Deception of Kings

by Hunter Roxie

For nearly a decade, Lex and her siblings have spent their days in the forgotten wilderness of San Diego. After a mysterious bombing left the city in ruins, they were forced to survive completely alone with no parents to guide them. Every day presents a new challenge, and they must fight to stay alive—no matter the cost.

Prince Enzo has it all—he was born into a life of royalty, as his family is nearing a century as rulers of the States. However, when his older brother’s life is claimed by an unknown illness, Enzo finds himself as the sole heir to the throne of Kings. With minimal knowledge of the country he is set to rule, he embarks on a turbulent quest that leads to more questions than answers when his polished life intertwines with the dystopian reality that Lex calls home.

461 pages, Paperback

Published October 4, 2025

Reviews

[Alicia Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so blessed to have been an ARC reader for this book because oH MY GOD!! I couldn't stop putting my kindle down the characters are so fun to get to know and the plot!!! The amount of plot twists, especially in the last chapter, had me screaming. I was highly anticipating reading this and I got so much more than I was expecting, truly. I cannot wait to get a physical copy and for an eventual sequel!

[Dallas Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception of Kings is a MUST READ! Between the world building imagery and the strong character personification, I was truly transported into this world that Hunter Roxie has created. The characters went from strangers on a page to friends that I was rooting for as I watched their journey unfold. Once you crack the cover, you won’t be able to put it down!

[Grace Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! So hard to even imagine this is from a first time author. I was hooked from the very beginning. Hunter knew what readers love and delivered that for us!
Dystopian, love, danger, and mystery… this book has it ALL!

[Shelby Millspaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and I am blown away! This book is such an impressive breakout novel. It reads similarly to the first Hunger Games or Maze Runner in the way it is easy to digest but still has a great plot, interesting characters, and leaves me on the edge of my seat ready for book 2! So thankful to the author for allowing me to read this story and give my honest review :)

[Laremie Maschino · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning hooked me so good! I read half of the book in one sitting. Very fast paced, small chapters. The whole book kept me guessing on who could be trusted and who couldn’t. To be honest I’m still not sure! Lots of twists… or dare I say, deceptions? This was a wild ride!

[Christy Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing adventure

This book had me from beginning to the end. And then wanting more. The story line is top notch and the characters make you feel a part of the story. Definitely worth your time to read and enjoy.

[Katie Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book! Grabs you from the very beginning and does not disappoint!! Wow!

[Christel Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 Just finished Deception of Kings by Hunter Roxie—and I’m still reeling. This debut novel is a knockout!

From the very first page, I was hooked. A serpent, a sword, a crown… and a story that twists through betrayal, loyalty, and power in the most gripping way. Hunter Roxie may be a new name, but her storytelling is bold, sharp, and unforgettable. I couldn’t put it down.

If you love intrigue, edge-of-your-seat pacing, and fresh voices in fiction—this one’s for you. Let’s show some love to new authors who are out here redefining the genre. 👑🐍⚔️

[Keara Bellino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter Roxie is THE new author to be looking out for. Deception of Kings was insanely hard to put down, and it kept me on my toes the whole time! You will fall in love with the characters and truly feel as if you know them. The world-building and plot twists were a work of art, and I wish I could go back and read it for the first time again! I was so happy to get to be an ARC reader, and now I’m already wanting the sequel!

[Julie Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! I was sucked in from the very beginning and hooked all the way until the last page. The ending definitely left me wanting more and I can't wait to see what will happen next. Looking forward to reading more from this author in the future!

[Natasha Brewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have ever read. Kept me on my toes and wanting more the entire book! As I was reading, it was playing through my head like a movie. The details in this book are amazing!

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book event, and I’m so excited to see where she takes this. This is a debut novel and so well done. The chapters are short and the plot is fast-paced. I was never bored and easily read it in a day. I thought based on the description that I had an idea of where the plot line was going in the beginning and was totally wrong. I enjoyed the change-up, but am hoping for a prequel to get some insight into a few of these characters. There was SO MUCH that happens at the end of this, and I was so pleased by the court intrigue, drama, and betrayal woven in. Dying to see where we pick up book two.

[Megan Sherrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the edge of my seat the entire time! Full of plot twists and ends on a suspenseful cliff hanger. Feels like I finished a season of a tv show and have to wait for the next season to come out. If you have an itch you need scratched for your next fantasy book definitely read this. Although you won’t get dragons you will still get action packed adventure in almost every chapter, dual pov, betrayal, revenge, and a sprinkle of romance that you wouldn’t be uncomfortable letting your teen read. If this doesn’t get picked up by someone for a movie or show they are really missing out!