“Bestselling author, Lydia Michaels, delivers a dark, billionaire romance with all of The Great Gatsby's champagne charm and The Hunger Games' high stakes, in this deliciously twisted retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. For readers who like their heroes morally gray, their steam scorching, and their happily-ever-afters dripping with secrets, Feast of the Fallen has it all!”
They call it a game. But games have rules, and mine were written in blood.
I was starving when I applied to The Feast of the Fallen—a twisted hunt where the world’s most elite billionaires pay millions to chase women like me through a gilded labyrinth until dawn.
One million dollars just to play. Two million if I'm caught.
I told myself I'd run, hide, and take the money–unharmed–so I could finally escape the poverty that's been choking me my entire life.
But I didn't count on him.
Jack Thorne, the phantom host, who built an empire from ash and blood, watched from the shadows while men hunted like monsters in a storm of his own creation. But when a reckless guest breaks his rules and goes too far, Jack steps out of the darkness, revealing himself as the most dangerous player of all–one who looks like a savior but will stop at nothing for revenge.
Jack doesn't negotiate with giants. He watches them gorge themselves on power until their true nature spills out. Then he brings the axe.
Billionaire • Hunter/Prey • Touch Her and Die • Possessive MMC • Rags to Riches • Forced Proximity
⚠️ Dark romance with explicit content. Please read responsibly.
Lydia Michaels is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than forty novels. She writes heart-clenching, unpredictable romance with dark elements and high heat. Her work is character-driven and bursting with broken heroes and badass females. With a sweet spot for overbearing, territorial types, her deeply emotional books are spicy, emotionally satisfying, and guaranteed to leave readers with many book hangovers.
Lydia is the consecutive winner of the 2018 & 2019 Author of the Year Award from Happenings Media and the recipient of the 2014 Best Author Award from the Courier Times. She has been featured by USA Today, Romantic Times Magazine, the Women in Publishing Summit, and more.
Michaels has been a recognized presence in the author community since starting her career in 2007. She is the CEO of LMC Consulting and a certified author coach specializing in characterization and plot development. She takes great joy in hosting author events celebrating diversity within the book industry. She has bridged connections among many authors since founding renowned events such as the East Coast Author Convention and the Annual Behind the Keys Author Retreat. However, the gem of her work is, by far, her extensive backlist (see LydiaMichaelsBooks.com).
She is happily married to her childhood sweetheart. Her favorite things include cooking Italian cuisine, hosting extravagant dinner parties, sipping martinis, listening to her husband play piano, and escaping to her coastal home on the Jersey Shore. She’s an LGBTQ ally, a BLM supporter, and a firm believer that the patriarchy must burn (women’s rights are human rights).
You can follow Lydia on Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook! Instagram: @lydia_michaels_books Facebook: @LydiaMichaels TikTok: @LydiaMichaels
Went back and forth between 4 and 5 stars because I have been told I give 5 stars too easily but with that said, we settled on 5 because this book deserved it. I read this as ebook ARC, thank you Lydia & team. <3
We are not going to dive into what this says about me but I want to start this review by saying this was one of the darkest yet most soul healing book I have read in a while. Please read the TW's before reading.
I have loved every book in this series and this one is hands down my favorite so far. Getting more of the Volkov brothers was everything and just added to the story. This is a dark romance about childhood trauma and how it manifests and shapes people as they get older. The story is very Hunger Games meets Gatsby and I loved every bit of it. This is definitely a rage written story and that shows throughout the story so keep that in mind.
Jack is top tier even when he doesn't see it himself. He is the definition of a morally grey character with a golden retriever heart. The way this man yearns. <3
Daisy is a bad*** and I loved her character so much. The way she stayed true to herself and refused to give up on herself the entire story was so inspiring.
I cannot wait for this series to continue, I absolutely adore anything Lydia writes.
Wow! This was an amazing story, and I had to sit with it just a bit before writing my full review. I apologize ahead of time; this review is going to be long and there will be some spoilers.
Feast of the Fallen is the 3rd book in the Villains of Kassel series and is dark and modern retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with Hunger Games and The Great Gatsby components woven in perfectly. This is hands down the best book in the series.
My heart broke for Jack Fitzgerald, when at the age of 6, his mother sold him for tins of beans, and her "medicine". She sold Jack to Chancellor Rupert Aurin, a powerful man and absolute monster. Jack was subjected to the abuse and torture from this man for 8 years before he finally escaped. Every time he returned home to his mother, she was in worse condition, and he just longed for somebody to love and protect him. Jack's only salvation was Mr. Callow, his tutor, who taught him to read, write, and about bad men and rulers as discreet as possible so that he knew the difference between right and wrong.
Even though Jack's childhood was unbelievably troubled, he uses his privilege to help those who need it. This is how Jack meets Daisy, who is alone at 22 after her mother has passed and working a job doing laundry in a hotel just trying to survive. When Daisy finds a beautiful mysterious envelope with an equally mysterious invitation inside, she is intrigued and immediately decides that she doesn't have anything to lose by doing what it says.
The Feast of the Fallen takes place on the Isle of Kassell at a place called the Preserve, which is a lavish estate ran by the Volkov brothers (aka The Three Bears from book 2). This "feast" is designed to be a playground for the rich and powerful. We have mostly men who are the hunters, and mostly women who are the does (being hunted). The hunters pay very hefty fees to enter and pay for each doe they capture. The does/stags being hunted get a hefty sum for showing up and more for each capture. Daisy's plan was to run and hide until dawn and the money from that alone would be life changing. What happened instead was completely unexpected.
Rules get broke, things go too far, and Jack steps out into the darkness. Little do these hunters know that Jack has a reason for this whole game and for watching them all. He might look like a savior, but Jack is out for revenge and retribution.
This book is dark, raw, and real with some very difficult topics. It was definitely different than what I was expecting, but in a good way. There is a HEA that is very much deserved! Lydia took this story into a direction that allows readers to connect into things that are occurring in today's society. I absolutely love Lydia's writing, and this honestly might be my favorite from her.
Check your trigger warnings and absolutely go and read this!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Understated. Real. Unsettling. The harsh realities of the world were portrayed with striking clarity, yet beneath all that darkness, Lydia offers a sense of salvation through Jack’s world and that was Daisy, his green light. The tenderness Jack showed was such a contrast to the heavier themes, making every moment feel even more profound. It was heartbreaking, but it felt undeniably real.
I was into this for the entire 500+ pages! So much story between Daisy and Jack. Both their struggles, but also their perseverance and strength. There is a lot to unpack with this story and the underlying theme as to who the author is referencing in the Giant. There is just something about Daisy that draws Jack in and he watches her with intrigue during the hunt. Daisy is determined to make it through the night, but when a hunter goes beyond the rules of the game Jack saves her and they learn about each other and how alike they really are. Will Jack's haunted past allow him to open up to allow love?
Feast of the Fallen is a modern retelling that blends the suspense of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games with the dark romance of Pepper Winters' Jewelry Box, all wrapped in the style and elegance of The Great Gatsby. Lydia Michaels brings it all together.
His mother sold Jack Fitzgerald Thorne at age six for tins of beans, bits of coal, and smack to Chancellor Rupert Aurin. For eight years, Jack endured torture. His only escape was his tutor, Mr. Callow, who taught him to read, write, do math, and reason. Mr. Callow also introduced him to poetry and philosophy. Jack's favorite book was Jack and the Beanstalk.
Daisy Burdan, alone at twenty-two, is a laundress at a famous London hotel, a job her mom held before her. She believes the cleaning chemicals contributed to her mother's demise. Daisy is among the working poor; her salary doesn't cover the rent for the rat-infested place she calls home. When she receives a beautiful invitation to the Feast, she doesn't hesitate.
The Feast of the Fallen takes place at The Preserve, a lavish estate run by the Volkov brothers Ash, Hunter, and Stone, who also appeared in Gilded Locks. The Preserve is a playground for wealthy and famous adults. At this Feast, there will be 47 hunters, with 12 more possibly joining, 45 does, and 5 stags, all dressed up, drinking champagne, and eating caviar.
"Loyalty, Jackie, that's the only currency that never devalues. Remember that."
"Loyalty only offers momentary protection. The real currency that matters with bullies is fear.'
"No Evil Lasted Forever!"
As someone who has read Lydia Michaels for a long time, I was surprised to see her write another dark story after Hurt. Even she might not have expected this retelling to go in such a direction. If you know her work, you know she cares deeply about women's rights and justice. Feast of the Fallen also made me think of what Jeffrey Epstein's Island could have been like, with billionaires celebrating as underprivileged women suffered at their expense. I think this is Lydia's best work to date, and I can't wait for the next book in the Villains of Kassel series.
Jack had a troubled and terrible childhood full of things children should never go through. Now as an adult, he uses his privilege to help those who need it but also prey on those who don't deserve it. Daisy lost her mother two years ago and now it's just her trying to make it on her own. The money from the Feast of the Fallen can help her immensely. Her plan, run and hide and don't get caught. Only problem, she's the first woman in ten years of the Feast to ever catch Jack's eye. But with his past and her status, things aren't simple. Add in what he does to protect her from predators and Jack thinks she wants nothing to do with him and pushes her away.
Jack and Daisy get their happy ending in this standalone book in a series.
Please check your trigger warnings before diving into this book!
After reading what Jack went through as a child, I wanted to wrap him in bubble wrap and protect him from everything! Though, he's doing great things to help protect those in the world who need it from those who get too greedy and think they're above it all because of their wealth and status. I do wonder if Daisy continued to live with Maggie for a while, or if she ended up moving in with Jack pretty quickly after they decided to give a relationship a go. I could see Daisy being a great partner to Jack in helping decide what to do in the future about those who try to use their power over people.
I received an advance review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is book 3 in the Villains of Kessel series, and I had not read the first two books and this wasn’t an issue, but I am absolutely adding them now to my TBR list. I wasn’t sure what to expect as the book has many trigger warnings and is unrepentant of the dark story needing to be told, not a redemption story!
I was very pleasantly surprised. The story is dark and covers many difficult topics, but they were handled so well and delicately, without shying away from the dirty gritty reality. The story is really brought home by the links to current events and current people, that show you that true life is just as bad, if not worse than fiction.
This is an epic book that is a gripping and thrilling read, as well as a sizzling dark romance, and an indictment on the sad state of our society where wannabe kings are protected and coddled for their dark desires, whilst children go hungry and families aren’t safe.
This book makes you think, makes you feel and is also great entertainment as a wonderful twist on the story of Jack and the Beanstalk. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait to read the others in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.
This is a highly intense story with a fair amount of adult content, which is just a guarantee to stoke my interest! I loved the use of Jack and the Beanstalk as spark for this story, not to mention the connections to The Great Gatsby. Our main characters are Jack and Daisy. Both have been through a lot, especially Jack. If you are looking for a perfect combination of high stress action and sweet, slow romance, please dive right in. You will find some despicable characters who deserve the worst and some kind ones that deserve the best. Unfortunately they get released together and the hunted are forced to run or willingly submit. The book will keep you entranced in the story especially through the beautiful written scenes where Daisy and Jack learn about each other, body and soul. This is part of a series, Villains of Kassel, but can be read as a standalone. There are characters you will find who cross stories, so reading all of them is always a good choice.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Book 3 in the Villains of Kassel series and my most anticipated wait for this book is finally over. This book DELIVERED. It's dark, delicious and has depths unknown when you think of the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk - a masterful retelling and one that will no doubt stick with you. A tortured, both physically and emotional MMC quite literally bought to his knees by a strong yet innocent FMC. They were worlds apart financially and socially but the heaviness of the world bore down on both their shoulders. It was a thrilling read and I could not put this book down. Lydia is constantly one upping herself with these books. I loved books 1 and 2, but now I am obsessed with book 3. (side note - if you haven't read the series, go start now.. it's absolutely brilliant!)
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
This was beautifully written. Harrowing, dark & undeniably sexy. I love a morally grey MMC and Jack Thorne is very much this. He has that Big D Energy. He’s a tortured soul who uses the fragments of his pain to make evil men suffer. In this he is unapologetic. He treasures his solitary life. Until the night of the Feast of the Fallen….. Enter our FMC Daisy. The key to his locked heart. Over numerous twists and turns, they both embark of a journey. They only have to make it till dawn…. After that, who knows. You’ll have to read it to find out.
However, here is a quote from the book that lives rent free in my mind “She weighed nothing and everything. She was the lightest burden he would ever carry and the heaviest truth he would ever hold”. Hot dang. Can’t wait to read the final book in the Villains of Kassel series.
After a long wait for Book 3 of the Villains of Kassel series, I can safely say it absolutely delivered.
This dark, delicious reimagining of Jack and the Beanstalk explores depths I never saw coming. Jack is a beautifully tortured soul who uses his pain to make evil men suffer, yet he is quite literally brought to his knees by Daisy’s strength and innocence. Though they are worlds apart socially and financially, the shared heaviness of their lives creates a profound, tender connection that contrasts perfectly with the story's darker themes. It’s harrowing, sexy, and atmospheric, with "make it until dawn" stakes that kept me glued to the pages.
I loved the first two books, but I am officially obsessed with this one. It is a masterful retelling that will no doubt stick with you.
Feast of the Fallen: A Dark and Twisted Jack & The Beanstalk Retelling by Lydia Michaels is dark, seductive, and completely unforgettable.
The premise alone had me hooked. A deadly hunt designed for the ultra rich, where survival means outsmarting powerful men in a gilded nightmare. The tension never lets up and the stakes feel brutally real. The heroine’s desperation to escape poverty adds so much emotional weight, making every risk she takes hit harder.
And Jack Thorne. He is the definition of morally gray. Ruthless, calculating, and dangerously possessive, yet impossible to look away from. The chemistry is intense and scorching, layered with revenge and secrets.
This is a twisted, high stakes retelling that is bold, dark, and addictive. If you love powerful antiheroes and romance wrapped in danger, this one is a must read.
Check your triggers before you dive in. This is book 3 and did not disappoint if I had books 1 & 2 to go by. As of right now, this is by far my favorite in the series. I can't wait until the final book of the series comes out. If you haven't started the series, definitely give it a try.