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A Reign of Vipers
In the land of Nivainia, the enigmatic Vylin Slyvaxian has been driven from the lands by the King in the east, Kade Arden, and his combined forces.
Vylin’s youngest daughter, Abygail, stumbles upon an anomaly, a mystery that could be the monster from the tales. Could it grow as large as three warships, posing a threat to anyone that would oppose them?
Syraya Slyvaxian, the king’s eldest daughter, is vital to her father’s plan. Her foul mouth and mocking nature starkly contrast with her younger sister, but each will have an unknowing part to play in the former King’s game in one of the cruelest games to be played on the unknowing.
Amid dark plots, betrayal, and madness, chaos surfaces to rule. The remnants of the war thought to be over begin to strike as the Vipers are lurking in this twisted nest.
Vylin’s youngest daughter, Abygail, stumbles upon an anomaly, a mystery that could be the monster from the tales. Could it grow as large as three warships, posing a threat to anyone that would oppose them?
Syraya Slyvaxian, the king’s eldest daughter, is vital to her father’s plan. Her foul mouth and mocking nature starkly contrast with her younger sister, but each will have an unknowing part to play in the former King’s game in one of the cruelest games to be played on the unknowing.
Amid dark plots, betrayal, and madness, chaos surfaces to rule. The remnants of the war thought to be over begin to strike as the Vipers are lurking in this twisted nest.
518 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2025
54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 20, 2024
A magnificent tale!
I am in awe of Billy Ray Middleton’s ability to weave so many details into one story, connecting each part so perfectly one can’t help but audibly react to the reveals.
You’ll hear it time and again that this story offers Game of Thrones vibes, and I agree wholeheartedly, while enthusiastically pointing out the unique elements included in this epic storyline.
I’m eager to read the second book in this series. We were left asking questions and I demand answers. So grateful to have met these characters and walked through their adventures with them.
There is humor and heartbreak, action and introspection, spice and battles, love and hate, and so much more etched into this brilliant narrative. Highly recommend!
I am in awe of Billy Ray Middleton’s ability to weave so many details into one story, connecting each part so perfectly one can’t help but audibly react to the reveals.
You’ll hear it time and again that this story offers Game of Thrones vibes, and I agree wholeheartedly, while enthusiastically pointing out the unique elements included in this epic storyline.
I’m eager to read the second book in this series. We were left asking questions and I demand answers. So grateful to have met these characters and walked through their adventures with them.
There is humor and heartbreak, action and introspection, spice and battles, love and hate, and so much more etched into this brilliant narrative. Highly recommend!
November 16, 2024
Epic dark fantasy, with elements of war & territory, romance, humor, and definitely will appeal to George R R Martin fans.
The audiobook is narrated by the author complete with background noises, and I listened to audio and physically read.
There are ALOT of characters, and I had to start & restart 3 or 4 times just to get them embedded into my brain.
My struggles were my own and reminded me how I couldn't read Game of Thrones but easily engaged on the television.
Would love to see Reign Of Vipers on the screen!
The audiobook is narrated by the author complete with background noises, and I listened to audio and physically read.
There are ALOT of characters, and I had to start & restart 3 or 4 times just to get them embedded into my brain.
My struggles were my own and reminded me how I couldn't read Game of Thrones but easily engaged on the television.
Would love to see Reign Of Vipers on the screen!
May 20, 2025
Every now and then, you stumble across a book that completely resets your expectations for what a fantasy story can be—A Reign of Vipers was that book for me.
I picked it up on a whim, not quite knowing what to expect, and finished it absolutely floored. From the first page, I was pulled into this rich, emotionally layered, character-driven world. And while I’ve read my fair share of fantasy and romance—especially in the vampire/dark fantasy subgenre—this one stood out in ways that genuinely surprised me.
First, I need to gush about the female characters, because they are—without exaggeration—some of the best-written women I’ve encountered in fantasy in a long time. They’re fierce, complex, emotionally raw, and refreshingly human, even when they’re navigating brutal politics, magical bloodlines, and world-shifting consequences. Their strength isn't just in combat or strategy—though there’s plenty of that—it’s in the vulnerability, the quiet moments, the way they question their choices and evolve. It felt real in a way that so many books try for but rarely hit.
I also adored the way the story was told through multiple perspectives. Each voice was distinct, each storyline gripping, and together they wove this intricate tapestry that made the world feel huge and lived-in. Usually, with multi-POV books, I end up favoring one or two characters and skimming the others—but not here. Every chapter held weight. Every character’s perspective brought something valuable to the table, and I found myself eagerly flipping pages to see how their paths would collide or unravel.
And let’s talk about the writing itself. The prose was lush and moody, yet sharp and modern where it needed to be. It never felt overwritten or too flowery, but instead perfectly captured the tone of the world: haunting, urgent, sometimes brutal, but always emotionally rich. There’s a lyrical quality to the style that stayed with me long after I put the book down. I kept rereading passages just to soak them in again.
Now, if I have one (and truly only one) critique—it’s that the book could have easily been longer. There’s just so much packed into these pages: political tension, emotional arcs, worldbuilding, action, romance, betrayal, power shifts—and while it’s impressive how much the author managed to fit in, I found myself wishing for more space for certain scenes to breathe. I would’ve gladly spent another 100+ pages with these characters. Some of the pacing toward the end felt like it was rushing toward a cliff when I wanted a slow, dramatic walk there instead.
But maybe that’s a good problem to have—wanting more.
In a market saturated with samey fantasy romances that often recycle tropes and paper-thin heroines, A Reign of Vipers feels like something fresh and bold. It doesn't rely on hype or aesthetic alone; it has the depth, the heart, and the craft to back it all up.
This book deserves more attention. It may not have the BookTok machine behind it or the Goodreads herd of cousin recommendations, but trust me—it delivers far more than some of the overhyped titles floating around right now. If you're tired of reading the same story with slightly different names, this one will remind you why you fell in love with fantasy in the first place.
Highly, highly recommended. And if there’s a sequel or companion book coming? I’m first in line.
I picked it up on a whim, not quite knowing what to expect, and finished it absolutely floored. From the first page, I was pulled into this rich, emotionally layered, character-driven world. And while I’ve read my fair share of fantasy and romance—especially in the vampire/dark fantasy subgenre—this one stood out in ways that genuinely surprised me.
First, I need to gush about the female characters, because they are—without exaggeration—some of the best-written women I’ve encountered in fantasy in a long time. They’re fierce, complex, emotionally raw, and refreshingly human, even when they’re navigating brutal politics, magical bloodlines, and world-shifting consequences. Their strength isn't just in combat or strategy—though there’s plenty of that—it’s in the vulnerability, the quiet moments, the way they question their choices and evolve. It felt real in a way that so many books try for but rarely hit.
I also adored the way the story was told through multiple perspectives. Each voice was distinct, each storyline gripping, and together they wove this intricate tapestry that made the world feel huge and lived-in. Usually, with multi-POV books, I end up favoring one or two characters and skimming the others—but not here. Every chapter held weight. Every character’s perspective brought something valuable to the table, and I found myself eagerly flipping pages to see how their paths would collide or unravel.
And let’s talk about the writing itself. The prose was lush and moody, yet sharp and modern where it needed to be. It never felt overwritten or too flowery, but instead perfectly captured the tone of the world: haunting, urgent, sometimes brutal, but always emotionally rich. There’s a lyrical quality to the style that stayed with me long after I put the book down. I kept rereading passages just to soak them in again.
Now, if I have one (and truly only one) critique—it’s that the book could have easily been longer. There’s just so much packed into these pages: political tension, emotional arcs, worldbuilding, action, romance, betrayal, power shifts—and while it’s impressive how much the author managed to fit in, I found myself wishing for more space for certain scenes to breathe. I would’ve gladly spent another 100+ pages with these characters. Some of the pacing toward the end felt like it was rushing toward a cliff when I wanted a slow, dramatic walk there instead.
But maybe that’s a good problem to have—wanting more.
In a market saturated with samey fantasy romances that often recycle tropes and paper-thin heroines, A Reign of Vipers feels like something fresh and bold. It doesn't rely on hype or aesthetic alone; it has the depth, the heart, and the craft to back it all up.
This book deserves more attention. It may not have the BookTok machine behind it or the Goodreads herd of cousin recommendations, but trust me—it delivers far more than some of the overhyped titles floating around right now. If you're tired of reading the same story with slightly different names, this one will remind you why you fell in love with fantasy in the first place.
Highly, highly recommended. And if there’s a sequel or companion book coming? I’m first in line.
August 22, 2025
⚔️🐍 Game of Thrones, but on fast-forward—and zero filler. 🔥👑
From page one, A Reign of Vipers sinks its fangs in and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless in the best way: political intrigue, betrayals, shifting alliances, and jaw-dropping twists hit you chapter after chapter. Where other epic fantasies sometimes meander, this one never wastes a page.
What impressed me most is the sheer ambition of it all. There are eight POV characters—yes, eight—and not once did I feel lost or confused. Each voice is distinct, every perspective adds something vital, and together they weave a story that feels massive yet incredibly easy to follow. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you think, this author knows exactly what they’re doing.
👑 And I have to shout this from the rooftops: the female leads are some of the best-written I’ve ever come across in fantasy. Fierce, flawed, strategic, resilient—each of them commands the page in her own way. I was hooked every time one of their chapters came around.
The world itself is brutal, layered, and alive with tension. Every kingdom, every house, every character feels like they’re hiding a dagger behind their back. And yet, despite the constant scheming, the narrative never gets bogged down in details—it’s streamlined, razor-sharp, and unputdownable. 🩸
If Game of Thrones was about slow-burn politics, A Reign of Vipers is about striking fast and hard. ⚡️ The betrayals land quicker, the reveals are jaw-dropping, and the character arcs pack an emotional punch without ever dragging.
The author’s voice is what ties it all together. It’s bold, confident, and uniquely their own—a style that manages to be both cinematic 🎬 and intimate 💔 at the same time. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained; I was blown away. 💥
This is the kind of fantasy that reminds you why you love the genre: expansive but never bloated, complex but never confusing, brutal but always purposeful. A masterpiece in pacing and perspective.
📖🐉 I’m calling it now—A Reign of Vipers is going to be the book everyone talks about. 👑🔥
From page one, A Reign of Vipers sinks its fangs in and doesn’t let go. The pacing is relentless in the best way: political intrigue, betrayals, shifting alliances, and jaw-dropping twists hit you chapter after chapter. Where other epic fantasies sometimes meander, this one never wastes a page.
What impressed me most is the sheer ambition of it all. There are eight POV characters—yes, eight—and not once did I feel lost or confused. Each voice is distinct, every perspective adds something vital, and together they weave a story that feels massive yet incredibly easy to follow. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you think, this author knows exactly what they’re doing.
👑 And I have to shout this from the rooftops: the female leads are some of the best-written I’ve ever come across in fantasy. Fierce, flawed, strategic, resilient—each of them commands the page in her own way. I was hooked every time one of their chapters came around.
The world itself is brutal, layered, and alive with tension. Every kingdom, every house, every character feels like they’re hiding a dagger behind their back. And yet, despite the constant scheming, the narrative never gets bogged down in details—it’s streamlined, razor-sharp, and unputdownable. 🩸
If Game of Thrones was about slow-burn politics, A Reign of Vipers is about striking fast and hard. ⚡️ The betrayals land quicker, the reveals are jaw-dropping, and the character arcs pack an emotional punch without ever dragging.
The author’s voice is what ties it all together. It’s bold, confident, and uniquely their own—a style that manages to be both cinematic 🎬 and intimate 💔 at the same time. By the end, I wasn’t just entertained; I was blown away. 💥
This is the kind of fantasy that reminds you why you love the genre: expansive but never bloated, complex but never confusing, brutal but always purposeful. A masterpiece in pacing and perspective.
📖🐉 I’m calling it now—A Reign of Vipers is going to be the book everyone talks about. 👑🔥
June 28, 2025
From the very first page, A Reign of Vipers blew me away. This is the kind of book that demands your full attention—and rewards it tenfold. The sheer ambition of weaving together so many characters and multiple POVs in such a compact, explosive story is something you rarely see done well. But here? It’s done masterfully.
In a time when many readers seem to prefer their fantasy spoon-fed, streamlined, and simplified, A Reign of Vipers dares to challenge. It trusts the reader. It respects us enough to keep up, to piece together this intricate political and magical puzzle, and to feel something for characters on all sides of the conflict. Some will say it's "too much"—but for me, it was everything.
The world-building? Absolutely exquisite. Dark, lush, and layered. The kind of setting you can smell and taste—blood, velvet, old secrets, and sharper-than-steel alliances. Every city, every faction, every curse feels fully realized, without the bloat that plagues so many epic fantasies.
What impressed me most, though, was how tight the story remained. With this many plotlines and characters, you'd expect it to sprawl—but it doesn’t. The author keeps it lean without sacrificing depth. That balance is incredibly rare, and incredibly hard to pull off. Every word earns its place.
This book is a rare beast: brutal and elegant, intelligent and thrilling. If you're a fan of high fantasy that makes you think, feel, and maybe even suffer a little—this is your next obsession.
5 stars, with a dagger through my heart during there final few chapters. It nearly made me stay in a dark room for days.
In a time when many readers seem to prefer their fantasy spoon-fed, streamlined, and simplified, A Reign of Vipers dares to challenge. It trusts the reader. It respects us enough to keep up, to piece together this intricate political and magical puzzle, and to feel something for characters on all sides of the conflict. Some will say it's "too much"—but for me, it was everything.
The world-building? Absolutely exquisite. Dark, lush, and layered. The kind of setting you can smell and taste—blood, velvet, old secrets, and sharper-than-steel alliances. Every city, every faction, every curse feels fully realized, without the bloat that plagues so many epic fantasies.
What impressed me most, though, was how tight the story remained. With this many plotlines and characters, you'd expect it to sprawl—but it doesn’t. The author keeps it lean without sacrificing depth. That balance is incredibly rare, and incredibly hard to pull off. Every word earns its place.
This book is a rare beast: brutal and elegant, intelligent and thrilling. If you're a fan of high fantasy that makes you think, feel, and maybe even suffer a little—this is your next obsession.
5 stars, with a dagger through my heart during there final few chapters. It nearly made me stay in a dark room for days.
June 22, 2025
An Instant Favorite – Fierce Women, Gritty World, and Gorgeous Writing
Reign of Vipers absolutely devoured me from the first chapter. I’ve read a lot of fantasy, but this one stands out in a league of its own—especially because of its incredible female characters. Honestly, they might be some of the best I’ve ever read.
Aresnisha? Fierce. Dominant. Unapologetically powerful. She commands every scene she's in.
Sabine is creepy in the best way—shrouded in mystery and walking that fine, delicious line between unsettling and magnetic.
Nika is just adorable. I fell in love with her the moment her backstory was revealed—it broke me and healed me at the same time.
Katherine and Alerie’s storyline? Phenomenal. So rich and layered it could’ve easily been its own novel. Their arc was one of my favorites.
And Syraya and Abygail? My favorite fictional sisters ever. Their bond is raw, real, and utterly unforgettable.
The novel follows 8 different perspectives, much like Game of Thrones, and it genuinely gave me that same thrill of being immersed in a vast, dangerous world with intertwining fates. Despite the multiple POVs, I never felt lost—the author does a brilliant job keeping it all smooth and easy to follow.
I was burnt out on the typical YA fantasy formula and this book was the answer to that fatigue. It’s gritty, it’s bold, it doesn’t shy away from foul language or brutal truths—but it also delivers moments of sheer poetic beauty that took my breath away.
This is a masterpiece. I’ll be rereading Reign of Vipers every year—it’s that kind of book.
Reign of Vipers absolutely devoured me from the first chapter. I’ve read a lot of fantasy, but this one stands out in a league of its own—especially because of its incredible female characters. Honestly, they might be some of the best I’ve ever read.
Aresnisha? Fierce. Dominant. Unapologetically powerful. She commands every scene she's in.
Sabine is creepy in the best way—shrouded in mystery and walking that fine, delicious line between unsettling and magnetic.
Nika is just adorable. I fell in love with her the moment her backstory was revealed—it broke me and healed me at the same time.
Katherine and Alerie’s storyline? Phenomenal. So rich and layered it could’ve easily been its own novel. Their arc was one of my favorites.
And Syraya and Abygail? My favorite fictional sisters ever. Their bond is raw, real, and utterly unforgettable.
The novel follows 8 different perspectives, much like Game of Thrones, and it genuinely gave me that same thrill of being immersed in a vast, dangerous world with intertwining fates. Despite the multiple POVs, I never felt lost—the author does a brilliant job keeping it all smooth and easy to follow.
I was burnt out on the typical YA fantasy formula and this book was the answer to that fatigue. It’s gritty, it’s bold, it doesn’t shy away from foul language or brutal truths—but it also delivers moments of sheer poetic beauty that took my breath away.
This is a masterpiece. I’ll be rereading Reign of Vipers every year—it’s that kind of book.
May 20, 2025
Fantasy done right! A Reign of Vipers is hands-down one of the best books ever written in the genre. It’s a masterclass in world-building, character development, and gripping storytelling — the kind of book that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go.
Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative is easy to follow but rich in depth, giving you a front-row seat to each character’s emotional journey and personal stakes. Syraya and Aresnishia are absolute standouts — fierce, complex, and unforgettable. William and Nika? Morton? There are so many characters to fall in love with, each bringing something vital to the story.
The prose is stunning — lyrical without ever slowing the pace — and the dialogue is sharp, real, and often emotionally charged. Every twist hits hard, and just when you think you've figured things out, another layer is revealed.
And then there's Abygail. With her family's dark, mysterious past, she steals the show in every scene she’s in. The magic system is subtle and still unfolding, leaving you hungry for more. It’s a refreshing change from the overpowered trope, and it promises so much for the rest of the series.
If you're looking for a new fantasy obsession, this is it. A Reign of Vipers is an absolute must-read — a thrilling, beautifully written start to what’s sure to be an epic series.
Told through multiple perspectives, the narrative is easy to follow but rich in depth, giving you a front-row seat to each character’s emotional journey and personal stakes. Syraya and Aresnishia are absolute standouts — fierce, complex, and unforgettable. William and Nika? Morton? There are so many characters to fall in love with, each bringing something vital to the story.
The prose is stunning — lyrical without ever slowing the pace — and the dialogue is sharp, real, and often emotionally charged. Every twist hits hard, and just when you think you've figured things out, another layer is revealed.
And then there's Abygail. With her family's dark, mysterious past, she steals the show in every scene she’s in. The magic system is subtle and still unfolding, leaving you hungry for more. It’s a refreshing change from the overpowered trope, and it promises so much for the rest of the series.
If you're looking for a new fantasy obsession, this is it. A Reign of Vipers is an absolute must-read — a thrilling, beautifully written start to what’s sure to be an epic series.
June 1, 2024
WOW!
I was able to snag an ARC of this book, and it was everything I had hoped for. I have read and loved the author's previous works, but somehow, this has topped his already impressive collection.
This reads like a Game of Thrones and has a lot of characters, but Middleton Jr. makes it so easy to follow, and I was completely immersed in this 15-hour adventure -- and there are MORE books to come!
I enjoyed it more than Mass Books (Which I enjoy) and nearly as much as Game of Thrones.
This features two sisters who are very different in many ways, but their love really shines through, and I was put through the wringer with Abygail's story. Syraya is foul-mouthed and does whatever she wants. It made me laugh a few times so loudly that my boyfriend had to ask what was wrong. LOL!!
That is not nearly all, as there are so many other storylines, and the Mermaids in this are done exquisitely !!
Madison's storyline feels like the movie Alien, and the person he meets gives me the creeps, and I need to know more. I will not bug the author, but I want to force him to write more right now!!
Best book of the year for me so far and I see nothing knocking it off the number 1 slot!
Masterpiece!
I was able to snag an ARC of this book, and it was everything I had hoped for. I have read and loved the author's previous works, but somehow, this has topped his already impressive collection.
This reads like a Game of Thrones and has a lot of characters, but Middleton Jr. makes it so easy to follow, and I was completely immersed in this 15-hour adventure -- and there are MORE books to come!
I enjoyed it more than Mass Books (Which I enjoy) and nearly as much as Game of Thrones.
This features two sisters who are very different in many ways, but their love really shines through, and I was put through the wringer with Abygail's story. Syraya is foul-mouthed and does whatever she wants. It made me laugh a few times so loudly that my boyfriend had to ask what was wrong. LOL!!
That is not nearly all, as there are so many other storylines, and the Mermaids in this are done exquisitely !!
Madison's storyline feels like the movie Alien, and the person he meets gives me the creeps, and I need to know more. I will not bug the author, but I want to force him to write more right now!!
Best book of the year for me so far and I see nothing knocking it off the number 1 slot!
Masterpiece!
May 25, 2025
Edited: I felt I was being too harsh on the current book climate.
A Reign of Vipers blew me away. This book does things with character, world-building, and prose that are remarkable. It reminds me of a great album where the hits keep on coming.
This book shifts between eight POVs (yes, eight) and never once felt confusing or bloated. That alone sets him apart—because let’s be real, Yarros struggles with two. Middleton makes it feel effortless, each voice distinct, each arc compelling.
And the characters? Syraya Slyvaxian, Aresnishia, and Abygail are some of the best female characters I’ve read. Period. Somehow, this man understands the female mind better than most females write themselves, and I don’t say that lightly. They're powerful, flawed, layered, and never feel like clichés or mouthpieces.
Honestly, if Reign of Vipers doesn’t blow up, it won’t be because of the writing. It’ll be because of the book climate we’re in—where safe, formulaic, TikTok-approved stories get all the spotlight. Middleton is in an era where horrible books are applauded, and that might be his only disadvantage.
If you want a book that doesn’t play it safe, that challenges the genre, and that reminds you what fantasy can be—this is it.
A Reign of Vipers blew me away. This book does things with character, world-building, and prose that are remarkable. It reminds me of a great album where the hits keep on coming.
This book shifts between eight POVs (yes, eight) and never once felt confusing or bloated. That alone sets him apart—because let’s be real, Yarros struggles with two. Middleton makes it feel effortless, each voice distinct, each arc compelling.
And the characters? Syraya Slyvaxian, Aresnishia, and Abygail are some of the best female characters I’ve read. Period. Somehow, this man understands the female mind better than most females write themselves, and I don’t say that lightly. They're powerful, flawed, layered, and never feel like clichés or mouthpieces.
Honestly, if Reign of Vipers doesn’t blow up, it won’t be because of the writing. It’ll be because of the book climate we’re in—where safe, formulaic, TikTok-approved stories get all the spotlight. Middleton is in an era where horrible books are applauded, and that might be his only disadvantage.
If you want a book that doesn’t play it safe, that challenges the genre, and that reminds you what fantasy can be—this is it.
June 10, 2024
Let's get this out of the way: this is by far my favorite Billy Ray Middleton JR book! The plot feels as though it meanders effortlessly through situations wrought with strife and stress, love and lust, creatures and creeps, etc. It dances between lands lead by the five houses: Mason, Blythe (kind of moreso from the past), Breckinvale, Slyvaxian and Arden.
Which was my favorite House? While ALL had their own intrigues and charms it was the Slyvaxians for me. Syraya is a young princess on the verge of being asked to do something she deems unspeakable by her father, King Vylin. What are his motives? But I just have to say how much I love her quick wit, sarcasm, and humor. She had several lines that had me chortling. "Syraya eyed the elf to the right of the throne. 'Hello, Arfmesdia...lesum...' she cackled a laugh. The elf was not amused. 'Tell me, when you got your name, was it the sound made as your mother birthed you?' '...no' Arkaneandlith replied with a scowl."
There's just the right bit of spice, the lead up is just right so when it does happen, it's needed. WHEW!
And, I also loved this story's take on mermaids and the secret about them--and the men who seek to steal it for their own.
Then there are the physical book features: colored pages at the beginning of each chapter and the list of characters under the House names (Mason, Blythe, Breckinvale, Slyvaxian, and Arden) in the back. It also shows how each met their demise and it's great to have for some who love that kind of thing. I was able to remember without looking personally, but this is epic and there's obviously no shame in using such a feature!
Anyway, I could say so much more here, go into a few characters from each house but part of the excitement is reading it fresh, so I will leave my review at this. So lastly, this is epic, written in a style to rival George R.R. Martin and I'm ready for Book 2!
Which was my favorite House? While ALL had their own intrigues and charms it was the Slyvaxians for me. Syraya is a young princess on the verge of being asked to do something she deems unspeakable by her father, King Vylin. What are his motives? But I just have to say how much I love her quick wit, sarcasm, and humor. She had several lines that had me chortling. "Syraya eyed the elf to the right of the throne. 'Hello, Arfmesdia...lesum...' she cackled a laugh. The elf was not amused. 'Tell me, when you got your name, was it the sound made as your mother birthed you?' '...no' Arkaneandlith replied with a scowl."
There's just the right bit of spice, the lead up is just right so when it does happen, it's needed. WHEW!
And, I also loved this story's take on mermaids and the secret about them--and the men who seek to steal it for their own.
Then there are the physical book features: colored pages at the beginning of each chapter and the list of characters under the House names (Mason, Blythe, Breckinvale, Slyvaxian, and Arden) in the back. It also shows how each met their demise and it's great to have for some who love that kind of thing. I was able to remember without looking personally, but this is epic and there's obviously no shame in using such a feature!
Anyway, I could say so much more here, go into a few characters from each house but part of the excitement is reading it fresh, so I will leave my review at this. So lastly, this is epic, written in a style to rival George R.R. Martin and I'm ready for Book 2!
August 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow. Just wow. 🤯 Reign of Vipers is the best fantasy I’ve read in years, no question. It’s an absolute masterpiece—fast, sharp, and bursting with unforgettable characters. The author somehow weaves nearly 20 POVs into just 500 pages, and it flies by. No filler, no YA-style navel gazing, just pure, gripping storytelling. 🙌
Syraya’s sardonic wit had me laughing one moment 😏—and then that ending hit like a sledgehammer. 💔🤢 I genuinely felt sick, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Abygail? Total scene-stealer. 👑🔥 She alone is worth the read, but every character shines.
And what I love most? No dragons. 🐉❌ The author is taking fantasy into bold new places, and it’s so refreshing. You think you know where it’s going, then it twists in ways you couldn’t dream of.
Honestly, I could write 20 pages about why this book deserves to be on every fantasy shelf 🗡️📚. It’s one of my new all-time favorites—and I cannot believe no publisher has picked it up yet. Somebody fix that, because readers NEED this book. ❤️
Wow. Just wow. 🤯 Reign of Vipers is the best fantasy I’ve read in years, no question. It’s an absolute masterpiece—fast, sharp, and bursting with unforgettable characters. The author somehow weaves nearly 20 POVs into just 500 pages, and it flies by. No filler, no YA-style navel gazing, just pure, gripping storytelling. 🙌
Syraya’s sardonic wit had me laughing one moment 😏—and then that ending hit like a sledgehammer. 💔🤢 I genuinely felt sick, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Abygail? Total scene-stealer. 👑🔥 She alone is worth the read, but every character shines.
And what I love most? No dragons. 🐉❌ The author is taking fantasy into bold new places, and it’s so refreshing. You think you know where it’s going, then it twists in ways you couldn’t dream of.
Honestly, I could write 20 pages about why this book deserves to be on every fantasy shelf 🗡️📚. It’s one of my new all-time favorites—and I cannot believe no publisher has picked it up yet. Somebody fix that, because readers NEED this book. ❤️
May 20, 2025
A Reign of Vipers is hands-down one of the most entertaining books I’ve ever read. I first saw it recommended on Instagram and BookTok, and I’m so glad I listened to the hype. I chose the audiobook version and was completely blown away — the narration is superb, and the sound effects made the entire experience feel incredibly immersive. It’s like being dropped right into the heart of the story.
The setting is breathtaking, with vivid, hauntingly beautiful descriptions of the castle and its surroundings. It’s a massive, complex world, and thankfully the book gives it the scope it deserves. There are many main characters, but the pacing and flow are phenomenal. I especially appreciated that the story isn’t told in first person — the multiple perspectives added depth and richness, helping bring the world to life in a way that felt both epic and intimate.
The setting is breathtaking, with vivid, hauntingly beautiful descriptions of the castle and its surroundings. It’s a massive, complex world, and thankfully the book gives it the scope it deserves. There are many main characters, but the pacing and flow are phenomenal. I especially appreciated that the story isn’t told in first person — the multiple perspectives added depth and richness, helping bring the world to life in a way that felt both epic and intimate.
June 22, 2025
This book reminded me so much of Game of Thrones—not in the dragons-and-destiny sense, but in the raw realism, the political grit, and the razor-sharp humor that threads through even its darkest moments.
The world is brutal but believable, with power dynamics that feel uncomfortably real and characters who are as flawed as they are fascinating. No one is safe. No one is purely good. And every alliance feels like it’s held together by the thinnest strand of trust.
What sets A Reign of Vipers apart is how it balances depth with pace. The plot is tense and layered, but never bogged down. The writing is elegant but cuts deep, especially in the dialogue—witty, dangerous, and often laugh-out-loud funny in the bleakest way.
Easily in my top 25 of all time. If you crave stories with sharp edges and smarter-than-average twists, this is the one.
The world is brutal but believable, with power dynamics that feel uncomfortably real and characters who are as flawed as they are fascinating. No one is safe. No one is purely good. And every alliance feels like it’s held together by the thinnest strand of trust.
What sets A Reign of Vipers apart is how it balances depth with pace. The plot is tense and layered, but never bogged down. The writing is elegant but cuts deep, especially in the dialogue—witty, dangerous, and often laugh-out-loud funny in the bleakest way.
Easily in my top 25 of all time. If you crave stories with sharp edges and smarter-than-average twists, this is the one.
June 4, 2024
This was hands down one of the best books I have read! I will always remember how I felt when reading every chapter. This is one of those rare books that hit you as a reader and make you feel as if you lived through it all with these characters, of which there are many. I laughed, I screamed, I swooned! Every chapter made me wonder if it could stay this good... it did. All of the POVs felt like I couldn’t let it end, but I was tossed into yet another POV that I didn't want to end.
The way Middleton Jr. writes each POV and each character feels is truly masterful. Not once did I feel lost.
I am in awe of all that was accomplished here.
It was an absolute honor to read this on a whim from an Instagram post.
The way Middleton Jr. writes each POV and each character feels is truly masterful. Not once did I feel lost.
I am in awe of all that was accomplished here.
It was an absolute honor to read this on a whim from an Instagram post.
October 8, 2024
Epic tale filled with jaw dropping twists, mythical creatures and so much more. Can’t wait for the next one!
April 2, 2025
This novel is truly a masterpiece, but I would not recommend it to young teens. It is a very dark and violent story. There's frequent language throughout this book, and there are some very graphic cases of violence, but this reminded me so much of Game of Thrones.
This is my first book from Middleton Jr., but it won't be my last. I enjoy Maas a great deal, but honestly, I believe this author is WAY ahead of her. His characters shine so much more, and I love Maas books, but this was next level. Only Martin would top it for me if we are talking about the first 3 GOT books anyway.
Syraya Slyvaxian and her little sister (Abygail) are the main focus, but there are another five or so plots, and it never gets confusing to follow and flows effortlessly. My favorite of 2024 by a long way.
If you like GOT then read it.
This is my first book from Middleton Jr., but it won't be my last. I enjoy Maas a great deal, but honestly, I believe this author is WAY ahead of her. His characters shine so much more, and I love Maas books, but this was next level. Only Martin would top it for me if we are talking about the first 3 GOT books anyway.
Syraya Slyvaxian and her little sister (Abygail) are the main focus, but there are another five or so plots, and it never gets confusing to follow and flows effortlessly. My favorite of 2024 by a long way.
If you like GOT then read it.
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