many brides and searches for the next. Amara, the FMC, offers herself up in place of her sister, when she is chosen by the vizier as the next bride.

She resolves to kill him herself, calling on her skills as trainee Blade-Caller, an honorable military group of women. This is where the story begins and then it twists and turns, each bend unpredictable and keeps you rooted to the plot.

Amara is an intensely likeable heroine, strong, idealistic and warm with a soft spot to the downtrodden and commoners, which pits her against the rich nobles of the kingdom. Her greatest strength however turns out to her husband, her king, who loves and supports her. Their romance which is a strong point of the story, is dealt with in a touching way.

Zayed is a misunderstood ruler who had suffered through a tragedy in his childhood due to his despot father. He is unfairly cursed. As the story evolves, Amara becomes his strength, his hope, his reason for sanity.

There are many elements to the story - there is a rebellion growing because of all the deaths of the previous queens, who were picked from the daughters of commoners. Then there is a curse, a famine, a ghost, a plague and otherworldly elements. The shifter lycans are another crucial element. The politics of a ruling kingdom along with their alliances and the reasons behind the codependence are well explored gradually. The world building is top-notch.

The book ended in an unforeseen betrayal and a twist that was only partially predictable and left me yearning to know more.

[Kellyanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone that knows me knows that I love a good book and in the last couple of years I have been hooked on shifter books and this book is no exception.

This is the first novel I have read that has been written by Ruby K and it did not disappoint.
It is a fairy tale book filled with spice, romance, twists, turns, curses, witches and more. As soon as you start reading the first chapter the story hooks you in and leaves you wanting more. Think of Arabian Nights with a twist.

FMC - Amara
You have a strong yet driven FMC who holds her own. I love her determination to not only want to protect her sisters but to also want to change her destiny. You can see throughout the book that what you see is what you get with her which is so refreshing. Also her bonds that she has with her sisters is just beautiful.

MMC - Zayed
The MMC is a complex character who is misunderstood. He has so much depth and reminds me of an onion where you have to peel back the layers to uncover all aspects of what/who he truly is. Also him being the King isn't easy and he is faced with difficult choices. One of those choices is that he has to choose a bride. Upon choosing his bride I think the last thing he expected was to fall for her (Amara).

Their romance is not easy as that would be too simple. Their story is an enemy to lovers' tales and it is beautifully told with twists and turns that has you guessing what will happen next and who you can trust.

I couldn't put this book down as it keeps you teetering on the edge of your seat. There is a cliff-hanger and OMG what a cliff-hanger it is. I am so looking forward to book 2 in this tale.

This book is truly really well written and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a shifter story.

I am grateful to the author Ruby K for giving me the opportunity to receive an ARC copy of this story! This is my honest and unbiased review.

Thank you Ruby K.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first 5 star read of 2025! I'm so glad I requested this ARC because I didn't want to put it down right from the time I started reading it. The Arabian Nights stories have always been my favourite since I was a kid, especially Scheherazade's story, so I'm always looking for retellings or books with similar themes.

At first, it reminded me of The Wrath and the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh due to certain elements, but it quickly took me on a unique journey filled with twists and turns. The plot was thought-out and executed wonderfully, and there was never a dull moment in the book.

I loved the characters - not just the main ones but also the supporting characters and villains. They had depth; their motives, thought processes, emotions, reactions were all described well. Amara was a great FMC and Zayed complemented her well. I like that she was strong and independent, and Zayed encouraged that rather than feeling threatened by her. I was a little sad by the fate of a beloved character, and I can't wait for Amara to avenge them.

I did suspect a particular character of being the villain quite early on, but the revelation at the end still took me by surprise. The author did a wonderful job in building up the tension by gradually increasing the intensity of the events that led to the final OMG moment.

The best part of the book were the Blade-Callers, the female warriors meant to protect the kingdom. They were loyal and fiercely protectives. I want to see more of them in the coming books, and how they help Amara and Zayed in their fight.

Overall, this was an absolutely amazing book, and I'm going to be thinking about it for a long time. I hope the author comes out with the next book soon. I recommend this book to all the romantic fantasy lovers who enjoy books with a strong heroine, female empowerment, mystery, unexpected twists, and a cinnamon roll hero disguised as morally grey one.

[Kellie Grandstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruby K.'s 1001 Nights with the Lycan King is a spellbinding blend of fairytale magic, dark intrigue, and heart-pounding romance. This retelling, set against a rich Middle Eastern backdrop, immediately captivated me.

Amara, a fierce and self-sacrificing heroine, takes her sister’s place as the cursed King Zayed's bride, determined to survive.  She possesses both fighting skills and the storytelling ability to keep the king interested.  Their relationship evolves from suspicion and animosity to a deep, undeniable bond filled with tension, passion, and unwavering loyalty. The romance develops organically and genuinely.

Amara is a strong-willed, independent woman. She soon discovers that King Zayed is far more than the monster the kingdom believes him to be. As Amara fights for what she believes in, they must navigate various challenges. The action is notable, with several awesome scenes showcasing Amara's fighting prowess. The book seamlessly combines romance and action, creating an excellent and gripping story. 

The plot is gripping, pulling you in with its world-building, although I wish the shifter world was more intertwined. There were points in the story where i craved more imgur about the history that got us to this point. Why are there so few lycans? What happens to the rest of Amara's family? Little points that were mentioned early on then left open-ended. 

Despite these little complaints and the looming cliffhanger at the end, each page keeps you enthralled. The book delivers a compelling dynamic, complete with a little spice and a MASSIVE plot twist. The ending left me shocked. devastated, and desperate for more. This is going to be a fantastic series, and I am impatiently awaiting the next installment. 

"Being brave does not mean the warrior does not fear death; it means that despite your fear, you meet it with eyes wide open, knowing that in the moment of your final breath, you have lived fully and without regret." - page 270

[Casia Pickering · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite classics has to be 1001 Arabian Nights. Written as a story in a story, the original text (well, translated into English for me) has it all: intrigue, magic, political unrest, and a strong female lead doing everything she can to not only save her life, but the future lives of other women. Ruby K’s fantasy retelling, 1001 Nights with the Lycan King, has all of that and a lycan!

What is a lycan? In short, a lycan is a werewolf. In many shifter romances, the lycan is a bigger and stronger version of the wolf shifter. Most of the shifter romances I’ve read with a lycan made them just big wolves and not that impressive.

That is not the case with this book. The lycan king is a tortured soul of a man who quickly endears himself to the reader and female lead, Amara. The lycan? Talk about scary!

When I first encountered the lycan, I was hooked. The tension and fear was intense.

Ruby K’s writing is easy to get into. It’s entertaining and pulls you in. The scenes that are filled with action or tension is palpable. And when a heavy subject is being addressed, you can’t help but feel the same was as Amara.

Lately, there haven’t been many books I could just sit and read. Part of that is because of the current environment. Part of it is because I haven’t been able to spend my whole day focusing on books. But, when it happens, when a book’s world just keeps me tethered and hungry, it is one of the best feelings as a reader.

1001 Nights with the Lycan King did that for me. It is hands down the quickest read I’ve had this year. The world is arid, dangerous, and beautifully written. Ruby K has a fan in me. As soon as I finished, I wanted more. Alas, I have to wait.

And so, I write this review with the hope that someone else will be as tortured as me and the Lycan King.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️

A retelling of Arabian Nights, but with shifters? Yes, please! Ruby K did not disappoint with her latest book.The first book of a duology and it hooks you quickly. A romantasy perfectly balanced with drama, spice, intrigue, tons of magic, and plot twists that you don’t see coming. Ruby shows off her talent in writing shifter romances that holds your attention and doesn't let go.

Amara is strong, determined, and resilient. Not only is she fighting to protect her sisters, but she wants more out of her own life. She is unapologetically herself throughout the book and will do anything for her sisters. Their bond is beautifully written and you easily feel how much they all mean to one another. As her journey progresses, I loved seeing her fight for what she believes in, never backing down, and always staying true to herself.

Zayed is misunderstood in so many ways. His complexity adds to the drama within the story and as his layers are peeled back you can’t help but love him. He is faced with becoming king, a title he isn’t sure he can live up to, and his journey to accept this fate is full of intrigue. As he truly gets to know Amara, it is easy to see why he falls for her. However, how can he get her to fall for him?

Ruby K has always excelled in writing shifter, paranormal romantasies. Her passion for storytelling is evident in all of her books. She has a talent for writing FMCs that are strong, resilient, and beautiful inside and out. Her MMCs are vulnerable, will do anything to protect their women, and loyal to their families, friends, and pack. I am so excited to see how this story will conclude! Another wonderful story by Ruby K!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🔥Shifter Romance
💜Enemies to Lovers
🔥Unavoidable Proximity
💜He Falls First
🔥Touch Her and 💀

[Breanin Berrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need the sequel immediately, I can’t wait for Dec. 27 🥲

I have read many a fairytale retelling. And I have read MANY Arabian Nights retellings (I went through a phase in middle school). So when I downloaded this one (for free off of a stuff your kindle event, mind you.. SCORE) I was not expecting to be as engrossed in it as I was.

Tropes included:
- shifter MC
- plot twist
- strong FMC
- court intrigue
- adult MCs
- enemies to lovers
- arranged marriage

The plot starts out the same as any Arabian Nights retelling. The king needs his bride of the year, he picks the strong and witty FMC who knows her death warrant was just signed. But after the marriage ceremony.. things aren’t all that they seem.

This is what this book has that many other indie/ smaller authors in my experience are often lacking: MAIN CHARACTERS WHO PROGRESS THE DAMN PLOT

It’s become a small pet peeve of mine ever since I figured out that usually when I don’t like a character… it’s because they are useless to the plot. And many characters are underdeveloped in this way. But here’s the thing with Amara (our FMC of this novel). Amara is not a relatable girl. She’s a badass who I couldn’t hold a candle to. But I love her and empathize with her because she is SO proactive. Her character is well balanced and well written.

The fact that Ruby K was able to develop that efficiently is a good clue that she thoroughly develops the rest of her novel that way.

I also take no small amount of satisfaction that I called the entire plot twist, almost down to the exact minute detail. There were just enough clues for me to figure it out and stay until the reveal at the end, but not so many that it doesn’t even qualify as a plot twist.

This book is easy to read, FUN to read, and incredible.

Pick it up and support this amazing author. She deserves it 🥹

[Megan (lost among the stacks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild take on the Arabian Nights retelling! This story has something for everyone; political intrigue, shifters, a curse, demons, and romance! The plot will have you hanging on to the edge of your seat and unable to put the book down for fear of missing out!

The characters in this book are the absolute highlight! Amara's strength and personality are top notch! She is the embodiment of the Blade-callers and does not let anyone or anything stand in her way of what she believes is right. I love that she took the place of her sister to give her a chance at the happiness currently just out of her grasp. But then to see her attitude change towards Zayed and her new role was incredible. Zayed is such a contradiction of a man and I adore all the sides of this character. Whereas with Amara what you see is what you get, Zayed has layers that I still don't believe have been uncovered yet! I needed no convincing to like this man, I was his from his very first appearance.

The secondary characters are fantastic and aside from Baghel I did not know who to trust. I love it! They are all so well written that I both enjoyed their scenes but was distrustful of everyone and continued to look for clues on who was going to break my heart. So masterfully written that while I had an inkling I was still shocked at the reveal! Plot twist for the WIN!

The plot was plotting the entire time and kept me thoroughly engaged. I loved all of the different facets of the plot and the small subplots inside of it. There were a couple times I needed to catch my breath because I wasn't sure what to expect next. And then ... THAT ENDING. I knew there was going to be a cliff hanger but holy heck. I'll warn you, watch out for that first step - it's a doozy!

I highly recommend this book for anyone that enjoys retellings and shifters. This is an excellent start to a new series and will keep you wanting more until that very last page. I fell in love with the world, the characters, and the plot and I cannot wait for book 2. Don't miss out on this banger!

Happy Reading!

I read this as an ARC. The thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I would willingly sacrifice a thousand kingdoms for you. I will not let you go. If ever there is one thing in which I am selfish…let it be this…let it be you.”

This Arabian nights-esk book follows a bloodthirsty King who demands a one bride per year. Each of these brides are dead by the morning after. But, one young woman, Amara, defies the fate of the king. Amara takes her sister's place in the lottery to be the king's chosen bride. She is a sword fighter and manages to survive the night. She discovers there is a danger lurking within the castle walls, which may not be the King himself. Amara finds herself falling for the man she is set to kill—her husband, the blood thirsty king, or is he?

I can't even with this book! I was immediately sucked into the story, I craved more. The novel is so well written and easy to understand. The author depicts a clear imagery of Middle Eastern culture and scenery. The female main character is a bad ass heroine, who defies all odds. The male main character is actually a cinnamon roll who is disguised as a morally grey one. And these are my favorite book boyfriends! I loved the dark romance vibes the beginning of the book, along with the mystery, shocking twists, shifter romance, and the female empowerment. The spice is also nice and not forced. This book is a 10/10 and I am counting the days until the next installment.

Book Troupes Include:

👑 Royal Lycan
🕌 Arabian Nights Vibes 🐪
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers
⚔️ Strong Female Lead
🐺 Human/ Shifter Romance
🪄 Paranormal: Curses, witches, demonic creatures
🐦‍🔥 Romantasy
🖤 Morally Grey MMC
🐺Cinnamon roll MMC
🌶️🌶️Spice

[Chantel Mercer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruby K.'s 1001 Nights with the Lycan King is a must-read for fans of action-packed romance and intense fantasy. From the very first page, it draws you into a world of fairytale magic mixed with dark twists. The plot is gripping, holding readers in suspense right up to the last moment.

The story centers on Amara, who steps in for her sister, Asya, after she is chosen to be the king’s bride in a deadly tradition. Determined to save her sister, Amara plans to kill the king and break the curse. However, when she takes Asya’s place, she discovers that King Zayed is far more complicated—and dangerous—than she ever imagined.

As the two grow closer, an unexpected bond forms, and a fast-paced romance begins to develop. But their love faces numerous challenges, from wars and rebels to a kingdom on the verge of collapse. The greatest danger, however, may be lurking much closer than they think.

The story builds toward a breathtaking climax, with Chapter 26 leaving readers reeling. Can Amara survive the political intrigue? Is true love even possible? Or will the threat from within prove to be too much to overcome?

I can't wait for the next book! Highly recommended for anyone who loves thrilling, heart-pounding fantasy.

[Alyson Shapiro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just entered the world of fairytale retelling. This is the second one I have read and wow! I was blown away!!! Ruby’s books never disappoint and this one proved just that. She always amazes me with her details and story building.

1 bride chosen per year to be married by the king himself and every year the next day, the bride is found dead in her marital bed. Well, along comes Amara who vows to try and change that when she stands in for her sister who was chosen to be the next bride. She believes she has the power to change the fate for all who might follow after her. Everything changes though once Amara says “I Do”. Amara discovers some dark secrets and that just can’t be ignored of our King along with her plan.

One thing I have to say I love in the story is that the FMC, Amara, is a badass warrior who does not take anything from anyone! Dont mess with her. She can be your enemy or your friend and if she is your friend, she will be loyal to a fault! That’s why she stood in for her sister when she was chosen to be the next Queen. I will say though, Amara was made to be Queen! And she was just what the king needed to put him in his place.

I can’t wait for Part 2!

[Niki Vanheuckelom · Rating 5 out of 5]

1001 Nights with the Lycan King by Ruby K. is yet another captivating read that blends fairytale magic with dark twists. The plot is phenomenal, keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The story centers around Amara, whose sister Asya is chosen to be the king’s bride in a tradition that always ends in death. Desperate to save her sister, Amara steps in to take Asya’s place, intending to kill the king and free the women from this gruesome fate. But things aren’t as they seem, and King Zayed proves to be far more complex than the monster she imagined.

As Amara spends more time with Zayed, an unexpected bond forms between them. The romance unfolds quickly, but their growing love must face even greater challenges—wars, rebels, and the mysteries threatening the kingdom. The real danger, however, might be closer than they think.

The story builds to a gripping climax, and Chapter 26 will leave you reeling. Will Amara survive the treacherous political landscape? Can she truly find love? Or will the enemy within prove too powerful?

I can’t wait for the next installment! Highly recommended for fans of action-packed romance and thrilling fantasy.

[TBRBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

1001 Nights with the Lycan King

Ruby K

Amara wants nothing more than to grow strong enough to protect the people suffering under the king's rule. The last thing she wants is to be chosen as his bride to die like all the others. But when her sister is selected, Amara can't bear the thought of losing her, so she volunteers to take her place and must find a way to survive the murderous king.

1001 Nights with the Lycan King is a retelling of
1001 Arabian Nights with a fierce FMC and clear enemies-to-lovers vibes. I'm a big fan of retellings, but since I haven't read the original, I can't say how closely this one follows the classic tale. What I did enjoy was watching Amara slowly fall for someone she once swore to kill, and seeing her grow even stronger emotionally along the way.

SPOILER AHEAD: One thing that ruined my enjoyment of this book was the death of the dog Amara becomes attached to and that's always an immediate dislike for me and is reflected in my lower star review.

But if that type of thing doesn’t bother you and you enjoy fairytale retelling with a strong FMC and enemies to lovers then this book is for you!

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this book 5 ✨

This is the first book in a duet that follows Amara and Zayed. It does ends in a cliffhanger.

Amara volunteers to be King Zayed's next bride to save her sister, knowing that all that have come before her ended up dead the next morning. But Amara is a warrior and she plans on going down fight if necessary. However she learns that not everything is how it seems and she need to figure out what's going on to save Zayed and her kingdom.

Tropes:
Dark Romantasy
Shape Shifter
Enemies to lovers
Fairytale retelling
Arranged marriage
Beauty and the beast
He falls first
Suspenseful

This book kept me on the edge of my seat. I didn't want to put it down, I was so hooked right from the beginning. I haven't read a high fantasy book in a really long time so didn't know if it was going to be for me but I was so wrong. I loved everything about this book from the pacing to the plot and Zayed and Amara's relationship. I love Zayed so much, he worships Amara and he's so sweet and caring and will have her back no matter what. I also loved the cliffhanger, but something that happens at the end of the book broke my heart and the twist had me kind of shocked.

I would 100% recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next one.

[Laura Montesinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

love the fire that Amara has. The determination to not only change her destiny but to protect her sister is one of the things that makes this book so special. The bond between the two sisters, and the love that grows between Zayed and Amara is beautiful and makes this book so incredible.

Every year the King choses a bride, and every year, she doesn't make it.

When Asya, Amara's sister gets chosen to be the next bride of the king, Amara steps up to take her place. Hoping that she can survive one night. But when she does, she is determined to survive again.

King Zayed is faced with the choice, his people or one person, his wife. No matter how much he tries, he's faced with difficult choices. But when one bring famine and doom, how do you justify your choice?

Falling for his new bride was never part of the plan, but when he sees the fighting spirit In his her, he's determined to let her live one more night.

When other forces come to play, will Zayed and Amara be able to overcome them?

'I am so sorry, Amara, forgive me. My queen...this is all my fault.'

[Raquel Rolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this as an ARC.

1001 Nights with the Lycan King by Ruby K. is a spellbinding blend of fairytale magic, dark intrigue, and heart-pounding romance. Set against a rich Middle Eastern backdrop, the story follows Amara, a fierce and self-sacrificing heroine who takes her sister’s place as the cursed King’s bride—only to discover that King Zayed is far more than the monster she expected.

Their relationship evolves from suspicion to a deep, undeniable bond, filled with tension, passion, and unwavering loyalty. As Amara fights to break Zayed’s curse, they must navigate wars, rebels, and betrayals lurking closer than they realize. The action-packed plot, unforgettable twists, and jaw-dropping cliffhanger will leave you desperate for the sequel.

With a strong, resilient heroine, a powerful yet tormented king, and a story brimming with danger and desire, Ruby K. delivers an absolute must-read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy romance!

[Ellen Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting retelling of 1001 nights keeps you wanting more from the first page. I couldn’t put it down. I loved how Ruby K. incorporated the supernatural world with a classic tale of intrigue. While it’s been many years since I read a retelling of this classic, I enjoyed seeing the main female weave her tales in order to try to stay alive and discover the truth behind the Crimson King.
The elements of the supernatural were the cherry on top adding mystery where there previously was not.

Aside from the main characters story, Ruby crafted a full supporting cast of intriguing characters who kept me guessing the whole book who was on the main female character, Amara’s side. I was pleasantly surprised the shocking twist at the end was unexpected, despite me guessing the whole book. I cannot wait for the second book to discover where Amara and Zayed’s story goes. If you love romance, action, mystery, and the supernatural I would highly recommend this book.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book! I picked it up in the middle of the day expecting to read a couple of chapters to relax after work. And THEN, I couldn't put it down!!! I just had to see what happened next, and then what happened next, and so on...

Ruby K has a way of writing that keeps you intrigued, keeps you guessing, and doesn't give the story away. Though I will admit to a couple of scenes I wanted to throw the book across the room due to one of the main character's actions. But then it turned out to be ok within a page or two and it turns out that the best interests of the other main character were being thought of.

I will also say that throughout the story my opinions of a couple characters changed, especially at the end as their true natures and motives came about. Though some of these changes brought me heartache, it did give the book depth and really built the world.

I can't wait for book two!!!!