What do you think?
Rate this book
Wicked Chains: A Dark Reverse Harem Academy Romance
Some chains can’t be broken. Others only tighten the harder you fight.
Power is shifting, secrets unraveling, and the people pulling the strings know exactly how to twist the knife.
And in the dark, a stranger is watching. Someone whose hold on me may be more dangerous than the Coven’s ever was.
The academy is no longer just a prison.
It’s the place where every choice I make ties me closer to three men I shouldn’t want…and one I fear.
Book Two of the Serpentine Academy series is a dark reverse harem academy romance filled with forbidden attraction, morally gray love interests, and dangerous new bonds that blur the line between desire and destruction. Book One, Wicked Bonds, should be read first. Serpentine Academy is a dark paranormal romance trilogy set in a world of wealth, corruption, and forbidden desire. This why choose academy romance features one heroine and multiple morally grey love interests
Perfect for readers who love hot romance with witches and evil covens, demons, vampires, and ghosts—all wrapped in a dark paranormal academy why choose with more than one morally gray love interest. Please check CWs at the beginning of the book.
Power is shifting, secrets unraveling, and the people pulling the strings know exactly how to twist the knife.
And in the dark, a stranger is watching. Someone whose hold on me may be more dangerous than the Coven’s ever was.
The academy is no longer just a prison.
It’s the place where every choice I make ties me closer to three men I shouldn’t want…and one I fear.
Book Two of the Serpentine Academy series is a dark reverse harem academy romance filled with forbidden attraction, morally gray love interests, and dangerous new bonds that blur the line between desire and destruction. Book One, Wicked Bonds, should be read first. Serpentine Academy is a dark paranormal romance trilogy set in a world of wealth, corruption, and forbidden desire. This why choose academy romance features one heroine and multiple morally grey love interests
Perfect for readers who love hot romance with witches and evil covens, demons, vampires, and ghosts—all wrapped in a dark paranormal academy why choose with more than one morally gray love interest. Please check CWs at the beginning of the book.
- GenresRomance
400 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2025
About the author
Rowan Shane
10 books32 followersRowan Shane is an author of spicy paranormal romance, including the Dark Ascendant trilogy and the Serpentine Academy trilogy. Dark Gifts, book one in a brand new gothic vampire duet, is coming soon!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 12, 2026
DNF
Quando imparerò che se il primo libro di una serie già non mi piace, il secondo sarà quasi sicuramente peggio?
Wiched Chains non si discosta da queste dinamiche purtroppo.
Mai visto una protagonista così rigida e poco scaltra, totalmente priva di empatia e intelligenza strategica, un caterpillar col vaffanculo automatico che pretende che tutti si comportino come lei, altrimenti vengono tacciati di essere codardi e traditori senza avere la possibilità di giustificarsi in alcun modo.
Ma ancora più fastidioso è che queste accuse infamanti e continue da parte della protagonista, servano per lo più per innescare scene in cui il ragazzo di turno, esasperato, la sbatte al muro e la zittisce baciandola, la cosa può andare bene 1 volta, due, tre, ma non può essere la regola, così diventa noioso e frustrante.
Mi ero ripromessa di dare un'altra possibilità a questa scrittrice, l'ho fatto, non ne sono rimasta colpita, non in senso positivo almeno, per me finisce quì. Bocciata.
Quando imparerò che se il primo libro di una serie già non mi piace, il secondo sarà quasi sicuramente peggio?
Wiched Chains non si discosta da queste dinamiche purtroppo.
Mai visto una protagonista così rigida e poco scaltra, totalmente priva di empatia e intelligenza strategica, un caterpillar col vaffanculo automatico che pretende che tutti si comportino come lei, altrimenti vengono tacciati di essere codardi e traditori senza avere la possibilità di giustificarsi in alcun modo.
Ma ancora più fastidioso è che queste accuse infamanti e continue da parte della protagonista, servano per lo più per innescare scene in cui il ragazzo di turno, esasperato, la sbatte al muro e la zittisce baciandola, la cosa può andare bene 1 volta, due, tre, ma non può essere la regola, così diventa noioso e frustrante.
Mi ero ripromessa di dare un'altra possibilità a questa scrittrice, l'ho fatto, non ne sono rimasta colpita, non in senso positivo almeno, per me finisce quì. Bocciata.
October 23, 2025
Not Particularly Entertaining.
This book is basically the obligatory place holder between the first and final instalment of a trilogy. Lots of repetition and very little plot progression or character development for 380 pages. The first chapter is intriguing and the last chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Everything else in between is predictable and rather dull. The writing is solid with very few editorial errors however, the overall narrative lacks passion. Hopefully the next book will be an improvement.
This book is basically the obligatory place holder between the first and final instalment of a trilogy. Lots of repetition and very little plot progression or character development for 380 pages. The first chapter is intriguing and the last chapter ends on a cliffhanger. Everything else in between is predictable and rather dull. The writing is solid with very few editorial errors however, the overall narrative lacks passion. Hopefully the next book will be an improvement.
October 7, 2025
Wicked Chains: A Dark Reverse Harem Academy Romance by Rowan Shane – 4/5 Stars
Book 2 is off to an excellent start! Right away, the increased page count was a win for me – more story, more spice, more everything. Very pleased!
Let’s talk about Hank.
Hands down, Hank is one of the best familiars I’ve come across in the reverse harem genre. Iconic. Legendary. I’m starting the petition now for Hank merch—someone get on the horn about an oversized hoodie with his name on it. I would absolutely live in that.
The spice? Oh, it’s SPICING.
The heat level has been expertly dialed up in this installment. The tension? Off the charts. Rowan Shane, you really know how to keep us hooked (and blushing). Our FMC is still slaying as the unapologetic queen she is, and I love her even more for it.
The humor? Unexpected and absolutely on point.
I wasn’t ready for how hard I’d laugh - especially the third-person bits. Seriously, I had to put the book down for a second to recover. Insert that Leo DiCaprio “pointing at the TV” meme right here!
Smash or Pass – Main Male Characters Edition:
Ash aka Bus Man – Honestly? SMASH. Primal vibes, dominant energy... we are absolutely here for it.
Soren – Initially leaning toward a pass, but he pulled through. So yeah, that’s a SMASH now.
Lucien – Still not quite clicking with me. Giving off some ick - but hey, maybe Book 3 will turn it around?
Drake – Hard SMASH. My sweet ghost boy, you’re stealing hearts and likely about to break them. His smut scenes? Chef’s kiss. He’s definitely my favorite. Casper who?
PSA: DO NOT TOUCH OLLIE OR HANK.
If anything happens to my cinnamon roll or my Frog Boi, I will riot. Like, full-blown torches-at-dawn energy. I am prepared to lead the charge.
Counting the days till Book 3. Bring it on!
Book 2 is off to an excellent start! Right away, the increased page count was a win for me – more story, more spice, more everything. Very pleased!
Let’s talk about Hank.
Hands down, Hank is one of the best familiars I’ve come across in the reverse harem genre. Iconic. Legendary. I’m starting the petition now for Hank merch—someone get on the horn about an oversized hoodie with his name on it. I would absolutely live in that.
The spice? Oh, it’s SPICING.
The heat level has been expertly dialed up in this installment. The tension? Off the charts. Rowan Shane, you really know how to keep us hooked (and blushing). Our FMC is still slaying as the unapologetic queen she is, and I love her even more for it.
The humor? Unexpected and absolutely on point.
I wasn’t ready for how hard I’d laugh - especially the third-person bits. Seriously, I had to put the book down for a second to recover. Insert that Leo DiCaprio “pointing at the TV” meme right here!
Smash or Pass – Main Male Characters Edition:
Ash aka Bus Man – Honestly? SMASH. Primal vibes, dominant energy... we are absolutely here for it.
Soren – Initially leaning toward a pass, but he pulled through. So yeah, that’s a SMASH now.
Lucien – Still not quite clicking with me. Giving off some ick - but hey, maybe Book 3 will turn it around?
Drake – Hard SMASH. My sweet ghost boy, you’re stealing hearts and likely about to break them. His smut scenes? Chef’s kiss. He’s definitely my favorite. Casper who?
PSA: DO NOT TOUCH OLLIE OR HANK.
If anything happens to my cinnamon roll or my Frog Boi, I will riot. Like, full-blown torches-at-dawn energy. I am prepared to lead the charge.
Counting the days till Book 3. Bring it on!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2026
Decent 2nd book
But i feel like somethings became repetive. Again with Rose always asking why Lucien or Soren stayed and their true reasoning and feelings.
We get very little academy except when the fmc actually shows up to eat or attend a party etc.
There is zero training as well. Are her powers still bound? How come there are no more power explosions like in book 1? They say she's still being drained and yet nothing is ever discussed? There certainly doesnt seem as if there's any effects of the FMC being drained?
Character development on Lucien and Soren. But absolutely nothing with Drake- he's just kinda there and same with Rose. She's stupidly stubborn when she should not be and I felt like she was backsliding into childishness here.
The bullies have kinda become pointless and just show up every now & then, mostly to say something hurtful which causes the FMC to react. To which i say why bother?
You are fucking 3 ancient, immortal studs, with a 4th wanting in, constant death threats so why are you being bothered by a stuckup snob that teases you about your dead Mom's? Seriously.
But i feel like somethings became repetive. Again with Rose always asking why Lucien or Soren stayed and their true reasoning and feelings.
We get very little academy except when the fmc actually shows up to eat or attend a party etc.
There is zero training as well. Are her powers still bound? How come there are no more power explosions like in book 1? They say she's still being drained and yet nothing is ever discussed? There certainly doesnt seem as if there's any effects of the FMC being drained?
Character development on Lucien and Soren. But absolutely nothing with Drake- he's just kinda there and same with Rose. She's stupidly stubborn when she should not be and I felt like she was backsliding into childishness here.
The bullies have kinda become pointless and just show up every now & then, mostly to say something hurtful which causes the FMC to react. To which i say why bother?
You are fucking 3 ancient, immortal studs, with a 4th wanting in, constant death threats so why are you being bothered by a stuckup snob that teases you about your dead Mom's? Seriously.
October 7, 2025
Serpentine Academy Just Got Darker
Alright Besties... "Wicked Chains" (Book 2 of Serpentine Academy series) by Rowan Shane turned the heat—and the chaos—up a notch. Rose is back at Serpentine Academy, and things are darker, messier, and way more dangerous. Power’s shifting, secrets are unraveling, and let’s just say her “extracurricular activities” with Lucien, Soren, and Drake are anything but innocent. This book blends forbidden attraction, morally grey obs€ssion, and just the right dose of primal play and paranormal danger. It’s witchcraft, lust, and betrayal wrapped in silk and shadow. The tension is wickedly addictive, the steam? Steamy. You have to read Wicked Bonds first, but once you do, there’s no escaping the pull of this world. Rowan Shane nailed the dark academy vibes—think magic, power, and sin in every line.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Alright Besties... "Wicked Chains" (Book 2 of Serpentine Academy series) by Rowan Shane turned the heat—and the chaos—up a notch. Rose is back at Serpentine Academy, and things are darker, messier, and way more dangerous. Power’s shifting, secrets are unraveling, and let’s just say her “extracurricular activities” with Lucien, Soren, and Drake are anything but innocent. This book blends forbidden attraction, morally grey obs€ssion, and just the right dose of primal play and paranormal danger. It’s witchcraft, lust, and betrayal wrapped in silk and shadow. The tension is wickedly addictive, the steam? Steamy. You have to read Wicked Bonds first, but once you do, there’s no escaping the pull of this world. Rowan Shane nailed the dark academy vibes—think magic, power, and sin in every line.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3.5/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
December 7, 2025
This was an amazing continuation of book 1! I fell in love with this series and the especially Lucien in book 1. The way these characters are developing and the storyline is unfolding *chefs kiss*! THE CLIFFHANGER THO! It’s worth it. The evil sisters will all find their end and I know this developing family of supernaturals will come out on top. I will forever recommend any Rowan Shane books but this series will always be my favorite. A great start into reverse harem if you’re new to it and definitely worth the read if you’re not new to it.
January 4, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
This series is getting me out of my reading slump 👏🏻
I think Rose is a very entertaining character - her sass and rebellious personality are what sold me on her, even in book #1. The heat amps up in this book for sure - I’d probably give it a 3🌶️/5 in terms of spice (and a 1.5🌶️ for book 1).
Soren is still my favourite character, then Lucien, then Drake. Still undetermined about Ash - iykyk but I’m liking where his storyline is going 🤭
I thought the cliffhanger was really good as well!
This series is getting me out of my reading slump 👏🏻
I think Rose is a very entertaining character - her sass and rebellious personality are what sold me on her, even in book #1. The heat amps up in this book for sure - I’d probably give it a 3🌶️/5 in terms of spice (and a 1.5🌶️ for book 1).
Soren is still my favourite character, then Lucien, then Drake. Still undetermined about Ash - iykyk but I’m liking where his storyline is going 🤭
I thought the cliffhanger was really good as well!
December 3, 2025
hmmm
I thought this book was a bit of a let down after the first book.
I’m still interested in the characters and the storyline, but there was a lot of activity that seemed like running in circles instead of advancing the plot.
I’m hoping that the events in the final book move things forward instead of just advancing grudges and emphasizing helplessness.
I thought this book was a bit of a let down after the first book.
I’m still interested in the characters and the storyline, but there was a lot of activity that seemed like running in circles instead of advancing the plot.
I’m hoping that the events in the final book move things forward instead of just advancing grudges and emphasizing helplessness.
December 1, 2025
😻
She keeps getting in worse and worse positions. This one ATM is pretty bad. I'm kinda scared with that ending. Glad the 3rd book just came out!
She keeps getting in worse and worse positions. This one ATM is pretty bad. I'm kinda scared with that ending. Glad the 3rd book just came out!
March 17, 2026
More interesting than the first, though I still don’t feel the sparks between the FMC and MMCs. Easy read.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews