Demetrius Sylverleaf is a neurotic aristocrat bearing the scars – both physical and emotional – of a brutal childhood. As he grapples with the weight of a family secret that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear, he’s forced to make impossible choices and align with a shadow he thought was a dream.
A curse binding the bloodlines of many to the survival of Aetheria’s dying King has the members of his royal advisory council desperate to find a way to save him and themselves. Unbeknownst to all, the unraveling of the curse began before it was even cast, and the key to its resolution is closer than they realize
Celestia LeFey, the haunting beauty from the Sylverleaf heir’s memories, has her own dark secret; more than this curse has brought them together, and there are forces at play that even she is not yet aware of. Her involvement will awaken an ancient prophecy, but what it will resurrect is a nightmare none are prepared for.
At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect as I was having a bit of trouble following the story, but before I knew it I was completely immersed in it. The author’s immersive writing transported me directly into the story’s world, which made it seem as if I was present in many of the scenes. What truly captivated me was how seamlessly the story wove together different elements, which included romance, family hardships, and an engaging plot which all worked in perfect harmony. Towards the end, I was unable to put the book down. It was the kind of read that keeps you turning pages well into the night, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these characters. I would recommend this book to any fellow reader, especially those who love a good romantasy story. It was a pleasure being an ARC reader and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it very much.
I had the absolute honor of being a beta reader for this masterpiece. If you love being immersed in worlds unknown… if you love holding your breath through paragraphs as you worry for your favorite characters… if you love falling in love with the words you’re reading… if you love teetering between what’s good and what’s right…
READ THIS.
The Knight Keep is M.V. Devenport’s debut novel and it will live forever in my mind. The first in its trilogy, it navigates the way humans decide between morally right and the weight of expectation. If you don’t read, you’ll regret it forever. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This book is full of action, adventure, turmoil, and conflict from all directions. It’s the type of book that has you hooked from the first few pages. The characters are relatable, flawed, and utterly complex. I cannot recommend this book enough if you like fantasy books. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for these characters that I’ve been mad at, happy with, giggled and raged over.
5 ⭐️ This book was phenomenal! I can't believe that it's a debut novel. The story was masterfully written and the way M.V. Davenport weaved all of the characters and plot together was absolutely genius. I also thought that Davenports writing style was hauntingly beautiful! I found myself so immersed in the story and invested with each of the characters!
The romance sub plot was fantastic and I enjoyed the slow burn! The yearning in this book made my heart and soul so happy. Thank you M.V. Davenport for brining yearning back! The intimacy between the characters in this book was intoxicating in the best way possible. I'm so eager to see how the romance unfolds in the next book. The banter was witty and sharp. I absolutely loved the wand magic and magic elements sprinkled throughout the book.
Overall, this book was a beautifully written dark fantasy masterpiece and I am craving more! This is the type of book that you just get sucked into a fictional world and never want to leave. Well done, M.V. Davenport.... you are a force to be reckoned with and we need to get this book in front of more readers! I am absolutely mind blown!!
If you love dark fantasy vibes, slow burn romances and intriguing story lines, you will love this book! I would highly recommend it.
Tropes/Themes:
Dark Fantasy Vibes Gothic Vibes Wand Magic Slow Burn Romance Yearning Flawed Characters Blood Oaths Banter Touch Her And Die
It took me a little bit to get into but before I knew it I was completely overtaken and immersed into the absolutely beautiful masterpiece of a book. I felt like I was there watching it all unfold from the sidelines and boy what a ride that was! So many characters to love and some to hate and some you think you hate but end up actually liking them. There’s definitely some very dark aspects in this so check the trigger warnings but if those pass for you then I highly recommend diving in! For a debut novel this is off the charts and I can’t wait to find out what happens in the next book!
just finished this book and WOW. this book genuinely had it all it made me feel all the emotions, i felt angry , sad , disgusted , but also moments that made me smile.
the development in demetrius and celestia their story is probably one of the things i enjoyed most i wouldn’t fully call it a enemies to lovers as its more her dislike but it also carries so much history within that , that it isn’t just surface level like there is so much emotion to them and i truly loved watching that grow, it was definitely a slow burn and i LOVED that ! also everything revolving arounr circe and morgana was so interesting and watching that become what it did in the end was just so well done !!!
now luka… oh luka has my heart and i wanna hold him so much. he has gone through so much and i just wanna know more about him. i truly felt my heart shatter for him multiple times. i hope he gets to be who he wants and love who he wants because he deserves the happiness in this world :(
beatrix and aspen. god that part at the end the way he showed up for her and what he did for her… wow. beatrix is another complex character where it just isn’t all it seems to be and again i feel for her so much. i hope they find a way back to each other truly.
the only thing to point out for me that at some points i felt like it just slowed down a little like with the library visits i feel like those maybe could of been a little less but also most of them had such needed moments that i feel abit conflicted by those but that’s also me being picky because it wasn’t like i was bored because i wasn’t ! it just slowed down just a liiittle bit for me.
i also really enjoyed the lack of spice there was pretty much none and it was a breath of fresh air honestly. this story doesn’t need them, the emotional depth of these relationships are way more important and it wouldn’t be right for these characters as there is just so much trauma to them so i appreciated the author for that so much as it’s become such a norm in books especially romantasy ones !
overall this story had so much depth to it. it had so many flawed characters and complexity to it but you can’t help but to just root for them, they make shitty decisions sometimes but you still just love them so much and want the best for them. they all carry such a special place in my heart and i can’t wait for book 2 !
everyone should go and read this because it is absolutely amazing ! 🥲
I was honored to receive an ARC of M.V. Devenport’s The Knight Keep—a gorgeously immersive debut that grabs you from the first page and drops you into a vividly rendered world teeming with atmosphere, secrets, and unforgettable characters.
The opening scene is a pitch-perfect blend of mystery and action, setting the tone for a story that keeps you on your toes and turning pages. While it admittedly took me a little time to get my footing with the shifting perspectives, once I found my rhythm, I felt deeply connected to each of the characters and their emotional journeys.
Devenport’s writing is absolutely stunning—her vivid imagery and lyrical prose took my breath away more times than I can count. Her ability to evoke emotion and paint scenes with precision made the world feel not only real, but alive.
The magic system is one of the most original I’ve encountered in recent fantasy. Without giving too much away, there's a hauntingly beautiful sequence where a character steps into another’s memory—with permission—but can then view that memory through someone else’s perspective—without it. I haven’t stopped thinking about it since—a true testament to Devenport’s ingenuity as an author.
Readers who love their fantasy layered with beloved tropes reimagined will find so much to enjoy here—mind-to-mind connections, shared memories, mysterious curses, gothic backdrops, and a cast of morally complex, emotionally rich characters. And of course, a swoon-worthy male lead: Demetrius Sylverleaf. I selfishly wish we got even more of him—his scenes and love story absolutely stole the show for me.
A fun bonus? Fans of the author’s TikTok will love spotting Morgana—her username—brought to life in the narrative, not just as a cameo, but as a meaningful part of the story.
The Knight Keep is an ambitious, intricate debut that leaves you with just enough unanswered questions to ache for the sequel. M.V. Devenport has crafted something truly special, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Bravo, and congratulations on such an impressive fantasy debut!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The complexity of each character and the way she masterfully weaves each family’s story together is truly sensational. There were times when I felt like I was living in her words and scenes as the world building of this story takes place. It has been a while since a Romantasy vividly built in my mind to immersive me in such a way.
Do not be overwhelmed in the beginning chapters as you are introduced to each family individually before bringing them all together. This was greatly intentional as you get the back stories separately to perfectly then mold and weave them together.
The amount of characters and their differences in how this story plays out leaves you turning the pages and craving more. These characters have choices to make not only for themselves but their families and will battle their moral compass for what is right and wrong. Each flawed, complex and scared as they go through this adventure together of breaking a curse. There are twists, secrets, lies but each one is so genuinely thought out and perfected.
I definitely had a Game of Thrones feeling through this novel because of the depth and complexity of so many families all trying to achieve one goal and how each one connects in some way. This will give you a political type feel as these families collide but at the heart of the storm is a blooming love story.
I truly enjoyed this novel and the magic system in this was phenomenal. I will never forget how this author painted scenes perfectly with her words and these characters had me on the edges of my seat with each page turn. I couldn't put this down once I started and I can not wait to see where these characters go from here.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author.
My real rating is 4.5 ⭐
This is easily one of the strongest debut novels I've ever read. Absolutely phenomenal.
In the first few chapters you are introduced to a lot of characters and personalities, but don't get overwhelmed, soon they will all feel completely distinct.
This story is filled with such brave but scared people, who are all so complex. No one is wholly good or wholly bad (except maybe Beatrix's father). They are all making choices, decisions for themselves and their families and sometimes they make the wrong choice. They do what they think will lead to safety or security or wealth and have to deal with the consequences.
It centers, somewhat, on Demetrius Sylverleaf, the troubled and powerful heir of a troubled and powerful family.
The book is about unlocking secrets and lies. It's heavily political but in the center there is a love story between two lost souls that is endearing, funny and beautiful.
I absolutely love the narration style and don't believe it's hyperbolic to say, it has the makings of a great fantasy saga. There is room for improvement from a technical stand point and possibly to tighten plot points a bit, but it was amazing as a story and as a cast of characters.
I miss several of my sweet babies already.
- Be careful of triggers, there is parental abuse, implied and mentions of past SA as well as discussing intent to SA, homophobia and violence.
It has been my absolute honor to serve as an ARC reader for this breathtaking fantasy debut. Let me start out by saying, I had no idea what kind of rollercoaster I was getting on, but boy did I enjoy the ride. Do not let the page count deter you, each page is filled with some of the most amazing writing, plot development, and some of the most interesting characters!
There is a unique, wand based magic system that the fantasy world has lacked for sooo long. There are aspects, of the clearly must broader story, scattered throughout this book that you know are important and you hold onto.
The characters, while flawed, have depth and complexities and motives for their actions that are all equally valid. My heart breaks for every character while simultaneously wanting to yell at some of them. And that is a GOOD sign.
There is so much to take from this book but one of my favorite things that this book taught me; you're not gonna be perfect. You're not gonna always make the right decisions. You're not gonna always have it all figured out and that's okay. You are still worthy of love despite it, Whether it be familial, friendship, romance, or friend turned family!
Give this book a shot, you will not regret it. I cannot wait for the next one. The ENDING had me FLOORED.
Am I toxic for lowkey liking it…? Maybe! If ya know, ya know. 🫢
This is truly a hit debut novel. The author sets up the story with a mind blowing prologue. She thoroughly introduced all of the characters, which made it easier to remember who is who, where they are from, and what houses they belonged to. The story telling paints the greatest picture of each scene. The details of the places and the characters beautifully written . I fell in love with characters, hate some characters yet still felt for them. I loved going through the journey of trying to figure out how to break the curse and the relationship that kept building with MMC and FMC. I also love how there was added deep relationships with the other characters. I am so exciting to see where all our good hearted character’s take this story. This is everything I would ask for in a dark fantasy!
I was blessed with being able to ARC read this book and I have such a strong feeling this will be popular amount the booktok folk and I can’t wait to say I got to read it before the rest of the world! When the author told me she based her characters on Anastasia + Dimitri I was SOLD! I’m so glad she went ahead and self published to get this book out there! 😍
This helped me get out a reading slump I was in. I was hooked from the get go and was so bummed I had a busy work week and couldn’t finish it in one go! I always love when there is a good amount of romance but actually has a good plot with not too much world building that it’s overwhelming but enough to feel fully invested in the journey and characters! I was also giggling and kicking my feet at some parts. Please go read this book!!! 🤭
I had the privilege of being a beta reader for this book and I truly enjoyed it! Personally, I had to give it a little until I was into the story which typically happens for me in fantasy world novels anyway but this was an easy world building to understand and follow. Once the story picked up with the action and getting to really know the main characters, I couldn’t put it down! The style of writing the author has truly paints the picture for where the characters are and what they look like and it’s very immersive! Highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read more from her in the future!
Devenport created such a magical and thrilling world that had me on the edge of my seat. Her ability to capture interest from the very first page and weave such an intriguing and carefully spun story full of inter connected characters was astonishing.
The beginning did feel a bit confusing as so many different characters were thrown at you, but by the end, this book had me gripped and I stayed up way too late to finish it.
The plot twists, the banter, the slow burn, it was all done superbly and I’m already itching to get my hands on a physical copy as soon as they’re out!
I think that for the author’s first book it had some interesting world building - but by chapter 1 I was over all of the secrets and vague foreshadowing attempts. There were sooooo many characters introduced so quickly that maybe have a moment at the very end of the book or somewhere randomly placed, that just seemed unnecessary. Also, there was a lot left unexplained…. I get it’s going to be a series, so there will be some cliffhangers, but I just really struggled to finish this book. I think there is a lot of promise for this author and I think I might be persuaded to at least try book 2.
I don’t think I’ve been this hooked in a book in a long time! I literally could not put this down! I was up until 4am finishing the last few chapters because I just had to keep going! The perfect balance between plot and romance that I feel is had to find in most of the popular “booktok” books! Theres adventure, romance, and GIRL! Chapter 38?! 🤩🤩🤩
I was honored to be an ARC reader and cannot wait to read the next book in what is about to be the best trilogy ever!
I was so lucky to read this in advance. I fell in love fairly quickly with the world and characters. Also, I don't know if you have seen the artwork, but it is stunning. The flawed characters make them relatable in so many ways. Who hasn't questioned their morals? If you haven't, you will be. Moreover, there were family dynamics and hardships. There were so many emotions. I really cannot wait to see what is next. Magical is an understatement.
This is so good!!! If you are a fan of fantasy and witches, unique magic systems and fate, add this to your TBR right now!!! The story is a little heavy at first with back story and world building but once it takes off, it really takes off! There are twists and turns that I NEVER expected. Celestia, Circe, Demetrius, Andrus and the whole gang go through so much growth and learn things they never thought they would. I absolutely can not wait for book 2 in this series!
This read was such a great ride! I was so invested in all of the characters and loved how each & everyone had their own story. The magic system was easy to understand and follow. While reading this you’ll laugh, kick your feet, gasp and just be in awe of the relationships of these characters. I absolutely loved everything about this book :)
I got this book as an acr. At first I had a hard time getting into the story and keeping track of everything. Now that may also be because my toddler would interrupt every time I would start reading. But before I knew it everything clicked and flowed so well. I love this journey that this book takes me on!
I received an ARC of the Knight Keep and I am so please to say I LOVED IT. From the start to the end, I felt as if I was part of the world. If I were to suggest anything, I would suggest a content warnings list at the beginning.
Thank you to Morgan for giving the opportunity of my first ARC ever!
I am a massive fan of Fantasy novels, it’s 1 million percent my favorite genre. I was immediately entranced by The Knight Keep, I was transported to this beautifully dark and magical realm. It took no effort to become fully obsessed with the characters, especially the FMC & MMC. I cannot imagine spoiling any of this story for anyone. But I will say it’s my favorite book of the year, & highly recommend it.
I simply cannot believe this is a debut novel??? Easiest 5 star rating i’ve given this year. Think Draco Malfoy and Anya from Anastasia. Wand magic. Dark fantasy with romance subplot (no spice). Blood curse. UGH!
Incredibly honored to have had the opportunity to ARC read The Knight Keep because WHAT!!!!!! I need more books, Morgan, please!!!!
It started off a bit slow and I wasn’t sure what to expect at first, but I quickly found myself completely immersed. I loved the romance and plot. By the end, I couldn’t put it down. I highly recommend it to true romantasy readers!
Short and sweet - but quite possibly the strongest debut novel I’ve ever read. Absolutely brilliant world building. Such clever plot twists. Real, heart wrenching relationships between characters. Absolutely breathtaking and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment.
Oh my ladies! This book releases next Friday!!! The Knight Keep has your favorite tropes: 🏠Chosen Family 🧙Magic and Witches ❤️🔥Advisaries to Lovers And one of the best Dark Fantasy reads I have read in a little bit! Hurry over to @morgana ⏾ author to pre order or on Amazon #bookaddict #authorsoftiktok #bookrecs #bookcommunity #mvdevenport #arcreader #booklover #soamazing #arcreview #comingsoon #needthisbook #theknightkeep #booksforyou #darkfantasy #darkfantasyaesthetic #darkfantasyromance #darkfantasybooks
I was very lucky to be chosen as an ARC reader for this novel! I will say as someone who struggles keeping track of who’s who, I was a bit confused as there are many character introductions. That being said, as you continue the story it all clicks! Was an amazing read and I would recommend checking it out!!! It was an amazing first book by this author 🫶🏻
Absolutely loved this book! The plot and the world building were something I just devoured! I can’t wait to have this one me on my shelf, so happy I was able to ARC this and join the wild and crazy world. Also the names are adorable and I caught up on them the whole time. Super easy to pronounce for those curious, I found it so anyways :)
I was lucky to be able to receive an ARC of this book! It was my first dark fantasy I’ve read and in the beginning I did feel like I was a bit lost, don’t be discouraged if that’s you in the beginning, it quickly begins to flow and you won’t want to stop reading! This is a wonderful debut novel and I loved the way it was written!!
DNF @ 28%. Super strong beginning. Intrigued but too many pov changes and character and I had a hard time figuring out the world or what storyline to follow. May come back at another time to try again.