Every eight years, a secret society of the world s most powerful men gathers for an ancient ritual to reset time and summon the Child of Chaos. And tonight, you are the prey. Behind animal masks, they hunt you through The Maze a sprawling labyrinth where the line between lust and lunacy blurs. You’re a tribute offered to feed the depraved hunger of the eleven predators, until one of them claims you: to mark you, possess you, breed you. "Are you ready to play the wish game?"
Madeline's life is duct-taped together. With no money, no job, and an eviction notice tucked into her purse, she is desperate for a sign of hope. When Jackson, the man she s spent months pining for, invites her to a luxurious masquerade ball, she hopes for a fairy tale. But the old manor holds secrets darker than Madeline can imagine. Behind every mask hides a shadow, a lie, and the man who was never meant to have her... Ryan is a dangerous, morally gray stalker with a god complex and a big... ego. He doesn't just want Madeline; he claims she is his to possess, his destined vessel to be bred. One lapse in judgment. One night where masks hide primal urges, family rivalries, and ancient secrets. Now, the doors are locked. The Hunt has begun. And Madeline is the prey and the prize. But as a terrifying truth crashes into reality, she realizes the ritual is not what she thought it was. Caught in a game of dark desire, will she surrender to the predator who demands her soul or will she seize the power to rewrite her own destiny?
Masquerade: The Time Traveler & The God of Death is a Contemporary Gothic Romance filled with high-stakes tension, psychological twists, and a love that blurs the line between devotion and obsession.
Check Trigger Warnings. This story contains dark themes, explicit content, and situations that may be disturbing to some readers.
Thank you to Viviane Akhlun for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
When the Masks Fall, the Hunt Begins
There are books that pull you in with intrigue, and then there are stories that drag you straight into the center of a ritual you were never meant to witness. This one belongs firmly to the second category.
‘Masquerade’ unfolds like a fever dream wrapped in velvet and danger. A secret society, a twisted tradition, and a night where every mask hides a truth that cuts deeper than the darkness around it. The Maze is not just a setting but a living, breathing trap where desire and fear constantly shift places.
Madeline’s journey feels fragile and raw, shaped by desperation and hope that slowly curdles into something far more unsettling. The psychological tension builds in layers, especially as trust becomes a weapon and attraction turns into a form of control. Ryan stands at the center of that storm, magnetic and unsettling in equal measure, blurring the line between devotion and obsession until it becomes impossible to look away.
What makes this story gripping is not just the dark romance elements but the constant sense of instability. Nothing feels safe. Every revelation shifts the ground beneath the reader’s feet, pulling everything into a more disturbing light.
At times, the intensity edges into overwhelming territory, yet that is also part of its effect. It does not ask for comfort. It demands attention.
A haunting, seductive descent into power, obsession, and survival that lingers long after the final page.
forbidden love | secret society | soul mates | masked ritual | morally gray characters | obsession | primal play | hidden secrets | blood lust
Wow what a unique and enticing story. I devoured this book. I can’t wait to see what’s next, I didn’t expect the twist where the fmc remembers what’s going on. The cliffhanger leaving us wondering who her knight is, and what’s going to happen next, has put me into a spiral of questions, that I need answers to! The story was captivating and kept me hooked the whole time. I didn’t want to put this book down. The characters were strong and I’m sure they will only develop more as this story continues in feature books. I haven’t read many books similar to this, which is so refreshing. I’ve found that a lot of books these days seem to all follow the same formula, and they get boring. This was a unique and interesting story, that I’ll gladly continue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I absolutely devoured this read. I knew something was about to happen from her touching the sword and the way he reacted. But her remembering at the end was a plot twist I didnt see coming. The cliffhanger has me begging for more like who is her knight and what's gonna happen next. The characters had me grasped but that plot line devoured any ounce of putting the book down. I can't wait till book 2. Highly recommend! I got this via the author for free and this is my voluntary review.
Needless to say I could not put the book down! I was hooked to continue reading. I was “watching” the book unfold in my head and even though it was short and sweet but with so much 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️, I feel like I’m on a cliff hanger, begging for more.
I need to start by saying I was fully prepared to resist this man. I really was. “God of Death,” “monster who owns the storm,” all of it screamed danger and I was like yes, I will be strong.
I was not strong.
Also important note I mentally cast Ryan as a dark-haired, brooding menace… only to be personally victimized by the reveal that he’s BLONDE. I rejected that immediately and carried on with my superior version.
This book had me in a constant state of: “I should not like this” → “this is toxic” → “why am I obsessed” → “anyway I would absolutely go to his parties”
Because tell me why I’m willingly walking into the basement?? Why are there ELEVEN GODS?? Why am I not running?? The answer is simple: I have no self-preservation when it comes to morally grey men with storm powers.
The tension? Delicious. The chaos? Unhinged. My morals? Gone.
And that ending??? I just sat there like… that was wild. That was wrong. I will be thinking about this for days.
Do I recommend it? Yes. Will it ruin your sanity a little? Also yes. Will I continue the series? Unfortunately, absolutely.
Masquerade - The Time Traveller And The God Of Death is a dark, spicy novella perfect for whiling away a self care afternoon.
The story opens in a masquerade party in an opulent castle. The FMC (Madeline)'s voice felt a bit stilted and at times immature in the first couple of chapters, but is balanced out once we meet MMC Ryan. The strength of the writing has clearly turned a corner when we start getting lines like these (this is from Chapter 4): "But as the candlelight shivers across the canvas, the woman's painted eyes seem to pulse with a living heat, as if she is a memory I haven't lived yet, waiting for me to catch up to her across the centuries."
After a slow start in the first two chapters, the writing in the second half of the book improves to become phenomenal. The blend of action, dialogue and description is paired perfectly with Madeline's inner monologue. The reader is on the edge of their seat with the pacing and tension, and the writing literally took my breath away at times. Hours later I was still thinking about lines like: "I can't tell if I'm screaming or if the sound is just the wind howling through the maze's throat." And "He discards my body against the cold rock with a clinical indifference, as if I'm merely a biological key required to unlock his rotting door."
The two MCs end up being rich and complex, a surprising feat for a novella. Madeline's conflicting emotions towards Ryan are conveyed well, while we get hints of Ryan's unhinged nature from the first meeting. I loved the juxtaposition between his depravity and desire to protect Madeline, with the reveal at the end of the book. The commentary on Madeline's mental state when she was in the maze was executed to perfection.
The list of content warnings at the start of the book made me think that the story would be more spice-heavy than it ended up being, but when the spice does happen it is written deliciously. I was surprised by the depth of the plot and the worldbuilding which happened in the second half of the book. The system of the ritual and the eleven hunters is intriguing. We are clearly being set up to enter a much broader, high-stakes story and I'm so here for it. Thank goodness we will be seeing more of Madeline, Ryan and the remainder of the eleven, and the new character introduced at the end.
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to be an ARC reader. I received an early copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts. I will be SPRINTING to sign up as a beta reader for the next book after posting this review.
The dark romance and secret society vibes are what pulled me in and convinced me to sign up for this ARC, but what I actually stayed for was the mythology and that’s where this book completely hooked me.
Don't get me wrong, the romance was romancing, the spice was spice'n, the chemistry is intense, the tension is there, and the power dynamics are definitely doing their thing. But the real star of this book for me was the lore. There’s a strong, almost hypnotic quality to the world-building. Secret societies, ancient mythology, ritualistic symbolism, fractured truths, and the constant feeling that everyone knows something they're not telling you. It feels both sacred and corrupted at the same time. The atmosphere does a lot of heavy lifting here, and it absolutely delivers.
Ryan was a fascinating character, because I never felt like I fully understood him. He's magnetic, manipulative, terrifying, charismatic, and completely convinced of his own version of the truth. Every scene he appeared in carried this sense that he was operating three steps ahead of everyone else, which made him impossible to ignore. Rather than falling for him, I found myself constantly questioning him. Was he a villain, a believer, a puppet, a king, or something else entirely? The deeper the story went, the more complicated he became, and by the end I was left with more questions about him than answers, which, of course only made me more invested.
Madeline's journey was one of my favourite parts. Watching her go from being swept along by forces she doesn't understand to actively questioning everything she's been told gave the story a completely different energy in the second half.
That said, I did want more answers. The final chapters reframe so much that it leaves you sitting in the aftermath trying to piece together what is truth, what is manipulation, and what is myth. Which is compelling, but also frustrating when you’re desperate for clarity. That ending has left me hanging for more.
Overall, this is a story I didn’t just read... I decoded. And I’ll definitely be thinking about it long after finishing.
Perfect for readers who love: 🖤 dark, atmospheric mythology 🖤 secret societies and ritualistic lore 🖤 unreliable truths and shifting reality 🖤 morally grey power dynamics
Would I continue the series? Absolutely! I need to know what happens next.
The Time Traveler and The God of Death: Masquerade by Viviane Ahklun is one of those novellas that refuses to sit quietly in a single box. It’s part romantasy, part primal chase, part secret society thriller, part sibling rivalry, and part…well, ritualistic Satan-adjacent chaos. The only thing missing was a werewolf (I would’ve suggested a vampire, but… IYKYK).
For such a compact story, there is a lot happening — and honestly, I’m not mad about it.
The novella is set in England in 2026, yet the atmosphere feels ripped straight from the 1800s: candlelit halls, rigid social expectations, and a masquerade that’s giving more Bridgerton‑meets‑blood‑oath than modern day vibes. I kept having to remind myself this wasn’t historical fiction. And maybe that’s the point — the events feel so outlandish, so steeped in old‑world decadence that the modern setting becomes part of the illusion. It’s unsettling in the most delicious way.
Our FMC, Madeline, attends the masquerade with Jackson, the long‑time crush who treats her like a convenient distraction. She’s smart enough to hold her ground and walk away from his flirtations… only to meet Ryan, Jackson’s brother and our MMC. What follows is a whirlwind that may confuse readers new to romantasy, but the gist is: Madeline ends up in a maze, running for her life in a ritualized hunt. And of course she gets caught — where would the story go if she didn’t?
My only disappointment — if you can even call it that — is that I wanted more of Jackson after Madeline and Ryan’s initial encounter. More tension, more fallout, more brother‑against‑brother energy. Was Jackson part of the melee in the office? Was he angry? Jealous? Did he fight for Madeline’s honor? There was so much potential in that dynamic, and I’m hoping the next installment digs deeper into the brothers’ relationship and the consequences of that night.
There’s no HEA here, just a sharp cliffhanger and a heroine who refuses to go quietly. Madeline has a plan, and I’m excited to see where this story leads next.
I read it in one sitting because the writing was so easy to follow and the story was so captivating. At first, I thought it would be a simple little read about a cult, and that it would turn into a dark love story by the end... but that’s not what happened...
I mean, don’t get me wrong—a lot of things came to mind and were hard to swallow… (literally)Yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. And the ending proved exactly that...
It’s so interesting to read about how the female body is objectified and how today’s world revolves solely around impulses, pleasures, and power...
As for the men… well, let’s just say that my feminist self, was patting my chest, and acknowledged the FMC’s actions and thoughts.
I’d also like to say a huge thank you for the chance to share my thoughts on this story and for letting me read it before its release date.
It was also interesting to experience that while I was reading, I felt the air around me getting warmer, but also that something was seriously wrong with these men—just as Madeline thought…
The author’s brilliance is evident in how our feelings were able to merge with those of the protagonist, making him seem completely authentic, lovable, and likable from the very beginning.
💯Girls who love conspiracy theories should definitely read this because I think they’ll especially enjoy it… and for fans of dark romance and dark fantasy who want to explore a new, different world and are looking for a short story, this could be the perfect choice for you too
I completely understand the author’s choice regarding the length of the work, but because of this (it’s too fast-paced, and I couldn’t really delve into the characters—their backgrounds and motivations—I simply would have liked more of them), I’m only giving it 4 stars. I want to emphasize that, considering the length, the author did a wonderful job.
I definitely want to read the next book—I’m sooo curious to see how the story unfolds.❗️💕
This short novella mainly serves as an introduction to the characters and the world of the series. The main character is very easy to understand and relate to, nothing ever seems to go her way, whether it’s her job, her relationships, or simply the luck that never appears to be on her side.
When she meets a man who could either be her salvation or her downfall, the story begins to take shape. For a large part of the novella, I honestly felt like I was reading a story with a lot of spice and not much substance. There wasn’t much plot progression, and I was becoming somewhat skeptical about where the narrative was heading.
Fortunately, the ending completely changed my perspective. The twist transformed the way I viewed the story and opened the door to what I believe has a lot of potential as a series. My rating is heavily influenced by that ending and by how curious it left me about the upcoming books.
It’s worth noting that the novella explores some very heavy themes, so I would strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand. Topics such as questionable consent, the objectification of women, violence, and a deeply misogynistic society play a significant role in the story and may not be suitable for all readers.
Overall, I think this novella accomplished exactly what it set out to do: spark curiosity and leave the reader wanting more. In that regard, it was completely successful, because I’m genuinely eager to find out what happens next.
If you’re a fan of dark, gothic fantasy with secrets lurking around every corner, Time Traveler and The God of Death: Masquerade is one you’ll want on your radar. First things first—check those trigger warnings before diving in, because this novella doesn’t shy away from darker themes.
The stunning cover art and intriguing synopsis immediately pulled me in, but it was Viviane Ahklun’s writing that kept me hooked. The blend of gods, secret societies, and time travel creates a unique and captivating world that feels both mysterious and beautifully crafted. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another surprise my way, keeping me guessing until the very end.
For a novella, the characters and storyline feel remarkably well developed. There’s plenty of spice woven seamlessly into the plot, striking that perfect balance between romance and story progression that I always appreciate. As someone who loves books filled with mystery, darker elements, and immersive world-building, this one absolutely delivered.
Most importantly, this serves as a fantastic introduction to what promises to be a fascinating series. That ending left me with more questions than answers—in the best possible way—and I’m already eager to see where the story goes next.
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC 💙
The Time Traveler and the God of Death is a dark, atmospheric novella that immediately pulls you into its haunting, gothic world. The author's descriptive writing was one of my favorite aspects—it was vivid and made it easy to adapt to the mysterious masquerade setting, full of supernatural elements and mysticism. The spice was well-written, adding to the overall tension without overshadowing the story.
That said, I found myself wanting... more.
As a novella, I understand that not every question can be answered, especially if this serves as an introduction to a larger series. However, I often felt like the story was building toward something much bigger that never quite arrived. While that definitely made me curious about the next installment, it also left me with many unanswered questions. I would have loved a little more insight into the world: the magic, the rules of this universe, or the characters' backgrounds would have helped me become even more invested.
Despite my mixed feelings, I genuinely enjoyed the atmosphere, the writing style, and the intriguing premise. I'm definitely interested in picking up the next book to see where this story goes, and I'm hopeful that many of the questions raised here will be answered.
The Time Traveler and The God of Death: Masquerade is a secret society, masked hunt, dark romance featuring Madeline and Ryan. Be sure to read the trigger warnings before delving in.
Madeline is down on her luck. She has no job, no money, and received an eviction notice. But maybe there's Jackson, the man she's been wanting for awhile. When he invited her to attend a masquerade ball, she gladly accepted. The night doesn't turn out quite as she imagined. While wandering the halls of a mansion, she meets Ryan. The man puts her on edge; he's dangerous and possessive. While trying to retrace her steps back to Jackson, Madeline ends up falling into Ryan's trap. He seems absolutely mad and wants to claim her as a his vessel. Madeline can run, but she can't hide. She quickly finds herself as prey not just to Ryan, but to eleven predators as part of a ritual hunt. Will she be caught? You'll have to read it to find out.
Ahklun has teased us with a captivating dark tale. Readers are quickly pulled into the story and taken on quite the trip. This is a fast read that leaves readers wanting more. It's a good thing this is just the prequel as I'm keen to discover what comes next!
I received this novella from the author to read and review. My lovely email put the ARC in my spam and I did not see until 2 weeks later.
We first meet Madeline who is invited to a party with her "not" boyfriend. He grovels to her and begs for her to come back to him. Madeline or Lyn, cannot take this and wanders away to the bathroom, she then runs into a wall. . . the blonde God of Death, Ryan. Ryan has this Devil may care attitude and is a brat-tamer. . . watch out Lyn.
Ryan and Lyn are together in a room with a sword and then a picture that looks like Lyn. She feels compelled to touch the sword and then she does. . . then passes out. Ryan is the first person she sees when she wakes up and it's kismet.
Ryan has this touch her and die mentality and wants to protect her from the cult that Lyn walked into. Ryan toys with Lyn and marks her as his. Then comes the maze where she has to be hunted. However, she finds a willing participant who will swap with her to become Ryan's goddess. Her plan backfires and then she is hunted by 10 masked men (your fantasy, right?).
There was a new kink that I have not heard of "hoisting", very creative.
The ending was a bit confusing, but it's a novella before the big novel. I am sure it will make more sense when the next one comes out.
I am grateful to have received an ARC copy of Masquerade from the author in exchange for an honest review.
After reading the line, “I love to teach a brat how to behave,” I was hooked. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
With its secret society, ancient rituals, opulence, and darkness, this story is captivating from the start. There is an underlying sense of danger throughout that kept me turning the pages.
Madeline is a compelling character who feels lost and confused, often being pushed along by forces beyond her control. Watching her navigate this world made me eager to see what would happen next.
Ryan is both light and dark—a fascinating mix of protector and instigator. He seems determined to help Madeline avoid some pain and challenges, yet at times appears to take pleasure in watching her stumble. His magnetism is impossible to ignore.
Although this story is relatively short, it is intense and engaging. It ended long before I was ready for it to, and I am already looking forward to reading the second book.
As an ARC reader, I was completely captivated by Masquerade: The Time Traveler & The God of Death from the very first chapter.
This book is dark, intense, hauntingly beautiful! The blend of secret societies, obsession, fate, and supernatural elements created a story that kept me glued to the pages and constantly wanting more.
The atmosphere is rich and immersive, with twists that kept me guessing and characters that were impossible to forget. The tension, mystery, and scorching chemistry were perfectly balanced, making every chapter feel addictive.
Viviane Ahklun has created a unique and unforgettable world that left me thinking about the story long after I finished.
I loved this book so much that I've already signed up for Book 2, The Time Traveler & The Knight, and I cannot wait to dive back into this series.
If you enjoy dark romance with morally gray characters, secret societies, and a touch of madness, this is a must-read.
I went into this ARC with a good understanding of the advertised tropes and a general idea of what to expect. While it wasn't a bad read by any means, I did find myself a little disappointed because it didn't quite deliver what I had anticipated.
The story definitely brought the spice, but the plot moved so slowly that it took a long time for things to start making sense. Even by the end, I was still unsure whether the characters were supposed to be vampires, demons, or something in between. The overall vibe felt a bit like a demonic version of The Hunger Games, which unfortunately just wasn't my cup of tea.
There were elements I enjoyed, and I can see why other readers might connect with this story. However, the pacing and lack of clarity made it difficult for me to fully immerse myself in the world. And then there was the ending—an absolutely massive cliffhanger that left me staring at the page thinking, "Really? That's where we're stopping?"
Forbidden love Secret Society Soul Mates Masked Ritual Morally Gray Obsession Primal Play Hidden Secrets Blood Lust Spice
This was a short book but everything fit in good. It was not something I would normally read in the sense that demonic rituals are a bit too much…..however I do enjoy reading something new and different.
Pros in my opinion: I enjoyed the dynamic between the MCs. I found myself rooting for both of them and the plot twist at the end was not expected. I am always a sucker for a good plot twist and this one definitely something I was not expecting.
Cons in my opinion: I just wish this story explained the ending a bit more however it is not really the end so it is setting the story up for the next one.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC from a new indie author. This book caught my eye because it sounded so different from what I normally read. Romantasy isn't usually my go-to genre, but the storyline sounded really interesting and unique.
Overall, I thought it was an interesting read. The book was well written, and there were definitely some parts that I really enjoyed. That said, I'm still not sure how I feel about it. I think it just might not have been the right book for me personally.
I was especially interested in the time traveller aspect, but I felt like there wasn't a lot of focus on it throughout the story. When it finally became more important, there wasn't much to it before the book ended on a cliffhanger.
While this one didn't completely win me over, I'm glad I gave it a chance and I'm interested to see where the next story goes.
I don’t know what I read, exactly, but I liked it. Or parts of it. The story is unique and interesting. It felt hard to follow due to ambiguity. Which only added to the intrigue. You honestly at times didn’t know what was happening or would happen next.
The whole novella spans over a few hours on one night. The FCM, Madeline, attends a masquerade party with Jackson., her on/off boyfriend. The night is not what she expected it to be, especially when Ryan’s half brother confesses his obsession towards her. She’s seen as a vessel for an ancient rite performed by Gods. He’s there to claim her. It’s a wild ride as she tries to figure out what’s happening, how to escape, and how she really fits into the whole secret society.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next! A huge thank you to Viviane Ahklun for the early copy!
Oh my God this was so good 😊. I read the whole thing in less than an hour. This is a dark gothic fantasy romance. The story follows Madeline that is struggling to make ends meet. She got invited to this prestigious ball (Masquerade) by her on and off boyfriend Jackson. There she meets Ryan, Jackson’s brother and host of the party. The event quickly turns into a deadly ritual run by a secret society of powerful men. Chosen as prey in a twisted hunt through a maze, Madeline finds herself pursued by masked predators, except one dangerous man (Ryan) claims her as his own. As secrets, obsession, and fate intertwine, she must decide whether her mysterious stalker is her salvation or her downfall. I can’t to find out what happened after she recovered her memories. It was a really enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Masquerade: The Time Traveler & The God of Death Novella is a short read (around 140 pages), but it packs so much into such a small page count. From the secret society and deadly ritual to the dark, mysterious atmosphere, I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down.
The premise is unique, intense, and a little unsettling—in a way that keeps you turning the pages. The tension never lets up, and every chapter left me wanting to know what would happen next. I loved how the story blended fantasy, romance, and darker themes while still moving at a fast pace.
If you're looking for a quick, addictive read with high stakes, obsessive vibes, and a touch of chaos, this is definitely one to pick up. It may be short, but it's not a story you'll forget anytime soon.
👀 "Are you ready to play the wish game?" Because once this story starts, there's no turning back.
I actually really enjoyed this book right from the beginning. It had me guessing all the way through and that cliff hanger..... I NEED to know what happens next 😭😅
I saved a couple quotes from the book that really spoke to me and kept me engaged.
Quote: "I catch my reflection in the mirror. If failure had a face, that's what it would look like. I'm tired of my life, of the world, of carrying the heavy burden that is my own existence"
"My inability to navigate the world. As if the world and I were never meant to fit. No matter how hard I try, I'm never good enough"
This spoke to my soul and mirror my own feelings and thoughts iv been having lately. I feel like this story came right at the time I needed it most and I loved being transported into this world.
Thank you to Viviane for allowing me to read this story and I look forward to more in the future 🖤😊
Thank you to Viviane Ahklun for the ARC read for The Time Traveler and the God of Death: Masquearade novella! I read this book in 3 sittings. I honestly would have finished it in the first one but I started it late at night and had to get some sleep lol this book was so captivating! I did not want to put it down!
This is a dark romance novella. I strongly recommend checking the trigger warnings if you are new to dark romance and have things that do trigger you. This book has secret societies, forbidden love, masked rituals, and tons of spice! The cliffhanger at the end is a doozy! You will want to pick up the next book but it’s not out until 2027. So we have to wait! The author did an amazing job with the writing. It was so easy to follow and hooks you right away! Highly recommend this novella! Cannot wait for the next book to come out to see how the FMC’s story unfolds!
OMG, this novella is EVERYTHING! Drama, possession, twisted love, betrayal—this story completely pulled me in, and I couldn't stop reading. And that ending? How could you leave us hanging like that? I need more!
Seriously, the writing was fantastic. It felt fresh and unique, never repetitive, with an atmosphere unlike anything I've read before. I'm genuinely intrigued and invested in what comes next.
This was the best birthday present ever. I'm honestly at a loss for words trying to describe the effect this book had on me. Viviane, you definitely have my attention, and I can't wait to see what's next.
Thank you for such a wonderful ride. I'm grateful to be part of this journey and excited for whatever comes next!
I struggled to put this book down, but I did manage it in the end, this way I was able to drag it out so I got to keep these characters in my head a little longer.
I loved the twist, turns, plot and spice all shoved into a small package, it has left me wanting more, make sure you check your trigger warnings as this may not be for everyone.
The storyline started off strong, Madeline was thrown many curveball though out this novella, there were two MMC who started out strong but in the end the storyline moved to just focusing on Ryan.
The story is fast paced and you can honestly get a little lost at times but in the end I found my way back and loved every second of the book and I am now waiting for the next one so I can know what happen.
I rate this book a 3/5. The smut was certainly there and it meets the dark gothic vibe, which I loved! However, the story itself did not deliver what I expected. I found myself confused many times throughout the novella. This is a short story and it was so much going on in so little time. There was no world building or proper character development, which really left me even more confused when additional characters were introduced. Some transitions were inadequate and the story jumped from theme to theme. It has potential, and while this Novella may not be for me, it may be for someone else out there!
I received this book in advance from the author and all thoughts and opinions regarding this book are my own.
If you’re looking for a novella that’s going to grab your attention from the very first page and refuse to let go, this masterpiece is for you. The way this book is written? This is the standard. Truly. The level of storytelling, the pacing, the execution—chef’s kiss.
The spice? Perfection. The plot and the twists woven throughout the story keep you completely invested. And the characters? So vividly written that you feel like you’re right there with them through every moment. Even the descriptions bring the entire world to life in such an effortless way.
Absolutely amazing from start to finish. This isn’t just a good novella—it’s the kind of book that reminds you why you love reading in the first place.
Madeline's life is definitely not going anywhere good. She ends up at a party with her loser situationship and somehow ends up running into his half brother. This is where the night takes a drastic turn. The author does an amazing job at drawing you in. I enjoyed the elements of the other gods and the time traveling element as well. It was interesting how you are thinking one thing but then are completely surprised later. This one definitely kept you guessing. There was plenty of spice as well. There were so many unique elements with the secret societies also. Overall this was a wonderful novella to introduce you to this new series and I am curious to see how it continues to develop.