What do you think?
Rate this book
The Reality of Corruption
From the outside, the kingdom of Misoneia seems perfect. But every kingdom has its secrets.
Alessia Hale, daughter of the High General and princess-to-be, wants nothing more than to be a bringer of justice. To do this, she wishes to become a soldier. However, when she overhears a private conversation between her father and the king, learning that dark secrets have been kept from not only her, but the entire kingdom, she realizes her life is not what it seems.
Unable to stay in a place that will only oppress her, Alessia runs away to live by her own rules. She never expects to meet the people she does, and she certainly doesn't expect more secrets about her kingdom to be revealed.
Find out what happens to Alessia and her kingdom in this story of corruption, love, grief, and hope.
Alessia Hale, daughter of the High General and princess-to-be, wants nothing more than to be a bringer of justice. To do this, she wishes to become a soldier. However, when she overhears a private conversation between her father and the king, learning that dark secrets have been kept from not only her, but the entire kingdom, she realizes her life is not what it seems.
Unable to stay in a place that will only oppress her, Alessia runs away to live by her own rules. She never expects to meet the people she does, and she certainly doesn't expect more secrets about her kingdom to be revealed.
Find out what happens to Alessia and her kingdom in this story of corruption, love, grief, and hope.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2025
5 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 8, 2025
I’m honored to have been able to arc read The Reality Of Corruption!
This is one of my most anticipated books of this year, and if you’re wondering if you should read it the answer is YES!
I’m overall a very picky reader, especially in fantasy, but TROC has my whole heart.
*MINOR SPOILERS*
Let’s talk about some of the things I adore about this story.
It’s DIFFERENT. It is so so different and refreshing in the fantasy scene!
✨ Makayla has a cast of diverse characters in all ways, something I appreciate as someone who always longed for soft female characters in fantasy books as a child and young teenager.
✨Her female characters are all different and special, Alessia (the FMC) is a strong woman who longs to lead the kingdom army as high general. Meredith, the to-be-queen of the kingdom is a mother and something of an older sister to Alessia with strength in her advice. June is a soft, sweet, and gentle woman who loves her friends and boyfriend dearly and shows it.
✨Her male characters are actual characters! They aren’t just there to swoon over, they are each different and unique!
✨Her world building is impeccable, and I can’t wait to see more as The Change Series progresses.
✨A little random bit, but Makayla’s description of a panic attack impresses me to no ends. Especially because those types of things are often misunderstood, misused, and misdescribed.
Now for the only criticism I have of the book, and don’t worry it’s a light one and more subject to opinion. But the start of the book is just a bit slow for my own liking, it’s in no way a bad thing, but I wanted to point it out for others!
Once again, I urge you to pick up troc. You certainly will not regret it.
This is one of my most anticipated books of this year, and if you’re wondering if you should read it the answer is YES!
I’m overall a very picky reader, especially in fantasy, but TROC has my whole heart.
*MINOR SPOILERS*
Let’s talk about some of the things I adore about this story.
It’s DIFFERENT. It is so so different and refreshing in the fantasy scene!
✨ Makayla has a cast of diverse characters in all ways, something I appreciate as someone who always longed for soft female characters in fantasy books as a child and young teenager.
✨Her female characters are all different and special, Alessia (the FMC) is a strong woman who longs to lead the kingdom army as high general. Meredith, the to-be-queen of the kingdom is a mother and something of an older sister to Alessia with strength in her advice. June is a soft, sweet, and gentle woman who loves her friends and boyfriend dearly and shows it.
✨Her male characters are actual characters! They aren’t just there to swoon over, they are each different and unique!
✨Her world building is impeccable, and I can’t wait to see more as The Change Series progresses.
✨A little random bit, but Makayla’s description of a panic attack impresses me to no ends. Especially because those types of things are often misunderstood, misused, and misdescribed.
Now for the only criticism I have of the book, and don’t worry it’s a light one and more subject to opinion. But the start of the book is just a bit slow for my own liking, it’s in no way a bad thing, but I wanted to point it out for others!
Once again, I urge you to pick up troc. You certainly will not regret it.
March 3, 2025
firstly, i really did enjoy this e-arc read for my author friend! i think this was a really great example of a debut novel from an upcoming author, because it was written so well but of course, there’s always room for improvements.
her story showed how fast and how much something like power or greed can destroy someone, and then there’s a need for someone to stand up and do the right thing. this was a great read, and i’d highly recommend it for dystopian and fantasy lovers
the author also found a way to balance a romance sub plot without allowing it to take over the whole story, which made the story highly enjoyable. despite a few parts where i thought character development could improve, i really did enjoy this book and i cant wait for the sequel AND the rest of this author’s future works!
her story showed how fast and how much something like power or greed can destroy someone, and then there’s a need for someone to stand up and do the right thing. this was a great read, and i’d highly recommend it for dystopian and fantasy lovers
the author also found a way to balance a romance sub plot without allowing it to take over the whole story, which made the story highly enjoyable. despite a few parts where i thought character development could improve, i really did enjoy this book and i cant wait for the sequel AND the rest of this author’s future works!
February 23, 2025
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Tropes:
➼ runaway princess
➼ found family
➼ revolution
➼ childhood friends to lovers 👀
Firstly, thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of TRoC, it was such a treat to get an early peak to this debut and I'm so so grateful for it!
Now for the actual review:
TRoC follows Alessia Hale, daughter of the High General of Misonea, and the bride to-be of Arthur Knox, on of the heirs of King Oleander. When the novel begins, Alessia starts off as the odd one out, she already is desiring more than what was given in a noble life, and I loved her dream to become a soldier---wanting to bring justice and preserve her kingdom. However, she soon learns of a plot that is threatening the kingdom...and runs away.
Now I haven't read a YA fantasy novel in a while, but this book gave me so much nostalgia (in the best way possible!) of the feelings of reading a fantasy book with a smidge of romance. Alessia was a fun FMC to follow, in a lot of ways I was able to relate to her---plus I loved her witty quips that popped up every now and then in her inner monologues or conversations. I thought her development as a character was also well done, with her struggling to want to remain at The Change, but also leave--her need for liberation and having to realize that friendship isn't strapping you down, but giving you love and freedom. Milo Knox was by far my favorite!!
This man nurtured an entire rebellion movement, while also maintaining the happiest and sweetest personality in the world. He cares so so much about those around him (especially Alessia 🫣) and I am SO for it. ALSO thank you for the fact that this isn't a traditional enemies to lovers, or "they hate each other", when they actually get together in chapter 8?? Like no, TRoC actually gives us the development needed for Alessia x Milo. I also have to say that the battles and action in this book was fun to read, and the fast-paced let me get through this book so quickly which was such a necessity after reading Onyx Storm (bc why did that take me 3 weeks?).
Anyways, as much as I loved TRoC I will say that I do have critiques. In general, TRoC was a simplistic read, so if you're looking for a convoluted political fantasy this isn't it, and while I definitely needed a quick and fun fantasy, I understand how that could take away some reading experience. Also, one of my only other major complaints was the pacing. Although I enjoyed the quickness of it, I think there were some points that needed to be assessed longer--such as the first battle where The Change enacted its first movement and lost a half of its people to show its impact. I also think that by carrying scenes on a little longer could have helped the flow and feel of time at The Change since there was a lot of time skips that I noticed to keep the faster pace. I also think that taking sometime to reflect on Milo's and the others (Wes, June, Rowan, etc.) role as leader could have been explored by having a scene or two where we see them leading something. Though I can see how parts of that could be neglected since Alessia was mostly the eyes of observing training so we didn't see them leading as much.
All the while, I did have a fun time reading TRoC, and once again thank you so much for the ARC. I hope all of you looking for a fun, quick-paced, YA fantasy look out for this novel!
xx ella
Tropes:
➼ runaway princess
➼ found family
➼ revolution
➼ childhood friends to lovers 👀
Firstly, thank you so much for the opportunity to read an ARC of TRoC, it was such a treat to get an early peak to this debut and I'm so so grateful for it!
Now for the actual review:
TRoC follows Alessia Hale, daughter of the High General of Misonea, and the bride to-be of Arthur Knox, on of the heirs of King Oleander. When the novel begins, Alessia starts off as the odd one out, she already is desiring more than what was given in a noble life, and I loved her dream to become a soldier---wanting to bring justice and preserve her kingdom. However, she soon learns of a plot that is threatening the kingdom...and runs away.
Now I haven't read a YA fantasy novel in a while, but this book gave me so much nostalgia (in the best way possible!) of the feelings of reading a fantasy book with a smidge of romance. Alessia was a fun FMC to follow, in a lot of ways I was able to relate to her---plus I loved her witty quips that popped up every now and then in her inner monologues or conversations. I thought her development as a character was also well done, with her struggling to want to remain at The Change, but also leave--her need for liberation and having to realize that friendship isn't strapping you down, but giving you love and freedom. Milo Knox was by far my favorite!!
This man nurtured an entire rebellion movement, while also maintaining the happiest and sweetest personality in the world. He cares so so much about those around him (especially Alessia 🫣) and I am SO for it. ALSO thank you for the fact that this isn't a traditional enemies to lovers, or "they hate each other", when they actually get together in chapter 8?? Like no, TRoC actually gives us the development needed for Alessia x Milo. I also have to say that the battles and action in this book was fun to read, and the fast-paced let me get through this book so quickly which was such a necessity after reading Onyx Storm (bc why did that take me 3 weeks?).
Anyways, as much as I loved TRoC I will say that I do have critiques. In general, TRoC was a simplistic read, so if you're looking for a convoluted political fantasy this isn't it, and while I definitely needed a quick and fun fantasy, I understand how that could take away some reading experience. Also, one of my only other major complaints was the pacing. Although I enjoyed the quickness of it, I think there were some points that needed to be assessed longer--such as the first battle where The Change enacted its first movement and lost a half of its people to show its impact. I also think that by carrying scenes on a little longer could have helped the flow and feel of time at The Change since there was a lot of time skips that I noticed to keep the faster pace. I also think that taking sometime to reflect on Milo's and the others (Wes, June, Rowan, etc.) role as leader could have been explored by having a scene or two where we see them leading something. Though I can see how parts of that could be neglected since Alessia was mostly the eyes of observing training so we didn't see them leading as much.
All the while, I did have a fun time reading TRoC, and once again thank you so much for the ARC. I hope all of you looking for a fun, quick-paced, YA fantasy look out for this novel!
xx ella
March 9, 2025
ARC review: Solid well written book with likable characters. This was a nice change of pace from enemy to lovers and reading about the exact same shadow daddy MMC that has seemed to invade every book these days. The characters in this found family book are diverse and fun to get to know but some could have a little more depth. The MMC and FMC are both cool characters that I definitely found myself cheering for. Every time I sat down to read this book I felt a warmth and enjoyment that was definitely addicting. It's for sure worth the read!
Spoilers: My only real issues with the very cliffhanger ending with no ending. This is a personal preference thing for me and definitely makes me want to read book two but also just always feels unsatisfying for me. I also struggle with how the rebels go from taking no action to planning all out battle against the Kings army in a period of month. This part just felt a little rushed and unrealistic versus a gorilla warfare sabotage type strategy that would make more sense, but overall, it is still a great book and plot!
Spoilers: My only real issues with the very cliffhanger ending with no ending. This is a personal preference thing for me and definitely makes me want to read book two but also just always feels unsatisfying for me. I also struggle with how the rebels go from taking no action to planning all out battle against the Kings army in a period of month. This part just felt a little rushed and unrealistic versus a gorilla warfare sabotage type strategy that would make more sense, but overall, it is still a great book and plot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Rounded to 4⭐️
These characters had such great dynamics and I loved how they interacted!
This book is definitely character driven and we see Alessia truly learning and bonding over the course of the book.
As I received a free ARC courtesy of the author, perhaps there will be some tweaks before it’s published, and it may also just be me, but there were a few moments where wording was repetitive and scenes didn’t quite flow…
Also… while this was a medieval setting there was some modern terms that took me by surprise.
I highlighted so many things, just… the connections Alessia made and how the characters kept going, this really makes you want to stand up for what you know is right. But also several moments left me snickering at the dry humor!
The friendships are my absolute favorite aspect! And I love that romance isn’t a focal point but that the differing relationships felt genuine and develop so well. June is such a sweetheart, everyone needs a June <3
I also was glad Alessia learned that what she thought she wanted wasn’t actually what SHE wanted and that she finally allowed herself to make her own choices.
I was not expecting that ending, dang it!!!
Yay for a great debut and definitely keeping my eyes peeled for the sequel!!!!!
~I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own~
These characters had such great dynamics and I loved how they interacted!
This book is definitely character driven and we see Alessia truly learning and bonding over the course of the book.
As I received a free ARC courtesy of the author, perhaps there will be some tweaks before it’s published, and it may also just be me, but there were a few moments where wording was repetitive and scenes didn’t quite flow…
Also… while this was a medieval setting there was some modern terms that took me by surprise.
I highlighted so many things, just… the connections Alessia made and how the characters kept going, this really makes you want to stand up for what you know is right. But also several moments left me snickering at the dry humor!
The friendships are my absolute favorite aspect! And I love that romance isn’t a focal point but that the differing relationships felt genuine and develop so well. June is such a sweetheart, everyone needs a June <3
I also was glad Alessia learned that what she thought she wanted wasn’t actually what SHE wanted and that she finally allowed herself to make her own choices.
I was not expecting that ending, dang it!!!
Yay for a great debut and definitely keeping my eyes peeled for the sequel!!!!!
~I was not required to give a positive review, all opinions are my own~
March 5, 2025
I was able to receive the ARC for this book and it has been such a joy to read! For an authors first book I think it is absolutely well done and I cannot wait for more!
The Reality of Corruption is a fast-paced fantasy that will leave you struggling to put it down! I loved how well each character was written and how you can relate to them, I found myself growing a little attached to them as well. The main character Alessia is a spunky and vivacious character who goes through major difficulties in order to fight for what's right. She is very independent but finds herself relying on others towards the end.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I definitely recommend this book to those looking to read something quick and engaging!
The Reality of Corruption is a fast-paced fantasy that will leave you struggling to put it down! I loved how well each character was written and how you can relate to them, I found myself growing a little attached to them as well. The main character Alessia is a spunky and vivacious character who goes through major difficulties in order to fight for what's right. She is very independent but finds herself relying on others towards the end.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I definitely recommend this book to those looking to read something quick and engaging!
March 7, 2025
I had the honor of being an ARC reader for this novel, and I'm glad I was. I love how the story began with a heart-wrenching quote that touched my soul. Then we immediately get to know Alessia's personality and the inner struggle she faces, pressured by her family to be something she doesn't want to be, which made me like her right away. The characters were all interesting and well-developed; some I really liked and they brought a smile to my face over and over again, while others annoyed me so much at times that I would have liked to slap them, but that’s just a sign that they are well-crafted characters😁. All the characters from the rebel camp have their own charm and personality that make it impossible not to love them, and the romance subplot was also well done. The book is full of action scenes, dark sides of politics, and corruption that are realistic, just like in the real world, showing how power can change and corrupt a person. Overall, I really enjoyed the book.
March 20, 2025
This book held a promising plot, one that initially drew me in with its intriguing premise. However, the execution left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.
One of the primary issues was the writing style. It often leaned towards passive phrasing, which unfortunately dampened the immediacy of the narrative. I found myself wishing for more "showing" rather than "telling," as this would have allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story's world and emotions.
The font choice for the chapter headings, particularly the Roman numerals, made reading the chapter numbers difficult (mostly in 'I' looking like 'J').
Furthermore, the overuse of nicknames became quite distracting, feeling forced and unnatural. In some scenes, it seemed every line contained a variation, which ultimately hindered the realism and impact of the conversations.
Despite these shortcomings, the core plot held considerable potential. With tighter pacing and a more focused narrative, the story could truly shine. The characters were intriguing and I really related to them. The premise itself was one I could really get into, and the world-building was very enjoyable.
Since this is a debut book, I am sure the author will only continue to improve from here, and I think they could take their writing to wonderful levels.
One of the primary issues was the writing style. It often leaned towards passive phrasing, which unfortunately dampened the immediacy of the narrative. I found myself wishing for more "showing" rather than "telling," as this would have allowed the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story's world and emotions.
The font choice for the chapter headings, particularly the Roman numerals, made reading the chapter numbers difficult (mostly in 'I' looking like 'J').
Furthermore, the overuse of nicknames became quite distracting, feeling forced and unnatural. In some scenes, it seemed every line contained a variation, which ultimately hindered the realism and impact of the conversations.
Despite these shortcomings, the core plot held considerable potential. With tighter pacing and a more focused narrative, the story could truly shine. The characters were intriguing and I really related to them. The premise itself was one I could really get into, and the world-building was very enjoyable.
Since this is a debut book, I am sure the author will only continue to improve from here, and I think they could take their writing to wonderful levels.
March 8, 2025
I got the chance to be an arc reader for this book and I loved it!
It was a quick paced and enjoyable fantasy. I loved the worldbuilding style, it was simple and you really had the amount of knowledge a person in the world would. The character dynamics were THE ABSOLUTE SWEETEST and I'm so excited for the second book in the series!
You cannot imagine my horror when I realized there were 9 pages left, and something was absolutely going to go wrong.
And I was right! We had a cliff hanger!
overall, I'd give this book a 4.3/5 (also the cover art is just stunning???)
It was a quick paced and enjoyable fantasy. I loved the worldbuilding style, it was simple and you really had the amount of knowledge a person in the world would. The character dynamics were THE ABSOLUTE SWEETEST and I'm so excited for the second book in the series!
You cannot imagine my horror when I realized there were 9 pages left, and something was absolutely going to go wrong.
And I was right! We had a cliff hanger!
overall, I'd give this book a 4.3/5 (also the cover art is just stunning???)
March 8, 2025
I absolutely love this book!!
The author did a fantastic job with character development and world-building. The friendships that developed were so heartwarming and endearing. And I loved the dynamic between Alessia and Knox!! I enjoyed seeing the story unfold and was not expecting that cliffhanger of an ending! I'm definitely invested in this story and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
It did start out a little slow for me, but after a few chapters, I was hooked! I also wish there was more description of certain scenes to help with pacing, but overall, I'm very impressed with this debut novel and am looking forward to the next one!
Highly recommend!!
The author did a fantastic job with character development and world-building. The friendships that developed were so heartwarming and endearing. And I loved the dynamic between Alessia and Knox!! I enjoyed seeing the story unfold and was not expecting that cliffhanger of an ending! I'm definitely invested in this story and cannot wait for the next book to come out!
It did start out a little slow for me, but after a few chapters, I was hooked! I also wish there was more description of certain scenes to help with pacing, but overall, I'm very impressed with this debut novel and am looking forward to the next one!
Highly recommend!!
July 27, 2025
The Reality of Corruption is a beautiful, thrilling debut novel and a great start to the trilogy.
My favorite part of the book has to be the characters. It's been a few months since I read this story but I still can't stop thinking about them. They are all so unique and the group and friendship dynamics were so fun to read. I giggled and laughed with them and I wouldn't want to miss a single one of them.
The only thing I struggled a bit with was the beginning. It was a little slow for my taste but once the setting was established and the story fully began, I was immersed in the world and totally rooting for Alessia.
Speaking of the main character, I loved how real she was. She wasn't a perfect protagonist. She made mistakes and had flaws that made her so relatable to me.
I love the themes Makayla Renee approached with this book and how she so carefully wove them into the story.
And the relationships!! If it was the sibling like banter and brotherly trust or the soft love portrayed between two characters, Makayla approached it wonderfully and made it feel so human.
I am very excited to see where she will take those characters next (the cliffhanger should be illegal)
My favorite part of the book has to be the characters. It's been a few months since I read this story but I still can't stop thinking about them. They are all so unique and the group and friendship dynamics were so fun to read. I giggled and laughed with them and I wouldn't want to miss a single one of them.
The only thing I struggled a bit with was the beginning. It was a little slow for my taste but once the setting was established and the story fully began, I was immersed in the world and totally rooting for Alessia.
Speaking of the main character, I loved how real she was. She wasn't a perfect protagonist. She made mistakes and had flaws that made her so relatable to me.
I love the themes Makayla Renee approached with this book and how she so carefully wove them into the story.
And the relationships!! If it was the sibling like banter and brotherly trust or the soft love portrayed between two characters, Makayla approached it wonderfully and made it feel so human.
I am very excited to see where she will take those characters next (the cliffhanger should be illegal)
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews