Where Fae Go to Die (Empire of Fallen Courts): A Dark Fantasy Romance with Twisted Fae Trials & Dragons

by Krista Graves

“You will die screaming, or you will make them scream for you.”

What would you get if Gladiator met ACOTAR, with a sprinkle of The Hunger Games and Fourth Wing?

Once, the fae were immortal. Their magic built kingdoms—and destroyed them. After the Hollow Wars scorched the world, the empire outlawed magic forever, branding it the source of all ruin.

Now, fae who break the law are thrown into the Ironhold—a mountain prison where the condemned fight for their lives in savage dragon arenas—to remind the realm what happens when the law is broken.

Veyra Rhaevorn, a street thief with a sharp tongue, has never been good at following rules. Insubordination will send her to execution faster than any dragon. But when the empire’s reigning gladiator, Zeriel Caelith, claims her as his ward, survival becomes its own kind of war.

He’s ruthless, unreadable, forged in blood. And whatever purpose he sees in her may prove more dangerous than the cage they share... or even the upcoming Emperor's Tournament she's bound to enter with him.

Because a darker force is rising. And she might just find herself unwittingly at the center of it.

Note: This is not a gentle fae tale, so don’t expect a cozy court with glittery balls and harmless flirtation. This is an enemies to (hopefully) lovers dark romantic fantasy for readers who want their fae feral and their love interests the “touch her and die” type… who’s also the reason she’s in danger. There’s no kindly High Lord here to rescue anyone, and the Empire isn’t “morally grey” — it’s a boot on your throat with a crown on its head. The Ironhold is an arena built to turn fae captives into legends or corpses, and the Empire enjoys the show either way. So expect sharp teeth, sharper chemistry, and a slow-burn romance that feels like being spun at the edge of an abyss — close enough to taste, close enough to fall. Tighten your grip on your dignity (and your dagger), because the champion you’re supposed to hate might be the one you can’t survive without… and the only way out is through. Welcome to the Ironhold: your next dark fantasy obsession.

Genres: Fantasy

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 8, 2025

Reviews

[Kim that.bookish.mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dragons, Fae, Hunger Games inspired, and Gladiator vibes?!?! Ummm yes!!! 1000%!!!

I’m telling you that most of the book world is sleeping on Mrs. Krista Graves!!! I absolutely love her writing and the worlds that she creates! I feel like she brings a fresh take on fantasy worlds that all start to run together after a while! She is truly such a talented author!!

This book was wild! I did get a little bored in the middle but there was always something that kept me wanting to continue reading to learn more about it…
I love that our FMC is a fighter to her core and she also is not one to sit by while someone less fortunate is being picked on or taken advantage of!
Our MMC was so deliciously broody! I can’t wait for book two to see this slow burn reach its burning point!!

I loved this book and I totally recommend it!!!
Super easy world building and completely bingable!! I read it in 2 days!

[Courtney Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me 🤝🏻 A fantasy, including fae, that can speak into each others minds🫢

Firstly, thank you Krista for sending me this book🖤 It took me a little longer than anticipated to finish because of December chaos, but I was so excited throughout to see where it would end up.

If you love a slow burn book… this one is deffo for you!! I would’ve liked to have seen more of the relationship blossoming within this book, but I know there is a second on the way so I’m hoping we’ll get all the tension and a little more from them in there!

There were parts of the story which felt a little slow, but I’m so glad I powered through because it was absolutely worth it🥺 The atmosphere, the fae elements, and the emotional undercurrent really pulled me in by the end.

Overall, this was a solid fantasy read with great world-building and a promising romance that left me wanting more. I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where this story goes✨

[Nicky Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Krista Graves is quickly becoming a favourite and new auto buy author.

Where Fae Go to Die is the third book I have read and I loved it.

This is a paranormal romance/dark fantasy novel set in a world where magic is outlawed and fae are forced to fight dragons in a prison arena called Ironhold.

We follow Veyra Rhaevorn, a street thief and Zeriel Caelith, a ruthless gladiator and current champion of Ironhold.

In Ironhold they become numbers so Veyra becomes Four-Three-Seven.

Showing weakness or submission to a dragon is a violation of the rules so it's not long before Veyra is sentenced to death, but at the last minute is saved by Zeriel who invokes the champion’s right of claim.

There is an Emperor's Tournament coming to Ironhold and Zeriel intends to win by using Verya's connection to dragons...

After the ending, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[whatever · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7?Stars - If the Hunger Games and Fourth Wing had a baby. Except Hunger Games deserve 5 Stars and Fourth Wing like 3.

It‘s fun. I went into this with zero expectations. It IS a liiiiiittle dramatic. But I do want to keep reading. I‘m invested in the characters and the world. It‘s fast-paced which I like. And I do love me some fantasy prison worlds and the forced proximity trope.

One thing I think this lacked tho is the steady growing interest shown by the love interest. Like I like both the fmc and the mmc and I like their moments together. I‘m just not sure I believe that he likes her or why. Like show me why he‘s falling for her, cause I don’t see it. The sudden POV switch was fun but I don’t GET it. It felt a bit like getting doused with luke warm water. Like ok, I‘m not shocked, that didn‘t hurt or anything, but why are you doing that?

I love slow burn romances. The pacing of their growing relationship was lovely…. Almost cozy. Until the POV change. But I didn’t really feel tension between before? It seems like she’s more curious about him than he is about her. Seeing his thoughts was nice because yay? He likes her? I guess? but it feels a little lack-luster because how did we get here?? WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN. Why?? I was along for the ride but also I guess I missed a few steps?

But then it also fits with the whole hiding feelings thing he‘s got going on. But I STILL DONT GET IT. SHOW ME WHEN HE‘S CONFLICTED AND YEARNING!! THATS THE BEST PART. Where is the tension?? They got like a hot and cold campanionship going on… a wobbly team work? Idk. They have chemistry but no tension. I don’t UNDERSTAND. How is this possible…. Like I’m ok with them just being friends tbh.
Like I wanna continue reading but I was hoping the yearning would have the same pace as their gradual team work T.T are you saying we don‘t get to see him fall for her now? That step‘s already checked off? ._. NoooOOOOOOoooo

(Off to read the next book now because I like the potential these characters have).

Edit: I just realized this is still ongoing and the second book hasn’t been released yet?? AHHHHHHHHHHH gimme it now pls

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine a cross between To Cage A Wild Bird, Hunger Games and Fourth Wing... with Fae 👀

This is the first book I have read by the author and what an introduction! This fast-paced, dark fantasy was filled with high stakes and dragons from start to finish. The plot was so intriguing, and one I haven't read before. I'm a sucker for a prison break/rebellion so I spent the whole book cheering on Veyra as she does everything she can to fight against the system that does nothing to help her 😒

The trials in this book were intense and different from the usual, which made it all the more interesting. One of them reminded me of Ninja Warrior and Total Wipeout, but an extreme/deadly edition. I was on the edge of my seat and I was both shocked, and not at all surprised seeing how people turn against each other when trying to survive.

I loved the characters in this book and the bond they created throughout. They had each others backs from the start and I loved that despite the danger they were in, they did everything they could to keep each other safe. Veyra and Zeriel's relationship was one of my favourites. The romance was there, but it wasn't the focus, and I think that's what I loved about it. You knew there might be some feelings sparking between them, but there was no insta love moments, or random moments of lust to fill the gaps, just a genuine connection and growth in their relationship. It's going to make it even more satisfying if anything happens between them in the next book.

We have only just scratched the surface with this book, and I can't wait to dive straight into the action in book 2! Oh, and that last chapter from Zeriel's POV? I am definitely looking forward to seeing their relationship grow 🤭

[Jemma Croll · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Think adult Hunger Games Quarter Quell with dragons and fae in the best possible way. It has a MEGA slow burn allies-to-lovers romance, complete with a one-bed trope and dancing scenes that had me squealing. What more do you need? 🤩

It was both energising and intense from start to finish. The story slowly draws you into a brutal, high-stakes world where survival depends on cunning, lack of magic (or being able to hide it well), and resilience. The book builds incredibly well as we’re introduced to witty and mysterious characters who are thrust into trials and deadly competitions, all set against a dark, oppressive empire full of secrets and danger that kept me constantly turning pages.

The characters immediately drew me in, with Veyra at the centre of it all. She is feisty, observant, scrappy in the best way, and loves an insult, which makes her impossible not to root for. Selen and Zeriel were standout highlights, each bringing depth, conflict, and intrigue to the story. I was fully invested in their journeys, and the other champions competing kept things unpredictable. I never knew what was going to happen next. I also loved the feud between Zeriel and Blaise, which added extra layers of tension.

If you love a slightly darker fantasy with brutal trials, intense competition, and romance that simmers so slowly you wonder if it’s cooking, this delivers in every way. I am beyond excited for book two.

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh!!! This book was sooo good. I literally just finished it, and I must say, there has to be a second book! I need to see where this goes🥺. This was definitely a 5⭐️ read for me!

Let’s talk about the world and scenes. They were so vivid and amazing. It’s hard for me to talk about it, because so much of it was a surprise, and I want you to have the same experience. I will say, the dance scene (I know, what?! a dance scene, I was just as shocked as you might be now) was one of my favorites, and most likely not what you’re thinking. 😏 I need one of those amazing ai accounts to really grab hold of this book, the reels you could make!

All the characters were well done, I liked Veyra a lot, and loved how she never gave up. I totally fell for Zeriel, a complicated man with walls for days. I especially loved the way the author portrayed the dragons. It was neat seeing so many types, not just your typical red fire breathing ones.

When I heard it was a gladiator fae book with dragons, I was like “To the Arena!” But, it was so so much more than that!

Even though Krista Graves reached out and gave me a digital review copy, I loved it so much, I got a physical copy😍.

🐉 Where Fae go to Die, Krista Graves

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🫑 No
Kindle Unlimited: ✅ Yes
Recommend to my Book Bestie: 😏 Without a doubt

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was amazing I was drawn in straight away. This indie author has a talent, every book so far has been 5 stars for me. Can't belive she has only a few published books, I am expecting big things to come. The way she can build world's so many different and intricately woven, it amazes me.

This book is like gladiator, hunger games and a bit of ACATOR mixed in. It is an epic story, it has different types of dragons, different types of abilities, suppressed magic, an evil emperor (when are they not )

We follow Veyra and Zeriel. Veyra is a street rat, who has had to learn from an early age to survive at all costs and Zeriel was a noble, who's family was dishonoured so he became the champion gladiator in the prison arena.

They are taught to belive that they no longer have magic and it is forbidden to have any. They are used as entertainment to kill dragons or to be killed by the dragons, it is against the law to submit to a dragon or show kindness.

The 2 main characters have to find a way to survive the ultimate game with other contestants and this game is like non they have ever endured

I can't wait for the next book I'm sure the love brewing will be just as epic as the rest of the story

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑

If the Hunger Games and Fourth Wing had a baby.

Absolutely devoured this book. Krista graves has quickly become one of my favourite authors. The plot was gritty and original. Fast paced. The side characters were well written. The plot kept you hanging on for more, laced with intrigue and the slowest of slow burns. Having zeriels POV at the end was delicious, knowing how he is yearning for Veyra

All the characters were well done, I like Veyra a lot, and loved how she never gave up. She has tenacity, grit and determination, strong FMC with a past she is trying to remember and grapple with as well as navigating her new dire situation. I totally fell for Zeriel, a complicated man with walls for days. I loved the way the dragons were portrayed, your heart breaks for them knowing they are enslaved and hating it, wanting to be free and set free their primal urges.. It was neat seeing so many types, not just your typical red fire breathing dragons.

Eagerly awaiting book 2!!!

[Enelyae Is Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I got major Hunger Games vibes meets magic and Fae. Like there were major dystopian vibes and the ‘let’s keep people in check by killing them’ vibes. I think we know what happens when you suppress people…. But this was such a tense and dramatic book! It was very good and I am excited to see where it goes next.

I gave this book like maybe a 1/4 spice rating as there really wasn’t anything that happened but there was certainly some tension going on (especially in a certain scene where they have to share something 😏). I’m really hoping the next book might have a few chapters from Mr. Grumpypants POV. I highly enjoyed his 1 in the book (and the bonus you get from the newsletter 😉). I need more of that!

Thank you Krista for letting me experience this story and I am certainly looking forward to Book 2!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 1/4🌶️

[Yasemin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulls you in fast and refuses to let go. The world is brutal, the tension is constant, and the characters feel raw in a way that makes every moment hit harder. The pacing snaps you right into the danger, the games, the politics, no filler, no softness, just grit and heat woven together. A couple moments stretched a bit too long, but the overall ride? Addictive, dark, and absolutely worth devouring. A fierce, fast-paced fantasy that leaves you hungry for the next blow, the next twist, the next chapter.

I can’t wait for the next book!

[Stella Thipsak Ballini · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars !

Omg I just love Krista's worlds !! They're so different and so interesting. It's such a breath of fresh air from all the fantasy books out there. Even though it holds elements of a fantasy book, she has a way of building a world with such a different storyline that makes her books stand out.

I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait for the rest of the series ! And I hope that she gets the recognition that she deserves!

[Felicia Plymesser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to round up since you can't do percentages, it only seems fair!!
This is probably somewhere between 4.5-5 for me. It was written very well.
I was sucked in from the get go.
I absolutely loved it and am very much looking forward to the next book in the series because I need to know what is going to happen.
Yes it was a bit like Hunger Games but with more fantasy and magic! A whole new story!!

[Brittney Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED this! This is like an epic dark fantasy with a touch of romance, and I ate it up. If you love The Hunger Games, meets Fourth Wing, you’re gonna devour this. The world building is amazing, you get sucked into the story from the very beginning. I love the magic system, and the way the dragons are portrayed. There’s a touch of political intrigue as well that really has you rooting for the rebel cause. I cannot wait for the next book!

[Ashley Seetaram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one had me hooked from the very first page. A fae prison filled with death trials, dragons, forbidden magic, and a deeply corrupt system? Say less.

I loved following a sharp-tongued FMC who refuses to be molded by the system and a fiercely protective MMC fighting for his life and his honor. The twists kept coming, and I genuinely didn’t know where the story was headed next. Excited for some answers in book 2!

[Adara Darnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The blurb says this is Hunger Games meets Fourth Wing and I think that is so accurate. It’s a fae eat fae world, where magic is outlawed, we have wild dragons, and a tournament where killing is preferred. HIGHLY recommend and can’t wait for book 2!

[Fabee · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8 waffles from me!

If you’re looking for a mash up of hunger games, fourth wing, and a dash of storm dancer then this is for you!
Great fight scenes, unravelling mysteries and working out who to trust keeps the pages turning!
Plus dragons!!!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. the storyline had so much build. the magic and training for a life or death trial i loved. poor dragons. I need more! I can't wait for book 2. the tension towards the end and the unanswered questions have me making so many guesses!

[Katherine's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was definitely a fun read. When we have fae,dragons, slow burn, gladiator trials you’ve got me. I enjoyed how this book unfolded. I so enjoy dragons so that was defiantly what pulled me to read this book. Thanks for allowing me to read this! I look forward to the next one!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was great! it's different than other fantasies I've read. I really enjoyed it!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Was expecting an average book which relied on previous books for storyline’s, based on the blurb. The only thing I’m so utterly devastated about is that there is no second book available.