What do you think?
Rate this book
Tipori: A Tale From Dessos
A champion pit fighter crowned king of slavers.
A military leader collared and made to kneel.
An attraction of opposing forces that could topple an empire.
For six long months, Mascha has tried and failed to break his new slave, former Commander Maralla Evallier. While he dreads resorting to crueler tactics, his employer grows impatient, and rumors of the slave’s defiance threaten all that Mascha has built.
Maralla would rather die than be wrapped in chains again. Determined to return to her people and the war in which her family was killed, she nearly succeeds in fleeing Mascha’s palace, but a stroke of ill fortune places her back in her captor’s arms—a place she loathes more than anything, until an act of compassion permits a glimpse behind the slaver’s mask.
Despite the damage she’s done to his reputation, Mascha can’t help but admire Maralla’s cunning wit and tactical mind. When his employer gives him an ultimatum—break the unbreakable or forfeit his seat at the top of their empire—Mascha strikes a deal with Maralla. She’ll play the perfect slave, and he’ll help her return home after her sale. But as their shared animosity crumbles into a dangerous attraction, Mascha learns the only thing more precious than his fortune is the woman he has promised to save.
Tipori is a dark and spicy standalone [with series potential] unintended for audiences under 18. For CWs see the author's website.
A military leader collared and made to kneel.
An attraction of opposing forces that could topple an empire.
For six long months, Mascha has tried and failed to break his new slave, former Commander Maralla Evallier. While he dreads resorting to crueler tactics, his employer grows impatient, and rumors of the slave’s defiance threaten all that Mascha has built.
Maralla would rather die than be wrapped in chains again. Determined to return to her people and the war in which her family was killed, she nearly succeeds in fleeing Mascha’s palace, but a stroke of ill fortune places her back in her captor’s arms—a place she loathes more than anything, until an act of compassion permits a glimpse behind the slaver’s mask.
Despite the damage she’s done to his reputation, Mascha can’t help but admire Maralla’s cunning wit and tactical mind. When his employer gives him an ultimatum—break the unbreakable or forfeit his seat at the top of their empire—Mascha strikes a deal with Maralla. She’ll play the perfect slave, and he’ll help her return home after her sale. But as their shared animosity crumbles into a dangerous attraction, Mascha learns the only thing more precious than his fortune is the woman he has promised to save.
Tipori is a dark and spicy standalone [with series potential] unintended for audiences under 18. For CWs see the author's website.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2025
11 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Cindy L Sell
4 books56 followersCindy L. Sell supposedly lives in the Midwestern United States with a home full of furry critters, including her two boys and doting husband, but she really spends most of her time on Dessos battling sorcerers or negotiating trade deals with pirates.
She graduated from Washburn University with a BA in creative writing, but didn't bother to do anything with it until COVID when she ran out of excuses. When she's not writing, she enjoys bowling, crochet, and riding her '82 Sportster.
She graduated from Washburn University with a BA in creative writing, but didn't bother to do anything with it until COVID when she ran out of excuses. When she's not writing, she enjoys bowling, crochet, and riding her '82 Sportster.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
June 24, 2025
possibly my new favorite... world building was fantastic with just a little room for my imagination to create the scenes and characters. The characters were multi dimensional, and I couldn't wait to get back to the story each night! ( I've got too many kids to attempt reading during the day 😬)
I'd describe the first couple chapters as being plunged into a cold pool on a hot day... first, you're shocked and can't breathe, then you accept your fate, and next, you don't want to get out.
I truly hope this is just the first of a multi-book series... these characters have me in a choke hold, and I NEED to read what happens next!
I'd describe the first couple chapters as being plunged into a cold pool on a hot day... first, you're shocked and can't breathe, then you accept your fate, and next, you don't want to get out.
I truly hope this is just the first of a multi-book series... these characters have me in a choke hold, and I NEED to read what happens next!
August 6, 2025
Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opnions are my own.
To be quite frank — Tipori is such a badass title. It’s mysterious and inviting, and from the very start, I needed to know what happens in this book. Let me tell you: I was not disappointed. This story was all-consuming, and I was invested right from the beginning.
That said, there are a lot of trigger warnings, and if you’re squeamish, it might be tough to get through. Even I — someone who usually isn’t thrown off by gruesome descriptions — found myself disgusted and creeped out at times.
With that in mind, despite the smut being a significant part of this book, the storyline was impeccable, and I absolutely loved the world. At times, I thought the book could be a bit shorter and the plot could move a little faster — but it all came crashing together at the end in a way that made it worth it. I would definitely enjoy a sequel if the author ever decides to write one!
Goodreads rating: 3,75 stars
To be quite frank — Tipori is such a badass title. It’s mysterious and inviting, and from the very start, I needed to know what happens in this book. Let me tell you: I was not disappointed. This story was all-consuming, and I was invested right from the beginning.
That said, there are a lot of trigger warnings, and if you’re squeamish, it might be tough to get through. Even I — someone who usually isn’t thrown off by gruesome descriptions — found myself disgusted and creeped out at times.
With that in mind, despite the smut being a significant part of this book, the storyline was impeccable, and I absolutely loved the world. At times, I thought the book could be a bit shorter and the plot could move a little faster — but it all came crashing together at the end in a way that made it worth it. I would definitely enjoy a sequel if the author ever decides to write one!
Goodreads rating: 3,75 stars
July 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice — it’s hard to really put a level, really lol
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Let me start by saying I have not read any other books by this author before, so I had no idea about the world it was based in — it was all totally new to me.
To say this book was dark would be an understatement. I love a dark read and morally grey men like a lot of readers do, but DAMN, this was dark. I hate, with a deep hate, the mistreatment of people — it’s a massive off-putting thing for me as a reader. So I was shocked to find that not only was this book well-written enough to keep me reading and wanting to learn more about this well-detailed, horror-filled world I found myself in, but the layers and everything going on left me both intrigued and rage-filled.
Maralla — I love her strength and the light she shone on this book. I felt like she was so, so needed, and it made swallowing all the harshness of this world a little easier, really. I wanted to burn the whole world down 🔥 and my list of people I wanted to watch die was so long I might need to invest in a notebook 📝. But that being said... there was so much going on and a clear view of the horror of this world, its views, and how it treated its people — I was horrified and wishing I could just eliminate the problem and make it all better.
I felt conflicted about Mascha as a person, and it made me feel dizzy 🤯, but it was so, so, so well written and put together that I could only imagine the time and thought put into it. I would say the ending left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth — mostly because I wanted a massive turnaround or something — but that being said, it was not a bad ending at all.
To sum up the book, I would say it’s dark and deeply rich in the world it weaves. It will have you pulling at your own hair, wishing you could push your own will into the book and bring a little light for those that should have it. I feel like some people might have trouble with a LOT of the content, so checking trigger warnings is a must ⚠️. But clearly, the book was a massive labor of love on the author’s part, and while it’s not sunshine and rainbows, it does pull you in and make you question everything.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ to 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice — it’s hard to really put a level, really lol
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Let me start by saying I have not read any other books by this author before, so I had no idea about the world it was based in — it was all totally new to me.
To say this book was dark would be an understatement. I love a dark read and morally grey men like a lot of readers do, but DAMN, this was dark. I hate, with a deep hate, the mistreatment of people — it’s a massive off-putting thing for me as a reader. So I was shocked to find that not only was this book well-written enough to keep me reading and wanting to learn more about this well-detailed, horror-filled world I found myself in, but the layers and everything going on left me both intrigued and rage-filled.
Maralla — I love her strength and the light she shone on this book. I felt like she was so, so needed, and it made swallowing all the harshness of this world a little easier, really. I wanted to burn the whole world down 🔥 and my list of people I wanted to watch die was so long I might need to invest in a notebook 📝. But that being said... there was so much going on and a clear view of the horror of this world, its views, and how it treated its people — I was horrified and wishing I could just eliminate the problem and make it all better.
I felt conflicted about Mascha as a person, and it made me feel dizzy 🤯, but it was so, so, so well written and put together that I could only imagine the time and thought put into it. I would say the ending left a little bit of a bad taste in my mouth — mostly because I wanted a massive turnaround or something — but that being said, it was not a bad ending at all.
To sum up the book, I would say it’s dark and deeply rich in the world it weaves. It will have you pulling at your own hair, wishing you could push your own will into the book and bring a little light for those that should have it. I feel like some people might have trouble with a LOT of the content, so checking trigger warnings is a must ⚠️. But clearly, the book was a massive labor of love on the author’s part, and while it’s not sunshine and rainbows, it does pull you in and make you question everything.
July 28, 2025
This book! Standalone she said… Fudge that I need more of it. What happens next? The cliff is hanging and it needs to not be. There's so much here in this book and I found so many layers in it. Yet again such interesting characters. Absolutely fabulous world and just overall a fantastic read.
The romance! The build up! The different perspectives from the different characters! Ugh it's so good!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The romance! The build up! The different perspectives from the different characters! Ugh it's so good!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 19, 2025
Absolutely phenomenal read!
This is a DARK fantasy romance book. I do urge people to check trigger warning before you go into this book.
It is set in a world where sex and people are a main form of status, currency and how deals are made.
This book follow Maralla and Mascha through their journey to each other.
There is a massive underpinning message to this book about women's body rights, coercion and fighting to change a system thats corrupt. And that message wasn't missed reading this at all.
I absolutely love everything about this book, it had me kicking my feet at parts, had me crying my eyes out and there are moments that I had to take a break becuase they were so well written, it echoed past situations ive been in.
Cindy, youve done it again, I absolutely cannot wait to see where this story goes next and the end goal of it tying into the last Draegon series.
This is a DARK fantasy romance book. I do urge people to check trigger warning before you go into this book.
It is set in a world where sex and people are a main form of status, currency and how deals are made.
This book follow Maralla and Mascha through their journey to each other.
There is a massive underpinning message to this book about women's body rights, coercion and fighting to change a system thats corrupt. And that message wasn't missed reading this at all.
I absolutely love everything about this book, it had me kicking my feet at parts, had me crying my eyes out and there are moments that I had to take a break becuase they were so well written, it echoed past situations ive been in.
Cindy, youve done it again, I absolutely cannot wait to see where this story goes next and the end goal of it tying into the last Draegon series.
June 24, 2025
When I read fantasy, I want to be immediately transported to a magical foreign land. I want to discover it and be delighted (or shocked, fascinated, or horrified), yet feel that the place is complete without me in it. Revealing a world like this is an art form; sometimes fantasy veers into over-descriptive or professorial explanations, which get in the way of the story itself. "Tipori" does none of that. From the first page, Dessos feels real, vibrant; a complex society with rules, language, magic, and customs that are strange to me, but daily life for its denizens. In short, it is one of the best fantasy books I've read lately.
If the exquisite world-building somehow isn't enough, then the incredible romance will seal the deal. This is a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, but with enough twists and surprises to keep you guessing. The bedroom scenes bring all the heat and passion you want, while also building a meaningful foundation for deeper relationship between the characters. I felt like I understood them both, individually and together, and truly was on their side. It's fantasy romance at its finest, and you will absolutely love this trip to Dessos with Maralla and Mascha. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If the exquisite world-building somehow isn't enough, then the incredible romance will seal the deal. This is a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline, but with enough twists and surprises to keep you guessing. The bedroom scenes bring all the heat and passion you want, while also building a meaningful foundation for deeper relationship between the characters. I felt like I understood them both, individually and together, and truly was on their side. It's fantasy romance at its finest, and you will absolutely love this trip to Dessos with Maralla and Mascha. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 29, 2025
Review: Tipori by Cindy L. Shell
Tipori is an immersive dark fantasy romance that masterfully balances rich world-building, high emotional stakes, and a magnetic enemies-to-lovers arc. From its opening pages, the novel plunges readers into Dessos, a fully realized, multilayered society governed by strict customs, unfamiliar magic, and systemic control. The world feels ancient and lived-in, its complexity unfolding organically without resorting to exposition-heavy prose.
The narrative orbits around two compelling leads: Maralla, fierce and unyielding, and Mascha, a quietly powerful protector. Both characters are shaped by past traumas, and their personal growth becomes a compelling centerpiece of the story. Their relationship evolves through conflict, challenge, and mutual transformation, delivering a romance that feels as dangerous as it is inevitable. Their chemistry crackles with tension, blending passion, pain, and vulnerability in equal measure.
Beyond the romantic elements, Tipori explores themes of resistance, injustice, and the costs of survival in a fractured world. The emotional undercurrent is potent, with the plot weaving through betrayals, shifting power dynamics, and hard-earned trust. Each twist feels earned, each reveal sharp and satisfying.
The prose is lush and evocative, conjuring every palace shadow, secret meeting, and brutal decision with cinematic clarity. Every moment is charged with intensity, making the stakes feel both intimate and vast.
For readers who crave dark fantasy grounded in deep emotion, layered characters, and beautifully constructed tension, Tipori is a standout. With its haunting setting, electric romance, and unflinching themes, this novel marks Cindy L. Shell as a formidable voice in fantasy fiction. Book two can’t come soon enough.
Tipori is an immersive dark fantasy romance that masterfully balances rich world-building, high emotional stakes, and a magnetic enemies-to-lovers arc. From its opening pages, the novel plunges readers into Dessos, a fully realized, multilayered society governed by strict customs, unfamiliar magic, and systemic control. The world feels ancient and lived-in, its complexity unfolding organically without resorting to exposition-heavy prose.
The narrative orbits around two compelling leads: Maralla, fierce and unyielding, and Mascha, a quietly powerful protector. Both characters are shaped by past traumas, and their personal growth becomes a compelling centerpiece of the story. Their relationship evolves through conflict, challenge, and mutual transformation, delivering a romance that feels as dangerous as it is inevitable. Their chemistry crackles with tension, blending passion, pain, and vulnerability in equal measure.
Beyond the romantic elements, Tipori explores themes of resistance, injustice, and the costs of survival in a fractured world. The emotional undercurrent is potent, with the plot weaving through betrayals, shifting power dynamics, and hard-earned trust. Each twist feels earned, each reveal sharp and satisfying.
The prose is lush and evocative, conjuring every palace shadow, secret meeting, and brutal decision with cinematic clarity. Every moment is charged with intensity, making the stakes feel both intimate and vast.
For readers who crave dark fantasy grounded in deep emotion, layered characters, and beautifully constructed tension, Tipori is a standout. With its haunting setting, electric romance, and unflinching themes, this novel marks Cindy L. Shell as a formidable voice in fantasy fiction. Book two can’t come soon enough.
August 11, 2025
Let me preface this by saying that this book is dark and deals with some serious topics. Before reading it, I highly recommend checking the TWs to ensure you're up to it. But that being said, Cindy's writing style and world-building are impeccable.
Tipori is set in a world Cindy's readers are already familiar with. This was my first encounter with it, and even though it took some time for me to familiarize myself with the lore and the vocabulary, I was hooked from the beginning.
This is a dark, dark world when women are nothing more than bargaining chips. A world where s*avery is seen as a necessity. A world of power-hungry men. This is the world where Mischa and Maralla step into each other's path. Their journey, with Mischa being a former s*ave turned s*ave owner and Maralla being one of his s*aves, is grim. But as we slowly learn, there is more to Mischa than the persona he presents to others.
Is it enough, and is he redeemable? I'm not sure, and neither is he. The one fact is that nobody is truly free; some chains are simply more visible than the others...
Tipori is a standalone novel with the potential to become a series, and I would love to see the story continue and eventually break the chains of men.
Thank you, Cindy, for having me as your ARC reader.
Tipori is set in a world Cindy's readers are already familiar with. This was my first encounter with it, and even though it took some time for me to familiarize myself with the lore and the vocabulary, I was hooked from the beginning.
This is a dark, dark world when women are nothing more than bargaining chips. A world where s*avery is seen as a necessity. A world of power-hungry men. This is the world where Mischa and Maralla step into each other's path. Their journey, with Mischa being a former s*ave turned s*ave owner and Maralla being one of his s*aves, is grim. But as we slowly learn, there is more to Mischa than the persona he presents to others.
Is it enough, and is he redeemable? I'm not sure, and neither is he. The one fact is that nobody is truly free; some chains are simply more visible than the others...
Tipori is a standalone novel with the potential to become a series, and I would love to see the story continue and eventually break the chains of men.
Thank you, Cindy, for having me as your ARC reader.
July 12, 2025
Disclosure: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. As always, my feedback reflects my genuine thoughts and is written with the book’s genre and target audience in mind. While I have personal preferences, I aim to review fairly and respectfully, focusing on the story’s intent rather than whether it includes my favorite tropes or themes.
Tipori completely took me by surprise. With its soft title and beautiful cover, I expected a gentle fantasy. Instead, I was pulled into a powerful story set in a fractured society built on power, control, and systemic injustice.
Both main characters have tragic pasts that shaped their values and choices. Mascha quickly became a favorite of mine for the way he quietly fights for his people. He creates a fragile safe haven in the midst of a harsh world and never stops trying to protect those around him. His care, compassion, and subtle strength were deeply moving.
Maralla brought a fierce energy to the story. She is not gentle or forgiving, and I loved how she pushed Mascha to question everything he thought he knew. Their relationship felt natural and earned as they clashed, learned from each other, and slowly formed a powerful connection.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it blended raw emotional themes with a deeply human story of change and resistance. I also have to say the ending completely satisfied me. Without giving anything away, I found it powerful, emotional, and exactly what the characters deserved.
I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves once it releases. Cindy L. Shell has created something meaningful here and I am absolutely looking forward to reading more of her work. I am ready for book two.
Tipori completely took me by surprise. With its soft title and beautiful cover, I expected a gentle fantasy. Instead, I was pulled into a powerful story set in a fractured society built on power, control, and systemic injustice.
Both main characters have tragic pasts that shaped their values and choices. Mascha quickly became a favorite of mine for the way he quietly fights for his people. He creates a fragile safe haven in the midst of a harsh world and never stops trying to protect those around him. His care, compassion, and subtle strength were deeply moving.
Maralla brought a fierce energy to the story. She is not gentle or forgiving, and I loved how she pushed Mascha to question everything he thought he knew. Their relationship felt natural and earned as they clashed, learned from each other, and slowly formed a powerful connection.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it blended raw emotional themes with a deeply human story of change and resistance. I also have to say the ending completely satisfied me. Without giving anything away, I found it powerful, emotional, and exactly what the characters deserved.
I truly hope this book gets the attention it deserves once it releases. Cindy L. Shell has created something meaningful here and I am absolutely looking forward to reading more of her work. I am ready for book two.
August 1, 2025
*ARC REVIEW*
This story grabbed me by the throat and absolutely didn’t let go.
I actually read the description for this one, yet I was still caught, off guard, time and time again as the story progressed. The rapport between Masha and Maralla felt like a natural progression. I thought they would fall in love, but I didn’t expect the very foundations of both of their beliefs to be such a vital part of the story. They’re such a well matched pair, I really can’t imagine them being separate.
This is also one of the longest books I’ve read in a while, focus is a struggle for me these days, so I tend to aim for short and sweet. Compared to what I normally read for romance, there was heat, a few open door scenes, but not nearly enough to label this as “smut” I full throttled through this book in two days. I was kind of miffed when I got to the end and was reminded that this was a technical standalone with no future stories set in stone.
It was a beautiful story, and I hope it gets built upon and continued with new books. I desperately want them both to be successful in all of their endeavors.
This story grabbed me by the throat and absolutely didn’t let go.
I actually read the description for this one, yet I was still caught, off guard, time and time again as the story progressed. The rapport between Masha and Maralla felt like a natural progression. I thought they would fall in love, but I didn’t expect the very foundations of both of their beliefs to be such a vital part of the story. They’re such a well matched pair, I really can’t imagine them being separate.
This is also one of the longest books I’ve read in a while, focus is a struggle for me these days, so I tend to aim for short and sweet. Compared to what I normally read for romance, there was heat, a few open door scenes, but not nearly enough to label this as “smut” I full throttled through this book in two days. I was kind of miffed when I got to the end and was reminded that this was a technical standalone with no future stories set in stone.
It was a beautiful story, and I hope it gets built upon and continued with new books. I desperately want them both to be successful in all of their endeavors.
July 27, 2025
Really liked this book! Imagine it’d be even better if you were familiar with the other books this author has published as well
I found the characters interesting and nuanced, especially the main characters - which kept me reading and eager to find the next revelation or plot point. Would totally recommend this book if you like the sound of it
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found the characters interesting and nuanced, especially the main characters - which kept me reading and eager to find the next revelation or plot point. Would totally recommend this book if you like the sound of it
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2025
Amazing enemies to lovers
Tipori is an incredible new dark romantasy from author Cindy L Sell and has to be one of the best enemy to lovers I've ever read. These guys are legit enemies to lovers and their progression into tolerance, admiration and eventually love is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Maralla comes from a war torn land. Captured and enslaved, she won't make it easy on them. She's a commander and has spent months doing everything in her power to make her captors regret their decision. Unable to break her will, she's transferred into the care of Mascha. Once a champion pit fighting slave himself, Mascha is now considered the king of slavers and has his own unique methods of bending an unruly slave to his will, but when Maralla continues to thwart his methods, Mascha's boss gives him an ultimatum: break the unbreakable, or suffer the consequences. Unwilling to damage his reputation, he strikes up a deal with Maralla: he'll help her escape her next master if only she'll feign submission for a month.
Tipori is an incredible new dark romantasy from author Cindy L Sell and has to be one of the best enemy to lovers I've ever read. These guys are legit enemies to lovers and their progression into tolerance, admiration and eventually love is 🤌🏼🤌🏼
Maralla comes from a war torn land. Captured and enslaved, she won't make it easy on them. She's a commander and has spent months doing everything in her power to make her captors regret their decision. Unable to break her will, she's transferred into the care of Mascha. Once a champion pit fighting slave himself, Mascha is now considered the king of slavers and has his own unique methods of bending an unruly slave to his will, but when Maralla continues to thwart his methods, Mascha's boss gives him an ultimatum: break the unbreakable, or suffer the consequences. Unwilling to damage his reputation, he strikes up a deal with Maralla: he'll help her escape her next master if only she'll feign submission for a month.
June 10, 2025
Tipori plunges you into world that is perilously dark. Cindy Sell masterfully weaves a tale where desire, magic, and betrayal intertwine, pulling the reader deeper into a realm where nothing is as it seems.
Equal parts passion and risk. The chemistry between the protagonists, ebbs between desire and hatred, a burning connection that feels destined yet dangerous. Every interaction whispered as secrets threaten to unravel the fragile trust between them. A Cast of powerful foes and a mystery that tests the resolve of the Unbroken Maralla and the dauntless Masha is the background plot to this more than a romance.
The atmosphere! The writing is rich, moving, has a powerful allure, making every Palace shadow, collared Slave, and hidden rendezvous feel alive. The stakes are high, the choices brutal, with twists like a knife.
For fans of dark fantasy romance who crave deeply emotional storytelling, tragic yet beautiful attraction, and morally complex characters, Tipori delivers.
Equal parts passion and risk. The chemistry between the protagonists, ebbs between desire and hatred, a burning connection that feels destined yet dangerous. Every interaction whispered as secrets threaten to unravel the fragile trust between them. A Cast of powerful foes and a mystery that tests the resolve of the Unbroken Maralla and the dauntless Masha is the background plot to this more than a romance.
The atmosphere! The writing is rich, moving, has a powerful allure, making every Palace shadow, collared Slave, and hidden rendezvous feel alive. The stakes are high, the choices brutal, with twists like a knife.
For fans of dark fantasy romance who crave deeply emotional storytelling, tragic yet beautiful attraction, and morally complex characters, Tipori delivers.
July 17, 2025
i was so ready to write a review as soon as i finished it but i feel like it needed more time to simmer in my brain before i could properly review anything. but yk i think the brain soup is finished cooking and i do have thoughts.
i decided to arc read this book (with an honest review ofc) because obviously it sounded interesting and also i kind of wanted to test if it really was possible to understand the plot and universe without reading her other series because it's a standalone but set in the same universe. and yk i would give an honest review regardless bc i can't keep my mouth shut about a bad book.
i won't lie, i am a little confused about the logistics of aging and different races and some of the cultural elements like the levels of slave piercings and whatnot, but that was just my personal confusion and doesn't really impact understanding the story itself? if anything it made me more curious to read the other series so i can figure all of this out. i kept forgetting that maralla has lavender skin? which is cool. and she's several hundred years old and mascha is in his 80s? possibly? but i think they both still look fairly young like 30s-40s? however i really couldn't wrap my head around that because there wasn't much lore on aging and whatever else. but anyways the world itself is so cool and the culture is horrible but very interesting. the magic system was explained a bit but again not with a lot of detail. which i guess is okay because it's still possible to read and understand the story without a big exposition on any of this. but still, it seems like it would be preferable for a reader to have some knowledge of these things if they really want to understand and analyze *everything* that happens and how all of it connects. but even with the kind of abstract understanding a new reader is given in this book alone, it's absolutely definitely 100% possible to read and love tipori without knowing a thing about the other books. and i did really love it despite my limited knowledge on those things.
i wasn't entirely sold on owner-slave romance and lbr most of the conversations around slavery and the mmc breaking his slaves were absolutely horrible but that's kind of the point? like i would hope nobody enjoys those parts. it took me a while to warm up to mascha for obvious reasons but boyyyy was it fun to read his little internal struggles about maralla and slavery and his mother and master and on and on. i'm a sucker for a man suffering and angsting to become a worthy mmc and mascha had SO much angst like 10/10 make him suffer.
maralla was sad man. that's it. her whole family is dead and she's a slave in a crazy misogynistic country? damn. i really hope this does become a serious because i'm borderline desperate ready to beg on my knees for more backstory on that battle and her home country!!! maralla is like the peakiest of peak strong independent woman so i was extremely happy that she never broke under mascha. watching HIM stress about how to free HER from slavery and do all the work? that's how you know it's real.
the slaves? i forgot their names oopsie but i loved how distinct they all were from each other. i really hope they become more relevant/involved in future books (when not if right? right? please say yes cindy sell) and yk what. they all kind of have rose-colored glasses about mascha and slavery in general for obvious reasons but i hope that in the future they can see their situations for what they truly are and help mascha become a Better Man and Overthrow The Government.. i'll beg if i have to.
as far as the romance plot goes part of me thinks it developed a little too soon after they reached their deal, but it's also realistic (as realistic as fantasy owner-slave romance can be) since she was finally able to see more of his true self and how much he really cares for his slaves. but still i think mascha needs to redeem himself much much much more before i can be 100% sold on their relationship. like even though it's just how life is in-universe and i'm probably being a little to realistic rn, he's already started to change his perspective a bit so i would be disappointed if by the end of the series (manifesting fr that it becomes a series PLEASEEEE) mascha hasn't entirely destroyed not just the government but also any pro-slavery sentiments in his country. i want a revolution. a rebellion. a total overthrow and overhaul and whatever else the thesaurus can give me.
side note this is 100% just a kindle problem but i did NOT know there was a glossary at the end of the book for pronunciations and translations and stuff. i survived and understood and was fairly accurate in my pronunciations but if i'd known that was there i would have been referencing it WAY more.
in conclusion i liked tipori way more than i thought i would given the subject matter. but such heavy topics were handled pretty well and the character development really made it feel more of an enemies-to-lovers situation rather than a master-slave situation by the time the romance really started to fester. i hope this is intelligible oops.
i decided to arc read this book (with an honest review ofc) because obviously it sounded interesting and also i kind of wanted to test if it really was possible to understand the plot and universe without reading her other series because it's a standalone but set in the same universe. and yk i would give an honest review regardless bc i can't keep my mouth shut about a bad book.
i won't lie, i am a little confused about the logistics of aging and different races and some of the cultural elements like the levels of slave piercings and whatnot, but that was just my personal confusion and doesn't really impact understanding the story itself? if anything it made me more curious to read the other series so i can figure all of this out. i kept forgetting that maralla has lavender skin? which is cool. and she's several hundred years old and mascha is in his 80s? possibly? but i think they both still look fairly young like 30s-40s? however i really couldn't wrap my head around that because there wasn't much lore on aging and whatever else. but anyways the world itself is so cool and the culture is horrible but very interesting. the magic system was explained a bit but again not with a lot of detail. which i guess is okay because it's still possible to read and understand the story without a big exposition on any of this. but still, it seems like it would be preferable for a reader to have some knowledge of these things if they really want to understand and analyze *everything* that happens and how all of it connects. but even with the kind of abstract understanding a new reader is given in this book alone, it's absolutely definitely 100% possible to read and love tipori without knowing a thing about the other books. and i did really love it despite my limited knowledge on those things.
i wasn't entirely sold on owner-slave romance and lbr most of the conversations around slavery and the mmc breaking his slaves were absolutely horrible but that's kind of the point? like i would hope nobody enjoys those parts. it took me a while to warm up to mascha for obvious reasons but boyyyy was it fun to read his little internal struggles about maralla and slavery and his mother and master and on and on. i'm a sucker for a man suffering and angsting to become a worthy mmc and mascha had SO much angst like 10/10 make him suffer.
maralla was sad man. that's it. her whole family is dead and she's a slave in a crazy misogynistic country? damn. i really hope this does become a serious because i'm borderline desperate ready to beg on my knees for more backstory on that battle and her home country!!! maralla is like the peakiest of peak strong independent woman so i was extremely happy that she never broke under mascha. watching HIM stress about how to free HER from slavery and do all the work? that's how you know it's real.
the slaves? i forgot their names oopsie but i loved how distinct they all were from each other. i really hope they become more relevant/involved in future books (when not if right? right? please say yes cindy sell) and yk what. they all kind of have rose-colored glasses about mascha and slavery in general for obvious reasons but i hope that in the future they can see their situations for what they truly are and help mascha become a Better Man and Overthrow The Government.. i'll beg if i have to.
as far as the romance plot goes part of me thinks it developed a little too soon after they reached their deal, but it's also realistic (as realistic as fantasy owner-slave romance can be) since she was finally able to see more of his true self and how much he really cares for his slaves. but still i think mascha needs to redeem himself much much much more before i can be 100% sold on their relationship. like even though it's just how life is in-universe and i'm probably being a little to realistic rn, he's already started to change his perspective a bit so i would be disappointed if by the end of the series (manifesting fr that it becomes a series PLEASEEEE) mascha hasn't entirely destroyed not just the government but also any pro-slavery sentiments in his country. i want a revolution. a rebellion. a total overthrow and overhaul and whatever else the thesaurus can give me.
side note this is 100% just a kindle problem but i did NOT know there was a glossary at the end of the book for pronunciations and translations and stuff. i survived and understood and was fairly accurate in my pronunciations but if i'd known that was there i would have been referencing it WAY more.
in conclusion i liked tipori way more than i thought i would given the subject matter. but such heavy topics were handled pretty well and the character development really made it feel more of an enemies-to-lovers situation rather than a master-slave situation by the time the romance really started to fester. i hope this is intelligible oops.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2025
Thank you to Cindy L. Sell for allowing me to be one of your ARC readers and receiving an advanced copy of your book as I voluntarily write this honest review reflecting my thoughts and feelings on this story.
Cindy L. Sell's Tipori serves as an interconnected standalone in The Last Draegion series. If you've read Embers Rising, then you would've met Tipori and Maralla Evallier, a lovely couple leading the Syljian resistance in the North.
I didn't know exactly what to expect when reading this story. We enter Dessos, where the darkest parts of society thrive on power, control, and systemic injustice. Slaves are status symbols, and even used to seal the deal between societal obligations and contracts. While a romance, there are messages about women's body rights and socioeconomic injustices. I couldn't help but fall in love with this couple and learn more about their story. Mascha was a champion pit fighter now crowned the king of slavers for his impressive achievements. Maralla is a Syljian commander who was captured into the slave trade and is now Mascha's slave. They are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers. They each have their own struggles, but they slowly start to see each other in a way they haven't seen before, and soon their attraction can't be contained. Both are fighters, but it's their love and strength in each other that has you hooked and hoping they come out and break the injustices of their society. Spoiler, it does.
I know this is a standalone, however I would love to know more about their story, I would also like to see if the Deal Breaker plays a role in future Last Draegion books.
Cindy L. Sell's Tipori serves as an interconnected standalone in The Last Draegion series. If you've read Embers Rising, then you would've met Tipori and Maralla Evallier, a lovely couple leading the Syljian resistance in the North.
I didn't know exactly what to expect when reading this story. We enter Dessos, where the darkest parts of society thrive on power, control, and systemic injustice. Slaves are status symbols, and even used to seal the deal between societal obligations and contracts. While a romance, there are messages about women's body rights and socioeconomic injustices. I couldn't help but fall in love with this couple and learn more about their story. Mascha was a champion pit fighter now crowned the king of slavers for his impressive achievements. Maralla is a Syljian commander who was captured into the slave trade and is now Mascha's slave. They are the epitome of enemies-to-lovers. They each have their own struggles, but they slowly start to see each other in a way they haven't seen before, and soon their attraction can't be contained. Both are fighters, but it's their love and strength in each other that has you hooked and hoping they come out and break the injustices of their society. Spoiler, it does.
I know this is a standalone, however I would love to know more about their story, I would also like to see if the Deal Breaker plays a role in future Last Draegion books.
July 25, 2025
Oh. My. God.
I never wanted to finish this book, I was so invested and wanted to know more. I love how the enemies to lovers trope plays out here.
I want a full series about these characters, detailing their conception to their trip to Baosanni's Gate, give me all of it.
I do recommend checking the triggers for the book before beginning, there are some very graphic depictions as well as how the culture itself operates in regards to caste systems, violence, assault, and bodily autonomy.
I don't believe you need to read this in any particular order with the two available books in The Last Draegion Saga as far as previous knowledge being required to understand what's going on. It's significantly less stressful going into it knowing how certain events play out though, that's for sure.
Highly recommend this book and any that follow. You'll love it.
I never wanted to finish this book, I was so invested and wanted to know more. I love how the enemies to lovers trope plays out here.
I want a full series about these characters, detailing their conception to their trip to Baosanni's Gate, give me all of it.
I do recommend checking the triggers for the book before beginning, there are some very graphic depictions as well as how the culture itself operates in regards to caste systems, violence, assault, and bodily autonomy.
I don't believe you need to read this in any particular order with the two available books in The Last Draegion Saga as far as previous knowledge being required to understand what's going on. It's significantly less stressful going into it knowing how certain events play out though, that's for sure.
Highly recommend this book and any that follow. You'll love it.
September 2, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up for GR. Maralla, a former military commander turned defiant slave, refuses to be broken by her new owner. Mascha secretly admires his slave’s resilience and offers her a deal: if she pretends to be obedient, he’ll help her escape after she’s sold. But their deception is a dangerous game in a country ruled by cruelty and injustice, and as loyalty fractures and attraction blooms, their forbidden bond could be their downfall.
This is a newish fantasy author making her first foray into a darker, spicier story. I was completely sucked into the world of Dessos from the first page. While the rich and detailed worldbuilding can be a little hard to follow, it serves an important purpose in setting the stage for the high-stakes, emotionally intense story to come.
Maralla is fantastic: clever, observant, resourceful and cunning. She comes from a matriarchal society, so being a slave in the intensely misogynist country of Rillion where women are viciously objectified is especially awful to her. She forces Mascha, a former pit fighter and slave, to examine how he, with all his current power and influence, is still enslaved in the political machinations of his country, and how despite being kind to his own slaves he’s also part of the problem.
Maralla and Mascha engage in a slow, beautifully painful dance as the story progresses: first as uneasy allies, then tentative friends, and finally passionate lovers. Their arc is exquisite and sensual, and their connection felt completely earned.
Mascha has a rare clairvoyance power called Foresight that is worked into the plot in numerous interesting ways. It’s a very visual power and the author does a great job illustrating his visions and showing how he reacts to the information they reveal.
The ending is squarely in HFN, “happy for now” territory. However, it was a little unsatisfying to me because things aren’t really resolved. Instead it felt like the main characters got trapped by their situation and are making the best of it. The author is hinting at a sequel which I would gladly read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Content Warnings: sexual slavery, forced drug intoxication for both MCs (on-screen for MMC, off-screen for FMC), child death (mostly off-screen). More CW available on the author’s website.
To anyone especially sensitive to cheating: you might want to steer clear. The MMC kisses and sleeps with other women, sometimes in front of the FMC. This is partly an act to maintain appearances in line with the country’s customs, and the two MC’s never have a conversation about being exclusive, but it could still be troublesome to certain readers.
This is a newish fantasy author making her first foray into a darker, spicier story. I was completely sucked into the world of Dessos from the first page. While the rich and detailed worldbuilding can be a little hard to follow, it serves an important purpose in setting the stage for the high-stakes, emotionally intense story to come.
Maralla is fantastic: clever, observant, resourceful and cunning. She comes from a matriarchal society, so being a slave in the intensely misogynist country of Rillion where women are viciously objectified is especially awful to her. She forces Mascha, a former pit fighter and slave, to examine how he, with all his current power and influence, is still enslaved in the political machinations of his country, and how despite being kind to his own slaves he’s also part of the problem.
Maralla and Mascha engage in a slow, beautifully painful dance as the story progresses: first as uneasy allies, then tentative friends, and finally passionate lovers. Their arc is exquisite and sensual, and their connection felt completely earned.
Mascha has a rare clairvoyance power called Foresight that is worked into the plot in numerous interesting ways. It’s a very visual power and the author does a great job illustrating his visions and showing how he reacts to the information they reveal.
The ending is squarely in HFN, “happy for now” territory. However, it was a little unsatisfying to me because things aren’t really resolved. Instead it felt like the main characters got trapped by their situation and are making the best of it. The author is hinting at a sequel which I would gladly read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Content Warnings: sexual slavery, forced drug intoxication for both MCs (on-screen for MMC, off-screen for FMC), child death (mostly off-screen). More CW available on the author’s website.
To anyone especially sensitive to cheating: you might want to steer clear. The MMC kisses and sleeps with other women, sometimes in front of the FMC. This is partly an act to maintain appearances in line with the country’s customs, and the two MC’s never have a conversation about being exclusive, but it could still be troublesome to certain readers.
June 18, 2025
Tipori, by Cindy L. Sell, sucked me in immediately. A spicy enemies-to-lovers romance that has all the twists and turns you could ask for. Maralla, a captured warrior, is kept as a slave by the most notorious slave trainer around, Mascha. Between the pages is a story of love, fear, and all the things that makes life worthwhile, including lots of smut!
I loved the premise, the world that drew them together, and the slow burn romance. I did have to come back and double check that there weren't previous books that were required because I did feel a bit lost at times; some of the words, terms, and customs weren't explained super well.
Overall, I was sucked right in. I'd definitely read again and look forward to seeing what else Cindy L. Sell has written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved the premise, the world that drew them together, and the slow burn romance. I did have to come back and double check that there weren't previous books that were required because I did feel a bit lost at times; some of the words, terms, and customs weren't explained super well.
Overall, I was sucked right in. I'd definitely read again and look forward to seeing what else Cindy L. Sell has written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2025
4.7 🌟
I read this as an ARC, and if you read my reviews, I dont give 5 stars often. this author has been one of my exceptions.
her prose is artful as always. (3rd book of Sell's that I've read this year)
I will edit this review for more detail later, but while this was much darker, it wasn't unnecessarily dark. read the trigger ⚠️ but it is still a good book from an author trying to make a point in the best allegorical way.
steamy, but still makes you think about what she is trying to say about a society that makes darker subjects "normal".
I read this as an ARC, and if you read my reviews, I dont give 5 stars often. this author has been one of my exceptions.
her prose is artful as always. (3rd book of Sell's that I've read this year)
I will edit this review for more detail later, but while this was much darker, it wasn't unnecessarily dark. read the trigger ⚠️ but it is still a good book from an author trying to make a point in the best allegorical way.
steamy, but still makes you think about what she is trying to say about a society that makes darker subjects "normal".
September 22, 2025
Oh so dark and spicy!! (Please let this be a series!! Lol) I absolutely LOVED everything about this book! I have been having so much luck lately on finding amazing new authors to read and follow!! I highly recommend this book!
July 19, 2025
I received this as an ARC and voluntarily and honestly leave my review.
4⭐️
The author states this book is dark and spicy. I agree. It’s got heavy themes of violence, assault, sexual abuse and torture etc. I highly recommend reading the authors note to confirm this book is for you.
The way this author writes is like a movie. Every detail paints a picture, and all the characters are unique and have their thoughts/feelings and quirks. You can’t help but have sympathy for all of them regardless of their intent. I was hesitant that I would like Tipori as much as the other books I’ve read. The characters took a while for me to sympathize and care for, but as I read more, I became more entranced. Their stories truly build their characters and their experiences. The spice was exciting and way more than I was expecting🌶️🌶️🌶️The enemies to lovers was such a wild ride! I couldn’t keep track of who I was rooting for anymore. The blood thirsty Macha, the dealer of death, or the unbreakable commander Maralla. The dance at the gala gave me goosebumps. The detail is something I can’t get over. Everything from the street rat kid, the horses, the starlit sky, the decorations of the palace, the performance, the slaves, the onlookers, etc. The history aspect of all the towns and cities was so intriguing. I was shook at how the characters' ancestors played a role in everyone’s story. As the tale unfolded and we saw a different side to both characters as they changed and grew. This story has everything: sex, murder, a heist, forbidden love, unrequited love, the favored burn down the world for their love and of course, the touch her and die trope! The way I felt my heart drop at the frost bite venom, I felt faint. The ending got me in the feels. I knew it was coming, but still it hit me hard. Such a beautiful story. But I need more! I need to know what happens next! I can’t wait for the next book.
4⭐️
The author states this book is dark and spicy. I agree. It’s got heavy themes of violence, assault, sexual abuse and torture etc. I highly recommend reading the authors note to confirm this book is for you.
The way this author writes is like a movie. Every detail paints a picture, and all the characters are unique and have their thoughts/feelings and quirks. You can’t help but have sympathy for all of them regardless of their intent. I was hesitant that I would like Tipori as much as the other books I’ve read. The characters took a while for me to sympathize and care for, but as I read more, I became more entranced. Their stories truly build their characters and their experiences. The spice was exciting and way more than I was expecting🌶️🌶️🌶️The enemies to lovers was such a wild ride! I couldn’t keep track of who I was rooting for anymore. The blood thirsty Macha, the dealer of death, or the unbreakable commander Maralla. The dance at the gala gave me goosebumps. The detail is something I can’t get over. Everything from the street rat kid, the horses, the starlit sky, the decorations of the palace, the performance, the slaves, the onlookers, etc. The history aspect of all the towns and cities was so intriguing. I was shook at how the characters' ancestors played a role in everyone’s story. As the tale unfolded and we saw a different side to both characters as they changed and grew. This story has everything: sex, murder, a heist, forbidden love, unrequited love, the favored burn down the world for their love and of course, the touch her and die trope! The way I felt my heart drop at the frost bite venom, I felt faint. The ending got me in the feels. I knew it was coming, but still it hit me hard. Such a beautiful story. But I need more! I need to know what happens next! I can’t wait for the next book.
September 2, 2025
The best enemies to lovers I have read in a very long time. The mains begin as enemies in the truest sense of the word - one actively plotting against the other, one trying to ensure his reputation isn't overly damaged by the other. Watching them grow to mutual respect to something forbidden and more was absolutely glorious. Sell knocked it out of the park with this dynamic.
"Tipori" lives up to its name sake as a dark romantasy. The world building is what I'd expect in this genre, but Sell easily could have made this an epic fantasy romance (and I'd have devoured every word like a starving woman). The magic and nuance are explained as needed making the world immersive and beautiful in a dark way.
Mascha and Maralla's romance is sweet, wholesome even. In a dark world, where women are nothing more than slaves, their worth barely more than their prowess in bed, Mascha and Maralla's love is a bright spot.
While this is being marketed as a standalone with series potential, I hope to all that is holy and unholy Sell continues their story as I absolutely love them, it, and where may be headed.
"Tipori" lives up to its name sake as a dark romantasy. The world building is what I'd expect in this genre, but Sell easily could have made this an epic fantasy romance (and I'd have devoured every word like a starving woman). The magic and nuance are explained as needed making the world immersive and beautiful in a dark way.
Mascha and Maralla's romance is sweet, wholesome even. In a dark world, where women are nothing more than slaves, their worth barely more than their prowess in bed, Mascha and Maralla's love is a bright spot.
While this is being marketed as a standalone with series potential, I hope to all that is holy and unholy Sell continues their story as I absolutely love them, it, and where may be headed.
August 24, 2025
(** Definitely read the TWs before diving into this book.)
Is it too early to request a sequel? Pretty please?? I was invested in this book from page 1 and didn't want it to end. I have read the two books in the Draegion Saga and was excited to read more about Mascha and Maralla's history. Tipori definitely did not disappoint. I think that it helped that I was already familiar with the world and I was able to focus on the storyline. I think this would be a fantastic read even without reading the other two books though!
Yes, there is a lot of spice, but I enjoyed that there was a strong plot guiding the book. I appreciated how well thought out the characters were and that their feelings and decisions weren't just black and white - there were a lot of grey areas that they had to wade through individually and together. Having the POV switch between Maralla and Mascha was a perfect way for the reader to get a clear picture of their varying thoughts and motivations. I would highly recommend Tipori to anyone that enjoys dark romantasy books with a heavy dose of spice.
Is it too early to request a sequel? Pretty please?? I was invested in this book from page 1 and didn't want it to end. I have read the two books in the Draegion Saga and was excited to read more about Mascha and Maralla's history. Tipori definitely did not disappoint. I think that it helped that I was already familiar with the world and I was able to focus on the storyline. I think this would be a fantastic read even without reading the other two books though!
Yes, there is a lot of spice, but I enjoyed that there was a strong plot guiding the book. I appreciated how well thought out the characters were and that their feelings and decisions weren't just black and white - there were a lot of grey areas that they had to wade through individually and together. Having the POV switch between Maralla and Mascha was a perfect way for the reader to get a clear picture of their varying thoughts and motivations. I would highly recommend Tipori to anyone that enjoys dark romantasy books with a heavy dose of spice.
August 13, 2025
“And like Rillion’s most tempestuous volcano, Maralla was both terrifying and beautiful in her fury.”
🌋 I really really liked this book. It’s been a while since the writing style in a romantasy has kept me engaged. Boy did this author do it. Mascha, aside from some of his dubious acts, might just be my new book boyfriend (swoon). But maybe that’s why I am into him? 🧐
Maralla is a fierce and badass older FMC who is thrown into an unimaginable society where humans are enslaved and women treated like cattle. She has to fight not only court politics, but her warring feelings for a man she sees as a monster.
I did feel the ending was slightly rushed, but I’m chalking that up to series potential and doesn’t detract from an interesting, well written, and sexy story.
***Check your TW prior to reading.
Lastly, big thank you to Cindy L Sell and her team for the gifted ARC.
🌋 I really really liked this book. It’s been a while since the writing style in a romantasy has kept me engaged. Boy did this author do it. Mascha, aside from some of his dubious acts, might just be my new book boyfriend (swoon). But maybe that’s why I am into him? 🧐
Maralla is a fierce and badass older FMC who is thrown into an unimaginable society where humans are enslaved and women treated like cattle. She has to fight not only court politics, but her warring feelings for a man she sees as a monster.
I did feel the ending was slightly rushed, but I’m chalking that up to series potential and doesn’t detract from an interesting, well written, and sexy story.
***Check your TW prior to reading.
Lastly, big thank you to Cindy L Sell and her team for the gifted ARC.
Read
August 7, 2025Not my normal fare. I was warned in advance that this is a very spicy book. I have reservations about excessive violence and sex. Any use of either is only OK if it serves the greater narrative. This book has both. There are times where the actions seem gratuitous and unnecessary… but they are surprisingly few. What remains works. The story is much better than I expected and was a very fun read. The potential for a series is huge.
The author continues to expand on her very detailed and unique world in unexpected ways.
Well done and exciting….
The author continues to expand on her very detailed and unique world in unexpected ways.
Well done and exciting….
August 28, 2025
I received this ARC of “Tipori” in exchange for my honest review and I want to start by thanking Cindy L. Sell for selecting me. I read this book as a standalone so I had no prior knowledge of The Last Draegion Saga characters or plot. I loved the MCM Mascha and FMC Maralla. Finally a FMC that is a badass, strong willed warrior and not a weak damsel in distress. Maralla is every bit Mascaha’s match and the development of their dynamic and relationship did not feel forced or rushed, the burn was slow enough that it made sense. Her world building is wonderfully done and I often referenced the map, translations and pronunciations that she has included. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but the last 10 chapters of this book had me GLUED! I was so anxious to see how the plot panned out and how the two main characters handled the situation they were in and their relationship. I really hope she writes a sequel for this book, I need to know what happens to Mascha and Maralla and everyone else in Mascha’s care. The epilogue had me on the edge of my seat and it took all my self control to not scream at my iPad. I cannot wait to dive into more of Cindy’s work!
August 15, 2025
I got the absolute privilege of reading this book twice before it was published, and I loved it both times!
Definitely check out the TW, but if you're a dark romance reader, this one is a winner.
Mascha and Maralla are well-developed, relatable, and their relationship feels very organic. There's a good balance of darkness, humor, and romance throughout the whole story. Maralla's snark is unmatched.
The world-building is colorful and detailed, the writing style is superb, and the spice was just 10/10. Cindy never lets us down, and I'm not at all patiently waiting for the sequel to this.
Definitely check out the TW, but if you're a dark romance reader, this one is a winner.
Mascha and Maralla are well-developed, relatable, and their relationship feels very organic. There's a good balance of darkness, humor, and romance throughout the whole story. Maralla's snark is unmatched.
The world-building is colorful and detailed, the writing style is superb, and the spice was just 10/10. Cindy never lets us down, and I'm not at all patiently waiting for the sequel to this.
September 11, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded up for the complexity of the world building. so this is a spin off book/maybe series, and i could kind of tell reading this. the world was pretty fleshed out with multiple languages and races. it was hard to keep straight at first, but i did get a handle on it eventually.
the characters were interesting. i appreciated how maralla challenged mascha, and how he changed some, but this is a dark romance. he is still pretty morally grey & the situation and world they are in is dark. you absolutely need to read the trigger warnings for this one.
tropes: morally grey mmc, dark romance, slave-master, she refuses to break, he’s a former slave, enemies to lovers, touch her & die
4🌶️ there was quite a bit of smut in this one. it was interesting though, in the sense that monogamy isn’t really a thing in this world. or rather the part of this world where the book takes places. it was a little disconcerting and i’m not entirely sure how i feel about it. cw: complex consent dynamics, power play
thank you to book sirens and the author for this ARC. all opinions are my own
the characters were interesting. i appreciated how maralla challenged mascha, and how he changed some, but this is a dark romance. he is still pretty morally grey & the situation and world they are in is dark. you absolutely need to read the trigger warnings for this one.
tropes: morally grey mmc, dark romance, slave-master, she refuses to break, he’s a former slave, enemies to lovers, touch her & die
4🌶️ there was quite a bit of smut in this one. it was interesting though, in the sense that monogamy isn’t really a thing in this world. or rather the part of this world where the book takes places. it was a little disconcerting and i’m not entirely sure how i feel about it. cw: complex consent dynamics, power play
thank you to book sirens and the author for this ARC. all opinions are my own
July 17, 2025
Tipori is a Bold! emotionally charged story, that explores power, pain, and redemption.
Sell creates an electrifying dynamic between Mascha, a former slave turned slaver , and Maralla, a fierce commander who refuses to break. The tension simmers beneath stark brutality and touching tenderness. The writing is powerful and, unflinching, perfect for readers who crave morally complex characters and highstakes emotion. It’s intense, provocative, and beautifully made.
Sell creates an electrifying dynamic between Mascha, a former slave turned slaver , and Maralla, a fierce commander who refuses to break. The tension simmers beneath stark brutality and touching tenderness. The writing is powerful and, unflinching, perfect for readers who crave morally complex characters and highstakes emotion. It’s intense, provocative, and beautifully made.
August 10, 2025
“You are not my master… you never were… and you never will be.”
PHEW.
This book was an absolutely unique experience - the world, the culture, the ways of navigating the sociopolitical game. The senses were overwhelmed by every description of sight, taste, sound, scent, and touch, and I felt so fully immersed in a world that couldn’t be further than my own. The consistency of flipping POVs in each chapter, as opposed to there being an unequal number for the sake of narrative, lends itself to the theme of equality. More than that, it shows the author’s skill in how to write what needs to be written within a single chapter from a single POV, without it feeling superfluous or rushed.
I was truly enamoured by the way the author was able to capture Maralla’s (FMC) and Macha’s (MMC) unique voice and tone within their POV, and how each experience felt authentic to their respective gender.
This book doesn’t shove itself into familiar tropes and layouts, which can be a hard thing to do. Ranging from sexual orientation, misunderstandings, emotions within a harem, even the much darker themes (and there are a few of them!) are woven into this story in a refreshing way. Even the sex - it was quite tame compared to many popular romantasy books on the market, which to many, may come as a reprieve.
The full human experience is portrayed within the MMC namely, but it is because of Tipori - a word whose meaning is addressed in the novel, that the reader can rationalise - even understand - some of the more unsavoury actions committed by our MMC.
Some of my favourite tropes: Nickname, reverse subservience, honour over desire, spicy kitty, a very good act
Why didn’t I give it five stars though?
Personally, I think this book can actually stand to be a bit longer! I hardly ever say that.
For two reasons:
1. When they do finally copulate, it lacks the “FINALLY!!” feeling that I yearn for. It feels as if we knew it was going to happen all along, it was just a matter of when. And when it did happen, I wanted more toe-curling, more passion, more release. It felt like more of an event to just get over with, rather than the fact that it was a choice for them both.
And in that vein, with no spoilers, there is a command that Maralla obeys from another noble that Mascha said it was the one command he could not get her to obey for him. It would’ve been a fantastic callback if he had issued that command and she obeyed - or better yet - made it clear that it was a reference to that part in the story that she didn’t need a command in order to do it; she had done it of her own volition.
2. It feels as if there is such a focus on the FMC and MMC that the side plot of overthrowing an unfair system, smuggling and trading of illicit drugs, and the underlying scheming of a specific higher lord is pushed aside. HOWEVER - I think if Cindy L Sell chooses to write a second book, the political intrigue should take at least 60% of the spotlight.
All of this said - the few flaws outlined above are easily addressed, whether it be in this book or the next. I really believe that reader will be in for an absolute treat as they are spirited away to the land of Dessos.
PHEW.
This book was an absolutely unique experience - the world, the culture, the ways of navigating the sociopolitical game. The senses were overwhelmed by every description of sight, taste, sound, scent, and touch, and I felt so fully immersed in a world that couldn’t be further than my own. The consistency of flipping POVs in each chapter, as opposed to there being an unequal number for the sake of narrative, lends itself to the theme of equality. More than that, it shows the author’s skill in how to write what needs to be written within a single chapter from a single POV, without it feeling superfluous or rushed.
I was truly enamoured by the way the author was able to capture Maralla’s (FMC) and Macha’s (MMC) unique voice and tone within their POV, and how each experience felt authentic to their respective gender.
This book doesn’t shove itself into familiar tropes and layouts, which can be a hard thing to do. Ranging from sexual orientation, misunderstandings, emotions within a harem, even the much darker themes (and there are a few of them!) are woven into this story in a refreshing way. Even the sex - it was quite tame compared to many popular romantasy books on the market, which to many, may come as a reprieve.
The full human experience is portrayed within the MMC namely, but it is because of Tipori - a word whose meaning is addressed in the novel, that the reader can rationalise - even understand - some of the more unsavoury actions committed by our MMC.
Some of my favourite tropes: Nickname, reverse subservience, honour over desire, spicy kitty, a very good act
Why didn’t I give it five stars though?
Personally, I think this book can actually stand to be a bit longer! I hardly ever say that.
For two reasons:
1. When they do finally copulate, it lacks the “FINALLY!!” feeling that I yearn for. It feels as if we knew it was going to happen all along, it was just a matter of when. And when it did happen, I wanted more toe-curling, more passion, more release. It felt like more of an event to just get over with, rather than the fact that it was a choice for them both.
And in that vein, with no spoilers, there is a command that Maralla obeys from another noble that Mascha said it was the one command he could not get her to obey for him. It would’ve been a fantastic callback if he had issued that command and she obeyed - or better yet - made it clear that it was a reference to that part in the story that she didn’t need a command in order to do it; she had done it of her own volition.
2. It feels as if there is such a focus on the FMC and MMC that the side plot of overthrowing an unfair system, smuggling and trading of illicit drugs, and the underlying scheming of a specific higher lord is pushed aside. HOWEVER - I think if Cindy L Sell chooses to write a second book, the political intrigue should take at least 60% of the spotlight.
All of this said - the few flaws outlined above are easily addressed, whether it be in this book or the next. I really believe that reader will be in for an absolute treat as they are spirited away to the land of Dessos.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews