Wicked Dove

Institute Thirteen #1

by K.C. Kean

I killed someone.
Not on purpose, but not exactly by accident. Regardless, those three little words have changed the course of my life as I know it.
Suddenly, I’m thrust into a supernatural world I never knew existed to become sworn property of The Sanctum - a magical council ruling over all magical beings.
My punishment? Confinement within the crumbling fortress of Institute 13, built for monsters like me. Shadow fae, feral wolves, and bloodthirsty vampires… this prison houses the darkest of their kind, and somehow I am one of them.
I don’t know what I am, only that something snapped inside of me that night… and there is no gluing it back together.
The Outcasts may seem like they’re thriving, but I refuse to become their prey. Freedom is the only thing I care about now. And nothing—not fear, not love, not the past—will stop me.

Genres: Fantasy, Why Choose, Paranormal, Dark, Vampires, Romance, Fae

486 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Reverse Harem
*Paranormal
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Prison/Academy
*’Thought she was human’
*Touch her and 💀
*Morally grey men
*Insta-Attraction
*Mixed supe harem
*Established harem (3)
*Fast Burn
*Book 1 / ?
Powers awry, possessive men and possible rebellions?!
Ooooo this is something different to the usual! It’s a gripping plot, with slightly psychotic characters and a lot of seggsual tension to keep you reading - I blitzed through this in one night 😆
It follows Eloise who believed herself to be human; yet an accidental death at her hand transports her into the supernatural and not only that one feared and culled! Yet it appears her powers are abut whacky and not quite what they should be 😳 As punishment she is ends up in Institute 13 a sort of academy/prison for supes 😖 which is set in the Vale with a hierarchical institute system with 13 being the lowest all who are gearing up to apparently save it from some rebellion 🙈 Elodie encounters her slightly unhinged roomie Ocean who I can absolutely see becoming her ride and die! As well as three guys who honestly have some screws loose 😅 Kael the vampire assigned as her guardian who swings hot and cold; his possessive attitude is red flag lovable 😍 then there’s Rion the wolf who almost instantly becomes infatuated with her but has a rogue savage side 😬 and then the only Shadow Fae surviving Thorne whose cold and distant yet believes she’s there solely for him 😅 they’re an interesting concoction and a lot for Elodie to handle, especially when she only wants to go back home to her bestie 😟 who maybe the shadiest of them yet😱will be interesting to see what happens next!

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very Annoying FMC

The female lead character is really, really annoying. She is obsessed with escaping and doesn’t think or care about the consequences of her actions. Barely a plot line due to the whole story being about her trying to escape and have sex with men she doesn’t like. She is desperate to get back to her horrible miserable life. Even though she was trying to escape it before she was caught and put in prison. I don’t think I will be reading the second book. I was too irritated while reading the first one.

[summer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dnfed at 40%
Not bad, I just can't get through it anymore

[Jess McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of Institute Thirteen!

I really enjoyed Wicked Dove and it is a great start to Institute Thirteen and a new world. The concept is different than what I have read before, with everyone belonging to a different institute depending on who you are, but all the institures that are still around mingle together for meals, classes, etc. I rarely read pnr/fantasy, but you can never go wrong with a K C book, no matter the genre.

Eloise is thrust into this world that she doesn't understand and she just wants to go home, which is impossible. I want to know more about the institutes and the world. The one thing I love is that there isn't a huge world building dump before the story really gets going and we learn as Eloise learns about everything.

I was excited for the ending, thought that she was going to get some answers, but then it has spiraled and I need all the answers... Can't wait for Broken Dove!!

[JennyBee · Rating 2 out of 5]

After this book I have to admit KC Kean’s writing style just isn’t for me.

The characters thought processes make no sense to me. At one point in this book the FMC, who knows nothing about the supernatural world, is actually given the opportunity to get answers and says “no thanks, I’m good”. Are you kidding me????

Each character gets a POV so they get to “tell us about themselves” without giving the reader a chance to learn who they are through actions (dialogue, interactions between characters, etc).

The plots of all her romances lean heavily into the body betrayal trope, which I can’t stand.

Overall I just agree to disagree with this author, and we shall peacefully part ways.

[⋆˚ leyla ✿˖° · Rating 3 out of 5]

Will give a full review on it by the end of the series, since I think it's unfair to judge the first book as a whole. For now though, not a bad start!! It doesn't feel very developed yet, and the romance isn't really feeling like it, but I'm giving it another shot with the second book.

[Jenny P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I feel like you can't really go wrong with a K.C. Kean read. I think the lowest I've ever rated her books has been a couple of threes, and that is my average to rate most books.


MC = Elodie, dangerous new magic

Reverse Harem:
Kael, vumpire
Rion, wolf shifter
Thorn, shadow fae

Walker?? Friend??

Ocean! Unhinged roommate and best girl
Bullying
Evil governing body
Abusive parents
Dark academia
Everyone is crazy and/or violent
Prison
Smut
Rebellion
Magic
MMCs are major dickbags with some redeeming parts, some more than others
Purp haired MC
Magic ability genocide
Pocket Dimension
Culty vibes
Psychotic OW bs
"Who did this to you?" (I'll never get tired of this)
Scarred FL
Scarred ML
Tortured heroine


Look, I'm not going to yuck anyone's yum. But I am SO concerned after that one scene. YOU KNOW THE ONE. That cannot be safe. Can you imagine if they were humans?

I'm curious how these relationships are going to play out. As it stands, the guys deserve Elodie's wrath. Sure, they are trying to keep her safe, but as usual, not going about it in the best way. The usual suspects in these kinds of stories, like miscommunications, omissions, possessiveness, etc.

How does Walker play into this?! It's clear she cares about him a lot.

[Tannith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh how new universe and it’s been exciting dipping in and starting to get to know it.

1st books always have to have so much world building and I love how with this one, any confusion you have is echoed in the FMC.

Loved the characters we’ve met and am looking forward to my forward to what comes next! As always with KC though, the cliff hanger is brutal

[Spasticnontastic · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[KelsBookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holymotheroffantasy!

This book was off the friggin charts! I was hooked and mesmerised from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in completely — full of magic, danger, attraction, chemistry and lies!!

"𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙗𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙤, 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙣 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛, 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚, 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙨, 𝙬𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙖𝙙𝙤𝙬 𝙛𝙖𝙚 𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙚𝙨."

Elodie is a little broken but so strong, I feel she’s destined for big things and that makes it so damn exciting, add in her fierce badassary and BAM what a girl! Now onto Ocean? I like her, but I’m dying to see more of her story, she is veey quickly an intriguing character but i just know with KC theres always a plot twists coming... 👀

And then there’s Kael, Rion, and Thorne… holymotherofgod. How am I supposed to pick just one?! These three are uniquely different and yet droolworthy and intoxicating!

The worldbuilding in this book? Completely infrigginsane. The supernatural elements, the way magic is tied to survival — utterly intoxicating and mesmerising. Once Elodie got sucked into that world, I felt her desperation to get home to Walker. Every chapter had me holding my breath and not knowing where it was going.... And that ending?! Please I was literally yelling at my Kindle. HOW can it end like that?! I need book two yesterday. 😭🔥

[Savanna Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t want to get into the whole book honestly so here is my opinion. Elodie is thrust into this new strange world after an unexpected accidental death and finds out she is part of the supernatural world. She keeps saying she is human but once her powers shown she stopped believing it. She wants to go home but at the same time she doesn’t. She’s sent into this Insituite 13 where lower unimportant supernaturals are placed and goes to a academy type school. She meets Kael the vampire assigned to be her Guardian who swings hot and cold; his possessive attitude is red flag lovable 😍. Elodie encounters her slightly unhinged roomie Ocean, who I see becoming her ride or die! Then there’s Rion the wolf who almost instantly becomes infatuated with her but has a rogue savage side 😬. The only Shadow Fae surviving Thorne whose cold and distant yet believes she’s there solely for him 😅. Thorne needs to stop being a jerk to Elodie then he can start being in my good books. They're an interesting concoction and a lot for Elodie to handle, especially when she only wants to go back home to her bestie 😟 who maybe the shadiest of them yet😱. I’ll say that Walker to me is a little suspicious with the warehouse issue. There are a few red flags but there’s not that bad there the good red flags. Kael making Elodie ride his motorcycle while she’s sitting on a Dildo🔥 then him fucking her on the ground 🔥 Rion seeing Elodies scars on her back 😭 Rion getting Elodie off in the shower 🔥 I’m intrigued for the next book. So I will going to be reading that.

[Jeanette Durant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what KC Kean puts into her books, but my God, they are addictive!

Wicked Dove is the first in a new series, filled with supernatural beings, a mystery academy, three super protective and dangerously hot alpha men, and one psychotic female best friend.

Elodie is thrust into this new world. No one is giving her answers, and all she wants to do is find her best friend Walker.

I am absolutely obsessed with this new series. I was instantly hooked after the first few chapters. There is so much mystery, so many unanswered questions, spicy moments, and plenty of lingering looks.

The ending snuck up on me, and I literally couldn't believe where we finished. I actually went back and reread the last few pages, as I was convinced I had missed a bit. I need book two tomorrow. I need answers!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another amazing start to a series from KC with all the angst, owd and confusion plus a good dose of spice….. I’ll never look at a motor bike the same again!!

[Erinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dang cliffhangers I need answers!! I really enjoyed this. Can’t wait to see what happens next!!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

KC Kean has a new fantasy and it’s incredible. The setting is a weird academy/prison with supernaturals of varying power and evilness. Elodie thought she was human and we learn alongside her about this alternate world. There’s a spunky bff and 3 insufferable males across the hall. Elodie’s power is unpredictable and dangerous. Lots of secrets and intrigue in book 1.

[Stfnie]

DNF. RH.

[Hannah Shattock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not going to lie, in the grand scheme of things, life has thrown one hell of a curveball into February. Devastating news came at the beginning of the month, and had I not been the person I am today, it would have completely knocked me sideways. I coped, and I survived, but I was changed for it. It is news that has lingered, and my mind has come up with a multitude of distractions, but reading hasn’t been one of them.

Then I find myself having a flare-up of my chronic illness. It’s the first flare-up I’ve had in one and a half years, so on one hand I feel grateful for the lack of flare-ups, and on the other I feel grumpy that I’m currently experiencing one. I saw the GP this morning and am now on a 7-day course of antibiotics, and fortunately, my current job is very understanding of my condition and is allowing me to work from home while I endure the flare-up.

Thus, I actually found myself wanting to read something. Not any of the actual books I have on my tbr piles – that would actually be the organised thing to do – but a book on my Kindle.

Now, I know KC Kean. I have already read one series by this author and am currently halfway through another. So, of course, I have started reading another series by them.

This book showcases the stereotypical campus setting. College, University, School, etc. This one is an ‘Institute’. This kind of trope is always permeated by an FMC who is either unaware that she has powers or is the underdog fighting her way to freedom. Enter sinfully attractive men and a hard helping of bullying, unpleasant characters, and you’ve got yourself a story. I have read many books in this subgenre; many live rent-free in my head, and many I would like to completely obliterate from my mind.

The FMC in this book is Elodie, and I just want to preface how much I enjoyed this name. My brain has found a new obsession and is continually repeating the name to me. Infuriating, but I’m just glad it’s stopped singing ‘God Rest Thee Merry Gentlemen’, which was an earworm for the majority of 2025.

Elodie, like many FMCs before her and to come, has survived a trauma-filled life with parents who should be locked up and a life that she has been trying to escape for as long as she has had independent thought. Her one friend, Walker, is, in my opinion, completely problematic. She calls him her safe place, the one she can always count on…I saw him as more of a parasite, and my lasting impact of his interaction can be summed up in one word – TWAT.

Elodie finds herself transported to ‘The Sanctum’, a place that seems to exist outside the realms of anything she thought possible. She gets sentenced by the council and is joined in Guardianship by Kael, a man she had shower sex with when they both believed they would die.

It’s one hell of an intro to a book. Spared her life, Elodie gets sent to ‘Institute 13’. The most common thought I had while reading this was all the questions I had, because the explanation is very vague about many things.

‘The Vale’ is the supernatural hub. The Institute has 13 sections, with 13 being the lowest. Why 13 is the lowest, and what you have to do to find yourself there. The supposed rebellion on the horizon and, of course, Elodie’s powers.

We don’t really get many answers. We are told of Elodie’s position as a ‘Scythe’ but not what that is, how the power manifests, why it’s so rare, or why Elodie has been allowed to live with it. I feel like the suspicious eye emoji from the number of times I represented it while reading this. I am the kind of person who needs answers, and I will always search for them. When a book withholds information like this, I become incredibly invested in learning all the secrets.

When I clocked the mention of a ‘rebellion rumbling’ I did physically roll my eyes because I do find that this is another trope to the sub-genre. If anything, I’d be surprised if a rebellion occurred and it wasn’t because the hold on power was corrupt and withholding information. – We will see, of course, as the series continues, but I’m pretty certain that if a rebellion happens, I know which way the wind will be going.

So, let’s talk characters.

My image of Elodie is pretty self-curated. I don’t have a lot of information on what she looks like, and so she has almost formed independently in my mind. I can recognise her as a strong character with trauma, but seeing that reflected in behaviour is more of an eye-opener to the character. There is a quiet strength to what she has previously endured, but also a fierce vulnerability. She almost seems numb to it all, which, regardless of being in the pages of a book or out in the real world, is never good. Because of how warped her life has been, she is driven by this never-ending yearning to return to her old life, to the life she was stuck in, abused in, and hated. All because she wants to get back to the only safe person she knows, Walker. It is sad in a way that she is so compelled to do this. It speaks volumes about her character, and I hope that as the series evolves, she becomes more independent and grows beyond that life's dependency.

Elodie interacts with Kael first. They share a cell at the Sanctum, and after he is granted Guardianship of her, they stick pretty close. It is not something that Elodie enjoys. I think she mostly feels suffocated by his presence. She is also insanely attracted to him, but he is an arse to her the majority of the time. I would say that the first third of this book is solely from Elodie’s point of view, and we don’t get any POVs of the men until then. So, my early opinions of Kael were solely biased by what Elodie thought. Kael seems to carry a lot of baggage. He is also a vampire. There is an unnatural depth to him, and I don’t think he’s ever had the opportunity or wants to let anyone see under his skin. The majority of the smut in this book is conducted between Elodie and Kael, but it was the motorcycle ride that got me!

Rian calls Elodie ‘Petal’ when he first meets her, and I’m yet to find out the reason why. Rian is a wolf shifter. I assume. At least the word ‘werewolf’ wasn’t bandied around. While Kael is intense in his control. Rian is intense with his emotions. He feels hard and fast. He falls hard and fast, especially for Elodie. He also shows vulnerability. Discovering something about Elodie prompts his own reflection on his trauma. It was a moment of clarity as I viewed his character. There is a deep sense of anger in him. Anger at family. Anger at life. Anger at everybody. I think it is an anger that has been controlled for so long that with the arrival of Elodie, it does the only thing it can: it explodes. Elodie meets his wolf once and calms him, which surprises those around him at the time, but it is not explained again. I think Rian sees Elodie as a goddess come to call. I do not know if his worship of her will sour into obsession or grow into love.

Thorn is an apt name for someone who can wither you with a stare. He is, apparently, a shadow fae, the last of the shadow fae. He exudes danger, dressed all in black, and is typically not approached by anyone. He is the last member of the trio who surrounds Elodie. He keeps his emotions close and his face blank, but through his POVs, we see how deeply Elodie affects him and how hard he is compelled to stay in control. He is the more level-headed of the trio, which says a lot because he also comes across as slightly psychotic. It is clear that his reactions to Elodie are neither something he is prepared for nor something he knows how to control, so on that level, it will be interesting to see how things progress.

For the plucky side character, we have Ocean, a blood witch. Known to be completely psychotic, she is a budding friend to Elodie and will be a loyal sidekick if Elodie can stop running away. We all need a plucky side character in life, but I do appreciate those with depth and their own narratives. There is an understanding in Ocean’s eyes: she never judges Elodie, but she is there to support if needed. I hope her character develops further as the series continues.

Now, the ending, well, dramatic certainly. Irritating as the reader, most definitely. Sometimes you just clock a character and know they will be trouble, and know without a doubt that the trouble won’t be good, and it’ll leave the FMC in a bad place. Yes, that happened. But it happened without clarity and depth. Which means I have to go ahead and immediately start reading the next book in order to get answers, which is a fabulous author tactic!

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elodie, Kael, Rion, + Thorne

-mfmm whychoose
-dark pnr institute
-vampire, wolf, shadow fae
-forbidden magic
-secrets
-book 1 in a series

there is a lot of secrets within the magic system here & how all that has to do with our fmc here & i can't wait to see where we're going with it all!

[Bizzy Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, whiney little nineteen year old FMC. So unbearably unlikable, don’t understand why fantasy authors refuse to write about adults. If you insist on writing about children, write a picture book.

[Amanda Crossland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent

Spoilers! Don’t read any further if you don’t want to know what happens!

This book started off Rough, like I wasn’t sure I wanted to finish it. There was constant blame on Elodie. She didn’t get a chance to defend herself nor did she get any chance at getting any kind of answers that explained things. I’m glad I pushed through though.

Shea Scythe, a line of magicals that hid themselves so thoroughly that they thought they were extinct as they bred with humans, and their power never revealed themselves unless they killed someone. She’s brought to Institute 13, and The Vale. The Vale is basically a mess hall. Institutes 1-13 are basically dorms for that magical type and classes for their types and why they were there in the first place. Kael (vampire) was with her at the beginning. He was assigned her Guardian. She refuses to room with him because of his hot and cold temps on treating her. She rooms with a “psychotic” chick instead who really turns into her closet friend besides WALKER! Ugh. Right now I can’t stand Walker… we will talk about him in a min. Her roomy, Ocean, backs her in almost all things. Kaels besties Rion the wolf, and Thorne the shadow fae, all feel something for her that they can’t figure out: as a reader with the amount of series out there with that kind of obsessiveness with the fmc, it usually leads to a mate bond. None of this is thought of spoken about. Kaels ex gf takes her anger over losing Kael out on Elodie, slashing her face with a sharp wolf claw. Elodie doesn’t even feel the pain, and Thornes point of view shows he can feel her emotions and is baffled that she’s as calm as a mouse in the dark. His magic forces him to heal her. He runs after telling her to stay away from him, he’s afraid tho, his magic wanted to touch her in kindness, when usually it’s to hurt ppl. Rions wolf can’t stay away from her, and defends her in “strenuous”, basically gym class in defensive moves. She’s paired with Kaels ex’s bf, Tirnan who walloped her good when it was supposed to be about who can touch who, first to 10 touches wins. Rion only listened to Elodie when she petted his shifted wolf form, telling him she was ok. That’s not taking into account Kael beating up a few ppl who grabbed her when she told the to stay away… Rion saw the cigarette burns and scars on her back while she was showering and he got the name of who did it to her, her dad. Elodie is so confused, all of them are hot and cold with her. The only one who didn’t change their attitude was Ocean. Who Elodie defended against Willow, Tirnan and her mean girl group. Tirnan (vampire) ended up biting Elodie when she defended Oxean and she didn’t feel the excruciating pain of a vampire bite. She also heals extremely fast. And as soon as she finally escaped The Sanctum/Institute 13, she finds walker and he brings her right back to institute 13. That betrayal cut deep though because he was her only friend from home. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Heather Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review: Wicked Dove by K.C. Kean

Elodie’s life has never been easy. Living in a rundown trailer park with parents who use her more than they care for her, she’s learned to survive however she can. The only person who’s ever paid her attention is Walker — older, manipulative, and the kind of man who hides danger behind charm. When he takes nineteen-year-old Elodie to a poker game full of bikers and seedy men, it becomes clear fast that Walker doesn’t have her best interests at heart. And when everything spirals out of control, Elodie wakes up ready to be interrogated for a crime she didn’t even know she committed — only to realize she’s in a completely different realm altogether.

She finds herself in a realm ruled by the Sanctum — the governing body over all supernaturals. What Elodie doesn’t realize is that she’s one of them. Her powers have been dormant because of her rare supernatural ability: she’s a Scythe. As long as her powers stay latent, she’s safe from execution.

During her trial, she meets Kael, who’s appointed as her guardian. Soon after, she’s sent to the 13th Precinct, a lower-ranked facility treated with open disdain by the higher precincts. All the precincts lead to a communal Vale, where students eat and learn together, though the lower-ranked facilities like the 13th are clearly looked down upon.

From the start, I loved Elodie. She’s hilarious, no-nonsense, and completely herself — even when she’s mistreated. She’s naive but brave, unfiltered, and unapologetically real. She just doesn’t care what people think — she’s been through too much for that.

Right away, we meet Ocean, her blood witch roommate. Everyone calls Ocean psychotic, but she’s actually an incredibly loyal friend who gives Elodie the freedom to just be herself. Then there’s Rion, the wolf shifter — lovable but full of dark secrets and trauma, who just wants Elodie near him.

And then there’s Thorne, the dark fae — mysterious, mean, powerful, and the kind of jerk you can’t help but be intrigued by. He’s got that cold, unreadable energy that hides something much deeper underneath.

This group — pulled together through Kael’s guardianship, Ocean’s roommate status, and shared chaos — forms a bond that grows into something genuine and beautiful. Their friendship becomes the heart of the story, even when Elodie doesn’t quite know how to handle it because of all the trauma she’s carried from her family and Walker.

The ending was shocking. It hit me right in the gut — and now I’m counting down the days until December!

Overall, I love anything K.C. Kean writes, but Elodie feels special. She’s a standout heroine — strong, messy, funny, and real. Even when everyone else calls the 13th Precinct unlivable, Elodie’s just like, “Nah, I’ve had worse.”

[Spinneretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

good

WARNING! Cliffhanger! This one rates a fairly hefty 5/5 on my trauma scale, and is definitely a “want to know what’s next” moment. (Also, I knew it!).

After killing in self defense, Elodie discovers that she has activated a magical ability she never knew she had. This is apparently a death sentence under normal circumstances, but instead she finds herself assigned to Institute Thirteen, a place within The Sanctum, that houses the dangerous magical beings.

It’s a place where she wants to keep her head down, and to find her way out, but she doesn’t know the rules, and she doesn’t understand anything about the world she finds herself suddenly occupying. It makes for a dangerous world, with dangerous people— not the least of whom are the male who has been assigned as her guardian, and his two friends.

|| “I was born to be my own hero, to slay the g**d**n dragon myself, or in my case, the vampires, wolves and shadow fae a**holes.” ||

Elodie is a mess. Her past is a difficult one, and while she spends all her time trying to get back home, I spent all my time reading it, wondering *why* she wants to go back to her father! It will be interesting to see what happens after her experiences in this book, and I’m actually quite curious to see how she reacts after that ending!

There are three main love interests we have met properly in this one, although there is possibly more. First up is Kael, the one assigned as her guardian, and who she meets under some strained circumstances. He’s rather high strung, and she definitely pushes all his buttons.

Next up is Rion, a wolf with a troubled past. He finds Elodie rather intriguing and seems to fixate on her quickly. He’s fairly easy going, unless someone messes with Elodie.

Finally we have Thorn, a shadow fae. Actually *the* shadow fae, as he is the last of his kind. He’s an enigmatic figure I am hoping we learn more about.

This is a book that is really confusing— deliberately so. We are as out of the loop as Elodie is herself; we don’t know anything about her world either, and we learn as she learns. It’s both a diabolically clever way to writes her tale, and frustrating since no-one enlightens Elodie, and she’s not exactly willing to learn.

It makes for an intriguing read, and a good one (though sensitive readers should check the TWs), and I’m looking forward to some of these mysteries being cleared up in book 2. This is a book best enjoyed by RH fans that enjoy their tales with a little darkness, and don’t mind confusion or characters with disturbing pasts.

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4
3.5 ⭐️

This was one of those books that was hard to get through at times, but I was still invested enough that I needed to know what happened next… and honestly? That’s the main reason it landed at a 3.5 for me.

The setup had a lot going for it: supernatural prison academy vibes, reverse harem energy, morally gray/psychotic men, mystery around Elodie’s powers, and a suspicious governing system that is obviously hiding something. On paper, this should have been a slam dunk for me.

And there were things I liked.

I was definitely intrigued by Elodie and what she actually is, because the book gives you just enough to keep you reading without really giving you enough to feel fully grounded in the world. That was both the hook and the frustration. I kept waiting for things to click into place, and instead it felt like the book was constantly dangling answers in front of me and then yanking them away.

Kael, Rion, and Thorne all had moments where I was like ohhhh okay, I see the vision, but as a whole? These men were also deeply annoying 😭
Like yes, they’re possessive and intense and damaged and hot in theory… but they also spent a lot of time acting like absolute dickheads, which made it harder for me to fully buy in emotionally.
That said… I’m still curious enough to keep reading, so clearly the author did something right.

I also actually liked the darker tone and some of the unhinged energy from the side characters — especially the feeling that everyone here is at least a little bit unstable. That part worked for me.

What didn’t fully work was the pacing. There were definitely stretches where I felt myself kind of pushing through instead of being completely locked in. Some scenes dragged, some of the explanations were too vague, and at times it felt like the story was relying on vibes over actual clarity.

Walker is also suspicious. I don’t care. I don’t trust him. That’s all.

Overall, this was a “I struggled, but I’m still sat” kind of read.
Not a favorite. Not a flop. But definitely enough intrigue, chaos, and “what the hell is actually going on here?” energy for me to keep going with the series.

Final rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Hard to get through at times, but interesting enough that I wanted to finish it — and yes, I’ll be continuing.

[Midnight Tails and Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

KC Kean, the queen of academy romance, does it again. Wicked Dove is a fresh and slightly niche take on the supernatural academy setup and I was hooked almost immediately.

The world building pulls you in fast, especially as Elodie begins to uncover the truth about her powers and the complicated pieces of her past. Her dynamic with her vampire guardian Kale adds another layer of tension, particularly with the thread of unrequited feelings simmering beneath everything. It creates just enough emotional friction to keep the pages turning.
Elodie herself is a strong lead and very much the type of heroine Kean writes well. She is sharp, traumatised, stubborn, and determined to carve out her own space in a world that clearly has plans for her.

One standout for me was Ocean. I adored Elodie’s roommate immediately. A knife wielding blood witch who happily leans into the rumours that she is completely unhinged is exactly the kind of chaotic energy every academy story needs. I would absolutely read an entire book about her.

If I had one small gripe it would be Rion’s nickname for Elodie. Petal felt oddly cutesy and didn’t really match her personality or the tone of the story. Every time it appeared it pulled me out of the moment a little to cringe!

The audiobook is narrated in dual narration by Heather Stonewell and Ryan West. Both performances are fantastic and really elevate the story. Stonewell captures Elodie’s attitude, trauma, and irritation beautifully while Ryan West brings a grounded presence to the male POV chapters. The only thing I wish is that the production had been done in duet narration because the cast and dialogue would have suited that style perfectly.
KC Kean always excels at creating complex characters and layered relationship dynamics. The harem already feels diverse, interesting, and full of potential, which is exactly what I want from an academy romance.
Now the real problem is waiting for the next three audiobooks because I am fully invested in this story already.

[Tanya Sandra James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I was hooked from the very first page and couldn’t put it down. The story pulled me in completely — full of magic, danger, and unforgettable characters that I can’t stop thinking about.
Elodie, our fierce and determined FMC, was incredible to follow. I loved watching her journey unfold, especially as she discovered the truth about her dormant magic — that it only awakens when you take a life with it. That concept alone had me shook! The moment Elodie’s power surfaced, everything changed, and I was totally gripped from there.
Then we have Rion, Thorne, and Kael — our men! Each one brought something unique and magnetic to the story. Their dynamics with Elodie had me turning pages like crazy, needing to see what would happen next. The chemistry, the tension, the loyalty — I felt everything.
And let’s not forget Ocean — Elodie’s badass roommate and absolute force of nature. I adored her! A total powerhouse with that chaotic energy that balances out Elodie perfectly. The “psycho blood witch” vibe? Perfection.
The worldbuilding was so vivid and creative, especially the supernatural elements and the way magic is tied to morality and survival. Once Elodie was pulled into that world, all she wanted was to find her way back home to her friend Walker, and I felt that desperation and determination in every chapter.
As the story built toward the finale, I was on the edge of my seat. The twists, the reveals, the emotional punches — and that ending! I was literally shouting at my Kindle. It cannot end like that! I need the next book now.
If you love strong heroines, complex men, dark magic, and a story that grabs your heart and refuses to let go, this is the book for you. An absolute must-read, and I already know I’ll be rereading it while I wait (impatiently) for the sequel.
5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2/5🔥🔥

[Melissa Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the newest RH romantasy from KC Kean is an unputdownable read. I read this in one sitting because it was driving me crazy trying to figure out what the heck was going on.
Elodie thought she was a normal human woman with a really horrible family life, until one fateful event activated her supernatural powers. Now she has been sent to Institute 13 by the Sanctum without her family, her only friend, or any answers as to what is happening and where she is. There is little in the way of description of the events that brought her there, where she really is, or how she has powers she never knew about. But this is done purposefully, as we are only getting answers as Elodie does, which deepens the mystery and holds you captive from first page to last.
KC Kean has an incredible ability to suck you right into the story with her world building and intense characters. Elodie is desperately trying to remain her strong and independent self despite the situation she is facing, but proves to be difficult the deeper she gets into her new life. Her roomie and newest BFF, Ocean, is hilariously crazy and loyal to a fault from the minute they meet. I just love her character. Kael, Rion, and Thorne, the three supes vying for her attention up the ante on the drama with a side of angst. This is definitely not a slow burn book. Whew these guys are so hot. Keep a fan handy.
The constant twists and turns and little bits of information at a time will keep you turning pages. The only negative is waiting for the next book. Beware the cliffhanger...How could anyone drop a whopper like that and then just leave us to wonder until the next release date? KC have you no shame? Still worth it!
Thank you to KC Kean for the advanced copy to read and review.

[Cinder · Rating 2 out of 5]

SKIMMED

𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: 2/5⭐
𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘: 𝖴𝗋𝖻𝖺𝗇 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗌𝗒
𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘: 𝖲𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌
𝗔𝗚𝗘: 𝖭𝖾𝗐 𝖠𝖽𝗎𝗅𝗍
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬: 🟡
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗘𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡:
𝖢𝗈𝗇𝖼𝖾𝗉𝗍 𝗂𝖽𝖾𝖺: 3/𝟻 🤔
𝖯𝗅𝗈𝗍: 2/𝟻 📖
𝖶𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽 𝖡𝗎𝗂𝗅𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 🌎
𝖶𝗋𝗂𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 📝
𝖯𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗇𝗀: 2/𝟻 ⏱
𝖫𝖾𝗇𝗀𝗍𝗁: 2/5 📏
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌: 1/𝟻 👥
𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾: 0/𝟻 ❤️
𝖲𝗉𝗂𝖼𝖾: 1/𝟻 🔥
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 / 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘:
🐺 𝖲𝗁𝗂𝖿𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 +🧝 𝖥𝖺𝖾 + 🧛 𝖵𝖺𝗆𝗉𝗂𝗋𝖾
🎓 𝖠𝖼𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗆𝗂𝖼 𝗌𝖾𝗍𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀
💕 𝖯𝗈𝗅𝗒𝖺𝗆𝗈𝗋𝗒
❤️⚔️ 𝖤𝗇𝖾𝗆𝗂𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖫𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗌
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗠𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦:
I'm just not a fan of the author. I liked the concept, but the execution failed. None of the characters are well-developed and the FMC was immature and annoying.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗦𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗬: FMC killed someone and now has to attend Institute Thirteen. She tried to escape and learn to navigate the supernatural world. But once she managed to return to her world, her friend betrayed her.
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝖶𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖨 𝖼𝗈𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗎𝖾 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗌𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖾𝗌? ❌
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝖻𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗎𝗍𝗁𝗈𝗋? ❌
𝖶𝗈𝗎𝗅𝖽 𝖨 𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝖽? ❌
✦•····························••····························•✦•····························••····························•✦
𝗧𝗪 / 𝗖𝗪: abuse, torture, death, violence, grief

[sophslilbookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The same why choose spice that we know and love, but it felt completely different from the academy settings we've read before.
Wicked Dove felt so much grittier and darker than any of her other series I've read and I was consumed from the very first page.
Elodie went from being a badass in her own world to drowning in a new one she can't even begin to comprehend, much less the power she didn't even know she had.
Ocean is psychotic, but probably the best friend she's going to have in the hell of Institute Thirteen.
Kael is a dick, but at least he's good-looking.
Rion is definitely going to be the golden retriever of the boys, even though he also struggles greatly with his past.
Thorne - I can't help but feel like he's going to be the guy that hates everyone but Elodie. You know, the guy who has a soft spot only for her? Burn the world for her kind of vibes even if he doesn't realise it himself yet.

And the one person she wanted to go back to from her old life, like he will be her savior? Yeah, fuck that guy.

The difference in this book compared to her other series has me feeling so excited for book two.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️ - I made it 95% through Wicked Dove and was still waiting for the actual book to start.

The premise had promise — a girl who activates dangerous magic and gets sent to Institute 13, a brutal supernatural prison full of monsters and creatures.

Instead, I got almost no plot, extremely vague world-building and a vapid, annoying FMC with zero growth or self-awareness. I was constantly confused about the setting and time period — are we in the modern world? Why is there country music and watching TV series in a supposedly ancient, brutal prison? The story is dominated by spice and multiple MMC dynamics, while the promised creatures, prison encounters and stakes are barely present.

I was desperate for even a crumb of storyline. The relationships felt muddled too — I never got a clear sense of who Kael, Rion and Thorne actually are to each other beyond “three guys who are into the FMC.”

This read more like spice-focused, reverse harem romance with a thin dark academia/prison aesthetic than an actual story. Ocean was the only character with any real personality. Let down. I won’t be continuing the series.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this and I’m sitting here trying to put my feelings into words. As usual with KC’s writing, I devoured this book and just wanted more, more, more. I’m loving Eloide and like most of KC’s female characters she’s determined, strong, and a little (if not a lot) stubborn. I can’t wait to see her character development and how she grows over the series.

Now the guys…I don’t know how I feel about them yet. Usually by this point, I have a favorite MMC, but this time that’s not the case. I feel like there are so many secrets about them that we just don’t know yet and I can’t wait to find out what those secrets are. I can’t wait to get to know them better and for them to realize that they’re not going to be able to push Eloide around like they think they can. 😏

I swear as I read the last word of this book I yelled out loud “Wait…that’s it? That’s where she’s ending this?” 😂 In true KC fashion she leaves us on a doozy of a cliffhanger but y’all..this time it comes with me having So. Many. Questions! I need answers and preferably in the next book and quickly!