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Unworldly City #3
Of Skulls of Shackles
Up and out
Weaves golden fate
Feeling ancient in gifted wisdom.
Five powers grasp
All icy demise
Free from her olden prison.
If throne is seat
Union is seam
Skulls are skin
Shackles are stitch.
Until ancient in truth
Tarry not
Linger never
Lest the world becomes forever buried.
If princes became her pawns, and if princesses became her champions, then naturally a queen ponders what five kings will become.
A deathly chant sounds, and there is no time to leisurely stitch fifty mothers together, nor time to make lazy and lustful demands upon King See to deliver his lessons of war. How ironic that an immortal queen should be so poor in minutes, dusks, and midnights, and yet the ruin of the world and monsters hangs in the deadly balance.
Ancients push me to obsession, and so to obsession I must go, to rip and tear at the immortal burdens and wearied purposes of kings. Perhaps I should not waste time pondering what kings will become, then, for I will be as obsessed as ancients intend, as mad as they design, and only as powerful as they allow.
That is the only truth for any monster, even me.
Of Skulls of Shackles is a dark fantasy romance thoroughly drenched with the morally gray and it is intended for mature audiences. This story contains monsters with manners, heaped teaspoons of spice, magical impossibilities, and not many conventional things at all, really.
Weaves golden fate
Feeling ancient in gifted wisdom.
Five powers grasp
All icy demise
Free from her olden prison.
If throne is seat
Union is seam
Skulls are skin
Shackles are stitch.
Until ancient in truth
Tarry not
Linger never
Lest the world becomes forever buried.
If princes became her pawns, and if princesses became her champions, then naturally a queen ponders what five kings will become.
A deathly chant sounds, and there is no time to leisurely stitch fifty mothers together, nor time to make lazy and lustful demands upon King See to deliver his lessons of war. How ironic that an immortal queen should be so poor in minutes, dusks, and midnights, and yet the ruin of the world and monsters hangs in the deadly balance.
Ancients push me to obsession, and so to obsession I must go, to rip and tear at the immortal burdens and wearied purposes of kings. Perhaps I should not waste time pondering what kings will become, then, for I will be as obsessed as ancients intend, as mad as they design, and only as powerful as they allow.
That is the only truth for any monster, even me.
Of Skulls of Shackles is a dark fantasy romance thoroughly drenched with the morally gray and it is intended for mature audiences. This story contains monsters with manners, heaped teaspoons of spice, magical impossibilities, and not many conventional things at all, really.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
58 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Kelly St. Clare
67 books3,246 followersWhen USA Today bestselling author, Kelly St Clare is not reading or writing, she is lost in her latest reverie.
Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.
The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.
A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.
Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.
http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift
Books have always been magical and mysterious to her. One day she decided to start unravelling this mystery and began writing.
The Tainted Accords was her debut series. The After Trilogy is now available.
A New Zealander in origin and in heart, Kelly currently resides in Australia with her soon-to-be husband, a great group of friends, and some huntsman spiders who love to come inside when it rains. Their love is not returned.
Find out more at her website, and claim a free paranormal dystopian short story, coloring book, and free bonus chapters from The Tainted Accords.
http://www.kellystclare.com/free-gift
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 26, 2025
This continues to be one of the most inventive series I have read in recent times. Twists and turns aplenty and so many highs and lows.
It's hard to comment on the plot without giving away too many spoilers, but Patch continues to be such an amazing character and my heart broke for her at the end.
The lore and world building is fascinating and I cannot wait to read the next book.
Highly recommend!
It's hard to comment on the plot without giving away too many spoilers, but Patch continues to be such an amazing character and my heart broke for her at the end.
The lore and world building is fascinating and I cannot wait to read the next book.
Highly recommend!
May 25, 2025
Beautiful
We continue Queen Parantiqua's story and her kingdom with pawns and princesses. I love the friendships she is building, and the mystery and intrigue of how she is meant to continue her journey. I will day I was blindsided by the end, and will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
We continue Queen Parantiqua's story and her kingdom with pawns and princesses. I love the friendships she is building, and the mystery and intrigue of how she is meant to continue her journey. I will day I was blindsided by the end, and will be eagerly awaiting the next book.
May 21, 2025
"Of Skulls of Shackles" is a wild ride! The world-building is seriously creative, with a magic system that feels both ancient and totally unique. The morally gray characters kept me guessing, and the plot had enough twists to keep me hooked. I was especially drawn to the queen's internal struggles – she's a monster, but you can't help but root for her.
The romance definitely leans into the dark side, so be ready for that. The spice level is up there, but it fits the story's tone. Sometimes the writing gets a little too poetic for its own good, and I had to reread a few passages to fully grasp what was happening.
Overall, if you're into dark fantasy with complex characters and unconventional romance, "Of Skulls of Shackles" is worth checking out. It's not perfect, but it's definitely memorable.
May 21, 2025
As I already said this series is so unique like nothing I've ever read, in this book we continue following Perantiqua and the world of monsters.
The plot thickens, we see a lot of twists and turns, the characters are well writen and the world is expanding more and more, the path and the choices that Patch takes are leading her to the point she can't comprehend.
the finale was superb and can't wait to see what happens in the end.
The plot thickens, we see a lot of twists and turns, the characters are well writen and the world is expanding more and more, the path and the choices that Patch takes are leading her to the point she can't comprehend.
the finale was superb and can't wait to see what happens in the end.
May 30, 2025
This series feels whimsical in a way that I’m really enjoying. I’ve never read anything like it.
May 20, 2025
The wildly imaginative journey of Queen Perantiqua continues. Ancients are ever present while pawns and princesses are serving the queendom. There is lots of chaos and stumbling. Perantiqua gets what she deserves and must prove herself in the next book.
This is a most unique world full of monsters. The style is unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
This is a most unique world full of monsters. The style is unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
May 25, 2025
💀⛓️
⚜️ Book Title - Of Skulls Of Shackles
⚜️ Author - Kelly St. Clare
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via the author. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
Much like the previous books in the series, this one continues to showcase the author’s quirky, poetic language which is unique to this series and an unmistakable hallmark of their storytelling style. The whimsical tone and lyrical phrasing give the narrative a unique flavor that sets it apart from more conventional reads or Kelly’s previous works.
It’s undeniably distinctive and thoroughly entertaining, offering a refreshing break from the ordinary.
I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing where the story heads next as the journey so far has been anything but predictable.
I want to say thank you to the author for the ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).
⚜️ Book Title - Of Skulls Of Shackles
⚜️ Author - Kelly St. Clare
⚜️ Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚜️ Some Genre/Themes/Tropes: Adult Fiction, Romance and Fantasy
I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book via the author. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is my honest review.
Much like the previous books in the series, this one continues to showcase the author’s quirky, poetic language which is unique to this series and an unmistakable hallmark of their storytelling style. The whimsical tone and lyrical phrasing give the narrative a unique flavor that sets it apart from more conventional reads or Kelly’s previous works.
It’s undeniably distinctive and thoroughly entertaining, offering a refreshing break from the ordinary.
I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing where the story heads next as the journey so far has been anything but predictable.
I want to say thank you to the author for the ARC.
Note (How I rate): One is DNF. Two is got there but struggled. Three stars is a good, enjoyable read. Four is an excellent read and five is a comfort read that lingers with me for life (very difficult to get but not impossible).
May 26, 2025
I was left speechless after this 3rd book. The imagination and storytelling is absolutely beautiful! The world building is phenomenal, but my favorite thing about this series so far is how much you lose yourself in the story. It’s so refreshingly new in the way the story is told and the story itself! If you enjoyed the first two books this one will have you ensnarled immediately! I couldn’t put it down. It’s a slow burn as far as the spicy level but when it hits, whew, it’s hits! As much as I love a good spicy book, I love this book for so many more reasons! You’ll fall in love with Queen Perantiqua, the kings, pawns, and princesses along with all the other monsters only to be heartbroken and renewed again over and over. If you have yet to start this series, DO IT! You will not regret it. It’s so refreshing to have such a creative story!
June 2, 2025
This dark fantasy romance has had me in its grips since book one and it just gets better and better with each book! This latest addition is gripping, dark and thrilling and the author throws many twists and turns in our path as we follow these complex and intriguing characters. We get to learn so much more about Queen Perantiqua who yes, is a monster and has conquered much but still faces many truths and dilemas , the world building is incredible and lures you in closer and closer and this storyline is intense and thrilling as the author weaves their spell on us and we embark on this incredible adventure of monsters, destruction and hope! It’s so so good and I for one cannot wait for book four!
June 8, 2025
Hold Onto Your Britches.
This is one of the most unusual series that I have read in a long time. Kelly's books always have great worldbuilding and complex characters and storylines and the Unworldly City series is no different. I am amased at how Kelly's mind works to create such a diverse, different complex world, I am in awe.
Of Skulls of Shackles continues Queen Perantiqua's (Patch) journey. I find myself rooting for some of the side characters as well as the FML. If you have read the first two books then dive in quick to continue the journey, Hold onto your britches though as I will warn you that I was shocked by the ending..didn't see that coming...Cannot wait for book 4 to come out..the final is going to be a humdinger.
This is one of the most unusual series that I have read in a long time. Kelly's books always have great worldbuilding and complex characters and storylines and the Unworldly City series is no different. I am amased at how Kelly's mind works to create such a diverse, different complex world, I am in awe.
Of Skulls of Shackles continues Queen Perantiqua's (Patch) journey. I find myself rooting for some of the side characters as well as the FML. If you have read the first two books then dive in quick to continue the journey, Hold onto your britches though as I will warn you that I was shocked by the ending..didn't see that coming...Cannot wait for book 4 to come out..the final is going to be a humdinger.
May 27, 2025
This series is the work of a literary genius. Seriously. It’s a beautiful, gothic, post apocalyptic world that’s filled with unique characters and an amazing story. I wouldn’t call this an easy to read book because the dialogue is often poetry itself BUT it is a beautiful story that deserves to be savored and thought upon. The slow burn romance is filled with chemistry between Perantiqua and See. It definitely reaches a boiling point that will have you fanning yourself. The ending is..I have no words. So many thoughts and emotions but I am fully invested in Queen Perantiqua and I can’t wait to read the next book!
June 8, 2025
This is such a unique and interesting story. The prose is deliciously flowery without being over complicated and there is lots of really clever wit sprinkled throughout. The whole concept and story is very cleverly done actually. Book three gives us more insight into the world perantiquia inhabits and sees her learn lots of life lessons as she comes into herself even more. There is romance and spice and I think I may have been one of the few that felt a twist coming and wasn’t overly shocked even if it did break my heart a little. Desperate for book four. I’m invested and intrigued and can’t wait to see how it all wraps up! Add this series to your TBR - you won’t be disappointed!
June 8, 2025
Of Skulls Of Shackles is a haunting, lyrical finale to Kelly St. Clare’s Unworldly City trilogy. With poetic prose and darkly imaginative worldbuilding, this installment plunges readers into a realm where power is obsession, time is a luxury, and immortality comes with monstrous costs. The morally gray heroine navigates ancient forces, five enigmatic kings, and devastating choices as fate tightens its grip. Rich with metaphor and dripping in sensuality, the story blurs the lines between romance and ruin. It's a hypnotic, chaotic, and wholly original experience for fans of dark fantasy who crave twisted loyalties and spicy, high-stakes magic.
May 28, 2025
Of skulls of shackles…
A heavy monsterdom with 5 kings and a new queen. Who is more worthy of the ancient power?
Characters of your wildest dreams, with the lead being our Queen Patch. Of Stitches she’s made but what will she be made of when the world needs saving?
A story unlike any other- complexities more than just power, more than just lust, it’s simply more. There’s a slow tension that builds- in love, conquering, and fate.
There’s secrets that require discovery, snooping/spying, and plotting all to avoid a war amongst kings and a newly risen queen…our obsession continues ☠️
**thank you to bookfunnel and Ms. Kelly St. Clare for this ARC honor**
A heavy monsterdom with 5 kings and a new queen. Who is more worthy of the ancient power?
Characters of your wildest dreams, with the lead being our Queen Patch. Of Stitches she’s made but what will she be made of when the world needs saving?
A story unlike any other- complexities more than just power, more than just lust, it’s simply more. There’s a slow tension that builds- in love, conquering, and fate.
There’s secrets that require discovery, snooping/spying, and plotting all to avoid a war amongst kings and a newly risen queen…our obsession continues ☠️
**thank you to bookfunnel and Ms. Kelly St. Clare for this ARC honor**
May 26, 2025
An incredible journey with so many twists and turns. So many highs and lows. Perantiqua's queendom is expanding as she completes more of her obsession the ancients have thrust upon her. The mothers urge her in one direction. And her heart urges her in another. There is also a plague she must race to find a cure for. She gains so much knowledge, yet there is still much to learn. Hopefully it won't be too late for her, the monsters and the world. I'm not sure that I can wait too long for the next book to find out.
June 12, 2025
Unique but time to finish
This has been a great 3 that books but I must admit that I grow weary and actually feel relieved that they 4th book is not yet out. I had hoped this to be the final book but suspected it was not because as always, it was easy to predict how this book would end.
I'm not going to give less than 5 stars, this series has been unique and interesting. But after reading the first 3 books one after another, it did feel that this book started to drag. I will read the next book when it's released because I do want to see how it ends.
This has been a great 3 that books but I must admit that I grow weary and actually feel relieved that they 4th book is not yet out. I had hoped this to be the final book but suspected it was not because as always, it was easy to predict how this book would end.
I'm not going to give less than 5 stars, this series has been unique and interesting. But after reading the first 3 books one after another, it did feel that this book started to drag. I will read the next book when it's released because I do want to see how it ends.
May 26, 2025
Stay with this series!! You won't regret it!
Each of the books in this series has taken me a little bit to get into (because this is not my normal cup of tea). But, once I got into the book, I was hooked until the end. I greatly appreciate the mastermind of Kelly St Clare's ability to make you think that you can see which way the story is going and then throw in a curve ball. I did not see the story going that way! Wow, what an ending and cliffhanger for the next book!
Each of the books in this series has taken me a little bit to get into (because this is not my normal cup of tea). But, once I got into the book, I was hooked until the end. I greatly appreciate the mastermind of Kelly St Clare's ability to make you think that you can see which way the story is going and then throw in a curve ball. I did not see the story going that way! Wow, what an ending and cliffhanger for the next book!
May 29, 2025
Oh my gosh what did I just read with that ending?!?!? Truly I can't say to much on this book as I feel that it will give it away. This series from the start has been a unique monstruous dark fantasy from the strangely beautiful characters to their world and rules and language. If you are wanting a truly one of a kind adventure full of kings, monsters, hope, destruction, heartache, and fierce determination this is one you should check out.
May 27, 2025
The neverending quest of conquering
Kelly has continuously weaved and threaded the most complex quest of queen and kings. In kingdoms conquer, trust betrayed and the matters of the heart unconfirmed. The third novel in the Unworldly City keeps readers guessing until the final page. Intense and thrilling...what will be next for Pertanquiana??
Kelly has continuously weaved and threaded the most complex quest of queen and kings. In kingdoms conquer, trust betrayed and the matters of the heart unconfirmed. The third novel in the Unworldly City keeps readers guessing until the final page. Intense and thrilling...what will be next for Pertanquiana??
May 27, 2025
Utterly amazing!
This series is so insanely unique, it blows my mind.
I can’t put into words how amazing it is.
It’s like poetry and song all wrapped into a book.
It’s haunting and beautiful. Filled with twists, it’s unputdownable.
That ending was crazy. I cannot wait for the next book!
This series is so insanely unique, it blows my mind.
I can’t put into words how amazing it is.
It’s like poetry and song all wrapped into a book.
It’s haunting and beautiful. Filled with twists, it’s unputdownable.
That ending was crazy. I cannot wait for the next book!
June 15, 2025
These books stay being weird. The prose is just so detached from any emotion, it feels very clinical. But I think that’s what the author was going for?
The MMC continues to annoy me, but this one was more on the FMC. Like he keeps saying he is going to break your heart/betray you, girl what did you expect to happen???
The MMC continues to annoy me, but this one was more on the FMC. Like he keeps saying he is going to break your heart/betray you, girl what did you expect to happen???
June 16, 2025
The third book pulls you into a brutal world of secrets, survival, and power plays—and refuses to let go. Kelly St. Clare delivers a fierce heroine, razor-sharp twists, and a story dripping with danger and tension. The atmosphere is gritty, the stakes are high, and the characters are unforgettable. I devoured every page. If you love dark fantasy with edge and heart, this one’s a must-read.
May 23, 2025
The plot thickens! This world is just getting more and more wild, with more twists and turns to keep you on your toes. I’m so happy there’s still another book because I’m not ready to leave this adventure yet.
May 25, 2025
Just like the first and second books, this one was hard for me at the start, but once I got further in, I was hooked again. The world-building and character development are still fantastic. I learned more about Queen Patch, the kings, princesses, and pawns (princes).
It was an excellent read.
It was an excellent read.
May 29, 2025
Wow….. just Wow.
I don’t know how I truly feel after finishing this book. I need time to process and just be.
As always Kelly has a way with words and I don’t know where she pulls these amazing storyline’s from but I’m here for it!
I don’t know how I truly feel after finishing this book. I need time to process and just be.
As always Kelly has a way with words and I don’t know where she pulls these amazing storyline’s from but I’m here for it!
May 29, 2025
Of Skulls of Shackles is an impressive read you don’t want to miss!! This series just keeps getting better and better with every turn of the page!! I can’t wait for the conclusion of this unique Unworldly City series in Of Sockets Of Stitches!!
June 2, 2025
Livro ótimo!! Eu não esperava por esse final e confesso que achei estranho. Quero ver como será a redenção do personagem no próximo livro.
Quando esse tipo de coisa acontece eu sempre espero que ele sofra todo tipo de sofrimento possível, pq aí da pra ter uma redenção bacana kkkk
Quando esse tipo de coisa acontece eu sempre espero que ele sofra todo tipo de sofrimento possível, pq aí da pra ter uma redenção bacana kkkk
June 5, 2025
Epic story
With epic characters and an epic world! This series could not get any better. Kelly knows how to write a strong FMC, even a monstrous one. I am absolutely hooked per the usual!
With epic characters and an epic world! This series could not get any better. Kelly knows how to write a strong FMC, even a monstrous one. I am absolutely hooked per the usual!
May 25, 2025
I am unwell
FRTC
FRTC
May 26, 2025
We dive back into the world of monsters and continue down the Queens path. More secrets come to light and we travel this fantastic journey. Great storyline!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews