Hunted by the Dead King

Immortal Hunters #3

by Mallory Benjamin

Dead or alive—he owns me.

Magnolia made a deal with the devil, and she’s been paying for it ever since. For seven years, her only contact with the living has been dragging bodies back to the Dead King. With each human he forces her to hunt, another piece of her humanity slips away, leaving Magnolia more dead than the ghosts inside his castle. But she doesn’t have a choice. The Dead King owns her—body, mind, and soul.

Her next infiltrate Viven, the kingdom of the living, during a deadly tournament designed to recruit new dragon riders. To complete her hunt, Magnolia must live alongside the most lethal beings in Viven. But monsters are nothing new to her—she’s spent years chained to the deadliest one, becoming nothing more than a weapon with a pulse.

As the tournament unfolds, Magnolia realizes she’ll be forced to betray the one man who looks at her like she’s still human, and she starts wanting something she can never have.

Can Magnolia escape the deal she made seven years ago, or will this hunt take what’s left of her humanity—and her life?

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dragons, Dark, Slow Burn

468 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

About the author

Mallory Benjamin is the author of the new-adult fantasy romance series, Lake of Sapphire and Ocean of Silver. She graduated from Penn State with her bachelors in nursing and has worked as a nurse for eight years before becoming a full time author and mama. You can usually find her drafting stories with her baby on her lap. And when she isn’t completely consumed by fictional characters and imaginary worlds, she’s getting lost in fantasy books, taking an unseemly amount of pictures of her daughter, or eating chicken wings.

Reviews

[Amanda Hopwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted by the Dead King by Mallory Benjamin absolutely consumed me. Dead kings, dragon riders, deadly tournaments, soul bargains, and a heroine who’s been emotionally destroyed for YEARS?? Inject it directly into my veins. 😭

Magnolia was such a tragic, morally gray FMC and watching her slowly remember what it means to feel human again hurt in the best way. The atmosphere was dark, haunting, and addictive, and the tension had me STRESSED the entire time.

Also…the “he owns her body, mind, and soul” dynamic?? Toxic, obsessive, terrifying, and somehow I still ate it up. 💀

If you love dark romantasy with:🖤 tortured heroines🐉 dragon riders⚔️ deadly trials👑 terrifying immortal kings🥀 angst and emotional damage🔥 morally gray everything

…you need this on your TBR immediately.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilled to have had the opportunity to beta read! This book was fantastic. A loose Hercules retelling with dragons, mythology, magic, god-bonds, trauma, a little spice, and some extra villainy villains. I’ll come back for a more in depth review closer to release date, but get this standalone on your list!

[Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 STARS

Dragons. Death magic. Trials. Forced proximity. Touch-starved yearning. Trauma healing. Possessive kings. Mates. A little bit of everything I like in a dark fantasy.

Nollie 😭

Magnolia/Nollie broke my heart.

This girl has been surviving for YEARS under Dahes’ control and you can feel the trauma in everything she does:

- flinching from touch
- disassociating
- constantly trying to make herself smaller
- convincing herself she’s a monster

watching her slowly reclaim control of herself throughout the book was honestly beautiful.

Arrik... mean boy that yearns like no other... gimme more
“I want to touch you, Nollie, so fucking bad that it’s messing with me.”

“Gods, Nollie, I’m so fucking terrified of scaring you away.”

SIR.

The way he continuously gave her control, respected her boundaries, and cared more about her feeling safe than getting what he wanted made their relationship hit SO much harder emotionally.

The romance = elite tension

You could feel:

- the pull between them
- the fear
- the trust building
- the obsession forming


Dahes was horrifying. Truly one of those villains that makes your skin crawl because of how manipulative he is.

“Your body is mine. Your mind is mine. Your fucking soul is mine.”

I needed him dead IMMEDIATELY.

Why it wasn’t quite a full 5 stars for me... I REALLY loved this overall, but there were moments where:

- the pacing dragged slightly in the middle
- some of the lore/info dumps got a little dense
- and a few side characters blurred together at times

Also, while I loved the emotional tension, there were points where the repetitive push/pull conversations between Hael and Nollie started to lose me.

Final Thoughts

If you love:
- dark fantasy romance
- dragons + riders
- trauma healing arcs
- touch-starved romance
- possessive but protective MMCs
- fated mates
- life/death magic systems
- emotional yearning with actual payoff

you should absolutely read this.

****
And honestly?
Aura deserves her own fan club.

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really ended up loving Hunted by the Dead King. This was one of those books where the deeper I got, the more invested I became in both the story and the characters.

Magnolia and the MMC were so well matched, and I absolutely loved the slow burn romance between them. Their connection felt earned, not rushed, which made every emotional moment hit so much harder. I’m always a sucker for a protective, morally gray MMC, but what really worked for me here was how much I rooted for both of them individually.

Magnolia’s journey especially stood out to me. Watching her fight to reclaim pieces of herself after everything she’s endured was heartbreaking and inspiring and her emotional growth felt authentic.

The world took me a little time to settle into at first, but once the story found its footing, I was completely hooked. Between the emotional tension, the danger, the romance, and the twists, I flew through this one.

If you love slow burn fantasy romance, emotional character arcs, a morally gray MMC, dragons, and a heroine fighting for her freedom, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

[LivingLifeBetweenPages · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I could not put it down once I started reading, and I devoured it within a few hours. My heart was breaking for both the FMC and MMC for their individual circumstances and all the pain, suffering, and trauma they endured. The plot twists were so good and I loved the ending! I cannot recommend this one enough.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really found this book interesting. Mind the TW because this book isn’t for everyone.

Magnolia (Nollie) just wants away from Dahes but her soul belongs to him because of a deal she made at 15. He’s the reason she is the way she is now at 22 and it was so sad to see. I hated this man and just wanted to strangle him for everything he forced her to do. I really hated him when I found out what everyone called her outside the walls of his castle. It wasn’t true but what she felt when she first heard someone mention the title not knowing they were talking about her was heartbreaking.

She gets sent on a mission to find the drakin leader and figure out his weakness so Dahes can use it against him. What happens when she finds Hael and figures out his weakness? Does he even have a weakness and if so what is his weakness?

Watching her grow in this book was so amazing. She became the person she was meant to be by the end. It was a long and hard journey but she did it with the support system she gained.

Arrik this man was something else. I loved him because of how he treated Nollie. He had his own demons he was dealing with but he always made sure she was safe. Was there a reason behind that yes but he didn’t have to do all the things he did. He made sure she had the control she never had.

I do wish we got to learn more about Viven and Elion because there was so much I feel like I wanted to know more about. When it came to the drakins we learned a lot but I wanted to know more than just what Arrik told Nollie.

Overall I did like this book and found the story really interesting. I read this book as an arc.

[xAsheMariex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating - 4.75 ⭐️
Spice rating - 1 🌶️


Wowzers. Hunted by the Dead King was such a huge hit with me, personally. It is marketed as a Hercules retelling with a twist and thrown into the dark fantasy realm. At times it is DARK so as always, check your trigger warnings.


Immediately I was drawn into this story. The characters, the plot, the world building, the twists and turns? Honestly such a really good read. The FMC Magnolia makes a deal with the dead king of Moriann, expecting to save someone she loves. The poor girl was 15 when that happened. She’s abused, starved, manipulated, almost s*xually assaulted and is utterly just damaged. Dahes, the dead king (also love that it’s an anagram) sends Magnolia on a hunt to play damsel in distress to infiltrate the other kingdom. She never expected the outcome of what’s to come, honestly neither did I.

In Viven, life is supposed to be better, there’s dragons and their riders, wielders and the kingdom isn’t submerged in darkness constantly. Magnolia “escapes” Moriann and is slowly becoming comfortable with the luxuries she never had. Then it starts taking a turn and she realizes Viven and its king are no better.

This plot line was honestly so satisfying, but if I could have more, I honestly would. I ate this up and left no crumbs. With the ending I am fully aware there’s no way to expand the story line but damn. I want more about Magnolia and Hael and how the kingdoms unfold.

If you like the Disney Hercules and wanted to have more of her point of view and deal she made with Hades, I truly think you will love this one.

Tropes:

⚔️ owned by the devil
⚔️ dragon tournament
⚔️ betrayal and lies
⚔️ god bonds
⚔️ forbidden mates
⚔️ touch her and 💀

[GheridenTheBookBard · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5 out of 5 stars

Ok, in all honesty, this one took a minute to really grab me, but once it did? Yeah, I was locked in. This one has dragons, death magic, trials, trauma healing, and a whole lot of emotional damage in the best way.

Nollie really did a nice job carrying this story for me. You can feel the trauma in the way she moves through the world, and watching her slowly start taking pieces of herself back hit hard. Arrik was also exactly my type of MMC. Protective, touch-starved, morally gray, but still actually respected her boundaries. We love to see it.

Pacing starts a little slower because there’s a LOT being introduced, but once the story finds its footing, it moves really well.

The worldbuilding was honestly one of my favorite parts. The mythology, magic, dragons, and lore all felt rich without becoming impossible to follow.

Overall, dark, emotional, and super addictive. Definitely a strong entry in the Immortal Hunters collection for me.

[Beki · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️/ ⭐️!!!!!!!

This book had me holding my breath from the beginning and it didn’t let up until the end! The emotions were so high and I actually almost cried, twice! I absolutely LOVED this story. The writing was effortless and fluid and so easy to get into. I could have read a 5 book series on this!

Magnolia- my girrrrl! The things she went through, I can’t imagine how she’s dealing with it all now. I loved her strength so much and her determination to make her life better. BRAVO on this character arc 🤍🤍🤍🤍

Arrikkkkkkk. New book boyfriend for sure. I love me a tortured soul and he was no exception. I loved his character and his demeanor- you could feel the tension radiating off him everytime he came around. I ate him UP!

Thank you SO much Mallory for this beautiful story! This series is kicking ass and I’m so thankful to be able to be part of it!

[d_uhreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The only person I belong to...

...is me.”

This book is for the girls who where always obsessed with Meg from Hercules.

Selling your soul to the devil is as much as a nightmare as think it is.

Magnolia knows this all to well, because she has been chained to her own personal hell for the last 7 years.

Forced to hunt for the dead king, Magnolia is sent to a deadly tournament and she finds way more than she ever thought.

This really is the best Hercules retelling I have ever read. I loved Magnolia and her dynamic with the dead kings, even though it level 10 toxic.

This dark and broody romantasy has it all....yearning, emotional writing, layered characters, and my favorite...dragons!

[Lauryn Munro · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

4.5⭐️

Very disturbingly gripping!

This was a super interesting read! Slow to start and the faster paced as the book progressed. I loved how Magnolia’s character development was so beautifully written and incredibly relatable if you have been through what she has experienced.

I loved the magic and the world building!
The dragons were perfection!
The ending… magnificent!
Definitely recommend reading this one!

[Jenn Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so beyond grateful for being sent an eARC of this book!

I’m still emotional after finishing Hunted by the Dead King. This one absolutely delivered.

The beginning takes its time building the world and characters, but the payoff at the end makes it completely worth it. The relationship feels earned, not rushed, and both the MMC and FMC are given real agency throughout the story.

I especially loved the character growth—watching the FMC reclaim her power and find her voice after everything she’s been through was incredibly well done. And the MMC? Definitely one of those morally gray, protective types who respects her choices, which always makes a story hit harder for me.

If you like strong character arcs, emotional payoff, and fated mates done right, this is a great one to pick up.

Definitely recommend.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exceeded my expectations. It was captivating and I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I needed to know what happened next.

It follows the FMC Magnolia, who’s made a deal with the dead king to save the one person she cares about. She has to basically work for him and do all his bidding. He ends up, sending her into the neighboring kingdom to spy, and she gets caught up trying not to grow attached to anyone there.

The plot was unique, and I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, though slow to start, really unfolded in ways I did not expect. Mind the trigger warnings, as this one is dark, it is a Hercules retelling… with DRAGONS! Magnolia makes a deal with the Dead King as a teen and years later is sent to infiltrate another kingdom where she is faced with a deadly tournament, dragons (did I mention dragons????), dragon riders, and so much angst and trauma she is forced to face. It really is delightful.

I loved the slow burn between the FMC and MMC. I love a protective morally grey MMC and was not disappointed here. Both characters worked so hard to develop their connection and, in the end, it made it all the more fulfilling. This book is perfect for someone looking to escape into a darker slow burn fantasy romance.

Thank you so much to Mallory Benjamin for the opportunity to read and review this book as an e-ARC.

[Kerri-louise Whitham Your_bookish_fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**𝓝𝓞 𝓢𝓟𝓞𝓘𝓛𝓔𝓡𝓢**
⚜️𝔻𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕚𝕝𝕖𝕕 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 𝕠𝕗- hunted by the dead king

𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨r 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰, 𝐢𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤.

⚜️ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘𝕤-
🗣 (out of 5 stars, my rating scale is at the end)
* 📚 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 ⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 5
* 🌡️ 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲🌶/ 5 -𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑐𝑘 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑚𝑦 𝐺𝑜𝑜𝑑𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑠 𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑚𝑦 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑 𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑚𝑖𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑠
* Which books have I also given this same rating? (𝑠𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑜𝑓 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛)
5⭐️ Fourth wing / Bound by inked flame / Anathama / The Lies of Lena / Of silver and Curses
4.5⭐️ Bitten / The Female / Quicksilver / Bride / Lights Out / A Bargain so Bloody
4⭐️ Spellcaster / One Dark Window / From Blood and Ash / Phantasma / Butcher & Blackbird
3⭐️We Who Will Die / The Wolf King / Daughter of No Worlds / The Ex Hex


⚜️𝕂𝕖𝕪 𝕀𝕟𝕗𝕠:
* Genre- Fantasy romance
* 📖 468 𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀
* Dual first person 𝗣𝗢𝗩
* 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲- 21 May 2026
* 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 or 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿 driven? 𝒜 ℳ𝒾𝓍
* 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲 & 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗻𝗼- standalone, part of the Immortal hunters collection
* 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 on 𝗞𝗨? ✅𝒴ℯ𝓈.
* 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗲- 𝓊𝓅 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒹ℴ𝓌𝓃
* 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲? ❌𝒮𝒶𝒹𝓁𝓎, 𝓃ℴ, 𝓃ℴ𝓉 𝓊𝓃𝒾𝓆𝓊ℯ ℯ𝓃ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽, 𝒾𝓉𝓈 𝓌ℯ𝓁𝓁 𝓌𝓇𝒾𝓉𝓉ℯ𝓃 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒹𝒾𝒹𝓃𝓉 𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓃𝒹 ℴ𝓊𝓉 ℯ𝓃ℴ𝓊𝑔𝒽 𝒻ℴ𝓇 𝓂ℯ 𝓉ℴ 𝓇ℯ𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓃 𝓈𝒶𝓎 6 𝓂ℴ𝓃𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝓉𝒾𝓂ℯ.
* 𝐀𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? (Disability, plus size, mental health etc...)❌
* ℳℴℴ𝒹𝓈; 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒕𝑖𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍, 𝑺𝒂𝒅, 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑴𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔, 𝑯𝒂𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌, 𝑻𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆
* 𝒟𝒾𝒹 𝒾 ℯ𝓃𝒿ℴ𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈?✅
* 𝒲ℴ𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒾 𝓇ℯ𝒶𝒹 𝒶𝓃𝓎𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔 ℯ𝓁𝓈ℯ 𝒷𝓎 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝒶𝓊𝓉𝒽ℴ𝓇? Maybe



⚜️𝕊ℙ𝔼ℂ𝕀𝔼𝕊 𝕀ℕ 𝕊𝕋𝕆ℝ𝕐:
🧝‍♀️𝔽𝕒𝕖
🧟‍♂️ ᗰOᑎՏTᗴᖇᔕ
✝️ Gods

⚜️𝕋ℝ𝕆ℙ𝔼𝕊
😈𝕊𝕖𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕥𝕤 & 𝔹𝕖𝕥𝕣𝕒𝕪𝕒𝕝𝕤
🧭ℚ𝕦𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕤
👑𝓡𝓸𝔂𝓪𝓵 𝓲𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓾𝓮
☯️ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕠𝕟/𝔻𝕖𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕖𝕤
🪦𝕳𝖔𝖗𝖗𝖔𝖗 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘
🧸𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦
🧩𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒚
—Mythical beasts
- Mythology
- Magic
- God bonds and deals
- Trauma and Grief
- Villains
- Spice
- Courageous and resourceful FMC
- trauma healing
- touch-starved romance
- fated mates
- life/death magic systems



✨ TᕼᗴᗰᗴՏ ✨
Think Hercules retelling for this one


🌍 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 𝕓𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕕𝕚𝕟𝕘, 𝕨𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕡𝕒𝕔𝕚𝕟𝕘:
Ok, in all honesty, this one took a while to really hook me. This edition of Immortal Hunters has dragons, death magic, trials, trauma healing, and a whole lot of emotional damage in the best way.

This was a good atmospheric read with strong character dynamics and a very engaging final stretch. There’s a constant sense of unease, like something is always watching, which gives the story a really immersive and slightly suffocating tension. It does a great job of keeping you on edge, even in moments that should feel calmer. The worldbuilding really was one of my favorite parts. The mythology, magic, dragons, and lore all felt rich without becoming impossible to follow, however some of the side characters blurred together at times making me pause to remember who was who.

The pacing is a little uneven, with a slight lull where it dragged on in the middle and when the lore/info dumps were a little dense, but it picks up again toward the end. The final third really delivers, with plenty of twists and turns that make it hard to put down, and I thought the ending was satisfying. Also, while I loved the emotional tension, there were points where the repetitive push/pull conversations between Hael and Nollie started to lose me.



🧝‍♂️ ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕔𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤:
Nollie really did a nice job carrying this story for me. Her trauma is felt in the way she moves through the world, and just watching her slowly start taking pieces of herself back hit hard. Arrik was also exactly my type of MMC. Protective, touch-starved, morally gray, but still actually respected her boundaries.

Another reviewer wrote this-
The Dead King is an interesting and compelling presence, and I liked the idea behind him a lot. That said, I did find myself wanting just a bit more depth or insight into his motivations at times. The mystery works in his favor, but occasionally it felt like it held things back slightly. - and I can’t agree more, the idea of him was great, but in practice he just didn’t do it for me



🪧𝔽𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝 𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Dark, emotional, and addictive, this standalone delivers atmospheric world building, layered characters, romance, action, intriguing magic system, and some genuinely brutal emotional moments. The story handles heavy themes throughout, so do check your trigger warnings before starting.


𝐹𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑚𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑤𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠;

𝕋𝕚𝕜𝕋𝕠𝕜
https://www.tiktok.com/@your_bookish_...

IᑎՏTᗩ
https://www.instagram.com/your_bookis...

 

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𝕄𝕪 ℝ𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕊𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕞𝕤:
⭐️ DNF

⭐️⭐️
I managed to finish it but it was rubbish. I won't keep a physical copy and won't recommend it, but  it's a shame as the plot could have made a good book in another author's hands

⭐️⭐️.5
It was OK. I wish I didn't start this one as it didn't do it for me as I struggled to read it. It had an interesting premise that fell flat but I had to see what happened in the end.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
I don't regret reading it, and I will read the next one, but this one did have a few flaws. [These could be repetitive writing, gaps or plot holes, better character growth or world building, areas needing more detail]
Generally, the book lacked depth and became confusing. The plot resonated with me even though it annoyed me on the whole.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
I'm glad I read it. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to the right people, but I wanted more! Sadly, it's easily forgettable with a few issues I just couldn't overlook/get past.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good book! I loved it, but... I needed more! I really did enjoy it, but it had a few parts that needed more detail or added history/background or lore. But that's because the story or characters were memorable, and the plot was strong with brilliant twists. I would re-read if I needed to catch up for the next book and would recommend.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Great book! I truly wish the story had been thought about more, or the author had been given more time as this book is so close to brilliance! I will likely read again and will definitely be recommending it to all!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW! Absolutely amazing book! Well written with great characters and a plot so memorable that it will stay with me. I will definitely read this again, I will be recommending it and sharing it with the whole world! Also- I NEED A PHYSICAL COPY!

🔥⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔥
This is my God level tier. The book must be perfectly memorable. Even after reading 50+ more books, I will remember character names and emotions along with the plot. If there is a special edition, then I need to own it! If there is a conversation on books- I'm talking about this!

 SPICE SCALE:
🌶️– segsual language and a little on-page action

🌶️🌶️– a lot of segsual language and some on-page open door action, may be occurring a couple of times

🌶️🌶️🌶️– a lot of explicit action and dirty talk, occurring frequently with 2/3 lurvers

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – super graphic and explicit, occurring 4 or more times, can be more grey and taboo themed.

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ – Kinks and Fet!shism, explicit and super graphic. It is likely to be tushy play, toys, playrooms, and more dark / taboo fantasies and realities.

[Erika · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest review.

Rating: 3,5

This was my first book by Mallory Benjamin and I’m genuinely impressed. The atmosphere was incredibly well done and the author has a real talent for setting a scene. The darker moments were vivid and brutal without feeling overdone, and the emotional scenes landed perfectly. The twists were so well executed and kept me fully invested.

The beginning was definitely heavy with information. There are a lot of names, places, creatures, gods, monsters, selveral moons, two suns, and layers of worldbuilding introduced very quickly, so it took me some time to fully settle into the story. At first I wondered if it might be too much for a standalone fantasy. That said, the world itself was fascinating and once I found my footing, I really enjoyed being immersed in it. The background and lore were genuinely interesting and made the world feel rich and alive.

I also really liked the slow burn romance. It never felt rushed and I liked that both the FMC and MMC were in similar situations, something that was gradually revealed to us as readers the further into the book we got. Their connection developed naturally and the emotional tension between them was one of my favorite parts of the story.

Spoiler One thing that personally frustrated me throughout a large part of the book was the FMC’s loyalty to the boy from her past. Considering the bond she shared with her supposed fated mate, it was difficult for me to fully understand some of her choices, especially with how much the MMC endured for her. However, later in the story, when the truth about who the boy really was to her was revealed, her actions made much more sense emotionally. I just wish that explanation had come a little earlier, since this was something that bothered me for most of the book. Spoiler

Another thing I struggled with slightly was the dragon and drakin lore. While the worldbuilding overall was detailed, I still wanted more background, customs, and history surrounding them. I also did not fully understand why the “lower level” bonded were killed off, and I would have loved more exploration there.

The ending was satisfying overall and I appreciated that we got proper closure. Still, some of the solutions to both the FMC’s and MMC’s situations felt a little too easy considering everything they had gone through. Certain twists and betrayals were revealed quickly, and a few deaths passed by so fast that they did not have the emotional weight I expected.

I also did not fully understand one of the villains and his motives. It felt like there was more behind the tension between him and the MMC than simply wanting to please the king, and I wish that had been explored further.

If you enjoy high stakes, fast paced, emotional dark romantasy with rich worldbuilding, slow burn romance, brutal moments, and strong emotional tension, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

[Melissa Liming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mallory Benjamin for allowing me to read this eARC!

This is the third installment I have read within the Immortal Hunters collection, and Mallory delivered yet another deliciously dark, fast-paced ride that I couldn't put down.

We are taken into the world of Hilithia, which was created by the Sun Goddesses and the Moon Gods. The start of creation began with two brothers were formed to rule the two kingdoms. The Sun created King Elion and he was was gifted Viven, a kingdom of life. The Moon created King Dahes and gifted him Moriann, a kingdom of death. When power and greed corrupted the brothers, a lifelong feud began that caused Wielders (Viven's people with magical Tokens) and Drakin (Moriann's dragon riders) to pay the price.

Imagine a dark Hercules retelling where both Hades and Zeus are bloodthirsty and cruel.

🖤Our FMC Magnolia has made a deal with the devil all based on lies and betrayal. She gave up her soul to save someone she loves, and now the Dead King Dahes owns her completely. He is inside of her head, and he commands her body. She has spent seven years dragging bodies back to his castle, all for him to do with as he pleases. I loved just how well Magnolia's character growth formed over the book. From being scared, helpless and feeling lost to coming into an ownership over her own Token and finding a fearlessness in herself was satisfying.

🖤 Our MMC Arrick is devastatingly handsome and broody, two of my favorite personality types for a Romantasy man. He's intensely strong and complex, and it doesn't hurt that he has a wonderful bond with a rare dragon. He has a history that seems to mirror Magnolia's in it's own way. I found myself excited every time we were gifted a chapter with his PoV. This man has a fire in him, and while he's battling his own internal demons he allows himself to feel passionately and yearn for the one he desires.

🖤 While all of the side characters are well written, I need to give a special shout-out to Bran. To me, I envisioned him as the male version of Effie from The Hunger Games. Every page he was on was a delight and he stole the show. I seriously want my own Bran.

Magnolia is sent on a Hunt to Viven during a dealy dragon tournament for information Dahes desperately needs. She soon learns that the person who can give her what she needs is the same person that has finally seen her as something more than a pawn.

Can Magnolia escape the deal she made seven years ago, or will this hunt take what’s left of her humanity—and her life?

Notable Tropes:
🖤 Touch Her & ☠️
🖤 Owned by the Devil
🖤 Dark Hercules Retelling
🖤 Dragon Rider Tournament
🖤 He Falls First
🖤 God-Forged Bonds
🖤 Betrayal and Secrets

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

PS: Make sure to read the trigger warnings before starting this book if needed.

[Tonje Lien · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my third book in the Immortal Hunters standalone series! And so far I habe to say they are all awesome and this one was no exception!!!


I was hooked from the start and I read in one sitting! I did not even go to eat I just had to read it to the end!!

It's so immersive in the world building, the magic system is a new spin but also easy to understand! It has dragons and other creatures and also power hungry kings of the two kingdoms of Hilithia. The king of life in Viven, King Elion, and the king of death in Moriann, King Dahes.

There are Wielders with token magic and there are Drakins who are dragon riders that bonds in various degrees with their dragon and depending on that connection is how much magic from their dragon they can tap into.

Magnolia or "Nollie" is a complex character. She is subdued, commanded, controlled and spied on in her own head. So I first felt like she was strong but also defeated due to her missions even though she did not want to. It made me really feel for her and I wanted her to succeed in her big mission away from her captor.

The MMC took a bit of time for me to figure out and I kinda liked that I could not immediatly know who it was supposed to be. Broody, tempered and rude but as a front, a mask to everyone else. I felt like Nollie and the mmc really complemented one another and had great chemistry!!!

When Magnolia went from feeling empty, hopeless, lost and weak within herself with her token, to feeling strong, capable and fearless in the end was extremely satisfying!! I was yelling "YEAH!!" out loud to cheer her on!!
Slowly she opens herself up and becoming more at ease with her magic and herself from being uncertain and very much wounded and guarded. Her journey feels earned as she lives through internal and external struggles that's very much thrown at her, for her to just handle.

I like that we sometimes get the mmc's point of view, to see how he sees and feels about everything and it made me feel even more for him and to see why he did some of the things he did.
His protective demeanor is something I really love and he's not shy to be morally grey/black to protect her.

There were many characters but I especially adored Jaxs and Bran. Bran is direct and sweet in his own way and very particular about clothing and that Magnolia is dressed correctly. Jaxs friendship with first the mmc but then also with Nollie later: adore!!

The pacing was just so fast and spot on all throughout the book! I could not put it down! It was just so well written, paced and characters with so different roles and everything in the last 40 pages was like chaos and awesomeness in one!

Triggers are present so you should check those out before you read, It has dark subjects!

Thank you Mallory Benjamin and the Immortal Hunters for an eArc of this book!

[Jessi L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Why the long face, little ghost?”

Hunted by the Dead King was my third foray into the Immortal Hunter’s Collection, and each one has blown me away. Thank you to Mallory for allowing me an early peek into this world.

This is a fantastic Hercules retelling, with the main focus being on the heroine, Magnolia. Magnolia sold her soul to the Dead King, Dahes, and has been in his service for the last 7 years. I love the trauma and anxiety representation in the story, it makes Magnolia feel more relatable. I loved the complexity and inner conflict of Arrik and was so happy when we started to experience chapters through his pov.

“Breathe. One. Two. Three. Four. Exhale.”

We have Dragons! Dragon riders, magical abilities (tokens), the dichotomy of ‘good vs. evil’, where maybe things aren’t as they seem. So many things that make a great fantasy story. Then to top it off we have the best parts of romance. Yearning, slow burning love, enemies to lovers, fated mates, forced proximity, one bed (and a couch lol), he falls first, who did this to you? They meet up in a perfect storm that leaves you almost begging for more when the book ends.

“There was something about her that sparked my soul, that ignited me from the inside out and made me feel alive for the first time in the past one hundred and twenty-two years of my life, and despite the answer nagging me in the back of my mind, I refused to believe it. There was no way–but I had no other reason for why I cared about what happened to her…”

I was so sad to leave this world behind. The complexity of the characters, the depravity of the villain. There were times in the story I almost thought my read on Dahes was wrong, that maybe he was wronged somehow. Times when I thought that Elion made sense. I haven’t even begun to touch on the side characters, particularly Jax and Bran. Both of them are endearing, the snark and banter between them and Magnolia and Arrik. They were the perfect personalities to balance out the main characters. Although you could feel them through the pages, you do wish they had even more presence at times.

Hunted by the Dead King thoroughly owned my focus, and I was unable to step away for anything else. I am not ashamed to admit that immediately upon finishing, I read it again. I wanted more. Needed more of the characters and the world that Mallory so skillfully constructed and brought to life. I loved the depth of the characters, the raw emotional intensity. The stark differences between the two kingdoms Moriann and Viven.


“I was terrified of this, terrified of what would happen if I spent more time with you…I can’t control myself around you.”

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. Actual rating 4.5/5.

This story was gripping, tragic, and dark. This was my first book by Mallory Benjamin, and I really enjoyed her writing style. The book opens with a really intriguing premise with our FMC serving a life sentence as the King of the Dead’s hunter. Anything he wants or anyone he wants, she has to provide for him, and all because she made a deal to save a life. I really liked the magic system in that Tokens are gifted or revealed because of a want or a need. Control of these Tokens also depends on how they manifested.

I found the characters mostly likable or despicable as dictated by their role. However, I feel like there could have been more cohesiveness with their behavior or background. For example, I found Nollie to be a resilient and intuitive female. Yet, she would either be brave or stupid at the wrong times. For Cash, we never find out why he behaves the way he does or what his MO is for the things he does or says. His nicknames for Nollie just felt weird coming from him too.

I felt that the feelings that Arrik was showing in the first half of the book seemed quick and underdeveloped. While it could maybe be explained at the end of the book, I feel like we didn’t see any interactions that would suggest the rise of his interest. Their relationship seemed forced in the plot. However, I loved his support of Nollie and watching Nollie overcome her trauma. I think it would have been nice to have more background on Jaxs and Bran as they were relevant supporting characters. Their roles were important however, and I liked how they were incorporated and utilized into the story.

What I think made this short of a 5 star for me was that the plot points and explanations seemed a little illogical, or semantics and word play were twisted and used to come up with either a convenient explanation or twist. Why would there be so much murder of the drakin contestants or recruits? Isn’t that wasting a resource especially when they’re bonded? What does they drakin army currently do if there’s no ongoing war? I would also like more background, such as why is the bonding competition once a century? I think the reveal of Nollie’s Token’s true origin is also a stretch to consider it a huge reveal. It felt like trying too hard to be clever with that plot point. There are several other examples, but I don’t want to spoil.

Otherwise, this was a fast read that was pretty intense throughout. There were a few lulls here and there, but overall, a very interesting story.

[CassietheBookworm1401 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunted By The Dead King - ARC REVIEW

- Mythical beasts
- Mythology
- Magic
- God bonds and deals
- Trauma and Grief
- Villains
- Morally grey MMC
- Spice
- Courageous and resourceful FMC

We join Magnolia who made a deal with the devil, and she’s been paying for it ever since. For seven years, her only contact with the living has been dragging bodies back to the Dead King. With each human he forces her to hunt, another piece of her humanity slips away, leaving Magnolia more dead than the ghosts inside his castle. But she doesn’t have a choice. The Dead King owns her—body, mind, and soul.

Her next task: infiltrate Viven, the kingdom of the living, during a deadly tournament designed to recruit new dragon riders. To complete her hunt, Magnolia must live alongside the most lethal beings in Viven. But monsters are nothing new to her—she’s spent years chained to the deadliest one, becoming nothing more than a weapon with a pulse.

As the tournament unfolds, Magnolia realizes she’ll be forced to betray the one man who looks at her like she’s still human, and she starts wanting something she can never have

—————————————————
ARC REVIEW:
This book was way better than i thought it would be. I have read the others in the Immortal Hunters series and enjoyed them so I knew this would good but it was so much better. This is one of my top 3 favourites of 2026.

It has some surprising twisty turns that keeps you entertained and hooked. I could not get enough of this story. My heart was in my throat and It had me turning page after page to find out if the Dead King would be successful.

Mallory spends a good amount of time setting the world, lore and character backgrounds. It provides wonderful mental visuals and helps you understand how Magnolia came to be in the position she is. My heart broke for her.

Character growth was 10/10 and so beautifully written. We see Magnolia go from the meek and mind tied to one of the deadliest beings to her slowly getting her power and voice back. We are taken through each step she takes including how her token was bore out of necessity. The growth was not dragged out or rushed and built upon the world and lore nicely.

The Dead King is one of the best villains I have read about. I can see in my mind every action, expression and feeling he was either having or provoking. You know he is a villain but he is also very cool.

If you like mythical beasts, strong characters , emotional rollercoaster, fated mates and wonderful world building then this is the book for you.

[marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went into this as a complete novice to the author’s writing, unsure what to expect beyond the blurb and this book exceeded every expectation I had.

From the very first pages, I was completely enamoured by the hauntingly beautiful world the author created. The darkness clings to you. It’s palpable, immersive, and incredibly atmospheric. The world building is detailed without ever feeling overwhelming, and the magic system is innovative while still being easy to follow.

The story kicks off quickly, establishing a strong foundation for both the universe and its key characters. The pacing is fast, as you would expect from a standalone, but never at the expense of character development or emotional depth. I genuinely felt like I could not get enough.

The villain in this story is completely and utterly irredeemable in every possible way.

This book had me emotional more than once. Both the FMC and MMC come from difficult upbringings and watching their growth throughout the story was exactly what I needed.

Magnolia is such a layered protagonist. After making a deal with the dead king to protect someone she loved, she is bound to his will, forced to carry out his commands without ever being able to refuse. Her journey is one of reclaiming herself learning to feel again, to fight her inner demons and to take back ownership of her body, her power and her agency. Her arc is powerful, painful, and truly beautifully done, I really felt for her.

Hael, the broody dragon rider, is equally complex. Forced into the role of enforcer and made into a weapon, something he never wanted to be, he hides behind a mask of ruthlessness and indifference. But through the cracks, we see the suffering underneath. In many ways, his story mirrors Magnolia’s.

Their relationship goes against every possible odd and I found myself constantly wondering how it could possibly work. They are both fighting their own battles while slowly learning to be there for each other and the romance that grows from that is intense, emotional and deeply satisfying.

The side characters Bran and Jaxs, were an absolute highlight. This is how side characters should be written. Distinct, memorable, and impossible not to love.

With plot twists, heartbreaking backstories, rich world building and a breathtaking romance, this book truly delivers on every level. It feels far bigger than a standalone, and by the end, I was left wanting to spend so much more time in this world and with these characters.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Mallory Benjamin and the Immortal Hunters team for the ARC. The opinions below are my own and completely unbiased.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.75/5)
Hunted by the Dead King by Mallory Benjamin delivers (almost) everything I look for in a romantic fantasy: dragons, a distinctive magic system, and immersive world-building that pulls you in from the start.
Magnolia has spent her life bound to the will of the Dead King, suppressing her emotions, grief, and even her humanity to survive under his control. When she’s sent to Viven—the realm of the living—she’s given a rare opportunity to experience freedom and discover who she might have been without her chains. But Viven, and its ruler Elian, are far more complex than she anticipated. As Magnolia navigates this unfamiliar world, she’s forced to confront her past, her power, and the fragile hope of a future she never thought possible.
Magnolia is a compelling heroine—guarded, powerful, and deeply wounded. Watching her slowly open up, reclaim her identity, and embrace both her magic and her emotions was incredibly satisfying. Her growth feels earned, especially as she faces intense internal and external struggles.
And then there’s Hael—exactly the kind of morally grey, brooding MMC that just works. He starts off distant and sharp-edged, but his loyalty and protectiveness run deep. The chemistry between him and Magnolia is fantastic—the tension, the banter, the slow unraveling of their connection all hit perfectly.
The magic system stands out as one of the book’s strongest elements. The interplay between Drakin and Wielder magic feels fresh while still being easy to grasp, and it adds real depth to both the characters and the plot.
This is a bit on the darker side, with several potentially triggering themes. But what makes it shine is how it handles those heavier elements—grief, trauma, and healing are woven thoughtfully into the story. Watching the characters not just survive, but actually build something meaningful together, made this a deeply rewarding standalone read. Was I secretly hoping for a bit more steam…. You bet. But, for those readers who prefer a more closed door fantasy romance (with just a peek behind those doors), this is a great choice.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all - “Thank you Mallory Benjamin”, for giving me my first ARC to read. I might be a bit biased, due to how flattered I was to be chosen.

Honestly though this was such an enjoyable book to read. I did not want to put it down.

Our ‘Heroine’, Magnolia, becomes enslaved by our villain when still a teen. Making a deal with the ‘devil’ to save a loved one. For seven years she has hunted and killed for the Dead King. Forced by a bond to do his bidding against her will. She can’t refuse, even if she wants to, the bond compels her to carry out an order. Magnolia slowly feels like she is losing her soul piece by piece every time she is sent out to hunt. She tries to keep any emotions at bay, wanting and needing to appear unfeeling inward and out.

Our ‘Villain’, the Dead King, Dahes, is cruel, possessive and vindictive. He rules the dead in the Moriann Kingdom where crime is rampant, people are starving and monsters exist. The only living people are the criminals banished from the Viven Kingdom or their offspring. No one escapes Moriann. The two kingdoms are separated by high cliffs, burning hot sands and a dense forest with a large lake. The Viven Kingdom is ruled by King Elion. Viven appears to be the complete opposite of Moriann. Light where Moriann is dark. Warm instead of cold. There was third, neutral, kingdom that was lost during the War of the Two Kings. The Gods stepped in, forcing peace between the two kings, but the hate between the two kings never waned. The kings have been forbidden to kill each other and each has been forced to share something of their kingdom with the other.

Dahes has come up with plan. He needs Magnolia.

Magnolia is sent to Viven. To Hunt. But it must look like she escaped Moriann.

Now here is where it gets tricky for me. I have tried to give you enough information to intrigue you, but not give you any spoilers. If I tell you too much more we get into ‘spoiler territory’. I don’t want to give any more of the story away and I have barely scratched the surfaced. I just wanted to whet your appetite.

But I can say if you love a slow burn. A gods blessed fated mates union. Dragons and bonded riders. A bit of gratuitous violence. Magic. Strong characters that are well written along with a story that has a smooth pace. This story is fantastic.

[Sarah J Prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: Hunted by the Dead King
​Series: Immortal Hunters (Book 3)
Author: Mallory Benjamin
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75 / 5

​The Plot at a Glance:
​Magnolia is a woman trapped in a literal hell, bound by a seven-year-old deal to the Dead King. Her life consists of hunting the living and losing pieces of her soul in the process. When she is sent to infiltrate the kingdom of Viven during a lethal dragon-rider tournament, she expects more of the same—until she meets a man who sees the human behind the weapon. Suddenly, the stakes aren't just about survival, but about whether she has anything left to save.

​What I Loved:
​The World-Building & Magic: Mallory Benjamin did a wonderful job expanding the lore of this universe. I found the magic system involving tokens particularly fascinating—it added a unique layer to the strategy and power dynamics of the story.

​Dual Perspectives:
Seeing the contrast between the two sides of the world and their respective kings made the setting feel expansive. Plus, you can never go wrong with dragons!

​The Characters:
I found myself deeply invested in both the FMC and MMC. Magnolia’s trauma is palpable, and watching her navigate her growing feelings while facing certain betrayal kept me turning the pages. You truly end up rooting for their survival.
​A Fresh Discovery: One of my favorite things about the Immortal Hunters series is how it introduces me to new authors. This was my first time reading Mallory Benjamin, and her ability to build a world while keeping the reader in step with the characters was impressive.

​The Verdict:
​This is a solid, high-stakes fantasy romance that balances dark themes with a glimmer of hope. If you enjoy "forced proximity," "betrayal tropes," and complex magic systems, this is a great addition to your TBR. I’m definitely interested in seeing what Mallory Benjamin writes next!

​A Special Note to the Author
​"Thank you, Mallory Benjamin, for sharing Magnolia's story with us! I loved how you handled the world-building and the emotional weight of the characters' pasts. It was a pleasure discovering your work through this series!"

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 - 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐁𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧

“Breath. One. Two. Three. Four. Exhale.” And honestly, that is exactly what I had to do after finishing this beautiful Hercules retelling told through Meg, aka Magnolia’s, POV. Meg has always been one of my favorite characters since childhood, so seeing her story reimagined in such an emotional and captivating way made this book even more special for me.

This was my first read by Mallory Benjamin, and I can already say I am completely obsessed with her writing. The storytelling flowed effortlessly, making this such an easy and addictive read. I finished it in just two days while juggling work and responsibilities, though it definitely cost me a few hours of sleep because I simply could not put it down.

My heart ached for both Magnolia and Hael. The pain, trauma, and sacrifices they endured, both together and separately, felt so raw and emotionally real. Their journey was heartbreaking, healing, and beautiful all at once. I have always had a soft spot for morally gray or villainous characters, and Dahes was no exception. Every character in this story, no matter how big or small their role, added something meaningful to the plot. I especially fell in love with Jax and Bran, who brought so much heart and depth to the story.

What stood out to me most was how immersive Magnolia’s narration felt. She was written with so much emotion and strength that it genuinely felt like I was experiencing everything alongside her. She is fierce, resilient, vulnerable, and completely unforgettable. I absolutely adored her character.

The ending delivered the perfect happily-ever-after while still feeling emotional and satisfying. Everything tied together beautifully, leaving no lingering questions while still leaving room for future stories if the author ever chooses to continue this world. A truly wonderful standalone that completely captured my heart.

Thank you to Mallory Benjamin for the gifted eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: @malwrites
📖 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ 📖 🌶️🌶️ 🌶️ 📖
#mallorybenjamin #immortalhunterscollection #huntedbythedeadking #malwrites #arcread

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Arc reader *

This book was a wild ride.
I honestly didn’t know what to expect which was super fun for me. These immortal hunters books are literally bringing life back into my soul I swear to god.

I legit had a notes app filled with my thoughts while I went through the book but I can’t share them all lol

But here’s a few:

Dragon rider is hot 🔥
Her token not reacting to him speaks VOLUMES
Her being hypocritical of Arrik for following the kings orders when she does the same with the dead king… like girl be so fr right now.
Him telling her the truth and trusting her and her panicking inside the whole time is sad but slightly entertaining.
I am very obsessed with the fact they’re each kings slave that they use to kill.. like they can understand each other if only there was more communication.
Dahes is evil.
Elion is evil.
Is any king not evil?

My utter obsession is mate bonds and this came through with that. Like yes tie their souls together.

You start off with poor Nollie just accepting her fate in the dead kings kingdom. When she’s eventually sent out to other kingdom she has hope. And what have we always learned in books? Be careful with hope.
Her journey is heartbreaking, you get to see how she just wants some peace and to be free.
Meeting Hael changes everything..
The story really comes together once you get to learn more about the dragons.
I actually LOVED this and wish it was a series about the dragon riders cause that side plot was so interesting. Not that the dragon riders were a side plot but you really only focus on Hael and Jaxs was calling to me I swear. I’d read a book about him immediately.


Honestly the kings being evil wasn’t that shocking but how fucking psychotic they were with their punishments was. No lie.
They were so bored after living so long they lived for others pain.


The writing was immaculate ( not surprising), the plot was plotting, and the themes were 🔥🔥🔥

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐ | 🌶️🌶️

Another winner from the Immortal Hunters collection! I had such a great time with this one and was genuinely on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Magnolia sold her soul to the Dead King seven years ago to save the person she loves most. Since then, she’s been forced to bring bodies back to him and carry out horrific tasks, all while learning to hide every emotion so he can’t exploit her weaknesses. This left her feeling isolated, numb, and emotionally guarded in a way that felt really believable.

When Magnolia is sent undercover into Viven to uncover Hael’s weakness, she’s excited to finally leave the cold, gruesome kingdom of Moriann behind and enter the bright, thriving world of the living. But Viven quickly proves to be far less perfect than it first appears.

Hael is the leader of King Elion’s army, a deadly warrior bound to carry out the king’s darkest orders. He’s broody, quiet, emotionally closed off… and absolutely gone for Magnolia. Their dynamic starts off tense because Hael initially ignores her, which completely gets under her skin, but once they finally connect, the chemistry between them is FIRE.

What really made their relationship stand out to me, though, was the emotional side of it. Magnolia carries significant trauma and struggles with physical touch, and Hael handles that with so much care and patience. At the same time, he desperately wants her to flee because he believes King Elion plans to use her for his own gain, completely unaware that Magnolia is actually there to betray him. Their relationship becomes incredibly messy, emotional, and heartbreaking. BUT… we get an aphrodisiac scene that was SO hot.

I also really loved the magic system. Magic is granted through either desire or necessity, and every power feels unique to the individual. Magnolia’s magic comes from necessity, and I loved how its true importance slowly unfolded throughout the story. The payoff in the resolution was incredibly satisfying.

This review was honestly hard to write because there are so many moving parts, twists, and layers I want to talk about. I genuinely had no idea how the author was going to pull everything together with the impossible situation they were facing, but I loved the way the ending came together!

[Michaela K · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this as an ARC.

This book was incredible! It’s extremely well written, with a distinct plot, strong catalyst and character development, and a very satisfying ending.

I loved the FMC, Magnolia. She’s a complex character carrying years of trauma while trying to figure out who she truly is. After spending years enslaved to the Dead King, she’s been fundamentally changed by what she’s endured. You can feel the turmoil she’s experiencing and watch her slowly begin to lose pieces of her soul.

After being thrust into a new hunt (mission), Magnolia’s entire world is turned upside down. Her character growth feels both well-earned and beautifully written as she struggles with who to trust, who deserves saving, and what kind of person she really wants to be.

The MMC, Arrik, is equally compelling. He’s standoffish, secretive, and carrying his own trauma. Like Magnolia, he survives by carrying out the orders of his king, but his personality and journey feel distinct from hers. There’s something alluring about him, and I constantly found myself desperate to learn more about his past and motivations.

The relationship between Magnolia and Arrik was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their dynamic starts off rocky and develops naturally over time. The progression of their relationship felt authentic, emotional, and incredibly well paced.

There is some spice in this book, and when the first scene happened, my emotions were ALL over the place omg. When they truly connected though, it had me all giddy.

The villains in this story were also fantastically written. There are multiple antagonists, and each one felt uniquely cruel and evil. I hated every single one of them - which means the author absolutely succeeded.

And the twists? I genuinely did not see several of them coming. Like jaw-dropping surprise.

The ending was incredibly satisfying and honestly made me so happy.

[Bedside Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 rounded up to 4

Thank you Mallory Benjamin for a copy of this digital ARC. Here is my honest review for it.

This a dark Hercules retelling, we have two Kings who hate each other, one ruling over the Land of The Dead and the other over the Living. We have dragons, secrets and twists at the end that will leave you questioning everything. I enjoyed the premise behind this book of the Hercules retelling, and liked how Mallory put her own spin on it with how she decided to depict key moments from Hercules in her own special way. We were promised dark and it was delivered, Dahes the King of the dead is truly despicable and relishes tormenting those around him. Our FMC Magnolia and our MMC Hael have also been subjected to unspeakable tragedies that have left them numb. Throughout the book you can feel the sense of depravity of the story and the characters we come across.

It took me a while to get into the swing of things and Magnolia's behaviour and choices is very unusual but as we learn more of her backstory we then can understand her choices and behaviour better. I definitely loved Hael as that's what I'm drawn to, a grumpy MMC who has been through hell but will still be fiercely loyal and protective of those he loves. We got a lot of depth to our two main characters but I would have liked to see more depth to both Kings, to understand them and their actions a bit more.

For me the first half of the story I felt like the plot twists were predictable but oh boy was this author sneaky because just when you think you had everything figured out the last quarter was there waiting for us. The twists she had in place just made me go WOW I did not see that coming. If your looking for a book that's easy to read, with a dark atmosphere that will still keep you turning the pages then this is for you.