What do you think?
Rate this book
Test of Tyrants
You’d think being a princess would be a good thing, but it’s put a target on my back and no one around me is safe.
Izzy was the only name I’d ever known my entire life, but I’ve just found out my true name is Isolde (talk about old fashioned) and I’m the lost princess of a magical world. Only the current princess can’t find out, or she’ll probably kill me, she’s insane like that.
Also, I’m an elf, well, a half-blood elf, and that’s another mark against me, since elves hate anyone muddying the bloodline. But since I’m the real heir to the throne I have few options. I’ll always be hunted, always on the run, but since running isn’t in my nature I’m going to stay and fight.
But first I need to learn about my new elven powers (as well as my nymph powers which I still haven’t fully grasped yet) not to mention the fact that I have no clue how to rule anything.
Luckily, I have people to help me.
Myel, my beautiful, mate-bonded, Goth, vampire, shifter. I know it’s a mouthful, but it’s all true. He’s as dedicated to me as they come, but he can’t hide away with me or people will get suspicious, which means he has to go back to the constant danger of his job.
Vyns, a literal angel who saved my life, after I saved his. Even though he used to serve Saldrea, the other princess, I trust him implicitly. We’re bound in spirit, even if we’re still getting to know each other, but I know he’ll be there for me when I need him.
Rook, the sex demon, with whom I have a stilted, off-again, on-again relationship. Right now, we’re off-again, which sucks because being with him is sinfully good. Too bad we have no clue how to be around each other otherwise.
Koar, the dragon, who I know so little about. Can I trust him? No clue, but he’s doing this darndest to convince me he’s loyal.
And a few others who come out of the woodwork as followers of the true crown, which turns out to be me. But can our little band of outcasts stand up to the might of the elven empire? I have to be honest, our chances don’t look good. Secrecy is our best weapon, but that won’t last for long. And once the truth is out… everything will change.
Izzy was the only name I’d ever known my entire life, but I’ve just found out my true name is Isolde (talk about old fashioned) and I’m the lost princess of a magical world. Only the current princess can’t find out, or she’ll probably kill me, she’s insane like that.
Also, I’m an elf, well, a half-blood elf, and that’s another mark against me, since elves hate anyone muddying the bloodline. But since I’m the real heir to the throne I have few options. I’ll always be hunted, always on the run, but since running isn’t in my nature I’m going to stay and fight.
But first I need to learn about my new elven powers (as well as my nymph powers which I still haven’t fully grasped yet) not to mention the fact that I have no clue how to rule anything.
Luckily, I have people to help me.
Myel, my beautiful, mate-bonded, Goth, vampire, shifter. I know it’s a mouthful, but it’s all true. He’s as dedicated to me as they come, but he can’t hide away with me or people will get suspicious, which means he has to go back to the constant danger of his job.
Vyns, a literal angel who saved my life, after I saved his. Even though he used to serve Saldrea, the other princess, I trust him implicitly. We’re bound in spirit, even if we’re still getting to know each other, but I know he’ll be there for me when I need him.
Rook, the sex demon, with whom I have a stilted, off-again, on-again relationship. Right now, we’re off-again, which sucks because being with him is sinfully good. Too bad we have no clue how to be around each other otherwise.
Koar, the dragon, who I know so little about. Can I trust him? No clue, but he’s doing this darndest to convince me he’s loyal.
And a few others who come out of the woodwork as followers of the true crown, which turns out to be me. But can our little band of outcasts stand up to the might of the elven empire? I have to be honest, our chances don’t look good. Secrecy is our best weapon, but that won’t last for long. And once the truth is out… everything will change.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 8, 2026
2.5 Stars
February 22, 2026
a lot of repetition - might be spoilers ahead
The men in her harem don’t bring much. She has added a bunch of characters with minor roles which likely weren’t needed. The main mcs don’t bring much to the story either. They are all similar in that oh I love her but can’t love her bc whatever reason which here is mainly bc they each think they suck. The main fc…let’s just say literally when her main devoted man might have got the “x” it was oh no I might die. What?! And she doesn’t really communicate but expects them to. Her main dude is consistently suffering and she ignores it. So ya… I’m kinda not into this fc. Anyway, will I read book 3? Yes and hopefully it’s the last. Like in review for book 1 , I still like the idea of the story. Just wish it was done better.
The men in her harem don’t bring much. She has added a bunch of characters with minor roles which likely weren’t needed. The main mcs don’t bring much to the story either. They are all similar in that oh I love her but can’t love her bc whatever reason which here is mainly bc they each think they suck. The main fc…let’s just say literally when her main devoted man might have got the “x” it was oh no I might die. What?! And she doesn’t really communicate but expects them to. Her main dude is consistently suffering and she ignores it. So ya… I’m kinda not into this fc. Anyway, will I read book 3? Yes and hopefully it’s the last. Like in review for book 1 , I still like the idea of the story. Just wish it was done better.
February 2, 2026
⭐️ 1 Stars - A Masterclass in Wasted Potential
Oh, I am truly a glutton for punishment. I came back for Book 2 hoping-praying-there might be some improvement.
Spoiler alert: it’s worse.
I somehow walked away from this book even more pissed off than I was after the first one, which honestly feels like an achievement in itself. I don’t usually go hard on new series, but this one is just… terrible. Like impressively bad.
This story does nothing but meander. There is zero character growth, zero worldbuilding growth, and zero relationship development outside of the FMC unlocking some new abilities and one MMC sort-of mattering. That’s it.
The MMCs (aka: Why Are You Here?)
Outside of Myel, how exactly do the rest of these men “love” the FMC? Their relationships are non existent in most cases/go nowhere. The FMC uses them almost exclusively as a sex = power boost mechanic, and somehow that’s meant to translate into deep emotional bonds?
There are:
- No meaningful conversations
- No special moments
- No actual connection
Even with Myel, everything happens strictly in the bedroom. No communication, no emotional intimacy, nothing that would justify the supposed devotion. Heck the guy gets tortured and all the FMC wants to do is bang other men in the interim! 🤦♀️
And can we talk about how the measly little bat shifter is somehow more competent, tougher, and more emotionally put together than these allegedly god-tier beings? Make. It. Make. Sense.
All the MMCs have the same recycled personality:
“I don’t know if I can love her… I don’t know if she’ll accept me…”
Yeah, no shit - because the FMC shows zero interest in them outside the damn bedroom. She doesn’t bother getting to know any of them. Yet by the end of this book, all five are in love with her? What the actual fuck.
Also (once again): the names. Absolutely woeful. A nightmare to pronounce and completely immersion-breaking.
Veilblood Academy (Allegedly)
Why is this called Veilblood Academy when the FMC attends maybe one class this entire book and the last book? If the academy setting has no relevance to the story, then why is it there at all?
The FMC: Still Garbage
Izzy is still a mess of a character. She hasn’t matured, grown, or developed any better relationship or mate skills. She doesn’t form real connections - with her mates, the world, or even her own family.
Her relationship with her grandma is especially irritating, and the constant grandma-hitting-on-the-dragon thing is just wrong. Add in the dragon having a thing with the FMC's female family members and it becomes genuinely gross. Please. Stop. No one wants this.
She’s also functionally useless:
- Everyone knows there’s a mind reader on the enemy team - the FMC is allegedly "all powerful" and keeps impressing everyone with her abilities
- Yet NO ONE teaches her how to block her mind
- Then she gets mad when secrets are exposed and shit hits the fan
That’s not tragic - that’s stupid. Every bad thing that happens feels completely deserved.
The hypocrisy is wild. She condemns the female villain’s violence in Book 1, then turns around and does the exact same shit in Book 2. And for an allegedly all-powerful FMC, she sure does love playing by the dumbest rules imaginable. Seriously, by the end of this book I wanted to slap the FMC around myself a few times.
Final Thoughts
The plot is butchered, the spice is lacklustre, and the FMC and her merry band of fuckwads keep falling into the same problems over and over again. It’s exhausting. It’s sloppy. It’s not good.
I will not be returning for the final book. There are far better Why Choose / Reverse Harem stories out there, and I strongly suggest reading literally any of those instead of whatever this drivel is trying (and failing) to be.
Hard pass.
Oh, I am truly a glutton for punishment. I came back for Book 2 hoping-praying-there might be some improvement.
Spoiler alert: it’s worse.
I somehow walked away from this book even more pissed off than I was after the first one, which honestly feels like an achievement in itself. I don’t usually go hard on new series, but this one is just… terrible. Like impressively bad.
This story does nothing but meander. There is zero character growth, zero worldbuilding growth, and zero relationship development outside of the FMC unlocking some new abilities and one MMC sort-of mattering. That’s it.
The MMCs (aka: Why Are You Here?)
Outside of Myel, how exactly do the rest of these men “love” the FMC? Their relationships are non existent in most cases/go nowhere. The FMC uses them almost exclusively as a sex = power boost mechanic, and somehow that’s meant to translate into deep emotional bonds?
There are:
- No meaningful conversations
- No special moments
- No actual connection
Even with Myel, everything happens strictly in the bedroom. No communication, no emotional intimacy, nothing that would justify the supposed devotion. Heck the guy gets tortured and all the FMC wants to do is bang other men in the interim! 🤦♀️
And can we talk about how the measly little bat shifter is somehow more competent, tougher, and more emotionally put together than these allegedly god-tier beings? Make. It. Make. Sense.
All the MMCs have the same recycled personality:
“I don’t know if I can love her… I don’t know if she’ll accept me…”
Yeah, no shit - because the FMC shows zero interest in them outside the damn bedroom. She doesn’t bother getting to know any of them. Yet by the end of this book, all five are in love with her? What the actual fuck.
Also (once again): the names. Absolutely woeful. A nightmare to pronounce and completely immersion-breaking.
Veilblood Academy (Allegedly)
Why is this called Veilblood Academy when the FMC attends maybe one class this entire book and the last book? If the academy setting has no relevance to the story, then why is it there at all?
The FMC: Still Garbage
Izzy is still a mess of a character. She hasn’t matured, grown, or developed any better relationship or mate skills. She doesn’t form real connections - with her mates, the world, or even her own family.
Her relationship with her grandma is especially irritating, and the constant grandma-hitting-on-the-dragon thing is just wrong. Add in the dragon having a thing with the FMC's female family members and it becomes genuinely gross. Please. Stop. No one wants this.
She’s also functionally useless:
- Everyone knows there’s a mind reader on the enemy team - the FMC is allegedly "all powerful" and keeps impressing everyone with her abilities
- Yet NO ONE teaches her how to block her mind
- Then she gets mad when secrets are exposed and shit hits the fan
That’s not tragic - that’s stupid. Every bad thing that happens feels completely deserved.
The hypocrisy is wild. She condemns the female villain’s violence in Book 1, then turns around and does the exact same shit in Book 2. And for an allegedly all-powerful FMC, she sure does love playing by the dumbest rules imaginable. Seriously, by the end of this book I wanted to slap the FMC around myself a few times.
Final Thoughts
The plot is butchered, the spice is lacklustre, and the FMC and her merry band of fuckwads keep falling into the same problems over and over again. It’s exhausting. It’s sloppy. It’s not good.
I will not be returning for the final book. There are far better Why Choose / Reverse Harem stories out there, and I strongly suggest reading literally any of those instead of whatever this drivel is trying (and failing) to be.
Hard pass.
April 2, 2026
had to DNF because she started hitting people, the first time she slept a character. It kind of felt a little bit more justified because like he definitely overstepped, and I could get it being an emotional reaction, but then she turned around and did it again not too long after and it was over something incredibly stupid, the characters are already coming off as selfish, and not considerate of the people’s feelings around her, and then she starts hitting people who are meant to “serve” her a a royal. It’s giving abusive power… just because someone says something you don’t like doesn’t mean you get the right to hit them. And just the last book the evil princess literally hit and abused her guard because he kindly said something she didn’t agree with….its so dumb to see the main character who’s supposedly the good guy sharing parallels with the evil bad character and then it just not be addressed whatsoever and everyone’s still talking about how wonderful our main character is? nope i’m done. don’t get me wrong. I’m not opposed to violence. I’ve read books for the main characters are literally serial killer killers but like, idk maybe it’s just better written or makes more sense for those characters and I can look past it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2026
Again! What a book? Not as good as the first because not many books can be and I was so sad that the characters didn't really have conversations with each other. We were able to see their development and their growth but there was no discussions of I love you's or past thoughts. I don't even think the guys in her life or any of the minor characters know what Izzy went through after her parents died. I know she knows about some of the guys traumas and most of Vyns past but that's it. That's why I dropped it to a 4.5.
However, still a great read, there were still some typos but it was a captivating story. I like how Izzy really has to fight to get what she wants. Not many books have the uphill climb and this one is a BIG hill!
However, still a great read, there were still some typos but it was a captivating story. I like how Izzy really has to fight to get what she wants. Not many books have the uphill climb and this one is a BIG hill!
February 2, 2026
Book 2
Watch triggers, this one is violent and filled with unnecessary scenes of torture. Izzy's personality is simply dreadful. She's abrasive, rash and has no respect for any of her lovers. While berating others for their cruelty, she slaps people she disagrees with, forcing her dubious authority on them. Several new interesting characters are introduced, but most of the book dwells on preparation for the battle with the evil false princess. The spicy scenes are portrayed as required medication with little romance. Fortunately the blurb for book three removes the tension of the cliffhanger.
Watch triggers, this one is violent and filled with unnecessary scenes of torture. Izzy's personality is simply dreadful. She's abrasive, rash and has no respect for any of her lovers. While berating others for their cruelty, she slaps people she disagrees with, forcing her dubious authority on them. Several new interesting characters are introduced, but most of the book dwells on preparation for the battle with the evil false princess. The spicy scenes are portrayed as required medication with little romance. Fortunately the blurb for book three removes the tension of the cliffhanger.
March 11, 2026
If you enjoy bullying go ahead and read. I can normally handle some bullying in books but this is above and beyond that. I’ve read literal men almost drown a girl due to bullying and bothered me but not nearly as much as these two books have bothered me. I got to 97% of book 2 and I simply can’t do no more the author put the characters in impossible situations and then occasionally helps them. Nope no longer interested won’t be reading book 3 or finishing this book for that matter
February 10, 2026
Sour Souls and True Royals
The false princess recruits new guards. The true royal gains followers and fighters. Enemies learn Izzy's weakness and learn to use them against her. Izzy must go into hiding while learning everything she can in very short time. She must beat the false princess, can she beat her? Can she change the realm for the better?
The false princess recruits new guards. The true royal gains followers and fighters. Enemies learn Izzy's weakness and learn to use them against her. Izzy must go into hiding while learning everything she can in very short time. She must beat the false princess, can she beat her? Can she change the realm for the better?
April 9, 2026
just no
Hey Siri start off so strong. I had a really really good basis and it fell apart. Once you got into the story and then this book just felt like pure foolishness. I just know the heroin became as raging, inconsiderate, whore, and bitch I don’t know not offend of this. Do not recommend.
Hey Siri start off so strong. I had a really really good basis and it fell apart. Once you got into the story and then this book just felt like pure foolishness. I just know the heroin became as raging, inconsiderate, whore, and bitch I don’t know not offend of this. Do not recommend.
February 4, 2026
Dnf, the fmc is really annoying and it doesnt feel like she develops anything interesting with the mmcs. Most if the mmcs need some depth.
February 8, 2026
😻
Well that took long enough! Heh wish they had introduced Bayne sooner! Just hope they save her guy! I really want to see that insane evil female get what she deserves!
Well that took long enough! Heh wish they had introduced Bayne sooner! Just hope they save her guy! I really want to see that insane evil female get what she deserves!
March 10, 2026
.
That was one e heck of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book. This storyline is hard to put down.
That was one e heck of a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book. This storyline is hard to put down.
March 19, 2026
Read my book review of Clara Wils’ Test of Tyrants, book two in the Veilblood Academy. This is a paranormal romance reverse harem, with angels, demons, dragons, elves, fae, shapeshifters and vampires.
https://www.amrauthor.com/post/test-o...
https://www.amrauthor.com/post/test-o...
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews