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The Trials of Death and Honor
Vicious Princess
There are only three rules at Ezkai Always obey your instructor. Never leave the Castle Grounds without permission. Don’t ever screw your instructor.
I break one before orientation even begins. Can you guess which one?
When I arrive at the unforgiving fae city with the snowy mountains looming over it, I have two
Join the legendary Order of ancient soldiers.
Climb the ranks and gain the power I need to avenge my family’s murder.
But before I can join the Order, I must survive six months of ruthless training. Failure means exile… or death.
That, I can handle despite being the only human among the brutal, beautiful fae who would love to see me bleed. I’ve survived worse–my body is riddled with a thousand scars that serve as a reminder.
What I didn’t expect?
The hot, mysterious soldier I spent one passionate night with… is now my instructor.
When he offers to mentor me—recognizing the ambition burning inside me—I know I should say no. It’s too risky.
But I want what he’s offering. I want to rise to the top. And maybe… I want him, too.
Vicious Princess is a seductive, blood-stained romantasy for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Kushiel’s Dart, where power, passion, and vengeance collide.
I break one before orientation even begins. Can you guess which one?
When I arrive at the unforgiving fae city with the snowy mountains looming over it, I have two
Join the legendary Order of ancient soldiers.
Climb the ranks and gain the power I need to avenge my family’s murder.
But before I can join the Order, I must survive six months of ruthless training. Failure means exile… or death.
That, I can handle despite being the only human among the brutal, beautiful fae who would love to see me bleed. I’ve survived worse–my body is riddled with a thousand scars that serve as a reminder.
What I didn’t expect?
The hot, mysterious soldier I spent one passionate night with… is now my instructor.
When he offers to mentor me—recognizing the ambition burning inside me—I know I should say no. It’s too risky.
But I want what he’s offering. I want to rise to the top. And maybe… I want him, too.
Vicious Princess is a seductive, blood-stained romantasy for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Kushiel’s Dart, where power, passion, and vengeance collide.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2025
560 people are currently reading
3548 people want to read
About the author
Karolina Wilde
8 books77 followersKarolina Wilde is an author of House of Pain, the first book in a seductive dark fantasy romance trilogy, and a sex-positive freelance writer who worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. She has a serious obsession with chocolate (dark or milk, never white, and always with salted caramel), and when she's not writing another book or another client article, she can be found playing World of Warcraft or trying to conquer her never-ending TBR pile. Find her on social media @karolinawilde or on her website at www.karolinawilde.com.
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August 28, 2025
──⟡⋆˙✩ 1 star ✩ ⋆˙⟡──
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ If I can’t have their respect, I’ll take fear instead. *ೃ༄
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃
➽ One night stand
➽ Teacher/student
➽ Stabby FMC
➽ Human in a world of Fae
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕀𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥: ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★
So our FMC, Phoenix—yes, her name is actually Phoenix, I am not joking—has a traumatic past and now she’s all about revenge. But for that she needs power. So she joins the academy for fighters. Anyway, big rule of the place: don’t sleep with your instructors. And yet here we are in the classic “she hooks up with a hot stranger at the bar, then turns up to her new job the next morning and—surprise—it’s her boss” trope.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖:
So this premise had potential. I was ready for tension, angst, forbidden spark. What I got was… our MMC saying crude things and her immediately melting over it. That’s it. That’s the “tension.” It didn’t give me butterflies, it gave me a headache.
ೃ⁀➷ Phoenix:
On paper, she’s everything I’d normally like. Traumatized backstory, sharp tongue, stabby energy. But in practice? She felt like the idea of a badass heroine instead of an actual person. Like a sketch instead of a painting. A “look, I’m strong and independent” signboard instead of a character who just is.
ೃ⁀➷ The MMC:
Do I even need to? He’s not bad per se, just aggressively uninteresting. The kind of guy where you blink and forget he’s there. Every time he showed up I wanted to roll him off the page like a sticky note I didn’t need. And Phoenix drooling over him? Girl, why. Yes, he’s tall. Yes, he’s good-looking—if I squint. But surrounded by other tall, good-looking fae men, that’s not exactly rare currency.
ೃ⁀➷ Other Characters:
Here’s where I get salty. Why, oh why, do so many of these books follow the same formula? Catty women clawing at the FMC for absolutely no reason, as if female friendship is some mythical creature that couldn’t possibly exist. Every girl? A bully. The only one who treats her decently? A man. Groundbreaking. Truly.
And that’s the part that stuck with me most—not the romance, not the revenge plot, not even Phoenix’s name. Just the fact that apparently, being a girl’s girl is harder than fighting an army of fae.
Many thanks to netgalley for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ If I can’t have their respect, I’ll take fear instead. *ೃ༄
𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔 βօօҟͲąցʂ 𓍯𓂃
➽ One night stand
➽ Teacher/student
➽ Stabby FMC
➽ Human in a world of Fae
𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕋𝕙𝕚𝕤 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 𝕀𝕤 𝔸𝕓𝕠𝕦𝕥: ℕ𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪 𝔼𝕕𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 ᯓ★
So our FMC, Phoenix—yes, her name is actually Phoenix, I am not joking—has a traumatic past and now she’s all about revenge. But for that she needs power. So she joins the academy for fighters. Anyway, big rule of the place: don’t sleep with your instructors. And yet here we are in the classic “she hooks up with a hot stranger at the bar, then turns up to her new job the next morning and—surprise—it’s her boss” trope.
ೃ⁀➷ 𝕋𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕠𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕖:
So this premise had potential. I was ready for tension, angst, forbidden spark. What I got was… our MMC saying crude things and her immediately melting over it. That’s it. That’s the “tension.” It didn’t give me butterflies, it gave me a headache.
ೃ⁀➷ Phoenix:
On paper, she’s everything I’d normally like. Traumatized backstory, sharp tongue, stabby energy. But in practice? She felt like the idea of a badass heroine instead of an actual person. Like a sketch instead of a painting. A “look, I’m strong and independent” signboard instead of a character who just is.
ೃ⁀➷ The MMC:
Do I even need to? He’s not bad per se, just aggressively uninteresting. The kind of guy where you blink and forget he’s there. Every time he showed up I wanted to roll him off the page like a sticky note I didn’t need. And Phoenix drooling over him? Girl, why. Yes, he’s tall. Yes, he’s good-looking—if I squint. But surrounded by other tall, good-looking fae men, that’s not exactly rare currency.
ೃ⁀➷ Other Characters:
Here’s where I get salty. Why, oh why, do so many of these books follow the same formula? Catty women clawing at the FMC for absolutely no reason, as if female friendship is some mythical creature that couldn’t possibly exist. Every girl? A bully. The only one who treats her decently? A man. Groundbreaking. Truly.
And that’s the part that stuck with me most—not the romance, not the revenge plot, not even Phoenix’s name. Just the fact that apparently, being a girl’s girl is harder than fighting an army of fae.
Many thanks to netgalley for an ARC. All thoughts are my own.
September 1, 2025
ੈ✩‧₊˚Rating*ੈ✩‧₊˚
3.5?/5 Stars
(Rounding up because why not)
˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗Tropes˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
🏹 One-Night Stand…
🪶 Instructor x Student
🏹 Warrior FMC
🪶 Human In A World Full Of Fae
🏹 Soldier In Academy
𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-
‧₊˚ ┊Without balance, strength becomes madness, wisdom becomes cruelty, and spirit becomes decay.┊˚₊‧
‧₊˚ ┊Power is not only force but presence. Mastery of emotional and spiritual control is as vital as combat skill. ┊˚₊‧
💭 Thoughts-
-ˋˏ✄┈┈Ok, so I don’t know about you all but starting off the first chapter and page of a book with a sex scene… I usually just skip those to be honest…but I was definitely surprised to say the least when I saw this one…
-In the book the girl was all revenge, let them all burn, and die in a fiery abyss type thing. Then after like only 5 chapters it was like bye bye lives works hellooo boy candy who's also my teacher??
-With all those negatives though I did enjoy the book, in all it was a fun quick read even for its length. Yeah, it was a bit cliché, but I still enjoyed it and am honestly conflicted about the rating for it and may end up doing it higher. Or lower… so we shall see!
Now Playing:
⊹ ࣪ ˖Wolves By Selena Gomez˖࣪ ⊹
0:01 ❍─────── 4:28
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
Volume: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
(This song is a vibe tho let's be honest)
3.5?/5 Stars
(Rounding up because why not)
˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗Tropes˗ˏˋ ♡ ˎˊ˗
🏹 One-Night Stand…
🪶 Instructor x Student
🏹 Warrior FMC
🪶 Human In A World Full Of Fae
🏹 Soldier In Academy
𓂃🖊Notes and Highlights-
‧₊˚ ┊Without balance, strength becomes madness, wisdom becomes cruelty, and spirit becomes decay.┊˚₊‧
‧₊˚ ┊Power is not only force but presence. Mastery of emotional and spiritual control is as vital as combat skill. ┊˚₊‧
💭 Thoughts-
-ˋˏ✄┈┈Ok, so I don’t know about you all but starting off the first chapter and page of a book with a sex scene… I usually just skip those to be honest…but I was definitely surprised to say the least when I saw this one…
-In the book the girl was all revenge, let them all burn, and die in a fiery abyss type thing. Then after like only 5 chapters it was like bye bye lives works hellooo boy candy who's also my teacher??
-With all those negatives though I did enjoy the book, in all it was a fun quick read even for its length. Yeah, it was a bit cliché, but I still enjoyed it and am honestly conflicted about the rating for it and may end up doing it higher. Or lower… so we shall see!
Now Playing:
⊹ ࣪ ˖Wolves By Selena Gomez˖࣪ ⊹
0:01 ❍─────── 4:28
↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺
Volume: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%
(This song is a vibe tho let's be honest)
September 13, 2025
4.75⭐️’s!!
A pleasant surprise!! It seems like I really scored with my first arc because I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it THIS much. XD This was exactly the fun that I needed after exams. 😌 But one other thing I wish I got: THOSE EZKAI TATTOOS. 🤩🤤
🦇 ┊SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
There wasn’t a SINGLE boring moment. Though there were some questionable parts (🤨), this was so. Much. Fun‼️ My eyes will be peeled for the sequel. 👹 Definitely gives the vibes of Fourth Wing in terms of their training, the relationship between the Order of Ezkai and their cadets, and just the whole academy vibe, which I obviously ate. Up!! (There are even dragons, but they weren’t the main point. :)) Also has a bit of Quicksilver in terms of the fae’s characteristics (their heightened sense of smell, specifically 🙏👀). 🤭 I would totally recommend, especially if you’re looking for a fast-paced read that is literally unputdownable. 🔥
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🏹 training in academy
📜 out-of-place fmc
🏹 insta-love
📜 forbidden romance
🏹 instructor x cadet
📜 very sexy fae
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓟𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂:
Phoenix Wildarrow leaves her hometown to apply for training at Ezkai Academy for vengeance after the tragic passing of her family. A day before her training starts, she has some fun with a particularly hot Ezkai she never thought she would encounter again. But as the only human Decarios, almost every cadet mocks her, sure that she won’t even survive the training. An Ezkai Major, Daegel Talbot, sees her for her talent and offers to mentor her. As Phoenix trains vigorously and twice as hard just to be as good as the fae, many different opportunities open up for her, leaving her more than shocked with what she has managed to achieve. She faces a lot of conflicts, with one being about whether to risk her future for her relationship with her mentor.
Now, reading the blurb of this book probably already has you predicting which rule she breaks. Just know that whichever one you think it is, you’re most likely right. 🌚 The blurb is also in first person! So I was quite a bit confused when I started reading, and the fact that there was a glossary at the front had me even more nervous. 😵💫 But!! Once she really started her training, the ball got rolling and we got a feel of what it’s like to be in this strict academy, where they have only three rules (which the cadets don’t actually take seriously) and are very insistent on punctuality. 😮💨 Overall, it is definitely a very captivating plot that will keep you up binging it late at night. 😆
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓦𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰/𝓟𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰:
Simple writing! Reading the interactions between Phoenix and Daegel though, I swear. 🙈 Great pace, but maybe sometimes I felt like things moved a little too quickly, but that’s probably because this book isn’t a big one! The spice was also yum (😋), but ngl, I was surprised to see it already in chapter two. 😅 I thought that there was a good weighting of everything—the romance and the time they get to be back together, the training, the world building (though there wasn’t much, really) were all just the right amount! 😌 And also, who doesn’t love sexy fae?? Literally all the fae in Ekios are described in different ways, but in all ways sexy. 🫦
────୨ৎ────
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓲𝔁 𝓦𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀:
PHANTOM RANGER. 🏹😍 I love her attitude and how she shows to the other cadets that she’s just way out of their league. Omg that scene when she compares herself to Kata and is so smug because they both have the bow and arrow as their chosen weapon, but Phoenix—the human—has an affinity, unlike the fae. 🤭 AND ALSO, THE END. (my reaction: 😬😱🙊😆😍💅🙇♀️) She is such a queen!!! Well deserved, for sure. ✊ (I knew she was the best, so I kinda already expected more than one though hehe.)
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓓𝓪𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓫𝓸𝓽:
Our MMC whose name rhymes with bagel. 🥯 (I’M SORRY HELP. I just could not get the image of bagels out of my mind every time I read his name. 🤡) Interesting name, though. 🤭 Ahhh I love his vibe so muchhhhh. 🤭🤭 Hehehe the way he still wanted her even though he knows he shouldn’t. AND OMG. After they impulsively kiss again during their training on school grounds (!!), he swears he would control himself in the future. But guess what? They make out again. 🤡🤡 (I’m not complaining, of course. I’m here for it all.) Ug I just love him so much, I NEED MORE. 👹
ᢉ𐭩 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓲𝔁𝓓𝓪𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓵:
HEHEHEH 😆🤭 The way Daegel was “a territorial asshole” when he claimed the nickname “princess”, but heard Roman, Phoenix’s friend, calling her that. eeee 😝 I love how Daegel is so gentle and caring with Phoenix. 🥺🥺 And when they slowly open up to each other, sharing their pasts. 🥺❤️ However, I felt that their romance was very insta-lovey. Was it meant to be like that? 🧐 Like, I’m not really sure about the main romance trope in this one. It was insta-love, but also had a bit of enemies-to-lovers imo? 😖 Dang idk. 🤷♀️ I thought he seemed really angry at Phoenix on the first day of training. But then he explains that he actually wasn’t? 🤨 Grr whatever. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading their interactions. 😝🤭
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓢𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼:
Roman Barthol -> Okay his character description at the start had me thinking he was going to be the MMC. 😮💨 (Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if he was. 😙 He seems so fine. A funny guy too.) He’s the type of best friend you read about in books and wish you had irl. 🙂↔️ I’ll be forever grateful to him for being the only fae Decarios that didn’t mind being in Phoenix’s company and actually spent time with her.
Kata Nightingale -> 😒 Lmao something is up with the way Karolina Wilde writes characters’ first impressions because I thought Kata was going to be the bestie. 😭🙏 But she was just a bitch the whole way through. Like, p l e a s e . Just accept that there are human Decarios wayy better than you and stop trying to kill off your competition. 🙄
Ezkai General -> OKAY. I think this one’s my issue, because I thought Mr. Highest-Ranking-Officer-In-The-Order-Of-Ezkai here was ANOTHER love interest. 🤡 And I thought it was going to be a reverse harem HELP WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. But in my defence, his character’s first impression didn’t reveal that he was the Ezkai General; just that he was another sexy fae. 🙂↕️
────୨ৎ────
Now, here are the “questionable” parts I mentioned earlier which prevented me from giving this five stars:
1. The insta-love. Hm, do I need to explain this? I’m just not the biggest fan of that trope. 🤷♀️
2. Some things were predictable. 😔 But mainly the one from the blurb. I already knew who was going to be the mmc, but still, I was always holding my breath and expecting it would be someone else for some reason.
3. Some unrealistic things: A) The (common) bathroom has “no separation between genders”. Goodbye. This bathroom was obviously made to cause trouble. Though it’s a miracle nothing has happened there yet. B) The lectures/politics classes seemed kinda… immature?? Like primary school, bruh. Instructor changes seats because students are talking during his lesson and not paying attention. 🤡 Maybe also because of the second-hand embarrassment. 🙈 C) Uhm… they were banging on the rooftop?? (We shall forget about Phoenix sleeping on a rooftop earlier on in the story.) I can’t imagine how they didn’t roll off in their heat.
────୨ৎ────
All in all, this was a very enjoyable read and I’m so glad I found this book!! I can definitely see myself rereading this. XD
Vicious Princess ended in a way that perfectly sets up the plot for Blood Queen, the sequel, and I can’t wait to read it!
────୨ৎ────
Many thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
────୨ৎ────
👑 ┊PRE-REVIEW
AHHHH OMG THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD!!!! XD I am not joking when I say there wasn’t a SINGLE boring moment! Definitely gives Fourth Wing vibes. The last two chapters had me confused as fuck until I read those last lines. 😨😨 rtc eeee 🤭
🗡️┊PRE-READ
Today marks the day of my last exam (of the term)! XD Can’t wait to read my first arc hehe. 🤭 The blurb looks amazing!
P.S. At this rate, I’m NEVER gonna finish Fearless. 😮💨
Phantom Ranger — A Decarios born with a rare affinity for the bow. Known for deadly precision and near-mythic status.
A pleasant surprise!! It seems like I really scored with my first arc because I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it THIS much. XD This was exactly the fun that I needed after exams. 😌 But one other thing I wish I got: THOSE EZKAI TATTOOS. 🤩🤤
🦇 ┊SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
There wasn’t a SINGLE boring moment. Though there were some questionable parts (🤨), this was so. Much. Fun‼️ My eyes will be peeled for the sequel. 👹 Definitely gives the vibes of Fourth Wing in terms of their training, the relationship between the Order of Ezkai and their cadets, and just the whole academy vibe, which I obviously ate. Up!! (There are even dragons, but they weren’t the main point. :)) Also has a bit of Quicksilver in terms of the fae’s characteristics (their heightened sense of smell, specifically 🙏👀). 🤭 I would totally recommend, especially if you’re looking for a fast-paced read that is literally unputdownable. 🔥
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓦𝓱𝓪𝓽 𝓽𝓸 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓮𝓬𝓽:
🏹 training in academy
📜 out-of-place fmc
🏹 insta-love
📜 forbidden romance
🏹 instructor x cadet
📜 very sexy fae
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓟𝓵𝓸𝓽 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂:
Phoenix Wildarrow leaves her hometown to apply for training at Ezkai Academy for vengeance after the tragic passing of her family. A day before her training starts, she has some fun with a particularly hot Ezkai she never thought she would encounter again. But as the only human Decarios, almost every cadet mocks her, sure that she won’t even survive the training. An Ezkai Major, Daegel Talbot, sees her for her talent and offers to mentor her. As Phoenix trains vigorously and twice as hard just to be as good as the fae, many different opportunities open up for her, leaving her more than shocked with what she has managed to achieve. She faces a lot of conflicts, with one being about whether to risk her future for her relationship with her mentor.
Now, reading the blurb of this book probably already has you predicting which rule she breaks. Just know that whichever one you think it is, you’re most likely right. 🌚 The blurb is also in first person! So I was quite a bit confused when I started reading, and the fact that there was a glossary at the front had me even more nervous. 😵💫 But!! Once she really started her training, the ball got rolling and we got a feel of what it’s like to be in this strict academy, where they have only three rules (which the cadets don’t actually take seriously) and are very insistent on punctuality. 😮💨 Overall, it is definitely a very captivating plot that will keep you up binging it late at night. 😆
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓦𝓻𝓲𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰/𝓟𝓪𝓬𝓲𝓷𝓰:
Roman’s name is forced, which only makes me smile. Daegel’s jealousy is cute. And sexy, to be honest.
Simple writing! Reading the interactions between Phoenix and Daegel though, I swear. 🙈 Great pace, but maybe sometimes I felt like things moved a little too quickly, but that’s probably because this book isn’t a big one! The spice was also yum (😋), but ngl, I was surprised to see it already in chapter two. 😅 I thought that there was a good weighting of everything—the romance and the time they get to be back together, the training, the world building (though there wasn’t much, really) were all just the right amount! 😌 And also, who doesn’t love sexy fae?? Literally all the fae in Ekios are described in different ways, but in all ways sexy. 🫦
────୨ৎ────
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓲𝔁 𝓦𝓲𝓵𝓭𝓪𝓻𝓻𝓸𝔀:
“Ah, so you have a name,” I say to my bow. “You look like a Sassy Bitch, but I might be wrong.”—> ICONIC. 🙂↕️👏
PHANTOM RANGER. 🏹😍 I love her attitude and how she shows to the other cadets that she’s just way out of their league. Omg that scene when she compares herself to Kata and is so smug because they both have the bow and arrow as their chosen weapon, but Phoenix—the human—has an affinity, unlike the fae. 🤭 AND ALSO, THE END. (my reaction: 😬😱🙊😆😍💅🙇♀️) She is such a queen!!! Well deserved, for sure. ✊ (I knew she was the best, so I kinda already expected more than one though hehe.)
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓓𝓪𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓵 𝓣𝓪𝓵𝓫𝓸𝓽:
How can someone have such a hot voice?
Our MMC whose name rhymes with bagel. 🥯 (I’M SORRY HELP. I just could not get the image of bagels out of my mind every time I read his name. 🤡) Interesting name, though. 🤭 Ahhh I love his vibe so muchhhhh. 🤭🤭 Hehehe the way he still wanted her even though he knows he shouldn’t. AND OMG. After they impulsively kiss again during their training on school grounds (!!), he swears he would control himself in the future. But guess what? They make out again. 🤡🤡 (I’m not complaining, of course. I’m here for it all.) Ug I just love him so much, I NEED MORE. 👹
ᢉ𐭩 𝓟𝓱𝓸𝓮𝓷𝓲𝔁𝓓𝓪𝓮𝓰𝓮𝓵:
Deagel’s shoulders life with a deep inhale and drop with a long exhale. “I meant it when I said that I choose you, Phoenix,” he says. “Because of that, I’m committed to finding a way out. But I’ll need your support and patience. Lots of patience.”
HEHEHEH 😆🤭 The way Daegel was “a territorial asshole” when he claimed the nickname “princess”, but heard Roman, Phoenix’s friend, calling her that. eeee 😝 I love how Daegel is so gentle and caring with Phoenix. 🥺🥺 And when they slowly open up to each other, sharing their pasts. 🥺❤️ However, I felt that their romance was very insta-lovey. Was it meant to be like that? 🧐 Like, I’m not really sure about the main romance trope in this one. It was insta-love, but also had a bit of enemies-to-lovers imo? 😖 Dang idk. 🤷♀️ I thought he seemed really angry at Phoenix on the first day of training. But then he explains that he actually wasn’t? 🤨 Grr whatever. Other than that, I really enjoyed reading their interactions. 😝🤭
ᝰ.ᐟ 𝓢𝓲𝓭𝓮 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼:
Roman Barthol -> Okay his character description at the start had me thinking he was going to be the MMC. 😮💨 (Honestly, I wouldn’t have minded if he was. 😙 He seems so fine. A funny guy too.) He’s the type of best friend you read about in books and wish you had irl. 🙂↔️ I’ll be forever grateful to him for being the only fae Decarios that didn’t mind being in Phoenix’s company and actually spent time with her.
Kata Nightingale -> 😒 Lmao something is up with the way Karolina Wilde writes characters’ first impressions because I thought Kata was going to be the bestie. 😭🙏 But she was just a bitch the whole way through. Like, p l e a s e . Just accept that there are human Decarios wayy better than you and stop trying to kill off your competition. 🙄
Ezkai General -> OKAY. I think this one’s my issue, because I thought Mr. Highest-Ranking-Officer-In-The-Order-Of-Ezkai here was ANOTHER love interest. 🤡 And I thought it was going to be a reverse harem HELP WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. But in my defence, his character’s first impression didn’t reveal that he was the Ezkai General; just that he was another sexy fae. 🙂↕️
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Now, here are the “questionable” parts I mentioned earlier which prevented me from giving this five stars:
1. The insta-love. Hm, do I need to explain this? I’m just not the biggest fan of that trope. 🤷♀️
2. Some things were predictable. 😔 But mainly the one from the blurb. I already knew who was going to be the mmc, but still, I was always holding my breath and expecting it would be someone else for some reason.
3. Some unrealistic things: A) The (common) bathroom has “no separation between genders”. Goodbye. This bathroom was obviously made to cause trouble. Though it’s a miracle nothing has happened there yet. B) The lectures/politics classes seemed kinda… immature?? Like primary school, bruh. Instructor changes seats because students are talking during his lesson and not paying attention. 🤡 Maybe also because of the second-hand embarrassment. 🙈 C) Uhm… they were banging on the rooftop?? (We shall forget about Phoenix sleeping on a rooftop earlier on in the story.) I can’t imagine how they didn’t roll off in their heat.
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All in all, this was a very enjoyable read and I’m so glad I found this book!! I can definitely see myself rereading this. XD
Vicious Princess ended in a way that perfectly sets up the plot for Blood Queen, the sequel, and I can’t wait to read it!
────୨ৎ────
Many thanks to Xpresso Book Tours for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
────୨ৎ────
👑 ┊PRE-REVIEW
AHHHH OMG THIS ONE WAS SO GOOD!!!! XD I am not joking when I say there wasn’t a SINGLE boring moment! Definitely gives Fourth Wing vibes. The last two chapters had me confused as fuck until I read those last lines. 😨😨 rtc eeee 🤭
🗡️┊PRE-READ
Today marks the day of my last exam (of the term)! XD Can’t wait to read my first arc hehe. 🤭 The blurb looks amazing!
P.S. At this rate, I’m NEVER gonna finish Fearless. 😮💨
August 5, 2025
Vicious Princess is the action-packed Romantasy I needed right now. I was instantly hooked and did not want to stop reading!
Phoenix is the only human at a Fae academy. She’s on a revenge mission, but to succeed, she first needs to undergo training to join the elite Order of Ezkai. Our academy setting has it all: cadet rivalries, intense trainings, spy missions, and of course, a hot Fae instructor.
Phoenix is a strong lead. She’s determined, and her inner monologue is genuinely funny at times, making it easy to connect with her. She has a moral compass but isn’t bogged down by the weight of her decisions. She’s decisive, knowing when to take action and not feeling regret for making necessary choices. However, I wish we got a little more insight into Phoenix’s revenge plans. I don’t think it was established how becoming an Ezkai would help her get revenge other than it giving her “power,” so I’d like to see that explored more in book two.
I liked the romance, especially the instructor/trainee dynamic, but I was hoping to see Phoenix and Daegel’s emotional relationship develop a bit more.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue the story!
Thank you NetGalley and Karolina Wilde for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
Phoenix is the only human at a Fae academy. She’s on a revenge mission, but to succeed, she first needs to undergo training to join the elite Order of Ezkai. Our academy setting has it all: cadet rivalries, intense trainings, spy missions, and of course, a hot Fae instructor.
Phoenix is a strong lead. She’s determined, and her inner monologue is genuinely funny at times, making it easy to connect with her. She has a moral compass but isn’t bogged down by the weight of her decisions. She’s decisive, knowing when to take action and not feeling regret for making necessary choices. However, I wish we got a little more insight into Phoenix’s revenge plans. I don’t think it was established how becoming an Ezkai would help her get revenge other than it giving her “power,” so I’d like to see that explored more in book two.
I liked the romance, especially the instructor/trainee dynamic, but I was hoping to see Phoenix and Daegel’s emotional relationship develop a bit more.
All-in-all, I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to continue the story!
Thank you NetGalley and Karolina Wilde for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2025
This is an ARC review. I want to thank Karolina Wilde for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!
Phoenix Wildarrow loses her whole family and enacts a long game of revenge. Does a decent job outside of Vasquez to keep people at arms length to avoid being hurt again by their departure. Which then just escalates from her one night stand the a very hot guy in a closet! Who just so happens to be her professor.
Ezkai Major Daegel Talbot is oh so hot! I can tell why Phonix keeps falling for his charms because oooh weee the things that just so casually come out of his mouth wil have you fanning!
The missions and challenges Phoenix faces while at the academy were ruthless and for sure not driven to keep students. It was absolutely to weed out anyone they didn’t see worthy of making it.
While I enjoyed the book I felt the ending was a bit lacking and didn’t have a finality to it. I know there’s another book to come in the series; however, there wasn’t a great segway to getting there. All in all it was an adventurous book that I can say had me intrigued from beginning to (mostly) end!
Phoenix Wildarrow loses her whole family and enacts a long game of revenge. Does a decent job outside of Vasquez to keep people at arms length to avoid being hurt again by their departure. Which then just escalates from her one night stand the a very hot guy in a closet! Who just so happens to be her professor.
Ezkai Major Daegel Talbot is oh so hot! I can tell why Phonix keeps falling for his charms because oooh weee the things that just so casually come out of his mouth wil have you fanning!
The missions and challenges Phoenix faces while at the academy were ruthless and for sure not driven to keep students. It was absolutely to weed out anyone they didn’t see worthy of making it.
While I enjoyed the book I felt the ending was a bit lacking and didn’t have a finality to it. I know there’s another book to come in the series; however, there wasn’t a great segway to getting there. All in all it was an adventurous book that I can say had me intrigued from beginning to (mostly) end!
December 23, 2025
*edited because the 2nd book is coming out and I realized how much I remembered and actually enjoyed this book! Rereading this review and I'm like whattt? I don't remember half of what I was talking about 😅*
3.75 stars, rounding up. To start off, the beginning of this book had me hooked SO quickly. I was immediately drawn into the story. That lasted for a while and then at about 50-60% something changed, and it completely threw me off.
I personally felt there were too many "convenient" things that happened and no explanation further. Many, many unanswered questions and plot holes. Things just weren't fitting together anymore. I usually read for vibes only but even I noticed the gaps here which is why I felt compelled to state this.
The spice felt awkward and forced to me. It came out of nowhere and really didn't add any value to the story, in my opinion.
I was not a fan of the last few chapters either. There is a character change, and we aren't told who this mystery character is. The whole story is told from Phoenix's point of view and then out of the blue it is some guy now. I had to go back and reread because I thought I missed a chapter title or was missing pages.
Overall, the beginning was strong (I do LOVE a good academy setting) but it fell flat for me at the end. Hopefully more questions get answered in subsequent books.
Thank you, MTMC Tours for the eARC!
3.75 stars, rounding up. To start off, the beginning of this book had me hooked SO quickly. I was immediately drawn into the story. That lasted for a while and then at about 50-60% something changed, and it completely threw me off.
I personally felt there were too many "convenient" things that happened and no explanation further. Many, many unanswered questions and plot holes. Things just weren't fitting together anymore. I usually read for vibes only but even I noticed the gaps here which is why I felt compelled to state this.
The spice felt awkward and forced to me. It came out of nowhere and really didn't add any value to the story, in my opinion.
I was not a fan of the last few chapters either. There is a character change, and we aren't told who this mystery character is. The whole story is told from Phoenix's point of view and then out of the blue it is some guy now. I had to go back and reread because I thought I missed a chapter title or was missing pages.
Overall, the beginning was strong (I do LOVE a good academy setting) but it fell flat for me at the end. Hopefully more questions get answered in subsequent books.
Thank you, MTMC Tours for the eARC!
August 2, 2025
4,5 ⭐
I literally devoured this book in one sitting 😭 Im in love with both Daegel and Phoenix. She is so sassy and badass and he is powerful and HOT 🥵 I really enjoyed following Phoenix in her challenges and missions to earn a spot in the Order of Ezkai.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the world in which the story takes place. Loved the different Units and their strengths, weapon affinity, emotional manipulation abilities, the politics, and the little details like flaming honey?! Loved it.
I really enjoyed the book and the story, although I have to say I was still hungry after finishing the book. I wanted more from the plot, more action or maybe more twists? I was also expecting a bit more from the whole vengeance plot but I guess I will have to wait for the next book!
Thank you Netgalley and Karolina Wilder for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
I literally devoured this book in one sitting 😭 Im in love with both Daegel and Phoenix. She is so sassy and badass and he is powerful and HOT 🥵 I really enjoyed following Phoenix in her challenges and missions to earn a spot in the Order of Ezkai.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the world in which the story takes place. Loved the different Units and their strengths, weapon affinity, emotional manipulation abilities, the politics, and the little details like flaming honey?! Loved it.
I really enjoyed the book and the story, although I have to say I was still hungry after finishing the book. I wanted more from the plot, more action or maybe more twists? I was also expecting a bit more from the whole vengeance plot but I guess I will have to wait for the next book!
Thank you Netgalley and Karolina Wilder for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
August 31, 2025
lots of readers will likely love this for the vibes!
it started off really, really great for me, but the more I read, the more it fell flat. the ending left me super underwhelmed, confused & I didn't even really care to finish, but I pushed through anyways.
there were a lot of loose ends/plot holes, things that just didn't add up. some of the wording would throw me off because it didn't seem to fit the story. Usually, I can look past things like that, but for some reason, it was really throwing me. like this part ‐ "My gods, I'm down so bad." it was just really odd wording that didn't flow with the rest of it.
just lots of things were brushed over that should have had more details. really bummed I ended up not loving it!
thank you to Naughty Nook PR for gifting me with an e-arc.
it started off really, really great for me, but the more I read, the more it fell flat. the ending left me super underwhelmed, confused & I didn't even really care to finish, but I pushed through anyways.
there were a lot of loose ends/plot holes, things that just didn't add up. some of the wording would throw me off because it didn't seem to fit the story. Usually, I can look past things like that, but for some reason, it was really throwing me. like this part ‐ "My gods, I'm down so bad." it was just really odd wording that didn't flow with the rest of it.
just lots of things were brushed over that should have had more details. really bummed I ended up not loving it!
thank you to Naughty Nook PR for gifting me with an e-arc.
September 16, 2025
✨️V I C I O U S . P R I N C E S S✨️
⚠️ Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!! ⚠️
One of the best ARCs I have read ! 🤩🤩🤩
To say this book grips you from the first few pages would be an understatement! I was 35 pages in and already had a kicking my feet moment! 😍
I instantly got the best feeling about this book from the beginning and it just got better and better! 💛 I hadn't even got halfway through and I was telling my book besties to get it on their TBR lists immediately 🫶
To put it into context...this gave me the same feels as Fourth Wing, Quicksilver and ACOTAR did.
I was instantly drawn to the FMC, Phoenix. She is everything and more! I either want to be like her or have her as one of my best friends 😊 Her story is both heartbreaking and awe inspiring.
Humans, Fae, Dwarves, Academia, Trials, Magic, Lust, Spice, Revenge, Passion ... the list goes on. I honestly cannot wait for Book 2! 🔥
⚠️ Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!! ⚠️
One of the best ARCs I have read ! 🤩🤩🤩
To say this book grips you from the first few pages would be an understatement! I was 35 pages in and already had a kicking my feet moment! 😍
I instantly got the best feeling about this book from the beginning and it just got better and better! 💛 I hadn't even got halfway through and I was telling my book besties to get it on their TBR lists immediately 🫶
To put it into context...this gave me the same feels as Fourth Wing, Quicksilver and ACOTAR did.
I was instantly drawn to the FMC, Phoenix. She is everything and more! I either want to be like her or have her as one of my best friends 😊 Her story is both heartbreaking and awe inspiring.
Humans, Fae, Dwarves, Academia, Trials, Magic, Lust, Spice, Revenge, Passion ... the list goes on. I honestly cannot wait for Book 2! 🔥
December 19, 2025
2.75⭐️
It's definitely interesting and entertaining but just missed the mark all around. It was a quick and easy read. I just wish there was more yearning. One night stand to "hating" each other to BOOM lovers. It was a straight jump that gave me whiplash and the reason for the immediate lovers was stupid. There was so much potential too
It's definitely interesting and entertaining but just missed the mark all around. It was a quick and easy read. I just wish there was more yearning. One night stand to "hating" each other to BOOM lovers. It was a straight jump that gave me whiplash and the reason for the immediate lovers was stupid. There was so much potential too
September 3, 2025
I really loved the start of the book but it has fizzled out a little for me as the story continued. It turned from more of a fantasy story into a spy action plot with many of the fantastic elements taking the back seat. The romance story was not really a slow burn as well. they fall fast and hard and especially the FMC is absolutely obsessed with the MMC which is not the trope for me (I’m looking at you too Violet….) I think it’s still overall an enjoyable read and I will keep an eye out for other work of this author.
Thanks to #netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
Thanks to #netgalley for a free copy of the book in exchange for a honest review
August 13, 2025
**Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC**
This book was a pretty good balance of everything: action, romance, trials. I wasn’t a fan of Kata’s storyline and how everyone was suddenly friendly as it just felt too easy and sudden for me, but I was still entertained otherwise.
I will say that the use of “forwards” when it should have been “forward” drove me absolutely crazy toward the last half. It got really bad and repetitive which I didn’t notice in the first half.
This book was a pretty good balance of everything: action, romance, trials. I wasn’t a fan of Kata’s storyline and how everyone was suddenly friendly as it just felt too easy and sudden for me, but I was still entertained otherwise.
I will say that the use of “forwards” when it should have been “forward” drove me absolutely crazy toward the last half. It got really bad and repetitive which I didn’t notice in the first half.
August 5, 2025
3.5 stars
Our protagonist Phoenix travels across the world to join a Fae academy in hopes of exacting revenge. I was hooked from the Prologue. Immediately I wanted to know why her family was killed. I liked Phoenix as a character even though I cannot relate to her quick temper. But hey, we all have our quirks.
I was loving the first half of the book. But then it started to fall flat and fizzle out for me. I wanted more tension and development with the relationship. The revenge arc also went nowhere. The last chapters? Honestly hated them. They might have worked better as the prologue of the second book. I would have preferred the first chapter of the second book (which was provided in this ebook) as an epilogue to the first book. It was still a fun read and I look forward to reading the sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy for review.
Our protagonist Phoenix travels across the world to join a Fae academy in hopes of exacting revenge. I was hooked from the Prologue. Immediately I wanted to know why her family was killed. I liked Phoenix as a character even though I cannot relate to her quick temper. But hey, we all have our quirks.
I was loving the first half of the book. But then it started to fall flat and fizzle out for me. I wanted more tension and development with the relationship. The revenge arc also went nowhere. The last chapters? Honestly hated them. They might have worked better as the prologue of the second book. I would have preferred the first chapter of the second book (which was provided in this ebook) as an epilogue to the first book. It was still a fun read and I look forward to reading the sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for an advanced copy for review.
November 14, 2025
4,5⭐️ This was a surprising one that got me off guard and hooked in no time. Both plot, steam and character growth were all pulling me to continue reading. There is still quite some secrets to discover so I need book 2 as fast as I can!
Calling all romantasy lovers… and if you loved Fourth Wing and Divergent, I think you’re going to love this too! 🔥
Thank you to Karolina Wilde and MTMC Tours for the eARC.
“Little human princess is keeping secrets.”
🖤 Fae military academy
⚔️ Humans, fae, dragons and dwarves
🏹 Unique magic system
🖤 Revenge quest
⚔️ Secret identity
🏹 Battle-scarred archer heroine
🖤 Morally grey MCs
⚔️ Forced proximity
🏹 Forbidden romance
🖤 Touch her and 💀
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
«Ezkai Gavriel thinks this will break me. But you can’t break what’s already broken.»
The first chapters got me a bit scared as the writing and pacing didn’t flow, but that got better quickly. The spicy scene right in the start got me off guard too, but it all came together and now I feel that was a really awesome and bold start that fits.
“Diamonds are made under pressure. It’s nothing you can’t handle, princess.”
I absolutely adore the FMC, she is strong, bold and perfectly imperfect... sometimes just as reckless as she is vicious. He matches her so well and I love that he’s a bit of a cinnamon roll for her 🤭 Their chemistry is steamy, full of banter and longing, but also had some depth and growth that made me obsessed with them ❤️🔥
“That mouth of yours will get you in trouble here, princess.”
I also really loved her friend and their teasing relationship. Unfortunately, I’m very indifferent to all the other characters so that’s one thing I wished to have more of… some emotion towards a bit more of the characters. At the end, it became very noticeable that I didn’t care for anyone else than the three of them.
“You might be a princess, but you fight like a warrior,” she says with a bloody smile.
Calling all romantasy lovers… and if you loved Fourth Wing and Divergent, I think you’re going to love this too! 🔥
Thank you to Karolina Wilde and MTMC Tours for the eARC.
“Little human princess is keeping secrets.”
🖤 Fae military academy
⚔️ Humans, fae, dragons and dwarves
🏹 Unique magic system
🖤 Revenge quest
⚔️ Secret identity
🏹 Battle-scarred archer heroine
🖤 Morally grey MCs
⚔️ Forced proximity
🏹 Forbidden romance
🖤 Touch her and 💀
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
«Ezkai Gavriel thinks this will break me. But you can’t break what’s already broken.»
The first chapters got me a bit scared as the writing and pacing didn’t flow, but that got better quickly. The spicy scene right in the start got me off guard too, but it all came together and now I feel that was a really awesome and bold start that fits.
“Diamonds are made under pressure. It’s nothing you can’t handle, princess.”
I absolutely adore the FMC, she is strong, bold and perfectly imperfect... sometimes just as reckless as she is vicious. He matches her so well and I love that he’s a bit of a cinnamon roll for her 🤭 Their chemistry is steamy, full of banter and longing, but also had some depth and growth that made me obsessed with them ❤️🔥
“That mouth of yours will get you in trouble here, princess.”
I also really loved her friend and their teasing relationship. Unfortunately, I’m very indifferent to all the other characters so that’s one thing I wished to have more of… some emotion towards a bit more of the characters. At the end, it became very noticeable that I didn’t care for anyone else than the three of them.
“You might be a princess, but you fight like a warrior,” she says with a bloody smile.
August 29, 2025
4.5 stars rounded to 5
Vicious Princess is a 100% here for the vibes kinda book. It's the first in The Trials of Death and Honor series and follows Decarios human, Phoenix Wildarrow, fighting to make thru the mostly fae attended Ezkai Academy so that she can receive an invitation to join the Order and eventually amass enough power and protection to get revenge on the peeps responsible for her family's murder.
Things I loved:
🗡️ This book is super easy to get into - I was hooked from the prologue
🗡️ She's spicy! I was not expecting the level of spice and hello, page 1 of chapter 1?!?! I'm not mad about it
🗡️ Instructor/student, mentor/mentee relationship - I love a forbidden pairing
🗡️ Despite being human surrounded by a bunch of stronger fae, Phoenix is a badass
🗡️ We've got an array of human, fae, and dwarves
🗡️ Phoenix's love/hate relationship with Sassy Bitch (IYKYK)
Things I wish were better (which I knocked off a 1/2 star for):
🗡️ I wish the world building was a bit stronger - I found myself wanting more details throughout the book (eg, Kazh, dragons, Wetra)
🗡️ I would have liked more depth to the grief/anger that Phoenix feels towards losing her family because this was the main reason for wanting to join the Order
🗡️ There was so much talk about Daegel's parents and I feel like I was also left in the dark. I would like a better understanding of how the Caligos fit into his life. Will we learn more about his backstory in the next book? I hope so and maybe we'll get his POV in the next book?
I think the ending sets up really nicely for book 2, Blood Queen, and I'm very much looking forward to reading. I hope to see more POVs (who is this Kregger dude??) and hope to see Phoenix bond more with her fellow academy graduates since a good portion of her time in training was spent being massively bullied for things she had nothing to do with. Also hoping we get details on the Wildarrow family and what happened with the Royal Guard. I read the blurb for Blood Queen and honestly, I'm a little nervous!
Thanks so much to Karolina Wilde for providing a copy of this book to read and review via NetGalley. Since I ended up finishing this after it was already released, I read via my KU subscription.
Vicious Princess is a 100% here for the vibes kinda book. It's the first in The Trials of Death and Honor series and follows Decarios human, Phoenix Wildarrow, fighting to make thru the mostly fae attended Ezkai Academy so that she can receive an invitation to join the Order and eventually amass enough power and protection to get revenge on the peeps responsible for her family's murder.
Things I loved:
🗡️ This book is super easy to get into - I was hooked from the prologue
🗡️ She's spicy! I was not expecting the level of spice and hello, page 1 of chapter 1?!?! I'm not mad about it
🗡️ Instructor/student, mentor/mentee relationship - I love a forbidden pairing
🗡️ Despite being human surrounded by a bunch of stronger fae, Phoenix is a badass
🗡️ We've got an array of human, fae, and dwarves
🗡️ Phoenix's love/hate relationship with Sassy Bitch (IYKYK)
Things I wish were better (which I knocked off a 1/2 star for):
🗡️ I wish the world building was a bit stronger - I found myself wanting more details throughout the book (eg, Kazh, dragons, Wetra)
🗡️ I would have liked more depth to the grief/anger that Phoenix feels towards losing her family because this was the main reason for wanting to join the Order
🗡️ There was so much talk about Daegel's parents and I feel like I was also left in the dark. I would like a better understanding of how the Caligos fit into his life. Will we learn more about his backstory in the next book? I hope so and maybe we'll get his POV in the next book?
I think the ending sets up really nicely for book 2, Blood Queen, and I'm very much looking forward to reading. I hope to see more POVs (who is this Kregger dude??) and hope to see Phoenix bond more with her fellow academy graduates since a good portion of her time in training was spent being massively bullied for things she had nothing to do with. Also hoping we get details on the Wildarrow family and what happened with the Royal Guard. I read the blurb for Blood Queen and honestly, I'm a little nervous!
Thanks so much to Karolina Wilde for providing a copy of this book to read and review via NetGalley. Since I ended up finishing this after it was already released, I read via my KU subscription.
September 14, 2025
Thank you to the author for an advance copy of this book and MTMC tours, this is my honest review
The book was fast paced, action packed, easy to read with a motivated and likeable FMC, she's flawed and a little vulnerable which is why I think I loved her character so much. The heat between her and the MMC is delicious and I look forward to more twists in this relationship as the next book continues. Her bow deserves a special mention as I just loved the name she gave it, it made me chuckle
Phoenix Wildarrow is driven by revenge and she will stop at nothing to see it through. The life she'd been raised into was taken from her and seeking revenge on those that brought it about is the quest that drives her to her new lands. Already trained as a human warrior she is a Decarios, her abilities are enhanced making her elite but now she comes to join the Ezkai Academy to become an elite Fae academy.
Here she won't find acceptance as the only human recruit, ostracised by her peers, she must work twice as hard to become half as good as them. Especially when the new bow she bought is being sassy and potentially scuppering her chances to show her weapons affinity. But Phoenix is nothing if not determined to succeed.
Hiding a further secret, Phoenix has managed to break one of only three rules the academy lives by. It could see her expelled before she's even had a chance to prove herself. Can she resist the temptation or will the attraction be too strong.
The city is rife with corruption ruled over by mafia like families, the cadets are sent out on real life missions to help bring down these families, using their training to prove their worth whilst being put in very real danger. Ultimately these tests will decide which of the 5 units within the Academy they will be invited to join. Phoenix must prove herself or risk losing her revenge
The book was fast paced, action packed, easy to read with a motivated and likeable FMC, she's flawed and a little vulnerable which is why I think I loved her character so much. The heat between her and the MMC is delicious and I look forward to more twists in this relationship as the next book continues. Her bow deserves a special mention as I just loved the name she gave it, it made me chuckle
Phoenix Wildarrow is driven by revenge and she will stop at nothing to see it through. The life she'd been raised into was taken from her and seeking revenge on those that brought it about is the quest that drives her to her new lands. Already trained as a human warrior she is a Decarios, her abilities are enhanced making her elite but now she comes to join the Ezkai Academy to become an elite Fae academy.
Here she won't find acceptance as the only human recruit, ostracised by her peers, she must work twice as hard to become half as good as them. Especially when the new bow she bought is being sassy and potentially scuppering her chances to show her weapons affinity. But Phoenix is nothing if not determined to succeed.
Hiding a further secret, Phoenix has managed to break one of only three rules the academy lives by. It could see her expelled before she's even had a chance to prove herself. Can she resist the temptation or will the attraction be too strong.
The city is rife with corruption ruled over by mafia like families, the cadets are sent out on real life missions to help bring down these families, using their training to prove their worth whilst being put in very real danger. Ultimately these tests will decide which of the 5 units within the Academy they will be invited to join. Phoenix must prove herself or risk losing her revenge
September 27, 2025
We follow Pheonix Wildarrow (aka Nix), a sassy heroine carrying around the grief of the loss of her entire family at the hands of the human king’s cruelty. Instead of giving up, she channels all of her grief into anger and determination and marches straight into Ezkai Academy – a brutal fae military school – with one goal in mind. Survive the cutthroat training and get revenge. Ezkai Academy only has a few rules, and naturally Pheonix breaks one of them before she even formally enrolls in training. Cue the trouble.
The world is uncompromising and dangerous full of power struggle and shady political scheming. The academy setting itself is full of harsh training and survival of the strongest that test not only physical strength, but resolve and loyalty.
Pheonix is flawed, raw, and fueled by her goal for revenge. She isn’t perfect making impulsive choices and keeping her fair share of secrets.
The love interest in this one is the definition of broody with a side of softness. He has the tendency to be commanding and protective in an annoyingly tempting way. Their chemistry develops early on, heated and forbidden, making their interactions full of tension.
Overall, Vicious Princess is an addictive, fast-paced read with high stakes, a messy romance, and subtle mention of deeper political intrigue I am hoping is further developed in book two.
Shouting a big thank you to R&R Book Tours for sending me the e-ARC of Vicious Princess to read and share my thoughts on.
The world is uncompromising and dangerous full of power struggle and shady political scheming. The academy setting itself is full of harsh training and survival of the strongest that test not only physical strength, but resolve and loyalty.
Pheonix is flawed, raw, and fueled by her goal for revenge. She isn’t perfect making impulsive choices and keeping her fair share of secrets.
The love interest in this one is the definition of broody with a side of softness. He has the tendency to be commanding and protective in an annoyingly tempting way. Their chemistry develops early on, heated and forbidden, making their interactions full of tension.
Overall, Vicious Princess is an addictive, fast-paced read with high stakes, a messy romance, and subtle mention of deeper political intrigue I am hoping is further developed in book two.
Shouting a big thank you to R&R Book Tours for sending me the e-ARC of Vicious Princess to read and share my thoughts on.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2025
This is an ARC review. I want to thank Karolina Wilde for allowing me to read this book ahead of the release date.
My review:
The concept pulled me in quickly. The prologue was as intense and pushed me into the story quickly which I appreciated as there is a lot of new language to learn so I was a little worried it would feel slow and overwhelming- that wasn’t the case at all!
I enjoyed meeting Phoenix, a young woman who has trained her whole life to be a warrior but who has also gone through extreme hardship to motivate her. It was refreshing to me to have a female main character who was already on the path to being one of the best and who didn’t have to suddenly learn it because she was thrown into an unlikely situation. To route for someone who already had skill, yet who was determined, courageous and stubborn, was actually great to read.
The things Phoenix has to overcome to become a member of the Order of Ezkai were brutal and challenging.
The romance aspect was well built up, however I wish there were a couple more scenes of Phoenix and Daegal getting to know each other on a deeper level as it felt like quite a drastic shift to love. For me, some of the sexual language used wasn’t for me, but it wasn’t excessive enough to be off putting. For the most part, I felt like these scenes were important parts of moving the story on.
The ending was a little confusing and didn’t quite hit the spot for me. The events felt like a need to try and create a cliffhanger ready for the next book but it didn’t land- I’d have wanted to read the next book anyway to see how Phoenix enacts her vengeance so I feel the ending could’ve been done a little differently.
Overall I think it was an enjoyable read and gave me some Fourth Wing/ ACOTAR vibes while being wholly original. I’d recommend if romantasy is your vibe!
My review:
The concept pulled me in quickly. The prologue was as intense and pushed me into the story quickly which I appreciated as there is a lot of new language to learn so I was a little worried it would feel slow and overwhelming- that wasn’t the case at all!
I enjoyed meeting Phoenix, a young woman who has trained her whole life to be a warrior but who has also gone through extreme hardship to motivate her. It was refreshing to me to have a female main character who was already on the path to being one of the best and who didn’t have to suddenly learn it because she was thrown into an unlikely situation. To route for someone who already had skill, yet who was determined, courageous and stubborn, was actually great to read.
The things Phoenix has to overcome to become a member of the Order of Ezkai were brutal and challenging.
The romance aspect was well built up, however I wish there were a couple more scenes of Phoenix and Daegal getting to know each other on a deeper level as it felt like quite a drastic shift to love. For me, some of the sexual language used wasn’t for me, but it wasn’t excessive enough to be off putting. For the most part, I felt like these scenes were important parts of moving the story on.
The ending was a little confusing and didn’t quite hit the spot for me. The events felt like a need to try and create a cliffhanger ready for the next book but it didn’t land- I’d have wanted to read the next book anyway to see how Phoenix enacts her vengeance so I feel the ending could’ve been done a little differently.
Overall I think it was an enjoyable read and gave me some Fourth Wing/ ACOTAR vibes while being wholly original. I’d recommend if romantasy is your vibe!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2025
A dark romantasy novel that will capture you from the first page and keep you page-turning to the end.
When we first dove in Vicious Princess we’re greeted with a nice family scene. Picture a family sitting around a table in their home, playing a game. It’s homey, heartwarming, and gives you a sense of connection that they have towards each other. However, it’s not long before this picturesque scene...is broken.
The heavy sense of a big secret swirls in the house. Phoenix is livid. This is what she has dreamed of since she was 14 and now they want her to give up on her dream? She’s absolutely against it. But what if...the secret her parents are hiding...is too dangerous to reveal?
Well, the kicker? We’ll never know.
The pacing of this story is truly well-done. We’re kept engaged and we’re kept coming back for more. When we first started this book we weren’t sold on how the children (adults or not) spoke to their parents. We were first like, okay, if this is how they are going to deal with their parents...this one might be a tad difficult to get through. It gets better.
This book is a real page-turner and we can't wait to find out what happens next!
When we first dove in Vicious Princess we’re greeted with a nice family scene. Picture a family sitting around a table in their home, playing a game. It’s homey, heartwarming, and gives you a sense of connection that they have towards each other. However, it’s not long before this picturesque scene...is broken.
The heavy sense of a big secret swirls in the house. Phoenix is livid. This is what she has dreamed of since she was 14 and now they want her to give up on her dream? She’s absolutely against it. But what if...the secret her parents are hiding...is too dangerous to reveal?
Well, the kicker? We’ll never know.
The pacing of this story is truly well-done. We’re kept engaged and we’re kept coming back for more. When we first started this book we weren’t sold on how the children (adults or not) spoke to their parents. We were first like, okay, if this is how they are going to deal with their parents...this one might be a tad difficult to get through. It gets better.
This book is a real page-turner and we can't wait to find out what happens next!
August 16, 2025
An action packed romantasy filled with powerful fae and a human woman who came to their lands to train with them at their academy in order to join their ranks and get revenge. This book follows a FMC, who after training to become a member of the human forces, faces the ultimate betrayal and looses all of her family in a devastating fire. To get revenge she sets out in the world to become even better and ends up at the academy to train fae to be ruthless killers which is exactly what she needs. Luckily she’s one of the humans granted heightened abilities and has a special ability for a bow.
The world building in this story was well done and I love books that follow training sequences and show a character growing and developing! Seeing the FMC Phoenix overcome adversity and learn to not only be as good as but even better than the fae who would outcast her and eventually building relationships with them made this book hard to put down! I also really enjoyed the relationship and tension in the mentor student relationship she had with Daegel. There were lots of fun twists throughout and a few reveals about some characters history that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall I enjoyed this book and my rating is 4.5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy of this book! All opinions given are my own!!
The world building in this story was well done and I love books that follow training sequences and show a character growing and developing! Seeing the FMC Phoenix overcome adversity and learn to not only be as good as but even better than the fae who would outcast her and eventually building relationships with them made this book hard to put down! I also really enjoyed the relationship and tension in the mentor student relationship she had with Daegel. There were lots of fun twists throughout and a few reveals about some characters history that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall I enjoyed this book and my rating is 4.5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy of this book! All opinions given are my own!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
First off, I’m such a sucker for a badass FMC on a revenge path, and Vicious Princess had me hooked right away. This book is packed with romantasy goodness—fast-paced forbidden romance, sizzling “I despise you” banter, and plenty of spice.
We follow Pheonix, the only human at the ruthless fae-run Ezkai Academy, hiding under a secret identity while trying to train her way into power to avenge her murdered family. Of course, she manages to break the rules before orientation even starts—hello, one-night stand with a hot stranger who just happens to be her new instructor. Enter Daegel: broody, grumpy, mysterious, and carrying all the best toxic book boyfriend traits. He can’t stay away, and when he offers to mentor her, things only get hotter and more dangerous.
One thing I really enjoyed was that Pheonix constantly had to prove herself at the academy. Even though it was frustrating at times, it made her victories and the respect she eventually earned feel that much more satisfying.
My only complaint? I wish it was longer—but I guess that’s what the rest of the series is for.
I’d recommend this one if you’re into military academy vibes, strong and sassy heroines, forbidden romance, and spice that hits fast and hard 🤭🤭.
We follow Pheonix, the only human at the ruthless fae-run Ezkai Academy, hiding under a secret identity while trying to train her way into power to avenge her murdered family. Of course, she manages to break the rules before orientation even starts—hello, one-night stand with a hot stranger who just happens to be her new instructor. Enter Daegel: broody, grumpy, mysterious, and carrying all the best toxic book boyfriend traits. He can’t stay away, and when he offers to mentor her, things only get hotter and more dangerous.
One thing I really enjoyed was that Pheonix constantly had to prove herself at the academy. Even though it was frustrating at times, it made her victories and the respect she eventually earned feel that much more satisfying.
My only complaint? I wish it was longer—but I guess that’s what the rest of the series is for.
I’d recommend this one if you’re into military academy vibes, strong and sassy heroines, forbidden romance, and spice that hits fast and hard 🤭🤭.
September 26, 2025
⚔️
Vicious Princess was a fun fantasy romance. I really like fantasy series with an academy setting so it was right up my alley. It was an easy and binge-able read! All the characters were pretty great. I hope we get to see some of them again (mainly Roman) in the next book.
I liked how Phoenix had to learn how to ‘listen’ to her bow to fully master it. The flashbacks of the past with her family were nice too. For the romance, I’m very curious how it will change after everything in this book. I’m still a little suspicious of the MMC. I don’t know if that’s just me or not but I’m interested to see what happens next. Overall, I thought this was a fun book one!
3.5/5
Tropes to Expect:
💜Forbidden Romance
⚔️Military Academy setting
💜Revenge Quest
⚔️Secret Identity
💜Battle-scarred Heroine
⚔️She’s the only Human among the Fae
Vicious Princess was a fun fantasy romance. I really like fantasy series with an academy setting so it was right up my alley. It was an easy and binge-able read! All the characters were pretty great. I hope we get to see some of them again (mainly Roman) in the next book.
I liked how Phoenix had to learn how to ‘listen’ to her bow to fully master it. The flashbacks of the past with her family were nice too. For the romance, I’m very curious how it will change after everything in this book. I’m still a little suspicious of the MMC. I don’t know if that’s just me or not but I’m interested to see what happens next. Overall, I thought this was a fun book one!
3.5/5
Tropes to Expect:
💜Forbidden Romance
⚔️Military Academy setting
💜Revenge Quest
⚔️Secret Identity
💜Battle-scarred Heroine
⚔️She’s the only Human among the Fae
August 17, 2025
| arc review |
"Mind, body and soul must walk in harmony. Without balance, strength becomes madness, wisdom becomes cruelty, and spirit becomes decay."
Okay, whew. That was something!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the story. The plot was interesting and captivating, it kept leaving me wanting more and more.
Phoenix is one hell of a badass and I absolutely adore her. At first I had my doubts about Deagel but he did redeem himself later on.
I still have many questions; especially thanks to the last chapters that were from the POV of someone we do not know yet. It gave us a cliffhanger that has me very interested in seeing where the story will take us in book 2! 🙌🏼👀
"Mind, body and soul must walk in harmony. Without balance, strength becomes madness, wisdom becomes cruelty, and spirit becomes decay."
Okay, whew. That was something!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the story. The plot was interesting and captivating, it kept leaving me wanting more and more.
Phoenix is one hell of a badass and I absolutely adore her. At first I had my doubts about Deagel but he did redeem himself later on.
I still have many questions; especially thanks to the last chapters that were from the POV of someone we do not know yet. It gave us a cliffhanger that has me very interested in seeing where the story will take us in book 2! 🙌🏼👀
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
Vicious Princess starts off strong and includes many of the familiar elements readers expect in romantasy. Our FMC is human, attending a Fae military school—scrappy, determined, and out for vengeance. The spice begins right away, so there’s no slow-burn yearning here. The book delivers good action scenes and a few memorable moments, though there are also some plot holes that will hopefully be addressed in the next installment.
While I’m not sure if I’ll personally continue with this series, I can easily see it finding a fan base among romantasy readers who enjoy these tropes and themes.
**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy for an honest review**
While I’m not sure if I’ll personally continue with this series, I can easily see it finding a fan base among romantasy readers who enjoy these tropes and themes.
**Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the advance copy for an honest review**
August 9, 2025
Action, adventure, secrecy and spice! Wilde has created a captivating world with great characters, a fast pace and gripping story. Absolutely loved this read- it’s definitely different from the House of Pain series, but no less brilliant. Definitely looking forward to the next one!
December 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.25 – Tense, fast-paced, and full of intrigue
„There are only three rules I have to obey while attending Ezkai Academy. Only three. And I managed to break one before I even started my damn training.“
Phoenix is a human decarios, gifted by the spirits with extraordinary strength, a natural talent for archery, and subtle mind-manipulating abilities. Her dream of following her parents into the royal guard shatters when her family is killed. Seeking vengeance, she crosses into a neighboring fae realm and applies to join the Order of Ezkai, sworn to protection and peacekeeping in Ekios, to gain power and alliances.
But fae view humans as inferior, and Phoenix can only enter the Ezkai academy with no guarantee of selection—assuming she survives the harsh and dangerous training. On the eve of this new chapter, she seeks a final night of freedom and catches the attention of a striking Ezkai in a tavern. What begins as a moment of passion takes a complicated turn when he’s revealed to be one of her instructors—bound by the academy’s strict rules, including a ban on relationships between cadets and superiors.
Tension rises both in the training grounds and between Phoenix and Daegel, whose hot and charming exterior hides more than he lets on—and whose presence carries the grounding, intoxicating scent of a pine forest after rain. Rivalry among cadets, prejudice against humans, and the constant threat of failure add layers to the stakes.
I loved the pacing—swift without feeling rushed—and the worldbuilding, which, while not intricate, is immersive and engaging. The emotional build-up between the leads is excellent, with Daegel as a morally grey, swoon-worthy MMC and Phoenix matching him in complexity. The ending, however, felt a bit swift, leaving significant questions unanswered: Why was her family targeted? Are they truly all dead? How did she survive? What is Daegel’s full backstory? And—most intriguingly—what about the dragons?
Overall, a compelling start to the series with heat, tension, and just the right touch of mystery. I’ll definitely be picking up the second book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion!
„There are only three rules I have to obey while attending Ezkai Academy. Only three. And I managed to break one before I even started my damn training.“
Phoenix is a human decarios, gifted by the spirits with extraordinary strength, a natural talent for archery, and subtle mind-manipulating abilities. Her dream of following her parents into the royal guard shatters when her family is killed. Seeking vengeance, she crosses into a neighboring fae realm and applies to join the Order of Ezkai, sworn to protection and peacekeeping in Ekios, to gain power and alliances.
But fae view humans as inferior, and Phoenix can only enter the Ezkai academy with no guarantee of selection—assuming she survives the harsh and dangerous training. On the eve of this new chapter, she seeks a final night of freedom and catches the attention of a striking Ezkai in a tavern. What begins as a moment of passion takes a complicated turn when he’s revealed to be one of her instructors—bound by the academy’s strict rules, including a ban on relationships between cadets and superiors.
Tension rises both in the training grounds and between Phoenix and Daegel, whose hot and charming exterior hides more than he lets on—and whose presence carries the grounding, intoxicating scent of a pine forest after rain. Rivalry among cadets, prejudice against humans, and the constant threat of failure add layers to the stakes.
I loved the pacing—swift without feeling rushed—and the worldbuilding, which, while not intricate, is immersive and engaging. The emotional build-up between the leads is excellent, with Daegel as a morally grey, swoon-worthy MMC and Phoenix matching him in complexity. The ending, however, felt a bit swift, leaving significant questions unanswered: Why was her family targeted? Are they truly all dead? How did she survive? What is Daegel’s full backstory? And—most intriguingly—what about the dragons?
Overall, a compelling start to the series with heat, tension, and just the right touch of mystery. I’ll definitely be picking up the second book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-arc in exchange for an honest opinion!
December 16, 2025
⭐ 4 / 5
I received an e-ARC of Vicious Princess through NetGalley - thank you to the author, publisher, and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity!
I’m a SUCKER for an academy setting, so the premise of Vicious Princess immediately caught my attention. Phoenix, the only human among merciless fae, has the unique ability to sense others’ emotions and sensations - a detail I really enjoyed, especially paired with her skill and connection to her bow. I’m hoping book two explores that weapon bond even more, because it was genuinely one of my favorite aspects.
The worldbuilding here leans into familiar territory: a competitive academy, ruthless trials, and the constant fight to climb the ranks. It’s a trope I’ve seen often, but I didn’t mind that - it delivered the intensity and rivalries I was expecting. I do wish we’d seen more of Phoenix’s past training before the academy, as I think that could have deepened her arc and the stakes. But, regardless, I was still utterly obsessed with her and the characters Karolina Wilde has created.
Overall, Vicious Princess offers a blend of romance, revenge, and survival in a harsh fae world. Fans of Throne of Glass or Fourth Wing might find themselves right at home here - just be prepared for a few familiar beats along the way. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two to see where Phoenix’s journey goes next. (I genuinely cannot wait)
I received an e-ARC of Vicious Princess through NetGalley - thank you to the author, publisher, and Xpresso Book Tours for the opportunity!
I’m a SUCKER for an academy setting, so the premise of Vicious Princess immediately caught my attention. Phoenix, the only human among merciless fae, has the unique ability to sense others’ emotions and sensations - a detail I really enjoyed, especially paired with her skill and connection to her bow. I’m hoping book two explores that weapon bond even more, because it was genuinely one of my favorite aspects.
The worldbuilding here leans into familiar territory: a competitive academy, ruthless trials, and the constant fight to climb the ranks. It’s a trope I’ve seen often, but I didn’t mind that - it delivered the intensity and rivalries I was expecting. I do wish we’d seen more of Phoenix’s past training before the academy, as I think that could have deepened her arc and the stakes. But, regardless, I was still utterly obsessed with her and the characters Karolina Wilde has created.
Overall, Vicious Princess offers a blend of romance, revenge, and survival in a harsh fae world. Fans of Throne of Glass or Fourth Wing might find themselves right at home here - just be prepared for a few familiar beats along the way. I’ll be keeping an eye out for book two to see where Phoenix’s journey goes next. (I genuinely cannot wait)
December 23, 2025
First off, I'd like to thank Karolina Wilde and NetGalley for the ARC and the chance to read this book.
Now the first 10% of this book went really slowly for me, but I am really happy I stuck with it, because once it picked up, it had me hooked.
Phoenix is, in my opinion, a fairly capable FMC; she gets stuff done in a realistic way, I feel. She was not the best at everything, and we do see her struggle at some points; however, because of her determination and hard work, she does get where she needs to be. The only thing that bothered me is that she is kind of hypocritical when it comes to her and Daegel. Girl, you cannot expect the man to tell you everything and hold stuff back yourself. I feel like this might come and bite her in the ass.
Daegel, yes please, I need more of this man. He knows what he wants, and he will not stop till he gets it. Yes, he was keeping her in the dark at first, but when it came down to him losing her or opening up, the man laid bare his soul for her. So props to him!
I love love love Roman. Was he perfect? Nope. But I felt like he injected some much-needed humour and lightheartedness into the book.
Now let's talk about the world; the book has fae, humans, dwarves, dragons, and even stubborn weapons with their own minds. There was a nicely struck balance for me between info dumping and letting us experience the world through the FMC's eyes.
Now the first 10% of this book went really slowly for me, but I am really happy I stuck with it, because once it picked up, it had me hooked.
Phoenix is, in my opinion, a fairly capable FMC; she gets stuff done in a realistic way, I feel. She was not the best at everything, and we do see her struggle at some points; however, because of her determination and hard work, she does get where she needs to be. The only thing that bothered me is that she is kind of hypocritical when it comes to her and Daegel. Girl, you cannot expect the man to tell you everything and hold stuff back yourself. I feel like this might come and bite her in the ass.
Daegel, yes please, I need more of this man. He knows what he wants, and he will not stop till he gets it. Yes, he was keeping her in the dark at first, but when it came down to him losing her or opening up, the man laid bare his soul for her. So props to him!
I love love love Roman. Was he perfect? Nope. But I felt like he injected some much-needed humour and lightheartedness into the book.
Now let's talk about the world; the book has fae, humans, dwarves, dragons, and even stubborn weapons with their own minds. There was a nicely struck balance for me between info dumping and letting us experience the world through the FMC's eyes.
August 25, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars – Blood, Passion, and the Relentless Pursuit of Power
Vicious Princess by Karolina Wilde is one of those books that refuses to let go of you. Even when you put it down (because, yes, occasionally life forces you to adult), you’re still thinking about Ezkai Academy’s snow-draped battlements, the brutal, beautiful fae lurking in its corridors, and the searing tension between our human heroine and the dangerous soldier who might just be her undoing.
If you like your romantasy equal parts savage competition, forbidden attraction, and a vengeance-driven plot, this delivers—and then some.
Premise & Atmosphere
The story follows a human protagonist entering Ezkai Academy, a cut-throat training ground in a deadly fae city shadowed by icy peaks. The academy’s three rules are clear:
Always obey your instructor.
Never leave the castle grounds without permission.
Don’t ever screw your instructor.
She breaks one before orientation even begins. (And honestly, the way Karolina Wilde sets up this moment is so enticing, you can’t help but smirk and lean in for more.)
From the first chapter, there’s a clear duality to the world—glittering fae grandeur laced with lethal politics. Wilde does an excellent job of making the environment feel alive—from the frostbitten air to the clang of steel in training yards. You feel the danger in every corner, not just from monsters but from the very people she’s forced to train alongside.
Characters & Dynamics
Our heroine is all grit, scars, and stubborn determination. She’s been through more than most could survive, and those scars are not just emotional window dressing—they matter in how she moves through the world. Her goal? To join the legendary Order, climb the ranks, and gain the power she needs to avenge her family’s murder.
Enter her complication: the dangerously magnetic soldier she spent one heated night with… who turns out to be her instructor.
The romantic dynamic here is deliciously high-stakes. Wilde plays with power imbalance and mutual respect in a way that keeps you on edge—there’s as much push and pull in the training grounds as there is in their private moments. I appreciated that the chemistry wasn’t just about lust—it’s tied into ambition, survival, and a grudging understanding that they might be each other’s best (and worst) chance at their respective goals.
The supporting cast—fellow trainees, instructors, rivals—aren’t just cardboard cutouts. Even those with little page time manage to leave an impression. A few side characters have that tantalizing “there’s more to you” aura that makes me hope they’ll play bigger roles in future installments.
Pacing & Plot
This is not a slow burn in terms of danger. From the very beginning, the stakes are crystal clear: failure means exile or death. The training is brutal, the politics are cut-throat, and there’s no shortage of people who’d be happy to see our human heroine fail.
The romance, however, is a slow burn in some respects—though the initial spark is instant (and rule-breaking), the emotional entanglement deepens over time. This balance between immediate attraction and gradual trust makes the relationship more believable, especially in such a hostile setting.
One of Wilde’s strengths is the way she layers threats. The fae court politics, the danger of being human in a fae-dominated space, the relentless tests at the academy, and the personal vendetta all weave together. Just when you think the main obstacle is the training, a political dagger slips in. When you’re braced for political intrigue, an emotional betrayal strikes instead.
Romance & Spice Level
If you’re here for spice, you’ll get it—but don’t expect a page-after-page steam fest. The tension is built carefully, with moments that sizzle and moments that scorch, but Wilde knows when to hold back to make the payoff hit harder.
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶 (3/5) – Enough to make you blush, not so much that it overshadows the plot. The scenes are heated, character-driven, and carry emotional weight.
The best part? The spice feels earned. These aren’t filler scenes—they move the relationship forward or reveal vulnerabilities, which makes them hit harder than pure fan-service.
Writing Style & Worldbuilding
Wilde’s prose is sharp, evocative, and tinged with an edge that fits the story’s tone. She excels at:
Sensory immersion: You can feel the crunch of snow under boots, the burn of muscles after drills, and the weight of a sword in your hand.
Tension building: Whether it’s a fight scene or a charged glance across the training field, she knows how to keep the reader’s pulse up.
Dialogue: Banter, biting remarks, and quiet confessions all feel authentic to the characters’ personalities and the world they inhabit.
The worldbuilding is drip-fed rather than info-dumped, which I loved. You learn about the fae city’s rules, its dangers, and its hierarchy as the protagonist does—making each reveal feel earned.
Themes & Emotional Impact
At its heart, Vicious Princess is about:
Power—who has it, who wants it, and what it costs to take it.
Vengeance—the fire that drives our heroine, and how it can both sharpen and consume.
Belonging—navigating spaces where you’re seen as an outsider, and finding (or forcing) your place in them.
Forbidden desire—that intoxicating mix of attraction and danger when your heart and your goals collide.
There are moments of triumph that make you want to fist-pump, and moments of betrayal that made me audibly swear. (Yes, my cat judged me for yelling at a book. No, I regret nothing.)
Why It Worked for Me
The heroine’s resilience: She’s not perfect, but every decision she makes is rooted in her survival instincts and burning ambition.
The romance: It’s tense, complicated, and never overshadows the rest of the plot.
The stakes: Failure isn’t just about losing face—it’s exile or death. That urgency keeps the pages turning.
The setting: Snowy, dangerous, and politically volatile—my favorite kind of fantasy backdrop.
Why It Might Not Be for Everyone
If you prefer your romance entirely separate from the main plot, or if you dislike morally gray love interests, this might not be your perfect match. There’s also a fair amount of violence and training brutality, so sensitive readers should be aware.
Final Thoughts
Karolina Wilde has crafted a seductive, blood-stained romantasy that feels like Fourth Wing collided with Throne of Glass and picked up a dash of Kushiel’s Dart along the way. It’s dangerous, sexy, and brimming with ambition—both from the characters and the author herself.
I’m giving it a solid 4 stars for addictive readability, compelling romance, and worldbuilding that has me itching for book two. If Wilde can stick the landing in future installments, I can easily see this becoming a favorite series for fans of dark, competitive romantasy.
Recommended for readers who love:
Training academy settings with life-or-death stakes
Forbidden romance with undeniable chemistry
Ruthless fae politics and dangerous alliances
Protagonists with vengeance in their veins
Snowy, atmospheric fantasy worlds
Vicious Princess by Karolina Wilde is one of those books that refuses to let go of you. Even when you put it down (because, yes, occasionally life forces you to adult), you’re still thinking about Ezkai Academy’s snow-draped battlements, the brutal, beautiful fae lurking in its corridors, and the searing tension between our human heroine and the dangerous soldier who might just be her undoing.
If you like your romantasy equal parts savage competition, forbidden attraction, and a vengeance-driven plot, this delivers—and then some.
Premise & Atmosphere
The story follows a human protagonist entering Ezkai Academy, a cut-throat training ground in a deadly fae city shadowed by icy peaks. The academy’s three rules are clear:
Always obey your instructor.
Never leave the castle grounds without permission.
Don’t ever screw your instructor.
She breaks one before orientation even begins. (And honestly, the way Karolina Wilde sets up this moment is so enticing, you can’t help but smirk and lean in for more.)
From the first chapter, there’s a clear duality to the world—glittering fae grandeur laced with lethal politics. Wilde does an excellent job of making the environment feel alive—from the frostbitten air to the clang of steel in training yards. You feel the danger in every corner, not just from monsters but from the very people she’s forced to train alongside.
Characters & Dynamics
Our heroine is all grit, scars, and stubborn determination. She’s been through more than most could survive, and those scars are not just emotional window dressing—they matter in how she moves through the world. Her goal? To join the legendary Order, climb the ranks, and gain the power she needs to avenge her family’s murder.
Enter her complication: the dangerously magnetic soldier she spent one heated night with… who turns out to be her instructor.
The romantic dynamic here is deliciously high-stakes. Wilde plays with power imbalance and mutual respect in a way that keeps you on edge—there’s as much push and pull in the training grounds as there is in their private moments. I appreciated that the chemistry wasn’t just about lust—it’s tied into ambition, survival, and a grudging understanding that they might be each other’s best (and worst) chance at their respective goals.
The supporting cast—fellow trainees, instructors, rivals—aren’t just cardboard cutouts. Even those with little page time manage to leave an impression. A few side characters have that tantalizing “there’s more to you” aura that makes me hope they’ll play bigger roles in future installments.
Pacing & Plot
This is not a slow burn in terms of danger. From the very beginning, the stakes are crystal clear: failure means exile or death. The training is brutal, the politics are cut-throat, and there’s no shortage of people who’d be happy to see our human heroine fail.
The romance, however, is a slow burn in some respects—though the initial spark is instant (and rule-breaking), the emotional entanglement deepens over time. This balance between immediate attraction and gradual trust makes the relationship more believable, especially in such a hostile setting.
One of Wilde’s strengths is the way she layers threats. The fae court politics, the danger of being human in a fae-dominated space, the relentless tests at the academy, and the personal vendetta all weave together. Just when you think the main obstacle is the training, a political dagger slips in. When you’re braced for political intrigue, an emotional betrayal strikes instead.
Romance & Spice Level
If you’re here for spice, you’ll get it—but don’t expect a page-after-page steam fest. The tension is built carefully, with moments that sizzle and moments that scorch, but Wilde knows when to hold back to make the payoff hit harder.
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶 (3/5) – Enough to make you blush, not so much that it overshadows the plot. The scenes are heated, character-driven, and carry emotional weight.
The best part? The spice feels earned. These aren’t filler scenes—they move the relationship forward or reveal vulnerabilities, which makes them hit harder than pure fan-service.
Writing Style & Worldbuilding
Wilde’s prose is sharp, evocative, and tinged with an edge that fits the story’s tone. She excels at:
Sensory immersion: You can feel the crunch of snow under boots, the burn of muscles after drills, and the weight of a sword in your hand.
Tension building: Whether it’s a fight scene or a charged glance across the training field, she knows how to keep the reader’s pulse up.
Dialogue: Banter, biting remarks, and quiet confessions all feel authentic to the characters’ personalities and the world they inhabit.
The worldbuilding is drip-fed rather than info-dumped, which I loved. You learn about the fae city’s rules, its dangers, and its hierarchy as the protagonist does—making each reveal feel earned.
Themes & Emotional Impact
At its heart, Vicious Princess is about:
Power—who has it, who wants it, and what it costs to take it.
Vengeance—the fire that drives our heroine, and how it can both sharpen and consume.
Belonging—navigating spaces where you’re seen as an outsider, and finding (or forcing) your place in them.
Forbidden desire—that intoxicating mix of attraction and danger when your heart and your goals collide.
There are moments of triumph that make you want to fist-pump, and moments of betrayal that made me audibly swear. (Yes, my cat judged me for yelling at a book. No, I regret nothing.)
Why It Worked for Me
The heroine’s resilience: She’s not perfect, but every decision she makes is rooted in her survival instincts and burning ambition.
The romance: It’s tense, complicated, and never overshadows the rest of the plot.
The stakes: Failure isn’t just about losing face—it’s exile or death. That urgency keeps the pages turning.
The setting: Snowy, dangerous, and politically volatile—my favorite kind of fantasy backdrop.
Why It Might Not Be for Everyone
If you prefer your romance entirely separate from the main plot, or if you dislike morally gray love interests, this might not be your perfect match. There’s also a fair amount of violence and training brutality, so sensitive readers should be aware.
Final Thoughts
Karolina Wilde has crafted a seductive, blood-stained romantasy that feels like Fourth Wing collided with Throne of Glass and picked up a dash of Kushiel’s Dart along the way. It’s dangerous, sexy, and brimming with ambition—both from the characters and the author herself.
I’m giving it a solid 4 stars for addictive readability, compelling romance, and worldbuilding that has me itching for book two. If Wilde can stick the landing in future installments, I can easily see this becoming a favorite series for fans of dark, competitive romantasy.
Recommended for readers who love:
Training academy settings with life-or-death stakes
Forbidden romance with undeniable chemistry
Ruthless fae politics and dangerous alliances
Protagonists with vengeance in their veins
Snowy, atmospheric fantasy worlds
February 3, 2026
4,5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice level 🌶️🌶️.5
ARC read through NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley & karolina wilde for allowing me to read this arc for an honest review.
Publication date : august 26
This is a great read for fans of Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing series. This is so much like fourth wing.
I absolutely loved it!
Phoenix, determined to find vengeance on the King who had her family burned to death in their home, joined Ezkai Academy. This is a war college. There are humans, fae, dwarfs and dragons. Umh they are fighting an underground cartel-ish.
You don’t know who to trust. Who is the enemy. And which cadets will get to graduate..
phoenix is the only human attending and this girl is a badass!
Honestly, I read the summary and the book is SO much better than it appears from the brief description.
The characters are complex. The world building is interesting. Side Characters are entertaining. The atmosphere is intense.
I really enjoyed reading this. If you like Romantasy, this is a fantastic addition to your TBR!
See you in the next book, princess!
Thank you again NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me.
#netgalley
Spice level 🌶️🌶️.5
ARC read through NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley & karolina wilde for allowing me to read this arc for an honest review.
Publication date : august 26
This is a great read for fans of Throne of Glass and Fourth Wing series. This is so much like fourth wing.
I absolutely loved it!
Phoenix, determined to find vengeance on the King who had her family burned to death in their home, joined Ezkai Academy. This is a war college. There are humans, fae, dwarfs and dragons. Umh they are fighting an underground cartel-ish.
You don’t know who to trust. Who is the enemy. And which cadets will get to graduate..
phoenix is the only human attending and this girl is a badass!
Honestly, I read the summary and the book is SO much better than it appears from the brief description.
The characters are complex. The world building is interesting. Side Characters are entertaining. The atmosphere is intense.
I really enjoyed reading this. If you like Romantasy, this is a fantastic addition to your TBR!
See you in the next book, princess!
Thank you again NetGalley for sharing this ARC with me.
#netgalley
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