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Bitter King Vicious Wings: A Dark Romantasy Standalone
Lover? Liar? Or me and my kingdom’s doom?
On the eve of my execution, I sealed my fate by signing a dark pact with Ilyatria's accursed king. My reprieve was short-lived; now I’m in a race against time, rotting from the inside out due to a hidden clause. To end the pact, I have to kill my father—the monster who ordered my death. But our kingdom’s twisted magic protects him, and I’ll need an undying dragon’s power to do it.
Yet every hour has me sickening further; I can’t bond a merciless dragon alone. With no other options, I turn to Aelen, one of my people’s enemies and the strongest dragon trainer of Ilyatria—or so he says. He’s brooding and spiteful, armed with sharp ears and a venomous tongue almost more vicious than the dragons themselves.
Despite our truce, he’s a constant thorn in my side, even sabotaging my training. He’s insufferable—and all too irresistible—but without him I’m dead.
My protector. My nightmare.
He’s more than he’s letting an enigma hiding sinister magic and a fixation on keeping me with him, and away from completing my pact. The further our lives intertwine, the more his lies unravel.
And the more his dark obsession grows.
Bitter King Vicious Wings is a steamy dark romantasy standalone with a guaranteed HEA. Perfect for fans of Harper L. Woods, Ella Fields, and Raven Kennedy.
On the eve of my execution, I sealed my fate by signing a dark pact with Ilyatria's accursed king. My reprieve was short-lived; now I’m in a race against time, rotting from the inside out due to a hidden clause. To end the pact, I have to kill my father—the monster who ordered my death. But our kingdom’s twisted magic protects him, and I’ll need an undying dragon’s power to do it.
Yet every hour has me sickening further; I can’t bond a merciless dragon alone. With no other options, I turn to Aelen, one of my people’s enemies and the strongest dragon trainer of Ilyatria—or so he says. He’s brooding and spiteful, armed with sharp ears and a venomous tongue almost more vicious than the dragons themselves.
Despite our truce, he’s a constant thorn in my side, even sabotaging my training. He’s insufferable—and all too irresistible—but without him I’m dead.
My protector. My nightmare.
He’s more than he’s letting an enigma hiding sinister magic and a fixation on keeping me with him, and away from completing my pact. The further our lives intertwine, the more his lies unravel.
And the more his dark obsession grows.
Bitter King Vicious Wings is a steamy dark romantasy standalone with a guaranteed HEA. Perfect for fans of Harper L. Woods, Ella Fields, and Raven Kennedy.
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
24 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Morgona Aliss
4 books43 followersMorgona Aliss spends her time enjoying the simple pleasures of life; hot baths and writing smut. You'll catch her on a dark and stormy night dancing under the moon.
When she's not dancing, she loves creating vivid worlds, complex religions, and realm jumping magic.
She currently resides in an outer realm closest to dimension 75B.
When she's not dancing, she loves creating vivid worlds, complex religions, and realm jumping magic.
She currently resides in an outer realm closest to dimension 75B.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 201 reviews
Did Not Finish
March 17, 2026DNF @ 20%
I try to always finish ARCs to give the best feedback possible, but I haven’t been able to get back to this for 2+ months now, so I think it’s time to cut my losses.
I wanted to love this book so badly. I think the story had a lot of potential and I was so excited to pick this one up. However, I struggled to get into the story. Normally, I can really see what I’m reading in my head and I feel like I live the stories. This was completely missing here for me. I never knew where we were or who was who because it all sort of blended together. Maybe I just didn’t vibe with the writing style and someone else will think this book is incredible, but it just wasn’t for me.
I’m categorizing this as “I don’t hate it, but definitely not for me.”
—Thank you to NetGalley, Morgona Aliss, and Victory Editing for the free ARC copy of Bitter King Vicious Wings in return for my honest review.—
I try to always finish ARCs to give the best feedback possible, but I haven’t been able to get back to this for 2+ months now, so I think it’s time to cut my losses.
I wanted to love this book so badly. I think the story had a lot of potential and I was so excited to pick this one up. However, I struggled to get into the story. Normally, I can really see what I’m reading in my head and I feel like I live the stories. This was completely missing here for me. I never knew where we were or who was who because it all sort of blended together. Maybe I just didn’t vibe with the writing style and someone else will think this book is incredible, but it just wasn’t for me.
I’m categorizing this as “I don’t hate it, but definitely not for me.”
—Thank you to NetGalley, Morgona Aliss, and Victory Editing for the free ARC copy of Bitter King Vicious Wings in return for my honest review.—
Review of advance copy received from Author
This just wasnt for me.
The FMC was annoyingly abrasive and confrontational throughout the entire book. The relationship between the two MC's I really did get or connect with - Besides them finding each other attractive they were constantly at odds, with the FMC being rude to him, but yet they fell in love? Unfortunately, I didn't feel the tension or connection between the characters and was mostly put off my the FMC and her attitude. While the premise for the story was decent, I just couldn't connect with this one at all and had to force myself to finish it.
I do appreciate being given the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
The FMC was annoyingly abrasive and confrontational throughout the entire book. The relationship between the two MC's I really did get or connect with - Besides them finding each other attractive they were constantly at odds, with the FMC being rude to him, but yet they fell in love? Unfortunately, I didn't feel the tension or connection between the characters and was mostly put off my the FMC and her attitude. While the premise for the story was decent, I just couldn't connect with this one at all and had to force myself to finish it.
I do appreciate being given the opportunity to read this as an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
We start with my absolute all time favourite quote from Wuthering Heights. Heathcliff in despair after Catherine’s death. So yes, I’m invested immediately. I’m expecting a brooding, vengeful, possessive MMC, dark and gloomy climates, emotional devastation.
I can’t wait.
We jump straight into an intriguing story. Strong family bonds between Lorelana and her brother, magic, dragons and dragon riders. All my favourite ingredients in a romantasy, wrapped in a world with rich history and careful world building.
While it's clear the author is drawing heavily from gothic influences unfortunately, I was left wanting with our FMC, Lorelana. From the start she is childish, wildly and dangerously impulsive, and often rude, even to those who show her nothing but kindness (including our MMC). Almost all of her choices are driven by selfishness. She is strong willed and emotionally chaotic, and some of her comments are outright cruel.
I can see that Lorelana is written this way deliberately, as a deeply flawed, volatile character meant to provoke strong reactions (Catherine Earnshaw). An extreme comparison, but unfortunately one that resulted in a completely unlikeable character for me.
Our MMC, Aelen, is an absolute sweetheart from the beginning. His passion, obsession, and underlying resentment strongly echo Heathcliff, and he was easily my favourite element of the story.
The prose shines most in Aelen’s dialogue. The intensity of his devotion is beautifully written.
“Your cries wound me like a thousand blades. I’ll do anything for you.”
“Don’t you know what it would do to me if he hurt you? If he killed you? I would lose what little is left of my mind, and cleave the world in half in its wake.”
Stunning.
What to Expect
Single POV
Dragons / Dragon Riders
He’s obsessed
Shadow daddy
Bratty FMC
Touch her and die
Overall, this one wasn’t for me personally. I loved the general premise and genuinely enjoyed the world building and history, and I can appreciate the author’s intent in crafting such volatile, gothic inspired characters. However, I never felt the chemistry between the MCs or connected with their dynamic. That said, readers who love intense volatile heroines will likely have a very different experience. If you’re a Nesta fan, this will probably hit exactly where it’s meant to.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for review.
I can’t wait.
We jump straight into an intriguing story. Strong family bonds between Lorelana and her brother, magic, dragons and dragon riders. All my favourite ingredients in a romantasy, wrapped in a world with rich history and careful world building.
While it's clear the author is drawing heavily from gothic influences unfortunately, I was left wanting with our FMC, Lorelana. From the start she is childish, wildly and dangerously impulsive, and often rude, even to those who show her nothing but kindness (including our MMC). Almost all of her choices are driven by selfishness. She is strong willed and emotionally chaotic, and some of her comments are outright cruel.
I can see that Lorelana is written this way deliberately, as a deeply flawed, volatile character meant to provoke strong reactions (Catherine Earnshaw). An extreme comparison, but unfortunately one that resulted in a completely unlikeable character for me.
Our MMC, Aelen, is an absolute sweetheart from the beginning. His passion, obsession, and underlying resentment strongly echo Heathcliff, and he was easily my favourite element of the story.
The prose shines most in Aelen’s dialogue. The intensity of his devotion is beautifully written.
“Your cries wound me like a thousand blades. I’ll do anything for you.”
“Don’t you know what it would do to me if he hurt you? If he killed you? I would lose what little is left of my mind, and cleave the world in half in its wake.”
Stunning.
What to Expect
Single POV
Dragons / Dragon Riders
He’s obsessed
Shadow daddy
Bratty FMC
Touch her and die
Overall, this one wasn’t for me personally. I loved the general premise and genuinely enjoyed the world building and history, and I can appreciate the author’s intent in crafting such volatile, gothic inspired characters. However, I never felt the chemistry between the MCs or connected with their dynamic. That said, readers who love intense volatile heroines will likely have a very different experience. If you’re a Nesta fan, this will probably hit exactly where it’s meant to.
Thank you NetGalley for providing an advanced copy for review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐️
This book was everything I want in a Romantasy. From page one, the action never let's up. It's packed with magic, binding promises, shocking twists, and my favorite... bonding with dragons.
The FMC Lorelana, is a princess torn from her sheltered life and thrust into an impossible mission after losing everything she loves. She's feisty, full of banter, and there were definitely moments I wondered if she'd ever take advice.
Then there's the MMC a beautifully dark and dangerously sexy I'phri. He's there to help, or is he? The tension between them is electric.
What really stood out to me was the unique communication with magic and dragons. This story keeps you guessing about who the real monsters are.
If you love an Epic Standaline Romantasy this book is for you!
This book was everything I want in a Romantasy. From page one, the action never let's up. It's packed with magic, binding promises, shocking twists, and my favorite... bonding with dragons.
The FMC Lorelana, is a princess torn from her sheltered life and thrust into an impossible mission after losing everything she loves. She's feisty, full of banter, and there were definitely moments I wondered if she'd ever take advice.
Then there's the MMC a beautifully dark and dangerously sexy I'phri. He's there to help, or is he? The tension between them is electric.
What really stood out to me was the unique communication with magic and dragons. This story keeps you guessing about who the real monsters are.
If you love an Epic Standaline Romantasy this book is for you!
January 7, 2026
Title: Bitter King, Vicious Wings by Morgona Aliss
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Victory Editing
Expected Release Date: 01|27|2026
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Lorelana + Aelen
Book Type: Standalone
The way this book started off and didn’t give me time to put my seatbelt on is quite crazy to me. It started strong and held the pace the entire book. I absolutely loved the main characters and how their roles developed in this book.
In this book you’ll get: enemies to lovers, dragon riders and a shadow daddy that’s just yummy, even if he’s an ass. Lorelana is a princess turned fighter and Aelen is the butthole that hates her. They stay at each other’s throats for a hot minute.
They begrudgingly team up to fight evil together and he even shows her how to pick her own dragon 🤭 if you’re looking for a high stakes fantasy with the tropes below, I highly suggest this one.
✨ T r o p e s ✨
Enemies to Lovers
Dragons | Dragon Riding
Banter
Forced Proximity
Spice
Touch Her & Die
Shadow Daddy
Trauma
He’s Obsessed
ARC Provided By: Netgalley, Victory Editing
Expected Release Date: 01|27|2026
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Main Characters: Lorelana + Aelen
Book Type: Standalone
The way this book started off and didn’t give me time to put my seatbelt on is quite crazy to me. It started strong and held the pace the entire book. I absolutely loved the main characters and how their roles developed in this book.
In this book you’ll get: enemies to lovers, dragon riders and a shadow daddy that’s just yummy, even if he’s an ass. Lorelana is a princess turned fighter and Aelen is the butthole that hates her. They stay at each other’s throats for a hot minute.
They begrudgingly team up to fight evil together and he even shows her how to pick her own dragon 🤭 if you’re looking for a high stakes fantasy with the tropes below, I highly suggest this one.
✨ T r o p e s ✨
Enemies to Lovers
Dragons | Dragon Riding
Banter
Forced Proximity
Spice
Touch Her & Die
Shadow Daddy
Trauma
He’s Obsessed
December 22, 2025
This standalone dark romantasy offers an ambitious premise with high stakes, magic, and a promised enemies-to-lovers romance. The story moves at a fast pace and introduces many elements early on, which may appeal to readers who enjoy constant action.
Unfortunately, the emotional connection didn’t fully land for me. Both main characters are written with very abrasive voices, making it difficult to feel invested in their relationship or root for them. As a result, the romantic tension never truly took hold.
Additionally, the standalone format works against the story. The worldbuilding and character arcs feel compressed, leaving little room for emotional depth or reflection. While this book may work for readers who enjoy trope-driven, fast-paced romantasy with a darker tone, it didn’t provide the immersive, character-driven experience I was hoping for.
Unfortunately, the emotional connection didn’t fully land for me. Both main characters are written with very abrasive voices, making it difficult to feel invested in their relationship or root for them. As a result, the romantic tension never truly took hold.
Additionally, the standalone format works against the story. The worldbuilding and character arcs feel compressed, leaving little room for emotional depth or reflection. While this book may work for readers who enjoy trope-driven, fast-paced romantasy with a darker tone, it didn’t provide the immersive, character-driven experience I was hoping for.
January 1, 2026
Loved this book ! So many twists and turns and dragons and magic !! Add this one to your TBR and wishlists for 2026 !! You’ll thank me later !
January 24, 2026
Review coming. ♥️
Update!
ARC REVIEW
This book opens in chaos — a kingdom in turmoil, devastation everywhere, and a ruling power that has clearly done real damage. From the start, the stakes feel heavy, and the worldbuilding does its job without drowning you in unnecessary detail.
The FMC, Lorelana, comes from a noble family and is immediately thrust into the consequences of her father’s rule. Early on, she crosses paths with Aelen, and that meeting sets off everything that follows. When Lorelana is facing execution, she makes a desperate pact to survive — one that keeps her alive but slowly drains her life day by day until she fulfills her end of the bargain.
So yes, there’s a ticking clock. And it matters.
The dynamic between Lorelana and Aelen is thorny in the best way. She is stubborn, independent, and very much not interested in being told what to do — even when it’s obvious he’s trying to protect her. He’s guarded, experienced, and deeply frustrated by her refusal to listen. Their tension is sharp, sarcastic, and intentional. This is enemies to lovers with real friction, not performative bickering.
And honestly? The complaints I’ve seen about her “not listening” miss the point. That is the point. Lorelana isn’t meant to be compliant. She’s meant to have agency, even when it’s dangerous.
The slow burn takes its time, which makes the payoff feel earned. When the spice finally hits, it works — not because it’s constant, but because it arrives at the right moment.
Now let’s talk about the dragons, because they deserve it.
Lorelana becomes determined to train as a dragon rider, despite Aelen being firmly against it. Naturally, she finds a way anyway. The dragon dynamics were one of my favorite parts of the book, especially her bond with Mourn. That connection felt emotional, powerful, and meaningful — not just a cool fantasy add-on.
The stakes stay high throughout. The fate of the kingdom and its people are always present, and Lorelana ultimately becomes central to what could save the world. As she and Aelen work together to break the pact and confront the forces that overtook her homeland, the story leans into strategy, sacrifice, and survival rather than easy victories.
Overall, this is a solid dark romantasy with:
•Enemies to lovers tension that actually earns the payoff
•Strong dragon dynamics
•High stakes that don’t disappear halfway through
•A FMC who refuses to be passive
If you like slow burn romantasy with dragons, attitude, and meaningful consequences, this one is worth picking up.
Update!
ARC REVIEW
This book opens in chaos — a kingdom in turmoil, devastation everywhere, and a ruling power that has clearly done real damage. From the start, the stakes feel heavy, and the worldbuilding does its job without drowning you in unnecessary detail.
The FMC, Lorelana, comes from a noble family and is immediately thrust into the consequences of her father’s rule. Early on, she crosses paths with Aelen, and that meeting sets off everything that follows. When Lorelana is facing execution, she makes a desperate pact to survive — one that keeps her alive but slowly drains her life day by day until she fulfills her end of the bargain.
So yes, there’s a ticking clock. And it matters.
The dynamic between Lorelana and Aelen is thorny in the best way. She is stubborn, independent, and very much not interested in being told what to do — even when it’s obvious he’s trying to protect her. He’s guarded, experienced, and deeply frustrated by her refusal to listen. Their tension is sharp, sarcastic, and intentional. This is enemies to lovers with real friction, not performative bickering.
And honestly? The complaints I’ve seen about her “not listening” miss the point. That is the point. Lorelana isn’t meant to be compliant. She’s meant to have agency, even when it’s dangerous.
The slow burn takes its time, which makes the payoff feel earned. When the spice finally hits, it works — not because it’s constant, but because it arrives at the right moment.
Now let’s talk about the dragons, because they deserve it.
Lorelana becomes determined to train as a dragon rider, despite Aelen being firmly against it. Naturally, she finds a way anyway. The dragon dynamics were one of my favorite parts of the book, especially her bond with Mourn. That connection felt emotional, powerful, and meaningful — not just a cool fantasy add-on.
The stakes stay high throughout. The fate of the kingdom and its people are always present, and Lorelana ultimately becomes central to what could save the world. As she and Aelen work together to break the pact and confront the forces that overtook her homeland, the story leans into strategy, sacrifice, and survival rather than easy victories.
Overall, this is a solid dark romantasy with:
•Enemies to lovers tension that actually earns the payoff
•Strong dragon dynamics
•High stakes that don’t disappear halfway through
•A FMC who refuses to be passive
If you like slow burn romantasy with dragons, attitude, and meaningful consequences, this one is worth picking up.
January 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Morgona Aliss for an ARC of Bitter King, Vicious Wings.
The dedication page opens with one of my favorite quotes from Wuthering Heights, which immediately foreshadows how tragic and heart-wrenching this story will be.
This is a dark gothic fantasy, with strong horror elements and a lot of vicious, vividly described violence. The story follows Lorelana, a princess who has chosen not to take the throne despite it being her birthright. Instead, she attends the coronation of her younger brother. It quickly becomes clear that something is deeply wrong with both the world they live in and the power held by the king. Events spiral rapidly, and Lorelana makes a desperate pact with a monster to save herself which requires her to kill her father. When things go horribly wrong, she ends up in enemy territory and under the care of one of her kingdom’s enemies.
While the plot itself was intriguing, I struggled to fully get into the story. The romance felt very insta-love, and I didn’t personally feel the chemistry between the characters. The world-building was minimal, and around the halfway point there were numerous twists that should have been impactful but ultimately fell flat because it was hard to fully understand what was happening. There was also a dragon element that had a lot of potential but wasn’t developed enough, which made it feel less significant than it could have been.
Single POV x Enemies to Lovers x He Falls First x Dragon Riders x Touch Her and Die
The dedication page opens with one of my favorite quotes from Wuthering Heights, which immediately foreshadows how tragic and heart-wrenching this story will be.
This is a dark gothic fantasy, with strong horror elements and a lot of vicious, vividly described violence. The story follows Lorelana, a princess who has chosen not to take the throne despite it being her birthright. Instead, she attends the coronation of her younger brother. It quickly becomes clear that something is deeply wrong with both the world they live in and the power held by the king. Events spiral rapidly, and Lorelana makes a desperate pact with a monster to save herself which requires her to kill her father. When things go horribly wrong, she ends up in enemy territory and under the care of one of her kingdom’s enemies.
While the plot itself was intriguing, I struggled to fully get into the story. The romance felt very insta-love, and I didn’t personally feel the chemistry between the characters. The world-building was minimal, and around the halfway point there were numerous twists that should have been impactful but ultimately fell flat because it was hard to fully understand what was happening. There was also a dragon element that had a lot of potential but wasn’t developed enough, which made it feel less significant than it could have been.
Single POV x Enemies to Lovers x He Falls First x Dragon Riders x Touch Her and Die
January 11, 2026
Let me start by saying this: I have to stop starting fantasy books at night. Picked this up at 10pm, blinked, and suddenly it was way past my bedtime because I could not stop.
I officially label this book: “rocky start with a blast-by-the-end payoff.” And yes—stick with it, because it’s absolutely worth it.
Our main character, Lorelana, is a sassy, bratty, absolutely-does-not-follow-orders princess, and honestly? I loved that for her. She has fears, flaws, and zero interest in playing the obedient royal. Her brother takes her throne (don’t panic—she hands it over willingly), and that choice kicks off the absolute chaos that follows.
Enter the pact.
A mysterious spirit.
One impossible task: kill her father.
But… how exactly does one do that?
That’s when we meet Aelendir—grumpy, dangerous, possibly-fae (yes, pointed ears), painfully beautiful, and very much the type Lorelana is definitely not admitting she’s crushing on. Their dynamic? Tense, sharp, and deliciously slow-burn.
And just when you think you know where this story is going—boom.
The world expands.
The stakes skyrocket.
And yes… there are dragons
By the end, I was fully invested, emotionally attached, and already itching for more. What started as a slow build turned into an explosive, adventurous fantasy that absolutely delivered.
A wonderful read, well worth the time, and a strong payoff if you hang in there.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this one!
I officially label this book: “rocky start with a blast-by-the-end payoff.” And yes—stick with it, because it’s absolutely worth it.
Our main character, Lorelana, is a sassy, bratty, absolutely-does-not-follow-orders princess, and honestly? I loved that for her. She has fears, flaws, and zero interest in playing the obedient royal. Her brother takes her throne (don’t panic—she hands it over willingly), and that choice kicks off the absolute chaos that follows.
Enter the pact.
A mysterious spirit.
One impossible task: kill her father.
But… how exactly does one do that?
That’s when we meet Aelendir—grumpy, dangerous, possibly-fae (yes, pointed ears), painfully beautiful, and very much the type Lorelana is definitely not admitting she’s crushing on. Their dynamic? Tense, sharp, and deliciously slow-burn.
And just when you think you know where this story is going—boom.
The world expands.
The stakes skyrocket.
And yes… there are dragons
By the end, I was fully invested, emotionally attached, and already itching for more. What started as a slow build turned into an explosive, adventurous fantasy that absolutely delivered.
A wonderful read, well worth the time, and a strong payoff if you hang in there.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this one!
January 24, 2026
I didn’t like it. I pushed through for the sake of the review and because I don’t believe in DNFing an ARC. With that said:
I was very excited to have an FMC who wasn’t basically a child. However, at 28 years of age, our FMC Lorelana was very childish and rude and uncouth. Things that are unexpected for a grown woman who was raised in a royal household. Not to say the expectation is for her to act prim and proper all the time, but it doesn’t seem like she knows how at all. In addition, she has no self awareness or survival instinct. She doesn’t listen to anyone and put herself in dangerous situation numerous times. I think the vibe was supposed to be a strong willed FMC but what we got was a brat.
Our MMC was rude and abrasive, and he basically kidnaps our FMC because she isn’t allowed to leave.
The ability to connect to the characters was absent, the magic systems was hard to understand, the writing was choppy, and overall the bones were there but it lacked any sort of meat.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was very excited to have an FMC who wasn’t basically a child. However, at 28 years of age, our FMC Lorelana was very childish and rude and uncouth. Things that are unexpected for a grown woman who was raised in a royal household. Not to say the expectation is for her to act prim and proper all the time, but it doesn’t seem like she knows how at all. In addition, she has no self awareness or survival instinct. She doesn’t listen to anyone and put herself in dangerous situation numerous times. I think the vibe was supposed to be a strong willed FMC but what we got was a brat.
Our MMC was rude and abrasive, and he basically kidnaps our FMC because she isn’t allowed to leave.
The ability to connect to the characters was absent, the magic systems was hard to understand, the writing was choppy, and overall the bones were there but it lacked any sort of meat.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read their work. I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 1, 2026
Bitter King, Vicious Wings is a standalone dark romantasy filled with intrigue, dragons, rune magic, and a land slowly being swallowed by ice. The premise really hooked me. . .imagine believing one thing about your entire life, only to have it proven absolutely and horrifyingly wrong. That sense of unraveling truth added great tension and momentum to the story. I loved how the magic system and looming environmental threat were woven into the plot. The atmosphere felt dark, cold, and dangerous in all the right ways.
I did have some mixed feelings about the FMC. At times, she felt strong, capable, and driven by a genuine desire to do the right thing, which I really appreciated. Other times, though, she seemed to get in her own way in ways that felt a bit inconsistent with her characterization. That inconsistency pulled me out of the story occasionally, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying her overall arc or rooting for her.
Despite those moments, this was an engaging, immersive read with a compelling premise and strong dark romantasy vibes. If you’re looking for a standalone with dragons, magic, and moral tension, this one is definitely worth checking out.
I did have some mixed feelings about the FMC. At times, she felt strong, capable, and driven by a genuine desire to do the right thing, which I really appreciated. Other times, though, she seemed to get in her own way in ways that felt a bit inconsistent with her characterization. That inconsistency pulled me out of the story occasionally, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying her overall arc or rooting for her.
Despite those moments, this was an engaging, immersive read with a compelling premise and strong dark romantasy vibes. If you’re looking for a standalone with dragons, magic, and moral tension, this one is definitely worth checking out.
January 13, 2026
4.5 stars! How far would you go for a loved one? How far would you go to avenge what was taken from them? These questions stayed with me throughout this book.
I absolutely loved it. The story was action-packed, with vivid, sometimes gory scenes that had my heart racing and my pulse pounding—and I loved every second of it. I couldn’t help but feel deeply for the FMC. She endured immense heartache and relentless misfortune, yet she remained fierce, driven, and unwavering in her pursuit of her purpose.
This book was incredible, and I already know I need to read more from this author as soon as possible.
I absolutely loved it. The story was action-packed, with vivid, sometimes gory scenes that had my heart racing and my pulse pounding—and I loved every second of it. I couldn’t help but feel deeply for the FMC. She endured immense heartache and relentless misfortune, yet she remained fierce, driven, and unwavering in her pursuit of her purpose.
This book was incredible, and I already know I need to read more from this author as soon as possible.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Release Date: January 27, 2026
WOW!!! I can't explain how much i loved this book. Bitter King Vicious Wings will keep you on your toes from page one. Thank you to Morgana Alissa and her team for letting me be a part of the ARC team.
Lorelana (FMC) is a strong willed princess who makes a bargain with a "demon" to save her life. Lorelana escapes with her life to be faced with other obstacles that threaten her survival. She is saved by Aelen (MMC) who is a dragon trainer. She wants Aelen to teach her to ride a dragon but it's not that simple for either of them.
The world that Morgana has created will stay with you long after you finished the book. Lorelana and Aelen have been written beautifully. i just love their chemistry, banter, and everything in between. They have so many highs and lows that you just love them more.
Release Date: January 27, 2026
WOW!!! I can't explain how much i loved this book. Bitter King Vicious Wings will keep you on your toes from page one. Thank you to Morgana Alissa and her team for letting me be a part of the ARC team.
Lorelana (FMC) is a strong willed princess who makes a bargain with a "demon" to save her life. Lorelana escapes with her life to be faced with other obstacles that threaten her survival. She is saved by Aelen (MMC) who is a dragon trainer. She wants Aelen to teach her to ride a dragon but it's not that simple for either of them.
The world that Morgana has created will stay with you long after you finished the book. Lorelana and Aelen have been written beautifully. i just love their chemistry, banter, and everything in between. They have so many highs and lows that you just love them more.
December 16, 2025
✨✨ARC REVIEW✨✨
I wasn’t joking when I said I was going to drop everything and start this book when I got it. I paused reading a book at 80% finished to start this one 😅
The FMC Lorelana has such a smart mouth that gets her in trouble at times. In this story we witness her going from a shielded princess to knowing what horrors are happening in the real world and finding out how she can put an end to it all! The MMC is an asshole but in the best way possible and says some knee weakening things 😩🤌
The banter between these characters is such a fun time! This is a slow burn romance that is soooo worth it! I have 120+ highlights in this book several of them are moments between the MCs and I want to create a post of my favorite quotes between the two but I’m going to save that for closer to release day!
There is also DRAGONS, and dragon riders! The way the dragons communicate with their riders is unlike anything I’ve seen in a fantasy book and you’ll have to read it to see what I’m talking about 🤪
The plot twists in this book and realizations had me screaming!!! I’m talking like in the authors DMS spiraling in all caps screeching at her 🤣
If you are looking for a dark Romantasy with twisted dangerous love, forced proximity and true enemies to lovers you are going to want to read Bitter Kings Vicious Wings! This book is coming out January 27, 2026 and this will not be the last time you see me talking about it!
I wasn’t joking when I said I was going to drop everything and start this book when I got it. I paused reading a book at 80% finished to start this one 😅
The FMC Lorelana has such a smart mouth that gets her in trouble at times. In this story we witness her going from a shielded princess to knowing what horrors are happening in the real world and finding out how she can put an end to it all! The MMC is an asshole but in the best way possible and says some knee weakening things 😩🤌
The banter between these characters is such a fun time! This is a slow burn romance that is soooo worth it! I have 120+ highlights in this book several of them are moments between the MCs and I want to create a post of my favorite quotes between the two but I’m going to save that for closer to release day!
There is also DRAGONS, and dragon riders! The way the dragons communicate with their riders is unlike anything I’ve seen in a fantasy book and you’ll have to read it to see what I’m talking about 🤪
The plot twists in this book and realizations had me screaming!!! I’m talking like in the authors DMS spiraling in all caps screeching at her 🤣
If you are looking for a dark Romantasy with twisted dangerous love, forced proximity and true enemies to lovers you are going to want to read Bitter Kings Vicious Wings! This book is coming out January 27, 2026 and this will not be the last time you see me talking about it!
January 24, 2026
✨Arc Review✨
DNF’d at 25%
I truly felt that this book had some great potential. The beginning had my really entranced with its unique start to the book. You’re immediately thrown into the conflict and danger the FMC seems to face regularly. But from there I began struggling with the lack of clarity and description.
On multiple occasions, characters were doing things that came out of no where. There was no explaining, they just suddenly were? In addition, random places and things would be mentioned and it felt like I was going crazy having to keep going back and rereading to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.
Looking past those various issues, I was finding myself enjoying the overall premise of what the author was going for. A FMC hellbent on not taking the throne and selfishly forcing her brother to do it. It was a take I hadn’t read before and I was enjoying the emotional conflict that was had.
I really had to DNF it when the pace just vanished. As soon as you get past the first five chapters, you’re stuck in a place where you just don’t see yourself being able to keep going. The MMC is both an ass and somehow caring for the FMC? Which you would normally think is like “that could be good”, but in this case he truly just seemed to hate her. The FMC also hates the MMC but yet we keep having her having this “I’m attracted and how dare he be seeing anyone” thoughts while also hating him? Just was not a romance brewing in my opinion.
The story itself holds promise, I just unfortunately found this to not to be for me.
DNF’d at 25%
I truly felt that this book had some great potential. The beginning had my really entranced with its unique start to the book. You’re immediately thrown into the conflict and danger the FMC seems to face regularly. But from there I began struggling with the lack of clarity and description.
On multiple occasions, characters were doing things that came out of no where. There was no explaining, they just suddenly were? In addition, random places and things would be mentioned and it felt like I was going crazy having to keep going back and rereading to make sure I wasn’t missing anything.
Looking past those various issues, I was finding myself enjoying the overall premise of what the author was going for. A FMC hellbent on not taking the throne and selfishly forcing her brother to do it. It was a take I hadn’t read before and I was enjoying the emotional conflict that was had.
I really had to DNF it when the pace just vanished. As soon as you get past the first five chapters, you’re stuck in a place where you just don’t see yourself being able to keep going. The MMC is both an ass and somehow caring for the FMC? Which you would normally think is like “that could be good”, but in this case he truly just seemed to hate her. The FMC also hates the MMC but yet we keep having her having this “I’m attracted and how dare he be seeing anyone” thoughts while also hating him? Just was not a romance brewing in my opinion.
The story itself holds promise, I just unfortunately found this to not to be for me.
January 20, 2026
ARC read
What drew me to this was it being a stand alone and having dragons but I had a really hard time understanding or keeping up with what was going on.
I think that in theory this storyline is very good and has potential but in the middle of reading I would find myself wondering how did I get here and what happened that got me here. It was just very hard for me to become immersed in the reading. I felt like it went in circles and I didn’t grasp what was happening. That could be a me problem and not a book problem though.
What drew me to this was it being a stand alone and having dragons but I had a really hard time understanding or keeping up with what was going on.
I think that in theory this storyline is very good and has potential but in the middle of reading I would find myself wondering how did I get here and what happened that got me here. It was just very hard for me to become immersed in the reading. I felt like it went in circles and I didn’t grasp what was happening. That could be a me problem and not a book problem though.
January 31, 2026
Read chapter one, and you wont wanna put it down! Brutal, vicious and down right gruesome at times. A true "Dark" Romantasy.
Dark magic has threatened and taken from the lands and its residences for centuries, until the voice of a princess calls to a demon that will change her fate but it comes with a price. Princess Lorenana, as she comes to find her own powers, has other plans and her irritating back stabbing ignorant ways just may be what the realm needs to save them all.
Check your trigger warnings!
Found magic, dragons, grief, forced proximity, shadow daddy, secret identity.
Dark magic has threatened and taken from the lands and its residences for centuries, until the voice of a princess calls to a demon that will change her fate but it comes with a price. Princess Lorenana, as she comes to find her own powers, has other plans and her irritating back stabbing ignorant ways just may be what the realm needs to save them all.
Check your trigger warnings!
Found magic, dragons, grief, forced proximity, shadow daddy, secret identity.
February 4, 2026
I will say writing a standalone fantasy novel is not easy. Major props for it being done and decently well. I didnt feel like anything in the world building or plot was lacking. For me, what was lacking, was the characters themselves. I found Loralena extremely rude and abrasive to the MMC and others who didnt do anything to her. Its one thing to be nasty to those who deserve it but she didnt care who she spit at. With that, I didnt feel there was sufficient time and development for Loralena and Maelindir to actually fall in love and be a couple. Not a fan but there were great moments
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review ✨
This book was an adventure in the best way!
The plot was so well written but also unpredictable! Every time I thought I had it figured out, turns out I was wrong!
Lorelana is such a strong and opinionated person that often speaks before thinking, which gets her into trouble more often than not. She quite quickly goes from a sheltered and spoiled princess to a fighter experiencing the harsh reality’s of her world.
Aelen is an asshole, to put it lightly. He is rude and mean with his words, but the complete opposite with his actions.
They truly hate each other, or so they think 🤔 until the line between love and hate blurs.
Together they face the evil of their world and have to confess some truths in order to move on.
Oh, did I mention it has dragons? And a unique way of bonding them? Something I’ve never seen done before but done so beautifully!
I absolutely loved this book, it had me scared of finding out what was happening next and I was on the edge of my seat!
If you love stories about gods, love and hate, a classic “who did this to you” and DRAGONS, then this is the book for you!
I would like to thank Morgona Aliss and her team for choosing me for the Advanced Copy of this book! I will forever be grateful 🙏
This book was an adventure in the best way!
The plot was so well written but also unpredictable! Every time I thought I had it figured out, turns out I was wrong!
Lorelana is such a strong and opinionated person that often speaks before thinking, which gets her into trouble more often than not. She quite quickly goes from a sheltered and spoiled princess to a fighter experiencing the harsh reality’s of her world.
Aelen is an asshole, to put it lightly. He is rude and mean with his words, but the complete opposite with his actions.
They truly hate each other, or so they think 🤔 until the line between love and hate blurs.
Together they face the evil of their world and have to confess some truths in order to move on.
Oh, did I mention it has dragons? And a unique way of bonding them? Something I’ve never seen done before but done so beautifully!
I absolutely loved this book, it had me scared of finding out what was happening next and I was on the edge of my seat!
If you love stories about gods, love and hate, a classic “who did this to you” and DRAGONS, then this is the book for you!
I would like to thank Morgona Aliss and her team for choosing me for the Advanced Copy of this book! I will forever be grateful 🙏
January 30, 2026
plot: 3/5 • spice: 1.5/5 ———-> This was absolutely not for me. I still think it was worth three stars, but I am being generous. The FMC was the most obnoxious and sheltered person. Our MMC, the little liar that he was, well, he was okay.
This was just an uphill battle to become interesting. I kept saying “the next chapter will be better”, and by that point we were already @ the ends.
I didn’t even bother with the epilogue.
This was just an uphill battle to become interesting. I kept saying “the next chapter will be better”, and by that point we were already @ the ends.
I didn’t even bother with the epilogue.
January 12, 2026
It’s hard to find a standalone Romantacy book so this definitely has that going for it.
The start of the book is a little rough but i found once I got towards the 20% mark I was invested in the plot and the characters were growing on me.
Read if you like dragon related fantasy books, snarky FMCs, no cliffhanger, HEA
The start of the book is a little rough but i found once I got towards the 20% mark I was invested in the plot and the characters were growing on me.
Read if you like dragon related fantasy books, snarky FMCs, no cliffhanger, HEA
March 19, 2026
I really did not enjoy this, I pushed through to finish because it was an arc but this book was really not for me. I didn’t feel the connection between the FMC and the MMC at all and the FMC was so argumentative and annoying.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
January 28, 2026
I absolutely loved this book it was beautifully written and the character development was done really well. I enjoyed every moment of this book.
January 10, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much and am so sad it’s not going to be a series and is just a standalone because I would love more of these characters and this world!
You follow the main character, a princess as she’s in the depths of her kingdom, rescuing a friend, when she is beaten by guards on the eve of her brother’s coronation. When the crown is placed on his head, and not all goes as planned, her father the king makes accusations she cannot overcome and locks them all in jail, sentenced to death. On deaths door she makes a binding promise to an unknown monster in the shadows to kill her father in exchange for her freedom. As she escapes she must learn to trust the man who helped free her and train to overpower her father before the time runs out on the deal she made.
This book mixed some of my favorite tropes all into one, with dragon riding and bonds, the loss of family and finding a new one in others, a unyielding FMC who will do anything for her people, and of course plenty of tension between her and the man she’s locked in a cabin with as she trains. I couldn’t put this book down and had to keep reading to find out what would happen next, especially near the end as both gut wrenching betrayals and secrets were unveiled amongst battles and a fighting of wills to overcome kept happening! Overall I really enjoyed this book and my rating 4.5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own
You follow the main character, a princess as she’s in the depths of her kingdom, rescuing a friend, when she is beaten by guards on the eve of her brother’s coronation. When the crown is placed on his head, and not all goes as planned, her father the king makes accusations she cannot overcome and locks them all in jail, sentenced to death. On deaths door she makes a binding promise to an unknown monster in the shadows to kill her father in exchange for her freedom. As she escapes she must learn to trust the man who helped free her and train to overpower her father before the time runs out on the deal she made.
This book mixed some of my favorite tropes all into one, with dragon riding and bonds, the loss of family and finding a new one in others, a unyielding FMC who will do anything for her people, and of course plenty of tension between her and the man she’s locked in a cabin with as she trains. I couldn’t put this book down and had to keep reading to find out what would happen next, especially near the end as both gut wrenching betrayals and secrets were unveiled amongst battles and a fighting of wills to overcome kept happening! Overall I really enjoyed this book and my rating 4.5/5!
Thanks to the author for the gifted copy, all opinions given are my own
February 20, 2026
ARC Review-
I really enjoyed Bitter King Vicious Wings. The banter and tension were *chef kiss*. The plot and world building was unique and entertaining. Morgona was not lying when she said the MMC was a real bastard because damn, did I want to punch him through my kindle... However, I loved watching his character develop. Lorelana had my heart and I felt so much for her character from page 1 to the end. The twists and turns of this story had me hooked and my jaw on the floor. I read the last half of the book in one sitting because I did not want to put my kindle down. AND the ending was fantastic, and I truly did not know what was gonna happen. Great work!
My last page thoughts for this book were “Oh my goddd.. I love them.”
I really enjoyed Bitter King Vicious Wings. The banter and tension were *chef kiss*. The plot and world building was unique and entertaining. Morgona was not lying when she said the MMC was a real bastard because damn, did I want to punch him through my kindle... However, I loved watching his character develop. Lorelana had my heart and I felt so much for her character from page 1 to the end. The twists and turns of this story had me hooked and my jaw on the floor. I read the last half of the book in one sitting because I did not want to put my kindle down. AND the ending was fantastic, and I truly did not know what was gonna happen. Great work!
My last page thoughts for this book were “Oh my goddd.. I love them.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
If your looking for your next standalone Romantacy fix this is it. Morgona came to play with this one. You have family drama(thats saying it light) enemies to lovers, the twists that tickle your spidy senses and leave you wanting more. The story has not only all that but a plot, one that will keep you from wanting to finish, because your once you do you're devastated at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bitter King, Vicious Wings by Morgona Aliss [ARC REVIEW]
★★★★☆
4/5 stars
Release date: January 27th, 2026
When the world is already frozen, is obsession a flame or just another sheet of ice?
IF YOU LIKE:
• Complex worldbuilding
• Apocalyptic stakes
• Angst and horror
• Determined FMC vs Obsessive MMC
• Delectable spice
• DRAGONS!!!
YOU’LL LOVE Bitter King, Vicious Wings
≪ The shadows shifted. Feeling and seeking, they clawed at the bricks. They trembled and swirled, moving in ways that shades should not. With trembling lips, I did the only thing I could. I sang. ≫
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Lorelana
→ She is SO. FASCINATING. A princess who gave up her own throne. A sister who loves her brother with every part of her heart—but not enough to protect him. A pawn in a game beyond herself who still insists on playing. She is so determined and yet so flawed; so haunted and yet so hopeful. Normally, when a character becomes more selfless over the course of a story, it’s because they grow; Lorelana collapses into altruism as she realizes that the world is not at all what she thought it was.
• Music as magic
→ Magic through song is an incredible concept. Lorelana finds magical strength by singing her pain into the world. It’s how she saves herself from execution, how she connects with her dragon, and how she manages to redeem herself for the selfishness of her past. Lorelana’s voice is her power and singing her story makes her formidable, and if that isn’t beautiful then I don’t know what is.
• The romance
→ The love story here isn’t sweet or redemptive; in fact, Aelen actively tries to make Lorelana WORSE—until he doesn’t. This is the story of two broken, selfish people who use each other over and over again, each of them clinging to what they can take from the other while not even realizing how much they’re giving in return. Aelen’s obsession overtakes all reason, undermines his goals, and makes him betray his own values for the chance to keep her. Lorelana’s determination to save herself leads her into a toxic cycle of desire and rejection, clinging to his comfort but pushing away his concern. Only when Aelen decides to let her go and Lorelana’s goals shift to saving the world are they able to connect properly, and it’s glorious.
• The slow reveal
→ The way the layers of worldbuilding are revealed piece by piece throughout the story is masterful. From the beginning, we know that something is rotten in Ilyatria—the public torture of a PRINCESS in Chapter 1 is more than enough proof of that—but Aliss doesn’t hold back. Each revelation is newly horrible; each time another layer of ice is shattered to reveal the corruption and agony beneath, it just gets worse. This world is already mid-apocalypse, and everyone has given up and surrendered to the cold.
≪ “You said you’re afraid of the dark. I gave you light. If you want something, all you need is to ask.” He exhaled, the warmth blooming along my cheeks. “Any. Other. Requests?” ≫
WISHLIST:
• A little more action throughout the middle section
→ This book begins at a SPRINT and doesn’t slow down until Lorelana finds herself in Aelen’s “care”. It’s a breath of fresh air to be able to sit in the cold and quiet for a time, but the back and forth between Lorelana and Aelen feels a little circular, and I would have liked a bit more description of Lorelana’s actual training.
≪ There were so many times I could’ve listened to my people’s plight and made this world a better place, but I chose wrong. I chose myself. I could wrap my mistakes in a thousand beautiful bows and glittering gold, but it wouldn’t undo what I’d caused. ≫
--
*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
★★★★☆
4/5 stars
Release date: January 27th, 2026
When the world is already frozen, is obsession a flame or just another sheet of ice?
IF YOU LIKE:
• Complex worldbuilding
• Apocalyptic stakes
• Angst and horror
• Determined FMC vs Obsessive MMC
• Delectable spice
• DRAGONS!!!
YOU’LL LOVE Bitter King, Vicious Wings
≪ The shadows shifted. Feeling and seeking, they clawed at the bricks. They trembled and swirled, moving in ways that shades should not. With trembling lips, I did the only thing I could. I sang. ≫
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Lorelana
→ She is SO. FASCINATING. A princess who gave up her own throne. A sister who loves her brother with every part of her heart—but not enough to protect him. A pawn in a game beyond herself who still insists on playing. She is so determined and yet so flawed; so haunted and yet so hopeful. Normally, when a character becomes more selfless over the course of a story, it’s because they grow; Lorelana collapses into altruism as she realizes that the world is not at all what she thought it was.
• Music as magic
→ Magic through song is an incredible concept. Lorelana finds magical strength by singing her pain into the world. It’s how she saves herself from execution, how she connects with her dragon, and how she manages to redeem herself for the selfishness of her past. Lorelana’s voice is her power and singing her story makes her formidable, and if that isn’t beautiful then I don’t know what is.
• The romance
→ The love story here isn’t sweet or redemptive; in fact, Aelen actively tries to make Lorelana WORSE—until he doesn’t. This is the story of two broken, selfish people who use each other over and over again, each of them clinging to what they can take from the other while not even realizing how much they’re giving in return. Aelen’s obsession overtakes all reason, undermines his goals, and makes him betray his own values for the chance to keep her. Lorelana’s determination to save herself leads her into a toxic cycle of desire and rejection, clinging to his comfort but pushing away his concern. Only when Aelen decides to let her go and Lorelana’s goals shift to saving the world are they able to connect properly, and it’s glorious.
• The slow reveal
→ The way the layers of worldbuilding are revealed piece by piece throughout the story is masterful. From the beginning, we know that something is rotten in Ilyatria—the public torture of a PRINCESS in Chapter 1 is more than enough proof of that—but Aliss doesn’t hold back. Each revelation is newly horrible; each time another layer of ice is shattered to reveal the corruption and agony beneath, it just gets worse. This world is already mid-apocalypse, and everyone has given up and surrendered to the cold.
≪ “You said you’re afraid of the dark. I gave you light. If you want something, all you need is to ask.” He exhaled, the warmth blooming along my cheeks. “Any. Other. Requests?” ≫
WISHLIST:
• A little more action throughout the middle section
→ This book begins at a SPRINT and doesn’t slow down until Lorelana finds herself in Aelen’s “care”. It’s a breath of fresh air to be able to sit in the cold and quiet for a time, but the back and forth between Lorelana and Aelen feels a little circular, and I would have liked a bit more description of Lorelana’s actual training.
≪ There were so many times I could’ve listened to my people’s plight and made this world a better place, but I chose wrong. I chose myself. I could wrap my mistakes in a thousand beautiful bows and glittering gold, but it wouldn’t undo what I’d caused. ≫
--
*I received an Advance Review Copy of this book from the author
January 30, 2026
(No mysterious man would come save
me from the dark. Even our fairy tales
didn't have happy endings. The maiden
was stabbed to death after being kissed
awake, and the beast came to lock
another in a cage.)
This was one of those books that kept me emotionally torn in the best and hardest way. At its strongest moments, I was completely immersed in a dark, vivid world shaped by cursed kings, dangerous pacts, and the slow ticking clock of a body literally rotting from the inside out. The premise alone pulled me in immediately. A condemned heroine who survives execution only by binding herself to forbidden magic, a kingdom steeped in twisted protection spells, and the impossible task of killing her own father to save herself. Add dragons, political tension, and an enemy alliance, and I was fully invested.
The worldbuilding is where this story truly shines. The magic feels heavy and consequential, the dragons powerful and dangerous rather than decorative, and the writing itself is undeniably strong. You can feel the care the author put into crafting Ilyatria and its brutal rules. There were scenes where the atmosphere was so rich and detailed that I could almost taste the ash and fear in the air. Those moments were incredible.
Lorelana, our FMC, was a difficult character for me personally. I found her frustrating and at times genuinely annoying, but not in a poorly written way. She felt painfully human. Flawed, reactive, stubborn, and emotionally messy. She pretends to be stronger and more composed than she is, and that realism made her feel real rather than idealized. While I did not connect with her or find many qualities I liked, I can absolutely appreciate that she was written with intention and depth rather than perfection. Readers who enjoy deeply flawed heroines may connect with her far more than I did.
Aelen, on the other hand, was a standout for me. The brooding dragon trainer with sharp words, hidden magic, and motives that are never quite clear. He was complex, restrained, and intriguing, and I genuinely enjoyed every scene he was in. His dynamic as both protector and obstacle added tension, and his obsession with keeping Lorelana alive, and close, was compelling even when it was unsettling.
Where the book struggled for me was in the pacing and emotional rhythm of the romance. The connection between Lorelana and Aelen felt hot and cold throughout the story. They would clash intensely, then suddenly align, only to repeat the cycle again. At times this repetition pulled me out of the narrative and made the tension feel less organic. I wanted more emotional build and consistency to really believe in their bond.
Despite these issues, I cannot say I disliked this book. I actually devoured it. I stayed invested, I cared about the outcome, and I wanted answers to the many questions the story raises. Some plot threads felt left open or underexplored, which left me wanting more clarity by the end, but not in a way that ruined the experience.
Overall, this is a solid and ambitious story with beautiful writing, rich worldbuilding, and a morally complex cast. While it did not fully land for me emotionally, I can clearly see the author’s talent and vision. This was a thoughtful, dark fantasy that I am glad I read.
me from the dark. Even our fairy tales
didn't have happy endings. The maiden
was stabbed to death after being kissed
awake, and the beast came to lock
another in a cage.)
This was one of those books that kept me emotionally torn in the best and hardest way. At its strongest moments, I was completely immersed in a dark, vivid world shaped by cursed kings, dangerous pacts, and the slow ticking clock of a body literally rotting from the inside out. The premise alone pulled me in immediately. A condemned heroine who survives execution only by binding herself to forbidden magic, a kingdom steeped in twisted protection spells, and the impossible task of killing her own father to save herself. Add dragons, political tension, and an enemy alliance, and I was fully invested.
The worldbuilding is where this story truly shines. The magic feels heavy and consequential, the dragons powerful and dangerous rather than decorative, and the writing itself is undeniably strong. You can feel the care the author put into crafting Ilyatria and its brutal rules. There were scenes where the atmosphere was so rich and detailed that I could almost taste the ash and fear in the air. Those moments were incredible.
Lorelana, our FMC, was a difficult character for me personally. I found her frustrating and at times genuinely annoying, but not in a poorly written way. She felt painfully human. Flawed, reactive, stubborn, and emotionally messy. She pretends to be stronger and more composed than she is, and that realism made her feel real rather than idealized. While I did not connect with her or find many qualities I liked, I can absolutely appreciate that she was written with intention and depth rather than perfection. Readers who enjoy deeply flawed heroines may connect with her far more than I did.
Aelen, on the other hand, was a standout for me. The brooding dragon trainer with sharp words, hidden magic, and motives that are never quite clear. He was complex, restrained, and intriguing, and I genuinely enjoyed every scene he was in. His dynamic as both protector and obstacle added tension, and his obsession with keeping Lorelana alive, and close, was compelling even when it was unsettling.
Where the book struggled for me was in the pacing and emotional rhythm of the romance. The connection between Lorelana and Aelen felt hot and cold throughout the story. They would clash intensely, then suddenly align, only to repeat the cycle again. At times this repetition pulled me out of the narrative and made the tension feel less organic. I wanted more emotional build and consistency to really believe in their bond.
Despite these issues, I cannot say I disliked this book. I actually devoured it. I stayed invested, I cared about the outcome, and I wanted answers to the many questions the story raises. Some plot threads felt left open or underexplored, which left me wanting more clarity by the end, but not in a way that ruined the experience.
Overall, this is a solid and ambitious story with beautiful writing, rich worldbuilding, and a morally complex cast. While it did not fully land for me emotionally, I can clearly see the author’s talent and vision. This was a thoughtful, dark fantasy that I am glad I read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much Morgona Aliss for sending me this ARC!
Bitter King, Vicious Wings is a standalone Dark Romantasy book and I really enjoyed it! It has many things I love in this genre and so many of my favorite tropes, I liked Lorelana and Aelen’s story.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in knowing little to enjoy it even more. The author created a truly fascinating world with a unique magic system, I enjoyed seeing how the magic worked and the plot was interesting, I predicted some of the twists but still couldn’t wait to see how it all would play out. The book started strong and it’s quite dark at times and while it did slow down after a while, it definitely did pick up in the second half and I couldn’t stop reading. Lorelana was really strong with everything she was going through in this book, she was also very impulsive and annoyed me at times, but she grew a lot. Aelen was the kind of MMC I love in romantasy books, morally grey and mysterious, I loved discovering his secrets and he had some great ‘touch her and die’ and ‘who did this to you’ scenes that had me swoon. He and Lorelana were an unlikely pair and had a true enemies to lovers relationship, they really hated each other and I enjoyed their fights and banter and liked seeing them open up and fall in love and what came after was even more interesting but I’m not going to spoil anything, you need to see it for yourself.
The things that stopped me from fully loving this book are the FMC and some of the romance. She was annoying through most of the book, she didn’t think before doing things and was supposed to be 28 years old but she behaved like a teenager, didn’t listen to anyone and did whatever she wanted which had consequences both for her and other people, she got better in the end but it was too late to make me like her. Also, I liked the romance and the enemies to lovers trope, but I didn’t really like the transition, she was rude and claiming to hate him and I couldn’t really see how he could have feelings for her and then suddenly they are kissing and declaring their love for each other, it felt like it came out of nowhere and while I liked the enemies part and then when they became lovers (and what came after but I’m not going to spoil it) I couldn’t really love them as a couple.
Despite that, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys dark romantasy genre, it’s an interesting story with an amazing morally grey MMC, dragons and spicy romance and I’m sure many people are going to love it.
Bitter King, Vicious Wings is a standalone Dark Romantasy book and I really enjoyed it! It has many things I love in this genre and so many of my favorite tropes, I liked Lorelana and Aelen’s story.
I’m not going to say much about the plot because I think it’s best to go in knowing little to enjoy it even more. The author created a truly fascinating world with a unique magic system, I enjoyed seeing how the magic worked and the plot was interesting, I predicted some of the twists but still couldn’t wait to see how it all would play out. The book started strong and it’s quite dark at times and while it did slow down after a while, it definitely did pick up in the second half and I couldn’t stop reading. Lorelana was really strong with everything she was going through in this book, she was also very impulsive and annoyed me at times, but she grew a lot. Aelen was the kind of MMC I love in romantasy books, morally grey and mysterious, I loved discovering his secrets and he had some great ‘touch her and die’ and ‘who did this to you’ scenes that had me swoon. He and Lorelana were an unlikely pair and had a true enemies to lovers relationship, they really hated each other and I enjoyed their fights and banter and liked seeing them open up and fall in love and what came after was even more interesting but I’m not going to spoil anything, you need to see it for yourself.
The things that stopped me from fully loving this book are the FMC and some of the romance. She was annoying through most of the book, she didn’t think before doing things and was supposed to be 28 years old but she behaved like a teenager, didn’t listen to anyone and did whatever she wanted which had consequences both for her and other people, she got better in the end but it was too late to make me like her. Also, I liked the romance and the enemies to lovers trope, but I didn’t really like the transition, she was rude and claiming to hate him and I couldn’t really see how he could have feelings for her and then suddenly they are kissing and declaring their love for each other, it felt like it came out of nowhere and while I liked the enemies part and then when they became lovers (and what came after but I’m not going to spoil it) I couldn’t really love them as a couple.
Despite that, I enjoyed this book and recommend it to everyone who enjoys dark romantasy genre, it’s an interesting story with an amazing morally grey MMC, dragons and spicy romance and I’m sure many people are going to love it.
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