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Perfidy and the Prize Daughter
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26The war has been lost, leaving the Kingdom of Friese in the hands of a vicious Trenican prince. Maksim Toresav’s newly-created corps of Skylords maintain his control over the kingdom, choking the life from the Friesian populace. Though Francie, Arturian, and Levick have escaped his clutches, not everyone was so fortunate.
Eliandre Yorke has yet again found herself a captive, only this time, her captor is far from honorable. Maksim presents Eliandre with a terrible ultimatum: she must pass his three tests and become his symbol of victory over Friese, or he will execute her cousin and torture her friends.
But the brutal tests chip away at Eliandre's sanity, and Maksim's obsession intensifies. With the fate of the kingdom on her shoulders, she faces her ultimate challenge: earning the trust of a monster without becoming one herself.
Eliandre Yorke has yet again found herself a captive, only this time, her captor is far from honorable. Maksim presents Eliandre with a terrible ultimatum: she must pass his three tests and become his symbol of victory over Friese, or he will execute her cousin and torture her friends.
But the brutal tests chip away at Eliandre's sanity, and Maksim's obsession intensifies. With the fate of the kingdom on her shoulders, she faces her ultimate challenge: earning the trust of a monster without becoming one herself.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 7, 2026
25 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 6, 2026
Content: some explicit language (not a ton, only a couple instances), lots of violence/some gruesome descriptions, torture (more of the mental variety), closed door/kissing only (but this book is NOT a romance)
Genre/Tropes: Dark Fantasy, kidnapped, tests/trials, emotional/mental manipulation, Companion to Skylord Teilogy (read books 1 and 2 first or you will be lost!!!)
My thoughts: Okay, I loved this book. Although the subject/plot is dark, it wasn’t too heavy for me personally (but I know others who it felt much heavier for). I guess I had enough hope in how I thought the book would end (and I was right!) that it didn’t ever feel too heavy as I was reading it. The villain, Maksim, you meet in book 2 (The Prince of Death and Darkness) and he is perfectly horrible and evil. Just thinking about him gives me the ick factor. I feel like his character and motivations were soooo well done.
And poor Eliandre. 😭 Everything she has to go through in this book tears her apart bit by bit. I completely agree with her decisions and reasoning, though as I’m not the one being tortured I’m not torn up about it. I think she did what she had to do and no one (read: Levick) is going to think *any* less of her.
I don’t think this book is going to be for everyone, and Kelly includes more content warnings at the start to help you determine as the reader if the book might be too much. Feel free to message if you want any specifics!
Genre/Tropes: Dark Fantasy, kidnapped, tests/trials, emotional/mental manipulation, Companion to Skylord Teilogy (read books 1 and 2 first or you will be lost!!!)
My thoughts: Okay, I loved this book. Although the subject/plot is dark, it wasn’t too heavy for me personally (but I know others who it felt much heavier for). I guess I had enough hope in how I thought the book would end (and I was right!) that it didn’t ever feel too heavy as I was reading it. The villain, Maksim, you meet in book 2 (The Prince of Death and Darkness) and he is perfectly horrible and evil. Just thinking about him gives me the ick factor. I feel like his character and motivations were soooo well done.
And poor Eliandre. 😭 Everything she has to go through in this book tears her apart bit by bit. I completely agree with her decisions and reasoning, though as I’m not the one being tortured I’m not torn up about it. I think she did what she had to do and no one (read: Levick) is going to think *any* less of her.
I don’t think this book is going to be for everyone, and Kelly includes more content warnings at the start to help you determine as the reader if the book might be too much. Feel free to message if you want any specifics!
February 23, 2026
5 Stars.
🩸 The vibes:
- Book 2.5 in trilogy
- Trials
- Sadistic villain
- Found family
- Prisoner
- Closed door (kisses only/ not a romance)
🩸 My thoughts:
I can’t say much since this is book 2.5 in a trilogy, so I’ll keep it vague and won’t even use names that might spoil books 1&2 in this trilogy. WOW! Kelly has done it yet again! This was such a fast-paced page turner.
🩸 I loved getting some backstory for E. Those little flash backs and memories were some of my favorite moments. The trauma that E went through was horrifying. I kept asking myself what I would do if I were in her position. 😵💫 While it certainly felt like she had no options as she desperately tried to cling to her humanity, her resiliency was both gut wrenching and inspiring.
🩸 The moments of found family were tragically lovely, and the ending was the perfect set up for the third book in the trilogy. I’ll just be here foaming at the mouth waiting for the conclusion of this incredible trilogy.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only / lots of innuendo in an abusive manner.) Check CW if you have concerns.
Release date: April 7, 2026.
Thank you so much to Kelly Farina for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
🩸 The vibes:
- Book 2.5 in trilogy
- Trials
- Sadistic villain
- Found family
- Prisoner
- Closed door (kisses only/ not a romance)
🩸 My thoughts:
I can’t say much since this is book 2.5 in a trilogy, so I’ll keep it vague and won’t even use names that might spoil books 1&2 in this trilogy. WOW! Kelly has done it yet again! This was such a fast-paced page turner.
🩸 I loved getting some backstory for E. Those little flash backs and memories were some of my favorite moments. The trauma that E went through was horrifying. I kept asking myself what I would do if I were in her position. 😵💫 While it certainly felt like she had no options as she desperately tried to cling to her humanity, her resiliency was both gut wrenching and inspiring.
🩸 The moments of found family were tragically lovely, and the ending was the perfect set up for the third book in the trilogy. I’ll just be here foaming at the mouth waiting for the conclusion of this incredible trilogy.
Note / spice content: closed door (kisses only / lots of innuendo in an abusive manner.) Check CW if you have concerns.
Release date: April 7, 2026.
Thank you so much to Kelly Farina for the gifted copy. I received this eARC from the author/publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.
February 10, 2026
Kelly does such a great job making each character so uniquely different with their own voices and true fears and emotions.
This book is dark, creepy, and so well written. The villain is truly villainous and isn’t shown as good in any way. Too often we’re given evil characters and made to like them or see their sadistic ways as alluring, but not with this one! He’s definitely a psycho.
I loved how Kelly also showed how the FMC slowly loses her mind and loses herself throughout the book due to the mental torture she’s put through. The character’s confusion between who she’s supposed to be and who she feels she’s becoming through the choices she’s forced to make was so real in the way the FMC thought and acted in the hardest circumstances.
If you love gothic, dark fantasy then you’ll enjoy this one! I read it within 3 days and couldn’t stop till I got to the end! Make sure you read the first two books first!
Content: death, torture (physical and psychological), gore, allusions to sexual assault, and animal death—from the author’s content warning page
This book is closed door but is intended for an adult audience.
Thank you, Kelly Farina, for my ARC copy!
This book is dark, creepy, and so well written. The villain is truly villainous and isn’t shown as good in any way. Too often we’re given evil characters and made to like them or see their sadistic ways as alluring, but not with this one! He’s definitely a psycho.
I loved how Kelly also showed how the FMC slowly loses her mind and loses herself throughout the book due to the mental torture she’s put through. The character’s confusion between who she’s supposed to be and who she feels she’s becoming through the choices she’s forced to make was so real in the way the FMC thought and acted in the hardest circumstances.
If you love gothic, dark fantasy then you’ll enjoy this one! I read it within 3 days and couldn’t stop till I got to the end! Make sure you read the first two books first!
Content: death, torture (physical and psychological), gore, allusions to sexual assault, and animal death—from the author’s content warning page
This book is closed door but is intended for an adult audience.
Thank you, Kelly Farina, for my ARC copy!
February 27, 2026
🥀Quotes🥀
“Sit,” he commanded, motioning to the step.
I hesitated, disliking the idea of sitting at his feet like a supplicating subject.
He noticed my pause and raised a brow.
“There’s only one chair up here, little gull. Sit on the step, unless you’d rather share with me.” He punctuated his last words with a suggestive twitch of the lips. I dropped down and sat on the stairs.
With a menacing growl, my guard leaned forward and said, “I will dig your eyes out of your skull if you look at her again.”
“Moister becomes you, little gull,”
“Don’t fret, you’re a good swimmer. Although this storm seems ravenous.” His eyes darkened, and he leaned closer. “Perhaps it will devour you before I will.”
“I hope you fly fast, little gull.”
“You’re a sadist,” I whispered. He slid an arm around my back and one behind my neck. “Only for you, my dear.”
“I’ll see you tonight.” He pressed a soft kiss against my knuckles, then leaned close to my ear. “In your nightmares.”
🥀My Thoughts🥀
🥀Listen Kelly Farina is a mastermind! This is her debut series as a fantasy author and each book in this series has blown my mind! She sucks you in from the very first page and has you stressed in the best way possible that keeps you turning the pages! And the twists there was one in here that had my jaw on the floor and I just sat there for a minute trying to process it. There were deaths that shocked me and made me realize she is not afraid to go there and I love it! Apparently no one is safe in her books!
🥀Now this is book 2.5 in her Skylord trilogy and the last book is coming out later this year and I’m gonna be so sad when this series is over. I’m already thinking and now what? What is next?
🥀I have to point out that although there are some romance things going on in here, this is not a romance! The way Kelly wrote our MMC Maksim whenever he is talking it makes your skin crawl and gives you chills! I usually love nicknames, and he calls her little gull and the way it gave me chills and not in a good way, but I somehow still loved it! Loved the nickname but hated him. Our MFC in here was out here showing how strong she really is! Kelly does a phenomenal job of writing strong FMCs!
🥀Overall I loved this little fantasy novel that has some horror elements and simply can’t wait for the last book in the series to see what twisted things Kelly does next!
🥀Thank you Kelly Farina for gifting me a copy to read. I received an eARC but my review is voluntary.
🥀Comes out April 7th, 2026
🥀Content🥀
No spice, mild language, animal death, people death, violence, some gore.
“Sit,” he commanded, motioning to the step.
I hesitated, disliking the idea of sitting at his feet like a supplicating subject.
He noticed my pause and raised a brow.
“There’s only one chair up here, little gull. Sit on the step, unless you’d rather share with me.” He punctuated his last words with a suggestive twitch of the lips. I dropped down and sat on the stairs.
With a menacing growl, my guard leaned forward and said, “I will dig your eyes out of your skull if you look at her again.”
“Moister becomes you, little gull,”
“Don’t fret, you’re a good swimmer. Although this storm seems ravenous.” His eyes darkened, and he leaned closer. “Perhaps it will devour you before I will.”
“I hope you fly fast, little gull.”
“You’re a sadist,” I whispered. He slid an arm around my back and one behind my neck. “Only for you, my dear.”
“I’ll see you tonight.” He pressed a soft kiss against my knuckles, then leaned close to my ear. “In your nightmares.”
🥀My Thoughts🥀
🥀Listen Kelly Farina is a mastermind! This is her debut series as a fantasy author and each book in this series has blown my mind! She sucks you in from the very first page and has you stressed in the best way possible that keeps you turning the pages! And the twists there was one in here that had my jaw on the floor and I just sat there for a minute trying to process it. There were deaths that shocked me and made me realize she is not afraid to go there and I love it! Apparently no one is safe in her books!
🥀Now this is book 2.5 in her Skylord trilogy and the last book is coming out later this year and I’m gonna be so sad when this series is over. I’m already thinking and now what? What is next?
🥀I have to point out that although there are some romance things going on in here, this is not a romance! The way Kelly wrote our MMC Maksim whenever he is talking it makes your skin crawl and gives you chills! I usually love nicknames, and he calls her little gull and the way it gave me chills and not in a good way, but I somehow still loved it! Loved the nickname but hated him. Our MFC in here was out here showing how strong she really is! Kelly does a phenomenal job of writing strong FMCs!
🥀Overall I loved this little fantasy novel that has some horror elements and simply can’t wait for the last book in the series to see what twisted things Kelly does next!
🥀Thank you Kelly Farina for gifting me a copy to read. I received an eARC but my review is voluntary.
🥀Comes out April 7th, 2026
🥀Content🥀
No spice, mild language, animal death, people death, violence, some gore.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my god.
Okay, for starters, every book I've read by Kelly Farina has had me completely enthralled, immersed, and STRESSED (in the best way possible) It's that rare feeling when you read a book and you just can't put it down. The moment you do, you're thinking about it, wondering what will happen next, and how in the world the characters will survive. Every book in the Skylord saga has had me pacing my house while I read, literally unable to sit still.
Perfidy is no different, and in this book, things dive much darker (it is a non-romance and the series is closed door!) The things poor Eliandre has to endure had me crying (actual tears) and seeing her shatter, but still try to hope for better, still try to be better than those who hurt her, it was so powerful.
Eliandre has been taken captive, and her life entirely changes. Going from getting to know her in book two, to reading her story while she's separated from those she cares about, it was harrowing. Sad. Horrifying at times, and if there was ever a book character I wish I could reach through the pages and hug, it's her. Reading the end, and watching her reach such a dark place to overcome... ugh, such an incredible character arc. And such an amazing character!
Maksim is a V I L L A I N. Like, a true villain and while he shifts at times, his values stay the same. His nature is the same. Buried beneath any false tenderness (or the swoony things he says THAT YOU SHOULD NOT TRUST!) This man... oh, if I could get my hands on him 😤🤺 that's all I should say there. But he is E V I L. Incredibly well done villain. Complex. Smart. Truly irredeemable.
This book is a must read (but you definitely need to read books one and two first!) It is dark and twisty. Filled with unraveling and so much pain. And I absolutely adored it. This is the kind of book I search for. One that makes you FEEL. I was left with my jaw slack and desperate to dive into book three!
10000/10 would recommend.
also, Lock is incredible and I love that creepy bird 🖤
Okay, for starters, every book I've read by Kelly Farina has had me completely enthralled, immersed, and STRESSED (in the best way possible) It's that rare feeling when you read a book and you just can't put it down. The moment you do, you're thinking about it, wondering what will happen next, and how in the world the characters will survive. Every book in the Skylord saga has had me pacing my house while I read, literally unable to sit still.
Perfidy is no different, and in this book, things dive much darker (it is a non-romance and the series is closed door!) The things poor Eliandre has to endure had me crying (actual tears) and seeing her shatter, but still try to hope for better, still try to be better than those who hurt her, it was so powerful.
Eliandre has been taken captive, and her life entirely changes. Going from getting to know her in book two, to reading her story while she's separated from those she cares about, it was harrowing. Sad. Horrifying at times, and if there was ever a book character I wish I could reach through the pages and hug, it's her. Reading the end, and watching her reach such a dark place to overcome... ugh, such an incredible character arc. And such an amazing character!
Maksim is a V I L L A I N. Like, a true villain and while he shifts at times, his values stay the same. His nature is the same. Buried beneath any false tenderness (or the swoony things he says THAT YOU SHOULD NOT TRUST!) This man... oh, if I could get my hands on him 😤🤺 that's all I should say there. But he is E V I L. Incredibly well done villain. Complex. Smart. Truly irredeemable.
This book is a must read (but you definitely need to read books one and two first!) It is dark and twisty. Filled with unraveling and so much pain. And I absolutely adored it. This is the kind of book I search for. One that makes you FEEL. I was left with my jaw slack and desperate to dive into book three!
10000/10 would recommend.
also, Lock is incredible and I love that creepy bird 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Vibes: 🍷💨🪦🩸👀💃🏼🪶🥀🌊
Wow wow wow YALL THIS IS THE BOOK WE NEEDED.
I’m completely awestruck by this book. This is by far Kelly’s most dark book, but I was eating it up. I felt like it fit the theme so well and told the story with even more depth showing how drastic Eliandre’s circumstances are.
The storyline, devastating.
The side characters, devastating.
The main characters, devastating.
The surprise animal companion, amazing.
The entire book made me feel like I was literally gasping for air. Every single chapter of this book had a purpose to drive this story forward and inevitably plunging it into such a dark place. But considering everything that has happened, I really felt like this book was a culminating piece that you were kind of feeling from the end of book 2. And I’m really happy that this piece of the puzzle was included.
This book definitely had me rooting for our morally grey character, it was definitely giving Kaine Ferron vibes and I am 100% here for it. Plus the way that this book ended made me hoping for a different ending… 🫣👀
I am literally at the edge of my seat, waiting for book 3.
Wow wow wow YALL THIS IS THE BOOK WE NEEDED.
I’m completely awestruck by this book. This is by far Kelly’s most dark book, but I was eating it up. I felt like it fit the theme so well and told the story with even more depth showing how drastic Eliandre’s circumstances are.
The storyline, devastating.
The side characters, devastating.
The main characters, devastating.
The surprise animal companion, amazing.
The entire book made me feel like I was literally gasping for air. Every single chapter of this book had a purpose to drive this story forward and inevitably plunging it into such a dark place. But considering everything that has happened, I really felt like this book was a culminating piece that you were kind of feeling from the end of book 2. And I’m really happy that this piece of the puzzle was included.
This book definitely had me rooting for our morally grey character, it was definitely giving Kaine Ferron vibes and I am 100% here for it. Plus the way that this book ended made me hoping for a different ending… 🫣👀
I am literally at the edge of my seat, waiting for book 3.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Let me just start off by saying I am SO grateful to Kelly Farina for being selected as an ARC reader for this book!
(Even though it emotionally destroyed me—still grateful)
Ah, to review this book without spoiling it. Where do I even begin?
This was a very well written novella. Following Eliandre as she navigates a PLETHORA of abuse and torture and hardship is so excruciatingly painful yet somehow satisfying to read…let me explain.
You see her get tortured, abused, manipulated and lied to constantly. You watch her mental state slowly deteriorate as she is continuously broken over and over. But she remains strong through it all. She has moments of weakness, but her resolve is absolute. She never wavers in her faith of her own ability. And when it finally comes down to it, goes into a very justified fit of feminine rage (iykyk)
Eliandre is a very inspiring character. I don’t think there is much else I can say without spoiling things, but I can say I’ll be waiting very impatiently for any and all updates on book 3!
(Even though it emotionally destroyed me—still grateful)
Ah, to review this book without spoiling it. Where do I even begin?
This was a very well written novella. Following Eliandre as she navigates a PLETHORA of abuse and torture and hardship is so excruciatingly painful yet somehow satisfying to read…let me explain.
You see her get tortured, abused, manipulated and lied to constantly. You watch her mental state slowly deteriorate as she is continuously broken over and over. But she remains strong through it all. She has moments of weakness, but her resolve is absolute. She never wavers in her faith of her own ability. And when it finally comes down to it, goes into a very justified fit of feminine rage (iykyk)
Eliandre is a very inspiring character. I don’t think there is much else I can say without spoiling things, but I can say I’ll be waiting very impatiently for any and all updates on book 3!
February 12, 2026
This villain made me uncomfortable… and that’s why it’s brilliant. 😈
This was my reaction to the last 10% of Perfidy & the Prize Daughter.
I don’t throw around the word sadistic lightly but this…
I was not rooting for the villain to get the girl in this book.
The twists and turns in here. Kelly Farina, masterful! I have never been so repulsed, so angered by a character than I was from Maksim. 😡
Let me be clear, this is not a romance. It’s a thriller, it’s a book on survival. A psychological read but as a mother, as a wife, as a female, you will relate to Eliandre.
This is book 2.5 in the Skylord Trilogy. You don’t technically have to read this before book 3 but I recommend the book. Check your triggers. Know what you’re walking into….but if you want a story that makes you feel something deep and uncomfortable…
This one earns its place.
This was my reaction to the last 10% of Perfidy & the Prize Daughter.
I don’t throw around the word sadistic lightly but this…
I was not rooting for the villain to get the girl in this book.
The twists and turns in here. Kelly Farina, masterful! I have never been so repulsed, so angered by a character than I was from Maksim. 😡
Let me be clear, this is not a romance. It’s a thriller, it’s a book on survival. A psychological read but as a mother, as a wife, as a female, you will relate to Eliandre.
This is book 2.5 in the Skylord Trilogy. You don’t technically have to read this before book 3 but I recommend the book. Check your triggers. Know what you’re walking into….but if you want a story that makes you feel something deep and uncomfortable…
This one earns its place.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I recently finished reading Perfidy and the Prize Daughter and omg! This companion novel is decidedly darker than the first two books in The Skylord Trilogy, but it kept me wanting to read just one more chapter.
Eliandre is put through a series of tests and trials that are straight up diabolical at times. Despite the mental torture, she shows true strength and defiance. The Eliandre that we met in book 1 is gone. Is she broken after this book? That’s for you to decide.
Maksim’s obsession was dark and all consuming. It was fascinating to see how warped and twisted his view of love was. He kept me on my toes.
My favorite lil side character in this book was Lock <3
I loved reading more about Eliandre’s backstory. Book 3 in the series can’t come soon enough! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next!
Eliandre is put through a series of tests and trials that are straight up diabolical at times. Despite the mental torture, she shows true strength and defiance. The Eliandre that we met in book 1 is gone. Is she broken after this book? That’s for you to decide.
Maksim’s obsession was dark and all consuming. It was fascinating to see how warped and twisted his view of love was. He kept me on my toes.
My favorite lil side character in this book was Lock <3
I loved reading more about Eliandre’s backstory. Book 3 in the series can’t come soon enough! I’m on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I Need Therapy!
💕This book is the definition of "a book that ended me"
💕Seriously what in the Roller-coaster was this? I have zero words except I loved every second of it.
💕Since this is book 2.5 of the trilogy, I cannot go into details but just know that nothing and no one is safe and that you are in for a crazy ride!
💕 Warnings: All of them, blood,death, high violence, death/murder on page, etc.
💕Spice: 2: lusty thoughts, desires, mentions of touches ( not explicit),making out.
💕Language:2: max 2 hands worth, not frequent, used during explosive emotional moments.
💕This book was given as an ARC, so first of thank you to the author Kelly for this opportunity. Second, all thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or more
💕This book is the definition of "a book that ended me"
💕Seriously what in the Roller-coaster was this? I have zero words except I loved every second of it.
💕Since this is book 2.5 of the trilogy, I cannot go into details but just know that nothing and no one is safe and that you are in for a crazy ride!
💕 Warnings: All of them, blood,death, high violence, death/murder on page, etc.
💕Spice: 2: lusty thoughts, desires, mentions of touches ( not explicit),making out.
💕Language:2: max 2 hands worth, not frequent, used during explosive emotional moments.
💕This book was given as an ARC, so first of thank you to the author Kelly for this opportunity. Second, all thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the author, publisher, or more
March 1, 2026
Brilliantly written!! This is not your typical romantasy with enemies to lovers. This book is an enemies stay enemies book with lots of hard and intense scenes. It is not for the faint of heart.
BUT it is amazingly written and will be the perfect connection between books 2 and 3. Do you need to read it to understand the trilogy? No, but it will give you a look at Eliandre's life and what happened to her when she was stolen by the enemy prince.
(Note: It contains violence, blood and gore, torture, attempted SA, and one use of the F word.)
BUT it is amazingly written and will be the perfect connection between books 2 and 3. Do you need to read it to understand the trilogy? No, but it will give you a look at Eliandre's life and what happened to her when she was stolen by the enemy prince.
(Note: It contains violence, blood and gore, torture, attempted SA, and one use of the F word.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was privileged to beta read this novel. Dark? Yes. Fascinating? Yes! Having such a different vibe in this book proves Kelly's skill as a writer. I'm looking forward to amazing things from her debut series' final act.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews