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THE WARD : Book one English Version
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2026
I went into The Ward expecting a psychological thriller set in a disturbing institution with a dark romance element. In many ways that’s exactly what the book starts out as. Thornhill is an unsettling setting and the mystery around Roan’s brother kept me interested early on.
Avery is introduced as someone already labeled a monster, and Roan arrives at Thornhill determined to prove his brother’s death wasn’t suicide. Their dynamic quickly becomes intense and obsessive, which fits the dark tone the author sets from the beginning.
About halfway through the story the plot shifts into experimentation and infection elements tied to what Thornhill has been doing to its patients. That twist surprised me a bit because the description reads more like psychological horror than anything involving a pathogen or transformation. The story does foreshadow it with Roan’s glitches and strange internal messages, but it still felt like a genre shift compared to how the book begins.
The book is marketed as spice level 5/5. There are explicit scenes, but the story itself is much more focused on the mystery and the experiments happening at Thornhill than on the romance.
Overall this was a dark, disturbing story with an interesting premise. Readers who enjoy psychological horror mixed with dark romance will likely find it intriguing, even if some of the plot directions end up being different than what the description suggests.
Avery is introduced as someone already labeled a monster, and Roan arrives at Thornhill determined to prove his brother’s death wasn’t suicide. Their dynamic quickly becomes intense and obsessive, which fits the dark tone the author sets from the beginning.
About halfway through the story the plot shifts into experimentation and infection elements tied to what Thornhill has been doing to its patients. That twist surprised me a bit because the description reads more like psychological horror than anything involving a pathogen or transformation. The story does foreshadow it with Roan’s glitches and strange internal messages, but it still felt like a genre shift compared to how the book begins.
The book is marketed as spice level 5/5. There are explicit scenes, but the story itself is much more focused on the mystery and the experiments happening at Thornhill than on the romance.
Overall this was a dark, disturbing story with an interesting premise. Readers who enjoy psychological horror mixed with dark romance will likely find it intriguing, even if some of the plot directions end up being different than what the description suggests.
March 16, 2026
⚠️‼️ Check the trigger warnings before starting, because the author really holds nothing back. ‼️⚠️
IMHO:
Adrenaline-filled, frantic, absolutely I N S A N E.
“The Ward” is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Killian Grimm has created a dark world where the line between right and wrong is completely blurred.
It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, alternating moments of pure tension with unexpected twists.
If you love dark romance pushed to the extreme, this book definitely deserves a place on your shelf.
5 ⭐️ for the courage and the sharp pen of the author, who—as I said at the beginning—doesn’t hold back (on anything!).
THE BOOK: 📖
Avery and Roan meet in a psychiatric hospital (she has a violent past, and he is undercover trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of his brother Daniel), and something sparks between them immediately.
Something sick, something wrong, something extreme?
Inside Thornhill there is a constant tension between treatment and imprisonment, sanity and madness. The line is thin, and the two protagonists must navigate through several mysteries and whatever Thornhill itself hides in its depths…
Ending: 😱
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ++++++ (unimaginable 🥵)
Pure adrenaline: 😵💫
Completely different from the usual Dark Romance 💡
IMHO:
Adrenaline-filled, frantic, absolutely I N S A N E.
“The Ward” is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.
Killian Grimm has created a dark world where the line between right and wrong is completely blurred.
It kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end, alternating moments of pure tension with unexpected twists.
If you love dark romance pushed to the extreme, this book definitely deserves a place on your shelf.
5 ⭐️ for the courage and the sharp pen of the author, who—as I said at the beginning—doesn’t hold back (on anything!).
THE BOOK: 📖
Avery and Roan meet in a psychiatric hospital (she has a violent past, and he is undercover trying to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death of his brother Daniel), and something sparks between them immediately.
Something sick, something wrong, something extreme?
Inside Thornhill there is a constant tension between treatment and imprisonment, sanity and madness. The line is thin, and the two protagonists must navigate through several mysteries and whatever Thornhill itself hides in its depths…
Ending: 😱
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ ++++++ (unimaginable 🥵)
Pure adrenaline: 😵💫
Completely different from the usual Dark Romance 💡
March 19, 2026
Wow, I am at a complete loss of words for how well written this psychological thriller/romance was! The plot twists, turning points had me questioning everything. This book is very suspenseful and heavy on the triggers. Highly recommended reading the trigger warnings before proceeding. The Ward gives vibes of the movie Shutter Island. If you love psych wards, and testing situations on humans with a hint of smut, this is for you 100%. This book is dark in the most beautifully delicious way. This isn’t a book I would normally gravitate towards but I am sooo happy I read it! I am excited for book 2!
March 16, 2026
I received this book as a free ARC and am giving this review of my own accord
This book had me hooked from the dedication line. It kept me engaged the whole time and I really enjoyed the characters. If you want something different and enjoyable definitely check it out. I can’t wait to read the next one
This book had me hooked from the dedication line. It kept me engaged the whole time and I really enjoyed the characters. If you want something different and enjoyable definitely check it out. I can’t wait to read the next one
April 14, 2026
Speechless
Wow just wow I finished this book pretty quick it was a very intense read! Not for the light hearted for sure. The end had me i put the book down and took a few days to get it out of my head. If you enjoy psychological thrillers then this is a must read! But be warned it will stick with you. Very intense and fast paced it is a hard book to put down!
Wow just wow I finished this book pretty quick it was a very intense read! Not for the light hearted for sure. The end had me i put the book down and took a few days to get it out of my head. If you enjoy psychological thrillers then this is a must read! But be warned it will stick with you. Very intense and fast paced it is a hard book to put down!
March 30, 2026
The Ward is a thrilling, intriguing story that grips you from the start. I was hooked by the second chapter and didn't want to put it down. I loved Avery and Roan.
Avery is in a psychiatric hospital when she meets Roan. Roan is posing as a patient, but he's really there to try to find out what happened to his brother. What Avery and Roan uncover though, is something much more darker and sinister. Thornhill gives off very spooky, eerie vibes. It seems like a literal madhouse. The truth about what's going on within those walls though, will have your jaw dropped. Twisted experimentation and psychological mind play is exactly where the story is headed, and it did not disappoint.
I also really loved the connection with Roan and Avery. While it was a twisted relationship, I loved the way they seeked comfort in one another. I actually really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next Killian Grimm book.
Avery is in a psychiatric hospital when she meets Roan. Roan is posing as a patient, but he's really there to try to find out what happened to his brother. What Avery and Roan uncover though, is something much more darker and sinister. Thornhill gives off very spooky, eerie vibes. It seems like a literal madhouse. The truth about what's going on within those walls though, will have your jaw dropped. Twisted experimentation and psychological mind play is exactly where the story is headed, and it did not disappoint.
I also really loved the connection with Roan and Avery. While it was a twisted relationship, I loved the way they seeked comfort in one another. I actually really enjoyed this and can't wait for the next Killian Grimm book.
March 26, 2026
Wow, this book is darker than dark. The premise of this book was excellent but I found it lacked in its execution in places. I struggled in the beginning as I found the story to be very overly descriptive but as the story gained momentum the flow improved. I found the story sometimes to be a little disjointed and some things were not elaborated on enough, leaving the reader questioning or guessing. The characters were all monumentally flawed and that made for a good read. I loved the ending! Overall a mixed bag. 3.5 ⭐️
I received a free ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free ARC of this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2026
I have to admit. I had a bit of a hard time following. I was very confused by a lot of what was going on.
It is not my typical read since I'm big on romance, fantasy and smut.
Once I was able to understand it, it was pretty cool. Part of the book, it was bringing you in it. You become a part of it.
It's about two people, a girl who killed those who deserved it. And a boy trying to find out what happened to his brother.
In the end, they learn about the virus and expirements this hospital is doing on patients. Avery is able to escape and he dies in the end. But another book is coming and the virus isnt over.
It is not my typical read since I'm big on romance, fantasy and smut.
Once I was able to understand it, it was pretty cool. Part of the book, it was bringing you in it. You become a part of it.
It's about two people, a girl who killed those who deserved it. And a boy trying to find out what happened to his brother.
In the end, they learn about the virus and expirements this hospital is doing on patients. Avery is able to escape and he dies in the end. But another book is coming and the virus isnt over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2026
First, I wanna say please check your triggers unless you're like me and have none.
Second, WOW! When they said it was a dark romance, they meant it. I'd personally consider this one pitch black and I loved every second. I couldn't put it down. It's definitely dark and gory and very explicit. The spice was disgustingly delicious. (Don't judge me 😂)
If you're looking for a happy ending, you wont find it here but it's 100% worth the read!
I received a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review!
Second, WOW! When they said it was a dark romance, they meant it. I'd personally consider this one pitch black and I loved every second. I couldn't put it down. It's definitely dark and gory and very explicit. The spice was disgustingly delicious. (Don't judge me 😂)
If you're looking for a happy ending, you wont find it here but it's 100% worth the read!
I received a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review!
March 23, 2026
I received a free copy from the Author to read and review.
I totally loved this read. I actually binge read it into the wee hours of the morning. Tt was fast paced and the shorter chapters and dual male/female point of views totally works. It is definitely intense and dark, so check the trigger warnings. The story definitely brings you along as it is very descriptive so you can picture it in your mind as you are going along. Can't wait for the story to continue.
I totally loved this read. I actually binge read it into the wee hours of the morning. Tt was fast paced and the shorter chapters and dual male/female point of views totally works. It is definitely intense and dark, so check the trigger warnings. The story definitely brings you along as it is very descriptive so you can picture it in your mind as you are going along. Can't wait for the story to continue.
March 22, 2026
This book had me hooked from the start. The authors incredibly well written and unhinged story had my head swimming with questions and almost made me question my own sanity at some of the things that happen. Great twists and turns and nothing was held back! Definitely check trigger warnings but if you like a psychological thriller/gore/romance its more than worth it to dive into this world!
April 4, 2026
** Definitely read the trigger warnings before starting this book **
The Ward: Book One is one of those books that lingers long after you close it — not because it’s comforting, but because it’s deeply unsettling. Killian Grimm leans hard into psychological horror and extreme dark romance, creating a story that feels intentionally claustrophobic and emotionally abrasive.
For me, the experience was disturbing in a way that was both compelling and uncomfortable. The violence is relentless, and the book doesn’t offer much relief from its intensity. The book clearly sets out to explore the darkest corners of obsession, trauma, and fractured identity, and in that sense, the story succeeds. The concept itself is strong, and the atmosphere is immersive in a way that makes you feel trapped inside Avery’s unravelling mind.
Where it faltered for me was the ending, which felt abrupt and unsatisfying. After such a heavy emotional descent, I hoped for a payoff that offered either clarity or catharsis. Instead, the book closes in a way that left me wanting more structure and resolution. That said, it’s also clear the author is building toward something larger, and the unanswered questions seem intentional.
Despite the discomfort — or maybe because of it — I’m curious to see where the next book goes. The foundation is intriguing, the psychological elements are bold, and the world Grimm is constructing has the potential to deepen in fascinating ways. I just hope the continuation brings more balance between shock value and narrative payoff.
The Ward: Book One is one of those books that lingers long after you close it — not because it’s comforting, but because it’s deeply unsettling. Killian Grimm leans hard into psychological horror and extreme dark romance, creating a story that feels intentionally claustrophobic and emotionally abrasive.
For me, the experience was disturbing in a way that was both compelling and uncomfortable. The violence is relentless, and the book doesn’t offer much relief from its intensity. The book clearly sets out to explore the darkest corners of obsession, trauma, and fractured identity, and in that sense, the story succeeds. The concept itself is strong, and the atmosphere is immersive in a way that makes you feel trapped inside Avery’s unravelling mind.
Where it faltered for me was the ending, which felt abrupt and unsatisfying. After such a heavy emotional descent, I hoped for a payoff that offered either clarity or catharsis. Instead, the book closes in a way that left me wanting more structure and resolution. That said, it’s also clear the author is building toward something larger, and the unanswered questions seem intentional.
Despite the discomfort — or maybe because of it — I’m curious to see where the next book goes. The foundation is intriguing, the psychological elements are bold, and the world Grimm is constructing has the potential to deepen in fascinating ways. I just hope the continuation brings more balance between shock value and narrative payoff.
March 25, 2026
the concept of this book was sooooo good but it was not executed the best. the writing started off really really good, almost poetic. but it kept flipping from first to third person randomly and didn’t explain certain people or events that needed more elaboration. the spicy scenes were good and the ending was SO GOOD but i just wished it was a liiiiitle more fleshed out
March 27, 2026
This book definitely has some gory twists and turns with some 🌶🌶🌶 in-between. If you are looking for the fairy tale ending...this is not the book for you. I really enjoyed reading and could not put it down. I had to find out what happened next.
April 1, 2026
overall I enjoyed the story. I had to go back several times and reread some to see if I missed something. not the typical book I read but I do enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone and try something different
April 13, 2026
Highly unique and highly dark story
Ummm wth did I just read? Its sick, its dark, its twisted, and all I can say is I want more!!.
The story was the most unique and twisted one I've read so far. The spice is definitely just as twisted but dang its good. I cant wait for book 2.
Ummm wth did I just read? Its sick, its dark, its twisted, and all I can say is I want more!!.
The story was the most unique and twisted one I've read so far. The spice is definitely just as twisted but dang its good. I cant wait for book 2.
March 22, 2026
Do you want to read a dark dark bonnie and Clyde then this is for you. I couldn't put this book down, with it's visceral story telling and amazing twists
April 5, 2026
Kept you on your toes, author tries to pull readers in. I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews