What do you think?
Rate this book
Kingdom of Light #1
Crown of Ashes and Desire
I always knew my wedding day would end in blood.
I just didn't expect it to be my groom's.
Hakan was supposed to be dead—the boy I loved who chose shadow magic over me five years ago. Instead, he crashes my wedding, rips out my betrothed's heart, and drags me to the altar as his bride.
Now I'm bound to the Shadow Prince. Owned. Caged. His sacrifice for a ritual that will drain my light and leave me hollow.
He says I mean nothing to him. Just a vessel for power. But his shadows burn when he touches me, and I can feel his hunger through our bond—raw, desperate, unhinged.
I swore I'd kill him for what he did to me. Instead, I'm arching beneath his touch in midnight gardens, begging him not to stop.
Because monsters like Hakan don't make love. They consume. And he wants to devour every piece of me until nothing remains but ash and shadow.
The winter solstice is coming. My execution date. But I have secrets he doesn't know—a daughter with his eyes, and a power growing stronger each day.
The problem? Every kiss makes me remember why I loved him. And I'm terrified I might let him win.
This is a dark romantasy story and the first book in the Kingdom of Light trilogy. Set in the same universe as the Kingdom of Shadow series (Crown of Light and Ashes), this story takes place approximately 400 years later. While both series can be read independently, reading the Kingdom of Shadow series first is recommended for the fullest experience. Both series feature dark romantasy with cliffhanger endings.
I just didn't expect it to be my groom's.
Hakan was supposed to be dead—the boy I loved who chose shadow magic over me five years ago. Instead, he crashes my wedding, rips out my betrothed's heart, and drags me to the altar as his bride.
Now I'm bound to the Shadow Prince. Owned. Caged. His sacrifice for a ritual that will drain my light and leave me hollow.
He says I mean nothing to him. Just a vessel for power. But his shadows burn when he touches me, and I can feel his hunger through our bond—raw, desperate, unhinged.
I swore I'd kill him for what he did to me. Instead, I'm arching beneath his touch in midnight gardens, begging him not to stop.
Because monsters like Hakan don't make love. They consume. And he wants to devour every piece of me until nothing remains but ash and shadow.
The winter solstice is coming. My execution date. But I have secrets he doesn't know—a daughter with his eyes, and a power growing stronger each day.
The problem? Every kiss makes me remember why I loved him. And I'm terrified I might let him win.
This is a dark romantasy story and the first book in the Kingdom of Light trilogy. Set in the same universe as the Kingdom of Shadow series (Crown of Light and Ashes), this story takes place approximately 400 years later. While both series can be read independently, reading the Kingdom of Shadow series first is recommended for the fullest experience. Both series feature dark romantasy with cliffhanger endings.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2025
168 people are currently reading
1790 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 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 7, 2025
As a new book I’ve seen ALL over my TikTok, I have to say that the dedication got me hooked.
“Meet Hakan Bürsin: Shadow Prince, memory-wiped monster, and the kind of unhinged possessiveness that makes therapists cancel their appointments. He'll break you so beautifully you'll beg him to do it again.”
I expected Tobias Mitchell as a Shadow Prince with his obsessive mind-eff-ery. I expected descriptive gore, intense spice and absolute carnage. Considering this was - supposedly - a pitch BLACK read.. I found it to be a light grey in comparison.
Now don’t get me wrong - the whole “puss is mine” thing - nice. Go off King. Ada, love this for you. In reality, the spice was short, lacked description and was so bland it felt like it came and went in half a page.
I don’t know if this is me.. but a hand necklace is the BARE MINIMUM. I was expecting a whole movie!!! The dedication really had me expecting top-tier, 6 🌶️ , grab my rabbit, spice.
Ada had an actual backbone which I LOVED. Was nice to read a book where the FMC didn’t allow herself to be completely walked over. Though majority of the book was just her rage-baiting Hakan for a bit of attention. Though she hates him.. which she tells us in every chapter of the first half of the book.
I wouldn’t necessarily call this enemies to lovers. She hates him cause he abandons her five years prior. He still loves her but doesn’t want to admit it. She rage baits for a bit of clout and attention, and then they have some average hate sex - but her puss just loves itself some Shadow Prince??!!
MELO and SARP CARRIED THE BOOOOK 📢 ICONIC.
This is the annoying part:
The editing really needs to be looked at. It reads like a draft - it’s clunky at times, the author has made several versions of the same sentence and left them in the book, so you read the same thing said in 2/3 different ways! I can’t lie, it’s really off putting, and I did feel on the edge of a DNF at one stage.
Rating: 2.5/3* (I’m undecided.)
Spice: 2.5 🌶️
“Meet Hakan Bürsin: Shadow Prince, memory-wiped monster, and the kind of unhinged possessiveness that makes therapists cancel their appointments. He'll break you so beautifully you'll beg him to do it again.”
I expected Tobias Mitchell as a Shadow Prince with his obsessive mind-eff-ery. I expected descriptive gore, intense spice and absolute carnage. Considering this was - supposedly - a pitch BLACK read.. I found it to be a light grey in comparison.
Now don’t get me wrong - the whole “puss is mine” thing - nice. Go off King. Ada, love this for you. In reality, the spice was short, lacked description and was so bland it felt like it came and went in half a page.
I don’t know if this is me.. but a hand necklace is the BARE MINIMUM. I was expecting a whole movie!!! The dedication really had me expecting top-tier, 6 🌶️ , grab my rabbit, spice.
Ada had an actual backbone which I LOVED. Was nice to read a book where the FMC didn’t allow herself to be completely walked over. Though majority of the book was just her rage-baiting Hakan for a bit of attention. Though she hates him.. which she tells us in every chapter of the first half of the book.
I wouldn’t necessarily call this enemies to lovers. She hates him cause he abandons her five years prior. He still loves her but doesn’t want to admit it. She rage baits for a bit of clout and attention, and then they have some average hate sex - but her puss just loves itself some Shadow Prince??!!
MELO and SARP CARRIED THE BOOOOK 📢 ICONIC.
This is the annoying part:
The editing really needs to be looked at. It reads like a draft - it’s clunky at times, the author has made several versions of the same sentence and left them in the book, so you read the same thing said in 2/3 different ways! I can’t lie, it’s really off putting, and I did feel on the edge of a DNF at one stage.
Rating: 2.5/3* (I’m undecided.)
Spice: 2.5 🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2025
Hakan and Ada🥰
Hakan is the heir to Erlik Han, The Demon of Ashes and Shadows, Ruler of the Kara Cehennem, The Dark Underworld. He never knew he was going to be the next inline for the throne when he fell in love with Ada, daughter of Gün Ata, God of Light and love. He never knew his father wanted revenge on Gün Ata. Erlik put a memory spell on Hakan so he forget everything about Ada. His love, is dedication, his heart to her. Five years later, his memory is coming back in dreams. He went to the wedding ceremony between Ada and Deniz to get her back. Not for love, but for power. To do the Crown of Ashes Ritual. To take her light so he can take his territories back. But Ada has a secret no one knows except her sister Nadine and her guardian Melo. Will Hakan found her secret? Will he do the ritual or fall for her over again?
If you read Crown of Light and Ashes by M.F. Grace and Maya Basol, you are in for a treat! If not, go read it! This story is 400 years later than the other one. It’s about Kaan’s brother, Hakan story. Don’t worry, Kaan make a cameo and I was so excited!! It’s a duet, so yes this book finished in a cliffhanger. Maya Basol characters are amazingly written. Even the secondaries characters are funny and needed for the storyline. No dull moments, no filling scenes. Just good storytelling about a second chance at love. I read it in one sitting! It is that good! Can’t wait to see what’s next and hope many other books will be added to this series. Really Sarp need his own story. I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️
Hakan is the heir to Erlik Han, The Demon of Ashes and Shadows, Ruler of the Kara Cehennem, The Dark Underworld. He never knew he was going to be the next inline for the throne when he fell in love with Ada, daughter of Gün Ata, God of Light and love. He never knew his father wanted revenge on Gün Ata. Erlik put a memory spell on Hakan so he forget everything about Ada. His love, is dedication, his heart to her. Five years later, his memory is coming back in dreams. He went to the wedding ceremony between Ada and Deniz to get her back. Not for love, but for power. To do the Crown of Ashes Ritual. To take her light so he can take his territories back. But Ada has a secret no one knows except her sister Nadine and her guardian Melo. Will Hakan found her secret? Will he do the ritual or fall for her over again?
If you read Crown of Light and Ashes by M.F. Grace and Maya Basol, you are in for a treat! If not, go read it! This story is 400 years later than the other one. It’s about Kaan’s brother, Hakan story. Don’t worry, Kaan make a cameo and I was so excited!! It’s a duet, so yes this book finished in a cliffhanger. Maya Basol characters are amazingly written. Even the secondaries characters are funny and needed for the storyline. No dull moments, no filling scenes. Just good storytelling about a second chance at love. I read it in one sitting! It is that good! Can’t wait to see what’s next and hope many other books will be added to this series. Really Sarp need his own story. I highly recommend this book. 5 ⭐️
July 1, 2025
When I say this book had me in a chokehold I mean it HAD ME IN A CHOKEHOLD! Kaan is every bit of the monster who haunts your nightmares. Though like Nesi I couldn’t help but be drawn to his darker side. I kept thinking what if he’s not really a monster and only acts like one to keep his court and his people in line. If they fear him, then no one will try to take his throne. But other forces are in play and a prophecy could change everything! Oh this book was so good. You definitely need to add this one to your TBR list!!!!!
This is an enemies to lovers trope for sure! Be sure to read the trigger warnings as there are many. But man is it worth the read!! To save her brother’s life our FMC Nesilhan of the Light Court is forced to marry our MMC Kaan Lord of the Shadow Court. Kaan is a vicious monster feared by everyone, but something has been pulling him to Nesilhan for quite some time. So when the opportunity arises for him to make her his wife he takes it. Little does he know our girl isn’t some fragile little flower, but a powerful force that surprises even him. The more he tries to peel away her layers to discover all she is hiding; Nesi finds it harder to resist him. This pull between them is undeniable and has Kaan obsessed with his new bride. Though they are blood bound Kaan knows there is more to his queen then she lets him see. He should be able to feel everything through the bond, but Nesi has somehow managed to keep her mind shielded from him and it’s infuriating.
This is an enemies to lovers trope for sure! Be sure to read the trigger warnings as there are many. But man is it worth the read!! To save her brother’s life our FMC Nesilhan of the Light Court is forced to marry our MMC Kaan Lord of the Shadow Court. Kaan is a vicious monster feared by everyone, but something has been pulling him to Nesilhan for quite some time. So when the opportunity arises for him to make her his wife he takes it. Little does he know our girl isn’t some fragile little flower, but a powerful force that surprises even him. The more he tries to peel away her layers to discover all she is hiding; Nesi finds it harder to resist him. This pull between them is undeniable and has Kaan obsessed with his new bride. Though they are blood bound Kaan knows there is more to his queen then she lets him see. He should be able to feel everything through the bond, but Nesi has somehow managed to keep her mind shielded from him and it’s infuriating.
August 2, 2025
Kingdom of Light Trilogy Book 1
Maya.. I did not think I could be anymore emerged in this world but I am… In it for LIFE!! (and death lols )
Thank you for writing such an awesome book and I am super happy there will be 3 of them!!!
Phew.. My attachment issues would not handle just one.
Hakan… He is such a complex personality, I don think we scratched the surface yet.
He is obviously one HOT Morally BLACK Hotness .. I do mean BLACK NOT GREY .. this is where you can go check your triggers, yes please?
But man am I here for it.
The chemistry and history between him and Ada is otherworldly.
There is so much going on.. and still going on.. And developing and coming to light!!!
Taking a breather… in , out, in…
Love Foxy… Not spoiling it. You can read. But you will remember I said I want a book just with Milo. ; )
Sarp is the bestest -best friend with the best sense of humour. It takes a STRONG man to be Hakan's BFF.. so I would obviously want to read more on him as well. LOVED and Highlighted most of his interactions. It's GOLD.
He is also a fierce protector. I need to know more about. NEED not Want.. NEED.
Maya, I love that we both love Sen Cal Kapimi and I feel like we bonded next level.
So if you see me lurking Im not stalking… Im just your new bestie!!!!
xxx
We meet Hakan and Ada in a violent way and it sets a dark ominous tone for whats following.
Hakan is Controlling, Obsessive, Violent, really HOT but so much more.
"I'm sick of people touching my things."
The journey is riddled with secrets from the past and rituals of the future.
it is not an easy read, It's not a light read. You will be doing 360’s emotionally.
Yes, Heartbreak and YES hopefully there will be healing. (well Im almost certain)
Hakan’s voice, rough with want: “You’re mine, Ada, and if another man touches you, I will rip his heart out and make you watch it beat its last. Remember, you’re mine only.”
Controlling much?
Nope, Im not giving away to much PLOT… I do not want you missing out on all the little nuances and surprises.
So all in all if you are reading this trying to see if the book is worth it.. IT IS.
Happy Reading!!
Next book PLEASE xxx
Maya.. I did not think I could be anymore emerged in this world but I am… In it for LIFE!! (and death lols )
Thank you for writing such an awesome book and I am super happy there will be 3 of them!!!
Phew.. My attachment issues would not handle just one.
Hakan… He is such a complex personality, I don think we scratched the surface yet.
He is obviously one HOT Morally BLACK Hotness .. I do mean BLACK NOT GREY .. this is where you can go check your triggers, yes please?
But man am I here for it.
The chemistry and history between him and Ada is otherworldly.
There is so much going on.. and still going on.. And developing and coming to light!!!
Taking a breather… in , out, in…
Love Foxy… Not spoiling it. You can read. But you will remember I said I want a book just with Milo. ; )
Sarp is the bestest -best friend with the best sense of humour. It takes a STRONG man to be Hakan's BFF.. so I would obviously want to read more on him as well. LOVED and Highlighted most of his interactions. It's GOLD.
He is also a fierce protector. I need to know more about. NEED not Want.. NEED.
Maya, I love that we both love Sen Cal Kapimi and I feel like we bonded next level.
So if you see me lurking Im not stalking… Im just your new bestie!!!!
xxx
We meet Hakan and Ada in a violent way and it sets a dark ominous tone for whats following.
Hakan is Controlling, Obsessive, Violent, really HOT but so much more.
"I'm sick of people touching my things."
The journey is riddled with secrets from the past and rituals of the future.
it is not an easy read, It's not a light read. You will be doing 360’s emotionally.
Yes, Heartbreak and YES hopefully there will be healing. (well Im almost certain)
Hakan’s voice, rough with want: “You’re mine, Ada, and if another man touches you, I will rip his heart out and make you watch it beat its last. Remember, you’re mine only.”
Controlling much?
Nope, Im not giving away to much PLOT… I do not want you missing out on all the little nuances and surprises.
So all in all if you are reading this trying to see if the book is worth it.. IT IS.
Happy Reading!!
Next book PLEASE xxx
July 13, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, that was a ride. If I didn't have to go to work and get some sleep, I would have read it in one sitting.
I have to say that this book completely wiped me out emotionally. I haven't experienced such a ride in a long time.
The characters were great, I would have killed Hakana and loved her at the same time. But in the end, it was more the latter ;)
I wouldn't change a thing, it's just perfect as it is.
The same goes for Ada. On top of that, there's a secret that must not be revealed... a strong, proud woman who has a secret from Hakan and, fortunately, doesn't let him manipulate her. I find that very appealing.
The story was complete, I wasn't bored on a single page. Plus, the chapters from both sides... just awesome.
I can't forget Sharp and Melo, who I'm rooting for to be together, by the way. They served as a bit of a lightning rod for the two main characters, but especially Sharp, who lightened up the unenviable situations with his funny quips.
For me, this is one of the best books I've read this year.
I can't wait for the next installment because I have to know how it ends. Thank you very much for the opportunity to read the book in advance.
Wow, that was a ride. If I didn't have to go to work and get some sleep, I would have read it in one sitting.
I have to say that this book completely wiped me out emotionally. I haven't experienced such a ride in a long time.
The characters were great, I would have killed Hakana and loved her at the same time. But in the end, it was more the latter ;)
I wouldn't change a thing, it's just perfect as it is.
The same goes for Ada. On top of that, there's a secret that must not be revealed... a strong, proud woman who has a secret from Hakan and, fortunately, doesn't let him manipulate her. I find that very appealing.
The story was complete, I wasn't bored on a single page. Plus, the chapters from both sides... just awesome.
I can't forget Sharp and Melo, who I'm rooting for to be together, by the way. They served as a bit of a lightning rod for the two main characters, but especially Sharp, who lightened up the unenviable situations with his funny quips.
For me, this is one of the best books I've read this year.
I can't wait for the next installment because I have to know how it ends. Thank you very much for the opportunity to read the book in advance.
May 4, 2025
Many thanks to Maya for providing me with an ARC!
To say I DEVOURED this book, is an understatement.
You have lovers, to enemies, to lovers, to enemies.
You have an MMC you want to both fuck and fight, perhaps at the same time.
A kickass FMC who has touch her and die vibes, but not in the way you'd expect.
Secrets, betrayal, and just when you think you know where the story is going, BOOM, it's gone a different way!
Will be pre-ordering as soon as it's available, an absolutely amazing story and I cannot wait for the next part!
To say I DEVOURED this book, is an understatement.
You have lovers, to enemies, to lovers, to enemies.
You have an MMC you want to both fuck and fight, perhaps at the same time.
A kickass FMC who has touch her and die vibes, but not in the way you'd expect.
Secrets, betrayal, and just when you think you know where the story is going, BOOM, it's gone a different way!
Will be pre-ordering as soon as it's available, an absolutely amazing story and I cannot wait for the next part!
July 8, 2025
This book is 100% one of my favourite reads of this year! The tension between Hakan and Ada is something else. The spice! The secrets! This book had me up most of the night, constantly telling myself that this is the last chapter. The characters in this book are amazing! I absolutely loved the relationship between Sarp and Hakan. I absolutely loved that there was a past between Hakan and Ada, as it added more tension and suspense to what will happen next.
I’d 100% recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy and intense scenes(if you know what I mean😉).
I’d 100% recommend this to anyone who loves fantasy/romantasy and intense scenes(if you know what I mean😉).
August 27, 2025
The tension between Hakan and Ada is Somthing else ! The spice and secrets ! This book had me up most of the night, constantly wondering what was coming next ! The past between Hakan and Ada added to the tension and suspense
The relationship between Sarp and Hakan is one I absolutely love !
Sarp most definitely needs his own series !
You an MMC you want to both fuck and fight perhaps at the same time !
Kick ass FMC who has a huge touch me and die vibe !
Cannot wait for book two to be released.
The relationship between Sarp and Hakan is one I absolutely love !
Sarp most definitely needs his own series !
You an MMC you want to both fuck and fight perhaps at the same time !
Kick ass FMC who has a huge touch me and die vibe !
Cannot wait for book two to be released.
September 17, 2025
2 STARS ✨
Rating criteria below.
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
Rating criteria below.
★★★★★ ──┄ absolutely phenomenal, a flawless piece of literature that i will continuously recommend as if it is my only personality trait.
★★★★☆ ──┄ amazing, i thoroughly enjoyed reading it and am more than likely to hype up the book because i found myself immersed in the world.
★★★☆☆ ──┄ good, but did not completely enthral and entice me like a four star read does.
★★☆☆☆ ──┄ merit can be given, but the book personally wasn’t for me.
★☆☆☆☆ ──┄ read until the end but really wasn’t for me and i couldn’t in good faith recommend it.
October 18, 2025
This was not very good.
The plot was weird. It’s not like it was necessarily a slow paced book, a lot does happen you just don’t really care.
The best character in the book which is pretty much its only saving grace is not even a main character and that’s Spar.
I don’t plan to read the rest of the series even though it ends on a cliffhanger. This was work to get through and it’s not a super long book, you just get distracted by literally anything else.
The plot was weird. It’s not like it was necessarily a slow paced book, a lot does happen you just don’t really care.
The best character in the book which is pretty much its only saving grace is not even a main character and that’s Spar.
I don’t plan to read the rest of the series even though it ends on a cliffhanger. This was work to get through and it’s not a super long book, you just get distracted by literally anything else.
July 24, 2025
For someone with ancient magic Ada and Hakan seems to be too weak. Ada encountered 2 attacks with normal guys, but then both her light magic flickered? Same goes with Hakan. I just feel like they are not powerful enough as how they were portrayed. It’s badly written I’m sorry — Fantasy romance is my fav genre so I’ve read tons of books like this.
July 24, 2025
“We All need Shadows” A wonderfully dark romance, seductive, steamy with strong main characters. Intriguing storyline that grabs you and pulls you in right from the very start. Sarp with his quick wit and banter deserves his own book. Definitely read the deleted scenes for a real treat.
Read
August 24, 2025Has potential
The story has good potential but really needs a good editor. There are sentences repeated more than once, spelling mistakes and facts from the story change up constantly.
The story has good potential but really needs a good editor. There are sentences repeated more than once, spelling mistakes and facts from the story change up constantly.
July 14, 2025
AMAZING!
I’ve read nearly 400 books over the last 18 months and I never leave a review but this is without doubt a 6 ⭐️read!! Just WOW!
I’ve read nearly 400 books over the last 18 months and I never leave a review but this is without doubt a 6 ⭐️read!! Just WOW!
August 16, 2025
Love the story, love the banter.
Read
December 23, 2025Unsure about the writing - is it a debut novel? I enjoyed it but definitely felt fan fiction vibes.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews